Hi all! hope you are enjoying your break! I also pray we enjoy Jesus over our breaks. I know during the semester I think to myself, man it will be nice when I have less restricted time to be with God, and now we have it! I hope I can better use my time than I have in the past.
So I was supper excited when Amber gave us a challenge to be in the word over break. I hope you guys take the challenge with me. It most certainly will be well spent time!
As I was reading chapter 1 of Romans I was realizing the truth of this statement. A few things that really struck me: scripture is in quotes, my thoughts in parenthesis.
"Yes they knew God, but they wouldnt worship him as God or give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God is like." (like hmm.. God would rather me spend the next three hours hanging out with my family watching football. I could spend half and hour with him since i wont have time later today, but i should be with my family) "Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools."
"They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the creator himself" (sounds a little familiar, especially this time of year when so much emphisas is put on material things as well as family. yes we should love our family but not as much as we love God. Thats hard for me sometimes.)
"They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway."
This chapter is very challenging and I think is perfect for getting me off on the right foot over break. I need to keep things in perspective through God's eyes, not through my own, my families, friends and certianly not through societies eyes.
Love you girls. hope you experience God in amazing ways this month!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
M.I.A. !!
Hey Ladies! What a wonderful few weeks it has been =]. I hope that you all are experiencing growth and encouragement in Christ daily - thank you for doing this walk together!
As you all know, this is Encounter's week of 24/7 prayer. The campus house is open every hour of every day until midnight next monday (November 7th). Prayer is such a beautiful way to invite Christ into your heart daily, I hope that this week (and God working through this week) can impact you! Feel free to go to the campus house any hour. Also, there will be midnight worship at the campus house every night through next monday.
IMPORTANT FOR SMALL GROUP:
-This week we will meet at the campus house. It is 24/7 prayer, so we will be meeting amidst the prayers around us =].
-I will be at the campus house from 5-7 tomorrow, and I would love to pray with all of you! Come if you have a free moment!
-Who wants to get dinner with me at 7? =]
-Small Group will meet as usual at 8:00. Bring your Romans 1 bags! Can't wait to hear what God brought to your attention this week!
In HIS Grip..
As you all know, this is Encounter's week of 24/7 prayer. The campus house is open every hour of every day until midnight next monday (November 7th). Prayer is such a beautiful way to invite Christ into your heart daily, I hope that this week (and God working through this week) can impact you! Feel free to go to the campus house any hour. Also, there will be midnight worship at the campus house every night through next monday.
IMPORTANT FOR SMALL GROUP:
-This week we will meet at the campus house. It is 24/7 prayer, so we will be meeting amidst the prayers around us =].
-I will be at the campus house from 5-7 tomorrow, and I would love to pray with all of you! Come if you have a free moment!
-Who wants to get dinner with me at 7? =]
-Small Group will meet as usual at 8:00. Bring your Romans 1 bags! Can't wait to hear what God brought to your attention this week!
In HIS Grip..
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
My Favorite Scripture
Hey girls!! I just wanted to share with all of you my favorite piece of scripture. It really made me come into check with where I was in my walk with God a few years ago, and has been really special to me ever since.
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Love you girls!! I hope this really resonates with some of you :) See you all tomorrow!!
Monday, October 17, 2011
wednesday bonfire!
Hey girls, I know not everyone gets a chance to check this so I posted on facebook too.
What all are you guys thinking of bringing on wedesday night for our bonfire? (By the way I am pumped. There was a bonfire here the other night and it got me so excited for ours!)
I will have things for smores and a main dish. Any suggestions?
Also if you guys need to use the kitchen to bake or cook anything feel free to come over early! I will be home after 1pm so you can stop by anytime after that. My number is 309-712-6056
love you girls! Have an awesome first half of the week!
What all are you guys thinking of bringing on wedesday night for our bonfire? (By the way I am pumped. There was a bonfire here the other night and it got me so excited for ours!)
I will have things for smores and a main dish. Any suggestions?
Also if you guys need to use the kitchen to bake or cook anything feel free to come over early! I will be home after 1pm so you can stop by anytime after that. My number is 309-712-6056
love you girls! Have an awesome first half of the week!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
The Proverbs 31 Woman
Proverbs 31:25-31
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Michelle brought up this scripture last night at group - and I think it is a great re-focus-er! Look at how she is described: clothed with dignity and strength (vs.25), faithful and wise (vs. 26), she is BUSY -but faithful! (vs.27). Then, look at the wisdom offered at the end - a woman who FEARS the LORD is to be praised (vs.30), and the goal is for her busy works to bring praise to the city - or, GOD! (vs. 31).
So, Women, Where is your focus today? Are you taking on this description? YOU can be the Proverbs 31 woman that God wants you to be, just seek him today in your actions and busyness =].
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Michelle brought up this scripture last night at group - and I think it is a great re-focus-er! Look at how she is described: clothed with dignity and strength (vs.25), faithful and wise (vs. 26), she is BUSY -but faithful! (vs.27). Then, look at the wisdom offered at the end - a woman who FEARS the LORD is to be praised (vs.30), and the goal is for her busy works to bring praise to the city - or, GOD! (vs. 31).
So, Women, Where is your focus today? Are you taking on this description? YOU can be the Proverbs 31 woman that God wants you to be, just seek him today in your actions and busyness =].
Let WISDOM (Christ's Wisdom!) Win today!
Dear W.A.G.H. - you are great. No, really, I mean it. I walk away encourage every Wednesday from small group - and I have each of you to thank for that. Community is a beautiful thing, and I love seeing us grow into one. Thank you for having hearts not only for Christ, but also for each other. Keep striving after HIM, and he will guide and direct you =].
Just some thoughts from last night...
Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
and making their treasuries full.
32 “Now then, my children, listen to me;
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not disregard it.
34 Blessed are those who listen to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
35 For those who find me find life
and receive favor from the LORD.
36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
all who hate me love death.”
I would encourage you to read Proverbs 8, specifically the sections here that talk about wisdom. At group we talked about following God's direction instead of rejecting it for our own - what does Proverbs 8 say about listening to God's wisdom? Look at the contrast between people described as wicked and righteous, what separates them? And finally, in vs. 32-36, what happens to those that follow the Wisdom of God and those that do not? To me, this is a HUGE wake up call.
Just some thoughts from last night...
Proverbs 8 (1-8, 17-21, 32-36)
Wisdom’s Call
1 Does not wisdom call out?Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way,
where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gate leading into the city,
at the entrance, she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.
5 You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me.
18 With me are riches and honor,
enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;
what I yield surpasses choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
and making their treasuries full.
32 “Now then, my children, listen to me;
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not disregard it.
34 Blessed are those who listen to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
35 For those who find me find life
and receive favor from the LORD.
36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
all who hate me love death.”
I would encourage you to read Proverbs 8, specifically the sections here that talk about wisdom. At group we talked about following God's direction instead of rejecting it for our own - what does Proverbs 8 say about listening to God's wisdom? Look at the contrast between people described as wicked and righteous, what separates them? And finally, in vs. 32-36, what happens to those that follow the Wisdom of God and those that do not? To me, this is a HUGE wake up call.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Please Be My Strength
Beautiful. True.
Take some time this weekend to reflect on JESUS. He alone gives you what you need each day, thank Him for it, praise Him for it! Have a blessed weekend, ladies!
Take some time this weekend to reflect on JESUS. He alone gives you what you need each day, thank Him for it, praise Him for it! Have a blessed weekend, ladies!
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