Security, Comfort and Peace

 I do want a husband and a family and a  home life that makes me feel comfortable, safe and is my peace.

I want security - the state of being free from danger or threat:

 comfort: providing physical ease and relaxation

peace: freedom from disturbance; tranquility

Biblical secure:

It is also used to describe a security that rests in hope and is safe (Job 11:18)1. To believe that our salvation is eternally secure is to have confidence in God’s preserving power2.

It is also used to describe a security that rests in hope and is safe (Job 11:18)1. To believe that our salvation is eternally secure is to have confidence in God’s preserving power2.

 Freedom from fear or apprehension; confidence of safety; whence, negligence in providing means of defense. 

In the Bible, comfort means encouragement, whether by words or the presence of another to help in time of need1. It implies a need that is exclusive to humans, and the idea of comfort involves at least two parties: one who gives the comfort and one who receives it2. God's comfort is unique, infinite, and available at all times3. It is the ultimate source of man's support, help, and comfort4. The promises in the Bible bring comfort, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, but they must be combined with faith to be realized5.

Biblical peace is not just a state of calm or quiet, but a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that indicates a relationship with God and a response to His grace123. It means completeness, wholeness, welfare, harmony, and well being, and it is often translated from the Hebrew word shalom or the Greek word eirene345. Biblical peace can be experienced by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and yielding to the Spirit of Christ12.

There is freedom in not needing to grasp for things, I will help you overcome your loneliness with my love

Hey sister, while praying, I think that the Lord shared with me that He will be your shield and support during this time.   “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭18:1-3‬ ‭(5/18/22)

Peace does not come externally 

I have forgiven you of much Kristina - I want you to love much - to love with abandon and not thinking of the cost- to love my children bc I love them - for my sake- I see beauty in my creation- yes you - even you! Don’t think you are exempt from my promises and stop discounting my Word by your actions and emotions - to the pure everything is pure but to the tainted even what is pure has been rejected

You never really wanted marriage and parenthood - you wanted freedom in me

I want to make you a woman of peace(4/21/22)

My way is a lonely long path but Kristina it leads to LIFE. Few find it. I want you with me. Don't turn back to yourself. You know where that leads. Giving yourself away in love is never wasted. See your gifts as gifts to me. Not to people. Honoring my household is honoring me. I will help you.

Come my way. Don’t fear the cross. You’ll find that it’s the greatest Joy possible 

While praying for you I saw a picture for you up test. 

I saw the Lord give you a  new shield of faith. Your shield was old and tattered. But the one He wanted to give it was new and strong and different in a good way. He wanted you to experience the reality of the shield of faith to extinguish the fiery arrows of the evil one. I think He wants to train you for more victory personally 🙂 5/18/22

Someone who doesn’t know what is happening just gave me this word - I believe the Lord gave me this verse for you to encourage you. 

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God wants to show you that he is there and he loves you and he wants to comfort you. He will give you rest and what you need to keep serving him.

Also the Lord told me on 2/23 - “why are you here?” Is it for me? psalm 27:4 - I have a right to change things up - I want to build a warrior not a routined robot. “I need to help you let go of these rhythms and routines so you can embrace my reality - you are not worthless when you don’t have plans - seek me instead” I want you to be like that well watered tree I want to free you from your fears Kristina

I am making you an ADVOCATE FOR OTHERS. 

He told me “I love you Kristina - that is why I am doing these things. I want to wake you up. To humble you. To show you that I am in charge. You don’t call the shots. I do. I want you to see my hand in this discipline. I want you to see my love for you - there is nothing you can do to change it (His love).”

This is for your deliverance- I have to wound you to heal you. This is brokenness Kristina

If you only knew the mercy waiting for you you wouldn’t hesitate

Picture - hands grasping idol (marriage) - can’t grasp that and have joy at the same time (hands are full)

Give me Jared - I don’t want you to put your hopes on him

“I want you to be free” “ I will be your security”

I’m making you versatile

Just enjoy my presence Kristina - you don’t have to “go” anywhere (in life) I love you for you. Not for what you can do for me. I want to give you my love for my people 

“I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭32‬-‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.7.34.NIV

I will deliver you (6/29/23) - (from obsessive fantasy thoughts)

So I’ll stop living off of how I feel and start standing on your truth revealed - JESUS IS MY STRENGTH MY SHEILD AND HE WILL NEVER FAIL ME all I ever wanted was your heart (casting crowns) song woke up to 6/30/23

I want to purify your desires for marriage

Give me time

I believe the Lord gave me a picture for you. I saw Him giving you a bouquet of flowers, but it wasn’t your usual fav. They were purple and unique and really beautiful. My impression in that is that God has in mind to give you new desires in Him, something more beautiful than what you may expect, even if different from what you want.

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It is a reality before God, that those who chose the humble way, he will exalt. It is sure to happen. Pursue humility in all your dealings, and you will find yourself exalted, even if it means in the age to come. 5/3/23

I want to meet you in those quiet places - I am your sustenance and your joy

I have made you for this Kristina - communion and fellowship

Romance isn’t bad Kristina but in my time and not contrived

I am committed to you (9/8/13)

I was praying for you this morning and had the impression of God’s absolute delight in helping you when you face temptation or even fear about going back to old sins and wrong ways of thinking. It was like I saw you facing those temptations and I felt His eagerness to teach and transform you through those things. Keep trusting Him! (8/18/23)

“You can never give up too much for me “  10/3/23 - Matt 19:27-28 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

4/18 Hey sister I have an encouragement for you:

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭

Lord help my sister and I and the fellowship to surrender to you. Help us to come to you needy surrendering our self righteousness and desire for sin. Let us sacrifice our wants and desires becoming living sacrifices so that we may receive the grace to overcome.

Bless you sister and have a good day :-)

Put it in my hand- anything you suffer for my sake is worth gold in the end. Keep trusting me. 

I want you to use your gifts for my Kingdom not yours

Morning Krissy

Test this with the Lord

Believe the Lord wants you to know the He is committed to helping you and that He loves you…

For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp [that] burns."

— Isaiah 62:1 (NKJV)

"The LORD has appeared of old to me, [saying:] “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you."

— Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV)

11/24/22

You’re loved by the Father and your family. I believe he just put that on my heart for you 

Seek me with your extra time / Your PLANS 

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:4-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://psalm.bible/psalm-91-5

Why are you putting your hope in people?

I’m ready to stop fighting 

Are you?

When you are you won’t be afraid

Godly sorrow / real repentance 

You won’t find in marriage what you are searching for / that deep acceptance comes from me / how do I receive it? - Let me drive - you won’t always know where you are going but you’ll always get there on time

You’re already married, you have been loved, pursued and accepted by me. Now you are changing because you love me, not bc you have to but bc you get to, you want to be more like Me

His Word

 What does God’s Word mean to you? Are your ideas about character or morals based on what is socially acceptable, or do you desire to know and please God by following what He says in His Word? Reading the Bible regularly, memorizing the Scriptures, praying, and developing relationships with other believers will transform your thoughts, attitudes, and actions. As you develop a deeper consciousness of God and apply the Scriptures, you will increasingly possess the inward qualities that will keep you growing in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. What will you do to move forward in your Christian life today?

2 Peter 1:3-21

New King James Version

3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the [a]corruption that is in the world through lust.

Fruitful Growth in the Faith

5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control [b]perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither [c]barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter’s Approaching Death

12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this [d]tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must [e]put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my [f]decease.

The Trustworthy Prophetic Word

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

19 [g]And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private [h]interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but [i]holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Be Ready

 Nearly every generation of Christians has believed they live in the last days. We live in a time when people commonly ridicule anything related to believing in Jesus or living by God’s standards in the Bible. In what way do people who mock Christian beliefs influence your thoughts and attitudes? Christ’s return may not be immediate, but it is imminent. What needs to change in your conduct this week so that you will be blameless when He returns? Whether Jesus comes back this year, next year, or fifty years from now, He is coming! Are you ready?

God’s Promise Is Not Slack

3 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of [a]us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and [b]perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [c]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

The Day of the Lord

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be [d]burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Be Steadfast

14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Bloom

 

Two terracotta pots of geraniums have been out front this summer. Even with all the heat and lack of rain, they’ve had several brilliant red bursts of color these last months. I figured they were finished, since I’d pinched off the dead heads, but I found a few more buds promising a small late season encore. Unexpected blooms are the best of all. I have a dear friend whose life of simple devotion to Jesus is such a sweet fragrance to the Father. She tells me that she daily prays for me and my family. I think she’s the very definition of mercy and humility, though she’d never say it of herself. She resides quietly in a retirement community now, having never married. Visiting recently, I found a smiling face welcoming me. After warm pleasantries, our conversation wandered to Maryann’s joy-filled childhood days of ballet. She was quite a talent, even as a child. Her poised, graceful movements flowed so freely with the classical music masters. “The music seemed to speak to me, somehow.” She described a serendipitous moment when riding the city bus with her mother after her final dance class in a town she was leaving. A woman sitting across the aisle was a ballet enthusiast herself, and gave them the phone number of a woman, and encouraged them to give her a call. It turns out this woman, Shirley Elmore, was an accomplished ballet instructor in town, eventually helping to form the Cincinnati Ballet. Even more surprising, Ms. Shirley gave 8-year-old Maryann an interview and, seeing the raw talent, gave her individual lessons for a time. That relationship opened the opportunity of being selected to dance in the newly-formed Cincinnati Ballet. She caught several eyes and looks from other companies in New York, but age and family circumstances kept her from taking future steps. While she loved ballet, it was the music and moving gracefully to it that she had really enjoyed so much, a talent God gave her. She found other wonderful expressions of dance in church from time to time, but those beautiful joy-filled young days faded. But not in her heart.  “I sometimes wonder what might have happened had I taken a different path,” she said. “But Jesus found me, and here I am, looking for what God has for me in this stage of life.”

The life of prayer blooms wherever it's  planted

Being aware of Maryann’s background, the retirement center’s activities director invited her to attend a performance of a local dance troupe called “Princesses Ballet.” This local program serves girls aged 8-18 from low-income families, who use the disciplines of ballet to build character and find success in life. That evening returned so many wonderful memories, watching these girls give their best, keeping steps, and moving across the stage. The crowd appreciated it, too, giving a standing ovation at the finale. As a surprise, Maryann was invited to address the girls, as one who had danced in the Cincinnati Ballet. Both Maryann and the girls were thrilled and they peppered her with questions. Months later, another invitation was extended to Maryann, this time to speak about “How ballet changed her life,” at another performance of the Princesses Ballet. “I will if I can alter the topic just a bit.” She knew ballet hadn’t changed her life, but Jesus had. She asked if she might give each girl a heartfelt hug and offer a short prayer of blessing over each one, if they were willing. And so, it was set. The activity director of the retirement community drove Maryann to the performance, where she was again so moved by the sweet determination by each of the girls. In truth, none of these girls had the making of a prima donna, but the joy in their expressions revealed the heart. Afterwards, Maryann was called on stage, where it was explained that she wanted to give each girl something special. Dutifully the girls lined up at the direction of the company director, and Maryann leaned over with delicate arms, giving long, slow hugs to each. One by one they came and received, but the line didn’t decrease. There was a divine transaction going on in the hug and in the simple prayer. Once one was finished, the girls quickly got back in line for another hug and prayer. A little 5-year-old had returned, now receiving her third hug, and she began to cry, saying, “I miss my mom so much.” Well, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, as Maryann blessed her and assured her of a mother’s love and a heavenly Father’s love, as well. Maryann lives a quiet life these days, and that’s the way she likes it, but sometimes she wonders how might God use her now? She answers, “Well I didn’t see this coming! Blessing those girls in such a unique way would never have happened had I not relocated here.” And there’s the truth: In season or out, the life of prayer blooms wherever it’s planted. The prayerful life poured out to God is like fresh-budding flowers late in the season. It always crescendos with a beautiful “Amen!” Geverdt Update - September 2023

Do not fear

 October 5 _Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not_.--ISA. xxxv. 4. Why shouldst them fill to-day with sorrow About to-morrow, My heart? One watches all with care most true, Doubt not that He will give thee too Thy part. PAUL FLEMMING. The crosses which we make for ourselves by a restless anxiety as to the future, are not crosses which come from God. We show want of faith in Him by our false wisdom, wishing to forestall His arrangements, and struggling to supplement His Providence by our own providence. The future is not yet ours; perhaps it never will be. If it comes, it may come wholly different from what we have foreseen. Let us shut our eyes, then, to that which God hides from us, and keeps in reserve in the treasures of His deep counsels. Let us worship without seeing; let us be silent; let us abide in peace. FRANCOIS DE LA MOTHE FENELON

Training for the Gospel

 

Our training is so complex. Who can say what forms a child into a certain kind of man? Our comfort is that the Lord knows the full story of our lives and will see to the training.

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15 RSV

Lord, what a blessing that You understand all the languages of the world and that You gave us Christians the commission to bring the Gospel over the whole earth.

 Corrie Ten Boom (Each new day - 10/5)

Thank you

 Thank you for my health and helping with my endo and with swallowing and heartburn - the pain is gone!

Thank you for being in better relationship with Tricia!

Thank you for helping me find a great recipe for cookies for Mariza

Thank you for time with my brother and Shauna tonight

Thank you for being patient with me and teaching me to put my hope in you

Thank you for afflicting me and teaching me and disciplining me bc you love me

Thank you for getting to hangout with my mom on Friday

Thank you for the Shower Gel from Terri when Hannah and I visited her

Thank you for giving me truth through Allie about my relationship with EI

Thank you for helping me fight lies during my volleyball game

Thank you for Becca's encouragement

Thank you that I got to drive Hannah and Melissa to the game

Thank you for the delicious dinner last night - butternut squash, chicken and cous cous

Thank you for a job

Thank you for getting to talk to Minnie during lunch with Rosie

Thank you for helping me to run 6 miles on Saturday!

Thank you for helping me with the LF cards

Thank you for getting to listen to Soul Revolution 

Thank you for the fun leather teardrop earrings

Thank you for my mom and dad and brother still being alive

Thank you for a smoothie this morning

Thank you for getting to talk to Amanda, Sean, Jodi, Kory

Thank you for getting to take a walk around the parking lot this morning and worship you

Thank you for a safe drive to work

Thank you for hot water

Thank you for forgiving me for my sins

Thank you for meeting me when I went to the fountain yesterday after volleyball and for the beautiful view of the fountain

Thank you for the extra box of brownies to use for the Martin Mansion time on Friday

Thank you for dinner with Karmel's parents 

Thank you for your love. Thank you for loving me - I don't deserve it bc I'm good or pretty. You love me bc you are loving and faithful

Thank you for your Word and how it endures forever

Thank you for Mariza coming

Thank you for being so merciful

Thank you for your love and for dying for me on the cross so I can be with you forever

Thank you for Adam's testimony and for the Trust in God Song by Elevation Music

Thank you for restoring the relationship with Tricia

Thank you for Lunch on Saturday and being with me as I worked on the LF cards

Thank you for shoes that fit me and work - thank you for healing my feet of plantar facilitus

Thank you for getting to sit with Beth McNeeley and Joy during service and taking communion with them

Thank you for Riley and her reaction to the coconut meringues lol

Thank you for the sleep and energy you gave me this week

Thanks for helping us with set up in the morning

Thanks for getting to talk to Allie

Thank you that you want to meet with me and want to talk to me and you are my father and you have a plan and an inheritance for me. Thank you that you want to grow me and help me. 

Thank you for Rosie and Brandie and for protecting me and helping guide me

Thank you for the love you gave me for Minnie

RENTAL

"Where I Belong"

Feeling like a refugee
Like it don't belong to me
The colors flash across the sky

This air feels strange to me
Feeling like a tragedy
I take a deep breath and close my eyes
One last time
One last time

Storms on the wasteland
Dark clouds on the plains again
We were born into the fight

But I'm not sentimental
This skin and bones is a rental
And no one makes it out alive

Until I die I'll sing these songs
On the shores of Babylon
Still looking for a home
In a world where I belong

Where the weak are finally strong
Where the righteous right the wrongs
Still looking for a home
In a world where I belong

Feels like we're just waiting, waiting
While our hearts are just breaking, breaking
Feels like we've been fighting against the tide

I wanna see the earth start shaking
I wanna see a generation
Finally waking up inside

Until I die I'll sing these songs
On the shores of Babylon
Still looking for a home
In a world where I belong

Where the weak are finally strong
Where the righteous right the wrongs
Still looking for a home
In a world where I belong

This body's not my own
This world is not my own
But I still can hear the sound
Of my heart beating out
So let's go boys, play it loud

On the final day I die
I want to hold my head up high
I want to tell You that I tried
To live it like a song

And when I reach the other side
I want to look You in the eye
And know that I've arrived
In a world where I belong
In a world where I belong
In a world where I belong

Where I belong
Where I belong

Where I belong

Where I belong

I still believe we can live forever
You and I we begin forever now
Forever now
Forever
I still believe in us together
You and I we're here together now
Together now
Forever now
Forever now
Forever now
Forever
Forever

https://youtu.be/s3-7fjhYm2g?si=Qy5q-aGp9QNktzh6

Where I Belong

Building 429

Sometimes it feels like I'm watchin' from the outside
Sometimes it feels like I'm breathin', but am I alive?
I won't keep searching for answers
That aren't here to find

All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong

So when the walls come fallin' down on me
And when I'm lost in the current of a ragin' sea
I have this blessed assurance holding me

All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong

When the Earth shakes
I wanna be found in You
When the lights dim
I wanna be found in You

(All I know is I'm not home yet)
(This is not where I belong)
(Take this world and give me Jesus)
(This is not where I belong)

All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong (where I belong)
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong (where I belong)
Where I belong (where I belong)
Where I belong, where I belong

https://youtu.be/fVBu2_dVb7w?si=Hp9v1Z4DW-izrPXT

Grow where we are planted

 But flowers need night’s cool darkness,

The moonlight and the dew;

So Christ, from one who loved it,

His shining oft withdrew;

And then for cause of absence,

My troubled soul I scann’d—

But glory, shadeless, shineth

In Immanuel’s land.

THE SANDS OF TIME ARE SINKING

ANNE R. COUSIN

(1824-1906)

TUNE: Rutherford
7.6.7.6.D

Grow Where We're Planted GTJP- 14 · Elisabeth Elliot

Monday 8-21-23

 Good morning Lord

I praise you bc you are the Lord of Heaven and Earth - you are always the same. Your love never ends and you are able to keep me from stumbling. Thankyou that you are powerful and there is no condemnation in you. Lord I feel like I can't get my mind around this Monday - I'm tired and I have no reason to be upset but I am. I'm sad that I don't have anything that I can do or look forward to tonight. I don't have your perspective for my time with Paula and I need your heart for her. I feel drained and sad thinking about it. Please Lord will you take my burden and this sadness? I'm also sad that soccer is over and that there is no more J - Lord help me to let go of him - I'm sorry for being critical and being upset at his shortcomings. Lord will you forgive me and help me to hold this with an open hand and to let you fill me up and not to look to a man. Thank you that I got to talk to him in the van yesterday. Lord I give you my desires - please help me to trust you and not put my hope in men. Lord I give you my desire to fantasize - I ask that you would please help me to put my hope fully in you. Lord I surrender - help me to trust you Lord. Jesus fill my heart. I need you. 

"you are beautiful to me"

Oh Lord, how I have longed to hear those words - longed to know I am beautiful. Lord will you keep my eyes fixed on you today - to your cross and your finished work? Lord will you give me the desires and power to do what pleases you? Just like in Phil 2:13. I need rest for my restless heart - I need rest in you. Feed my soul - it craves real soulfood. I need you. Please draw me to you Lord. 

Lord my mom is on my heart this morning - please bless her and help her today - I ask that you would comfort her soul and draw her to yourself. Deliver her from the evil one and the demons that oppress her Jesus. Thank you that my name is written in the book of heaven - thank you for rescuing me from a similar trap of accusation and fear and isolation. Lord thank you for your strong hand that reached down to take ahold of me out of the raging sea of bitterness and anger. Lord please fill me with the light of life from your dear presence. Lord I ask that you would help my mom to ask for help - help her to see her need and be willing to ask for help. Lord please help her with the news of Ryan and Emily being pregnant. Bless her and help her Lord. Lord I ask that you would still help her even when they are busy with the new baby. Lord please encourage me and help me to love her like you do. Draw her to yourself Jesus! I ask that you would give Shauna and I a time to visit her again. 

Lord will you fill my heart with your truth?

8-18-23

 Thank you for trials you have given me

Thank you for the friends you have given me

Thank you that being in you helps me in sufferings and help me in seeing friends through you

Thank you that I can confide in you when friends fail

Thank you for your mercy and how you respond to me even though you are busy and important - you are lowly and you care about me

Thank you for giving me a word through Monica when I prayed and asked for one on Wednesday. Thank you that you are eager to help me! Thank you for helping me to trust in the face of accusation and pain. Thank you that you are my God. 

WORD 8-18-23

I was praying for you this morning and had the impression of God’s absolute delight in helping you when you face temptation or even fear about going back to old sins and wrong ways of thinking. It was like I saw you facing those temptations and I felt His eagerness to teach and transform you through those things. Keep trusting Him!

 Thank you very much - I asked the Lord for a word on Wednesday and He never fails. Thanks to is spot on. I have been dealing with lies about my worth/beauty. Could you please pray for me for that? I want to focus on what matters to God

 Thank you for sharing this! Yes I’ll be praying. As Corrie Ten Boom would say, you already have the victory in Christ over those things! He will help you!

Our body image should be based on only one factor: does the way I present my body indicate that my life is dedicated to the glory of God? When God’s glory is our goal, we can have confidence and pleasure in our physical appearance, regardless of society’s standards, knowing that we are pleasing the only One whose opinion matters (Psalm 37:18).

• Psalm 139:14 – “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
• Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
• 1 Peter 3:3-4 – “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

• 1 Corinthians 15:44-49 – “If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. ... And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.”

The Bible describes our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit, as God’s workmanship, as dust. Not once are we admonished to diet and exercise until we are runway-worthy or to berate every inch we can pinch. We’re told to go into the world and preach the gospel, to be a light, and to be the hands and feet of Christ12.

1 Samuel 16:7 ESV / 1,036 helpful votes 

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV / 900 helpful votes  

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

• Proverbs 31:30 ESV / 757 helpful votes 

  Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

• Genesis 1:26-27 ESV / 607 helpful votes  

  Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

• 1 Timothy 4:8 ESV / 604 helpful votes 

  For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

• Romans 12:2 ESV / 429 helpful votes 

  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV / 402 helpful votes 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Timothy 2:9-10 ESV / 385 helpful votes  

Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 317 helpful votes  

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Isaiah 43:7 ESV / 317 helpful votes 

Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Romans 12:1-2 ESV / 287 helpful votes 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Philippians 3:21 ESV / 221 helpful votes  

Who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV / 269 helpful votes 

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?

Psalm 45:11 ESV / 196 helpful votes 

And the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.

Romans 6:6 ESV / 127 helpful votes 

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away! “O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, In the secret places of the cliff, Let me see your face, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your face is lovely.”

Song of Solomon 2:10-16

I hope this helps!

What does the Bible say about having a poor or healthy body image?

ANSWER

The Bible has a lot to say about our physical bodies. Genesis 1 describes the unique ways in which God designed the first man and woman. God spoke the entire universe into existence (Genesis 1:3, 6, 9). But when God created man, He took the dust of the earth and formed Adam’s body. God then breathed into Adam’s nostrils “the breath of life and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). God later formed the first woman, Eve, out of a rib from Adam’s side (Genesis 2:21–22). The physical bodies of the man and woman were created to contain the spirit that God then breathed into them. They were designed specifically by the Creator Himself to reflect His own image. So Scripture is clear that God cares a great deal about our physical bodies and how we treat them (Romans 12:1).

A problem arises with “body image” when we disagree with or take credit for God’s design. Striving to keep our bodies healthy and functioning is a worthy goal. However, when we place too much focus upon the appearance of our bodies, it leaves little room for diversity. Our body image is a direct result of the attention we pay to our particular culture’s ideas of what is acceptable. Every culture has its own ideas of beauty. Most twenty-first-century Americans would disagree with the African Zulu warrior’s concept of physical attractiveness. And what Hollywood now calls beautiful would have been rejected by European aristocracy five hundred years ago. To despise our bodies is to despise the gift God has given us. However, to overemphasize our beauty or physique is to become prideful, and pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6).

Psalm 139:13–14 sets the standard for a healthy outlook on body image: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” If we are fearfully and wonderfully made, then that leaves no room for disagreement with our Creator’s design. Isaiah 45:9 says, “Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’” Even those with bodies that do not function normally can be thankful for the body they do have, knowing they can also bring glory and pleasure to God with their bodies, just as anyone can. We were each created for His glory and His pleasure (Colossians 1:16). Our physical bodies are part of His plan for us, and a healthy body image sees the physical being as a gift from a loving God.

When we give our lives to Jesus, our bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19–20). As followers of Christ, we are to treat our bodies with reverence and respect, as belonging to Him (Romans 6:12–13). We are told some specific ways we can do that: by avoiding gluttony (Proverbs 23:20), abstaining from strong drink (Isaiah 5:22; Proverbs 20:1); remaining sexually pure (1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:3); and controlling our words (Proverbs 12:22; Colossians 4:6).

Our body image should be based on only one factor: does the way I present my body indicate that my life is dedicated to the glory of God? When God’s glory is our goal, we can have confidence and pleasure in our physical appearance, regardless of society’s standards, knowing that we are pleasing the only One whose opinion matters (Psalm 37:18).

When does hygiene cross the line and become vanity?

ANSWER

Body image and health are huge topics of discussion in our culture, and it can be difficult to know how to care for our bodies without allowing them to become our idols. The most important thing to remember is that the body of a Christian is God’s temple; His Holy Spirit dwells within us. Paul writes, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Earlier, he wrote, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Clearly, we are called to care for our physical bodies. We were physically created by God and called to honor Him physically. That being said, our hygiene is important to God. The Old Testament is filled with references to hand-washing and foot-washing, washing clothing, washing before eating, etc. Ritual washings were to remind the people that they were not to come into God’s presence without washing the dust and dirt of the world from their bodies. The tabernacle in the wilderness included a basin for the priests to wash themselves before serving the Lord (Exodus 30:18). Even Jesus washed the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, although this was more a comment on servanthood than on cleanliness.

Washing is used in the New Testament to signify a spiritual cleansing of sin available only through Christ. Ephesians 5:26 tells us that Christ cleansed the church—all those who believe in Him for salvation—by “washing with water through the word.” Here we see the picture of the internal spiritual cleansing the Word of God provides for us. The rebirth all Christians experience is pictured as a washing and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). So it’s clear that inward washing and cleansing are important themes in the Bible.

But what about washing and hygiene as a physical, rather than spiritual, act? There is a line between hygiene and vanity that can be easily blurred, especially in a culture so motivated by visual beauty. How do we steward our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit without becoming vain? The most important thing is to monitor the condition of the heart. If we see our value in terms of physical beauty, we are missing the point. Our value lies in what God has done for us, cleansing us inwardly from sin, not in how much we clean and wash our outer selves. Our hearts reflect the person we have become—new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). It’s important to remember that man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” God is not condemning beauty or caring for the body but simply saying that the body (or worldly beauty) is not the most important thing. We are to care for our bodies to keep them in good shape so we can be of value to God and His people, and this certainly includes hygiene. But 1 Timothy 4:8 reminds us, “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

As with many things in life, practicing hygiene while avoiding vanity is something that requires prayer and perhaps daily conscious effort. If our hearts are focused on God, we can’t go wrong. We should seek Him; trust Him for our needs; delight in the inward beauty He has given us; and steward our bodies as His servants, not as if they were our own. When we seek God first and abide in Him, we will learn to listen to Him and obey Him. In doing this, we will care for the bodies He has given us without allowing our bodies to rule over us.

What does the Bible say about vanity?

ANSWER

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2, ESV). The Hebrew word for “vanity” used in this verse literally means “vapor” or “breath.” It can also be translated “meaningless,” “emptiness,” or “futility.” This preacher is Solomon, and he is telling us that, after exploring all the world has to offer, he has found it amounts to nothing. It is pointless to chase worldly goals because they disappear with our last breath. That foundation helps us understand the other ways the word vanity is used in the Bible.

Romans 8:20 says that all creation was subjected to vanity because of God’s curse. When Adam sinned, God cursed all that He had made (Genesis 3:17–19). In other words, perfection was lost. All of creation is now falling short of its original purpose; rather than working in harmony with God and creation, inhabitants of the earth have turned on each other and against God. We still reel from the effects of that curse. Everything meant to be right side up is upside down. The chaos and insanity of the world as we know it are due to the fact that God has subjected creation to vanity until the time when it will be set free (Romans 8:21).

When vanity enters our personal lives, it brings with it pride, jealousy, envy, strife, haughtiness, and many other negative things. Vanity devalues what’s important and puffs up what is trivial. Vanity peppers the mind with nervous questions: “How do I look?” “What will people think of me?” “Why wasn’t I honored instead of him?” Proverbs 16:18 warns that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,” but vanity rarely listens to warnings.

A person consumed with vanity is self-absorbed and preoccupied with his or her own opinions, issues, and desires. At the root of all vanity is self, which demands to be protected at all costs. Self cannot co-rule our lives along with the Holy Spirit. God will not share His throne. That’s why Jesus calls us to die to self in order to follow Him (Luke 9:23). Vanity is an enemy of the Spirit and must be constantly brought to the cross and crucified (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:1–6).

King Saul let vanity rule his life until it destroyed him. Strikingly handsome, gifted, and chosen by God, Saul had the potential to be a world-changer (1 Samuel 9:1–2). Humbled at first that he should be God’s elect king (1 Samuel 9:21, 10:21–22), Saul soon let vanity go to his head (1 Samuel 13:8–14). His vanity decided that he was important enough to disregard the command of the Lord and make things happen in his own way. Because of this, God removed His blessing and His Spirit from Saul so that the remainder of his reign was plagued with jealousies, murder, and discord (1 Samuel 16:14; 18:10–11).

Vanity can cause us to become impressed with our own greatness, achievements, or attractiveness. Left unchecked, vanity decides that we, like Saul, are important enough to disregard God’s commands and make things happen in our own way. We read, “Thou shalt not . . .” in Scripture but think, “That’s for other people.” If we are confronted about our sin, we get offended at the one confronting us.

The defense of vanity sounds something like this:
“I know I shouldn’t be doing X, but I’m really a good person.”
“I know what the Bible says, but I think . . .”
“We all have our own personal truth. My truth is that . . .”

Vanity played a role in the first sin in the Garden of Eden, and it continues to be the root of most sin today. Satan introduced vanity with the words, “Has God really said . . .?” (Genesis 3:1). Eve saw that the forbidden fruit was beautiful, tasty, and appealing, and vanity began to stir within her. The desire for pleasure and personal promotion displaced God in her heart. Still today, sin occurs when we allow our own opinions to trump God’s Word. When vanity rules us, God does not. When God rules us, vanity has to go.