A Peek into the Past…

Posted on 1, January 28, 2010 by Kira

Just the other day, my mom picked up some frames for some family wedding photos we have.  The following you will see are four generations of weddings from my mom’s side, starting with my great, great grandparents and leading up to my own parents…

 Above are my great, great grandparents, Constantine and Justina.  Married October 22, 1913.  My great, great grandfather came over from Greece in 1901.  They went on to have children, of which included my great grandma, Barbara… (see below)

 

Above are my great grandparents, Robert and Barbara with their wedding party - married in 1946.   They went on to have children, one of which is my grandma Sharon… (see below).

 Here are my grandma and grandpa, Sharon and Phillip – married on April 16, 1966.  They had three children which included my mom… (see below)

This is my mom and dad’s wedding on October 21, 1989.

Looking at these photos has certainly sparked an interest into our family history.  :)

Filed under: Family, From the Past | 10 Comments »

Staying Consistent

Posted on 1, January 26, 2010 by Kira

” It’s not motivation that keeps you writing.  It’s writing that keeps you motivated.”

~ Author Unknown

Kind of an interesting quote, don’t you think?

The more I think about it, this is actually true for me.  I find I’ll stay more motivated when I’m consistent with my blog writing, and am able to see my accomplishments – compared to searching for motivation and inspiration on other various sites, while I leave my blog abandoned in the dust for some time (yes, this has happened).  It really only makes it all the more difficult to get up and going again (not to mention it loses readers).

It’s true for me, that nothing beats the motivation of seeing myself not giving up.  That’s what it really is.

Oh, and a number of faithful readers helps a lot too.  ;)  

Image source: writenowinc.com

Filed under: Goals/Challenges, Quotes | Tagged: , , , , , | 12 Comments »

As the Days Go Bad…

Posted on 1, January 20, 2010 by Kira

“I’m just havin’ a really bad day.”

You know those “bad days” we usually refer to?   Those days where we wake up and things just seem to go wrong right from the start?  Those days we may use as an excuse for when we’re “edgy”?  Those days we give name to when things just aren’t running smoothly or according to plan?  Those days where you just want to throw in the towel and crawl back in bed?!

Well you know what, let’s be thankful for those bad days!  So it’s a day not going so well…  We will all have those.  But at least we can live it!  It’s only by the grace of God that we have life, and can live!   Rejoice!

Think of the thousands of people in Haiti, whose lives have been turned upside down by the devastating earthquake just over a week ago.  Think of all the lives that were lost…  Think of those who are still in frantic desperation, trying to locate their loved ones…  Think of those who survived, but still need food, water, and medical attention…

Think what it would be like to be in their shoes for a day.  Be thankful that our bad days aren’t as bad as this!  Let us be reminded of those who have life much harder than we do, and let us pray for them. 

Look at your life.  If you have a roof above your head, a family to love, and food to eat - thanks be to God!!  We see that we are truly blessed.

Filed under: Convictions, Prayer, Thankfulness | Tagged: , , , , , | 7 Comments »

The 50 Fruits of Pride

Posted on 1, January 19, 2010 by Kira

 

**The following article is from, and given full credit to: www.thebridgewired.com **

Five Things to Know About Pride & Humility

1. Pride Is the Root of All Evil (Genesis 3:5; 1 Timothy 3:6; 1 John 2:15-17)
2. God Hates Pride (Proverbs 8:13; 16:5; Isaiah 23:9; Daniel 4:29-37; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5)
3. God Loves Humility (Proverbs 11:2, 15:33, 18:12, 29:23; Isaiah 57:15, 66:2; Micah 6:8; Luke 14:11; 1 Peter 5:6)
4. What Is Not Pride:
a. Acknowledging and appreciating the gifts and abilities God has given you.
b. The presence of godly desire, ambition and purposeful direction in your life (1 Timothy 3:1)
c. Acknowledging the work of God within you.
d. The pursuit of excellence.
e. Defending and proclaiming the truth of Scripture.
5. Pride Is Deceptive (John 8:31-36; Jeremiah 49:16; Proverbs 16:2, 21:2) 

The Fifty Fruits of Pride

1. Want to be Well Known or Important (Isaiah 14:13-15; James 3:13-16; Romans 12:6)
· “I am selfishly ambitious. I really want to get ahead and make a name for myself. I want to be someone important in life. I like having a position or title. I far prefer leading to following.”

2. Sinfully Competitive
· “I am overly competitive. I always want to win or come out on top and it bothers me when I don’t.”

3. Want to Impress People (Luke 10:38-42)
· “I want people to be impressed with me. I like to make my accomplishments known.”

a. Clothes or jewelry you wear.
b. Vehicle you drive.
c. Furniture you own.
d. House you live in.
e. Place you live.
f. Company you work for.
g. Amount of money you earn.
h. Food you eat.
i. How spiritual you are.
j. What you look like (physical appearance).
k. What you have accomplished.
l. What you know.
m. Where you went to School.
n. Who you know.
o. What your background is.

4. Draw Attention to Myself (Proverbs 27:2)
· “I like to be the center of attention and will say or do things to draw attention to myself.”

5. Like to Talk About Myself
· “I like to talk, especially about myself or persons or things I am involved with. I want people to know what I am doing or thinking. I would rather speak than listen. I have a hard time being succinct.”

6. Deceitful and Pretentious (Psalm 24:3-4, 26:2-4; Jeremiah 48:10; Proverbs 26:20-26)
· “I tend to be deceptive about myself. I find myself lying to preserve my reputation. I find myself hiding the truth about myself, especially about sins, weaknesses, etc. I don’t want people to know who I really am.”

7. Desire Recognition and Praise (John 5:41-44; Matthew 6:1, 23:5-7)
· “I desire to receive recognition and credit for what I do. I like people to see what I do and let me know that they noticed. I feel hurt or offended when they don’t. I am overly concerned about my reputation and hate being misunderstood.”

8. Not Fulfilled Serving Others (John 3:30)
· “I am not very excited about seeing or making others successful. I tend to feel envious, jealous or critical towards those who are doing well or being honored.”

9. Self Sufficient (Matthew 4:4; John 15:5; Acts 17:25; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
· “I tend to be self sufficient in the way I live my life. I don’t live with a constant awareness that my every breath is dependent upon the will of God. I tend to think I have enough strength, ability and wisdom to live and manage my life. My practice of the spiritual disciplines is inconsistent and superficial. I don’t like to ask others for help.”

10. Anxious (Psalm 4:8; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6-7)
· “I am often anxious about my life and the future. I tend not to trust God and rarely experience his abiding and transcendent peace in my soul. I have a hard time sleeping at night because of fearful thoughts and burdens I carry.”

11. Self Focused (Exodus 4:11; Job 10:8-11; Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 53:2; Jeremiah 1:5)
· “I am overly self-conscious. I tend to replay in my mind how I did, what I said, and how I came across to others. I am very concerned about my appearance and what people think of me. I think about these things constantly.”

12. Fear Man (Proverbs 29:25)
· “I fear man more than God. I am afraid of others and make decisions about what I will say or do based upon this fear. I am afraid to take a stand for things that are right. I am concerned with how people will react to me or perceive my actions or words. I don’t often think about God’s opinion in a matter and rarely think there could be consequences for disobeying him. I primarily seek the approval of man and not of God.”

13. Insecure
· “I often feel insecure. I don’t want to try new things or step out into uncomfortable situations because I’m afraid I’ll fail or look foolish. I am easily embarrassed.”

14. Compare Myself
· “I regularly compare myself to others. I am “performance oriented.” I feel that I have greater worth if I do well.”

15. Perfectionist
· “I am self-critical. I tend to be a perfectionist. I can’t stand for little things to be wrong because they reflect poorly on me. I have a hard time putting my mistakes behind me.”

16. Self Serving (Philippians 2:19-22)
· “I am self-serving. When asked to do something, I find myself asking, ‘How will doing this help me?’ or ‘Will I be inconvenienced?’ I am not focused on the needs and interests of others.”

17. Feel Better or Superior
· “I feel special or superior because of what I have or do.”

18. Think Highly of Myself (Romans 12:3, 16; James 2:1-4)
· “I think highly of myself. In relation to others I typically see myself as more mature and more gifted. In most situations, I have more to offer than others even though I may not say so. I don’t consider myself average or ordinary.”

19. Credit Myself (1 Corinthians 4:6-7; 15:10)
· “I tend to give myself credit for who I am and what I accomplish. I only occasionally think about or recognize that all that I am or have comes from God. I don’t’ consciously transfer all glory to God for any good I have or any good I do.”

20. Self Righteous (Luke 18:9-14)
· “I tend to be self-righteous. I can think that I really have something to offer God. I would never say so, but I think God did well to save me. I seldom think about or recognize my total depravity and helplessness apart from God. I regularly focus on the sins of others. I don’t credit God for any degree of holiness in my life.”

21. Feel Deserving
· “I feel deserving. I think I deserve what I have. In fact, I think I ought to have more considering how well I have lived or in light of all I have done.”

22. Ungrateful (Luke 17:11-19; Ephesians 5:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Colossians 3:15-17; Philippians 2:14)
· “I often feel ungrateful. I tend to grumble about what I have or my lot in life. I am not amazed by grace on a regular basis.”

23. Captive to Self Pity
· “I find myself wallowing in self-pity. I am consumed with how I am treated by God and others. I tend to feel mistreated and hate being misunderstood. I seldom recognize or sympathize with what’s going on with others around me because I feel that I have it worse than they do.”

24. Jealous and Envious (James 3:13-16)
· “I can be jealous or envious of others abilities, possessions, positions, accomplishments or friends. I want to be what others are or want to have what others have. I think I deserve or should have the good things other people do. I find it hard to rejoice when others are blessed by God.”

25. Unkind and Harsh (Ezekiel 16:49; Psalm 17:10; Proverbs 24:17-18; Luke 10:25-37)
· “I am pretty insensitive to others. I feel some people just aren’t worth caring about. I have a hard time showing compassion or extending mercy to others. Some people aren’t worth my time and attention.”

26. Love to Reveal My Mind (Proverbs 18:2)
· “I like to reveal my own mind. I have an answer for practically every situation and an opinion on every subject. I feel compelled to balance everyone else out and let them know my thoughts.”

27. Know It All (1 Corinthians 8:1)
· “I have a know-it-all attitude. I am impressed by my own knowledge and understanding of things. I feel like there isn’t much I can learn from other people, especially those less mature than me.”

28. Like People to Know I Know
· “I feel compelled to stop people when they start to share something with me I already know.”

29. Hard to Admit I Don’t Know
· “I find it hard to admit it when I don’t know something. When someone asks me something I don’t know, I will make up an answer rather than admit I don’t know.”

30. Don’t Listen to Ordinary People
· “I have a hard time listening to ordinary people. I listen better to those I respect or people I am wanting to leave with a good impression. I don’t honestly listen when someone else is speaking because I am usually planning what I am going to say next.”

31. Interruptive
· “I interrupt people regularly. I don’t let people finish what they are saying.”

32. Don’t Get Much Out of Teaching
· “I don’t get much out of the teaching. I tend to evaluate the speaker rather than my own life. I grumble about hearing something a second time.”

33. Thinking of Others During Teaching
· “I listen to teaching with other people in mind. I constantly think of those folks who need to hear and apply this teaching and wish they were here.”

34. Not Teachable (Proverbs 12:1)
· “I’m not very open to input. I don’t pursue correction for my life. I tend to be unteachable and slow to repent when corrected. I don’t really see correction as a positive thing. I am offended when people probe the motivations of my heart or seek to adjust me.”

35. Don’t Admit Wrong Doing (Proverbs 28:13; James 5:16)
· “I have a hard time admitting that I am wrong. I find myself covering up or excusing my sins. It is hard for me to confess my sins to others or to ask for forgiveness.”

36. Do Not Welcome Correction (Proverbs 15:12)
· “I view correction as an intrusion into my privacy rather than an instrument of God for my welfare. I can’t identify anyone who would feel welcome to correct me.”

37. Resent People Who Correct Me (Proverbs 9:7-9)
· “I resent people who attempt to correct me. I don’t respond with gratefulness and sincere appreciation for their input. Instead I am tempted to accuse them and dwell on their faults. I get bitter and withdraw.”

38. Contentious and Argumentative (James 1:19-20)
· “When corrected, I become contentious and argumentative. I don’t take people’s
observations seriously. I minimize and make excuses or give explanations.”

39. Get Angry or Offended With Others (1 Corinthians 6:7)
· “I am easily angered and offended. I don’t like being crossed or disagreed with. I find myself thinking, “I can’t believe they did that to me.” I often feel wronged. I hate to be misunderstood by others especially those I respect and desire to think highly of me.”

40. Constantly in Conflicts (Proverbs 13:10)
· “I have “personality conflicts” with others. I have a hard time getting along with certain kinds of people. People regularly tell me they struggle with me.”

41. Have Little Esteem or Respect for Others (Numbers 16:1-3)
· “I lack respect for other people. I don’t think very highly of most people. I have a hard time encouraging and honoring others unless they really do something great.”

42. Do Violence with My Mouth (Psalm 101:5; Romans 3:13-14; 3 John 1:9-10)
· “I am a slanderer. I find myself either giving or receiving evil reports about others. I am not concerned about the effect of slander on me because of my maturity level. I think I can handle it. I only share with others the things I think they really need to know. I don’t tell all. Anyway, the things I say or hear about people are usually true.”

43. Sow Discord (Proverbs 28:25)
· “I am divisive. My actions and attitudes separate people rather than unite people. My words frequently undermined the confidence and trust people have in one another. I also tend to resist or resent authority. I don’t like other people to give me orders or directions.”

44. Demean or Belittle Others
· “With a motivation to put people in their place or look good myself, I like to demean or put others down. They need my adjustment. This includes leaders. Other people need to be humble and have a “sober” assessment of themselves.”

45. Critical
· “I tend to be critical of others. I find myself feeling or talking negatively about people. I subtly feel better about myself when I see how bad someone else is. I find it far easier to evaluate than to encourage someone else.”

46. Self Willed and Stubborn
· “I am self-willed and stubborn. I have a hard time cooperating with others. I really prefer my own way and often insist on getting it.”

47. Independent (Proverbs 18:1; Luke 1:51-52)
· “I am independent and uncommitted. I don’t really see why I need other people. I can easily separate myself from others. I don’t get much out of the small group meetings.”

48. Unaccountable (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25)
· “I am unaccountable. I don’t ask others to hold me responsible to follow through on my commitments. I don’t really need accountability for my words and actions.”

49. Unsubmissive (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5)
· “I am unsubmissive. I don’t like being under the authority of another person. I don’t see submission as a good and necessary provision from God for my life. I have a hard time supporting and serving those over me. I don’t “look up” to people and I like to be in charge. Other people may need leaders but I don’t. It is important that my voice is
always heard.”

50. Feel Mature
· “I really appreciate somebody taking the time to put this paper together. It will really be a big help to my friends and family. However, I don’t really need this because I think I’m pretty humble already.”

How to Deal with Pride in Your Life 

 

1. Ask God to illuminate your heart so you can begin to see the fruits of pride in your life. Ask friends to point out the fruits of pride in your life realizing your heart is exceedingly deceitful. Be self-suspicious.
2. Ask God to convict you point by point (Psalm 139:23-24) and trust that he will. You don’t want or need general condemnation, only specific, godly conviction.
3. Confess your pride to God point by point and ask for his forgiveness. Just as importantly, ask him to cleanse you of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
4. Don’t ask God to humble you – the Scripture says to humble yourself (1 Peter 5:6). Humility isn’t an emotion; it’s a decision of the will to think and act differently.
5. Confess your sins of pride to those you have affected and to your friends. They can help to hold you accountable and bring the on-going encouragement and correction you will need.
6. Ask God to give you a holy hatred for pride and its fruits in your life. Be continually on the alert. Don’t allow pride to grow in your heart.
7. Ask God to give you a love for anonymity. Encourage and serve others each and every day. Associate with the lowly.
8. Think much about God and little about yourself. Regularly study the goodness and greatness of God.
9. Live to promote the reputation of God and not your own. Be impressed with God – don’t be impressed with yourself. Find your satisfaction in him and not in your vain accomplishments.
10. Remember your war against pride is life-long. It is not a battle won in a day. But as you faithfully put pride to death and put on humility, you will experience greater freedom and more importantly greater conformity to image and likeness of Christ. In so doing, God will be glorified in your life!

Filed under: Convictions, FYI's, Struggles | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments »

What I’m Reading

Posted on 1, January 17, 2010 by Kira

Here are some books I am reading this month that I highly recommend!

The Bookends of the Christian Life by Jerry Bridges

The 24/7 Christian by Anthony Selvaggio

Cross Talk: Where Life and Scripture Meet by Michael R. Emlet

 

What books are you currently reading?

Filed under: Books | 1 Comment »

Another Frost

Posted on 1, January 16, 2010 by Kira

We had yet another frost the morning after I shared my other post “A Winter Wonderland“.  Unlike those that were taken from inside the house, the following ones were taken from the car while my mom and I were driving.  We just couldn’t resist taking a drive around the neighborhood, in hopes of getting a better look (and pictures) of those beautiful trees!  

  

 

  

… If only every winter morning could be like this one …

Filed under: Fun Stuff, Pictures | 5 Comments »

Sons and Daughters

Posted on 1, January 16, 2010 by Kira

I am continually amazed at the love of our Heavenly Father and of the reality of Christ’s death on the cross as the propitiation for our sins, so that His children may be counted righteous in His sight;  Not because of anything we have done, but out of the love and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The following are the lyrics to the song, The Father’s Love, which we sing in church.  It’s a favorite of mine.    

The Father’s Love

By Joel Sczebel

As recorded on Sons & Daughters

Lyrics

How has the sinner been forgiven
How has the rebel been made clean
Or blinded eyes been made to see
How have the orphans been adopted
Who hated Your love and ran from grace
Despised and rejected all Your ways

Chorus
How wonderful the Father’s love
The Father’s love for us
That He would send His only Son
To come and rescue us
He has saved us, called us blameless
Guides us now and will sustain us
Oh how wonderful the Father’s love

Your mercy floods our lives with kindness
Your grace has colored all we see
And You have promised not to leave
You freely give Your Spirit to us
So we can be sure we’re sons of God
And rest in the hope of what’s to come

Bridge
Though sufferings may fill our lives
We’re confident we’re heirs with Christ
And so we cry, “Abba, Father”

© 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)

Filed under: Saturday Psalm and Praise, Thankfulness | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

A Night Owl’s Conversion

Posted on 1, January 15, 2010 by Kira

I admire all of you ”early birds” out there; those who can rise early in the morning as a natural occurence.  You have the opportunity to accomplish the things, that may otherwise be rushed or forgotten by the “night owl”.  As I have heard, your morning hours, if spent wisely, can be the most productive time in your whole day. 

As a Christian, I want to keep my time with God a high priority, and I’d love to have every one of my mornings – those first waking hours of the day as time spent in the Word, and to keep it a regularity.  It’s a way to start my day out right, with the most important source of guidance to keep me going.

I know I’ve always called myself a night owl, and maybe I always will… but I too have heard, that a thing so simple, such as repetative training of the brain, can help you wake with ease at a much different time than you used to.  Because after all, if you were to fly over seas into a different time zone, where their daylight hours were spent during your nights back home, you’d simply have to train your brain into making that “switch”, wouldn’t you?  

But why is it so difficult for me, here?  I’ve tried numerous attempts to rise early, from times such as 5:30 am to 7 am… but they are usually short-lived, which means I revert back to sleeping in (usually till 8 am or 8:30), and my day ends up feeling rushed and short!  I need motivation, inspiration, perhaps an incentive, and above all, I need to ingrain it in my brain the night before that I AM going to get up early!  

Now my question to you is, what is your motivation to wake up early?  What incentives do you like to use?  Has there been anything such as a book, article, or person in your life that has provided that inspiration for you?  Share it!  I’d love to hear.  (I think need to hear is more like it.)  :)

Filed under: Goals/Challenges, Just Me, Struggles | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

The Wonders of Coconut Oil

Posted on 1, January 15, 2010 by Kira

 Not too long ago, I was excited to find out that I had won a Tropical Traditions Coconut lotion that was being given away over at A City On A Hill (thank you Rachel!).  

After hearing how wonderful and healthy the Tropical Traditions products are, I couldn’t wait to use it.  When the package came, I tried it out right away; now after three months of use, I have to say it’s the best lotion I’ve used yet!  It’s amazing how soft my skin feels after I’ve put it on, and it doesn’t have a greasy feel to it.   

Tropical Traditions’s main ingredient in their moisturizing lotions is, Coconut oil.  Virgin Coconut Oil and Virgin Palm Oil are also included in all of their skin products, which are rich inVitamin E tocotrienols, and also in natural carotene.   They use 100% natural ingredients with no alcohols, no artificial fragrances, and no petroleum products… 

Virgin Coconut Oil is also something my family and I have purchased and enjoy using, mostly as a much healthier alternative to butter.  Coconut oil also gives foods that nice little coconut flavor, and the coconut smell is just delicious in its self!   

There is a wide variety of recipes that incorporates coconut oil in them, that I have been wanting to try out myself.  You can visit Tropical Traditions coconut recipes page to browse around if you’d like!  Just click here. 

What about you?  Do you use coconut oil?  What recipes/uses to you use it for?

Image source: rejuvenatingsprings.com

Filed under: FYI's, Health and Beauty, Reviews | Tagged: , , , | 4 Comments »

A Winter WonderLand

Posted on 1, January 12, 2010 by Kira

A “Winter Wonderland” is what I saw while looking out the window early this morning. Isn’t it beautiful?  I can hardly believe it myself, especially since the photos were taken at a distance from inside the house. 

 I am indeed blown away by our awesome Creator’s handiwork…

Filed under: Journal, Pictures | 3 Comments »

Just Do Something

Posted on 1, January 11, 2010 by Kira

 I just finished today going through the book, “Just Do Something” by Kevin DeYoung.  I found it clarified a lot for me in the areas of decision making and finding God’s will for our lives, along with exposing some of the most popular “methods” that people will try to use to find future revelation, supposedly from God.

Kevin uses his story as an example,

“A while back I was on the phone with a nice Christian man asking me if I would be willing to do a small speaking gig sometime in the following year.  I got some more information over the phone and checked out the dates as we were talking.  Everything seemed to work.  I would be away less than twenty-four hours, and I could speak on something I already had basically prepared.  I told him that I would be willing to come.  He told me I could have time to pray about it.  I noted again that the dates worked, it was still a long way off (so I could plan accordingly), the subject was fine, and I’d be happy to do it.  But my yes didn’t stick.  He politely insisted that I should pray about it.  So I prayed about it and called back the next day saying yes again.”

What do we do in situations like these, however big/small they may be?  Do we delay taking any action so that we can first wait and pray, in hopes that God will present to us what we should do?  If so, what exactly are we waiting for?  Are we waiting for an audible voice, a strong feeling or some kind of sign?  And if that’s the case… How can we accurately say it is an actual answer from God??  Another thing… how long do we wait for an answer?  What if we never get one?  Then what??

It shouldn’t be a surprise to you, that God has already revealed the plan He has for our lives:  to love Him with our whole hearts, to obey His Word, and after that, to do what we like, as long as it is not against his Word.  Though, this shouldn’t dismiss us from praying, for it’s important to ask God to give you wisdom and discernment in the choices we make, as He commands us to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

James 1:5 ~ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…

As long as we make sure we are walking in obedience to Him, and not going outside of what His Word already says, then yes, we are free to make our own decisions.  We shouldn’t be afraid to move forward in life, because we know that if it is God’s will, he will let it happen, if it is not, than it won’t.  He is in ultimate control, and there is nothing we can do that will go outside his plan.

Proverbs 3:5,6 ~  Trust in the Lord with all our heart, And lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct your paths.

Isaiah 14:24 ~ The Lord of hosts has sworn:  As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.

Psalm 25:12 ~ Who is the man who fears the Lord?  Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.

Psalm 37:23  The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.

Proverbs 16:9 ~ The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

I am sure this book will be an eye-opener for you, and answer any questions you may have.  This is definitely one to put in my favorites; I highly recommend it!

Filed under: Books, Reviews, Theological Studies | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Can We Ever Be Perfect Enough? Part 2

Posted on 1, January 10, 2010 by Kira

Firstly, I’d like to use this post to clarify some of the things I wrote in: Can We Ever Be Perfect?.  For those of you who haven’t read it already, if you could head there now and then return here for further reading.

I notice that in my post, that while trying to prove my point in that we as Christians, cannot become perfect to enter into Heaven, I may have come off on the topic of sin in a way I did not intend to.  For one, I had no intention of making it seem as though sin can be taken lightly or that we can get “comfortable” with it, nor is it okay to continue sinning – for sin is an abomination to the Lord.  God hates it.  For it was our sin that put Jesus on the cross to be crucified – and to die so He could save us.  This humbles me immensely.

As Christians, we have repented and put our trust in our Savior, and have forever put away the old self.  Take note, this does not refer to Modern Day Christianity’s “the sinner’s prayer” mentality that is just ”poof and you’re saved!”.  Nor does it give you leave to continue in a life of sin after repenting- this is not at all what I am saying!  For those supposedly saved “Christians” who continue to live a life unchanged, I agree, are not saved!   It makes sense to say that one isn’t a Christian if they are in fact, not bearing any “fruit”.

Matthew 7:20 ~ “…thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”  Also as Christians we will have the Holy Spirit indwelling in us, convicting us of sin.  See the following story by John MacArthur:

A rather flippant sort of scoffing young man asked a preacher in a mocking fashion, “You say that unsaved people carry a great weight of sin. Frankly,” he said, “I feel nothing. How heavy is sin? Ten pounds? Fifty pounds? Eighty pounds? A hundred pounds?”

The preacher thought for a moment and gently replied, “If you laid a four-hundred pound weight on a corpse, would it feel the load?”

The young man was quick to say, “Of course not, it’s dead.” To which the preacher replied in driving home the point, “The spirit that knows not Christ is equally dead. And though the load is great, he feels none of it.”

But may I suggest to you that the believer is not so indifferent to the weight of sin as the unbeliever is? But rather on the other hand, the believer is hyper-sensitive to sin. And having come to Jesus Christ, his senses are awakened to the reality of sin. Such awakening began in his very salvation and is not lessened since he has been redeemed, but rather continues to become intense as he grows and matures.

As I believe it is God who saves, those who are truly repentant and seeking to change, after putting their faith and trust in Christ Jesus – will be saved, and continue to strive toward what is holy.  Notice the word “strive”.  “Strive” is all we can ever say.  “Strive”  is all we will ever do!   I agree wholeheartedly that a Christian will strive to obey God’s Word, repent and forsake his sin and strive to live a holy, godly, and righteous life in this present world by the grace and power of God!  But keep in mind, that our spiritual disciplines and our striving for righteousness should never become a source of pride and arrogance in us, which could lead to judgmentalism.  When we become too content with where we are spiritually and want to appear holy and pious, this may actually indicate a lack of understanding of the word of God.  It shows our ignorance of the work of Christ, and the Word of God. 

Without God’s grace, we could never make it on our own!  This is the whole part of the sanctification process…

From the 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language.  Sanctification: 1. The act of making holy.  In an evangelical sense, the act of God’s grace by which the affections of men are purified or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme love to God.  2. The act of consecrating or of setting apart for a sacred purpose; consecration.

2 Thessalonians 2:13  ~ But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 

During the sanctification process, we will all fall short – and not because we love sin either!  Take a look at this list taken from “The Bookends of the Christian Life” by Jerry Bridges, all of which are sins contrary to the Word of God:

  • pride, selfishness, judgmentalism, lust, anxiety, greed;
  • unthankfulness, unforgiveness, prayerlessness, covetousness;
  • lack of self-control, insistence on having control;
  • impatience, irritability, frustration, anger, resentment, jealousy, gossip, discontentment, bitterness, impure thoughts;
  • failure to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength
  • failure to love your neighbor as yourself;
  • disregarding God, failure to trust God.

Can we really say we do none of these, maybe even on a daily basis??   I know there are some out there that believe that we can stop sinning, but does this mean that we become sinless???  Can they honestly say they do not fall short in any of these areas???  This is where we need to lean on Christ’s righteousness being all-sufficient, in that Jesus was perfectly obedient in our place in all areas.  Remember, sin is NOT just of the past.  Christ’s righteousness is all-sufficient for us - DAILY!  Where we are lacking in our Christian life, and have fallen short, we have to remember that Jesus was our substitute, and that it is his righteousness that counts!   He was perfect for us – that is why He died!   How much more does this fill us with thankfulness and gratitude for His amazing love for us!   

Revelation 3:19 ~ Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 

Being a Christian does not mean we become sinless.  Remember how Jacob tricked his brother Esau, and deceived his father Isaac (Genesis 27:18-29), yet God said, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”  (Romans 9:13)  And David’s sin that started out with lust, then adultery, and finally a planned murder (2 Samuel 11)!   Also in Egypt, Abram lied about his wife Sarai, telling Pharaoh that she was his sister (Genesis 12:13).  Moses disobeyed God’s command to speak to the rock for it to bring forth water, yet Moses struck it in anger (Numbers 20:8-11)  It is God’s own children whom He loves - and it’s clear – that we will all need reproof and discipline – why?  Because we are going to fall short.  

Another example would be in Romans 7, where the apostle Paul, as a Christian, is struggling with his own sin.  He has a true understanding of Christ’s perfection, which magnifies his imperfection.

That is humility that comes from right spiritual perception. Instead of congratulating ourselves about how holy we are, if we really understand God’s law, we’re going to see ourselves as falling far short. And that’s where he is. And that’s why, this again takes us back to the brokenness and the humility and the contrition that marks the true follower of the Savior. -John MacArthur

Again, I am not saying it is perfectly permissable to sin!  How far from the truth!  The whole reason I am going through this is NOT that we can make sin justifiable, but so that when we do fall short (for let’s face it, we all do) we will remember how much we do in fact, need to depend on Christ – 100%!  For it is not because of any humanly effort that we can pride ourselves in, but so we can be humbled, knowing that no work of ours can make us righteous before God!

Galatians 6:14 ~ But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Recommended reading: Galatians chapter 3

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Can We Ever Be Perfect Enough?

Posted on 1, January 7, 2010 by Kira

What, or who do you trust in for your salvation?  What is it that you rely on to get you to Heaven?

“Doing good works” and “being a good person” are popular answers, and those are what I want to discuss in this post.

But first, let me start out with a few questions… Have you ever lied?  Even if it was only a “white lie”?   What about coveting what doesn’t belong to you?  Whether it be possessions, body image, popularity…?   Have you put God above all else in your life?  Or do other things take the place and attention that should be rightly given to God?

Those were just three of the Ten Commandments, and maybe you aren’t yet convinced that you’ve broken any of them.  But the truth is, nobody (except Jesus Christ) has kept all of the Ten Commandments.  So, one of you is lying – either you or God – and God doesn’t lie.  (See Hebrews 6:18; Titus 1:2) Even if you’ve only broken one commandment, you are just as guilty as breaking all of them.   

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”  ~ James 2:10

Now do you think on the basis of your actions – your “goodness”, you’ll still be able to get to Heaven?  It certainly would be scary, if the hope for our salvation rested solely on our own actions and works!   We would never make it!   It is only once we are taken through the Ten Commandments, do we see that we are condemned despite our works and perfection attempts, and we need to be saved by God’s grace, and His grace alone! 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  ~ 1 John 1:9

Our debt has been paid in full.  All who genuinely repent and confess their sin to God, put their trust in Him and in his redeeming work on the cross – will be forgiven!  We will not go back to our sinful lifestyle after this!  The old self is gone, and we have put on the new.  Like 1 John 3:6 says, “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning”.  No Christian is going to recklessly violate their anointing, nor can they continue in a pattern of sin (though this doesn’t mean Christians are ever completely free from sin in this life).  Because it’s true, that we will still fall short and sin sometimes due to our sinful nature.  

What comes out of a person is what defiles him.  For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.  ~ Mark 7:20-23

Notice the word pride is also listed among these evil things, for pride is also a sin (Proverbs 6:16-17).  Do you always respond to others with humility, even when strongly defending your point whether to a parent, sibling, or friend?  Do you find yourself thinking you are better than others; do you look down upon others?  Maybe you want to look like you “have it together”; you don’t want anyone to see your struggles or flaws.  Are you secretly wanting to be the best, the smartest, maybe the most beautiful (depending on your motives)?  All of that too is pride.

Even worry is a sin according to Scripture.  It actually implies a lack of trust in God on our part.   For Jesus said, “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  ~ Matthew 6:34  Jesus has plainly commanded for us not to worry, and when we do, we are clearly disobeying!

I too am a sinner, who has been saved solely by the grace of God!  I am just thankful that it is Christ’s righteousness that is counted on my behalf and not mine.  

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.  ~ Romans 3:10

So maybe this is a breakthrough for you, or maybe you are still counting on your good works to save you, in addition to your realization of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.  But see, if we are going to add any other requirement for salvation, it actually becomes “works” in disguise!

For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  ~ Ephesians 2:8,9

I’ve encountered people who believe strongly, and claim that it is our part to stop sinning in order to enter Heaven.  But my question is, if we have to become perfect (another “work”) to attain some kind of approval from God in order to be accepted by Him, then why on earth did Christ have to die for us??  I wonder what God – the Creator of all things, perfect and sinless - thinks about us lowly sinners, claiming that we too can be like God??  For isn’t that what’s being said when one says they can become perfect? 

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.  ~ 1 John 1:10

It’s clear, that adding anything else to the work of the cross demeans the sacrifice of our Savior.  You might as well be saying, “Jesus, I know you suffered and died on the cross, all while bearing the weight of our sins and suffering the wrath from our Heavenly Father, all so that we could be counted righteous in Your sight and everything… but see, I just don’t think that was enough.”

Like good works, prayer, baptism, fellowship, witnessing, etc.  are simply a step that we take in obedience to the Lord, once we have repented and confessed our sin.  It’s these works that are the “fruit” which spring forth from our faith in Jesus Christ!   We will WANT to obey Christ out of our thankfulness and love we have for Him! 

Even as a Christian, we will never become perfect.  That’s just a fact.  A Christian by himself isn’t even good.  The only “goodness” in us, or righteousness that a believer has comes from Christ, and Him alone!  (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philiphians 3:9) 

Read what Paul says in these verses:

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, decieved, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit.  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; That being justified by grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  ~ Titus 3:3-7

It is true, that as Christians, we want to strive to become more like Christ everyday, and to obey His Word and follow what He says.  Yes, we are still going to be sinners, continually at war with sin, always falling short, and always running back to the arms of our Savior.  For salvation is NOT what WE do, it’s WHO we have.  This keeps us humble, makes our need for a Savior more evident in our lives, and magnifies Christ’s work done on the cross. 

“He must become greater; I must become less.”  ~ John 3:30

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2010 and a Starbucks Giftcard

Posted on 1, January 5, 2010 by Kira

 Wow… Christmas has passed, and we’re into a new year!  Like every New Year’s Eve, my sister and I stay up untill midnight, and are most likely at a babysitting job .  Though this year we weren’t needed, so we spent a long, leisurely evening at home watching the Twilight Zone marathon and munching on cake balls and appetizers with our family.  :D   It was fun. 

Oh, and I’m sure you may be wondering why I haven’t finished my 12 Days of Baking?  Well, actually I did.  It just so happens that those recipes that didn’t get posted, weren’t a big hit with my family.  I figure, why pass on a recipe to someone else when we didn’t even like it?  So, there’s your explanation.  You can count on the ones I posted to be a hit for sure!

On another note, I have to say I’ve received my $10 Starbucks gift card in the mail - all thanks to Swagbucks!  Completely free!  It came on Christmas Day too, how neat is that?  I’m looking forward to using it sometime soon, maybe when my mom and us girls head out for a shopping day! :D    I’m seriously telling you guys, *Sing-song voice* Swagbucks is awesome!   Click here to read more about it.

Well, I’m all out of things to say, so goodbye for now!  Have a blessed week!

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12 Days of Christmas Baking: Day 7 – Jam Thumbprints

Posted on 1, December 19, 2009 by Kira

Here is my 7th day of Christmas baking post!  I know I’ve slacked this past week, but I will hopefully finish by Christmas day!  It’s coming up so fast, isn’t it?

Anywho, for today, I made some Jam Thumbprints to share with you guys.  They’re definitely somethin’ different, but SO yummy!  Especially with the delicious, homemade jam I used that a friend gave us (thank you so much Maureen!).

Day 7: Recipe for Jam Thumbprints (from Real Simple)

Makes 42 cookies

Directions

  1. Roll a basic sugar cookie dough (here’s the recipe I use) into tablespoon-size balls and place on baking sheets (do not substitute slice-and-bake dough).
  2. Make a well in each ball with your thumb. Fill the wells with raspberry jam (or any jam you desire).
  3. Bake at 350° F on parchment-lined baking sheets until just beginning to brown (I didn’t use parchment paper), 15 to 18 minutes.
  4. Cool slightly on baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

 Ready to go in the oven.

 Done and ready to eat!  Aren’t they pretty and “Christmasy”?  This is definitely a MUST for your Christmas table!

Filed under: Desserts/ Cookies, From the Kitchen, Holidays | Leave a Comment »

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