Hi girls!
Would you all be so kind as to give me your addresses? I would love the opportunity for snail mail correspondence with you in the future!! :)
If you don't feel comfortable putting them on the blog, you can Facebook them to me or email me (p31caits_87@hotmail.com).
Thank you so much!
God's blessings on your day! Pete and I are going to a Seminary Christmas concert this afternoon and I'm so looking forward to the beautiful praises to God we'll be able to hear!
Love to you all,
Cait
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
1 John 5:20-21
It is bittersweet to come to the last bite of 1 John. Bitter because I want it to continue – this slow meditating and reading through your Spirit-filled reflections, this learning and growing together. Sweet because it is another book we now know a little more fully, and there are so many more to study!
The opening words of verse 20 called me back to the underlying theme of Advent – preparing our hearts for the coming of the Babe in Bethlehem (and also for his second coming, soon!). We know that the Son of God has come. He has come, he has saved us! And our hearts cry out with Paul – I want to know Christ (Philippians 3). And we only know Jesus better as we read and mull over His Word, as the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith and increases our understanding of Him who is true.
What is truth, Pilate scoffed. The world would tell us truth is different for each one of us. But there is only one Way, one Truth, one Life. And that’s Jesus. Why would we turn to anyone else? Why do we bow down to idols?
My prayer for all of you lovely girls is that you continue to grow in grace and know Christ better and better. He is eternal life! Thank you for being such a blessing to me.
Love, Kerry
The opening words of verse 20 called me back to the underlying theme of Advent – preparing our hearts for the coming of the Babe in Bethlehem (and also for his second coming, soon!). We know that the Son of God has come. He has come, he has saved us! And our hearts cry out with Paul – I want to know Christ (Philippians 3). And we only know Jesus better as we read and mull over His Word, as the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith and increases our understanding of Him who is true.
What is truth, Pilate scoffed. The world would tell us truth is different for each one of us. But there is only one Way, one Truth, one Life. And that’s Jesus. Why would we turn to anyone else? Why do we bow down to idols?
My prayer for all of you lovely girls is that you continue to grow in grace and know Christ better and better. He is eternal life! Thank you for being such a blessing to me.
Love, Kerry
Friday, December 9, 2011
1 John 5:13-21 & Conclusions
Good morning lovely ladies! For the last time until our next session, right? :) I've been reading these verses of wrap-up for 1 John this week and studying my commentary too and honestly, the closing remarks in my commentary were so stunning I thought I just must share the pages. 2 and a 1/2 pages of wonderful Christian application were 2 and a 1/2 pages too many to type out, so I scanned them and uploaded them below! If you have the time to read them and ponder, the simplest way is to right-click on each image and "Save Image As" to your computer, where you should be able to enlarge each image to a readable size. (Sorry I couldn't figure out how to do it here!) I highly recommend the extra moments spent doing this. God gives some Christians such a way with words like so many of you girls, to encourage and inspire other Christians to a closer walk with the Lord. (This commentary has been close to my heart for a few years now and I am always thankful for the extra wisdom found within!)
I thought the way John finished this first book by God's direction was so tough and tender at once, and definitely left a mark on the how I will see this book of the Bible in the future (much like how our previous James study did too!). I really enjoyed getting to know all of you better through this and although towards the end here it was difficult to complete my daily postings, I am thankful for the growth this study has provided us! Both relational and spiritual growth! God has been faithful to teach me where I especially need to learn more, and I feel that I have been pruned (sometimes too much it seemed!). But his grace is boundless for our insufficiency and he carries us always through both hills and valleys.
 |
| Pg 577 Kretzmann |
 |
| Pg 578 Kretzmann |
 |
| Pg 579 Kretzmann |
You all have been a blessing to me and I pray we all continue in our personal daily walks with God and be open to his lessons and his graces.
Keep in touch all (Facebook!) :)
Love in Him,
Cait
Thursday, December 8, 2011
1 John 5:18-19
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
It is so scary sometimes to think about the world being under Satan’s control. My mind goes to the obvious – unborn babies being massacred, wars tearing families apart, film and magazine industries idolizing money, sex and fame while ridiculing our humble Savior. But there is also the subtle – the relying on self to get things accomplished, the bowing before our idols of pride and appreciation, the slow numbing of our consciences as we are bombarded day in and day out.
But thank God – Satan is on a leash. The world may think it can mock the Lord and throw off his chains (Psalm 2) but God’s plan alone will prevail. Satan roars and tears at our souls but Jesus won’t let him snatch us. We’re safe in the hands of our Shepherd.
It is so scary sometimes to think about the world being under Satan’s control. My mind goes to the obvious – unborn babies being massacred, wars tearing families apart, film and magazine industries idolizing money, sex and fame while ridiculing our humble Savior. But there is also the subtle – the relying on self to get things accomplished, the bowing before our idols of pride and appreciation, the slow numbing of our consciences as we are bombarded day in and day out.
But thank God – Satan is on a leash. The world may think it can mock the Lord and throw off his chains (Psalm 2) but God’s plan alone will prevail. Satan roars and tears at our souls but Jesus won’t let him snatch us. We’re safe in the hands of our Shepherd.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
1 John 5:16-17
The wages of sin is death, and yet “there is sin that does not lead to death”. Thanks be to God, our sins are covered and paid for in Jesus! I need the reminder so often. Here are some passages I’ve found. I should probably write them on the walls of my house until they are engraved in my heart.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; thought they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and remembers you sins no more.” (Isaiah 43:25)
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:18-19)
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
“The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
Love you girls!
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; thought they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and remembers you sins no more.” (Isaiah 43:25)
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:18-19)
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
“The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
Love you girls!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
1 John 5:6-12
Hi ladies!
Praise God that we have all the evidence we need to trust that Jesus is our Savior and was truly both God and Man at once while he was on earth. We have confidence in the Lord because of all the work the Holy Spirit does in our hearts. It's so amazing to me how our entire life of faith, living and dying, is all under the control of an incredibly merciful and gracious God. He chose us. If he did all that VERY IMPORTANT work, we can be assured that he cares more than enough to work our lives out according to an equally beautiful plan.
I hope you are all having a great weekend!
Love to you, and blessings to you in our Lord,
~Cait
Praise God that we have all the evidence we need to trust that Jesus is our Savior and was truly both God and Man at once while he was on earth. We have confidence in the Lord because of all the work the Holy Spirit does in our hearts. It's so amazing to me how our entire life of faith, living and dying, is all under the control of an incredibly merciful and gracious God. He chose us. If he did all that VERY IMPORTANT work, we can be assured that he cares more than enough to work our lives out according to an equally beautiful plan.
I hope you are all having a great weekend!
Love to you, and blessings to you in our Lord,
~Cait
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
1 John 5:3-5
Kerry really had some great words for these verses. I agree with her that it seems (to our sinful nature!) that God's laws are MORE than burdensome; but thankfully it is not the case. Truly, God enables us by faith to have the desire and strength to follow his commands and to find them somehow easy and light and we are joyful to follow them! It's not always this way, when we let the world or our sinful nature guide us, but when we come back in repentance to our Lord and ask for him to realign our heart and our purposes with him, we overflow with power from the Holy Spirit. It is really amazing. I so want to stay and live in the light so as to keep this power from Christ to follow him!! :)
We overcome through faith (vs. 4-5). Initially we did, when we were baptized and believed, and we do always daily overcome through the war we wage in Christian living, by the grace of God! My NIV footnotes did a great job of explaining these verses. What a great pick-me-up, encouraging, empowering section of Scripture in these few verses! John drills into us over and over what we ought to do as Christians, namely love God and others, and we can get to a point where we wonder if we can do it, WHY we should do it when it's rarely easy and there's so much sin in the world. Here he gives us the how and why. He reminds us we already have what we need to serve the Lord with our lives. Christ did not just save us and then leave us to our own efforts. How thankful I am for that!! God knew we would daily and always NEED him by our side to empower and encourage our walk, to give it purpose.
We're getting to the end of our study session, many of you are nearing the end of a semester (excited for you!!) and all of us have probably struggled with sickness of some sort, schedule overload at work or home, and worldly stress from the holidays. Today the Lord encourages us, and refreshes us with helping us to realign our priorities, and rest on him if we are weary or discouraged. "I can do ALL things through him who gives me strength!" (Phil. 4:13)
Love you girls,
~Cait
We overcome through faith (vs. 4-5). Initially we did, when we were baptized and believed, and we do always daily overcome through the war we wage in Christian living, by the grace of God! My NIV footnotes did a great job of explaining these verses. What a great pick-me-up, encouraging, empowering section of Scripture in these few verses! John drills into us over and over what we ought to do as Christians, namely love God and others, and we can get to a point where we wonder if we can do it, WHY we should do it when it's rarely easy and there's so much sin in the world. Here he gives us the how and why. He reminds us we already have what we need to serve the Lord with our lives. Christ did not just save us and then leave us to our own efforts. How thankful I am for that!! God knew we would daily and always NEED him by our side to empower and encourage our walk, to give it purpose.
We're getting to the end of our study session, many of you are nearing the end of a semester (excited for you!!) and all of us have probably struggled with sickness of some sort, schedule overload at work or home, and worldly stress from the holidays. Today the Lord encourages us, and refreshes us with helping us to realign our priorities, and rest on him if we are weary or discouraged. "I can do ALL things through him who gives me strength!" (Phil. 4:13)
Love you girls,
~Cait
Monday, November 28, 2011
1 John 5:1-15
I got a little behind again, but I would still like to highlight a few portions from chapter 5 that have captured my attention.
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” (1) Everyone who believes this has his or her faith placed correctly. I found it especially comforting to remember that people from every nation, tribe and language will enjoy life everlasting in heaven, regardless of the denomination to which they belong. Of course, God commands us to watch our life and doctrine closely, and we want to understand and teach his Word clearly and correctly. We want to run far away from any distortion of God’s truth. Not all denominations profess the truth as God reveals it in his Word. But despite our human flaws and errors, the Spirit is still working faith in hearts worldwide, a faith that proclaims that Jesus is the Christ. He is the one thing needful.
“And his commands are not burdensome” (3) My sinful nature just balks at this one. Not burdensome? Ha! If only I could do what I wanted, instead of being constantly weighed down by these oppressive laws. But the Holy Spirit drives me back to the words of Psalm 119:24 (though the entire psalm is packed with similar acclamations of love for God’s law) – Your statues are my delight; they are my counselors. And I do love the law; I love that it drives me despairing back to the cross to cling only to my Jesus.
“Who is it that has overcome the world? Only (s)he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (5) Take that, world! The troubles, cares and pleasures in which you revel cannot suck us in. We women have already overcome in Christ. We are no longer chained to material goods or earthly successes or man’s opinion. The truth has set us free to truly live for Him who died for us.
“We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater…” (9) I liked this verse because it reminds me of how we believe, though we have not seen. With our limited human understanding, not everything the Bible proclaims makes sense. And we don’t fret about it – because God’s testimony is greater than our reason. We simply believe because the Spirit enables us.
“If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (14) Glorious, glorious comfort. He hears me when I cry out to him. And when I ask those things which are a part of his will (a heart to love his people better, patience, stronger faith, forgiveness) his answer is yes! Though sometimes he gives us what we ask through trials, so be careful what you pray for… :)
Keep asking for all those godly gifts! Your Father delights to give them to you.
Enjoy these final days of November and the beginning of the Advent season.
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” (1) Everyone who believes this has his or her faith placed correctly. I found it especially comforting to remember that people from every nation, tribe and language will enjoy life everlasting in heaven, regardless of the denomination to which they belong. Of course, God commands us to watch our life and doctrine closely, and we want to understand and teach his Word clearly and correctly. We want to run far away from any distortion of God’s truth. Not all denominations profess the truth as God reveals it in his Word. But despite our human flaws and errors, the Spirit is still working faith in hearts worldwide, a faith that proclaims that Jesus is the Christ. He is the one thing needful.
“And his commands are not burdensome” (3) My sinful nature just balks at this one. Not burdensome? Ha! If only I could do what I wanted, instead of being constantly weighed down by these oppressive laws. But the Holy Spirit drives me back to the words of Psalm 119:24 (though the entire psalm is packed with similar acclamations of love for God’s law) – Your statues are my delight; they are my counselors. And I do love the law; I love that it drives me despairing back to the cross to cling only to my Jesus.
“Who is it that has overcome the world? Only (s)he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (5) Take that, world! The troubles, cares and pleasures in which you revel cannot suck us in. We women have already overcome in Christ. We are no longer chained to material goods or earthly successes or man’s opinion. The truth has set us free to truly live for Him who died for us.
“We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater…” (9) I liked this verse because it reminds me of how we believe, though we have not seen. With our limited human understanding, not everything the Bible proclaims makes sense. And we don’t fret about it – because God’s testimony is greater than our reason. We simply believe because the Spirit enables us.
“If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (14) Glorious, glorious comfort. He hears me when I cry out to him. And when I ask those things which are a part of his will (a heart to love his people better, patience, stronger faith, forgiveness) his answer is yes! Though sometimes he gives us what we ask through trials, so be careful what you pray for… :)
Keep asking for all those godly gifts! Your Father delights to give them to you.
Enjoy these final days of November and the beginning of the Advent season.
1 John 5: 1-2
Good morning! :)
Chapter 5 in 1 John in my Bible is titled Faith in the Son of God. I am once again urged by the Lord to remember the indisputable link between faith and love toward God and other Christians. John also talks about how great an evidence it is of being a true Christian when we believe Jesus is the Christ that came down from his Father in heaven and died for our sins. I find it hard to imagine that some believe in GOD, but not in JESUS. It would be an entirely different faith, a sad and emptier faith without belief and love for Jesus as much as God the Father. I can't understand those that don't believe Christ is who he is and did what he did, but I do know that it's a gracious and undeserving gift - a mystery - how the Holy Spirit creates and keeps the faith in our hearts that is able to believe in Jesus as the Triune God. It's important we pray for and watch for witness opportunities to reach out with the truth in love to those that don't know Jesus as God, and don't appreciate what He did out of great love for them. They need enlightenment by the Holy Spirit, something we should never take for granted!
So, this week, as I go back to work and out into the world for my varying obligations and activities, I pray to remember these lines from John's letter, coming back to us again and again, about loving others and God with our lives. It must be concrete evidence, not just talk, which is hard sometimes and I know I am guilty of that. We CAN live like this, by the power of God in our hearts, an amazing power that He sees us worthy to take part in. We are blessed! And so equipped to do what he asks and inspires us to do!
Lots of love to you all :)
Cait
Chapter 5 in 1 John in my Bible is titled Faith in the Son of God. I am once again urged by the Lord to remember the indisputable link between faith and love toward God and other Christians. John also talks about how great an evidence it is of being a true Christian when we believe Jesus is the Christ that came down from his Father in heaven and died for our sins. I find it hard to imagine that some believe in GOD, but not in JESUS. It would be an entirely different faith, a sad and emptier faith without belief and love for Jesus as much as God the Father. I can't understand those that don't believe Christ is who he is and did what he did, but I do know that it's a gracious and undeserving gift - a mystery - how the Holy Spirit creates and keeps the faith in our hearts that is able to believe in Jesus as the Triune God. It's important we pray for and watch for witness opportunities to reach out with the truth in love to those that don't know Jesus as God, and don't appreciate what He did out of great love for them. They need enlightenment by the Holy Spirit, something we should never take for granted!
So, this week, as I go back to work and out into the world for my varying obligations and activities, I pray to remember these lines from John's letter, coming back to us again and again, about loving others and God with our lives. It must be concrete evidence, not just talk, which is hard sometimes and I know I am guilty of that. We CAN live like this, by the power of God in our hearts, an amazing power that He sees us worthy to take part in. We are blessed! And so equipped to do what he asks and inspires us to do!
Lots of love to you all :)
Cait
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Little Note
Hi gals!
The husband and I just got home a bit ago from family visits for Thanksgiving in MN and northwestern WI - we left on Tuesday and drove home today after church. It was a *long* time away, in a good way, in the way that home feels delectable, our own bed, and a kitchen and bathroom :) I'm sure you all can understand that! But we have so much to feel and BE thankful for, to remember how blessed we are. I always think of that when I come home after being away - coming back to see all the earthly blessings the Lord has given in His grace. We have what we need and a whole lot more.
He will provide even when we don't see what's around the corner.
I just wanted to pop in since I missed out on this whole week of study, and say that I might just pick up where I left off tomorrow instead of trying to play "catch up". I figured all of us were probably on Thanksgiving break this week, so maybe we'll all still be on the same page? If not, that's fine too :) Because we're already only a couple short weeks away from the end of 1 John! I am praying that the Lord would instill in us all a hunger for Him as we finish, and the quiet fortitude to finish the commitment we made, and to savor. all. the. words. because they are LIFE to us.
As the days get busier with Christmas just zipping our way so fast, I want to savor the moments I have with God in his word and prayer. Keep the quiet times if nothing else can fit into the day. It's most important.
Love you all! I truly hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are able to feel refreshed for a new week back at it! :)
And if we all could say a prayer for Jessica to feel better, that would be wonderful (she is my little brother's girlfriend, and I and my family just absolutely ADORE her, and the poor thing was sick over Thanksgiving - but she was such a trooper! In such good spirits! Jess - you radiate the joy of the Lord! Your influence is contagious - in a good way! haha)
The husband and I just got home a bit ago from family visits for Thanksgiving in MN and northwestern WI - we left on Tuesday and drove home today after church. It was a *long* time away, in a good way, in the way that home feels delectable, our own bed, and a kitchen and bathroom :) I'm sure you all can understand that! But we have so much to feel and BE thankful for, to remember how blessed we are. I always think of that when I come home after being away - coming back to see all the earthly blessings the Lord has given in His grace. We have what we need and a whole lot more.
He will provide even when we don't see what's around the corner.
I just wanted to pop in since I missed out on this whole week of study, and say that I might just pick up where I left off tomorrow instead of trying to play "catch up". I figured all of us were probably on Thanksgiving break this week, so maybe we'll all still be on the same page? If not, that's fine too :) Because we're already only a couple short weeks away from the end of 1 John! I am praying that the Lord would instill in us all a hunger for Him as we finish, and the quiet fortitude to finish the commitment we made, and to savor. all. the. words. because they are LIFE to us.
As the days get busier with Christmas just zipping our way so fast, I want to savor the moments I have with God in his word and prayer. Keep the quiet times if nothing else can fit into the day. It's most important.
Love you all! I truly hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are able to feel refreshed for a new week back at it! :)
And if we all could say a prayer for Jessica to feel better, that would be wonderful (she is my little brother's girlfriend, and I and my family just absolutely ADORE her, and the poor thing was sick over Thanksgiving - but she was such a trooper! In such good spirits! Jess - you radiate the joy of the Lord! Your influence is contagious - in a good way! haha)
Monday, November 21, 2011
1 John 4:17-21
“Perfect love drives out fear” (v.18) – I don’t know about you gals, but I get attacked by fears on an all-too-regular basis. These qualms about our financial well-being, health, relationships, and eternal status haunt us, just like the devil wants.
But God can expel all these petty fears from our trembling hearts with the breath of His Word. His love for us is perfect. His promises will not fail, for God cannot lie.
And so, when we find ourselves subject again to fear, whip out God’s Word and apply those promises to yourself.
God, I’m afraid we won’t meet our budget this month. But you have said, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” (Psalm 23)
I’m scared of the cancer attacking my loved one, God. But you have said, “Neither death nor life…nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8)
What if I won’t be a good husband/wife/parent/teacher, God? But you have said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12)
Lord, sometimes I’m scared I won’t go to heaven. But you have said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16)
And in all these things, we cry out with the father from Scripture – Lord, I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief.
He is faithful.
But God can expel all these petty fears from our trembling hearts with the breath of His Word. His love for us is perfect. His promises will not fail, for God cannot lie.
And so, when we find ourselves subject again to fear, whip out God’s Word and apply those promises to yourself.
God, I’m afraid we won’t meet our budget this month. But you have said, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” (Psalm 23)
I’m scared of the cancer attacking my loved one, God. But you have said, “Neither death nor life…nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8)
What if I won’t be a good husband/wife/parent/teacher, God? But you have said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12)
Lord, sometimes I’m scared I won’t go to heaven. But you have said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16)
And in all these things, we cry out with the father from Scripture – Lord, I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief.
He is faithful.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Thanksgiving Thoughts
Please don’t give to meWealth or povertyBut God, I ask only for
EnoughO EnoughGod, onlyJust enough
Rain more than this day’s breadAnd I may say I’m God insteadBut take all my crumbs awayAnd I may rob and wound your nameSo please give just enough
1 John 4:11-21
What I'm thinking about from this week's study:
- God loves us, so we want to love him and others! (His love inspires us!)
- Love lets us "see God" wherever faith-love is put in action (vs. 12)
- God's love reaches full and beautiful expression when we love fellow Christians
- We have part of God's life and power through the Holy Spirit living in our hearts. Wow. I need to remember this more often!!
- We can rely on God's love for us - he promises us boundless mercy and goodness to anyone who believes in Him. Even when we can't understand our circumstances, we can know and RELY on Him to keep his promises. He loves us that much.
- There is no fear in love - no dread of wrath or eternal death because we know all our sins are forgiven and we are loved! Even though we are still in this world, God gives us enjoyment of sharing in Christ's glory through faith. Eyes of faith will see the glory he gives.
- Pray and fight for true faith, because it is inevitably followed by cheerful trust and godly confidence.
After a week of study so focused on loving the Lord and others, being motivated by faith, it's impossible not to be notably more aware of when and where we fall short. But to let our imperfections have the last word is not to have gratitude for grace and the loving Father who freely gives it. I pray that through all the lessons we learned this week and will no doubt learn again, that you all have peace that He is sufficient for you. It's a never-ending battle; He is always teaching us.
Seek Him first, his Words, his Body and Blood, his Love. In doing so, I know that he will equip us to extend hands and feet in loving-kindness and service to others. He will give us desires to do so some days, other days, we will just have the truth that it's what we are called to do even when we don't feel like it. The Holy Spirit will move us through the faith He's worked.
I pray that we would all let God use us in love for his amazing purposes. He knows our hearts and our desires. I am thankful for a God who chose me, who chose you ladies, for His work in the everyday, in the not always exciting or glorious lives we may live. But I am thankful he gives us eyes to see his glories in big and little ways around us, and the faith to work out the joy and love we have for him.
Love to you all, and have a marvelous weekend! :-)
Cait
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
1 John 4:7-16
Hello dear sisters!
Here are a few of my reflections on these verses:
"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." I remember reading in one of those 365-day reusable Christian calendars the following phrase - Remember that men judge your Lord by you. As we go about our daily lives, our reactions to unexpected circumstances and simply the way in which we treat those we run into - all of this is our unspoken witness, telling others about what kind of a God we have. Oh, that He would help us to reflect Him rightly!
"God is love." It's easy to acknowledge this when life is rolling smoothly. But when the car breaks down during a financially tough time or we get sick and the projects keep mounting up...it is much more difficult to recognize God's loving hand in permitting these trials. And yet ALL that he sends us is to strengthen us, or to draw us closer to Him, or to equip us to comfort others (or all of the above :)). Until heaven, we simply keep trusting Him and that amazing love that wouldn't spare His own Son. We can assure one another in tough times - our God does all things well!
Here are a few of my reflections on these verses:
"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." I remember reading in one of those 365-day reusable Christian calendars the following phrase - Remember that men judge your Lord by you. As we go about our daily lives, our reactions to unexpected circumstances and simply the way in which we treat those we run into - all of this is our unspoken witness, telling others about what kind of a God we have. Oh, that He would help us to reflect Him rightly!
"God is love." It's easy to acknowledge this when life is rolling smoothly. But when the car breaks down during a financially tough time or we get sick and the projects keep mounting up...it is much more difficult to recognize God's loving hand in permitting these trials. And yet ALL that he sends us is to strengthen us, or to draw us closer to Him, or to equip us to comfort others (or all of the above :)). Until heaven, we simply keep trusting Him and that amazing love that wouldn't spare His own Son. We can assure one another in tough times - our God does all things well!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Beautiful!!
One more video. This is amazing. My heart longs to do something like this even for a day. What a great and sincere example of living a life of love and service to God and our neighbor. Enjoy :) (It's a tear-jerker!)
1 John 4:1-6 - Greater Is He That Is In You
I don't know about the rest of you, but I really gain a lot from some of the Reflections videos posted at the original Good Morning Girls site. This one is from Week 8, last week, regarding verse 4 that I really love. :) It IS truly amazing how great and loving our God is! We are so blessed that we are his! Listen to this great Old Testament Bible story. It's awesome.
I John 4:4-10 Catch Up
7 verses about the power we have through Christ and again the unmistakable link between faith and a life of love..
I love verse 4. It's always been a reminder verse to me of what's really going on. The devil and all temptations are real and strong in the world and always waging on our hearts, but God who lives in our hearts is stronger than all of it! He permits his power to assist us in our weakness, making our faith real and strong against all of it! It's never a losing battle, ultimately, "through Christ who is our strength" (Philippians 4:13). It's so encouraging to know that whatever hardship, or hatred, misunderstanding or temptation we face at any given time is not too much for us because we have God backing us up. He is aware of all of it and always guiding and helping us to maneuver around or through it. He won't ever give us more than he knows we can handle, as hard as that is to believe sometimes!
God will always overcome Satan and his helpers in the end. Hallelujah, right!? :)
Some other focus points I got from this section:
-We can't expect the world to understand us or listen to us and like us. If truth and Biblical principals aren't popular in our world, then we who live by such truth and principals won't be popular either. It's one of those "you probably can't have it both ways" things. It's the life of a Christian. Unpopular, hard sometimes, but peaceful. We know we're on the right side, the eternal side..
-Love - faith - God: linked, always, only. One can't stand apart from the other in our lives, they all naturally flow into each other. "They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love..." Remember that song? :)
-The best and most perfect example of how to love is and always will be God sending Jesus for us. He sent him from perfect blissful heaven to sin-sick, lonely, cold earth to save those that were indifferent to him (that's us!) and didn't love him back. It's indescribable and impossible to comprehend, but we want to remember & appreciate it - and often.
What a beautiful portion of Scripture ladies! I know I played catch up and read a few days' worth at once, but I hope you were/are able to spend some quiet moments on these verses also. They are comfort and guidance and glimmers of hope in the midst of busy schedules, stress, misunderstanding and sickness.
Through our Lord, everything is righted. I pray you all enjoy the newness of another week and take today as a fresh opportunity to love him with your lives and shine His light!
Love to you all,
~Cait
I love verse 4. It's always been a reminder verse to me of what's really going on. The devil and all temptations are real and strong in the world and always waging on our hearts, but God who lives in our hearts is stronger than all of it! He permits his power to assist us in our weakness, making our faith real and strong against all of it! It's never a losing battle, ultimately, "through Christ who is our strength" (Philippians 4:13). It's so encouraging to know that whatever hardship, or hatred, misunderstanding or temptation we face at any given time is not too much for us because we have God backing us up. He is aware of all of it and always guiding and helping us to maneuver around or through it. He won't ever give us more than he knows we can handle, as hard as that is to believe sometimes!
God will always overcome Satan and his helpers in the end. Hallelujah, right!? :)
Some other focus points I got from this section:
-We can't expect the world to understand us or listen to us and like us. If truth and Biblical principals aren't popular in our world, then we who live by such truth and principals won't be popular either. It's one of those "you probably can't have it both ways" things. It's the life of a Christian. Unpopular, hard sometimes, but peaceful. We know we're on the right side, the eternal side..
-Love - faith - God: linked, always, only. One can't stand apart from the other in our lives, they all naturally flow into each other. "They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love..." Remember that song? :)
-The best and most perfect example of how to love is and always will be God sending Jesus for us. He sent him from perfect blissful heaven to sin-sick, lonely, cold earth to save those that were indifferent to him (that's us!) and didn't love him back. It's indescribable and impossible to comprehend, but we want to remember & appreciate it - and often.
What a beautiful portion of Scripture ladies! I know I played catch up and read a few days' worth at once, but I hope you were/are able to spend some quiet moments on these verses also. They are comfort and guidance and glimmers of hope in the midst of busy schedules, stress, misunderstanding and sickness.
Through our Lord, everything is righted. I pray you all enjoy the newness of another week and take today as a fresh opportunity to love him with your lives and shine His light!
Love to you all,
~Cait
Friday, November 11, 2011
1 John 4:4-6
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
First and foremost, I am ultimately comforted knowing in Christ all false prophets, antichrists, and the devil himself find their defeat. If God is with us, who can be against us? We have nothing left to fear.
On a practical note, I was pondering how we can ensure we are listening to the right Voice in our the midst of our daily living and moving. The answer is really to know God better, to know Him so well that all other voices clang false in our ears. To be like the Bereans, examining the Scriptures every day. His Word is the only Truth in this world.
God bless your weekends, dear girls!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
1 John 4:2-3
Good morning women of God! :)
How we can test those who teach, preach, and minister in our lives:
If they believe Jesus came as a real man, in flesh to live and die for our sins.
If they believe Jesus is the only way of salvation, and that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves.
Any other core beliefs or claims other than those are sure signs that those men/women are not truly Christ-followers. It is hard, but necessary, to understand that there is a real possibility more and more these days that we may find this to be the case. The devil and his workers are always more numerous and we can't be too naive to think they will all stay out of our circles forever.
This reading today reminds me why exactly we read the Creeds at church most Sundays - it helps us remember what EXACTLY we believe in a world filled with so much grey space of "anything goes" and a "little bit of this, little bit of that" kind of Christians. Next time we recite one of the Creeds in a church service, I am making a point to really think through each line - and be thankful Christ has worked the faith in me to believe those statements without a hint of a doubt.
We can do nothing without him! Don't let anyone convince you the contrary!
Have a beautiful day,
Love, Cait
How we can test those who teach, preach, and minister in our lives:
If they believe Jesus came as a real man, in flesh to live and die for our sins.
If they believe Jesus is the only way of salvation, and that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves.
Any other core beliefs or claims other than those are sure signs that those men/women are not truly Christ-followers. It is hard, but necessary, to understand that there is a real possibility more and more these days that we may find this to be the case. The devil and his workers are always more numerous and we can't be too naive to think they will all stay out of our circles forever.
This reading today reminds me why exactly we read the Creeds at church most Sundays - it helps us remember what EXACTLY we believe in a world filled with so much grey space of "anything goes" and a "little bit of this, little bit of that" kind of Christians. Next time we recite one of the Creeds in a church service, I am making a point to really think through each line - and be thankful Christ has worked the faith in me to believe those statements without a hint of a doubt.
We can do nothing without him! Don't let anyone convince you the contrary!
Have a beautiful day,
Love, Cait
Monday, November 7, 2011
I John 4:1
One of my footnotes took me to Matthew 7:15, another warning against false prophets:
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."
I found an old note written on the margin-- "pretenders of the flock." As I read on in Matthew, I read, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven." False prophets, it appears, are people who may wear the title of "Christian," but they are not moved by the Spirit and by the motivation of Christ's love to speak of his promises. They may belong to a church, lead a church, etc., and be dressed in "sheep's clothing." A person who, sadly, comes to mind is a rather famous pastor who was featured in Time magazine recently. He is a pastor here in Grand Rapids, where we live, and his beliefs have plummeted to no longer recognizing Christ as our only hope. I know some people who attend, or have attended the church he leads. I don't think he started out this way. Writing about this reminds me that I should pray for him. My prayer, also, will be that God will guard our hearts against any "pretenders of the flock" and any false teachings, that he will point us back to his truth and give us courage to stand for what we've been shown, to teach the truth in love. He gives us the strength to do all things through Christ.
I pray that all of you women have a great week and know better, each day, how cherished and loved you are. When we are weak, he is strong. He is waiting for us to lean on him in our struggles. Please pray for me, too, that I will trust in these promises and not be bogged down by life's schedule in a demanding season....this too shall pass!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
