Putting on of Apparel

 

Good day my sisters in the Lord,

I pray that you are striving on to be obedient to the Most High and not bringing reproach on His Holy Name. 

I know I wrote about clothing and similar things yesterday...but I had another thought that I wanted to share here for today.  

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning....of putting on of apparel;

(1 Peter 3:3)

I was thinking about this subject. Why do people dress up for "church"? That one didn't use to make sense to me. (And no I am not saying it's good to go to church as it's done today, as it isn't). If they were doing it for God and God is everywhere, why just on Sunday for church? So I concluded it was dressing for man, to be seen of men, to feel good. I suppose people will tell you that it is "a sign of respect in God's house"...but that's part of the error of "going to church" mindset and if we are God's true people we are the "church" or a much better way to put it, the called out ones and the set apart ones for God, Christ's body.

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."

Acts 17:24-31

But as I said it made no sense to me people dressing in their "Sunday best". And whenever they gathered for Bible study or similar things even for their Sunday gatherings in private with just family or friends they wore whatever they usually did at home and even if that had holes in or was dirty etc. In other words they would never wear that if they gathered with other people in a special building on Sunday. (And no, Sunday isn't the Lord's day either.) 

We are to worship God in Spirit and truth...as Jesus said to the woman at the well. 

"The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he."

John 4:19-26

No longer do we worship in any particular place. Nor is our worship external like it was in the Old Testament.

Yes God had His earthly temple adorned with beautiful things... 

"And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains. And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim. He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls."
2 Chronicles 3:5-7

But we know exactly what He wants from us, His daughters today - adorning of the heart and not external except with what He told us to which is biblical dress and things like shamefacedness and sobriety etc (You can see some more posts on clothing here). God is everywhere and we worship Him in truth which is in His ways. 

If we have been born again by the gospel then our earthly bodies are the temple of the Spirit. 

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

I'm reminded of this too... 

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?"

James 2:1-4

It also made me think of the Pharisees loving to dress for attention and to be seen of men. 

"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,"

Matthew 23:5

 

I used to have different clothes for wearing around the house and different ones for when we would go out to town (and earlier on, yes extra good ones for church). Why does there need to be a difference I ask?

No I am not saying it's sinful to make sure your clothes aren't dirty from working around the house or farm etc when you go into the world for shopping etc. But we can be the same at home and the same when we gather for fellowship and teaching in the Word and when we go out and about in the world too. It's so freeing to be honest! We don't have to worry about this "putting on of apparel" for this or that. 

That's the same for headcovering as well. It's not something you "put on for church". Our life for God is everyday and we are His peculiar set apart daughters every moment of the day. As 1 Corinthians 11 says, Christ is the head of man and man the head of woman and that remains the same always. Her hair (her glory) is to be covered. 

And I know women (and there probably are very many) that can't step outside the house to be seen by anyone without their makeup on. This is all outward adorning and putting on of apparel. Not for God's holy daughters...no they are adorned with something different, something incorruptible.

Why can't those claiming to be believers simply dress the same for God as He has commanded every day, instead of living a double life. It's bondage to all those things. It's so much simpler to be able to not worry about "putting on of apparel". We dont adorn our outsides with clothing or things because we love God and keep His commandments...and if we walk in the Spirit we don't want to do those things and we are free from them! 

So that's it for today. It's just a bit of a different aspect to the dress subject for women that I was thinking about. 

I leave you with this...

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."

Malachi 3:16-18

May you be strong in the Lord today. 

Love in Christ,

...from a daughter of God

See the gospel to eternal life here. 

Not Corruptible

Greetings in the Lord!

"All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen."

Titus 3:15

I pray you are doing well in the Lord.

Today I thought about this part of this well known verse for women. And it stood out to me. And I started writing about it and this is what came of it:-)

"But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

 1 Peter 3:4

not corruptible

What does "not corruptible" mean?

It had just followed the verses before about not adorning with external things of gold, or plaiting the hair, or "putting on" clothing (meaning in order to decorate the outside). Those are corruptible. 

And here are some verses to encourage us not to be about corruptible things but focused on the incorruptible.

 

"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."

1 Corinthians 9:25

 

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

Galatians 6:7-8

"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

1 Peter 1:22-23

 

"For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

1 Corinthians 15:53-54

 

And it goes along with this... 

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."

Proverbs 31:30

See what vain means...

Beauty in a woman is that...vain, empty, a vapour. 

And deceitful means... 

Favour (of man) is that...a lie, false, a deception.  

But we know how it finishes...a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised! If we fear God, we obey Him! 

Going back to 1 Peter 3 and what it says is of great price to God...

"But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

1 Peter 3:4

Great price meaning... 

It means precious, valuable, extremely expensive. Wow that's amazing, to God those things of the inward adornment are precious, of great price! 

And that is the same word in 1 Timothy 2.

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;"

1 Timothy 2:9

That says do not adorn with clothing of great price (costly array). But a meek and quiet spirit for us sisters which is internal, of the hidden man, is of GREAT price to our Lord! All that outward stuff that worldly women add on is corruptible and of no value to God, in fact it is disobedience because He commands not to do all that outward stuff. 

And here's what "not" means (some Christians say we can adorn)....

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;"

1 Peter 3:3

And the meaning of "outward"...which we are not to adorn... 

Here's what "hidden" means... 

So God wants our hearts and actions to be pure. Yes we are to adorn ourselves in biblical clothing and with shamefacedness and sobriety as Timothy says but not with the things that the world does. God's daughters don't adorn with gold or pearls or fancy clothing; no jewelry, no makeup, no decorated fabrics. God wants that adorning of a meek and quiet spirit, He wants obedience of the hidden man, the heart made new by the Holy Spirit. He wants all those things that are in line with truth; love, kindness, mercy, gentleness, joy, peace, and so much more. 

As a wise godly sister often says about our corruptible bodies, "it's all going to be dust some day". True. All the decorations and adornment can't change that fact. Only that incorruptible will remain. 

On a slightly different subject, but similar. Today, I was cleaning out my wardrobe of clothing that no longer works for me since I've been blessed to find biblical clothes that work better for me. One of the things I had from years earlier was this dress. 

It's too tight for me up the top and a little too short too. I don't want to throw it away so I'm going to redeem it by wearing it with something on top. 

Like this...with a vest... 

Or with a shirt... 

Or with one of my aprons... 

And I'll take out the hem (thankfully it's quite large).

And then it will be in line with a katastole (which is translated as apparel in the KJV).

And we are to adorn ourselves in that. 

Well that is it from me today. I liked to think about that which is incorruptible.

"O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord."
Psalm 117

Love in Christ,

...from a servant of the Lord

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:25 

See the good news of Jesus Christ here.

My Sisterly Love for February 26th

 

Greetings in the Lord!

I pray you are all striving on and enduring through each day keeping your eyes on Christ. 

I have quick and simple post for you sisters today:-)

I read this verse this morning...and it got me thinking.

"These things I command you, that ye love one another."
John 15:17

I wonder sometimes if we don't want to get hurt ourselves so we don't reach out in love like we should. But that is a command so we must. 

I mean, the more you love the more hurt there is when people reject that love. So I was thinking that that could be a lesson for us in what people are doing to God. His act of love to the world in sending His Son is being rejected and mocked. Let us strive to please our Lord and love as He commanded.

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

Ephesians 4:15

"And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved."
2 Corinthians 12:15

"Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"
Galatians 4:16

Let us stand on and speak the truth in love.

Rejoicing That We Get to Be Daughters of God and More!

 

Good day sisters! 

Today I have a simple yet hopefully encouraging scripture post with a few ones that I was thinking about and came to me because I am just so grateful that I can be a daughter of such a great God. We all can be if we are born by His Spirit and walking in faith and obedience. 

Why would such a holy God still deal with us...and even send His Son to die while we were yet sinners?

"He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities."

Psalm 103:10

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:1-2

We deserve nothing but death and hell. Because of our sin we have been separated from God. But praise Him that we can come back into communion with Him through Christ and the gospel. 

We have great riches and precious promises through Him!

We can be children of God through adoption... 

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"

Romans 8:14-16

And heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ... 

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

Romans 8:17

We can be servants of God... 

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."

Romans 6:22

We can be daughters of the Lord Almighty... 

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

2 Corinthians 6:17-18, 7:1

We can be Christ's sisters... 

And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

 Mark 3:33-35

We can be Christ's friends (if)... 

We can be partakers of Christ's sufferings... 

"But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
1 Peter 4:13

We can look forward to this... 

"But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection."

Luke 20:35-36

Amen sisters! Let us strive on to be counted worthy of that life to come through Christ's righteousness, followed by our obedient life.  

"Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works."

Psalm 73:25-28

Press on until the end, trusting in the mighty God. 

 Love in Christ,

...from a grateful daughter of God

"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust."
Psalm 103:13-14

See the gospel to eternal life here. 

A Titus 2 Woman: The Younger Women, Part 2

 

Greetings godly sisters!

Wherever you are, I hope you are doing well in the Lord; seeking Him while He may be found and watching prepared like the five wise virgins. 

Today I am writing the last post on the Titus 2 woman. You can see my three previous posts here. I will cover the areas which remain. These things are what the older women are to be teaching the younger 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

I haven't covered these yet... 

to love their husbands
to love their children
keepers at home
obedient to their own husbands

Whether we women are married or not we need to know what the Word teaches in everything. No I can't speak from experience in all of this but just share some thoughts on it all. 

We generally know what love means. And the married woman is to have that for her own husband and children. But it is not always feelings but actions of love. And not just when you feel like loving but all of the time.

"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."

1 John 3:18

But what does "obedient" mean? It says she is to be obedient to her own husband. 

It's the same word as used here about Jesus with His parents. 

"And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart."
Luke 2:51

And in other places than Titus 2, we see the exact same command for wives to submit to/obey/be subject to their own husbands. 

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Ephesians 5:22-24

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;"

1 Peter 3:1

And in the gathering of believers women are to be silent and are under the authority of men. They do not speak up in the gathering of believers but ask their husbands at home. 

"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."

1 Corinthians 14:34-35

All these words are one and the same Greek word - subject, submit yourselves, under obedience - along with our word obedient in Titus 2.

In Titus 2, Paul mentions these things about a godly young woman being sober, discreet, chaste, keeper at home, good, loving her husband and children and obeying her husband so that the word of God is not blasphemed. Which means... 

So it's serious if we women are not in line with God's commands for us. It defames the name of God and brings Him reproach. So women are to be under subjection to the authority of males...whether that is their own husband, or if not married, other biblical men (father or elder etc) and of course in submission to the Lord and His commands. 

"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God."

1 Corinthians 11:3

Through feminism, the way of truth, God's name, and doctrines are being blasphemed and evil spoken of. We see mass destruction from it. But may it not be so among God's daughters.

"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones."

Proverbs 12:4

 

A note for any young single ladies reading this. 

I'm going to share some thoughts on marriage  for you that I have. As a single sister myself, heading on towards 28, I have learnt over many years, how to view this subject. I will try to explain it a little...maybe it will help or encourage you. 

When I was not so discerning or biblical I used to read some Christian women's blogs and magazines. (You can see a post I did here on what I think on that now.) But I bring that up because it is or seems to be that marriage is a big subject for young ladies and so I want to share some on it.  

First, yes this is true. God had created a wonderful world and universe and called it all very good. But He had made a man and said it was not good that he was alone, so God made the man a woman...and then it was good.

"And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."

Genesis 2:18

So that is what God put in to being and created that order of the woman to be a helper to the man. We are still to have that order, but we see it reversed today, perhaps even to the point of the man being the helper. That's sad but anyway. 

And we know it is good for young women to marry and bear children. We see that in many places in scripture. But how should we single women handle it and view it? 

Over the years I have thought about it a lot myself. Not "over the top" a lot, but I think it is normal to think some about it. But now as I have grown in the Lord and matured as I became a bit more of an "older young woman" I have left behind thoughts that I once had. What I mean is that it can grow out of proportion in the minds of young ladies...like I would say it did at times for me. I believe we should work on getting our lives right and making sure we are obeying the gospel and living to please the Lord first above all else. That should be our daily focus. So when that is your focus then you get to the point where your will becomes God's will, if that makes sense, and you are good with and rejoice with what He allows and has for you. If I'm to be single for years longer or for always then that's good and I rejoice! If it's His will for me to ever be married then that's great too and I'd give it everything because it's the perfect will of the Father. 

But also you don't suddenly think of how you would behave or what position God would have you in a marriage. So yes you have to be ready for anything. Know the Word, what it teaches for wives. Know that you will submit to and obey your own husband in all things (except sin). Speaking of which, I have seen many women who call themselves believers say to just do whatever your husband says or likes (in things that are not biblical, which means to sin). That is taking that command to submit and obey too far and above God. Doesn't 1 Peter 3 say win a disobedient husband without a word with your obedient meek and quiet life? It doesn't say go along in sin. 

But what I am saying is that you shouldn't let your thoughts go into covetousness or into longing inordinately for things that God hasn't given you. 

Bearing in mind what Paul said also. 

"There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband."

1 Corinthians 7:34

So you have to have a balanced view on that.

If you are a godly obedient young woman then you won't want to compromise on anything...even if that means you remain single the rest of your life. Obviously a believer does not marry an unbeliever nor a sinful believer. And I share this verse. 

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

Mark 8:36

What will it profit you if you have the "best" husband and children (out of God's will) and lose your own soul? Ponder that. Yes all the worldly young people are finding spouses easy and maybe all the religious church people too. And we know there are very few holy men and women left on this earth. But do you truly have enough faith in God? He knows where you are, alone, and if He wanted to change your status He would. 

What I am saying is we don't want to compromise on sin for the sake of marriage. That is idolatry I would think. Christ is your heavenly Bridegroom and you live to please Him first. I'm just sharing my thoughts from my perspective as a single woman. 

Pray about your future...but leave it with the Father and live holy and obedient one day at a time. All our hopes and joy must be in Him. We don't get our worth from whether we are married or not. Yes marriage and child-raising are wonderful godly things, being single and able to focus on the Lord more is also wonderful. It all just depends on what the Lord's will is for you. I have learned to say, "Not my will but Thine be done". And I don't think about it much anymore. 

And we can take in Paul's advise on this. 

"Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you."

1 Corinthians 7:27-28

So that's some of my thoughts on that...let your will be lost in God's will and be joyous in whatever that is! 

Moving on to a little on "keeper at home"... 

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens."

Proverbs 31:10-15

A godly woman will also be a "keeper at home". What does that mean? 

It would also be part of the commands to love her husband and children. She can hardly truly love them if she isn't there looking after them and making the home a place for them to live. She will be all about her home and look after what goes on there. If she has children then she will raise, teach, and guide them. She will cook and clean and maybe have a garden to raise food for her family. 

"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."

Proverbs 14:1

We don't want to be like this woman... 

"She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:"
Proverbs 7:11 

Oh no, we want to be quiet and submissive and with our feet abiding in our homes. 

Yes Paul says this after warning about young widows causing destruction by going from house to house being idle gossips... 

"I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully."

1 Timothy 5:14 

Today we see women neglecting their homes for no necessary reason. Yes in a few cases a woman would have to leave her home most of the time to work to support herself if she doesn't have a husband (or a few other reasons). But that is not what we see today. Women have left their God-ordained role almost completely and have instead also passed their child care and teaching to someone else and are not keepers at home like is becoming to a woman professing godliness and what is sound doctrine.

And if she isn't married she may serve others for example in her fathers's house, keeping the home or helping care for others, look after children or similar home type duties. 

I already share a lot of my keeper at home things on my blog here so I will leave it there for that. It's so obvious what has happened with feminism's rise that women threw away much of what they had which was more in line with God's Word. Until relatively recently they were keepers at home, had more respect for male authority, dressed more biblical, and many covered their heads. But that's basically all gone and we are in perilously evil times ripe for God's judgement and wrath. May we sisters fear God and obey Him because of our new hearts that we have been given through faith in Christ and repentance. May we strive on to be obedient and endure faithfully until the very end.  

I hope my writing and series on Titus 2 has blessed you and we can all see better what it means for us as godly women. 

Go in peace and love, 

...from a daughter of the Lord

See the gospel of Jesus Christ here. 

What the Lord Teaches Me Through Blogging

"Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord : therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose."

Psalm 25:5-12

Amen! 

Greetings and good day in the Lord to my sisters in Christ!

I hope and pray each of you are striving on wherever you are. Even if you aren't reading this, I think of all those who are striving to obey the gospel, holy and pure women, overcoming in the Lord, all over the world, though few in number compared to the masses. And then if we endure we can gather together with the Lord and His saints when this life is over. 

I had an idea that I would think about what blogging (daily) has and is teaching me. Of course the Lord teaches me through His Word and what I share here today is a lot of scripture that comes to mind. So I wanted to list some areas I could think of. 

Those sisters who may have a blog will be able to relate and those who don't may see what lessons could be learnt if they did in future. No I am by no means experienced in it but it's not about that, not about me! It's about our lives lived in the Lord. It's about giving Him glory and showing the power of an obedient life that only He can help us to live. It's to bless others. It's all about HIM!

What I just mean by "blogging" is writing online here like I do. And it's not just about me writing either, it's about pouring out truth and encouraging and blessing others, or teaching on women's subjects. 

So let me share a few things. These are in no particular order. I hope the scriptures encourage you.

So I am learning...

*Trust in God

I have had to learn to trust more in God for guidance and wisdom in what to share. 

Delight thyself also in the Lord ; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:4-5

Amen, and we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. 

*Waiting on God

And with trusting God comes waiting on His timing and giving me life experiences, scripture verse encouragement or creation pictures to share. Often times I don't have any idea what to share on any given day...but I have to learn to not let that worry me...but wait on God. Because I didn't start this blog because I had lots of words or knew everything what I could say. Whether He gives me inspiration for a thousand word post or a simple ten word post, all I want is to encourage the brethren and so I wait on Him. 

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
Psalm 123:2

*Loving God 

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:30-31

It is another way I can love God knowing loving Him is keeping His commands...including edifying and encouraging the sisters and being a light in a dark world (and no everyone doesn't have to have a blog).

*Seeking wisdom from above

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
James 1:5-6

Yes that's similar to trusting and waiting on God. If we ask in faith He will give us the wisdom we need and in His timing according to His will. 

Which goes along with... 

*Discernment 

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:14

We are told to be aware about deception, especially as women. So I need to learn through experience and the Word how to discern good from evil or wise from unwise. We are told in Ephesians 4:14 not to be tossed about with different doctrines. 

*Loving the brethren (and lost).

I share to encourage my godly sisters...even if it's one or two. It will be there ready for if another godly woman sees it in time too. Or perhaps someone who isn't fully biblical yet but is seeking to be may be helped or encouraged. 

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:13

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
1 Thessalonians 5:11

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 13:35

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
Proverbs 3:27-28

If I lose this opportunity to write on a blog, then will I be able to say and know I have done my best with what I had? I'm blessed with time to do what I can at this point in my life. 

And especially in these last days the saints won't be meeting and gathering in more than a few in number and perhaps most are alone. So with technology we can share and edify in the Lord as best we can until we all go home. 

And God says love in deed and truth. I don't just want to say I love God and the brethren...I do something! 

And I use my blog as part of this... 

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15

I can have the gospel on my blog so anyone can see it anytime anywhere, and I can have a place to send women to. 

*Flesh killing and walking in the Spirit

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Romans 8:13

I might have used to rather keep to myself and not put myself and my thoughts and beliefs out on the internet for all to see but then God couldn't use me to encourage a sister...or share the good news and hope in Christ. This goes along with trusting God too. Because now people could hate me because of the truth I stand on and share online, but so be it, I fear God and not man. 

*Sacrifice

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
2 Corinthians 12:15

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.
Acts 20:35

I know I am not my own but rather have been bought with the blood of Christ. He can use me. It can be a big effort to post daily but it's not about me I tell myself and kill my flesh when I just want to go to bed instead or when I feel like not using technology so much. And then I think I have to do it all again tomorrow. Not complaining I'm joyous if the Lord can use me in any way. I really am blessed to be able to share here as I do. And some days it is easy and some very hard but that's where I trust in the Lord. I have His Word and so I have something to share even if I don't have words of my own. 

*Long suffering/patience

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3

That's much the same as flesh killing and sacrifice. I learn to overcome and be patient...even when technology tests you and wastes time when it isn't working. 

*Self denial

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Romans 15:1-3

That's also similar to the others too. It's like killing what I want to do and feel like doing and instead doing what is good for the benefit of others and to please the Lord. This whole life in Christ is about taking up our cross and following Him. 

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luke 9:23

But back to what else I'm learning... 

*Sharing and openness

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
2 Corinthians 8:21

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29 

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Romans 14:19

Light is good and darkness is evil. I have nothing to hide and I share things from my simple keeper at home life that I am blessed with. Most everyone keeps everything to themselves these days and thinks we all can have our own beliefs and opinions. But God's light reveals everything and as a daughter of the Light I have no dark corners in my life. I don't want to. 

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 3:19-21

Because I am learning to share truth, it also means that I am learning...

*Being ready to give an answer

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

1 Peter 3:15

I have news of the greatest hope to give any one. I don't want to hold onto that for myself. But of course I have to know how to answer those questions if asked. And as a woman I don't go too deep but I have a brother in Christ who seeking people can go to for teaching. So I must know what I believe so I can give an answer of the great hope I do have...which leads into this one... 

*Learning the Word

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:11

Of course writing like this helps to learn more of scripture and that is always a good thing! God's Word is truth! 

*Self examination

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
2 Corinthians 13:5

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
Galatians 6:4

Writing on my blog I have to check my own heart and life to make sure I am living in the fullness of truth myself. Which leads into this... 

*No hypocrisy

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Matthew 7:2-5

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
Romans 2:1

I mean by that that I wouldn't write about a woman needing to dress biblical or cover her head if I didn't do that myself. Yes those are commands of God...and as far as I know I am walking in obedience to all He commands. Yes I have room to grow for sure as we all do but living in wilful sin is not good (Hebrews 10).

*Seeking first God's Kingdom and righteousness

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

Matthew 6:33

Sometimes as women keepers at home we can focus on our jobs too much. And it's good to do them well, but thinking about God and spiritual things helps us remember to not be consumed with things down here. 

Which also helps with this... 

*Setting my affections on things above

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:1-2

I know for a fact that the more you think about the things of this earth and the less about eternal things the weaker your faith becomes and you could get swept totally away if you weren't aware and prepared to combat it. So it's another good thing to think about as I prepare to share and write here. 

*To be blameless 

And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
1 Timothy 5:7

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.
Ecclesiastes 10:1

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

As someone following after Christ and having become a new creation in Him I do not want to bring a reproach on His name by my actions or words. So I need to be careful in everything I write and do, to obey God and to not be a poor witness. 

*Diligence

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
2 Peter 3:14

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 6:12

It all helps to keep focused on God's truth and keep on guard because we do have an adversary seeking to devour us. 

So those are some things I thought of that I am learning from sharing with you (and technically the whole world) here on my blog. I'm sure there's more but that's what I thought of. So I thank God for the opportunity to do so, I do appreciate being able to do it, and at the same time I hope to help and bless and encourage sisters along the narrow road or a lost sheep to see the truth and repent. I was once that lost sheep...and yes some faithful saints online helped me...to return to the fold. Praise God! 

"For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."

1 Peter 2:25

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"

John 10:27

Love in Christ,

...from an unworthy servant of His

You can find the biblical gospel to eternal life through Jesus Christ here.