Greetings sister saints!
Our Lord reigns on this day! I hope we are all serving Him in spirit and in truth and fervently and with pure hearts!
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
2 Timothy 2:19-26
That is a great scripture packed full of a lot to meditate on and test ourselves against. God's ways are good and when people walk in them it is wonderful. So rare but one day in the kingdom of heaven nothing evil will enter and God's ways shall reign!
Time for a catch up picture post too. Just whatever I snapped pictures of as I go about my days in the Lord here. May the Lord be glorified in all we do!
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:17
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Galatians 6:14
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.Psalm 115:1
Amen!
Beautiful moonrise last night...
They really do taste pretty similar to dried apricots actually! Anyway good to have ways to keep things for longer! (We had only just used up last year's ones which certainly had lost their colour and probably were past their best.)
Stripped an apple tree of it's fruit...
Made some more applesauce to can and a crumble with those. It's only a really small tree but it is so fruitful and has such big fruit as well. We too can be fruitful in the Lord no matter our age physically or in the faith.
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
I did also get some apples dried earlier...
I found this mantis in the garden and they just seem to have a lot of character for insects! It made me laugh when it reared up at me. And it seems to be mimicking grass or leaves blowing in the wind to avoid predator detection! Amazing creations He made! (And yes I know this blog does a terrible job at quality but maybe you can still see some.)
More travels back and forth to help at the children's. Always so much to do in a household with young children. Busy Titus 2 works.
I've been doing a bit of sewing too but not a whole lot. I did have four sewing orders to send off too in this last week or so. It's really interesting how it can go sometimes where it can be months between orders and then I got two on one day and then two on a different day within about a week! Anyway I'm thankful to send them out and also for new people, a gospel card goes with so there's the best hope offered as well. There's just so much deception in these last days and so many false ways within and without what is called Christianity. So many false 'ways to eternal life' which are not ways at all but lead to eternal destruction. How terribly tragic. Just satan is having a field day with the truth, twisting it, corrupting it, in practically every way shape and form. And man is trying to make it more comfortable for his flesh as well. I cannot stress enough how much we must feast on His Word to be able to stand in these perilous times. I see that I need to. And we must not listen to those who may have good words and even much truth but their lives are not in line with the truth. Actions matter too. I guess if people aren't obeying the Lord they must have false doctrine behind it. And while we can all fail at times, or lack understanding in something, those who fear the Lord repent and keep striving when they fail. True faith always leads to good fruit of obedience. And it's His ways we are obeying so there's no glory whatsoever to us when we are obeying. It is just our duty and reasonable service and nothing more than we ought to be doing.
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
I mentioned the gospel above and it has been on my mind lately but it always should be. Like if you step back in your mind and think "What is the good news to the world?". What's the problem and why do we need some good news? "Isn't life pretty good?" someone may say who is enjoying the pleasures of sin in the world. Well we know there is a huge problem and man is destined for eternal destruction as sin reigns upon all.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Romans 5:12-14
And the wages of sin is death. It's the final outcome of sin.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.James 1:15
God said to Adam and Eve if they disobeyed they would surely die. He always speaks the truth. So is it hopeless then? No, not at all! Praise the Lord it is not! What is the hope then? Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God! What about Him? Well really the Word explains it better than I can but in short God gave His Son Jesus Christ to the world.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:14-18
Indeed Christ was lifted up on the tree, becoming a curse for us, so whosoever believes may find eternal life! That is what the Word tells us. He suffered willingly (yet we know it was really hard for Him in the flesh), doing His Father's will, and as He loved much as greater love has no man than he lay down his life for his friends. The good shepherd gives his life for his sheep. Yet He died while we were yet sinners. We know God's wrath is over the unbelievers but we must find shelter in Jesus which is the only love available to the world. There is no other way to eternal life.
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Romans 5:6-9
That is the basis of the good news as well as His glorious resurrection without which we also have no hope, but what must we do yet? Well believing is not just "yeah I know Jesus did that". No, we know believing without works is dead belief and will never save.
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.James 2:26
But the faith in Christ and all He did for us must always come first and it is why we now must obey, repenting of our old life, turning to Jesus to be crucified with Him and risen to new life! And this is not all our work alone but God makes us born from above by His Spirit! He is the holy Spirit and the Spirit of truth so our lives will produce fruit of holiness and truth! We will worship in spirit and in truth. We also know that the Father draws people to Christ so it takes His working with us as we enter the new covenant of Christ's blood. We have our part to do which is remaining faithful and obedient to the end, and God has His part to do which we can totally trust He will not fail in! But we must stay close to Him. Thankfully we have the Word (the New Testament) to show us this way and give us commands to please our Lord.
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
Acts 26:18-23
As I said the Word tells us so much more about how we can find eternal life through Jesus our Saviour! If someone truly believes they will seek first God's kingdom and righteousness in the Word. Indeed Jesus said we must be converted and become as little children to enter the kingdom. It takes humbleness and losing our lives to follow Him. It is good to search out what the Word says on how to find eternal life as sadly there are so many false gospels out there and what's the problem with those...well they are not even good news at all but ultimately bad news as those who follow them will perish.
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
2 Corinthians 11:3-4
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:6-10
The gospel has been set...and we change to it and never change it to fit the times we live in like sadly some think to do.
Think also sisters of the fact of this scripture and tell me if this isn't good news of His grace!
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Ephesians 2:11-18
Our Saviour just did so much for us in His death. He saves from sin and in Him we can have power to overcome and not be weak and mastered by the flesh but the Spirit! In Him we find forgiveness of our sins, them being washed in His blood. How merciful is God to offer such a gift to all, for it is for whosoever wills, believes, follows, obeys. Indeed without holiness we will not even see God and we know if we sin wilfully there is nothing but a fearful judgment coming for it is even more serious to trample the blood of Christ and go on in sin.
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Hebrews 10:26-29
We must look to Him for our salvation...
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 12:2
He is the author and finisher of our faith. He has made the way for us! Indeed we get translated into His kingdom!
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Colossians 1:12-14
Truly it is all for His glory as we were sinners when this happened and it is not of our doing or works lest we should boast.
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Titus 3:3-8
And we are always commanded to have fruits worthy of repentance, to walk worthy as children of light and always it speaks of sinful lives past and how we are to strive against sin and flee it now. God taught us what we must do through His Son and also through His apostles He ordained.
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:1-10
Indeed we have been ordained for good works so if we have come to Christ through this good news and the path the Word lays out then that is what we are working on daily. We know we must continue in the faith lest we have believed in vain. So that is what I encourage you to do daily here and exhort you to continue in the faith and not get hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. We have not attained yet and are still growing aren't we sisters and we must continue to test all things and never ever think this...
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.1 Corinthians 10:12
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.Galatians 6:3
We must keep on guard as the adversary is as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour and who also may manifest as an angel of light so we even need to be aware of something that may look or sound true.
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.Matthew 10:16
And in such a short space I can only scratch the surface of God's goodness and His precious gift in Christ and the way we must go to find the place He is preparing for His children. And we sisters not only need to understand and live the gospel ourselves we should also know how to share it with others especially those who are seeking. And we are to be ready to give an answer in meekness and fear to those who ask us of the reason of the hope we have! So let us all test the doctrines we believe in the gospel and make sure they are sound and biblical. We cannot overreact to the heresies around us, meaning we overemphasize what they neglect and such like if that makes sense but take the Word as it is, the Lord helping us to understand and not adding or taking from it. That is what I am trying to do. I do not want to handle the Word of God deceitful. We should talk about it and share it with reverence and fear.
There is plenty to keep working on each day too whether that is keeping thankful and content and joyful through our everyday repetitive duties or no matter what trials come and any number of things! We have a high calling in Christ Jesus! It is a new and living way as the old law is dead. And we too become new creatures in Him.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.2 Corinthians 5:17
And so I share some scriptures on eternal life...
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life.Romans 2:7
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.1 Timothy 6:12
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.Titus 3:7
And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.1 John 2:25
And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.1 John 5:11
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.1 John 5:13
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.Jude 1:21
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed 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.
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 21:3-8
It will be worth it sisters. But we must count the cost and keep overcoming all things! Some may come with joy to Christ, but remember the parable of the soils Jesus talked about.
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Luke 8:11-15
Yes I know some people start out following Christ but as they see what He requires of His followers they lose their first love and begin to say surely He doesn't mean that? "Do I have to put off the clothing I love and throw away my makeup and jewelry and cover my lovely hair? Hmm that's too hard and I think Jesus doesn't mean that". And this happens just like the seed on the rocky ground or among the thorns...
Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
John 6:60,66-69
But may we sisters have good soil in our hearts that bring forth fruit with patience. Only is this possible if we abide in Christ the Vine. And He purges us so we may bring forth more fruit still. How merciful and loving. And we know those whom the Father loves He chastises. So let us not faint or grow weary but press on knowing that through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom.
Keep striving on in the faith my sisters who believe and live this glorious gospel of Christ! How can we not be thankful for His great goodness and mercy?!
Love to you in His name!
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