by Joyce Averils
"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it" (Colossians 3:12-14, The Message).
For the past couple of weeks I've received several spring fashion catalogues in the mail. I'm pretty sure you may have received some too. The women are "decked out" from head to toe with color-coordinated accessories. The goal of these catalogues is to encourage you think about how you might look in the advertised fashions so that you will go out and buy them.
I like to shop just as much as the next woman. However, I'm careful to remind myself that while looking my best, I must not forget to make sure that I'm well-dressed spiritually too. Clothes may wear out, go out of style or no longer fit, but a beautiful spirit will last for eternity.
Some women have personal shoppers and stylists to assist them with looking their best. As a Christian, you have access to the ultimate stylist. Colossians 3:12 says that God has already picked out a wardrobe for you. You should dress in:
Compassion
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32).
Kindness
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).
Humility
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom" (Proverbs 11:2)
Quiet Strength/Gentleness
" Let your gentleness be evident to all" (Philippians 4:5)
Discipline/Patience/Long Suffering
"A man\'s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11).
Your Heavenly Father is so awesome that He even provides you with an all-purpose garment even better than your "little black dress." The Christian woman's basic, all-purpose garment is love. No matter what else you put on, Colossians 3:1 says to wear love and you will always be one of the best dressed women in the room.
Love
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a).
My Challenge to You: As you pack away your winter clothing and replace them with your spring and summer outfits, take a look at your spiritual wardrobe. Are you wearing the wardrobe God picked out for you? Is there anything that needs to be replaced? Does your all purpose garment need a little spring cleaning? Remind yourself daily that you can be a well-dressed Christian woman.
Questions: How can we keep our focus on cultivating inner beauty? Which virtue will you go out of your way to clothe yourself with this weekend?
Showing posts with label Devotional. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devotional. Show all posts
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The Bible Helps Us To Control Our Anger
A person having difficulty controlling his anger is not a bad person. Anger against ‘wrong’ is not sin! It is no disgrace to admit we have a problem and seek outside help. Peace, and the solution to life's problems, can only be found by turning to God. There are many Bible verses that deal specifically with anger and its implications. You need to pray for strength and self control to enjoy a life of contentment and joy. You also need to pray to God to remove the darkness of anger controlling you. Choose it! "You (God) will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!" (Isaiah 26:3-4).
James 1 :
19 My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
20 Your anger can never make things right in God's sight.
21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.
Corinthians:
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful
5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
13 There are three things that will endure--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love.
Proverb:
15 - 1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
25 - 28 A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.
Ephesians 4 :
26 And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you."* Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry
27 for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Galatians 5:
22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and
desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
25 If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
26 Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
James 1 :
19 My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
20 Your anger can never make things right in God's sight.
21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.
Corinthians:
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful
5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
13 There are three things that will endure--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love.
Proverb:
15 - 1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
25 - 28 A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.
Ephesians 4 :
26 And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you."* Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry
27 for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.
32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Galatians 5:
22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and
desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
25 If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
26 Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Remember To Pray
REMEMBER to pray. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of reward. Pray believing that God will answer.
May today be all that you need it to be for today.
May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight and conquer all your fears.
May God be manifest today in ways that you have never experienced.
May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer.
May you recognize the ways in which your prayers be answered.
May faith enter a new height for you.
May the scope of your prayers ever widen.
May you step into your place within ministry for God.
May you be blessed with peace, health, happiness, and true undying love for God.
"Do not worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God" (Phillipians 4:6)
May today be all that you need it to be for today.
May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight and conquer all your fears.
May God be manifest today in ways that you have never experienced.
May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer.
May you recognize the ways in which your prayers be answered.
May faith enter a new height for you.
May the scope of your prayers ever widen.
May you step into your place within ministry for God.
May you be blessed with peace, health, happiness, and true undying love for God.
"Do not worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God" (Phillipians 4:6)
Friday, May 4, 2007
Listen To Your Words
By Gail Rodgers
Have you listened lately to the words you use when you speak to those nearest and dearest to you?
Sometimes in the hurried flurry of our day we simply overlook the way we are communicating. We excuse our hasty words and harsh tones because we are tired or stressed.
God's Word reminds us that our words are very important. We need to take responsibility for what comes out of our mouths. Listen to these wise words...
"Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18).
Our sharp words have the ability to cut the people around us. A wise woman will consider what her words are doing and will seek to communicate in a way that brings healing rather than hurt.
We know that our communication is made up of words, tone and body language.* Our words only make up about 7% of our communication.* Our tones make up 38%.* Our body language makes up the remaining 55%.
Take note today of what your communication sounds and looks like. It may surprise you. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you to be wise in your speech and gentle in your tones and body language.
The world out there is filled with sharp words of sarcasm, criticism, negativity and worry. Go against the flow and ask God to help you bring a calm and gentle spirit to your home and workplace today through the way you communicate.
Hearts all around us are hurting. You have a unique opportunity today to be a woman of wisdom in the way you communicate. With God's help bring encouragement and healing through your words, tones and body language.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the many times words spring from my mouth that are unnecessary comments of gossip, hurt or criticism. Today I ask that Your Holy Spirit will be my guide in my communication. Nudge me when I am ready to speak piercing words. Fill me with Your gentleness and compassion and remind me that my tones and body language are communicating too. Help me to take responsibility for what comes out of my mouth. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Have you listened lately to the words you use when you speak to those nearest and dearest to you?
Sometimes in the hurried flurry of our day we simply overlook the way we are communicating. We excuse our hasty words and harsh tones because we are tired or stressed.
God's Word reminds us that our words are very important. We need to take responsibility for what comes out of our mouths. Listen to these wise words...
"Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18).
Our sharp words have the ability to cut the people around us. A wise woman will consider what her words are doing and will seek to communicate in a way that brings healing rather than hurt.
We know that our communication is made up of words, tone and body language.* Our words only make up about 7% of our communication.* Our tones make up 38%.* Our body language makes up the remaining 55%.
Take note today of what your communication sounds and looks like. It may surprise you. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you to be wise in your speech and gentle in your tones and body language.
The world out there is filled with sharp words of sarcasm, criticism, negativity and worry. Go against the flow and ask God to help you bring a calm and gentle spirit to your home and workplace today through the way you communicate.
Hearts all around us are hurting. You have a unique opportunity today to be a woman of wisdom in the way you communicate. With God's help bring encouragement and healing through your words, tones and body language.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the many times words spring from my mouth that are unnecessary comments of gossip, hurt or criticism. Today I ask that Your Holy Spirit will be my guide in my communication. Nudge me when I am ready to speak piercing words. Fill me with Your gentleness and compassion and remind me that my tones and body language are communicating too. Help me to take responsibility for what comes out of my mouth. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Emotions
By Gail Rodgers
"Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Romans 8:14).
Sometimes, as believers, we can find ourselves being dragged around by our emotions rather than allowing the Spirit of God to lead us through our days.
How does one practically apply steps so as not to be caught on an emotional rollercoaster today?
* Pay attention to what is going on in your heart and mind.
* Acknowledge your emotions.
* Look at the circumstances or the reasons causing your emotion.
If there is something you can physically do to help your situation, then ask for God's help and do it. If there is nothing you can actually do about your situation, tell God you will trust Him to be your strength and your supplier. Ask Him to give you peace in your heart and direction in your steps. Every weakness you have is an opportunity for God to show His strength in your life.
Today let your emotions be a guide, or a tool, to push you back to your God and His strength in your times of weakness. Catch the downward spiral before you get caught in it. Ask His Spirit to guide you to solutions, wisdom, insight, help and strength.
If you are at the bottom of the spiral, tell God you need His help to get up. Ask for His strength to fill your weakness. If you need to talk to a trusted friend to find help and counsel in the journey, then make that call for help. God wants His children to be led by His Spirit, not dragged by their emotions.
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You are there to help me in every step I take throughout this day. I offer my emotions to You and I ask for Your help in managing them and in seeing them as a tool to help me understand what is going on in my heart. I declare that I want to be led by Your Holy Spirit and not tossed about by emotion. Give me understanding and Your help as I keep my heart and mind guarded today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
"Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" (Romans 8:14).
Sometimes, as believers, we can find ourselves being dragged around by our emotions rather than allowing the Spirit of God to lead us through our days.
How does one practically apply steps so as not to be caught on an emotional rollercoaster today?
* Pay attention to what is going on in your heart and mind.
* Acknowledge your emotions.
* Look at the circumstances or the reasons causing your emotion.
If there is something you can physically do to help your situation, then ask for God's help and do it. If there is nothing you can actually do about your situation, tell God you will trust Him to be your strength and your supplier. Ask Him to give you peace in your heart and direction in your steps. Every weakness you have is an opportunity for God to show His strength in your life.
Today let your emotions be a guide, or a tool, to push you back to your God and His strength in your times of weakness. Catch the downward spiral before you get caught in it. Ask His Spirit to guide you to solutions, wisdom, insight, help and strength.
If you are at the bottom of the spiral, tell God you need His help to get up. Ask for His strength to fill your weakness. If you need to talk to a trusted friend to find help and counsel in the journey, then make that call for help. God wants His children to be led by His Spirit, not dragged by their emotions.
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You are there to help me in every step I take throughout this day. I offer my emotions to You and I ask for Your help in managing them and in seeing them as a tool to help me understand what is going on in my heart. I declare that I want to be led by Your Holy Spirit and not tossed about by emotion. Give me understanding and Your help as I keep my heart and mind guarded today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Power Comes From Above
By Suzanne Benner
"You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above" (John 19:11).
Fear often results from a sense of being powerless or when circumstances are beyond our ability to control. Thus, we can combat fear by understanding who is in control and who has the power.
Every power and authority on earth is subject to God.
Therefore, nothing that occurred on the night Jesus was betrayed was beyond God's ability to act or without His foreknowledge.Because God was in control, Jesus didn't tremble before Pilate or feel the need to defend himself. Instead, Jesus stood in silence while the Jews accused Him of many things and the chief priests shouted, "Crucify him!"
During the night of Jesus' arrest and trial, an earthly power struggle raged. The Jews insisted that Jesus must die, but they didn't have the authority to carry out their desire. Pilate, on the other hand, had the power to invoke the death sentence, but he didn't find any basis for the charge against Jesus (John 18:38, 19:6).
Thus, Pilate falsely believed that he was in charge of the situation. "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" (John 19:10)
Pilate thought that he had the power to free Jesus or have him crucified, but Jesus knew the truth. In reality, Pilate had no power over Jesus except what God had allowed Pilate in order to accomplish His purpose.
We can trust God to accomplish His purpose in us and not be afraid, because ultimately power comes from above.
Prayer: God help me to believe that You are in control and therefore I don't need to be afraid.
"You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above" (John 19:11).
Fear often results from a sense of being powerless or when circumstances are beyond our ability to control. Thus, we can combat fear by understanding who is in control and who has the power.
Every power and authority on earth is subject to God.
Therefore, nothing that occurred on the night Jesus was betrayed was beyond God's ability to act or without His foreknowledge.Because God was in control, Jesus didn't tremble before Pilate or feel the need to defend himself. Instead, Jesus stood in silence while the Jews accused Him of many things and the chief priests shouted, "Crucify him!"
During the night of Jesus' arrest and trial, an earthly power struggle raged. The Jews insisted that Jesus must die, but they didn't have the authority to carry out their desire. Pilate, on the other hand, had the power to invoke the death sentence, but he didn't find any basis for the charge against Jesus (John 18:38, 19:6).
Thus, Pilate falsely believed that he was in charge of the situation. "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" (John 19:10)
Pilate thought that he had the power to free Jesus or have him crucified, but Jesus knew the truth. In reality, Pilate had no power over Jesus except what God had allowed Pilate in order to accomplish His purpose.
We can trust God to accomplish His purpose in us and not be afraid, because ultimately power comes from above.
Prayer: God help me to believe that You are in control and therefore I don't need to be afraid.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
The Best Relationship
By Gail Rodgers
The relationships that mean the most to us are often the ones we are hardest on.While we maintain a polite and pleasant demeanor away from home, the frustrations often come out at home where we feel safe to let off the day's steam.
Life's pressures can drive a wedge into the relationships we treasure most. It's important to be intentional about building into the people we love and care about. In order to keep the relationships you treasure at their BEST, remember these four steps.
Bless those you care about by speaking life words into their character. Pay attention and point out the character qualities that bless others. Use them to speak back blessing. By focusing on building words you will find the "warmth" factor in your relationship will grow as well. When there are things that need addressing, ask God to guide you in speaking words that will not destroy.
Encourage those you care about in their daily circumstances. Listen well to the things they have to say. Communication dries up when we don't really pay attention to what the other person is saying. We each get lost in our own cares. Listen for the feelings behind the words and seek to bring hope. Let your support be known even when the solutions are not.
Share thoughts, ideas, time and experiences. When we become too busy to share ourselves with those we love, erosion and indifference can slip in. Be intentional about sharing life together. Take time to talk and share ideas or concerns. Time to pray together and dream together won't be there unless you make it. Let those you care about know this is important to you and prioritize it.
Touch those you love in appropriate and loving ways. Touch is one of our most basic needs. Taking a hand, giving a hug, putting your hand on the arm or back can do much to convey care and warmth. In a marriage include lots of non-sexual touching as well. Often a simple touch can melt away a barrier and re-connect two people.
Strong relationships don't just happen...they are intentionally built into.
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).
The relationships that mean the most to us are often the ones we are hardest on.While we maintain a polite and pleasant demeanor away from home, the frustrations often come out at home where we feel safe to let off the day's steam.
Life's pressures can drive a wedge into the relationships we treasure most. It's important to be intentional about building into the people we love and care about. In order to keep the relationships you treasure at their BEST, remember these four steps.
Bless those you care about by speaking life words into their character. Pay attention and point out the character qualities that bless others. Use them to speak back blessing. By focusing on building words you will find the "warmth" factor in your relationship will grow as well. When there are things that need addressing, ask God to guide you in speaking words that will not destroy.
Encourage those you care about in their daily circumstances. Listen well to the things they have to say. Communication dries up when we don't really pay attention to what the other person is saying. We each get lost in our own cares. Listen for the feelings behind the words and seek to bring hope. Let your support be known even when the solutions are not.
Share thoughts, ideas, time and experiences. When we become too busy to share ourselves with those we love, erosion and indifference can slip in. Be intentional about sharing life together. Take time to talk and share ideas or concerns. Time to pray together and dream together won't be there unless you make it. Let those you care about know this is important to you and prioritize it.
Touch those you love in appropriate and loving ways. Touch is one of our most basic needs. Taking a hand, giving a hug, putting your hand on the arm or back can do much to convey care and warmth. In a marriage include lots of non-sexual touching as well. Often a simple touch can melt away a barrier and re-connect two people.
Strong relationships don't just happen...they are intentionally built into.
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Walking With One Another
"Greet one another." Romans 16:16
"Be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2
"Be kind and compassionate to one another." Ephesians 4:32
"Accept one another." Romans 15:7
"Serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13
"Encourage one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:18
"Build each other up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Don't slander one another." James 4:11
"Don't grumble against each other." James 5:9
"Forgive each other." Ephesians 4:32
"Confess your sins to each other." James 5:16
"Stop passing judgment on one another." Romans 14:13
"Be at peace with each other." Mark 9:50
"Be devoted to one another." Romans 12:10
"Carry each other's burdens." Galatians 6:2
"Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom." Colossians 3:16
"Pray for each other." James 5:16
"Spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24
"Love one another." John 13:34
"Be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2
"Be kind and compassionate to one another." Ephesians 4:32
"Accept one another." Romans 15:7
"Serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13
"Encourage one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:18
"Build each other up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Don't slander one another." James 4:11
"Don't grumble against each other." James 5:9
"Forgive each other." Ephesians 4:32
"Confess your sins to each other." James 5:16
"Stop passing judgment on one another." Romans 14:13
"Be at peace with each other." Mark 9:50
"Be devoted to one another." Romans 12:10
"Carry each other's burdens." Galatians 6:2
"Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom." Colossians 3:16
"Pray for each other." James 5:16
"Spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24
"Love one another." John 13:34
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