Bible 365: Week 52

I did it!!  Seriously, y'all have no idea how proud and happy I am to have read the Bible in its entirety in 365 days.  This has been a goal of mine for quite some time and to be able to mark it off my list is definitely an accomplishment.  I took a HUGE risk writing about my faith and my thoughts on God's word here on the blog.  You hear all of these dos and don'ts for bloggers when you first start out and usually the first two things on the list of things NOT to blog about are faith and politics.  

And honestly, that's just sad.  It's disturbing to think that because I want to share my views and beliefs that I would be labelled a blogger to avoid or not follow.  Well, I stand firm on what I believe in.  Furthermore, at the end of day this is my blog.  As such, I deem the right to talk about any and every thing that I want to.  I follow and read blogs of other people who aren't Christian and don't believe in anything.  That's their right.  I don't pass judgment on them in the least.

Now, this week was all about the detailing the return of Christ, the purging of the evils from the Earth and Heaven and rebirth.  We get to read about what signs we need to be on the watch for, how the Earth and those who have renounced God will be destroyed and more importantly we get an inside glimpse of what Heaven is really like.  We've seen movies try to recreate it but reading about how Heaven will look just leaves me in awe of the opulence and luxury that God is surrounded by on a daily basis.

I've learned to "[b]e merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear- hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh" (Jude 1:22-23).  At the end of day we have the power to lead to others to Christ.  And I think a lot of times, we as Christians do ourselves a disservice by not showing mercy to those we consider sinners.  We're all in their face with it's my way or the highway, when it really should be God's way!  The saying tells us that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Likewise, we can lead and entice more followers to try to at least read the Bible by extending a merciful hand to help save from a life wrong living and eternal damnation.  It's all about approach people.  Also, we need to look at ourselves and "[c]onsider how far you have fallen!  Repent and do the things you did at first.  If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place" (Revelation 2:5).  Remember to let him who is without sin cast the first stone.  See what's in your closet that you need to repent for before even attempting to condemn someone else.

"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.  I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days.  Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown" (Revelation 2:10).  Always trust in God.  Always keep the faith.  People ask me how can I stay so positive in the mist of everything I have been through and this scripture is it.  God is with me no matter what I'm going through.  These trials on Earth are worth the rewards I reap later on here on Earth and definitely in Heaven. 

God has assured me that "I know your deeds.  See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name" (Revelation 3:8). Better days will come and for now I choose to hold on to the thing and one person who is forever with me-my faith and God.  It's always my hope that no matter what material blessings God gives me in the future that I will stay humble and never adopt the mindset that I can buy way into Heaven or that I don't need God at all (see Revelations 3:17).

"Then war broke out in heaven.  Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.  But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.  The great dragon was hurled down-that ancient serpent called the devil , or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.  He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him" (Revelation 12:7-9).  Honestly, it still puzzles me as to 1) how could Satan turn his back on God who created him and gave him life, 2) think he could defeat God and take over heaven and 3) convince other angels to join in on his foolish and clearly not well thought out scheme?

I mean seriously, Satan, you tried to go to battle against God who's immortal and can't be killed.  He's all powerful remember?  So, even if you and your angels had killed all of the good angels and other hosts of heaven, with a wink God would have been able to destroy and defeat you and your army. 

Revelation 21:19-21 describes Heaven as have wall "made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.  The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth and the twelfth amethyst.  The twelve gates were twelve pearls each ate made of a single pearl.  The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass."  You got yourself thrown out of the most loving, peaceful, wonderful, luxurious, comfortable, compassionate, joyful and righteous place ever!!  Like really y'all was trippin' fo' real!  

Trust me, when I make it to heaven, I'm not even trying to sneeze wrong and get kicked out of there.  To be able to be in a place where sickness doesn't exist, where I will be safe and where I won't have any needs except to continue giving thanks for God and all he's done is a dream I'm working hard to achieve by following God's commands.  If you think not living right isn't fun or worth the effort then you need to read about the seven wraths of God in Revelations 16.

There's the wrath of sores, the wrath of the sea turning to blood and all the sea animals dying (bye bye seafood), the wrath of the fresh water turning to blood (bye bye drinking water), the wrath of the sun (got sunblock because you're going to need it and them some), the wrath of the beasts's defeat, the wrath of preparation that dries up the Euphrates and unleashes three demonic spirits and last the wrath of the world's worst and most destructive earthquake ever!!  Nope, I don't want to have to experience or suffer through none of that.  I rather live like I'm supposed and getting ascended into Heaven along with his other faithful servants.

At the end of the day I try to remember this "It is done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.  To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.  Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.  But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars- they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.  This is the second death" (Revelation 21:6-8). We have the power to determine where we end up.  God has given us free will, He has sacrificed His son and now He's shown us what we have to look forward to if He keep our hand in His and repent when we fall short.  I hope pray that each of us chooses well!

I've been humbled and grateful by the support that I have gotten for my Bible 365 posts.  I've said this a million times before, but thank you, thank you, thank you for reading and commenting.  I can't properly put into words how much your support has meant to me.  I hope that in some way if you're a Christian, I have inspired you to become closer with God.  And if you're on the fence, I pray that I inspired you to at least see what the Bible and being a Christian is really about.

Also, Happy New Year's Eve!!  I'll be posting a recap of how I did with my resolutions/goals from this year tomorrow.  And then Friday, I will post about what I will be working hard to accomplish in 2014.  Hope to see you in the New Year!

Bible 365: Week 51

One week and a day left and my Bible 365 Challenge will be officially over!  I will have read the Good Book in its entirety straight through.  Anyways, I hope that everyone had a blessed weekend.  I did.  I celebrated my birthday on Friday and we finally got car.  I was kind of sad to see our lovely BMW rental go.  That thing was sweet!

Saturday, the Mr braved the craziness at the stores to go hunt down a gluten free turkey and finish his Christmas shopping.  He said it was almost like the grocery store scene from Christmas With The Kranks at Walmart.  He had to race this lady to get the last gluten free turkey.  She even offered to pay a little extra for it, but he turned it down.  Thank goodness because y'all know my babies on a gluten free diet thanks to allergies.  Next year, I think we'll try prime rib or something because I'm anxious to start switching up our holiday menus.

Anyways, the scripture readings from Week 51 talked a lot about how we should live right and follow God's commands to show and prove our love and devotion to Him.  And I couldn't agree more.  He knows that we will stumble, but there are some out there who are just sinning to max and not even trying to get it right.  Yet, we see them talking about how they love the Lord.

Newsflash, 1 John 1:6 says, "If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth."  Being a Christian or loving truly loving God isn't about lip service.  I've said this a million times on this blog I'm sure, but love is an action.  You show someone that they are loved by what you do for and with them.  "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth" (1 John 3:18)  The same applies to God.

He wants to see us putting in the work to attempt to live as Jesus did.  And I understand better than anyone that this can be a hard task to live up to, but "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (2 Peter 1:3).  He didn't send us unprepared to live a righteous life.  The Bible is our guidebook, Jesus is our guide and the tools to experience this journey are within us.  It's just up to us whether we use them or not.

And if you do find yourself having one of those days where you have been less than perfect in your walk with Christ, just remember "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just as will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).  We serve a forgiving God.  An understanding God.

We serve a God whose love is unconditional.  How do I know?  "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters" (1 John 3:16).  God had one biological child in this world and He graciously and selflessly sacrificed him for us because we couldn't get our bad habits under control.  We couldn't stay faithful to Him despite the fact that He has stayed faithful to us!

With the New Year coming up, I think the one resolution that we all need to take up is to do away with fear.  For the simple reason that "There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18).  How many of us are walking around with fear in our marriages, in our roles as parents, at our jobs or just walking out of our front doors?

I want to be fearless in 2014, in every aspect of my life.  I want to know the joy of experiencing perfect love.  A love so unconditional and pure.  Oh the bliss that will come from that.

Week 52 Readings

12/23: Jude 1

12/24: Revelation 1-3

12/25: Revelation 4-5

12/26: Revelation 6-8

12/27: Revelation 9-11

12/28: Revelation 12-14

12/29: Revelation 15-16

12/30: Revelation 17-19

12/31: Revelation 20-22

What fears are going to give up in 2014?

Bible 365: Week 50

Happy Monday!!  Y'all, I am back in business.  I have one laptop back up and running.  No more blogging and trying to answer emails from the Kindle and phone apps.  That was really challenging.  Plus, I have like a ton of stuff to type up and submit to my writing group for my novel.

Anyways, two weeks left until I'm done with my Bible 365 Challenge! Woot, woot!  This mama is so very proud of herself.  After a trying and emotionally draining last few weeks, it seems like God had a special message for me in almost every passage I read from Week 50.  It's amazing how He works and sends us signs.  Here are a few of the verses I jotted down to reflect back on when I feel like I'm back at my breaking point.

~"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1):  Lord knows this whole situation with JJ is requiring me to have faith and stay hopefully like I've never had to do before.  His last two therapy sessions have not gone very well and it's tempting to let my faith waver, but I will not give confidence that God is sending us a breakthrough.  I can't see it now, but I know it's coming.

~"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11):  Going through trials and tribulations are never fun, but the end result in terms of how much stronger our faith will be and how much more righteous will be able to live our lives is worth the suffering.  Joy comes back at some point.  So, you just have to hang in there and trust the process until then.  Also, read James 1:2-3.

~"Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.  Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:1-2):  This is why it pays to be kind to everyone you meet.  We don't come equipped with special glasses that allow us to distinguish from angels from regular human beings.  And if you just think about the fact that God allows His angels to live among us in our form, it's kind of mind blowing.  Can you imagine that having gave a homeless man a few extra bucks and then finding out he was really angel sent here on a mission?

I thought about not doing the yarn/blanket drive because I'm not sure what the response will be aside from the two volunteer donors I got last week.  However, I prayed on it, I truly feel like God is telling me to move forward with it.  Those blankets are going to touch the lives of young moms and their children who are homeless but working hard to get back up on their feet.  I want to be a blessing a them even though I don't know them mainly because so many strangers have been a blessing to me!

~"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'." (Hebrews 13:5):  We serve a God of yes!  And when you remember this, you don't have to focus on what you don't have because He knows our needs before we do and will provide them if we just show patience and thankfulness for what we already have!

~"You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone." (James 2:24):  Faith without works is dead.  You can't just walk around saying you have faith.  You have to actually walk in faith and live as though what you're requesting of God is already done.

~"Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves.   Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." (1 Peter 2:16-17):  Your writes should not infringe on the rights of others.  However, we see this practice being done everyday.  People use their freedom of speech to be just down right rude and that just should not be.

Week 51 Readings

12/16: 2 Peter 1

12/17: 2 Peter 2

12/18: 2 Peter 3

12/19: 1 John 1-2

12/20: 1 John 3-4

12/21: 1 John 5

12/22: 2 John 1-3 John 1

What other freedoms or rights do you think we abuse too much in today's society?

Bible 365: Week 49

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  It was cold and rainy here, but it gave me an excuse to get in the kitchen with the kiddies and do some baking.  Yep, JJ joined us this time around and he had a blast.  His favorite part was stirring the batter for our muffins.  Looking forward to spending more time with him joining Moo and I in the kitchen now.

Well, just three weeks left and I will have officially completed the Bible in a year!  I am so proud if myself and if you followed along, you should be proud  of yourself too.  This week we learn that Paul has been locked up for preaching the gospel in his letters to his church families.  It's crazy seeing how religious freedom was such a foreign thing back then.  I couldn't imagine getting locked up now days for talking about my faith.

I amazed though at how upbeat Paul was in letters even though he was writing them from a jail cell.  Just goes to show you life is all about keeping a positive attitude, especially during our rainy seasons.  Here are a few of my favorite verses from Week 49 below.

"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self controlled.  In everything set them an example by doing what is good" (Titus 2:6-7).  I grew up in a family of mostly males cousins.  My mom has the most girls. And one thing that always got me fired up was how there seemed to be a double standard between us girls and the boys.  It was like everyone expected us to prim and proper all the time but the guys could do whatever they wanted and weren't expected to have self control.

Well, as a mom of a boy and a girl, I for one will be practicing Titus 2:6-7 in my household.  There will be no double standards here.  Whatever I expect of Moo will be expected of JJ.  I don't want them growing up feeling how I felt in my childhood.  I have a brother and at times my mom made it very obvious that he got treated differently because he was a boy.  Part of that came from how she was raised and the other half because it was always her desire to have a boy and I guess after having had three girls, she probably thought having a boy wasn't in the cards for her.

You the saying "three strikes you're out?"  Well, Titus 3:10 says, "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them."  Fool me once shame on you, try to fool me twice and you won't get a third time.  Some people know right from wrong but remain determined to live the wrong lifestyle.  Those kind of people you have to leave.to themselves.  So, it's two strikes and you're out for me.

I was asked once by a frustrated friend, how could Jesus possibly know the pains we go through in life?  To that I have to say read Hebrews 2:18: "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."  A lot of times, we assume Jesus didn't know what it was like to be human like us because he was sinless and the son of God.  That couldn't be further from the truth.  If anybody knows about suffering and temptation it would be him.  You had the devil and high priests purposefully setting traps to trip him up.  And you don't think after seeing how appreciative the people where that he wasn't tempted to tell God to save him from the cross and just let them perish?  Compared to what he went through, a lot of have it easy.

"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).  Jesus has our backs.  The fact that he is willing to intercede on behalf so that we may have salvation says a lot.   However, "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God" (Hebrews 10:26-27).

Some of us thing that we have all the time in the world to get our lives together.  We've fooled ourselves into thinking that we'll have time to get right later but if I have learned anything it's that tomorrow is not promised to us.  Being content to deliberately go against what has been defined as the right way to is a good way to end up on the wrong side of the Pearly Gates!   So always put your best foot forward, be kind to others by loving your neighbor as yourself and stay in prayer.

Do you believe in double standards?

Week 50 Readings

12/9: Hebrews 11-13

12/10: James 1

12/11: James 2-3

12/12: James 4-5

12/13: 1 Peter 1-2

12/14: 1 Peter 3-4

12/15: 1 Peter 5

Bible 365: Week 48

Happy Monday and welcome to December!  This without a doubt my favorite month.  Moo and I celebrate our birthdays during this month.  And of course there's Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Getting closer and closer to the end of my Bible 365 Challenge.  I already feel a rush of self accomplishment for having made it this far.  I truly feel stronger and more secure in my faith and my walk with Christ.  I am definitely proud of myself for attempting this task and committing to follow it through.  Week 48 had some great food for thought and I'm sharing the ones that stuck out to me the most.

Love is so complicated (well, only because we make it so).  Ask 5 people to define love and I bet you will get 5 different definitions.  However, if you want to know where love comes from look no further than 1 Timothy 1:5 which says, "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."  If we work hard to maintain these three things then we will always be capable of showing love to ourselves as well as others.

Being a woman in the church back in the day was almost like being a child or an outcast.  Check out Paul's view of how women should conduct themselves in the House of God here in 1Timothy 2:9-12: "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.  A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.  I do not permit a woman to teach or assume authority over a man; she must be quiet."

I don't know about y'all but I think Paul would flip his wig if he was alive in today's society because there are definitely a lift of women teaching in the church.  Besides the fact that Paul doesn't seem to approve of women being superior to men, I haven't a clue why he would feel this way.  I mean other disciplines have felt some type of way about women being bold around Jesus as we read in the earlier books of the New Testament.  However, Jesus was quick to correct their harsh words and point out that we are all children of God.  Furthermore, there were female prophets who were called by God mentioned in the Old Testament.  So, reading this just threw me for a loop.

This scripture I definitely can relate to.  "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).  I can't tell you how many times people have my knowledge on certain things because they felt I wasn't old enough to speak on it.  At the end of the day, I have gone through a lot and experienced a lot in my life.  I believe that alone qualifies me to be able to speak on those topics. I understand that somethings come with age but other things come with having experienced them and I won't let anyone look their nose at me because of it.  My voice and feelings matter just as much as the next person!

"But mark this: There will be terrible Times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, with self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-" (2 Timothy 3:1-4).  Just another reminder to watch for signs of coming.  There are times when I look around or hear the news and I see we are already witnessing a lot of these on a daily basis.

Week 49 Readings

12/2: Titus 2

12/3:  Titus 3

12/4:  Philemon 1

12/5:  Hebrews 1-2

12/6:  Hebrews 3-4

12/7:  Hebrews 5-7

12/8:  Hebrews 8-10

Have you ever felt like you weren't getting the respect you deserved because of your age?

 

Bible 365: Week 47

Who's looking forward to their four day weekend coming up?!  Beyond excited for Thanksgivings.  Before I get into my recap, I want to share something that melted my heart last night.  So, every night I say prayer with the kids and I always ask if they want to add something to prayer for or give thanks for.  Well, here's what Moo addition to our prayer was last night: "Thank You for our food and our drink.  And thank You for blessing us."

Y'all my little heart melted on the spot.  When your child knows that your family is blessed and acknowledges it is just an amazing feeling as a parent.  I'm not the perfect Christian or parent by any means, but it moves me to know that my daughter is on the right track spiritually and that I've had something to do with that.  My greatest goal as a parent has always been to raise to children who turn into great, kind and loving adults with good values and morals.  Her little prayer addition makes me even more anxious to see JJ progress with his speech therapy and one day be able to hear what he would pray for during our nightly prayers.

I'm getting a little misty eyed again, so let's jump into this Week 47 recap.  I can't believe we have 5 weeks (counting this week) left in 2013 and in this Bible 365 Challenge!  It's been such a journey and learning experience.  And know that to all of you who have been right here every Monday supporting me by reading, sharing or commenting on these posts, I am thankful and grateful for your support!

With Thanksgiving being this Thursday, I don't think it's any coincidence that the first scripture that caught my eye was Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer or petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God."  I have so many things that I've been praying for God to intercede on right now.  And although not all of those requests have been answered, I realize the importance to give Him thanks like they have been when I pray.  He is so good to all of us that we should never forget to say Thank You when we pray.

He sacrificed His only child for us folks!  That alone makes me eternally grateful.  I've said it before, I couldn't imagine giving up Moo or JJ to die for the sins of selfish and unappreciative people.  Thankfully, God is better than we are and His love for us truly knows no bounds or limitations.  He forgives us when we don't even deserve to forgive ourselves.  Simply put- God is good!

We can be the most compassionate, forgiving and patient people in the work, but without love those virtues just want stick.  "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity" (Colossians 3:14).  Love conquers all not because it is a feeling, but because it is an action.  Love is the action of doing the right thing or something that benefits another without it having any benefit for you or motive behind it.  You can be kind and patient to people all you want, but you're not doing it with love or from the heart, you might as well not do it at all.  Like the song says "Love, love will keep us together..."


"Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.  Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.  Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.  Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged" (Colossians 3:18-21).  I call this the Family Commandments.  A lot of families fall apart from lack of order and lack of effort to get said family in order.  Well, God has already laid out the blueprint for having a non-dysfunctional family.

Now, a lot of men try to use that "wives, submit to your husbands" part to justify being controlling.  But I'm going to need some of y'all to read on to that "as is fitting in the Lord" part too.  I'm all for submitting to my husband, but it's within reason.  I know that it is not fitting to the Lord for me to become more of a slave or child to my husband than to his partner and help mate.  So, don't get it twisted men, we have rights!  And that includes saying no.

At the end of the day, I couldn't agree more with 1 Thessalonians 2:12, that I want to be "encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory."  There have been so many people who have encouraged and helped me to get back to living a purpose driven life and I'm determined to pay it forward by doing the same for others.

Week 48 Readings

11/25: 2 Thessalonians 3

11/26: 1 Timothy 1

11/27: 1 Timothy 2-3

11/28: 1 Timothy 4-6

11/29: 2 Timothy 1-2

11/30: 2 Timothy 3-4

12/01:Titus 1

Bible 365: Week 46

My challenge for this week is to start and end my days in a positive state of mind. (See this post).  So, what better way to kick off this post than with some good news?!  We are no longer the house of germs!  Moo and JJ are feeling much better.  And I didn't get sick this time around either.  

More good news is that the apartment owner came out and had our bedroom window installed finally!  It might have taken almost two months, but it's done.  The kids were so happy to see the boards being took down and I'm glad to have the eye removed.  Now on to my Week 46 recap.

Paul is back it again in Week 46 writing letters to the churches.  Reading his letters has me wondering if any of the other disciples wrote letters to churches they had visited?  And if so, who did those letters say?  What key points or personal testimonies did they share?  I definitely believe that there are some lost books of the Bible out there that we could further give us insight into the life the Jesus and how we need to live as Christians.  Until those books are found and authenticated, here are some of the key points that stood out to me in Week 46.

Some of us struggle with people pleasers.  I once had the problem and know first hand that it can be very stressful and borderline torturing.  "For do I now persuade man or God?  Or do I seek to please men?  For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10).

We can't always have it both ways.  When it comes to who to please, God should always trump everyone.  It is through pleasing God that will please those around us.  Now not everyone will recognize that, especially if they haven't found Christ yet.  However, we please God by loving our neighbors as ourselves.  That is one of His greatest commandments.  And I don't know a person on this earth that wouldn't pleased to be loved.

"But from those who seemed to be something-whatever they, were it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man-for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me" (Galatians 2:6). I once went to a church where the pastor thought he was better than his congregation.  He even went so far as to claim that none of us would ever be blessed unless he said because he felt like God had given him that power.  Needless, to say I left that church.

We are all equal in God's eyes.  (Also reference Galatians 3:28).  As stated in the scripture above, none of us are more special the rest and none of us has any kind of special favoritism.  So, don't get caught up in titles or positions.  A lot of people allow themselves to be led astray because the person leading them is pastor or has a high position in the church.  Always double check the Bible for yourself and listen to what God is telling you!

Ever wondered what WON'T get you into Heaven?  Adultery, sex before marriage (fornication), uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, jealousy, drunkenness and more are all listed as practices that will not inherit you the kingdom of God in Galatians 5:19-23. It's a little easier to stay on the straight and narrow if you know the actions and things that you need to avoid.  Knowing what displeases and pleases God certainly helps me in my quest to be a better person inside and out.

A lot of people wonder how I can still focus on giving back and uplifting others when I'm going through a difficult season right now in my life.  My answer is Galatians 6:9-10: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

It might not be my season now, but I know that better days are coming soon.  So, I'm not going to sit around feeling sorry for myself.  I am still blessed.  I can still be a blessing to others.  And as long as God continues to give me the opportunity to give to others, I will keep doing it.

Because we are living in difficult times, it's so important to make sure that every day we, "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;..." (Ephesians 6:14-17). 

We're always telling each other to get thicker skin in order to survive in this world, but the truth is what we really need to be getting is the armor of God.  Everyday, we should put those things on and walk out of our homes with heads held high knowing that we guarded by the Most High!

What piece of God' armor do you never leave home without?

Week 47 Reading

11/18: Philippians 3

11/19: Philippians 4

11/20: Colossians 1-2

11/21: Colossians 3-4

11/22: 1 Thessalonians 1-3

11/23: 1 Thessalonians 4-5

11/24: 2 Thessalonians 1-2

Bible 365: Week 45

Hey y'all!  I'm literally running on fumes today.  Saturday both kiddies got runny noses and I thought it was just allergies since the Mr had done some dusting.  But by Sunday night JJ was coughing and sneezing his head off.  I gave him some medicine and it helped a little bit at first, but then he just kept waking up every hour until like 4 AM.  

I gave him some Benadryl because his nose was really runny and I didn't want his skin underneath to get raw.  That helped him sleep a little bit.  He woke up again at 7 and then slept until 9 and dozed off again until 10.  So, to say that we are both tired is an understatement.  I feel exhausted.  I've been lysoling and bleaching already because this is usually the time when Moo gets sick.  So, hopefully we'll keep these cold germs down to a minimum and nobody else catches it.

Now, for our Week 45 recap.  You know if pastors and ministers wrote open letters to their churches like Paul did in 1 & 2 Corinthians, I think that a lot churches would be better off.  Sunday sermons just aren't enough sometimes.  And Paul's letters weren't always negative.  For the most part they were very encouraging and motivating.

Paul was also very blunt in his letters.  He no qualms about telling them about their shortcomings and letting them know that they if they were going to boast about having their stuff together, then they needed to make sure it was true.  As a disciple Paul went through a lot.  I'm sure a lot of it was based on the things he did in his past when he was Saul.  Not everyone was willing to forgive and believe he had changed.

Reading the books of Corinthians reminded me that we should take care to not come off as know-it-alls. "And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know" (1 Corinthians 8:2).  At the end of the day, only God knows everything.  There's so much that happens that is beyond our comprehension as human beings.  The one thing that we can and should know like the back of our hand is the Bible.

That's one of the reasons I did this Bible 365 challenge.  I had so many questions about the Bible.  I can definitely say that a lot of them have been answered now.  I have more clarity as to the life I am expected to live.  And contrary to what the world thinks, living a Christian lifestyle isn't nearly as boring as people think.  I can still have fun and live life to the fullest.  I just have to make sure the things that I'm doing to do so are pleasing to God and not hurting others.

"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27).  You can't be saying one thing and living another thing.  There is no do as I say and not as I do when it comes to living right.  Hypocrisy and being a Christian do not go hand in hand.  Paul knew that.  That's why God changed his name from Saul to Paul.

God gave him a fresh start not only with his name but also with changing his actions.  And I'm sure that there were times when Paul was going through trials that he felt like the people weren't listening to him.  There are times in my life when I feel like throwing in the towel.  But 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."  Paul kept moving forward because he knew that there was a greater purpose and a greater reward awaiting for him.  So, if Paul can keep going on after being stoned, beat and jailed, surely we can do the same.

Let me just say that I'm glad certain laws of the church have changed.  Because sadly, back in the day women didn't have much voice in the church.  In fact, they didn't have a voice at all.  1 Corinthians 14:34 instructed husbands to "Let your woman keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive as the law also says."  Kudos to women who lived back then because often times it seems like they were undervalued and didn't have many rights.  I'm way too opinionated to have lived back then I think.

"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).  This is scripture that eludes a lot of people.  Why?  Because most of us tithe and give offerings because we feel obligated to do so.  And we here that if we have that mindset, then that's what's we'll reap.  We'll reap only the things that our necessary for our wellbeing.  Now, on the flip side, cheerful givers who give because they WANT to reap abundance. 

They reap beyond what they need.  God doesn't want us to feel obligated to do things.  But rather He would be prefer that we want to them according to our own free will.  I'm not going to lie there are certain things that I'm working on changing my attitude about when it comes to my faith.  In order to be truly blessed I have to adjust my vision and make myself more willing.

Lastly, don't forget that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.  "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10)!

Do think women should allowed to have different roles in the church (i.e.-ministers, teachers, etc)?

Week 46 Readings

11/11: Galatians 1-2

11/12: Galatians 3-4

11/13: Galatians 5-6

11/14: Ephesians 1-3

11/15: Ephesians 4-6

11/16: Philippians 1

11/17: Philippians 2

Bible 365: Week 44

This weekend, we decided to get a head start on our Christmas decorating and take advantage of the Mr being home.  We put up the Christmas tree and decorated the refrigerator!  Moo and JJ were just too excited about the tree.  And I'm happy we put it up too because I have some of my closet space back now that I'm not harboring presents in it. I know, I know it's a tad bit too early for Christmas trees for some folks, but it's just the right timing for us.

Moving along, just a little over three weeks left in the Bible 365 Challenge!  It's tempting to double up on my reading so that I can finish faster, but I'm staying the course.  In week 44, we finished the book of Romans and started 1 Corinthians.  I have to say that I'm enjoying reading what God had to say through Paul (formerly Saul).

There were quite a few scriptures that stuck out to me like Romans 5: 3-4, "And not only that, but we also [find] glory in tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."  If you've been reading YUMMommy for the last few months, then you know that we've been going through our share of tribulations.  However, I can testify that going through these difficult times have definitely motivated me to keep pushing forward.  I do feel like my hope in God is stronger.  I know it sounds like it should be the opposite way around, but it's not.  I feel my faith getting stronger and I'm remember not to take things for granted!

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).  If I ever I would be interested in getting a tattoo, this is what I would want.  This scripture is constant reminder that we need to work hard at walking as closely to God's commands as possible.  I don't know about you  but death in the biblical sense is something to be fearful of.  I want to experience external life and all the joys that Heaven has to offer.

And no matter what you're going through remember that "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).  With God, we conquer and overcome anything.  Since starting this blog, I've had to overcome grief, letting go of friends and not wallowing in Mommy Guilt.  I've learned to take my problems to God in prayer and trust His guidance.

"So then faith comes by hearings, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).  Did you know people are more likely to believe what they hear or read than what they see?  It's true.  Why do you think these gossips magazines and blogs are so successful?!  Many of Jesus' critics couldn't understand how so many people who had never even witnessed His miracles still believe Him to be the son of God.  It's because they heard the prophecies and later heard of the miracles.  We have to trust that Bible is really the word of God and then put those words into action.

Not too long ago, I had a friend ask if I would still be friends with someone cheated on their husband just for the sake of cheating?  Her husband didn't cheat on her, worked hard, helped out around the house, respected her, but she felt bored and was now exploring her options.  My answer was and will always be no. The company we keep will eventually become a direct reflection of ourselves at some point.  For this very reason, Romans 16: 17 says, "But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner- not even to eat with such a person." 

Now if God doesn't even want us sharing a lunch date with people who have instilled in their minds that sinning is ok, you know I'm not going to be friends with one.  There's a difference between people who sin and recognize that what they did was wrong compared to those who sin and see it as the only way to live their lives.  Their evilness can rub off on you.  Before too long, you'll find yourself doing things that you would have once saw as wrong but will be brainwashed into thinking is really ok.  Exactly, why I keep my circle small and why I'm never afraid to let go of friendship if it's for the greater good.

Lastly, remember that you are VALUABLE!!  "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men" (1 Corinthians 7:23).  The price at which we were purchased was the crucifixion of Jesus.  And Jesus did not die on the cross for us to confirm to the rules of society!  We are way more precious to be put into molds.  Dare to be different.  This is part of the reason I talk so openly about my faith on this blog.  It's considered taboo and too many bloggers value to opinions and page views of readers to even admit that they are Christian.

I don't!  I know my worth and I'm not selling out to ANYBODY except Jesus.  If my faith preference makes me person that you don't want to get to know then so be it.  I refuse to become a slave to our society and its standards.

How do you stay positive in the mist of trials and tribulations?

Week 45 Readings

11/04: 1 Corinthians 8-11

11/05: 1 Corinthians 12-14

11/06: 1 Corinthians 15-16

11/07: 2 Corinthians 1-2

11/08: 2 Corinthians 3-7

11/09: 2 Corinthians 8-9

11/10: 2 Corinthians 10-13

Bible 365: Week 43

Happy Monday!!  This weekend I had planned on getting out of the house, but it was just too cold to be out and about with the kids.  We all just had a cold recently and I didn't want to risk the chance of anybody getting sick again, especially with JJ's doctor appointment tomorrow.  I ended up using the weekend to clean, rearrange and catch up on my blog reading and commenting.

Week 42, was all about seeing how God can change the heart of the worst sinner and use him/her for the spreading of His word.  You see, Saul hated Christians with a passion.  He persecuted them to no ends.  He testified against them to have them sentenced to death, threw them prison and even beat them severely.  To say that he was on the path to Hell would be accurate.  However, God had different plans for Saul.

He sent Jesus to appear to Saul and his friends one day.  Jesus asked "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" (Acts 9:4).  Of course, Saul was afraid and wanted to know who was it that spoke to him in such an loud, authoritative voice and had appeared to him as a blinding white light.  When he found out it was Jesus, I can imagine Saul felt panicked and probably thought that Jesus was coming to seek revenge on him for everything he had done.

Jesus blinded Saul and told him to continue to Damascus and there he would find out the reason for Jesus' visit.  I'm sure Saul never imagined that he would end being baptized, have his sight restored, his name changed to Paul and that he would become a disciple for Christ!  You see, a man who once sentenced Christians to death had now been converted to the very thing he once hated so vehemently (Acts 9:20-22).  All I can say is look at God work!

Paul (formerly Saul) then gained first hand knowledge of what the Christians he had persecuted felt.  The Jews had it out for him.  They tried on several occasions to kill him and even have him sentenced to death.  In fact, Paul spends much of the book of Acts in and out of prison for preaching the word of God.  With the conscience of the those who had rooted and had a hand in the killing of Jesus weighing heavy, anybody who preached about Jesus, especially the fact that Jesus was not dead, but had indeed risen on the third day, were not well received. 

However, God was with Paul all the way.  Even when Paul was in jail, God made it so Paul was able to see who wanted, still preach the word and live like he was still among the free.  The best example I can give of Paul's jail condition from our society would be Martha Stewart.  Paul might have been in jail, but God made sure he still had the same comforts he would have had if he wasn't in jail. 

Paul's transformation from Saul hold an important lesson that we as Christians often times forget and that I was reminded of both in my bible study and in watching Joel Osteen last night.  We get too hung up on people's sins.  Joel Osteen used the example of how a lot of churches discriminate against those members who live the gay and lesbian lifestyle.  They tell them that they can't be on the choir, they can't help with Sunday school, etc.

But here's the thing, God put us here to love, not judge.  If God can take a man who was murdering people and turn him into a man who ended up leading hundreds of souls to Christ, certainly God can do it again with those who we often times consider lowly sinners.  As Joel put it, "Love the person, not the sin."  We've all fallen short of the grace of God.  Some of us fall short of the grace everyday, but that doesn't stop us from getting back up.

Where we are right now in our walk to Heaven isn't necessarily where we're going to end up.  And the Jews failed to see that about Paul, just we often times fail to see that about people who live a lifestyle some of us don't agree with.  I for one can certainly testify to that.  I've come a long a way as Christian.  I too was once living a lifestyle that wasn't pleasing to God.

I lived as man and wife with my husband for years before we actually became man and wife.  I knew what I was doing was wrong, but reasoned it ok in my mind because I had never really witnessed a successful marriage in my life.  Marriage scared me. I had a child out of wedlock and got pregnant with my second before I was married too.  But it was part of my journey to get back to God and I'm thankful for it.

God knows that we're hardheaded.  That's why He invented forgiveness and sent Jesus.  However, that doesn't mean we should be out there sinning for the sake of sinning.  At some point, He does expect us to get on the straight and narrow and stay there.  God won't be played for a fool!

Do you find it hard to NOT judge people who had a bad reputation in the past?

Week 44 Readings

10/28: Romans 4-5

10/29: Romans 6-8

10/30: Romans 9-11

10/31: Romans 12-16

11/01: 1 Corinthians 1-4

11/02: 1 Corinthians 5-6

11/03: 1 Corinthians 7

Bible 365: Week 42

Happy Monday!!  Can y'all believe that we're two months and about 10 days from being in 2014 and to end of the Bible 365 Challenge?!!  If it wasn't for this blog and my Bible 365 Challenge, I wouldn't know where the year has gone.  Time truly waits for no man (or woman).  Anyways, it's been interesting reading the happenings of Jesus through John's perspective.  

You can just tell that his relationship with Jesus was different and probably closer than the other disciples'.  Still, I'm certain being Jesus' best friend only made it harder to bear his death.  I don't know if I could stand to side and let one of best friends be crucified without putting up a fight to save him/her.  But John knew that this needed to happen in order for God's word to be fulfilled.  I'm telling y'all some of these people back in the day had some supernatural emotional strength!

So, in Week 42 we finished up the book John and I learned something new.  I had always thought that Jesus had only appeared the disciples one day, but it turns out that Jesus appeared to them on multiple occasions.  I had just always heard about people talking about Jesus rising on the day and just assumed that after that the disciples didn't see Him again but they did.  Here's what else I learned:

1-"His brothers therefore said to Him, 'Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing.  For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly.  If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.' For even His brothers did not believe in Him." (John 7:3-5)  It's sad that not even some of Jesus' siblings believed He was the son of God!  I mean did they did that Mary and Joseph were lying about Jesus was conceived?  Just proves that blood is not always thicker than water.  At the end of the day it's easier t get strangers to believe in and support you before your own family will.  At the end of the day we don't get to choose our family like we do our friends or the people we associate with.

So, sometimes you have to either take your family as they are or keep moving as Jesus did.  Don't let their lack of support hinder your progress.  The Old Testament talked about how adversary is often times natural for within families.  That's one of the reasons why I believe God wanted us to marry.  We get to distance ourselves from that if needed and create the family and support system that we need.

2-"The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil." (John 7:7)  You know how sometimes you're sitting in church and the pastor starts preaching about something that you're guilty of doing? Stepping on your toes as most church folks refer to it.  Well, some people don't like being called out by God.  Not everybody responds well to God's criticism and reminder that we have fallen off the path of righteousness.  So, you might see that sometimes you don't see folks at church for a few Sundays until their wounded egos have healed.  And you even have those who get so angry at being told what they're doing is wrong that they start to hate God.  At the end of the day life as a Christian has rules and you're either fully in or you're completely out.

3-"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10  Jesus was sent so that we could have better lives.  God tried to give us a chance to have a perfect life, then Eve got tricked into the eating the apple.  He tried again with the Israelites and they disowned and renounced God at every turn.  Their faith was shorter than a baby's attention span.  Without Jesus coming to save us, I guarantee you nothing about our lives would be abundant except for our troubles.  There was just too much wickedness going on.

4-"If you love Me, keep My commandments. ...He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent me." (John 14:15, 24)  I've said before... love is an action.  We have somehow classified it as emotion, but at the end of the day why do we feel loved?  It's a response to someone's actions.  Likewise, you show your love through your actions.  Therefore, we can't just say we love God, we have to show Him by following the rules He's laid out before us.  Lip service does not get you into the Pearly Gates!

5-"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)  Jesus didn't let the world conform Him. Instead He changed it!  He was and will forever be the original Game Changer!  This scripture really speaks to me as I weather through my own tribulations in life.  I'm determined to not let hard times and adverse people break me.  I will continue to let my light shine and give thanks for all that is good and that all that will be greater!

Do you find it easier to get support from strangers and friends than family?  And are you a conformist or a game changer?

Week 43 Readings

10/21: Acts 5-7

10/22: Acts 8-12

10/23: Acts 13-15

10/24: Acts 16-18

10/25: Acts 19-21

10/26: Acts 22-28

10/27: Romans 1-3

Bible 365: Week 41

Monday, Monday, Monday.  The reminder of this year is moving full steam ahead.  This weekend was a weekend full of the sickness.  I got sick Friday.  Moo was playing nurse and helping me out.  Then, Saturday morning we woke up and my little nurse had a cold too.

And Sunday, JJ woke up at 6 AM with a runny nose and sneezing.  Thankfully, the Mr had to work this weekend and didn't have to be around us too much.  The last thing we need is EVERYONE to be sick.  I definitely think that this sudden drop in temperature and the chilly winds are the cause of our colds.  I've officially pulled out the fall jackets with hoods.

Now on to the Week 41 recap.  We finished up the book of Luke and started the first few chapters of the book of John.  Now, a little interesting tidbit that I found out while doing a little background research is that John was actually one Jesus' best friends.   Yes, Jesus had friends.  And I imagine that His friends played a big part in helping Him stay calm throughout His journey to cross.  Let's be real, if you had to wake up day in and day out knowing that one day was going to be your last, you'd need a friend or two to help you deal as well.  Let's talk about what else I learned in Week 41.

1-"And He said to those who sold doves, 'Take these things away!  Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" (John 2:16)  Last year, I got into a small debate on Twitter about my dislike for churches that charge for everything and are constantly selling something.  I understand that the physical building itself requires money for its upkeep and you have to pay the pastor for his/her service and maybe, even the musicians.  And if you're not making enough on tithes and offering, I can understand a little fundraiser here and there.

But there are some churches that have truly turned church into a commercial experience.  And that should not be so.  As Jesus said, the church should never get to the place where it is looked upon as a piece of merchandise in which the congregation and pastor can make money off of it.

2-"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17)   At the end of the day, Jesus was sent to us to help us make it to Heaven.  However, just like back then, in today's society a lot of us don't take advantage of the gift that has been extended to us.  We make all kinds of excuses about why we can't walk in line with God's word. We day it's too hard.  We say we're not perfect, but at the end of day an excuse is an excuse.

3-"Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner." (John 5:19)  Like father, like son.  People were getting mad at Jesus and not thinking that they were also in turn getting mad at God.  Jesus was only doing what He was sent and commanded to do. Also, we can apply this scripture to everyday life as parents.

So many of us have this do as I say and not as I do approach to raising our kids.  Then, we wonder why they continue on and do the exact opposite of what we just told them not to do.  Listen actions speak louder than words.  Even the Bible tells us that faith (words) without action is dead.  We have to be willing to lead by example and not by lip service!

4-"Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." (John 6:27)  We are such a materialistic generation.  We work to pay bills, but after the bills are paid, we want to shop, shop and shop.  The reality is that instead of constantly focusing on making more and more money to afford materialistic things, we need to be putting in overtime to feed our spirits God's word.  We need to be doing things to help others because that what Jesus was all about.

If there was someone who was hungry, He feed them.  He healed the blind.  He pulled people back from the grips of death.  Jesus was the ultimate Good Samaritan and humanitarian.   We definitely should be striving to pass this torch of giving back and being a service to others from generation to generation.

What is your favorite way to give back?  And are you more of a lip service parent or do you lead by example?

Week 42 Readings

10/14: John 7-10

1015: John 11-12

10/16: John 13-14

10/17: John 15-16

10/18: John 17-19

10/19: John 20-21

10/20: Acts 1-4

Bible 365: Week 40

Happy Monday!!  Hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  We did! Saturday, we hit up Ikea and I got lost in all the wonderfulness of looking at the bathroom setups.  Nothing like daydreaming about your dream bathroom, right?  I also got started on a blanket.  Sunday, I had a mini meltdown in Verizon because they couldn't port my 1021 photos from iPhone to my Samsung G4.  I uploaded as many pictures as I could to Flickr and Photobucket, but the kids got antsy and the Mr was getting on my nerves.

That made me get frustrated and I was like screw it.  So, out of 1021 pictures that were on my phone I think I managed to save about 200.  And I started to get pissed about it but after looking FB and Instagram, I realized that some of the most important pictures had already been saved on those sites.  Needless, to say I'm happy to be Team Droid and have a memory card to save my photos again!!  I've learned my lesson with iPhones and their wanting to milk your wallet dry by making you purchase more memory. I take way too many home photos and videos for that.

Now, let's talk about Week 40 of this Bible 365 Challenge.  Can y'all believe we have just 12 more Mondays left before this year over?!!  I'll be doing the Week 52 on Tuesday since that's the last day of the year and I will have read my reading at midnight.  So, in the Week 50 recap, I'll have to include the readings for both weeks 51 & 52 for those who will read early in the morning too.  If not, I'll also include Week 52 readings in that Monday's post and then you can just check the blog after you've read on Tuesday for the recap.

So, of course Luke was another retelling of the works of Jesus and his parables.  However, if you've been reading Matthew, Mark and Luke, you'll notice that there are some differences.  Some of the key verses are worded differently and some parables and happenings are not retold in each of these books. It's been interesting to see what Luke, Matthew and Mark each saw as important and how they documented their journey as Jesus' disciples.  And more interesting is seeing how some verses and passages below stuck out to me despite having read a similar version in Matthew and Mark.

1-"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will opened" (Luke 9-10).  A lot of times we have not because we ask not.  Sure God knows what we need, but that doesn't mean that we don't have to ask for Him for His help to get it.  Whether it be more time in the day for Bible study or an increase in pay to keep your family afloat, God is always there waiting for us ask for what we need.

2-"But He knowing their thoughts, said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls'." (Luke 11:17)  You can't make any progress if everyone is on a different page.  Jesus can't be on one page and we're on another if we're going to make it in to Heaven.  Likewise, within our homes and marriages, we should strive to be on common ground with our spouses and families.

3-"He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (Luke 11:23)  Enough said. Jesus wants us to be ride or die when it comes to our faith.  After all, we're always talking about how we're ride or die for our mates.  Doesn't He deserve an even higher level of commitment?

4-"But He said, 'More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it'." (Luke 11:28)  We all fall short, but it is possible to become more and more godly if we put forth a sincere effort.  There are different levels of blessings.  I don't know about you, but my goal in life is to unlock them all!

5-"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:7)  Does God care about us?  Of course, He does.  He cares so much about us that He's taken the time to count the hairs on our heads.

6-"Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses... Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing." (Luke:12:14, 23)  We all heard Jesse J say it's not about the money or the bling and God agrees.  Life is not about seeing who can collect the most red bottoms or fancy cars or who can eat the finest restaurants.  We are called to a purpose way more higher and of more substance than that.

7-"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." (Luke 12:48b)  We are indeed our brother's and our sister's keeper.  This is verse is exactly why I take a step back to reevaluate the messages I put out here on my blog.  I know that my blog is read by more than just myself and it is my duty to make sure that I'm not on here tearing someone else down or encouraging wrongdoing.

What are you seeking and asking God for this week?

Week 41 Readings

10/7: Luke 22
10/8: Luke 23
10/9: Luke 24
10/10: John 1-2
10/11: John 3
10/12: John 4
10/13: John 5-6