Thursday's Thoughts-Beauty Is Only Skin Deep?

“In our world today, beauty is highly prized. Everyone seems to be dieting to lose weight and look good. Women spend days shopping for the perfect outfit. Hours are wiled away in beauty salons. Yet their spirits sit… and sit… and sit, neglected and unadorned.”

This is an excellent point I read recently. The author goes on to say in 1Peter 3:3-6 Peter address the fact that outer beauty is not sinful but it should not be our focus. There is nothing wrong with taking pride in the way you present yourself but if all your focus is on outer beauty you are missing what is most important. Today I encourage you to sit in front of the “spiritual mirror” and look at your reflection. Make sure it is one that you are proud to stand before God with. Remember the old saying, “Pretty is as pretty does” and make sure you are spending time making your attitude beautiful by focusing on our Lord. 

-M

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”

Proverbs 31:30

Wednesday's Wisdom

"Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!" Psalm 117

It is the middle of the week, and you may be feeling bogged down with school, work, or family concerns. Take comfort in the steadfast love of the LORD. Pause to count your blessings. Let this short psalm encourage you today to take a moment to praise the LORD for his faithfulness!

 

-J

Tuesday's Task-Be Watchful

"Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." I Peter 5:8

Always be aware that Satan is out to bring you down to his level. He is diligently seeking followers. He wants your soul. He will do whatever neccessary to get it. He doesn't play nice or fair. He is a liar and a cheat. He will make sin look so good and welcoming to you until he gets you in his snares. Then you will see the truth. That sin is dark, ugly and no amount of perfume will take away the stench once you see it for what it is. That is why we have to be watchful and prayerful. Keep God's Word in your heart and at the forefront of your mind so you can resist him. In James 4:7, the Bible says to "submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."  We aren't powerless against this adversary. Far from it. But we must be watchful and guard ourselves through study, perseverance, prayer, and faithfulness.

Above all, don't get complacent! Satan is definitely out there and will strike whenever you're weakest.

-C

Monday's Musings

"For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel." Ezra 7:10

There is much that could be said about this verse, but I want to focus on the importance of studying God's Word. Studying the Bible is something that is essential for our spiritual growth. Personal Bible study is very important, and it is also beneficial to study with others. We must "set in our heart to study" as Ezra did. It is a choice we must make with determination. Bible study won't just happen without our effort and focus.

I hope that you will consider joining the Bible study that will be hosted here. Studying with one another can be a great source of insight and encouragement!

 

 

-J

Exciting Announcement!

In an effort to hold ourselves more accountable and glean lessons from each other we (the writers behind the blog) have decided to embark on a monthly Bible study together. Each month we will chose a topic or portion of the Bible to study and share our favorite passages, biggest encouragements, most difficult struggles and lessons learned from it right here. It is our hope and prayer that you will study along with us and contribute to this portion of the blog as well. We would love your input because learning from and encouraging one another is what this blog is all about!

            This month’s topic will be Philippians chapters 1-2. We will conclude this study on Thursday, August 29^th. We’re excited! We hope you are too!

Sunday's Scripture

Hosea 14:9

"Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent and he shall know them? For the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein."

Friday's Focus-Gratitude

Today, tell someone thank you. Tell your mom how much you appreciate all she does for your family. Tell your dad how thankful you are to him for being a strong male figure in your life. If you don't have a mom or dad in your life, tell your caregiver how much you care for them. Just share your gratitude to someone today. We are not islands and we do not walk this life completely alone. Someone, somewhere has helped you get to where you are right now. Don't take them for granted.

On the spiritual side, how much more has our heavenly Father done for us? Thank Him for His love, His mercy, and His grace. Without Him, we would be spiritually and literally lost.

 Psalm 136:1

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!"

 

 

I want to thank each of you for taking time to read this blog. I hope it is beneficial to all of you as we try to encourage one another!

 

-C