A Call To Christians For Scripture Interpretation And Sisterly Advice.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. 

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:19-27

I've been contimplating on this scripture in James today.  Praying on it.  I'm a bit confused as to what it all means and thought I'd ask for elaboration for those who know His word well.

Not forgetting His word, but "doing it".  Sounds as though He's saying practice what you preach.  I guess I sometimes wonder about this within the Body and am hoping someone out there can explain this to me so I can understand what He actually means by this.

Recently, I had a discussion about beliefs within the body.  Obviousely we know there are many "reilgious" beliefs out there.  I grew up believing one way, and when I got older, after much searching and praying, I accepted Christ through Salvation.  I began to understand a whole different side to "faith" and a "relationship with Christ" than I once knew.

In the whole process of it all, I have understood there are MANY teachings in the Bible that are non-essentials., BUT, there was one essential that just couldn't be changed or liberally pieced so that it fits with whatever we so choose.  That would be Salvation.  Confessing with our mouths that we know Jesus suffered, died, was burried, and now lives within each one of is.  That it is THE ONLY thing we need to get to heaven and that everything else is non-essential and thus, really not something to be arguing over.

In this process though, I've found so many brothers and sisters alike that have been practicing tolerance even though it goes against the very foundations they have been taught.  I've found myself feeling like an outsider and an outcast wondering if what I really believe is actually "real" at all.  Trying to find the Truth in what I've read from the scriptures above, while also comparing it to the following scripture:

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

What does our God want us to do?  He says anyone who listens and doesn't do, is like a man who looks in a mirror and forgets what He looks like.

In my own opinion, If I believe one way, I shouldn't falter or teach that one way is right if it isn't within Gods guidelines just out of tolerance or respect.  On the other hand, If someone chooses to believe another way and hasn't asked my opinion, I am respectful of their faith and tolerant.  I just choose not to falter on what I think is Truth based on Christs teachings,  if I'm asked my opinion or belief.  Often, I made to feel quite untolerant of those believing otherwise who think we should all be tolerant of a paticular belief as a "Christian" yet doesn't really follow the teachings of Christ.

Hopefully I didn't confuse many of you here:  I've just been reading scripture on some things pertaining to conviction of myself, while also understanding just what I'm supposed to be doing as a child of God.

I know the biggest command is to "LOVE".  Yet, I think we all know that it's hard to love someone when you disagree with them right?  In my case, I'm learning not to take things I say too seriously.  I mean, I'm not perfect, I DO make mistakes.  It's the very reason I NEED JESUS.  But I find myself having to change from believing in the Essentials of Christ (meaning only needing Salvation through Christ to get to heaven) within the Body these days, to be tolerant of ALL RELIGIONS that supposedly get us to heaven.

Sadly, I see a whole lot of "Christians" faltering to "The Worlds View" of interfaith tolerance.  It's becoming SO confusing to understand Gods teachings anymore as humans have been taking scriptures out of context to suit themselves these days. Especially when those around me who are believers aren't standing on what they believe.  "If You don't stand for something, You'll fall for anything" as the quote goes.  I'm having a REALLY hard time and my spirit is weary.

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J.J. Heller... Painted Red
Saturday, October 4, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

I've downloaded J.J. Heller's latest Album FOR FREE.  It is the most uplifting, beautiful, encouraging, love-giving, Christian Album I've heard in a very long time. 

Heller's music is unique and well-written.  The songs haven't been sung a million times over, and really pull on a persons heart-strings.

I offer you the opportunity to download her Album FOR FREE by going to her site.  You must have a compression program in order to open the music in zipfile.  Once you get it, you will be reminded of Gods great love and that He is always with us, no matter what we go through.

The Free Download ends November 1, 2008. So get it while you can!

Enjoy!

Rebekah

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*** Healing Through Love ***
Monday, September 29, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. I Cor. 13:4-8a

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*** Beautiful Christian Sister ***
Thursday, September 25, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

pic by allposters.com

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER 
by Maya Angelou 

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ 
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.' 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin,' 
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.' 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. 
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. 
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on. 

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. 
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect, 
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it. 

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain... 
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. 

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, 
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow! 

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*** Country Drive With A Purpose ***
Saturday, September 13, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

Yesterday we took a "country drive".  One of many that we've taken over the past week or so.  We found ourselves in such beauty. 

One reason we're doing this is because we're in the market for a "country home".  We're prepared to take our time and look for the right one we can afford. 

The other reason, we just absolutely LOVE to drive.  It's become our favorite pastime.  Taking in Gods creation, enjoying knew scenery, laughing at all the silly wild animals, and just enjoying the day free from the hustle and bustle of each day.

I love our home right now.  We're renting a townhome but have THE BEST VIEW.  There's a brook from our back door, one that ducks, geese, deer and other animals like to hang around.  Each neighbor has a bird feeder than not only feeds the birds, but the little pigglets...oops, I mean little ducks eat from. 

On many occassion I have noticed my lettuce disappearing.  First it was from Edward the Gopher, NOW it's Stinky McStink who has decided to take his place under OUR porch.  I have on more than one occassion smelled "warning signs". that she has politely given me to get away from HER garden.  She's pretty.  Has mostly white, compared to her beaus who come round courten who have mostly black fur.  She loves my tomatoes. 

Max, my Jack Russell greets her at night with growls and barks to go get her....even with my response as YOU'll stink and I won't have that! Doesn't care, just wants to chase her.

So to say the least, we are enjoying each day that God lets us stay here.  I am content here.  As we look for a place to call our own, I feel quite excited for the new stories that will take place in our new home, and long for this ol place.  I'll miss our neighbors.  Each time we go out and harvest in our garden or go for a long ride in the country to buy produce from the farmers, I find myself buying more than we need JUST to be able to knock on our neighbors doors and say "hi! here's something I got for ya".  Knowing that when my husband is gone for work, there is ALWAYS someone home to watch out for me.

Through the sadness of it all though, I see each season God has given us, as a way to learn new things.  A gift.  While not everything we've gone through has been easy, each lesson has taught us something that we needed for the next season.  One that comes with only wisdom and mistakes. 

I used to panic when obsticles hit us.  Worrying about how we'd make it.  Now, through all my experiences, I KNOW He hasn't let us down, He's loved me unconditionally and even if things don't turn my way, I know that He will help me learn what I need to overcome each obsticle that comes in my direction. 

I finally feel as though I'm growing up!

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*** An Olympic Dream, Triumph Over Struggles ***
Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

“The triumph can’t be had without the struggle. And I know what struggle is.”             ~Wilma Rudolph

I saw this and absolutely HAD to post Wilma's Quote.  In Leui of the Olympics, I wanted to post something meaningful.  A Testimony worth sharing. Wilma Rudolphs story is compelling and has not only wisdom, but what HARD WORK can accomplish when we faithfully push through.

There are many circumstances in my life right now which have some kind of obsticle or struggle in the way.  It's hard sometimes NOT to lose hope in the Lord and just fall prey to wallow and self-pity.  But that thought process will NOT help any situation. Rather, will cause me to FAIL to unwillingness to ACT.

I am reminded of one paticular Scripture that correlates with Wilma's wise words:

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5

We have Triumph through Jesus Christ, in that He suffered tremendousely for each of our sins.  He didn't struggle for no reason.  God had His own plan. Jesus was born in the likes of human flesh.  Was tempted in the desert and understands temptations because he too was tempted.  Only Jesus NEVER followed through with the temptation.  Oh, it was HARD, it was Grueling.....even in the mount olive, He sweat blood crying out to God asking if there was another way.....but KNEW He would follow through with Gods plan to serve as a living sacrifice that would bridge the gap between sin and righteousness.  His sacrifice on that cross was like taking whips, pounds, nails in my own hands and feet, and throwing vinegar on my wounds, each time I fall prey to sin.

ONLY, my triumph was paid by the PERFECT sacrifice Jesus became when He stood in my place on that cross.

My struggles?  I have them.  But they're nothing compared to the obsticles Jesus went through.  I was reminded last night of the loneliness He must have felt when people close to Him, ignored, denied, blasphemed, and made fun of Him.  How lonely it must have felt to be there in His final days, without people who understood just how great Gods plan was and feeling alone to the world, while knowing His Father in Heaven understood and supported Him unconditionally.

What an Awesome God we serve! 

As we celebrate these days Internationally with the Olympic Hopefuls of ALL Countries,  Let us focus on the Hard work and dedication of each athlete as they accomplished  their dreams and persevered through struggle to be honored as the Worlds Best.  Most importantly, lets remember to pray for mankind, and for lives to be saved by the mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

***Please go to the very bottom of this blog, silence the music and check out the story of Wilma Rudolph.

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***A MONTH Of Modesty***
Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

If there is anything close to my heart, it's modesty and femininity.  The modesty part I have down, but since being diagnosed with PCOS, a hormonal imbalance in the endochrine and reproductive systems causing infertility, weightgain, baldness, roseacea, type II diabetes, Hypothyroid....and the list goes on., I have become MORE aware of the loss I feel of being able to fit in those beautiful dresses most women can wear, along with upkeep of hair, cleanliness, etc.  I haven't felt "feminine" in a VERY long time.  Instead of feeling self-pity, I have decided to work toward a healthier mind, body and spirit and focus on Gods will for me as a woman, wife, servant and future mother.

I was happy to find that Mrs. Wilt over at "The Sparrows Nest", is having a Month-Long Modesty Study and I've it to be an answer to prayer for my spirit.  I encourage all my readers to check it out.  I understand that there have been SO many Modesty and Femininity talks over the course of the past two years I've been blogging here, BUT I think it's a positive study to learn more about ourselves while being in touch fully with Gods plan for us.  We ARE afterall created in His own image.  I for one, know that my self-esteem doesn't match the creation that God made.  Please Join me during her month long series won't You?

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***Words From Maya Angelou***
Monday, February 25, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain. ~Maya Angelou (author, poet)

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***Wisdom from Beatrix Potter***
Saturday, February 16, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

All outward forms of religion are almost useless, and are the causes of endless strife. . . . Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest. [Journals 1881-1897] 

I love the above quote.  Lately, I've been dealing with small issues concerning the body of Christ.  At times, it's hard to decipher through just who is right and who is wrong.  Since accepting Christ into my life just over 7 years ago, there have been more arguments about what I'm doing wrong with my walk with Christ, than what I'm doing right with Him.  In the end, I have lost all my friends in the secular world, and have gained very few who are within the body.  It has occured to me that much is over doctrine or legalistic views, but I think moreso as humans we are all misunderstood.  After much hurt and many questions, the above passage really makes sense to me these days.  I take it to mean Leave "Religion" at the door and be an EXAMPLE of who God is within you.  Yes, my mind is at ease that I'm just where the Lord wants me to be in this season.  It is required of me that I be still, listen and hear His will.  Share Him with others, and forget about the arguments on Religion, rather, become a light to the world and Christ who is within me will be revealed.

Blessings everyone!

Rebekah

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Quote for a womans spirit
Monday, February 11, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

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***Victorian Valentines Giveaway***
Saturday, February 2, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

There's a giveaway going on over at The Garden Goose.  A beautiful Victorian pillow and rose scented potpourri.  Check out the rules and sign up with me won't you?

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Home is where MY heart is
Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Posted in A Womans Spirit

photo by: allposters.com

Stay, stay at home, my heart, and rest;
Home-keeping hearts are happiest,
For those that wander they know not where
Are full of trouble and full of care;
To stay at home is best.

Weary and homesick and distressed,
They wander east, they wander west,
And are baffled and beaten and blown about
By the winds of the wilderness of doubt;
To stay at home is best.

Then stay at home, my heart, and rest;
The bird is safest in its nest;
O'er all that flutter their wings and fly
A hawk is hovering in the sky;
To stay at home is best.

~ Longfellow

This poem is so true.  I was in a woman to woman mentoring program at Hudson Community Chapel while we were living in Ohio.  I was so sad to see there were more women NEEDING mentoring, and not enough Mentors.  Women of ALL ages and backgrounds lost in abuse, neglect, and wondering who they were.  I being one of them.  It wasn't until later on that I understood the importance of women understand their calling from God.  Not that home was the only thing they were called to do, nor that in "being" home, that it meant you weren't measured smart enough or a go-getter.  But what it really meant was so much more...

You see, without understanding Gods calling for us, we ARE like lost sheep.  I remember so many women at that mentoring program. They just wanted to know what to do?  How?  Why was it that it felt as though they were missing something within them, yet their lives were SO stressful at work and sometimes even in their home with their spouses or children.  They wanted someone to say it was "OK" to stay at home with their children, or those like me who were barren, that they WEREN'T taking advantage of their husbands by being home without children even though other women in society shunned it and labeled us as lazy and stupid.

Little did I know exactly just how many women were seeking to have time to be at home with their children, who longed to raise them and care for their husbands.  How could they live on just one income ? How could they sacrifice the material possessions and how could they face everyone who apposes staying at home like those who label certain parts of Gods word as Old Testament, so too, does society label homemakers and housewives.

Longfellow had some insight.  He understood the importance of being "HOME".  The opportunity it actually gives to both our husbands and our children.  What it does for our own self esteem, and how it offers us something that we couldn't get anywhere else...Time With God!  It is an opportunity to pray for our family and friends as well as the unsaved.  A Home that Prays together, Stays together.  Without prayer as a center, without someone to care for our home, children, pets, husbands, preparing food, cleaning, mending, teaching, gardening, and offering a hand to others in our neighborhoods and beyond, well, there would be no joy.

In the New Year, lets all try to remember those who don't know Christ or the reason they celebrate Christmas outside of food, family and presents.  Lets gather together with those we know or are aquanted with and share what the Lord has done in US.  Lets teach other women it's OK to be at home, Lets teach them how to be frugal as many of us are, lets befriend a neighbor and give them a hand.  Lets be proud of the women God made us to be and Thank HIM for the opportunity to be at HOME.  What a blessing it is!

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a mini leave of absense...
Sunday, December 2, 2007

Posted in A Womans Spirit

Hiya everyone,

I will not be posting alot for the next  few weeks.  I have to focus on some medical issues and get them under control.   I'd also like to spend some time with my family as well as with our Lord and Savior.  I am fine, I just need some extra  time for myself right now to focus and enjoy life. I will post when I can and am looking forward to the works that God has in store for me.  I know I will learn a whole lot .

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Quote of the Day...
Saturday, November 24, 2007

Posted in A Womans Spirit

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.  ~C.S. Lewis

All that to say, we cannot find peace and happiness if we don't find it FIRST and FOREMOST with Him.  We can deny Him, we can disobey Him, we can even avoid Him in order to find our own happiness.  But in the end, the only ones we're cheating out of TRUE happiness, is ourselves.

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