Lessons From Psalms 37

"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of Him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing." (Psalms 37:3-8)

These verses have a very special place in my heart, for God has taught me many beautiful things through them. I'm sure you understand...I think every believer has those few "special" verses that God has used (uses) mightily in their lives.

These verses contain such abundant wisdom and amazing promises for every day and every life.

I remember many years ago when God gave me these verses - I had actually read them many times before, but this time God really spoke to my heart through them - it was as if I literally heard His voice speaking these words at a time in my life when I was searching for direction and hope, and God was so faithful to answer through His Word. These are great life verses!

In the near future I will write (by God's grace) four posts dissecting the four commands found in these verses: trusting, delighting, committing, and resting in God.

I pray you are powerfully encouraged through God's Word.

25 Days Until Christmas!

"For a Child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Just a reminder that God sent His Son Jesus for you and for me...and that is what Christmas is all about.

Alabaster Heart: Ella

I am very pleased to introduce you to a new friend of mine! Her name is Ella and she is 17 years old. She lives with her family in the beautiful state of Idaho. She is currently finishing up her senior year of homeschool high school and plans to remain a stay-at-home daughter until she gets married and has a family of her own.

1) How and when did you first come to know Jesus as your Lord?

When I was four years old, I asked Jesus into my heart in the quiet of my room. However, I had more of a stagnant walk; I felt like I had done enough so I wouldn't go to hell. Yet, around age 14, I had an awakening of sorts. I got serious in my relationship with Him...and there has been no turning back since!

 

2) What has been the biggest change in your life as a result of salvation?

 

The Lord has led me, as a result, to walk the path less traveled. That means I have chosen not to go to college, not to date, dress modestly, etc. Christ has made me want to obey His ways in all things, even if it means pain and loneliness.

 

3) What is your favorite thing about Jesus?

 

His grace, His mercy, and His faithfulness. Why He doesn't give up on me I will never know. I just thank Him for giving me a new chance every single day. And when I fail, He picks me up and gets me started again.

 

4) What do you feel God's purpose for your life is?

 

It is to magnify and praise His name. Yet, I believe He has led me to do this as a wife and mother...and to author a book on modesty.

 

5) What is the hardest thing for you to live out as a set apart woman?

 

The fact that I am to be set apart. It is so hard to reject the lies of the world! I mean, I know I am to reject the fads of now, the dress code, everything. However, my God is good! He reminds me that He will carry me through the storms I face.

 

6) What woman has impacted your walk with God more than anyone else?

 

My mother. She has taught me so much on Biblical, feminine womanhood. I couldn't be the way I am if not for her loving guidance.

 

7) In your daily walk with God, what are a few things that you do to remain renewed and focused on God?

 

I always try to pray. No, they aren't these long, "glamorous" prayers, but when I am struggling, I step aside and turn the situation over to the Father. I also listen to music. For me, music helps me in my spiritual walk; it feeds me, encourages me, and yes, convicts me.

 

8) If you could say one thing to other Christian girls what would you say?

 

"It isn't a bad thing to be different than the world. I won’t say it is without pain, but the pain only lasts so long. If we are faithful, God promises to be faithful to His promises. I wouldn't have things any other way."

 

9) What do you do to entertain yourself?

 

I love to read, play the piano, bake yummy goodies, watch old movies, and work on my blog.

 

10) What are some of your favorite books?

 

I absolutely love the works of Louisa May Alcott and Jane Austen! In a modern Christian realm, I enjoy Karen Kingsbury. However, I am enjoying biographies on the lives of William Wilberforce and Peter Marshall. Also, I love Christian living (So Much More, I Kissed Dating Good-bye, etc...).

 

11) What is one of your favorite things to do in the course of a day?

 

Oh....that is hard! Everything I said in #9 would be accurate =)

 

12) What is your favorite bible verse?

 

I will give references to a couple of them. Lamentations 3:22-23, Jeremiah 29:11, Galatians 6:9, Matthew 5:10

 

13) As far as music goes, who is your favorite artist and why? (Also name a couple of your favorite songs)

 

Steven Curtis Chapman without a doubt! I love the lyrics to his songs. His latest CD is in my player. However I also love Mercy Me's "Bring the Rain" (it has encourages me through some tough times lately) Casting Crown's "East to West", Brian Littrel's "In Christ Alone", Jeremy Camp's "More Than Enough" and Rebecca St. James' "Wait For Me" can constantly be found in my player too.

 

14) Can you describe yourself in one word?

 

Different. =) Not many people can understand why I am the way I am.

 

15) What is your favorite quote? (From someone other than Christ)

 

As I stated, I have grown to enjoy the works of Rev. Peter Marshall. He was a chaplain in the US Senate. Anyway, I cannot write all that I love; I would take up far too much space! His stands on womanhood mean a lot. I would encourage you all to learn about him. I can also find inspiring, encouraging, convicting quotes in books I read all the time!

 

16) What is your favorite thing about this blog?

 

Reading Kaysie's opinions =) She is a kindred spirit in many ways.

Verses of Encouragment

I was reading in 2 Corinthians this morning and found these verses to be such an encouragment! I thought I would share them with you all.

 

"For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your bondservants for Jesus' sake.

 

For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness,"

is the One who has shown in our hearts

to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God

in the face of Christ.

 

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that

the surpassing greatness of the power

will be of God and not from ourselves;

 

we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;

 

perplexed, but not despairing;

 

persecuted, but not forsaken;

 

struck down, but not destroyed;

 

always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."

 

I pray you were blessed by the beautiful Word of God.

Our Distorted Perception

Our perception of beauty is distorted.

We have accepted the world's standard of beauty that is portrayed and valued by the media, and rejected what God has called real beauty. "...that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God's sight." (1Peter 3:4 NIV) It is disheartening that the media (world) has set the bar for what we view as "attractive", "pretty", and "beautiful", and we have cast aside what GOD is telling us real beauty is and where it is found.

80% of women say that the images of women on television and in movies, fashion magazines, and advertising makes them feel insecure with their bodies. We have accepted what the world prizes - the outer rather than the inner. Instead of clinging to our Creator and believing and trusting His Words, we turned our shoulder from His protective presence and reached out in friendship to the world and it's lies like an adulteress wife lusting for something more, leaving behind all we ever needed.

Unless we reject this world's standard of distorted beauty, we will continue to live with our insecurities and the constant turmoil of trying to be something and someone we aren't. If we surrender to our Maker and run to His accepting and transforming presence, we will find the beauty we desire and the lasting true love we crave.

God is the Maker of our bodies: height, hair color, eye color, nose, face, ears, feet, body build, skin color - everything! And He can create in us a beauty that will never fade, never grow old, and never go gray. It can last forever. He knows where true beauty comes from - not from skilled make-up artists and expensive editing software's - but from a heart that is fully and unconditionally devoted and surrendered to Him. He can remove the scales off our eyes to see true beauty the way He does: it is the spirit of a woman that is quiet and gentle, living a life of purity and reverence. (1 Peter 3:2)

May we fall at our Master's feet and ask for beauty that He views as precious and unfading.

Alabaster Heart: Sylvia

I am so excited and pleased to introduce you to a new friend of mine! Her name is Sylvia and she lives in Kampala, Uganda. She is 26 years old and lives and works in Kampala. Her church is there as well, but her family lives in Budaka (eastern Uganda). She is God’s warrior and her life has been a life of war. She wants to live and stand for the truth, and she knows the future is bright. She wants to glorify God in everything she does.

 

1) How and when did you first come to know Jesus as your Lord?

 

I knew about Jesus and that He died and rose again, but I guess I was living a double life. It was in Feb. 2003 at my University at an abstinence rally that I committed my life to Jesus completely and said “Jesus take the wheel!” From then to now my life has never been the same, and I am forever grateful!

 

2) What has been the biggest change in your life as a result of salvation?

 

There are so many changes in my life, but the biggest change of all is that I now live life with purpose. Before, I was just living like everyone else. Right now, I know there is someone who loves me (JESUS), and that there is eternal life after this life where I will go to meet the King of kings. Basically everything about me has changed.

 

3) What is your favorite thing about Jesus?

 

My favorite thing about Jesus is His humility and boldness. He was God and had all the power to do everything, yet He lived such a simple life and chose to die for me - me who is soo rebellious and ungrateful! I want to be like Jesus!

 

4) What do you feel God’s purpose for your life is?

 

To do His will, to live a life that pleases Him. And to pray for the Nations that they will come to acknowledge that He is King.

 

5) What is the hardest thing for you to live out as a set apart woman?

 

It is hard to live a set apart life, especially in a world where there is so much sin around me. But, I have come to learn that I am not to please the world, but that, as a set apart woman, I am to please God. It may be hard, but at the end of it all I glorify God.

 

6) What woman has impacted your walk with God more than anyone else?

 

One of the leaders in our church, she’s called Hadassah. She has so much zeal for the Lord! And when she talks about the Lord it is very real. Also her life testimony is so amazing. She shares her struggles and how she has overcome them, and this helps me deal with mine.

 

7) In your daily walk with God, what are a few things that you do to remain renewed and focused on God?

 

God’s Word helps me a lot, and I am so open with God. I talk to Him about whatever am going through. Also short prayers help, like for example “I know You are with me”.

 

 If you could say one thing to other Christian girls what would you say?

 

They are princesses and Jesus loves them the way they are. And that they should work on their inner beauty more than the outside. Dress modestly, and honor the temple of the Holy Spirit.

 

9) What do you do to entertain yourself?

I watch Christian movies, and read and listen to music.

 

10) What are some of your favorite books?

 

“Brokenness”, “The Purity Principle”, the “Left Behind Series” and of course the Bible - my life guide!

 

11) What is one of your favorite things to do in the course of a day?

 

Talking to my friends after work.

 

12) What is your favorite bible verse?

 

Jeremiah 29:11. When I feel like all is not making sense, it speaks to me. But every time I read it, I get new revelations about many verses.

 

13) As far as music goes, who is your favorite artist and why? (Also name a couple of your favorite songs)

Huh…….this is hard, I have many! Mark Schultz, I love His passion for God. I like the song “He will carry me” and many more.

 

14) Can you describe yourself in one word?

 

What?………..I can’t! I need to think about this one.

 

15) What is your favorite quote? (From someone other than Christ)

 

“When I say am not proud, I am already proud.” - Joy

 

16) What is your favorite thing about this blog?

 

I like the name Alabaster Box………..speaks a lot to us as women and our love for Jesus. And what Kaysie is doing for the young women is really great.

Listening to His Word

“Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.
But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.”
But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

As I begin to write this on my handy clipboard, my family and I are driving home after spending Thanksgiving with our extended family in Mississippi. After leaving the warm fellowship with very full tummies, we began our journey home, adjusting to the quietness of the car.
I pulled out my Bible and opened to Luke and read the verses above. These are some of my favorite verses because we find the examples of two women who were very close to Jesus in His ministry.
I slowly read the story and then stared out the window in thought.
“What was the “good part” that Christ was talking about when He praised Mary?” I wondered.
I looked back at the verses for a contrast in Mary and Martha.
These two words stuck out to me: listening and distracted.

I think these two words add greater clarity to this story, and greater and deeper application to our lives.
Mary was sitting at the feet of Christ, listening to His Word.
Martha was distracted from His Word with all her preparations.
One thing was necessary, and Mary had chose the right thing - to listen to His Word.

Thinking back over these past few days, have I become distracted from God’s Word with my many preparations - or did I make time to listen to Jesus by spending time in His Word?
And as another special holiday approaches, will I be pulled away by the long list of preparations and shopping - or will I be diligent to listen to God and remain focused by spending time in His Word?

These are hard questions to answer, but our Master gives us such encouragement to not become distracted: “Only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

How I long to be the one who listens to His Word, not becoming distracted, but staying focused and fixed on Christ!

“…Let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” Heb. 12:1-2

I encourage you to listen to His Word daily, diligently, and faithfully - and let us not become entangled or distracted. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, looking up into His beautiful face as we sit at His feet with a listening heart.

Only then will we posses the “good part” which will never be taken away from us.