Scripture and its help for the believer

1 Peter 1:8 NASB
and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

How does one truly know God, except by reading the Scriptures that talk about him.

Luke 24:25-27 NASB
And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

There are those who try to invalidate what God speaks about his word. As Christians who know the sufficiency of Scripture we should have the word as our foundation. There are a number of places that speak on how profitable the scriptures are both I will only put down four sections.

Psalm 19:7-11 NASB
The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. 
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 119:1-8 NASB
How blessed are those whose way is blameless,
Who walk in the law of the LORD.
How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,
Who seek Him with all their heart.
They also do no unrighteousness;
They walk in His ways.
You have ordained Your precepts,
That we should keep them diligently.
Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes!
Then I shall not be ashamed
When I look upon all Your commandments.
I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
I shall keep Your statutes;
Do not forsake me utterly!

2 Timothy 3:15-17 NASB
and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Hopefully what the Bible says will encourage someone to read it every day for the rest of their life. How else will I know about God the Father and Jesus the Son unless they read it in the Bible.

2 Peter 1:20-21 NASB
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Death the beginning of life

A gasping breath
Weary sigh
Dimming of the eyes
The draining of blood

Can mark the beginning
When they leave
Shattered clay
That had been holding eternity at bay

Their eyes behold
What in the words cannot be told

A judge on a throne
Everlasting majestic God
With none like Him

His eyes behold all
Stripping all pretension
And we from dawn of Adam
To the Final man, bare

There are those
All unworthy
He will clothe
With his own robes

Yet those
Stony hearts to the end
Have their own
Comeuppance

Lead me

Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

As I am sitting here thinking on one hand, the grace of God is so rich, why would He save any lawbreakers, his mercy is great, then the other thought I need to decisively seek to live to glorify God.

I was given the book Passion and Purity and see already that as usual as in Elisabeth Elliot's book Quest for Love she puts her finger in the heart of the matter our feelings and dreams must be placed before God. Our heartfelt devotion must rest on God first and foremost. I am reading both this book and one by James White that shows more clearly the distinctions between Catholicism and Biblical Christianity. I am excited to read.

Objects of mercy objects of wrath

It's around midday, and I am slouching in a seat on the back of a bus. Holding reign amongst a group of miscellaneous young men was someone who recently arrived from another state. What I did not get is why they wanted to emulate him? The young men's eyes were vacant. They listened to music that....does not say anything. Then an older man sat with them for a moment and then came the realization that though they had such an age gap between them, mentally he was just like them. I do not want to generalize and say all young men are like this but today on the bus that is what I came across.
1) they laughed at foolishness
2) they tried to come across as gangsters
3) they want to emulate someone of unproven character
Tonight as I am writing this I am reminded of Psalm 1 and Hosea
Psalm 1:1, 4-6 NASB
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.
Hosea 7:2-4 NASB
And they do not consider in their hearts That I remember all their wickedness. Now their deeds are all around them; They are before My face. With their wickedness they make the king glad, And the princes with their lies. They are all adulterers, Like an oven heated by the baker Who ceases to stir up the fire From the kneading of the dough until it is leavened.
The reality of what a man should be is clear.
1) wise
2) truthful
3) integrity
4) strong
5) knows God
The end result is different for such a man.
Psalm 1:2-3 NASB
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
I just wish these young men would be given the Gospel. May God sent labourers to do so.

Remember the Gospel and Our Stewardship of the Gospel

Today was centered on the Gospel. From Sunday School, which focused upon how no matter how many the sins the promise of the Gospel means that if one turns away from sin, to the Lord all sin all magnitude of sins will be forgiven. Next communion and how Christ's body was broken for us, and His blood shed for washing us completely from the stain of sin. The hymns songs focused on Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Lastly the preaching focused on the stewardship believers have  of the Gospel, to share, proclaim, to meditate upon.
Sermon Text
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 NASB
For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain,  but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit;  but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed-God is witness- nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.

Prayer 10/21/16

I like the Psalms, and other prayers that are interspersed throughout the bible. The word of God is amazing in piercing the heart and revealing sin. David said in Psalm 32

"I acknowledged my sin to you,
    and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,"
    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin."

There is so much I can say about the Scriptures it is living, is active, its sufficiency. In Psalm 119 it says

Then I shall not be put to shame,
    having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.

One can read a prayer in the word and pray it now and have it conform to God's Will.

Praying.

Writing Anew

I used to write fiction, basically writing what I had thought true romance was. Is it weird that now I think true love is not sparks, is not irrational infatuation with no knowledge of the person. The reality of love is found in the word and along true believers who are brothers and sisters in the Lord. Now there is a special love the a man has for his bride. It is not for me to know except the love the Jesus has for the church. The bible talks in the old covenant about being betrothed in righteousness. Unlike who she was the names of the false idols were taken from her lips. It made me want to write again but I will not share it, because no one but God needs to see. Wow times flies its almost time for me to stop working.

Having biblical doctrine in an unbiblical world

Deuteronomy 6:4 NASB
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the Lord is one!

That is the simplest statements of theology found in the bible. As Christians we believe in one God found in the persons Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Anyway the reason for the title and the following thoughts is because a lack of knowledge of the God of the Bible is leading people to false assumptions by their "wordly" wisdom, and false teachers.

In the beginning after God supernaturally saved me, I listened to these people thinking and mistakenly believing that they were rightly talking about God. The more I read the bible that first year I saw more and more that what they said about God was wrong. I am talking about Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen. who the more I compared what they were saying to the bible it did not match up.
Examples can be found on the following sites
Joyce Meyer
https://carm.org/joyce-meyer
http://www.equip.org/article/the-teachings-of-joyce-meyer/
http://bereanresearch.org/word-of-faith-false-teacher-joyce-meyers-shocking-doctrine-and-heresy/
Joel Osteen
http://themattwalshblog.com/2014/09/04/joel-osteen-wife-heretics-thats-america-loves/

The right view of God, his triune nature, man's depravity, our need of Him, the nature of God's atoning work and how God not only takes away our sin but also takes away the enmity between us and him and places Christ's perfection on us. We are the creature, He is the Creator. Christ came as suffering servant but He is now the exalted King!
Like the Bible says. "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!"
False assertions about God, the Lord rebuke those who make them.

On the outside looking in at the Church

I often thought that my writings go out into the void. Feeling that it is a way of speaking what I feel without telling anyone where I am at spiritually. I have struggled and generally keep those times to myself. When it even comes to family I generally don't tell them anything either. Effectively that leaves me mostly alone with thoughts and emotions that need to be brought under the Lordship of Christ.
I have been very sad because I have been putting to death a desire that has been long within me. Though the Bible says this,
Matthew 5:4 NASB
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
I have found it hard. In the end only God knows if that desire will be fulfilled now though the reality with Christ will be much richer. That day when he clothes us in white, he has already betroths us now those who are born-again in Righteousness.
Yet God has not left even the most foolish believer without His aid. The Holy Spirit is there and He grants this,
John 14:27 NASB
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
I don't have to worry, because He will take care of me. I wonder though about pastors are they supposed to take an active role in the shepherding of the soul of the believer? Who knows? I go to church only to worship the Lord and though I know I have to engage more with other believers I need God to help me with that. I have a longing for my family in Christ to be more closer than my earthly family.
So far God has given me a nice little area. I have no lack. I have a sister who prays with me and whom I am getting to know better.
God I am thankful. All the gifts you have given me, I am thankful. The love you have given me I am thankful. In my weakness I know I sometimes, maybe a lot of times forsake You. Please, may my life, this body, this time belong to You. Please conform me to the image of Christ that I were a better child, and please you more by bearing good fruit, Lord, Amen.

The Memes, Like, and Click and Share Culture

I am wondering if this is a bad trend to society. I get on the bus and almost everyone is on a phone, tuned out to everyone else.
I do this too. Tune out everyone else and end up treating shabbily everyone. Doesn't the bible in 1st John say that they will know we are believers by our love.
I have been convicted more and more of the time I spend on my phone, reading a book than living my life as a believer. I want to make sure I have the time to be still and know that He is God.
I also wanted to address, the memes the pictures with captions people post. People copy one another and post. There are gems that people should see, but I would rather hear peoples real thoughts in real life. I like seeing the photos. I like seeing your lives. I want to hear you speak and share what's on my heart. What I don't want to see is you posting someone else's stuff jut because they say if you don't share you don't care.... Oooops there goes my eyes rolling around again.
I would rather see the truth of your thoughts.

Thunder- Poem

The sky is dark, yet dawn has come and gone
Thick cloud are low
Lightning flashes and the thunder booms soon afterward
I am cocooned on the bus
The tempest without not residing within
Peace is there
He is with me

When it happens

Colossians 4:6 NASB
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

I will be honest. I have gotten to the point where I will not sugarcoat it for anyone. Does that mean that it is a sin? I have notice that I have been very blunt to the point where I have said the equivalent of "man up".
Did I cross the line where I have no grace left whatsoever for men?
There is something in me that desires biblical submission...... Where I am supporting and am under godly leadership. Where my desire to encourage and exhort is there.
So I find myself at the cross. Where God's grace and mercy meet. I need to change.

Yes lets

Let us dance
Where twilight and moonshine meet
The stars beginning to share their glow
And eyes meet and hold
Emotions clear in the depths
Yet this is just a part of us

Kneeling on lush grass
As the sun lightens the heavens in dawn
Quiet words are reverent
Seeking guidance
Praising God
What unity we hold as we seek
The One

They trickle in one by one
Grace and peace greeting the gathered ones

Clarity

I talk more about moments of spiritual enlightening and what I learn. I don't mention friends or the conversations we have, family or even some acquaintances because God had shown me that opening conversations to the scrutiny of others would be the gossiping I had loved when I was younger. I love the talks I have with my friends. I love hearing about your kids. About your lives.About moments good and bad. I want to hear how God has changed you. I love you all. My favorite times are fellowshipping with friends about the Lord. Where we have Jesus in common.
I have thought very recently about family and realizing that though we may spend a total of 4-5 hours together per week the bulk of my time is at work, or with friends from work. The people that we grow up with, once we grow will not know us like they thought in the past. We had shared experiences a while ago and some even recently but it's not deep. Sometimes it is sad.
I like sharing, fellowship to me is bearing ones burdens whether one laughs or cries with you.
I want to be there for both.
So I want to share some things God is continuing to bring to my mind.
The Bible says in 1 John to not love the world or the things of the world because they are passing away. Having a new phone, new clothes, it doesn't matter.
The second thing is that while testifying to the work of God is great, I don't want to compare my life to anyone elses and consider it better or worse. If there is sin involved it is wrong and it needs to be rebuked, but as for things that are a conscience issue I am not going to worry about it.
I better get moving I am working this morning.

The past

Do you remember the past?
This week has been a blast from the past. With people who have changed much I am sure. Changed by life, grown up. People had their circumstances, their lives. It was great to see the blessings God bestowed on them. The kids are sweet, great parents. It was so great to spend time there.
Thinking about the past has me thinking about sin and God's work of sin removal and payment for sin.
The bible says that God removes our sin as far as the east is from the west. That he remembers our sins no more. God is gracious to mend the past and I have mentioned it before. My past is full of sin yet Christ by his blood has washed it away.
I rest in the love of God knowing that his love, is not conditional, its not earned by works of righteousness. He will sanctify me day by day until his return.

The Love of God and the reflection of Marriage

As some of you know. I waver from optimistic romanticism to ugly cynicism. God is so unlike man, because the love of God is deep, it is not based on worthiness, he sets it on the undeserving. He crowns our lives with loving kindness. He died for us. From daily mercies, he attests to His faithfulness. He will never leave us or forsake us.
I am single so all I view of marriage is from the outside looking in. In the Christian marriages I see its lovely. They try to make it a reflection of the love of God. So they seek to reconcile, they show their love to one another. They become more sanctified the longer their union occurs. They want what is best for the other.
To those who are not believers, there is a sense of faithlessness. They are only committed inasmuch as the other person provides what I need. When they stop it is over. There are children who lack fathers. Single parent homes where there is a lack of parenting. Starting a cycle that is doomed to repetition unless they learn from God what is a man and woman supposed to be and the union that binds them.
It is better to be single than be with an ungodly man.
The love of God and its reflection is better than what the world offers infatuation and then regret.

Tracing a timeline

I am in a class where we are taking a look  at God's ways throughout the  bible. One thing that I am thinking a lot about is about the old testament saints looking at the coming of Christ dimly versus us looking back and being able to see more clearly at Christ as the fulfillment of the ultimate promises of God. God says the whole world will be blessed through Abraham and we as believers are eternally blessed through the work of Christ.

Writing Poetry

Thoughts from April

Carried on the wind she flew
Inside the deep pensiveness grew
While wheels completed the journey
Eyes beheld unspoiled beauty
Click, click, click pixels enmeshed to remember

Their little hands held weapons of war
Large super soakers or little pails
You could watch the battle from afar
But to be safe be indoors alone

Leave, I just want to be alone
Where quiet reigns
I don't want to think
Just dream

Sprout spring up from the ground
Tiny green shoots with little resemblance to what they will be
Plant, weed, fruit or foe
It matters what grows

Travel, Sin, and the Glory of God

The world is a lot bigger, than our houses, neighborhoods, cities, and even states. The food is different, the culture is different, but God remains constant.
So I went on another trip and found hospitality, community, and the sorrow of knowing that their beliefs, their sin will lead to God's right judgement upon them just like his judgement would be right against me if my life is not surrendered and given to Christ.
Their beliefs, which stem from the mind of man, have led to idolatry. It obscures the true road from view.
I will pray that God shines a light there.

Held

What do I talk about?
The front that a person puts up in church?
Living in a fantasy world where I am lovely and treasure, and belong somewhere?
Or getting ready to go?
To have two weeks where Christ is central and my life a sacrifice poured out before him.
God has been showing me much.
The true meaning of God keeping me. He upholds me by world of His power seeking my good.

Love

Do I love? I have an issue with that. I have problems letting people in. I like supporting others and sharing what I have. I just don't like bearing my heart. Frankly I, even more, don't talk to men about issues that would make me emotionally vulnerable to them. Right now though I feel the loss of it I don't think the dream deferred I had would in this life come to fruition. At times it makes me a little sad but I am not inconsolable. I will not be sorrowed for long because my joy comes not from circumstances it comes from God. He is there, he helps me, saved me, cleanses me from my sin, wants my best. I don't need my dreams, I need God.
He loves me not like man does with conditions, to be, dress, or act a certain way. I don't have to be a hipster, I don't have to be 20 something. I don't have to be Caucasian. I don't have to be skinny. As I draw closer to him I am more overjoyed, that a Holy and Righteous God would take someone like me. I am nothing but He is everything. On that day when I am clothed in the garments He provides all the trials, the mourning, the loss, will be shown to be slight. I am not a feminist who thinks that men aren't worth it. I think men of God and fathers are a blessing. I have a dad that God provided and I am blessed. Do I have Godly men in my life?......

End of us (Facing Death as a Believer)

As surely as we live and breath we are sure to die. Yet one thing remains God's word.
There are people who seek to keep it at bay, who refuse to fathom it until it strikes. As a result of Adam, we will each face it, unless Christ returns before the end of the days God has allotted to us.
What I have been thinking about is how does a believer face the end of a loved one and the end of ourselves.
A few passages come to mind upon pondering it for a moment. In looking at the word, these truths are clear.

1) We are finite, but God is infinite.

Psalm 103:13-14 NASB
Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.

Psalm 103:15-16 NASB
As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place acknowledges it no longer.

Isaiah 40:6b-8 NASB
All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.

2) Death should not have victory over us even if it does take our lives or the lives of those closest to us. (If we are in Christ Jesus)

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NASB
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NASB
But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written,
"Death IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.
O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?
O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

3) Suffering does something good in the hearts of Christians

1 Peter 1:6-7 NASB
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

James 1:2-4 NASB
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Death is hard to face, whether it be the death of those close to us or when facing our own death. When we lose loves ones we are no longer able to see them this side of eternity. We will miss them, we will still love them, but we cannot allow death to have victory, to keep us stagnant. If we ourselves are facing death I would hope that instead of behaving like King Hezekiah....

2 Kings 20:1-3 NASB
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, 'Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.'" Then he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, "Remember now, O LORD, I beseech You, how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart and have done what is good in Your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

We will instead be like Paul who said these words by the Spirit of God.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 NASB
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Philippians 1:21-23 NASB
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;

Grief without hope is so sad, when that person does not known God, neither has evidence of salvation. Faith is known by one's works, yet salvation is not a result of works... For me I know that whether I live or die may it all be for the Glory and Honor of a God who has washed away my sin and will someday present me before God the Father, blameless, though I am undeserving of this great gift. Do not think because of my view that I don't understand, I know personally the pain of loss with losing a loved one. Instead of turning to God through that time, I sinned. That is why after losing others I have learned to cling more closely to God who comforts us in all our afflictions. My plea to those who are truly believers, cast your worries upon God because He cares for you. There will be grieving but God will be there like He says in Second Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NASB
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

I could not imagine going through such a time without God.

Psalm 116:12-18 NASB
What shall I render to the LORD
For all His benefits toward me?
I shall lift up the cup of salvation
And call upon the name of the LORD.
I shall pay my vows to the LORD,
Oh may it be in the presence of all His people.
Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His godly ones.
O LORD, surely I am Your servant,
I am Your servant, the son of Your handmaid,
You have loosed my bonds.
To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And call upon the name of the LORD.
I shall pay my vows to the LORD,
Oh may it be in the presence of all His people.

Submission, Spiritual leadership

No spiritual leadership... It is okay. In the ideal situation one would have godly leadership that calls you out, that motivates and prioritizes a closer relationship with God. We don't all have this.
So what I like to do to be exhorted is read the bible. There is so much to read in the bible to make clearer one's picture of God.
He is so much greater than one can imagine.
My thoughts are going somewhere I did not intend. What I wanted to speak about is submission for the single woman. There are certain things that are on my mind. Our submission is foremost to God and God may grant biblical leadership, in the church. It is a good thing.
One has to compare though the leadership to the word of God if it is something that is more strong arming than humble leadership it has to be confronted.
What should leadership be..... My thoughts are many.

Dreams and wakefulness

In my dreams I feel powerless to stop myself from committing grievous sins. There is an attitude of wanting to seek feelings and fleeting moments of euphoria and just seeking and seeking and seeking with no satisfaction it was like my God was my belly but it was always hungry.
I didn't want to wake up I wanted to wallow in my slop. It is in those moments that I fear for my soul.
I used to be addicted to romance, to reading, there was an adrenaline rush when I read them. Books and my sin have polluted me. Yet God calls me to be pure. This can happen, by the renewing of my mind, God using His word to wash me.
May God conform me to His image, and may I draw close to Him.

Perseverance, Repentance for a lifetime

Christianity is not a checklist, its not attending church on Sundays, it is not prayers before meals and bedtime that have nothing to do with God and everything to do with what you want to extort from God. I want people to know that if you seek God for what you can get out of Him in this life, then you are wrong because you looking for the temporal to satisfy. The crowd who was fed by the loaves and fishes thought to make Jesus king forcefully because he fed them. They were seeking for the food that perishes but not Christ who could truly satisfy. We can be in the world but not of the world. We cannot be so drawn to what the world offers. When Christ is your treasure he will make the movies, the books, the plays, the dances, the unbelievers, parties, the food, the fleeting pleasures of this world will grow dim. What is associated with Christ, the bible, prayer, the fellowship of believers, evangelism, and missions, should draw us.
Tell me do little steps equal sanctification when there is no repentance. No, since salvation is a supernatural work of God,then you should be changed and sanctified daily. I am grieved by something and have been to years and know that God can change things. One has to see the depths of their lostness before they appreciate the salvation God offers. An acknowledgement of sin without biblical repentance... This is what God says.
2 Corinthians 7:10 NASB
For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Christianity is freedom to live a holy life not by our own efforts but by the power of the Holy Spirit. We will fail and sin at times but not to the depths of the past and we will be conformed and transformed day by day to the image of Christ.
Examine yourself be sure you have entered the narrow gate and are on the narrow way.

Love One Another

What does love entail?
Love is not a sentiment, a trite word that show itself only one day a year. Its not an obsession. It should not make you weak. It is not showy. Instead it shows itself in service, in action, not teddy bears or candy but in every day encouragement, in praying for them, in helping them. As I look and see the stores fill displays with candy and teddy bears and flowers I realize more and more "No greater love has one than this that a man would lay his life down for his friends".

I don't want to love in word and not action but I also don't want the world's idea of "love" without the reality as how it is seen on the cross.

Remembering

Memories can be good or bad. I will mention the bad first. Past sin can run like an epic movie in one's mind. It leaves such a bad taste and feeling within and at times has me wondering if I have truly changed.
The glory of God has a way of showing us who one truly is without God.
Isaiah 6:5 NASB
Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts."

Yet remembering good, remembering the good things God had done, remembering who God is, is something the bible in the Psalm and even in the the New Testament speaks of.

Psalm 63:6-7 NASB
When I remember You on my bed, 
I meditate on You in the night watches, 
For You have been my help, 
And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.

Psalm 77:11-15 NASB
I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; 
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 
I will meditate on all Your work 
And muse on Your deeds. 
Your way, O God, is holy; 
What god is great like our God? 
You are the God who works wonders; 
You have made known Your strength among the peoples. 
You have by Your power redeemed Your people, 
The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.

Luke 1:46-55 NASB
And Mary said: 
"My soul exalts the Lord, 
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 
"For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; 
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. 
"For the Mighty One has done great things for me; 
And holy is His name. 
"And HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
"He has done mighty deeds with His arm; 
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. 
"He has brought down rulers from their thrones, 
And has exalted those who were humble. 
"He HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; 
And sent away the rich empty-handed. 
"He has given help to Israel His servant, 
In remembrance of His mercy, 
As He spoke to our fathers, 
To Abraham and his descendants forever."

In reading God's word there is so much to learn about God and to remember about ourselves if one looks to themselves they will always see lack but it God there is satisfaction of the soul.

Show quoted text

In reading God's word there is so much to learn about God and to remember about ourselves if one looks to themselves they will always see lack but in God there is satisfaction of the soul.

Can we talk about God please...

I don't know much about biblical fellowship. Actually I do know some. I remember when a few years ago I would go out with a group of people after the service we would meet in Perkins, and we would talk about the Lord and encourage and exhort one another until the restaurant closed. I am not idealizing this.
I miss those days. I have a feeling of urgency like I am running out of time. God has equipped me but I do not know for what I am a single woman... I am limited in my scope.

Prayer

My prayer. I don't want a manufactured excitement about You God. I don't want to hear a song and then want to praise You. From old You have been a Good who has acted on behalf of Your creation. We are your handiwork made for good works. I stand in awe knowing only the limited amount through Your word of Your works. My prayer is like that of Moses show me Your glory, that I may more and more depart from sin. That I may love You more and fear doing wrong. My life this life is yours do with it what You will because though it's a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, where else can I go you have the words of eternal life. There are so many moments that my flesh is drawn to sin, that my flesh is drawn to idolatry not even bad things but good things You supply. Please let my eyes seek You foremost.

Vulnerable

I hate vulnerability but God is showing me that.

1) God sustains me
2) I am weak
3) following my emotions is foolish

I am listening to a book that is showing me that "the heart is deceitfully wicked"....

God has impressed upon me that I want to be a woman of character even if it means serving in the little things.

In the end this is what I ask for.
Psalm 27:4 NASB
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.