Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Did you know that you are to be both? You are to follow those in leadership roles such as your parents and your teachers. You are to follow those in spiritual authority such as your pastor and your Sunday school teacher. God has placed authorities of all types over ALL people. Have you ever seen someone who struggles with authority? Normally, it manifests itself in the home first; parental leadership is shunned and no matter the approach, the one who struggles with authority bucks and kicks any direct instruction. However, it won't stop there. Usually, the objections to rules continue into adulthood and the clash with civil law becomes a reality. Girls, when we contend with the authority in our home, we are really opposing our greatest Authority---God Himself. It is the Lord Who has written,
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." Ephesians 6:1
It's been suggested that the way a young lady obeys her father is the way that she will submit herself to her husband. I have found that to be true. But, lest I make it sound easy, let me emphasize that obedience is not easy. It hasn't ever been easy for any girl! There's something in our nature that, in just a small way perhaps, wants to be the boss. It's called a sin nature for that very reason! Obeying those in authority is a difficult battle for many; and, it is most definitely a battle that you must surrender to the Lord each and every day. But, remember this, before you can lead, you must follow. Most of you girls reading this will someday be mommies, and you will be the one in authority. Ask yourself a very poignant question: "Can I honestly say I hope my little girl obeys me like I obey my parents?" Chances are that you'll probably see areas, just like I do in my own life, that we can be more submissive and humbly obedient.
Isn't it great though that the Lord continues to shape us, to mold us, and to love us while He's teaching us to be more like Jesus?
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 7
Matthew
Thought for Saturday, July 6th
Yesterday's thought was about the blessing of laughter and how we, as Christians, ought to let our joy bubble over. Today's thought will also cover laugher---the wrong kind.
If we are honest, nobody likes to be the brunt of cruel jokes; nobody likes to be made fun of. "Wait, Mrs. Kim, I thought you said yesterday that we should laugh?" I did, but with laughter at an appropriate time or an appropriate place. Laughter is an emotion that God intends for us to use. It's a manifestation of happiness. However, laughing at the wrong thing or at the wrong time can produce horrible consequences such as hurt feelings, broken friendships, and isolation. The Scripture tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:4 that there is,
"A time to weep, and a time to laugh..."
Discernment is what's needed to know the difference. There are a few things though that you should NEVER laugh at:
1.) In mockery towards God (making fun of Christianity, someone taking God's name in vain, etc.)
2.) At someone's misfortune (even if that person has been ugly towards you)
3.) At jokes that are vile or nasty
4.) When someone else is being made fun of
I've always said that if it's not fun FOR all, it's not fun AT all. It's difficult sometimes, I know; but, littlemoments_mean_everything commented on this week's Tuesday post something that can be applied even in this situation. How would you feel if the shoe was on your foot? If you would feel embarrassed or hurt at the laughter taking place, chances are that the person you are laughing at feels the same way.
Finally, one particular quote that comes to mind is this,
You can measure a man's character by what it is that makes him laugh.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 6
Matthew 13
If we are honest, nobody likes to be the brunt of cruel jokes; nobody likes to be made fun of. "Wait, Mrs. Kim, I thought you said yesterday that we should laugh?" I did, but with laughter at an appropriate time or an appropriate place. Laughter is an emotion that God intends for us to use. It's a manifestation of happiness. However, laughing at the wrong thing or at the wrong time can produce horrible consequences such as hurt feelings, broken friendships, and isolation. The Scripture tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:4 that there is,
"A time to weep, and a time to laugh..."
Discernment is what's needed to know the difference. There are a few things though that you should NEVER laugh at:
1.) In mockery towards God (making fun of Christianity, someone taking God's name in vain, etc.)
2.) At someone's misfortune (even if that person has been ugly towards you)
3.) At jokes that are vile or nasty
4.) When someone else is being made fun of
I've always said that if it's not fun FOR all, it's not fun AT all. It's difficult sometimes, I know; but, littlemoments_mean_everything commented on this week's Tuesday post something that can be applied even in this situation. How would you feel if the shoe was on your foot? If you would feel embarrassed or hurt at the laughter taking place, chances are that the person you are laughing at feels the same way.
Finally, one particular quote that comes to mind is this,
You can measure a man's character by what it is that makes him laugh.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 6
Matthew 13
Thought for Friday, July 5th
One of my most favorite sounds is that of a child laughing. I LOVE it, but especially when it's this little bitty baby laughing ferociously! There's just something about it that makes me laugh, too, no matter what they're laughing at.
Most of the time, laughter comes when our hearts are light and happy. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine...", and surely if anybody ought to be happy, it should be Christians. Our hearts ought to be literally bubbling over with joy. We've got everything to be happy about! And, guess what else? Laughter is quite contagious. You never know when your laughter and joy might be the only ray of sunshine in the life of someone else.
Here's some things that we ought to laugh at:
1.) With those that laugh. If someone is happy and joyful, be happy with them. Romans 12:15 tells us to rejoice with them that are rejoicing.
2.) Laugh at silly things....go on...it'll be alright. It's okay to be crazy, goofy, funny sometimes:-)
3.) Laugh at jokes that do not dishonor the Lord.
4.) And, this is probably the MOST important----Laugh at YOURSELF!! This has been a hard lesson for me to learn, because as a younger woman, I hated to be embarrassed. I hated when people laughed at me. But, as I've gotten older, I've realized that most of the time they were laughing because whatever I did was genuinely funny. Not always but most of the time now the person laughing loudest at me is my own self! And, boy, is it ever better than being mad because someone else is laughing at me.
So, girls, have a great Friday and go ahead......LAUGH!
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 5
Matthew 12
Most of the time, laughter comes when our hearts are light and happy. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine...", and surely if anybody ought to be happy, it should be Christians. Our hearts ought to be literally bubbling over with joy. We've got everything to be happy about! And, guess what else? Laughter is quite contagious. You never know when your laughter and joy might be the only ray of sunshine in the life of someone else.
Here's some things that we ought to laugh at:
1.) With those that laugh. If someone is happy and joyful, be happy with them. Romans 12:15 tells us to rejoice with them that are rejoicing.
2.) Laugh at silly things....go on...it'll be alright. It's okay to be crazy, goofy, funny sometimes:-)
3.) Laugh at jokes that do not dishonor the Lord.
4.) And, this is probably the MOST important----Laugh at YOURSELF!! This has been a hard lesson for me to learn, because as a younger woman, I hated to be embarrassed. I hated when people laughed at me. But, as I've gotten older, I've realized that most of the time they were laughing because whatever I did was genuinely funny. Not always but most of the time now the person laughing loudest at me is my own self! And, boy, is it ever better than being mad because someone else is laughing at me.
So, girls, have a great Friday and go ahead......LAUGH!
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 5
Matthew 12
Thought for Thursday, July 4th
It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.
Liberty. Have you ever considered its meaning? It is defined as the quality or state of being free. And, surely as American young ladies, we are free. I dare say our citizens have been granted more freedom than any other country in this world. And, though the word means freedom, there are other descriptions.
a : the power to do as one pleases
b : freedom from physical restraint
c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic control
d : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges
e : the power of choice
To be quite honest, as I was glancing over this list, one thought became increasingly obvious...we enjoy ALL of these freedoms simply because we are Americans. Too often I take for granted the sacrifices that others have made for me to be able to go to church; for me to be able to read my Bible and witness openly; for me to even wear a Christian T-shirt in public. Never forget that the ground of freedom has been watered with the blood of courageous men and women who understood that freedom isn't free.
And, then, I think of another kind of liberty. Spiritually-speaking, the definition is much the same: freedom. As blood-bought, born-again Christians, we have freedom in Christ. We are no longer in bondage to sin. Our sin debt is paid full and free when we trust Christ as our Savior. But, just as freedom hasn't been free for Americans, it isn't free in Christianity. While it is true that it costs you nothing, it cost Christ EVERYTHING! For a Savior Who died for me, is it too much that I live for Him?
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another, Galatians 5:13
As you spend today thanking God for our free country, thank Him also for the freedom He's given us in Christ to serve one another.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 4
Matthew 11
Liberty. Have you ever considered its meaning? It is defined as the quality or state of being free. And, surely as American young ladies, we are free. I dare say our citizens have been granted more freedom than any other country in this world. And, though the word means freedom, there are other descriptions.
a : the power to do as one pleases
b : freedom from physical restraint
c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic control
d : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges
e : the power of choice
To be quite honest, as I was glancing over this list, one thought became increasingly obvious...we enjoy ALL of these freedoms simply because we are Americans. Too often I take for granted the sacrifices that others have made for me to be able to go to church; for me to be able to read my Bible and witness openly; for me to even wear a Christian T-shirt in public. Never forget that the ground of freedom has been watered with the blood of courageous men and women who understood that freedom isn't free.
And, then, I think of another kind of liberty. Spiritually-speaking, the definition is much the same: freedom. As blood-bought, born-again Christians, we have freedom in Christ. We are no longer in bondage to sin. Our sin debt is paid full and free when we trust Christ as our Savior. But, just as freedom hasn't been free for Americans, it isn't free in Christianity. While it is true that it costs you nothing, it cost Christ EVERYTHING! For a Savior Who died for me, is it too much that I live for Him?
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another, Galatians 5:13
As you spend today thanking God for our free country, thank Him also for the freedom He's given us in Christ to serve one another.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 4
Matthew 11
Thought for Wednesday, July 3rd
Jumping to conclusions is not half as good an exercise as digging for facts.
Has someone ever tried to explain something to you---perhaps a situation that happened---and before she even told half of the story, you had already decided how it happened...who was involved...how to handle it? The Bible tells us to be careful of this very thing in Proverbs 18:13:
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
That word "folly" just means silliness or foolishness. So, in other words, it's silly to try and make a decision before we know all the facts. I have to be honest, I am guilty of this very thing. And, normally it is because I am basing my decision on what I presume about the rest of the story. More times than not though, the rest of the story is not what I was assuming it would be, and I end up needing to apologize to someone for making a presumptuous conclusion. Secondly, always remember, girls, that there are two sides to every story.
As ladies, it's our nature to jump to conclusions, but we need to walk according to the Spirit. We need, more than ever, the discernment of the Lord and most of all, a willingness to listen more than a willingness to reach a verdict.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 3
Matthew 10
Has someone ever tried to explain something to you---perhaps a situation that happened---and before she even told half of the story, you had already decided how it happened...who was involved...how to handle it? The Bible tells us to be careful of this very thing in Proverbs 18:13:
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
That word "folly" just means silliness or foolishness. So, in other words, it's silly to try and make a decision before we know all the facts. I have to be honest, I am guilty of this very thing. And, normally it is because I am basing my decision on what I presume about the rest of the story. More times than not though, the rest of the story is not what I was assuming it would be, and I end up needing to apologize to someone for making a presumptuous conclusion. Secondly, always remember, girls, that there are two sides to every story.
As ladies, it's our nature to jump to conclusions, but we need to walk according to the Spirit. We need, more than ever, the discernment of the Lord and most of all, a willingness to listen more than a willingness to reach a verdict.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 3
Matthew 10
Thought for Tuesday, July 2nd
While it is true that we live in a culture where everyone seems to say exactly what they're thinking with little regard for the ones affected, it is definitely not how the Lord wants us to talk. Gossip is malicious and deadly; it has the ability to destroy a friendship faster than any thing else. And, yet, for something with so much volatile potential, most of us rush headlong into conversations about others in which we have no business partaking. Consider Proverbs 10:18,
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
We understand in this verse that if you are lying about someone, it is really just a disguise for the hatred you are harboring. "But, Mrs. Kim, I don't hate her.....I was just trying to let such and such know that she said such and such.....". No, dear girls, it's gossip and it's wrong. Notice also that the verse uses a very strong word for someone who slanders others---a FOOL.
Sometime back, Pastor Stockton used this acronym for a 5-point test to decide whether to say or not to say what you're thinking. I've found it helpful, and I believe if applied, will keep us from much grief.
T--Is what I'm about to say TRUE?
H--Is what I'm about to say HELPFUL?
I--Is what I'm about to say INSPIRING (in other words, will it encourage someone to be better)?
N--Is what I'm about to say NECESSARY?
K--Is what I'm about to say KIND?
So, THINK, girls, before you speak.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 2
Matthew 9
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
We understand in this verse that if you are lying about someone, it is really just a disguise for the hatred you are harboring. "But, Mrs. Kim, I don't hate her.....I was just trying to let such and such know that she said such and such.....". No, dear girls, it's gossip and it's wrong. Notice also that the verse uses a very strong word for someone who slanders others---a FOOL.
Sometime back, Pastor Stockton used this acronym for a 5-point test to decide whether to say or not to say what you're thinking. I've found it helpful, and I believe if applied, will keep us from much grief.
T--Is what I'm about to say TRUE?
H--Is what I'm about to say HELPFUL?
I--Is what I'm about to say INSPIRING (in other words, will it encourage someone to be better)?
N--Is what I'm about to say NECESSARY?
K--Is what I'm about to say KIND?
So, THINK, girls, before you speak.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 2
Matthew 9
Thought for Monday, July 1st
Have you ever heard someone say, "I'll forgive....but I'll NEVER forget and I'll get even!" Or perhaps you've heard it the other way around, "Forgiveness means that you never, ever remember the wrongdoing again.". I've heard both statements, but to be honest, neither is right. Ultimately, forgiveness is just simply giving up your right to punish another. That doesn't mean that you won't ever again grieve or hurt over what someone did that hurt you. Some wounds and hurts are emotional and extend far deeper into our hearts than a physical slap in the face. This type of pain takes longer to heal and quite honestly, is healed only by the balm of the Lord Jesus, our Great Physician. But to make a statement that you will NEVER forget and that you plan to get even is an indication that you plan to hold onto your hurt; that you do not intend to let the Lord heal you and that you intend to intentionally lash out and hurt in response. Until you let go, the Lord cannot heal the hurt and you will continue to carry the weight and bitterness of unforgiving spirit. And, girls, it's just not worth it. Forgiveness is a gift---not to the person who has wronged you but to your own self.
Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive?
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 1
Matthew 8
Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive?
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 1
Matthew 8
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