No Stones to Throw

Sometimes I get angry when I think people are being fake.  When I see Christian posts all over their facebook pages, but not in their lives.  And sometimes by the posts I think they are saying "I'm holier than you", and I want to say "I know what you're really like."   And then this small voice says "Hey!  You're angry because you think someone is judging you, right?  So how can you do the same thing to them?  You don't know what is in his or her heart!  Only God has that inside track.  So get off your high horse and go spread some love."

7 Judge not, that ye be not judged.

² For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

³ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

⁴ Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

⁵ Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

...

8 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

² And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

³ And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

⁴ They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

⁵ Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

⁶ This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

⁷ So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

⁸ And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

⁹ And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

¹⁰ When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

¹¹ She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

https://castingcrowns.com/updates/jesus-friend-sinners-official-music-video-1858

https://castingcrowns.com/updates/behind-song-jesus-friend-sinners-1138

Jesus, Friend of Sinners by Casting Crowns

Jesus, friend of sinners

We have strayed so far away

We cut down people in your name

But the sword was never ours to swing

Jesus, friend of sinners

The truth's become so hard to see

The world is on their way to You

But they're tripping over me

Always looking around but never looking up

I'm so double minded

A plank eyed saint with dirty hands

And a heart divided

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners

Open our eyes to world

At the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts

And open doors

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners

Break our hearts for what breaks Yours, yeah

Jesus, friend of sinners

The one who's writing in the sand

Make the righteous turn away

And the stones fall from their hands

Help us to remember

We are all the least of thieves

Let the memory of Your mercy

Bring Your people to their knees

No one knows what we're for only against

When we judge the wounded

What if we put down our signs crossed

Over the lines and loved like You did

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners

Open our eyes to world

At the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts

And open doors

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners

Break our hearts for what breaks Yours

You love every lost

'Cause you reach for the outcast

For the leper and the lame

They're the reason that You came

Lord, I was that lost

'Cause and I was the outcast

But you died for sinners just like me

A grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good

And Your love endures forever

You are good, You are good

And Your love endures forever

You are good, You are good

And Your love endures forever

You are good, You are good

And Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners

Open our eyes to world

At the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts

And open doors

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners

Break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost

'Cause and I was the outcast, yeah

You died for sinners just like me

A grateful leper at Your feet

Songwriter(s):John Mark Hall

Copyright:Sony/Atv Tree Publishing

In Him,

Sonja

The KJV Blog Directory would love it if you subscribe, follow on twitter, or like us on facebook.

Can't Tuck Tail and Run

I know that I have read and heard Ephesians 6:10-18 explained many times, but something new was recently pointed out to me.  As Paul describes the armor of God, the tools that you need in order to fight the powers and principalities, he never once mentions a turtle shell, or a flak jacket, or a steel plate for your back, because there isn't one.  All of the weapons and tools that God has given us encourage us to meet our attackers head on, being vigilant and always ready.  God's armor isn't designed for us to tuck tail and run, because there's nothing covering your backside!

Our job as Christians then, is to do as the scripture says, and "stand against the wiles of the devil", so let's stand together today.


¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The KJV Blog Directory would love it if you subscribe, follow on twitter, or like us on facebook.

IN the World Doesn't Mean OF the World

I recently attended an evangelism conference and it was wonderful to be part of such an exciting event.  There were dynamic speakers, fantastic worship music, and the best part was a great group of youth who were absolutely on fire for Christ. 

On the last morning of the conference, one of the speakers was talking about the reality of being a Christian in an un-Christian world, and how hard it is sometimes to stand in faith.  One of the most well known missionaries in the history of the world shared some of his struggles in 2 Corinthians 11.

²⁵ Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, 

thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

²⁶ In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, 

in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in 

perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea,

 in perils among false brethren;

²⁷ In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger 

and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Life in the world is not easy, but it is necessary.  We have to live and work each day IN the world around us, but we don't have to be OF the world.  In fact, we are instructed to be set apart from the world, to be different. 

² And be not conformed to this world: 

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,

 that ye may prove what is that good, 

and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

So how do we do that?  How do you spend time on earth each day without succumbing to the pressures and temptations around you to be just like everyone else?  How do you continue to live for Christ all the time? 

That's part of the solution right there...all the time.  Are you a "Sunday Christian" who puts in the pew time, but forgets about God for the rest of the week?  Are you giving your Bible a passing glance on your way out the door to the bar on Friday night?  And don't think I am pointing fingers, because I am not.  I have no stones to throw.  I've been there.  I've lived that.  And let me tell you, there is no substitute for God.  Conforming yourself to the world to be accepted by the world just leads to heartache and more heartache. 

We all have a longing in our hearts for something that isn't there.  Longing for the "garden experience", and that closeness with God.  Only that closeness gives us eternal joy and eternal fulfillment, and the only way to achieve that closeness is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

That means a continuous, loving relationship where you spend time together each day.  He is always there for you, He always has time for you, and He's always willing to listen.  Now it's your turn.  Pick up your Bible and hit your knees.  Talk to God while you're driving to work this morning.  Start your day with your online Bible App and devotional time before reading your facebook wall.


God Bless,
Sonja

The KJV Blog Directory would love it if you subscribe, follow on twitter, or like us on facebook.

Effort is Required

Like those packages that read "Assembly is Required", being a Christian comes with an unseen label that reads "Effort is Required".  Yes, you could go through life putting out nothing, but that is not what God has asked of those of us who choose to follow Him.  He has asked us for our time, our attention, our obedience, in short, our EFFORT.  To have a strong relationship with Christ and to truly be living for Him can be painful sometimes.  There can be bumps and bruises, cuts and scrapes, but the most notable thing at the end of our life on earth, is that we should be tired.  Worn out, rung out, empty, because we should have given it all.

This one came to me the other day while I was puzzling over something I was trying to write.  "Trying to write is like being a Christian.  There are always lots of distractions and fun, shiny things to catch your attention and draw you away.  You have to put in the sweat and the effort to stay on the track, and accomplish what you need to accomplish."

I leave you with some powerful words written by the Apostle Paul.  Paul was nearing the end of his life here on earth, but he knew he'd done what was asked.  He was wrung out and exhausted, and had been through much in his life, but he had "fought a good fight" and finished his course.  Above all, he kept the faith and kept working for God.

2 Timothy 4
¹I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
² Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
⁴ And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
⁵ But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
⁶ For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

In Him, 

Sonja

The KJV Blog Directory would love it if you subscribe, follow on twitter, or like us on facebook.

The Most Important Thing In Our Home

I wrote this several years ago, it was always one of my most popular posts over on "Lessons From Ivy." I've deleted it from over there though because the blog is officially moved to KMLogan.com so I thought you might enjoy it here today.

I've been recovering from a bad infection and needless to say my energy has tanked.  I haven't exercised in almost 3 weeks, and I can hardly get up from the couch to do dishes or make dinner.  Things are looking better, but now I'm getting greatly discouraged at the state of my not so clean house.

Having a clean house however is not the most important thing about this home.  Fixing the bit of carpet my cat scratched up isn't either.  Cleaning the raspberry stain in my living room isn't even number one on my priority list.  Nor is shoveling my walk, doing the laundry, taking out the trash, or even paying the bills.

The most important thing in this home is Christ.  Taking a moment with my toddler and teaching her John 3:16, the twenty-third Psalm or the Lord's prayer is a far more important thing than dishes.  Explaining to my children how God created everything in 6 literal days and how everything was once perfect greatly exceeds the need to clean up the kitty litter.  Teaching my children, even though they might not understand it now, that Jesus loves them more than anyone and wants to live in their hearts is thousands of times more important than any cleaning that needs to be done.  Taking a moment at the beginning and end of the day to pray with my husband while the children are in bed is a bigger blessing to my marriage than a 4 course dinner.

Do not misunderstand me.  Keeping my home in order and running smoothly are very important things.  They just pale in comparison to the need to keep Christ the number one priority.  My great-grandchildren will probably never know about my house-keeping habits, but I pray they will know my effort to be faithful to Christ.  I can't take a shiny kitchen sink to heaven with me, but my children will be able to come providing they've made a decision to follow Christ.  That decision starts with every small thing they are taught by my husband and I.

I suppose I can stand to look at a sink of dirty dishes while I'm still recovering, knowing that we haven't forgotten the most important thing.

The KJV Blog Directory would love it if you subscribe, follow on twitter, or like us on facebook.

Eye on the Prize - Wednesday in the Word, March 6, 2013

There are lots of tips and websites out there for runners.  From suggested foods to breathing exercises, all of the sources have tons of different ideas and advice, but one thing that is commonly repeated throughout, is FOCUS. 

Livestrong Runner's Magazine mentions that running is such a challenging sport what separates the good from the great runners is  often mental conditioning. There's not a huge difference between what makes a great runner and what makes an great Christian.

When you're running, your focus is on the run.  Some runners choose to imagine running in their favorite location, and some choose to picture themselves crossing the finish line in first place, but the one thing they have in common is that their focus is singularly on the race.  "You should try to make your images as clear as possible, incorporating all senses, and rehearse your image even when you are not training."

As Christians, we should also have a singular focus.   Our eyes and our minds should be set on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.  In order to live for Him, our focus must be entirely on Him, and the path He has laid out for us. 

Just as a runner sometimes struggles along the course, we often struggle in life.  The obstacles may be different, but the solution is the same.  FOCUS.  Eye on the prize.  So how do we keep our eyes on Christ?

It's not always easy.  The world throws many distractions at us, and anything that takes your focus off Christ for even a second is a hazard.  We have to build up our defenses against whatever Satan throws, and we have to strengthen our relationship with Christ so that we can keep our eyes on Him even through the storm. 

The best ways I know of to do both of these things are to spend time in God's word, and to spend time in prayer.  His word is my "Go To" instruction book for life.  In it's pages He shares how to concentrate on Him, how to follow Hill, examples of others who have had great faith, and everything I need to know in this world and the next.  If I'm spending time in prayer and in a relationship with Him, then I am understanding His word more, and He is strengthening both our bond and my defenses.  My defenses on their own aren't much at all, but Christ makes them impenetrable. 

Christian fellowship is also an important part of building up other Christians, strengthening their resolve and letting them know they aren't alone, while receiving that same reassurance yourself.  It is good to grow and learn with others, as well as in your own Bible study time. 

Above all, use these tools to help you keep your focus on Christ, your "Eye on the Prize".

 

Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

In Him,

Sonja

The KJV Blog Directory would love it if you subscribe, follow on twitter, or like us on facebook.

Comfort Zones

Do you have a comfort zone?  A nice, familiar and comfortable place where you like to sit, snuggled up in your emotional blanket, maybe even with your safety stuffed animal?  I do!  I will admit it.  And as I've gotten older, my comfort zone has gotten smaller.

As a teenager I marched to the beat of my own drum.  I lived in my jeans and cowboy boots, and never quite fit in completely with any of the crowds or cliques.  I usually wasn't afraid to step out and do something new, or be the first to try something.  I traveled to far away places alone, to visit people who I'd never met.  And I loved the adventure.

Adulthood, motherhood, temperance has affected my judgement and made me more cautious and careful, but somewhere along the way, I also acquired fear. 

And I will guarantee, that fear is not something God instills in us or even wants us to have.  Unless it's the fear of the Lord and respect and honor for Him, it's not something that He has given.

^{Proverbs 1:7}  
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Instead, God has given a spirit of courage, and of strength, and it is our duty to live those qualities in our daily life. 

⁶ Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
⁷ Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.
⁸ This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
⁹ Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.




The KJV Blog Directory would love it if you subscribe, follow on twitter, or like us on facebook.

8 Passages To Highlight In Your Bible About Money

I've heard it quoted that there are over 2000 scriptural references to money.  I'm not entirely sure how accurate that particular statement is.  Methinks some of those 2000 references to money might be a bit of a stretch, but there is certainly no denying that money is talked about A LOT in scripture.  

It's time to get out your highlighters, crayola crayons (which is what I like to use) or colored pencils and mark these in your Bible.  I won't be going over all 2000, but here are 8 great passages in reference to money: spending it, earning it, hoarding it, and giving it.

Proverbs 23:4-5

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

 James 5:1-6 

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.  Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.  Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.  Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

Proverbs 11:28 

He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

Malachi 3:10
 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

Psalm 62:10

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 

Phillippians 4:15-19

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.  Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

The KJV Blog Directory would love it if you subscribe, follow on twitter, or like us on facebook.

Pushing Through a Standstill

Okay, how many of you are project people?  You always have something going, some larger than others.  Some of you might be quilters or knitters, seamstresses, tailors, designers, artists, scrapbookers, crafters, authors, or even a combination of those or many more. 

Have you ever gotten overwhelmed?  Wanted to start a new project, or a new story, a new post, a new book, a new painting, a special scrapbook page..., but not known where to start?  How to start?  Spent all your time looking around for inspiration instead of sitting down and putting paper to pen or needle to thread?  

This is me for the past several weeks.  Many times I have tried to start, but to tell you the truth, procrastination is as much to blame for my lack of productivity as anything else that I could try to blame.

So many times in the past few weeks I have just stared at the screen, stared at the project, stared at the laundry to be put away, stared at the lesson to be planned, and just turned away, knowing in my heart that it was not the right way to handle things.  Conviction about my lack of effort took me back to the Bible, to see what God's word had to say about the effort we put out, and procrastinating.

It is made plain in many verses throughout the book of Proverbs that being slothful is not something that we should work at attaining.  From irritation to starvation, the descriptions of sluggards and their lives does not paint a pretty picture! 

^{Proverbs 21:25}  
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

^{Proverbs 19:15}  
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

^{Proverbs 10:26}  
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him. 

^{Proverbs 6:6-11
6}Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

⁷ Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

⁸ Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

⁹ How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

¹⁰ Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

¹¹ So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

^{Proverbs 20:4} 
 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Instead, I must remember that everything I do is not to look good in front of people or to lift up myself, but that everything I do is ultimately for the Lord, and if I do nothing, then I've done nothing for Him.  

Every single day needs to begin with time in His word, remembering who my Lord and Savior is, and that nothing is stronger or higher than He is.  

The tasks that may seem insurmountable in my own eyes become manageable, achievable, prioritized and relevant when I view them through His.

^{Colossians 3:23}  
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

God Bless,

Sonja 

http://www.freshwateracademy.blogspot.com/

The KJV Blog Directory would love it if you subscribe, follow on twitter, or like us on facebook.

My Prayer For President Obama

I pray that the blinders may be lifted from President Obama's eyes, and I pray that he may become the most pro-life president this nation has ever had.  (Subscribers click link to see the video).





The KJV Blog Directory would love it if you subscribe, follow on twitter, or like us on facebook.

Quality Time with God - January 9, 2013 - Wednesday in the Word

How do you spend your time with God each day?  Do you spend ten seconds in the morning with a "Hey God, how's it going?  I need this and this and this...", or do you take the time to open your heart and your mind to Him and what He has to say?  

What about your time in His Word?  I know for many years I was kind of a fly-by-night as far as daily prayer and Bible reading went.  I would try to get to it - usually, and many times it was shuffled off behind other priorities or fell by the wayside.  And my life showed it!  The way that I was living my life and relating to others showed that I was not spending time in God's Word! 

When I realized this and began to make changes in my life, I started with a daily devotional.  One of those simple books where they give you a verse and the writer shares a story that relates to it, much as we do here.  Those are wonderful tools, and I still use them, but if that is the whole of my Bible reading, it is not enough.  Reading one verse and a few paragraphs on someone's interpretation of it- that's not spending quality time in God's word.  Use printed devotions to give you a jumping off point, to get some insight into scriptures, to focus your reading at times, but don't solely rely on them.  Spend your own time in God's Word, searching, listening, expanding your knowledge and your wisdom in Him.  

Psalm 119:11  
¹¹ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.


2 Timothy 2:15
¹⁵ Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

God Bless,

Sonja

http://freshwateracademy.blogspot.com/

The KJV Blog Directory would love it if you subscribe, follow on twitter, or like us on facebook.