Do you think your ideals and standards are too high? Do you feel the pressure to compromise and settle for the generic version of life? Ruth lived in an era that was exactly like the modern America. Judges 21:25 describes the era in which she lived: 'In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in their own eyes'. We too live in a culture where it seems that no one fears God and people just 'do their own thing'.
You, like Ruth, will be greatly affected by your choices. Ruth's wise choices allowed her to break a godless family cycle and begin a new cycle that the Word of God triumphantly records. God has not changed- and neither have men. The high standards in God's Word are not irrelevant, but completely applicable to finding God's best for Your life.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Become a Princess
When you picture the perfect man for you, what is your prince like? Do you see a man devoted to God? A man of character- teachable, loyal, faithful, gentle, and kind? What kind of woman do you think this godly man desires to marry- a shallow woman or a woman full of charm who knows how to dress and capture other men's attention? Is this the one he imagines he will one day want to spend the rest of his life with- the mother of his heirs? No way!
To marry a prince, you must first become a princess. To marry into royalty, you must be appropriately prepared. Even Diana, the Princess of Wales, had to go through a period of 'waiting and preparing' before marrying Prince Charles. She had to learn how to properly act, dress, and speak so she would honor the royal family.
Is it any wonder that a heavenly princess must prepare inwardly for the calling to which she will give her life? As you set your attention on developing godly character, Christ will change you into the beautiful princess He created you to be.
To marry a prince, you must first become a princess. To marry into royalty, you must be appropriately prepared. Even Diana, the Princess of Wales, had to go through a period of 'waiting and preparing' before marrying Prince Charles. She had to learn how to properly act, dress, and speak so she would honor the royal family.
Is it any wonder that a heavenly princess must prepare inwardly for the calling to which she will give her life? As you set your attention on developing godly character, Christ will change you into the beautiful princess He created you to be.
Friday, May 15, 2009
His Script
God providentially directed Ruth to the field of Boaz. You find this divine encounter in the second chapter of Ruth, verse 3: '...and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz...' The verb happened in Hebrew means 'chanced upon'. This leaves no room for manipulation. She has a chance and her chance transported her into the center of God's will and right into Boaz's field.
If God wants you married, He will orchestrate the encounter. You have nothing to fear except getting in His way and trying to 'write the script' rather than following His. Jesus does have your best interest at heart. He desires to bless you by giving you the best. Sometimes what you perceive as the best is nothing more than a generic version. Consider His wisdom and love in comparison to your own wisdom and self-love. In whom are you going to trust- all Wisdom and Everlasting Love or little ol' finite you?
Ever since the Garden of Eden, women have often felt they could and should know as much as God. Much pain in our world has resulted from dependence on our wisdom rather than on our Father's.
If God wants you married, He will orchestrate the encounter. You have nothing to fear except getting in His way and trying to 'write the script' rather than following His. Jesus does have your best interest at heart. He desires to bless you by giving you the best. Sometimes what you perceive as the best is nothing more than a generic version. Consider His wisdom and love in comparison to your own wisdom and self-love. In whom are you going to trust- all Wisdom and Everlasting Love or little ol' finite you?
Ever since the Garden of Eden, women have often felt they could and should know as much as God. Much pain in our world has resulted from dependence on our wisdom rather than on our Father's.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Adjust Your Vision
It is doubtful that there could ever be a better time to serve Jesus than this 'moment' of singleness. Rather than wasting precious moments fantasizing about an earthly lover, take advantage of your free hours each day to serve the Lord of Heaven. If you are frustrated and distracted, rather than fruitfully serving Jesus, then ask Him right now to adjust your vision.
...Don't worry about that certain guy that you have had your eye on for a while. If he is God's best for you, he will be there when you return...
Is there an opportunity of service that you have avoided because you can't give up your 'post on the castle wall' looking for your knight in shining armor?... As you get older, you assume more obligations and responsibilities that demand your time and attention. Such distractions will make serving Jesus even more difficult. Have you given Jesus full reign of your time?
Limitless ministry opportunities exist for the Lady of Diligence. These ministries are available right at this moment. They do not demand a Bible college education. The only requirement is a single woman who desires to use her time wisely in ministry.
...Don't worry about that certain guy that you have had your eye on for a while. If he is God's best for you, he will be there when you return...
Is there an opportunity of service that you have avoided because you can't give up your 'post on the castle wall' looking for your knight in shining armor?... As you get older, you assume more obligations and responsibilities that demand your time and attention. Such distractions will make serving Jesus even more difficult. Have you given Jesus full reign of your time?
Limitless ministry opportunities exist for the Lady of Diligence. These ministries are available right at this moment. They do not demand a Bible college education. The only requirement is a single woman who desires to use her time wisely in ministry.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Life on Hold
Some singles see the lack of a mate as God denying them something for a more 'noble purpose'- a cross to bear! Our selfish nature tends to focus on what we do not have rather than on what we do have-free time- that can be used for other and ourselves. Is your life on hold until you have someone to hold?
...Have you experienced...a crushing emotional blow?... Psalm 34:18 says, 'The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit'. [A] brokenhearted woman had put her life on hold after her her husband divorced her. Such a response is understandable, but...this now single woman decided to take her broken heart, her empty arms, and her loneliness and give them to Jesus.
In exchange, Jesus taught her how to resist feeling sorry for herself and how to stop living in the arena of bitterness. After she made the choice of recklessly abandoning herself to Jesus as Lord, she was free to serve Him. This once brokenhearted single woman has been transformed into a fearless servant of the Lord...
Have you also put your life on hold?
Do you have an excuse for not serving Jesus?
...Have you experienced...a crushing emotional blow?... Psalm 34:18 says, 'The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit'. [A] brokenhearted woman had put her life on hold after her her husband divorced her. Such a response is understandable, but...this now single woman decided to take her broken heart, her empty arms, and her loneliness and give them to Jesus.
In exchange, Jesus taught her how to resist feeling sorry for herself and how to stop living in the arena of bitterness. After she made the choice of recklessly abandoning herself to Jesus as Lord, she was free to serve Him. This once brokenhearted single woman has been transformed into a fearless servant of the Lord...
Have you also put your life on hold?
Do you have an excuse for not serving Jesus?
Friday, May 8, 2009
My True Community
"Keep giving Jesus to your people not by words, but by your example, by your being in love with Jesus, by radiating His holiness and spreading His fragrance of love everywhere you go. Just keep the joy of Jesus as your strength. Be happy and at peace. Accept whatever He gives and give whatever He takes with a big smile. Know that you belong to Him.
My true community is the poor- their security is my security, their health is my health. My home is among the poor, and not only the poor, the poorest of them; the people no one will go near because they are filthy and suffering from contagious diseases, full of germs and vermin- infested; the people who can't go to church because they can't go out naked; the people who can no longer eat because they haven't the strength; the people who lie down in the street, knowing they are going to die, while others look away and pass them by; the people who no longer cry because their tears have run dry!
The Lord wants me exactly where I am- He will provide the answers."
Taken from: Suffering Into Joy- A book written about Mother Theresa
My true community is the poor- their security is my security, their health is my health. My home is among the poor, and not only the poor, the poorest of them; the people no one will go near because they are filthy and suffering from contagious diseases, full of germs and vermin- infested; the people who can't go to church because they can't go out naked; the people who can no longer eat because they haven't the strength; the people who lie down in the street, knowing they are going to die, while others look away and pass them by; the people who no longer cry because their tears have run dry!
The Lord wants me exactly where I am- He will provide the answers."
Taken from: Suffering Into Joy- A book written about Mother Theresa
Sunday, May 3, 2009
We Interrupt your Lady in Waiting Broadcast...
...for a special message inspired by Sense & Sensibility, a riveting sermon, and well... just my being a girl.
Why do some girls complain when 'true gentlemen' are scarce? Honestly, we have no right. Our generation of women asked to be considered equal, then scoffed that no man would open a door for us. We asked to be in the military, then balked that no one would care for us and tend to our emotions.
Now we sit in little circles or other dissatisfied young women and ask, "What has happened to the world?" Part of the answer is, the women. We have lowered our standards and expectations for ourselves and allowed ourselves to date whatever guy comes along along and asks us on that mysterious and wonderful phrase, 'a date'.
When we finish messing with these poor guys' minds (the guys that we would never actually marry), we begin our search for *drumroll* 'The Perfect Man'. Now, if we stopped for a second and actually used the common sense that the Good Lord gave us, we would realize that 'The Perfect Man' with high standards will be searching for 'The Perfect Woman' with her own set of high standards.
Now we should not live our lives in an effort to please men. If we do, will surely fail. However, we should be living our lives in such a way as to bring God glory and therefore, with His highest standard. We are called to be set apart in this life. Why do we so often settle for the mediocre ways of this world? Do we not realize that satan is tempting us?
When this temptation comes, will God be able to say the same of us as He did of His servant, Job? "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity..." (Job 2:3)
Ladies, in your so called 'search' for a future mate, you should search for God and desire His best for your life. In your search for someone to love, you should seek the face of the One who is love. In your search for open arms to comfort you, you should run to the ever-open arms of Jesus.
Trust in men will provide failure, Trust in God will provide freedom.
"But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me."
~Psalm 13:5-6~
"But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God'...Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you..."
~Psalm 31:14,19~
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.~
~Romans 15:13~
Why do some girls complain when 'true gentlemen' are scarce? Honestly, we have no right. Our generation of women asked to be considered equal, then scoffed that no man would open a door for us. We asked to be in the military, then balked that no one would care for us and tend to our emotions.
Now we sit in little circles or other dissatisfied young women and ask, "What has happened to the world?" Part of the answer is, the women. We have lowered our standards and expectations for ourselves and allowed ourselves to date whatever guy comes along along and asks us on that mysterious and wonderful phrase, 'a date'.
When we finish messing with these poor guys' minds (the guys that we would never actually marry), we begin our search for *drumroll* 'The Perfect Man'. Now, if we stopped for a second and actually used the common sense that the Good Lord gave us, we would realize that 'The Perfect Man' with high standards will be searching for 'The Perfect Woman' with her own set of high standards.
Now we should not live our lives in an effort to please men. If we do, will surely fail. However, we should be living our lives in such a way as to bring God glory and therefore, with His highest standard. We are called to be set apart in this life. Why do we so often settle for the mediocre ways of this world? Do we not realize that satan is tempting us?
When this temptation comes, will God be able to say the same of us as He did of His servant, Job? "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity..." (Job 2:3)
Ladies, in your so called 'search' for a future mate, you should search for God and desire His best for your life. In your search for someone to love, you should seek the face of the One who is love. In your search for open arms to comfort you, you should run to the ever-open arms of Jesus.
Trust in men will provide failure, Trust in God will provide freedom.
"But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me."
~Psalm 13:5-6~
"But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God'...Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you..."
~Psalm 31:14,19~
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.~
~Romans 15:13~
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Tightly Bound
Ruth came to the God of Israel after years of living in darkness, but He gladly received her service even though she was a Moabite foreigner. She bound herself to the service of the Lord, interweaving her service with Him like the braiding of a heavy rope. Isaiah 56:6-7 refers to a foreigner binding himself (or herself) to the Lord and His willingly receiving their 'diligent' service: 'And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve Him... these I will bring to My holy mountain...'.
Are you tightly bound to the Lord, serving Him diligently, or has your relationship and service been unraveling over the years as you continue to be single and not married? Has resentment and self-pity unraveled what used to be a tightly woven labor for the Lord? You must be sensitive to the things and situations that distract you from redeeming your free time. 'Whatever might blur the vision God had given [Elizabeth Elliot] of His work, whatever could distract or deceive or tempt others to seek anything but the Lord Jesus Himself she tried to eliminate'.
Are you tightly bound to the Lord, serving Him diligently, or has your relationship and service been unraveling over the years as you continue to be single and not married? Has resentment and self-pity unraveled what used to be a tightly woven labor for the Lord? You must be sensitive to the things and situations that distract you from redeeming your free time. 'Whatever might blur the vision God had given [Elizabeth Elliot] of His work, whatever could distract or deceive or tempt others to seek anything but the Lord Jesus Himself she tried to eliminate'.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)