Proverbs is so Awesome!! I pray for wisdom all the time. Proverbs 9: 10-12 states the following:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone.
My Women's Study Bible explains it this way:
Wisdom Personified
Wisdom, together with the virtuous wife(Prov. 31) and the aldulteress of folly(Prov. 5-7), is one of the three dominant personifications in the Book of Proverbs. This literary device does not present a literal woman or godess but is a means of picturing the contrast between good and evil and between wisdom and folly.
This divine attribute and activity is personified as a dignified and noble woman who is warm, caring, and competent. She offers life with long-term satisfaction(Prov. 1:33; 8:34, 35). In contrast, her rival or "counter-wisdom," called "folly"(Prov. 15:21), provides immediate gratification but ultimate ruin.
Wisdom pleads with her hearers, begging them to follow her and learn how to take their knowledge about God and apply it to the lives in a practical and successful way(Prov. 8: 1-11). She sets forth her virtues and her rewards. She is incomparable, better than rubies (Prov. 8-11); her instructions more precious than silver and her knowledge exceeding the worth of choice gold (Prov.8:10). Excellent things from her lips lead to life, and her followers are blessed materially and spiritually(Prov. 8: 17-21).
After detailing why wisdom and not folly is the appropriate choice. Wisdom invites all who wish to sit at her banquet, to eat of the fruits of wisdom, to forsake foolishness, and to go in the way of life and understanding (Prov.9: 1-6). The shining and winsome godliness of Wisdom set against the dark and evil seductiveness of the adulteress shows the path of wisdom in all its beauty. Wisdom, in fact, foreshadows the divine wisdom found in Jesus Christ.
When women move away from Scripture as their sole authority and rather claim a collection of extra-biblical texts as authority in order to establish a biblical deity, they are reconstructing the basic foundation of theology itself. For example, to introduce goddess worship through creating a feminine deity named Wisdom or "Sophia" (a transliteration of the Greek word for "wisdom") is using language loosely in order to blur the distinction between the Word of God and pagan ritual. We must reject any union of Christianity and paganism. A careful look at Wisdom points directly to the God who names Himself by revealing to us who He is.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Reflection
I have been thinking a lot lately about God's Purification Process. All week, everything I have listened to or watched have been talking about purification. When a silversmith purifies silver or gold, he has to sit continually watching (without turning away) the metal as it is melted at a heat so high as to separate the impurities from the metal. The impurities will rise to the top and a mirror reflection will remain. This is how the silversmith knows when the silver or gold is pure, he can see his reflection in it. This is what God is trying to do with us. We must go through the fire to remove all the impurities. God wants to see his reflection in us.
This revelation hit me so hard. I never thought of all the hardships we go through as a purification process. It makes so much sense to me now. It was a lightbulb moment for me. I have repeatedly heard this message all week. God has gotten my attention with this message and I felt so led to tell everyone. This answers so many of my why's as to why we go through so many hardships, PURIFICATION PROCESS. God wants to see his reflection in us, in all that we do, say, think and so on. He wants us to depend solely on him, no other. Not our jobs, spouses, finances, toys, etc. It's a scary thing to ask, for purification, this means we have to go through the fire to get God's desired outcome. We must have faith in him to take care of us, and when it's finished we will mirror God. Oh, how I want to have God's reflection, but the process is scary. My human nature says to stay comfortable and play it safe.
I have been struggling this week with fasting, I have felt led to fast and pray, but I haven't been faithful to do this yet. It's something so different for me. I think it will teach me to not rely on food for comfort but to rely instead on God. We must be faithful and obedient to follow God's instructions. It's so important to listen to him, how do we expect him to hear us when we don't listen to him. How selfish of me to ask for so much and not to obey his simple request.
Father, I pray for your reflection to be seen in me and all those reading this. My desire is to obey you and listen when you speak. Forgive me for not obeying you when you have spoken to me. I love you and praise your Holy Name, in Jesus Name, Amen.
This revelation hit me so hard. I never thought of all the hardships we go through as a purification process. It makes so much sense to me now. It was a lightbulb moment for me. I have repeatedly heard this message all week. God has gotten my attention with this message and I felt so led to tell everyone. This answers so many of my why's as to why we go through so many hardships, PURIFICATION PROCESS. God wants to see his reflection in us, in all that we do, say, think and so on. He wants us to depend solely on him, no other. Not our jobs, spouses, finances, toys, etc. It's a scary thing to ask, for purification, this means we have to go through the fire to get God's desired outcome. We must have faith in him to take care of us, and when it's finished we will mirror God. Oh, how I want to have God's reflection, but the process is scary. My human nature says to stay comfortable and play it safe.
I have been struggling this week with fasting, I have felt led to fast and pray, but I haven't been faithful to do this yet. It's something so different for me. I think it will teach me to not rely on food for comfort but to rely instead on God. We must be faithful and obedient to follow God's instructions. It's so important to listen to him, how do we expect him to hear us when we don't listen to him. How selfish of me to ask for so much and not to obey his simple request.
Father, I pray for your reflection to be seen in me and all those reading this. My desire is to obey you and listen when you speak. Forgive me for not obeying you when you have spoken to me. I love you and praise your Holy Name, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Attributes of God: He is the Essence of Grace
My Women's Study Bible states that Grace and Mercy are like fraternal twins. They are initiated by the same Person, spring from the same source, and appear simultaneously; but they are not identical. Mercy does not give us what we do deserve; grace gives us what we do not deserve.
"Grace" (Greek - charis) denotes goodwill, kindness, and benefit. It evokes images of a superior granting favors to an undeserving inferior. The Lord's grace includes undeserved favor, unexpected acceptance, and unconditional love.
Jesus is the giver of grace(John 1:14,17). A sampling of "grace gifts" includes; salvation(Eph. 2:8), adoption(Eph. 1:5), inheritance(Eph. 1:11), heavenly citizenship(Phil. 3:20), holiness(Eph. 1:4), access to God(Eph. 2:18), forgiveness(Eph.1:7), and much more. No wonder His grace is called "manifold"(1 Peter 4:10).
Sin is no match for God's grace. Whatever sin's impact may be, His grace is more potent. God is a giving God. He gives out of His love and loves to give-grace is one of His greatest pleasures.
Ephesians 4:7 states; But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Those who have been saved by God's grace are His "workmanship"(work of art), specially created by Him for the purpose of doing "good works". In eternity past God prepared these good works that He will accomplish in and through each believer by the power of His indwelling Spirit.
Thank You God, for your Grace! Amen.
May God Bless You,
Shari
"Grace" (Greek - charis) denotes goodwill, kindness, and benefit. It evokes images of a superior granting favors to an undeserving inferior. The Lord's grace includes undeserved favor, unexpected acceptance, and unconditional love.
Jesus is the giver of grace(John 1:14,17). A sampling of "grace gifts" includes; salvation(Eph. 2:8), adoption(Eph. 1:5), inheritance(Eph. 1:11), heavenly citizenship(Phil. 3:20), holiness(Eph. 1:4), access to God(Eph. 2:18), forgiveness(Eph.1:7), and much more. No wonder His grace is called "manifold"(1 Peter 4:10).
Sin is no match for God's grace. Whatever sin's impact may be, His grace is more potent. God is a giving God. He gives out of His love and loves to give-grace is one of His greatest pleasures.
Ephesians 4:7 states; But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Those who have been saved by God's grace are His "workmanship"(work of art), specially created by Him for the purpose of doing "good works". In eternity past God prepared these good works that He will accomplish in and through each believer by the power of His indwelling Spirit.
Thank You God, for your Grace! Amen.
May God Bless You,
Shari
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
How Much is Too Much?
Alright, ever since I started my blogs, the weather has been crazy and when that happens our internet goes crazy as well. Between the internet being off more than on and taking my youngest to have testing done, I haven't been able to attend to my blogs. I sincerely apologize. Hopefully some day I will be able to get the data plan on my cell phone.
I have recently taken on so many projects, it's hard to do all of them. I need to decide which one has the highest priority and do it first. I got out my self talk CD's and have been listening to them. Some people might think they are silly, but I think, when applied, they really can work. I am in the process of training with the Life Coach Institute, founded 30 yrs ago by Dr. Shad Helmstetter, to get certified by Dr. Shad to become a Life Coach. I am sooo Excited!!! I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Shad several years ago at an Arbonne Training. He specifically wrote a book called,The Gift, which is all about Arbonne. Also, I just found out that I have been picked to work for a purse party company, Diva Girl Purse Party. It's NOT a network marketing company like so many others. I am only the 2nd person in Oklahoma to work for them. I am sooo Excited about this adventure, too!! So I have the purse company, Arbonne, and Life Coaching, needless to say our lives are busy. But, I now look forward to getting up in the morning and have to make myself go to sleep at night. My husband has been working very hard and I want to help, but to be able to work around my family's schedules at the same time. I know this is what everyone wants but I am determined to make it work, for my families sake. I have started writing down my, this is very important! Writing down specific goals and action steps to achieve them and the obstacles that I may face, puts everything out there where I can see it all. I focus on these and envision my outcome and I have a more positive outlook. One of the books from my Life Coach training is entitled, Who are you really and what do you want. I am only getting ready for ch 2 but already it's so helpful. I can't wait to read more! It's kind of difficult when I have a very talkative 7 yr old around. It is helping me to think about what I want and don't want and how I am going to get it and what to do to avoid what I don't. I also put up a dream board so we can put up pictures of what we would like to have and places we want to go. I just purchased a bulletin board so we can add and change pictures as our lives and goals change. One thing I have learned is goals Don't have to be made in concrete. As our lives change, so can our goals. The important thing is to make goals, and work toward reaching them, and Never Give Up!!! Trust me I have quit so many things and so many times I can't even count them. I am working on that issue, along with many others. So don't feel alone if you too are needing to change some areas of your life. Know that I will be working right along side of you. We will work together and grow together.
Lord, help my friends and I as we work to better ourselves for you and for our families. We want to glorify you in everything we do may it be at home, work, sports and church. We want you to shine through us, so when people see us they see you instead. Make us a blessing to all those around us and bless us in return. We Love and Adore You, Father, and give you all the Praise and Glory. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Bless You All,
Shari
I have recently taken on so many projects, it's hard to do all of them. I need to decide which one has the highest priority and do it first. I got out my self talk CD's and have been listening to them. Some people might think they are silly, but I think, when applied, they really can work. I am in the process of training with the Life Coach Institute, founded 30 yrs ago by Dr. Shad Helmstetter, to get certified by Dr. Shad to become a Life Coach. I am sooo Excited!!! I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Shad several years ago at an Arbonne Training. He specifically wrote a book called,The Gift, which is all about Arbonne. Also, I just found out that I have been picked to work for a purse party company, Diva Girl Purse Party. It's NOT a network marketing company like so many others. I am only the 2nd person in Oklahoma to work for them. I am sooo Excited about this adventure, too!! So I have the purse company, Arbonne, and Life Coaching, needless to say our lives are busy. But, I now look forward to getting up in the morning and have to make myself go to sleep at night. My husband has been working very hard and I want to help, but to be able to work around my family's schedules at the same time. I know this is what everyone wants but I am determined to make it work, for my families sake. I have started writing down my, this is very important! Writing down specific goals and action steps to achieve them and the obstacles that I may face, puts everything out there where I can see it all. I focus on these and envision my outcome and I have a more positive outlook. One of the books from my Life Coach training is entitled, Who are you really and what do you want. I am only getting ready for ch 2 but already it's so helpful. I can't wait to read more! It's kind of difficult when I have a very talkative 7 yr old around. It is helping me to think about what I want and don't want and how I am going to get it and what to do to avoid what I don't. I also put up a dream board so we can put up pictures of what we would like to have and places we want to go. I just purchased a bulletin board so we can add and change pictures as our lives and goals change. One thing I have learned is goals Don't have to be made in concrete. As our lives change, so can our goals. The important thing is to make goals, and work toward reaching them, and Never Give Up!!! Trust me I have quit so many things and so many times I can't even count them. I am working on that issue, along with many others. So don't feel alone if you too are needing to change some areas of your life. Know that I will be working right along side of you. We will work together and grow together.
Lord, help my friends and I as we work to better ourselves for you and for our families. We want to glorify you in everything we do may it be at home, work, sports and church. We want you to shine through us, so when people see us they see you instead. Make us a blessing to all those around us and bless us in return. We Love and Adore You, Father, and give you all the Praise and Glory. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Bless You All,
Shari
Sunday, May 9, 2010
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!
Happy Mothers Day to all you Awesome mothers!! You have a very important job, training up our future! May God Bless and keep you and make your paths straight to walk in His righteousness. May God make you a Blessing to your family.
I pray you will have a wonderful day!
Shari
I pray you will have a wonderful day!
Shari
Friday, May 7, 2010
Never Cease Praying!
Yesterday was Our National Day of Prayer. Did you pray? I hope you did, God says, For where two or more are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst. Matthew 18:20. How many people does it take to make a church? Just two according to this verse. When a believer interacts with another, the spirit of God is present in that fellowship. God says to never cease praying, and it seems lately that I am constantly praying, when I wake up at night I'm praying, when I'm driving I'm praying, it's almost constant. Don't get me wrong I still get angry and say things I shouldn't but I immediately catch myself and am constantly repenting and asking for forgiveness. Jesus taught us how to pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed by Your name.
Your Kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
God is Jesus' father. When Jesus took our place on the cross and died for our sins, then by his shed blood we are able to call God our father, by adoption. Awesome!! I shamefully take for granted what Jesus actually did for me. He gave up his life for me (and you) so we can have a chance to be forgiven and saved from hell. It's up to us to make the decision, God doesn't force us to do what he wants, he gave us our own will to decide.
My friend, I pray today you will prayerfully make the right decision. Matthew 7:7-8 states: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Again, Awesome!
I pray for you today to be strong in the spirit and hold steadfast to his word. Hide Gods word in your heart. Be safe and strong as you go out into the world to spread the good news of Jesus Love. May God Bless and Keep You and May He Make His Face to Shine Upon You. Amen.
Shari
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed by Your name.
Your Kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
God is Jesus' father. When Jesus took our place on the cross and died for our sins, then by his shed blood we are able to call God our father, by adoption. Awesome!! I shamefully take for granted what Jesus actually did for me. He gave up his life for me (and you) so we can have a chance to be forgiven and saved from hell. It's up to us to make the decision, God doesn't force us to do what he wants, he gave us our own will to decide.
My friend, I pray today you will prayerfully make the right decision. Matthew 7:7-8 states: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Again, Awesome!
I pray for you today to be strong in the spirit and hold steadfast to his word. Hide Gods word in your heart. Be safe and strong as you go out into the world to spread the good news of Jesus Love. May God Bless and Keep You and May He Make His Face to Shine Upon You. Amen.
Shari
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Tame Your Tongue!!
Good Morning! Wouldn't you know as soon as I started a blog our internet started to act up. It has been down for 2 days, I'm so sorry.
I also left out a great teacher on prophecy and the end times, Mark Hitchcock, from Edmond, Ok.
The title today says it all. This is the book I am reading and trying to apply to my life. Believe me there is no one worse than I when it comes to not being able to control what comes out of the mouth. I found this book and workbook, Tame Your Tongue in 30 days. I have already failed about a million times since I started it 2 days ago. I have stubbed my toe, tripped, ran into, dropped, spilled and anything else you can possibly think of more in the last couple of days than ever before. Of course, more cars have pulled out in front of me and gotten in front of me and gone slow when I in no way can pass ( on the way to school), it's a true test!
In Sunday School Sunday, we learned about how God inhabits our Praise, and Satan inhabits our Complaints. Satan attacks our weakness', let's pray God will strengthen our weakness'!! I have a terrible tendency to say whatever I'm thinking, which is not always good things. James 1:19,20 states, So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Also, James 3: 8-10; But no man can tame the tongue. It is unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. NKJV. Speech is a barometer of spirituality, for it reveals what is in the heart. Though small, the tongue is capable of causing great damage. The reference is not merely to profanity but also to slander. A woman who is deceitful and inconsistent toward God in her heart will also be deceitful and inconsistent in her speech. James pointed out that just as it is unnatural for a spring to send fresh and bitter water from the same opening, so it is unnatural for Christians to praise God and yet have a propensity to speak evil against others (James 3:10). The tongue can be an instrument of evil or a conduit of blessing, depending on whether or not it is harnessed by the Spirit of God ( The Woman's Study Bible). Oh My Gosh! When I think about that I want to just fall on my face and repent, and repent, and repent, and on, and on, and on!! I am so convicted!! I can't tell you how many times I have done exactly that. What a terrible example I have been for my children and my husband. What is even worse, I don't portray this in front of others, I am such a phony!! The Holy Spirit has been convicting me so much lately, when I do this I immediately feel so guilty, it nearly makes me sick. I am constantly apologizing to my children and to God. The good thing is I have become so aware of my words that I am concentrating on what comes out of my mouth. I am a slow learner, and I have finally come to the realization that all the junk that Satan has been hitting my family with, I will still trust God and still Praise Him.
I know I'm not alone, but it's so easy to believe that I am. I have started to bind Satan in Jesus Name from my tongue and thoughts, I also have prayed God will make my children forget anything I say that is not in line with his word. This may sound silly but I just do what I can and pray what I think of.
Lord, I pray today for my friends and myself that you will make us aware of the negative words we say that are not pleasing to you. Forgive us and make us good examples for our families and the others you put in our lives. Lord, I know the tongue is a two edged sword, I pray that only words that are pleasing to you and glorify you will come out of our mouths. I Love, Praise and Worship You, Lord, in Jesus Name, for You are Worthy of All our Praise and Worship. I pray these things today in Jesus Holy Name, Amen.
Have a Great Day My Friend!! Much Love, Prayers and Blessings for you and your families!!
Love,
Shari (working on my words)!
I also left out a great teacher on prophecy and the end times, Mark Hitchcock, from Edmond, Ok.
The title today says it all. This is the book I am reading and trying to apply to my life. Believe me there is no one worse than I when it comes to not being able to control what comes out of the mouth. I found this book and workbook, Tame Your Tongue in 30 days. I have already failed about a million times since I started it 2 days ago. I have stubbed my toe, tripped, ran into, dropped, spilled and anything else you can possibly think of more in the last couple of days than ever before. Of course, more cars have pulled out in front of me and gotten in front of me and gone slow when I in no way can pass ( on the way to school), it's a true test!
In Sunday School Sunday, we learned about how God inhabits our Praise, and Satan inhabits our Complaints. Satan attacks our weakness', let's pray God will strengthen our weakness'!! I have a terrible tendency to say whatever I'm thinking, which is not always good things. James 1:19,20 states, So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Also, James 3: 8-10; But no man can tame the tongue. It is unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. NKJV. Speech is a barometer of spirituality, for it reveals what is in the heart. Though small, the tongue is capable of causing great damage. The reference is not merely to profanity but also to slander. A woman who is deceitful and inconsistent toward God in her heart will also be deceitful and inconsistent in her speech. James pointed out that just as it is unnatural for a spring to send fresh and bitter water from the same opening, so it is unnatural for Christians to praise God and yet have a propensity to speak evil against others (James 3:10). The tongue can be an instrument of evil or a conduit of blessing, depending on whether or not it is harnessed by the Spirit of God ( The Woman's Study Bible). Oh My Gosh! When I think about that I want to just fall on my face and repent, and repent, and repent, and on, and on, and on!! I am so convicted!! I can't tell you how many times I have done exactly that. What a terrible example I have been for my children and my husband. What is even worse, I don't portray this in front of others, I am such a phony!! The Holy Spirit has been convicting me so much lately, when I do this I immediately feel so guilty, it nearly makes me sick. I am constantly apologizing to my children and to God. The good thing is I have become so aware of my words that I am concentrating on what comes out of my mouth. I am a slow learner, and I have finally come to the realization that all the junk that Satan has been hitting my family with, I will still trust God and still Praise Him.
I know I'm not alone, but it's so easy to believe that I am. I have started to bind Satan in Jesus Name from my tongue and thoughts, I also have prayed God will make my children forget anything I say that is not in line with his word. This may sound silly but I just do what I can and pray what I think of.
Lord, I pray today for my friends and myself that you will make us aware of the negative words we say that are not pleasing to you. Forgive us and make us good examples for our families and the others you put in our lives. Lord, I know the tongue is a two edged sword, I pray that only words that are pleasing to you and glorify you will come out of our mouths. I Love, Praise and Worship You, Lord, in Jesus Name, for You are Worthy of All our Praise and Worship. I pray these things today in Jesus Holy Name, Amen.
Have a Great Day My Friend!! Much Love, Prayers and Blessings for you and your families!!
Love,
Shari (working on my words)!
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