Truth for Thursday

I am continuing “Truth for Thursday” here at Being Refined As Silver.  We are on the last chapter of “Lies Women Believe”, chapter 11: “The Truth That Sets Us Free”.  It will take several weeks to review this chapter, so I hope you will continue to come back each week. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss encourages her readers to take time to savor these liberating, life-changing truths.  She suggests saying each Truth aloud, again and again until your thinking becomes aligned with God’s way of thinking. 

Here is the thirteenth truth:

I am responsible before God for my behavior, responses, and choices.

In our society today we often see the victim mentality.  People are constantly trying to pass the blame.  They are avoiding responsibility for their actions.  We often hear of adults blaming their problems on their parents and their upbringing.  Spouses try to justify their unfaithfulness by saying their spouse doesn’t love them, or pay attention to them.  Although we may not be able to control the circumstances that come into our lives, we can control how we respond. 

“Repay no one evil for evil.  Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’  Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:17-21

Ms. DeMoss writes, “When we stop blaming others and circumstances for sinful behavior or negative patterns in our lives, when we begin to assume personal responsibility for our own choices, we will be released from the sense that we are helpless victims.  We will be free to obey God, regardless of our circumstances.” (page 260)

Are you obeying God, regardless of the circumstances?

~Theresa

 

I’ve been tagged, want to play?

1. If you could go on two vacations, without any concerns, one  with your family and one with your husband where would you go? With my family, The White Mountains in New Hampshire.  With my husband to Freeport, Maine.
2. If you could write a book, what author would you want to be like and why? Elizabeth George because she is so practical and full of wisdom. 
3. If you could dream up the most romantic evening with your spouse, what would it be? Staying at a Bed and Breakfast (in Maine) while it is snowing out.  The fireplace going and the moonlight shining. 
4. If you could hear your parents say anything about you, what would you want to hear? I am so proud of her.
5. If you were to have your dream job/career/extra-occupation, other than the blessings of what you are doing today, what would it be? Counseling women and showing them that God’s Word has all the answers to life’s problems. 
6. If you could be a missionary in any country, where would you go to serve? Probably Canada.  I don’t like to fly. 
7. If you could go back for a day, year or month in your past, what would it be and why? Of course I would pick the year right before I became a Christian, but when I stop to think about it I wouldn’t because I know all of the difficult stages of my life were used to bring me to Christ. 

Thanks Janette for inviting me to play.  Anyone else want to join in?  Just copy Janette’s questions and answer them.  I look forward to hearing your answers blogging friends.

~Theresa

Fall Challenge- Week Four

Well I still try to keep the candle burning at home.  My hot cider candle is half way gone so I have been enjoying this part.  I must admit not so much the music part.  I don’t know what it is, but I haven’t really been doing this.  I love music and like to listen to it when I am getting dinner ready, but other than that I don’t really play it.  We sing hymns together at bedtime and I sing to myself throughout the day.  I guess everyone is different.  For me to be playing music during our school day is a distraction.

I loved the decluttering challenge last week.  I cleaned out the three drawer cart with school supplies, organized my baskets and went through a couple of drawers that have become dumping grounds.  I know I said last week I would post pictures.  I am working on it.  I am not good at posting pictures.  For some reason it takes me so long to upload photos.  This morning I tried taking some more photos and my batteries went dead.  Go figure! 

Here is Courtney’s Challenge for this week: 
Keep your candle going, the music playing, and add some tender moments with your family. Have a pillow party in the family room and get out every blanket and pillow in the house and be cozy with the kids or your hubby! Even if you live alone you can do this. Enjoy a cozy evening of hot cider and caramel corn. Give a 5 minute back rub to every single person in your house...and for a double challenge- try to give one every day to each family member! During your tender moment with the family, ask them how they feel about this challenge. Are they enjoying it? Is it helpful? Is there anything they would change. Give your family listening ears.

~Theresa

Truth for Thursday

I am continuing “Truth for Thursday” here at Being Refined As Silver.  We are on the last chapter of “Lies Women Believe”, chapter 11: “The Truth That Sets Us Free”.  It will take several weeks to review this chapter, so I hope you will continue to come back each week. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss encourages her readers to take time to savor these liberating, life-changing truths.  She suggests saying each Truth aloud, again and again until your thinking becomes aligned with God’s way of thinking. 

Here is the twelfth truth:

Through the power of His Holy Spirit, God will enable me to do anything He commands me to do.

God commands us to love one another.  How often do we find someone unlovable?  We say we can’t love them because they are …. or they did…  But the truth is there is no one we can not love. We may not feel like loving them, but God’s Word commands us to.

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”  Matthew 5:44

God commands us to forgive one another.  There are times when we do not want to forgive.  We think the hurt is too deep to forgive.  Maybe the person who offended or hurt you hasn’t even asked for forgiveness.  Are we to be led by our feelings?  No, again we are called to obedience to God’s Word.

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”  Mark 11:25

God command us to give thanks in all things.  No matter what situation you may find yourself in, give thanks.  We know that all things work for our good and for His Glory if we are in Christ (Romans 8:28). 

“…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of  God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1Thessalonians 5:18

As Christians we are to be content in every circumstance.  Do we grumble and complain as the world does?  Really, what is there to complain about?  We are children of the King.  We can choose to cling to His promises and walk in obedience. 

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’.”  Hebrews 13:5

Often times we say “I can’t”, when the truth is “I won’t”.  We can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13).  Ms. DeMoss says it so well; “Obedience is a choice made in dependence on the supernatural power of God.  By the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, we can choose to forgive, choose to let Him love others through us, choose to give thanks in every circumstance, and choose to be content.”

What are you choosing today?

~Theresa

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

In the book “Running Scared” by Ed Welch he writes,

“The more you read Scripture, the more you actually talk to God rather than think about fear.”

Are you worried or fearful today?  If so, Mr. Welch offers some good advice. 

~Theresa

 

Fall Challenge- Week Three

Here's week #3's Challenge: List a few of the spots in your home that make you visually stressed because of all the clutter. Now go buy something for that spot - like a basket to put it all in! Work on cleaning up clutter. Throw things away. While you're at it - clean up some clutter in your spiritual life. What gets in the way of your peace spiritually?
We have a two part challenge - first let's strive for creating a haven:

To read more visit Courtney here.

I love baskets.  I have a few that need to be gone through.  I can’t stand clutter and am constantly working on getting rid of it.  I usually have to do it when no one is home because my family doesn’t like to get rid of anything.  I am working on that though.  I will post pictures later this week of my updated baskets.  I am actually chuckling right now as I think of how many baskets I have.  What is your favorite thing to store in baskets?

~Theresa

 

Truth for Thursday

I am continuing “Truth for Thursday” here at Being Refined As Silver.  We are on the last chapter of “Lies Women Believe”, chapter 11: “The Truth That Sets Us Free”.  It will take several weeks to review this chapter, so I hope you will continue to come back each week. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss encourages her readers to take time to savor these liberating, life-changing truths.  She suggests saying each Truth aloud, again and again until your thinking becomes aligned with God’s way of thinking. 

Here is the eleventh truth:

God’s Word is sufficient to lead me, teach me, and heal me.

Do we truly believe that God’s Word has the answer for whatever we are facing? 

“…His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” 2 Peter 1:3

Often times scripture is used as a last resort when all else has failed.  God’s Word should be the first place we turn.  It has the power to change lives, set the prisoner free, and it gives us direction for our lives.  God’s Word is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). 

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7

“He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.” Psalm 107:20

What do you do when someone comes to you with a problem or needing advice?  Do you seek your wisdom to help them?  Or do you give them God’s Word and direct them to His wisdom? 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss says it so well: “If we really want to help people, we must point them to the Truth and prayerfully and lovingly show them how to apply the Truth to their situation.” (page 259)

Ladies, this means all of us. Not just “professional” counselors, graduates of biblical colleges or pastors’ wives.  You may not have all the answers, but God’s Word does.   Want to really help someone?  Pray for them, love them and point them to the Word of God.

~Theresa

Fall Challenge- Week Two

I really enjoyed the week one challenge at Women Living Well last week.  My home smelled lovely with my hot cider candle burning.  I used it as a reminder to create a peaceful home.  I will continue to do that. 

Here is the challenge for this week:

October 10 - Play soft music everyday in your home. Choose worship, classical or another form of peaceful music that the family enjoys. Focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships. Remind your family to avoid seething anger, tattling, criticism or back talk. As the wife/mother, work on gentleness this week.

If you’d like to join Courtney’s challenge, visit her blog to link up.

Oh, and I am doing my first guest post today over at Jamie’s blog today.  Please stop by and say hello.       http://jamespurejoy.blogspot.com/2010/10/guest-post-theresa.html         

~Theresa

 

Truth for Thursday

I am continuing “Truth for Thursday” here at Being Refined As Silver.  We are on the last chapter of “Lies Women Believe”, chapter 11: “The Truth That Sets Us Free”.  It will take several weeks to review this chapter, so I hope you will continue to come back each week. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss encourages her readers to take time to savor these liberating, life-changing truths.  She suggests saying each Truth aloud, again and again until your thinking becomes aligned with God’s way of thinking. 

Here is the tenth truth:

My past does not have to plague me.

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived.  Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, not homosexuals, not sodomites, not thieves, not covetous, not drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you.  But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”  1 Corinthians 6:9-11

The truth is we all have sinned.  Sin separates us from God.  But the good news is through Christ we can be made clean and new.

“Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.”  Isaiah 1:18

The blood of Christ which was shed for our sin washes us clean.  Christ takes our sin and remembers it no more (Jeremiah 31:34). 

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Are you trying to pay for the sins of your past?  You can’t.  There is nothing you can do.  Christ has paid the penalty for your sin. 

“And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”         1 John 2:1-2

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

That is it.  If you have confessed your sin, you are forgiven. Walk in that forgiveness.  To hold on to that sin is to not accept Christ’s forgiveness.  One of the lies we are often tempted to believe is that our sin is worse than anyone else’s.  We can look at others and think oh they were raised in the church or they always lived on the straight and narrow.  The truth is we are all sinners and Christ’s death on the cross paid for all of our sin.  Not just the little ones, but even the most heinous of sins. 

Let us not forget that Paul was once a Jew who was persecuting the Christian Church.  He held the coats while Stephen was being stoned to death.  He called himself the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).  God changed him on the road to Damascus and he went on to preach the Gospel and serve His kingdom.  What about you?  Have you confessed your sin and asked Jesus to pay for them?  Then don’t let your past sin hold you back. Don’t let it plague you.  Walk in Christ’s forgiveness.  

“There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”  Romans 8:1

~Theresa

 

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

This morning I would like to quote Jerry Bridges in his book “Trusting God Even When Life Hurts”. 

“God has an over-arching purpose for all believers: to conform us to the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).  He also has a specific purpose for each of us that is His unique, tailor-made plan for our individual life (see Ephesians 2:10).  And God will fulfill that purpose.  As Psalm 138:8 says, ‘The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.’  Because we know God is directing our lives to an ultimate end and because we know He is sovereignly able to orchestrate the events of our lives toward that end, we can trust Him.  We can commit to Him not only the ultimate outcome of our lives, but also all the intermediate events and circumstances that will bring us to that outcome.”   Page 46, “Trusting God Even When Life Hurts”

I pray that this encourages you this morning in whatever situation you may be.

~Theresa

Fall Challenge- Week One

It is week one of Courtney at Women Living Well’s Fall Challenge.  This week she encouraged us to light a candle in our home.  Every time we look at the candle we can be reminded to pray for God’s peace in our home.  To read more about this challenge, visit Courtney at Women Living Well. 

I bought my candle this weekend and have been burning it a lot since then.  I bought a Hot Cider Yankee Candle.  It smells sooooo good!  My fall decorations are finished.  I will try to post more pictures of them tomorrow. 

In order to have peace in our homes we must have peace in our hearts.  Do you know true peace, the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ? 

~Theresa