Bearing His Reproach

Greetings in the Lord, sisters! 

I just wanted to encourage you today with some thoughts on how we who are new creations in Christ need to go through trials and persecutions for His sake. 

I may have shared this scripture before...but that doesn't matter. I just love it and it means a lot to me. 

"Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Hebrews 13:12-14

Reminds me of this what Christ's disciples did to Him in His sufferings...

"And they all forsook him, and fled."

Mark 14:50

And how we oftentimes will be alone in this Christian walk. 

As believers, we know what Christ taught about persecution and separation that will and must come to those who want to follow Him. It is a separation from sin and false ways...for God's people are to be a holy/set apart people. 

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."

Matthew 10:32-39

And at this time of year especially, with the pagan ways and festivities, that separation from those things may cause us to be reproached for Christ. We may feel very separated from the people all around us but we know the Lord is with us. A thing I find encouraging to remember in such times is what it says here.

  "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

Matthew 5:11-12

As this is a woman's blog, there may be some things that pertain to us as women that we have to face in our lives. The one that obviously comes to mind is that we stand out in our biblical dress and headcovering. (You can read about what is biblical here.) When we go shopping in the world, a crowd of people who are often obsessed with fashion and wearing as little as possible we do make a stand. While many and most think it's ridiculous the way we dress, we shine our light in that area. Yes we may feel as total strangers and for Christ's sake we bear the ridicule that could come from that. Maybe we never will see another biblically dressed and headcovered Christian woman in person in our lives...so we may be alone in that...but we must obey the Lord. 

I appreciate this verse...as an example to us. Even though the Lord had done mighty miracles and delivered them from their slavery, in their hearts they wanted to return. May that not be in any of us sisters. May we look forward and press on.

"To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,"

Acts 7:39

Same with us, those who claim to be born again, it has to be in our heart that we don't turn back to any easier kind of life which will then lead us into actions of turning back. I don't want that in my own life. Christ is worthy of more than we can ever give Him. We have been made free from so many sins. Praise the Lord! Yes even though it will be hard at times we must press on through the trials if we are going to gain eternal life. 

Remembering this...

"So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."

Luke 17:10

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh."

2 Corinthians 4:5-11

Be encouraged and look for the glorious life to come where all this will be over. Endure till then...giving God glory in our victorious lives.

I asked a wise and experienced sister for some areas that we women might have to bear reproach for Christ's name. 

Here are some areas she and her husband shared...which I will expand upon a little. Thank you for sharing them sister:-)

As I said earlier, dress is an area that is obvious for us women. We also could be reproached for not being feminist and instead being meek and quiet keepers at home and submitted helpers to husbands in those married; not being teachers and leaders in spiritual things. That isn't popular in today's world of loud assertive women...but it is God's holy way.

We may also mistakenly be considered members of a cult. Because there are so many different false denominations and religions, we women, who only desire to follow and obey the Word, may be confused as one of them. Let us press on as obedient children no matter if we are considered some kind of weird cult. God's Word and truth must be upheld. If you are interested, here is an interesting article by a brother that explains why God's true people are not a cult. 

As striving holy and pure women saints of the Lord, we may have to go through life single...and most certainly be patient if the Lord's will is eventually otherwise. Of course most women want to be married but in these last days there are so few true believers. Yes some people think you are a little strange if you are older and you haven't married yet. Yes the Lord is able to do anything for His children and we trust that completely to Him and daily live faithfully for Christ, our true Bridegroom. Even if we never marry because we refuse to lower our standards, we should be setting our hopes and affections on things above, bearing that situation for Christ. If there are any single readers of this, now or in the future, we must never compromise on obedience to God one little bit just to find a spouse. Trust in God in that. This life is short and fleeting anyway. God knows your situation and He could so easily change it if it was His will. God works miracles of changing sinners into saints...so nothing is too hard for Him. Nothing. And He can help us bear all our reproaches no matter what they be. It will be worth it all in the end. 

As we know in the last times we may have to go through the great tribulation which is coming upon this earth. Today we must be preparing for potentially having to endure much hardship and persecution because of our faith. But... 

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."

Revelation 21:7

His daughters will not deny Him...even in the face of death. 

There probably are more things you can think of in your own life where you might need to bear the reproach of Christ. What a worthy cause to suffer!

"But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

1 Peter 4:16

I encourage you to also do your own study of how the sacrifices were offered in the Old Testament without the camp and relate that to Christ suffering, rejected and how we are to be a living sacrifice and separate from and rejected by the world. It's absolutely amazing how God's ways all work together.

What a joy to count ourselves as servants of Christ bearing His reproach. He is worthy!

I hope and pray this has encouraged you to look to Christ who suffered greatly for us, while we were yet sinners, in order to bring us to God. We can be overcomers in Him.

Love in Christ's name, 

...from a soldier of His

See the good news to eternal life through Christ here. 

Read more of "Bearing His Reproach"

God's Creation - the Honeybee

Today I just want to share a little about these creatures that the Lord created as they are important ones. We get honey and beeswax and they also help to pollinate our plants so we can get food to eat. It's amazing how all God's creation fits together so intricately.

"And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good."

Genesis 1:25

These are the hives on our property at the moment...

Honestly, God created these insects with some amazing abilities; not only to make honey and beeswax but they live together and work in some complex ways that only the great Creator could accomplish. 

Honey etc is mentioned around 60 times in scripture...so it must have been an important food in those lands. 

"But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people."

Leviticus 20:24

In the past, I enjoyed working with beeswax. It's fascinating but I'm sure you can imagine, VERY messy! I would add the dirty beeswax to some muslin-type fabric and tie it up and boil it in water. The wax came through the fabric and the dirt remained inside. Then it would set hard on top of the water...then you could either melt it to filter it again or pour it into moulds. 

I enjoyed doing that. It is fascinating and of course it has many uses. In the past we made some products from it. These days my sister makes some "udder balm" to use when milking the cow. She made it with beeswax, coconut oil, and olive oil. Speaking of which I took this pic this morning when we were milking. 

But back to the subject...

Back in the day before the drought kind of stopped good honey production, I had a lot of honey packaging to do as we sold it to a couple small local stores. Apparantly 1 bee makes 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in it's six week life...so you can imagine the work that goes into all this! It's also fascinating how they do it. After collecting nectar from flowers into their stomach they go back to the hive and pass it from bee to bee's mouth to dry it out before storing and sealing it in the honeycomb. 

Bees drinking from the pond... 

A full frame of honey... 

And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

And he took it, and did eat before them.

Luke 24:41-43

Give praise and glory to our God for providing some sweet food and useful wax and the continuation of plant pollination from such an interesting creature! 

Some wisdom from the Word...on moderation. 

"Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory."

Proverbs 25:16, 27

But God's Word is sweeter than honey...and more to be desired than gold!

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:7-11

Perhaps this blessed you and God gets the glory for just one of His little creatures. 

See the biblical gospel to eternal life here. 

Read more of "God's Creation - the Honeybee"

Psalms and Fear

Psalm 50

The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.

Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.

I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.

I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.

For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?

Seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thee.

When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.

Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.

These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

What a mighty and holy God we serve. 

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

1 Peter 5:6-7

As I was reading in the Psalms this morning I was noticing a lot of verses about fear...and instead trusting in the Lord. 

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."

Psalm 56:3-4

Yes the world is fearful these days. And yes sometimes I know we have to fight it ourselves as saints for various reasons. But we know if we are obedient daughters of the Lord He is on our side and He will deliver. 

"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4

We know we ought to fear God. 

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

Matthew 10:28

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

Philippians 2:12

Are we women ready to face the holy holy holy God? Are we obeying all the Lord would have us to do and striving daily to be faithful? 

Just a thought for your day. I hope and pray it might encourage you to press on. 

And a flower for my sisters... 

And I send my love in Christ.

...a servant of the Lord

See the good news of Jesus Christ to eternal life here.

Read more of "Psalms and Fear"

My Daily Encouragement and God's Floral Creations

I pray you are all seeking first the kingdom of God.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Matthew 6:33

Goes along with loving God most of all...which we know is keeping His commandments (John 14:15).

"Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Matthew 22:35-40

I pray you godly women are striving on to love God by keeping all He has told us to do. 

Today was just a busy keeper at home day for me...cleaning the bathroom and laundry, washing dishes, doing washing, animal care and more. I'm sure some of you do that on a daily basis and I encourage you to do so with joy unto the Lord. It's a blessing that most of us at least have strong and healthy bodies to do our work well. Then we can rest at the end of a long day.

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."

Psalm 4:7-8

I was excited to find these flowers on the property the other day as we have so many orange ones of these but I was happy to find one little tree of these lemon yellow ones which I hadn't seen before. The variety of God's creation the world over is astounding and more than we can fathom.

And some other interesting flowers...

And just a quick video I took today on my walk. Notice the little honeybee (speaking of which I hope to have a post coming about them soon.).

And the cow/grass munching machine...

I appreciated reading in Daniel recently and I came across chapter 7 and it is amazing how similar it is to Revelation. I share a bit here but there's more if you read the whole chapter. Only an all knowing God could have inspired these to be written. 

"I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."

Daniel 7:9-14

And the moon here tonight...

Just a few things from me to you today. Maybe you might be encouraged in one way or another...just to know I am here striving on as a godly woman. 

Love in Christ,

...from a daughter of God

See the biblical gospel to eternal life here.

Read more of "My Daily Encouragement and God's Floral Creations"

Life in the Family of God

Good day to you all. 

I hope you are all doing well where ever you are on the planet.

I was thinking about life in the body of Christ of true believers and how it is a special thing indeed. 

We have all been born by the gospel. 

We are all bought with a price! 

We all love God and we all have the great hope to come of salvation if we endure. 

We are all striving to be holy. 

We love each other with a godly love. 

I share a collection of random verses somewhat related that came to mind that might encourage you as they did me. 

I always have loved this one. It's all relative. Maybe it could apply to things other than money also. Say if a woman had lots of spare time and spent a tiny bit of that time on giving to the saints versus someone who had a bit of spare time and gave it all to the ministering to the saints and the lost. I don't know...perhaps I'm just thinking out loud here:-) 

"And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had."

Luke 21:1-3

I love this one...and I'm sure you all do:-)

"And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."

Matthew 12:49-50

As striving to be holy saints, many/most will loose earthly family if they do not want to follow Christ...yet we get a spiritual family! 

We see the same thing here in what Paul wrote to Timothy also...

"Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity."

1 Timothy 5:1-2

It's a truly wonderful thing. 

I posted recently about how we are daughters of God and we have a Father in Him. You can read about that here. Truly life in the worldwide body of believers - Christ's own people bought with His blood - is so special and rare indeed these last days. There are so few who want to truly follow and obey! 

The Word tells us how we women are to function when the saints gather for the men to teach.

"Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."

1 Timothy 2:11-12

In Philippians 4:3 Paul said, "help those women which laboured with me in the gospel,".

We know women are not to be the teachers and leaders among Christ's saints. Knowing that in Christ all are equal spiritually yet we women do have different roles. And we can do our part in sharing the gospel to eternal life with others.

We see women serving Jesus in His earthly ministry with material possessions.

"And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance."

Luke 8:1-3

We see it is better to give than to receive. 

"Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."

Acts 20:34-36

All is done to edify the saints...and my blog is a part of that...to encourage you godly ladies to press on in the roles and life of a godly woman. 

"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"

Ephesians 4:12-13

Speaking of which I would like to share a blog post from a sister in the Lord on the subject of some things that would be appropriate for godly women to do. I share that here. 

We also know from Titus 2 that women teach other women on things pertaining to women. 

"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

Titus 2:4-5

Don't expect to find true godly love in man made religion/church buildings and gatherings today. It won't be found. Oh yes they might make you feel so good...but they don't truly care about God's truth and your soul. Let us sisters strive on to live holy for the Lord ourselves, examine our own lives, and study the scriptures. True saints will always be following Christ and focused on God and His ways. Praise God for the few, the faithful remnant. 

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Galatians 6:10

To see a teaching from a brother on what the true biblical body of believers will look like, you can see that here. 

See the gospel to eternal life here. 

Read more of "Life in the Family of God"

My Post for December 26th

Greetings from Australia! 

I hope this finds you all striving strong and faithful in the Lord. 

I read this verse this morning and it made me sad that people are partying around this time of year and supposedly remembering Christ coming for them. But this is what the humans did to Him. 

"As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:"

Isaiah 52:14

I know it was all part of God's plan of salvation...but it's because of our sin that He came. Yes we are so thankful that He died to set us free...but because we love Him we want to obey Him. Praise God our Saviour has been glorified...and so shall we be too if we endure faithful. 

"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."

2 Corinthians 15:20

I wanted to share again that this blog is for God's glory and for the good of others. I truly have to wait on the Lord and lean on His power and guidance. Certainly the more time I spend in the Word the more I have to share here. This blog is the Lord's...yet any mistake and error is mine of course. Sometimes I just have to leave what I say, do the best I can, and ask the Lord to use it as it is. It is easy to fear that someone might misunderstand something as there are so many different ways to say something and you wonder if you left anything out that was important. Yes I could spend hours and hours making sure everything is "just right"...but that would not necessarily be making the best use of the time the Lord has given. So I pray the Lord will use my humble offering for good; to edify, and encourage, or to convict if necessary or to comfort the saints, the holy women of God. 

Yes I am young and so I might not know all the things some of you women face. I have not been out and about in the world much. And so perhaps some of what I share is repetitive and not very relevant to some of you but I hope the scriptures and perhaps a few of my thoughts might encourage you. Also to know I am out here striving on to obey God in all things in my corner of the world where God has me may encourage some of you that you are not alone. I might just be living a simple plain life but I pray I might be able to also encourage someone out there to greater zeal in the ways of a godly woman.

I also read this this morning...

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

Psalm 60:11

Reminds me also how many trust in politics or a man to "save us". But it can encourage us sisters to not look to any human for real and lasting help also but to the Lord. Yes having and knowing other true saints is absolutely wonderful...but we may not always have those and may well need to fight on in the faith alone...until it's our time to be with the Father. God has His faithful remnant out there fighting battles of their own in the Spirit. 

This verse also comes to mind...

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 20:7

We sisters can't allow ourselves to be trusting in anything other than the Lord. All else will or could fail us...but God never will. 

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

Also I am talking to myself on all things I write here. I just share what comes to mind that might be beneficial. Truly I have learnt to trust my blogging here to the Lord more than ever because I felt I couldn't do it on my own. I can only give to you sisters as the Lord has given to me. All glory to Him. I am so glad that some of you readers have said you have been blessed by this blog. Praise God for that. I wouldn't be writing to you like this if it wasn't for the Lord and the great hope I have in Him through the gospel. Truly it was other faithful saints blogs that helped me to see through the deception and lies of today...so maybe I can help someone to see the life God calls His daughters to as well. 

Sometimes I think my writings are rather one-sided. I mean I can really only speak of what I know which is my life as a single young woman striving to be obedient to the Lord. No we are not all supposed to be the same by any means (except in unity of doctrine etc of course). We all have been called to follow Christ in different situations and locations. And it is the Lord's will that we rejoice and be thankful in whatever calling we have. Mine might be a quiet life of serving my family in housework, baby care, or animal work for the most part. Some godly women might be married or helpers to husbands in ministry or many different circumstances. I would refer you to my sister in the Lord's blog here for a greater insight on some different situations of service to the Lord. She is older and more experienced in the faith than me...so she has wise words and maturity in the faith and a different life to mine...but we both strive on with the same goal of living holy for the glory of God. In the body of Christ, we all have something to do whether it be considered big or small it is all necessary. Remembering that we know serving others is the greatest job in the kingdom of God. Christ Himself showed us that at the last meal with His disciples...then He died for them. We are to do our work to be pleasing to the Lord and not to please men. 

So I have really just rambled on here today with no particular subject. But I hope you are perhaps again encouraged that I am striving on here as best I can. And my day today may have been just a bit of housework and some animal care for the most part and heaps of pondering about the things of God and what to share with you all here, but I lived for the Lord another day. And that's how we will go on striving faithful. I have to remember to be patient if a situation isn't the way I want. Trust all things to the Lord. 

Similarly I had to be patient to take this video of the mosquitoes here today. It's been a hot day and this evening to be honest I think they were the worst I've seen them here. It doesn't really show them but I couldn't stand still any longer. They were all around my hands and face just as thick. It might make you smile:-)

I titled my post the way I did because I absolutely agree with another sister who says she has trouble with what to title her blog posts sometimes. I couldn't think of one today:-) I'm sure no one will mind. It's just my encouragement to you out there to continue to press on in the ways of God...and I'm here too striving on. 

To God be the glory for opening our eyes to His truth. May we press on with what we know and seek deeper in His Word. We will mature and grow stronger in Him. 

Perhaps there may be some readers who are not walking in all the ways of a godly woman or who has not been born again by God's Spirit. I encourage you to repent and obey the Lord in all His ways. See the gospel at the link below. Many are deceived and disobedient in these last days...and it will not be well with them unless they repent and obey the gospel. 

Love and blessings to you all. 

See the gospel to eternal life here. 

Read more of "My Post for December 26th"

Stedfast in the Faith

"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

(1 Peter 5:4-11)

I like that passage. Of course there's SO many great ones but it's wonderful how God tells us through His servants the human authors about how to overcome; resist satan steadfast in the faith. Having a strong and genuine faith unwavering and uncompromising on God's commands will help us to overcome in this walk we have as godly women. 

I just realized this verse also is very similar...and it says "above all", sisters. Our faith is very important.

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

(Ephesians 5:16)

God's Word is so awesome!

(Speaking of which, I wish I could say it is awfull...which if taken literally means full of awe...but I have to say it has some awe. Anyway that's our English. You know what I mean:-)

Be steadfast in your labours as godly women, shining the light of God's holy and true ways. It starts with a pure heart made new by the Spirit and then being obedient in our outward actions; in our dress and headcovering, in our meek and quiet spirit, in our love, in our kindness, in our patience, in our keeper at home jobs, in our serving others and more. All because of our faith in God and our faith in Christ's atonement for our sins, we labour to be pleasing to Him in our works.

It's going to be perfect when this verse comes to pass. Whether you are living in the north with winter or the south with it's summer all the things we know will pass away. 

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."

(Revelation 21:5)

Love to all sisters - daughters of God - past present and future. One joyful day, if we all endure, we shall meet around the throne of God and the Lamb. 

"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;"

(Hebrews 3:14)

Until then...scattered as we are...continue steadfast day by day with our hopes above and in Christ our risen Lord. 

What a blessing to have technology to love the brethren in various means!

Strive on sisters! 

Good bye sun. 

See the biblical gospel to eternal life here. 

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