Have You Sacrificed Any 'Isaacs' Recently?
In Genesis 22:1-19, we find the story of Abraham's testing. How was he tested? By being commanded to sacrifice his one and only son, Isaac.
This chapter in my Bible is well-marked, for I marvel at Abraham's faith. Even though God had asked him to sacrifice his boy, Abraham trusted that God would provide a lamb (verses 7- 8) or raise Issac from the dead; for God repeatedly said throughout His conversations with him [Abraham] that Issac would have descendents and from Issac would come the Savior. Even if the Lord didn't, Abraham belived God knew best and would work all things out for good. If Issac needed to die, Abraham trusted that there was a blessing to come thru this situation-a better blessing. God tested Abraham's faith through this trial and found it [his faith] quite strong.
Our Heavenly Father tests us like He did Abraham. He often asks us to give up our dreams, our loves, our desires, and what we think best for our lives. I know the Lord has asked me to sacrifice some of my dreams (i.e. young ladies Bible study, newsletter for young women, desires for godly friends, etc.) in order to stay focused on the ministry I have in my home and already through Godly Girlhood. Do you have any "Isaacs" you have to sacrifice? Anything that might hindering your walk with the Lord? Is there something that you think is best for your life, but God has something better for you?
Scott Fowler , father of two, realized this when his oldest son, Preston, was a baby. Preston had a toy in each of his hands when he spotted a different toy lying nearby. He tried to take hold of it, but of course, he couldn't for his hands were already full. Scott had been observing this and now watched as his son started to scream out of frustration. Scott tried to tell his son that he just needed to let go of what he had and reach for the toy he wanted.
Later, after thinking this incident through, he saw this happens in our relationship with the Lord. We, as His children, have things (dreams, desires, possessions, jobs, loved ones, etc.) that we hold in our grasp. The Lord might has a blessing that He wants to give us, which we want, but we must give up what we have in order to take possession of the blessing. Sometimes, we often think that what's in our grasp is the best for us, but God always has something better.
Maybe He's asking you to sacrifice a desire, a dream, a comfort, before He can give what you really need. Are there any "Isaacs" you need to sacrifice?
FEEDBACK:
That is a wonderful post! It is one lesson we must learn! I love your blog! His Handmaiden, R.J (www.virtuousgirlhood.com)
Our Great Purpose
Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life is?
Well, I may not know you personally, but I can tell you right now what it is. To glorify God in all you do, say, act, and live.
Colossians 3:17 says in the King James Version:
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Instead of taking the credit for the result of your God- given talent-may it be art, music, mathematical skills, or just having a gift with being good with people and helpful-give God the glory! You could say, "I am really grateful God chose to bless me with this talent to encourage you." Or, "Give God the glory!" and "Praise the Lord for His great blessings."
Another way you can give God glory is to live according to His Word. If He says in His Word you are supposed to love your neighbor and your enemies (which He does), do so, and give God glory. Or if He says to keep yourself pure from worldy influences and immoral situations (which He does), do so, and give God glory if someone comments about it. What a chance to witness when you give God the glory when people praise you. For who knows? They may ask you why you give God glory. What a witnessing opportuntiy! Who says you have to go overseas to a foreign mission field to witness and share God's amazing love and grace? :) So if you are considering your purpose on earth, now you know: Give God the glory!
FEEDBACK:
That is exactly right! Great way on posting it :] Reianna
The Wheelbarrow
Dear Friends,
Recently, while having some difficulties going the extra mile-only presenting half-finished jobs to my parents and family-my mother took it upon herself to help me overcome this obstacle in my life.
One day, I had asked her if there was anything I could do for her and Mother said I could help weed an rocky area behind our house. So I set to weeding unwanted plants in the rocks. As soon as the job was completed, I left to go help make supper. I assumed Mom did not need my assistance anymore. So instead of communicating and asking if anything else needed to be done, I left to do my own thing. Mom promptly called me back and reprimanded me for not communicating and leaving the job without asking if there was anything else to be worked on. She then set me to work in our grove raking the dead leaves and grass as a consequence.
As I was raking, pondering all that I had done and not done, Mom sat nearby, watching me. After a while, I raked a pile big enoungh for a wheelbarrow load; so I got a wheelbarrow and loaded it. Suddenly Mom was at my side. "Here! How may I help you? Let me take it for you!!" she exclaimed, taking the wheelbarrow from my hands. I was dumbfounded as she went off with the load to dump it in the burn pile. As I turned to rake another load, something caught my eye. Mom was already sitting down. "She could have not got there that fast," I thought, "unless..." I turned my head around. The sight brought the tears to my eyes. There was the wheelbarrow, sitting half-way between the grove and the fire pit. Immediately, I knew what Mom was showing me: what I had been doing. This was what I had been giving her; I was only pushing the wheelbarrow half-way...
After delievering the half-transported load and preparing another pile, I again loaded the wheelbarrow. Once more, Mom came up. "How may I help?" she asked for the second time. The tears still flowed down my face. "If I were you [as a mom]," I said in a shaking voice, "I would not want me [a daughter] wanting to help you because I'd know I would do a half-job." Mom said quietly, "When you're done with that load, I'd like to talk with you."
The wheelbarrow was emptied once more and I sat down beside my mother. We (my father also came and joined us) talked about half-jobs that I was doing and how I can work on them. Mother urged me never to forget the wheelbarrow, and I'll tell you what, I haven't. When I am tempted with doing a half-job, I say to myself, "Remember the wheelbarrow" and finish the job. I still slip and stumble, but the wheelbarrow has helped me so much.
Is there some place in your life where you are not pushing the wheelbarrow all the way? In your chores? Your relationship with family members? Your marriage? Your job? Your personal relationship with God? Think about this story, remember the wheelbarrow, and go the extra mile. Be encouraged today, my friends.
FEEDBACK:
Thank you , dearie
I'm so glad I happened upon this blog! I loved that last post, and will use it for my sons, who are 15. They often get distracted, and this will help them remember. I'm afraid I do this with my husband as well, and I don't want to do a job halfway for him! Bless you, Alice
Graceful Girlhood
Today I am going to be talking about graceful girlhood, which leads to graceful womanhood. How often have we seen a young lady being loud and bold, walking in unlady-like airs(such as swaggering, head and chest riased too high, etc.), slouching, usually wearing immodest clothing, doing any thing to draw attention to herself? I am sure we have seen this. Those girls (and women) are acting very immature and ungraceful; so unlady-like.
Gracefulness is a sign of womanhood and maturity. It can be hard to practice gracefulness, but it can be done.
Here are some tips on being graceful: be soft- spoken.
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Try to avoid being loud and boisterous; talk in quiet tones.
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Try not to interrupt; please stop and apologize if you accidently do.
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No coarse or vulgar talking should be allowed for a lady, and in that case, no one else.
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A sight that is sore to the eyes is slouching. Not only distasteful to the eyes, it can be bad for your back in the future. Stand tall.
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Walking like a lady shows that you are a lady. No swaggering or hip-swinging for a graceful gentlewoman. She trys to look accepctable to the viewer and like a Christian who cares for her temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
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When she sits down, a graceful woman's legs are not far apart from each other, but comfortably put together, crossed at the ankles.
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The graceful young woman is kind and courteous to everyone, especially to guests and elders.
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She shows respect to those around her and their property.
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She is glad and content that she is a woman and gives glory to God for accomplishments.
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Her talk is Christ-filled and she is ready to give an answer to why she believes.
These are some tips on being and practicing to be a graceful young lady. God bless your endeavors!
More to follow.
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