Today's Encouragement (29 December 2023)

Greetings godly women who love the Lord! 

I hope you're well occupied in all sorts of good works as God's daughters! 

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

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

 2 Timothy 2:22

We have a high calling whether we are young or older. 

Praises to sisters who are mothers raising their children in the Lord also! (and to any spiritual mothers or grandmothers in the faith who are teaching and being godly examples too!) 

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

2 Timothy 1:5

 

If any of you have grown zucchini...you know how fruitful they can be! 

Awesome and pretty creations the Lord made for food! 

I posted a recipe for chocolate zucchini bread here and one for zucchini fritters here. (And you can find my other zucchini recipes so far here. Hope to post more in time as I strive to use them up before they go bad here!) 

And I would serve those with zucchini soup too if you were here! 

The Lord provides! 

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 7:3-5

If we see an issue in a sister (or any woman for that matter in sharing the gospel with them)...we best first make really sure we aren't doing the same thing or other things we shouldn't. 

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Galatians 6:1

(I just share all sorts of random thoughts and things that come to mind or I am pondering on in any given day:-) Hope they edify you and bring things to your remembrance too! God be glorified!) 

If you ever find yourself struggling in the flesh about something, the best thing to do is to bury yourself in good works and pouring out to others so you're not thinking about yourself. Of course we can go to the Lord in prayer and to the Word to remind us of all His goodness and blessings that we do have! But we also know we are not alone in all this and others have their own struggles and flesh to fight! One day we will be set free from all the problems of this life and all things will be made new! Praise God! Let's strive on till then sister soldiers! 

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.

Revelation 21:3-5

That's awesome! God is good to be preparing a place of eternal life for His saints! 

I had an idea to look at some of the women in the Bible and see what we can learn from them...good or bad. Logically, I thought I'd start with Eve so you can find an audio I did here. I hope it's edifying. 

(Thank you sister for sharing the beautiful creation picture I'm using on my video:-) It reminded me of the garden of Eden although we don't know for sure what it looked like. I know it was beautiful! Glory to the Creator!) 

That account about Eve is a great warning about not being deceived. We know satan is the father of lies. 

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

John 8:44-45

We must cling fast to the truth! Most don't take truth so seriously these days but let's love truth and become fools to the world in doing so! 

Keep holding fast sisters and looking out for deception. Test all things to His Word of truth! 

Love in Christ, 

Find the gospel to eternal life explained here. 

My biblical clothing shop here. 

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The Truth About Anabaptists

Greetings godly sisters, 

I hope you are all pressing on in the Lord today and abiding in His precious truth! 

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:31-32

Today I want to share something a bit different. And I do this because I see the great spiritual danger in the world first of all with all denominations (Mormon, JW, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, 'non-denominational' etc). But I want to here warn any women seeking truth about the particular dangers of the anabaptist faith. One of the reasons I do this is because when I was seeking more truth I was drawn to anabaptists as they definitely seemed to have more truth and obedience to the scriptures. But now I know otherwise and much has been revealed about them that is ugly and plain wicked. But I still think there is more potential for sheep to wander into them rather than the worldly churches which most see through if they are truly seeking in the scriptures. But the anabaptists can do a reasonably good job of appearing 'beautiful' on the outside like the whitened sepulchres Jesus spoke about...but in the end their heart is shown and it is not for the full truth of the gospel. And if you may say there may be some sincere people in there with them...and yes there could be who God will lead out of there, most are just sincere to their false religion and partial to their people and tradition because they (most all) do not repent once shown truth. We can see their corrupt fruit once tested to the Word. 

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:21

Let's remember that satan knows the scriptures very well also sisters. We remember not to go by anyone quoting scriptures to defend some of what they do. We live by every word of God and test all things don't we. And at times their lips can say a lot of good things but we know not to be deceived by what people say. 

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:6-7

So my introduction to anabaptists was that many of the homeschool books I used growing up were from Mennonite publishing companies. And I also heard their sermons and read many of their books. So when I was older and seeking truth I naturally looked in their direction because they 'seemed' to be closer to the truth in many ways than the regular worldly type 'Christians'. And I was hungry for much more than was around me. 

But I am glad I didn't get swept away in them but God led me to the real truth found in His Word and obeying Him and not false man made traditions. We must learn to discern/test/examine all things to the Word not to what our flesh likes, or to the world or culture,  or even what those in authority over us (family, friends) believe and do etc. 

Since many anabaptists call themselves Mennonites because they claim to agree with the teachings of Menno Simon's but today they have really drifted away from his more biblical doctrines. And sure a long time ago they may have been more biblical but today are so far from the truth just like so many are falling further away from truth. It's very sad really. But God must be first and glorified. 

They remind me of this scripture right away... 

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

Luke 18:11

And all the while they are living in many other sins. I hope they repent of them all and see and know God's heart and forgiveness and cleansing on those who have become born of Him. And I hope the same for themselves...that they would come to repentance and leave their man made false religion and become new creations! 

Another thing to remember....you may have seen women who dressed closer to biblical than the worldly churches, and they headcovered and you thought they must be more godly women. And then you later see them dressed in jeans and skin tight pants and no headcovering and makeup and jewelry and all manner of revealing clothing. I have seen this happen in a short time in some anabaptist women and so I know it's all over the place. It's what was in their heart even if it may have been covered up with more biblical looking clothing at one time. 

And speaking of clothing, I now know the way most anabaptists dress today in tight dresses with flashy colours/patterns and sometimes tiny sheer headcoverings is not biblical at all. So while dress may be a big visible part of who someone is...it by no means stops there. We must test all their doctrines to see if they truly are of God. We must never allow ourselves to be deceived by someone who is dressed more close to biblical and seems 'nice' and 'sincere' or 'godly' as we must look at every area of their life and doctrine to see if it lines up with scripture as well. We do not unite to people who are in false doctrines and sins. 

As women we need to be careful not to allow loneliness or looking for other women to fellowship with to pull us away from our stand on all truth. Even if we have to stand alone...we must!

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psalm 1:1

Oh and you might say those are minor issues...but it's not only that but even what many would call the big sins (immorality, abusive behaviors, drunkenness, love of money etc) are among them. And with God everything does matter. And we sisters know we are to strive for perfection and blamelessness and walking worthy of such a holy Saviour. 

And yes because I am writing this to women...feminism is a big issue as well. Well they may not allow women pastors/teachers etc for the most part, there is still much of this sin as would be expected if their hearts have not been transformed and they do not obey the Word in all areas. 

We know feminism is rampant in the world and so it is among those who claim His name but in reality seem spiritually dead. But let it not be so among God's holy daughters who die to self and strive for submissive obedience to the Lord and the roles He commanded us to have. 

And it seems they're also very proud of their heritage and traditions and reluctant to leave what they've grown up in as for most it's all they've known. Of course there's all different types/divisions but if you know the truth you can see where their heart is and it is often very worldly and wicked just like the rest of the lost. Don't be deceived sisters by any facade they may have. 

So that's some truth that I felt led to write and warn anyone who was like me looking to the anabaptists for more truth instead of just going to the scriptures alone and testing all things etc and rejecting false ways of man. Hope that may help someone else to be diverted from being swallowed up in that form of false religion of our day. Please repent if you have any association with them or their false doctrines (Christmas, Easter, Lord's day worship, man made traditions imposed on people for church 'membership', unbiblical baptism etc). Sisters, we can share the gospel with them and warn them and then we must leave them and not keep having dealings with them (lest we be hypocrites and like unto them). 

The light exposes sin and we love the light don't we sisters and don't want to be partakers of or cover up sin when it could deceive the undiscerning. Hold fast to the truth of the Word and keep striving on even if it has to be alone. The Lord is worthy and it will be worth it and nothing is worth losing our soul over for short lived flesh pleasing on this earth. 

Let's follow the true traditions that we are commanded to and not the ones made up by men. 

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

2 Thessalonians 2:15

Love in Christ, 

Michaela

Find the gospel to eternal life through Christ explained here.

Find my biblical clothing shop here.

Read more of "The Truth About Anabaptists"

Let No Man Deceive You

Greetings in Christ! 

Here it is...another day and I'm coming back here to share a bit of encouragement and edification with my sisters who love the Lord. 

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:15-16

Edifying of itself in love...I love that and thinking about the care and love amongst the members of Christ's body. Edifying others...that's something we can ponder on how we can best do that in each of our lives to others in the body. 

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

1 Corinthians 14:12

Thank you for sharing this scripture today, sister... 

Those living godly in Christ will be persecuted. And then there follows a warning of deception, and an admonition to continue in what we have been taught (not by recent false teachers either but by the Word of God). 

I was thinking about the fact of 'being deceived'. And I looked up scriptures on it...and how we are warned to let no one deceive us. 

We hear so much deception these days. But we can go to God's word to help us through. And if we have His Spirit we can be shielded against it. We know who is the father of it...satan. And we can know that we don't have a weak and powerless God who cannot reveal truth to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. 

One big deception is that all the denominations and the people in them are of God...just because they claim to believe in Jesus. Do not be deceived sisters...we can go study on that word deceive in scripture and see areas to be warned about. One truth is that those who practice sin are not going to enter the kingdom/go to heaven. How many are deceived thinking all is well with them as they live on in sin claiming Jesus' blood will cover them. We can use the Word in our own minds and ready to give an answer or defend God's truth in the Word.

This is a snake track in the sand... 

I wasn't looking where I was going and he was right in front of me. 

Reminded me of this subject I was writing about and how we should be aware of what is going on...lest we also be deceived. 

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Ephesians 5:15

And there is much in the Word about us being wary....watching, being sober minded, not letting anything or anyone distract us from our purpose and goal. 

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:6

Let's keep clinging to the Word and not be swallowed up in or affected by the deceived Christian religion of our day. We come out and be separate...even if it has to be alone. Christ...who is the way, the truth, and the life...is worthy! 

I took you sisters picking pears... 

What blessings God created to grow from the ground. (I just posted a pear recipe here.) 

Thank you sister for adding this scripture... 

(the picture is a butterfly resting in a tree:-). 

Well I will go now sisters. Hope you're all holding fast to the faith once delivered. And keep patiently going about your good works as godly women...helpers and servants, working as unto the Lord!

Love in Christ,

Sister Michaela

Find the gospel explained here. 

Read more of "Let No Man Deceive You"

Take Heed

Hello sisters! 

How are you today! Wherever we sisters are on this earth we know the Lord is always with us. What a comfort that is! We don't need to 'go somewhere', or pay huge sums of money to access what is freely available to us! But we have to have a willing heart of course to believe in all that this life in Christ means. Reminds me of what the woman at the well said to Jesus, about where her fathers worshipped (in the mountains) and where the Jews worshipped (at Jerusalem)...and what Jesus' response was to her. 

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.

John 4:21-24 

And so today...the Father seeks those to worship Him in spirit and truth. What a blessing we have sisters! Let us treasure this gift and not take it lightly! 

I had some scriptures to share here and decided to make an audio with them instead. We're blessed to have so many different ways to share, encourage, and edify one another. And we do the best we can. And it's first of all to be for God's glory (which would include being biblical and faithful to His truth and shining our light). Secondly, to bless the sisters, and also it is a good discipline for me and I learn much. 

I give glory to God because I couldn't do this without having such a great God and Saviour and His Word to write about. And also I don't always have words, but I press on. I am blessed to be able to share audios too more recently. A sister encouraged me in that by sending audios to each other...and even though it was a strange thing to do at first (because I hadn't done anything like it before) the love of God and the brethren helped overcome that. We can't always stay in our comfort zones if we are striving for the kingdom of God. Sometimes maybe, but other times not. And we want to keep growing as none of us doesn't have any more to learn of course! And we don't have to be perfect at something to be used or be a blessing to others. We all have our role in the body of Christ and it won't all be the same but we all do our part...none are to be lazy or self-absorbed. The saints all help each other to grow and be built up into whatever ministry they may have. 

I'm encouraged by who Paul was...or John the Baptist. Not polished or pleasing to men but powerfully used of God. He often uses who the world despises. 

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

So here's that audio with scriptures. I hope it edifies you, my sisters. It's a few scriptures that tell us to 'take heed'. We know we need to do that in our lives don't we. 

(And thank you sister for the pictures to share.) 

So that's my post for today with some edification and encouragement for my sisters. So let us all be on guard, watching, ready, holding fast to the truth, striving on...each day until the END! 

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1 Timothy 4:16

Love in Christ, 

Sister Michaela 

You can find the gospel explained here. 

Read more of "Take Heed"

Walking Circumspectly

Greetings sisters! 

Hope you are well! Standing strong in the faith! 

I was thinking about this subject of being aware of our surroundings as we walk through this world. I thought about that because around here you have to watch where you step this time of year because of poisonous snakes. And we are told to also be spiritually watchful through his life...there are so many things out to destroy our faith. 

I made you an audio with a scripture reading to go along with my post... 

Hope it edifies and encourages you in some way. 

I love this scripture! 

Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 

Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:25-27

Doesn't that just explain so much of what we are to do? There are so many fleshly distractions and things that a follower of Christ, set on the kingdom of God has no interest or time for (plus the sin of them). Some examples would be entertainment (sports, music, games, TV, movies), politics, fashion, etc. So we are in the world but our minds and hearts are set on things above, eternal things. 

We know we are to crucify our flesh and instead walk in the Spirit. We know that from the very first sin, the forbidden fruit appealed to Eve's flesh...it was pleasing to her eyes and good for food and would make her wise. God had set before her all the other trees in the garden to freely eat from...but she was deceived in her flesh and disobeyed the command of God. 

That Proverb is a good one to remember to evaluate everything in our lives and not let unnecessary distractions even of good, pure, and true things to shift our focus off what it should be. Reminds me also of seeking first the kingdom of God and setting our affections on things above. 

And this one is a good one too... 

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:14-17 

Our walk is important as we know we have to endure through this battlefield for however long the Lord has for us. And we women have our own roles, different from the men, but God can use the so called 'weak' things (like women being submissive, not the leaders or authorities, quieter, or the weaker vessels) in mighty ways. When we follow what we are supposed to it works as He would have it work. We have to conform to His ways and not this world's. In God's strength and with the armour He has supplied for us - which we are to put on - God can use us women as His soldiers. We know it is a spiritual battle don't we sisters? So we women can also be strong, rooted in Christ and unwavering off His truth when the world all around us is against us. That is because we know who we believe and trust His promises. He gives us of His Spirit and we love Him and His truth. 

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2 Timothy 1:12

Let's be aware sisters of the dangers that are all around us, walk wisely, looking to the Lord for wisdom and strength to get through. 

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In the meanwhile as we are striving through this battlefield we get to appreciate the Father's creations and give Him glory. But best of all we know we have the promise of a new heaven and a new earth! 

Cute mummy chicken sitting on eggs (we added mostly duck eggs)... 

Peaceful bird in the veggie garden... 

(Thank you sister for adding the scripture:-) It's such a simple Titus 2 pic with a reminder to trust in the Lord!) 

OK sisters I had better go. Lord willing I will be back tomorrow here. Hopefully catch up with some of you in between. Hold fast sisters! 

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Love in the Lord, 

Sister Michaela 

Find the gospel here. 

Read more of "Walking Circumspectly"

Beware!

Greetings sister saints! 

How are you going as you strive along this narrow road? 

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 7:13-14

 

I was just thinking, sisters. We see and know about all the false religious people out there deceiving people. And we know whoever is not of God is of the world and satan. I was just thinking about how satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Remember? He quoted scriptures to Jesus. Of course they were twisted and Jesus refuted him with other scriptures but so we need to be on guard too sisters. Just because someone brings us a scripture doesn't mean they are of God and truly seeking Him. They could be working for the enemy of our souls (whether they know it or not). What a blessing we have the written word to read to test for truth. And we know the Spirit guides us into truth too. 

So remember sisters, let us also use all His Word and not listen to people who bring scripture to you but it isn't taking in all of it...like satan did... 

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Matthew 4:6-7

And another thing, we must look at the fruit of whoever is bringing us the scriptures and whether they line up with a holy obedient life too. 

And remember how satan tempted Eve in the garden? By questioning God's commands right? We see that today too don't we. So many are reading the scriptures and saying I don't think we really have to do that today, do we? Did God really say that? 

Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 

But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Genesis 3:1-5 

Sisters, that is what he is still doing today! Be on guard precious sisters! The devil is a liar and a murderer remember. He wants nothing good for you. Christ is the truth and life! 

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 

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

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

Let us test and discern all things sisters. What a wicked world of deception we live in today. But praise God we can know the truth! So beware of others who quote scriptures to you as satan knows them too. And most likely they are trying to justify their sins as well. Stand strong on the truth sister saints! Trust in the Lord! Be not persuaded from the simple belief you have of what God commands us to do. For women a few of those things are being sober minded, chaste, keepers at home, obedient to husbands, unadorned, having a meek and quiet spirit, under the headship of man, headcovered, good, quiet in the body gathering, dressed in long robes, shamefaced, helpers to husbands, and much more of course (1 Timothy 2, Titus 2, 1 Peter 3, 1 Corinthians 11). Yes those are God's commands. And of course we also have a great responsibility to be Christ's witnesses and prepared with the gospel of peace and ready to give an answer of the hope we have! 

Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Psalm 112:1

And for some Titus 2, I have a shirt making project coming up. I plan to sew another shirt and make a 'tutorial' on how I make mine. I hope to share that on the blog here. Just washed the fabric today... 

I'm not sure if you can see the rain falling on this video but I think it's so awesome; falling rain , sunshine, growing green grass, and flowers. 

Glory to God the great Creator! 

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 

In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. 

The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. 

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

Psalm 95:1-6 

Thank you sisters for sending these pictures back with scriptures added:-)

Amen let us be hospitable to our brothers and sisters in the Lord. That's part of our love! 

Grab a bowl of dessert, saints! 

So that's my simple edification and exhortation for you today sisters! Let's cling fast to God's truth in His Word, all of it, and test all things! 

Until tomorrow sisters. 

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

Philippians 4:19-21 

Love to you in Christ's family,

...from one of God's daughters

Sister Michaela

You can find the gospel explained here. 

Read more of "Beware! "

Keeping From Confusion

Greetings ladies! 

I hope and pray you are strong this day and by faith pressing on in this life of a saint. 

I had written a large part of this post a few days ago, but I wanted to share it here and add some more. It's about what can cause confusion and deception and in the end lead us astray or cause weakness. It's something I have personally experienced in my life, particularly in the past, but still if I'm not careful I could be weakened. It's to do with what and who we allow to pour into our lives to teach us or things we read. 

We all need to examine the books/magazines and blogs that we read or follow. We must test all things to the Word of God and don't just listen to anyone who has some things right but search out what they actually believe, or they may influence you wrongly, and in scripture it says to separate from believers with false doctrine (Romans 16:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6 & 14 and more). Not my words but GODS! And it's for a reason. 

Do you read any books? Well examine who are the authors and are they teaching sound doctrine? Are they biblical? Personally, I don't know of any books worth reading except the Word of God. Yes I personally think there could be a place for a few books for cooking and gardening or animal care etc and simple how to do things but if it's just story books or theology books with false doctrine then that's going to influence your life and deceive you or waste your time.  

Reminds me of this verse... 

"And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

And this one... 

"And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."

Acts 19:18-20

It's what we women must do when we come to follow Christ fully. We must examine everything we once did and repent and forsake those things that are not good and pure and holy and true. 

Maybe it's a bit like the woman in Jesus' parable... 

"...doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?"

Luke 15:8

May we have that similar diligence to search our hearts and lives for sin and things that ought to go. 

Also the same with blogs. There are thousands around but we must be careful to see what kind of life the author is living and what they believe and teach. Is it fully biblical? Because again the scriptures say to separate from sinful believers...and so many are ignoring those commands to please the flesh. And there are commands about not being deceived also. It's huge how far people who claim Christ have departed from the truth...so it's something we need to seriously consider and accept. Keep in mind there will only be very few who are fully biblical these last perilous days. 

I know the confusion, because I've done all that in the past, reading this and that book, and following this or that blog or subscribing to this and that magazine; being tossed around is what it is.

Yes, all the ladies who write these books and blogs may seem sincere and to have good intentions and a great faith in God and much truth but we have got to admit that they are confusing us and causing deception because of what they teach wrongly and the sin they allow or are deceived by or disobedient in. I know it did that to me...confused and deceived me, on head covering and theology especially. It all gave me some fuel for my past wicked rebellion and confusion on head covering to be honest because so many said it was cultural etc but they were not living right in other areas so I had to let them go...and see that indeed it is very clear for a woman to be covered. Yes it can be hard to let these things go...because they seem like such "godly sincere people", but one error or sin is to be put away and not just glossed over and ignored. Sin is deadly...it leads to death if not repented of. 

Some of the issues with the blogs I followed in the past was that the people who did them had serious faults in their theology (which God also commands to separate from) along with many other sins. One was Hebrew Roots who try to keep the Old Law for Gentiles, another Mennonite with their false religious ways, and another church of Christ with serious and obvious focus on outward adornment of the ladies when clearly God's Word says do not adorn, and another one was baptist with their unbiblical theology and traditions. None of those I could keep in association with. Yes I reached out to all of them with the gospel and my blog because I love them and want them not to be deceived but I have to avoid them as scripture says to. All it is is obedience to God and nothing to do with being "holier than thou". And it would do me absolutely no good if I was to continue to read and follow them. It would cause confusion and distraction from the direction I am supposed to and want to go in. In short it would be sin.

A note about women's blogs who seem more biblical and close to truth. If you think of all the world's religions they all also think they have it right and I'm sure are some very nice people and so it is all the way up to people who seem so close to truth but stop short. No I am not bashing on anyone, as I know I could well be one like them and I was for many years, so no, but it does need to be addressed and honestly examined because it is sinful to associate with those who claim Christ and keep sin and false doctrine. Yes I have tried to warn the people in love so I am not just speaking of them but have gone to them so they have the same opportunity to fix things that I had. It's not that we think we are better, no way, but we love God and obey Him first.  

No I am not against all blogs. Biblical ones are a huge blessing and treasure. Yes I have my own blog which I strive to be blameless in. I pray you test them all to God's Word to see if they are biblical. As Jesus told His disciples that they were to freely give because they had received freely. That is one good thing about technology, we can share freely encouragement and love to others...or warnings from the Word and personal experience. 

I have gone on long enough, but I cannot stress enough that it will cause weakness to try to listen to all these ladies with much truth yet deception and sin mixed in. Plus God says for His children to separate. So I am here to encourage you to obey that if you want to be an obedient saint. I'm just sharing because I know how confusing and deceiving it is to listen to all these people with different beliefs when God wants His people to be all of one mind speaking the same things (1 Corinthians 1:10).

See Jesus, our perfect Example's words on what to do with things that cause sin... 

"And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. 

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 

And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."

Mark 9:42-48

Strong words, yes...He is God. May we all heed and glorify God in our decisions...and cut off that which causes us to sin including blogs and books that are not biblical. 

As Paul said to Timothy... 

Love in Christ,

...from a servant of God

See the gospel to eternal life here.

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