There's Power In The Word (Part 1)

:Clears throat, stands real tall, and stares into the distance:

Helllllo Guys, do you know what today is?

"Wednesday, your posting day."

Well yes, that's the obvious answer, but I want a specific answer.

"House322 you got to be kidding us." :Shakes head:

Nope.

:Points finger: "Just tell us already."

Okay, okay, hold your horses.

So today, I want to start a Christian series of posts, called "There's Power In The Word," or TPITW for short. During the next few months, I will go through Psalms 119. I will do this series every other week. There will probably be 12-23 parts, I don't know how many there will be yet.

 I am going to pick a key verse from a little section of the chapter since it has 176 verses! I am going to try to take the, what we are going to call the "Power Verse" and apply it to us. Then, at the end of each post, I am going to give y'all a challenge, or something to work on for the next two weeks. (I am going to be doing it with you, keeping a record of how I do, and sharing it with you all at the beginning of the next post). It's really just to get us to think about how important the Bible to us, as believers and to challenge you to dig deep into it.


So, on to the Scripture. Here we have verses 1-8 (All verses are from the King James Version)

1) Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

2) Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

3) They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

4) Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

5) O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

6) Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

7) I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

8) I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.


Okay, so this week's Power Verse is going to be...




























🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Verse 2🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉







So, here in verse 2, we read; "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart."

As Christians, we are to keep God's testimonies. This simply means keeping the things he has done for us in mind. We are going to be heading over to Deuteronomy 4, where the word "testimonies" appears for the first time in the Bible. This will help get the context of what the word means. We see in Deuteronomy chapter 4, the Israelites were told of the things God had done in Egypt/coming out of Egypt, to the new generation; before going into the land. (Along with a few laws, and judgements if they did not continue to follow God).

It is important to know/remember when God has done something personally for you, even the small things. One of the reasons why God does something personally for you is to show himself to you. It proves to you He is God, Exodus 4:35, tells us this. 

I would recommend writing the things God has done for you. This is exactly how we have the Bible today. I mean, it is a bunch of stories of God doing things for his Creation. Just think of all the stories we have because someone wrote, or told from generation to generation, who later wrote of what God has done.

1) God protecting Noah and his family, when he was obedient to make an ark.
2) God allowing Sarah and Abraham having a child, Issac, at an old age.
3) God helping David fight Goliath. 

and sooo on!

Now, on to the second part of the verse, talking about seeking God with your whole heart. 

Believe it or not, Deuteronomy 4:29 also tells us to seek God with our whole heart. I find it very interesting not only does "testimonies" and "seek Him with thine whole heart" appear together in Psalms 119, but the also appear right before the Israelites were going into the promised land. (Deuteronomy 4:29 and 4:45)

We all know, seeking God is what He wants us to do. However, we don't always do it. I don't always do it. However, remembering the things God has done for us makes us want to seek and serve Him even more. It important we seek God and His words **Hint** The theme of Psalms 119.

Overall, we see God is a good God. He does things for us, that we really don't deserve. He wants us to keep those things in mind, and seek Him.

Challenge:  

This week write at least one (1) thing down God had done for you. It can be something He's done for you in the past or something in the next two (2) weeks. Just write something He has done for you. When you start thinking of all the things He's done. You'll quickly see He's done more than you've ever thought about.

Okay, well that's all for today's post. Hope you enjoyed and hope you learned something! Thank you guys, so much for reading!

Today's Encouraging Quote:

Joseph waited 13-years. Abraham waited 25-years. Moses waited 40-years. Jesus waited 30-years. If God is making you wait, you're in good company. - Unknown.

Today's Bible Verse: 

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. - 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)

Remember, the best friend you have is Jesus Christ.

There's Power In The Word (Part 2)

Good morning? Afternoon? Evening? OHHHH wait I know what it is. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Okay, I know that was really random, but that's what came to mind, so I ran with it. I mean it is someone's birthday, somewhere. Anyway, this week we will be going through verses 9-16 in Psalms 119. At the end of this post, will be the link to the first part, so if you haven't read that yet, head over there and be sure to read it.


Let's get into the passage! (All scripture is from the King James Version)

9) Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

10) With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

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

12) Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

13) With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

14) I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

15) I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

16) I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Today's Power Verse is going to be...













 

A little look into my Bible...XDD

VERSES...9 and 11, we'll touch on 10, but these are the main two. 

So in verse 9 we see a question. "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" Along with the answer right after it.

How do we cleanse our way? by taking heed to God's word. Heed means to pay attention, careful attention. 

As Christians we are to pay careful attention to the Bible. We should never take the words He's given us lightly. Verse 11 gives us a clue as to why; we should pay close attention to what God has to say. 

We should because it's helps us from sinning. We cleanse our heart with God's word (John 17:17) This is how we are sanctified, simply meaning set apart for God's use.

As Christians we are called out from this world and it's pleasures and called to do something greater. We're called to make a difference in eternity. In our own lives, and in others. The things of this world are wrong and we are supposed to keep ourselves from the worlds ways, ideas, and actions. We do this by being in the Bible on a regular basis, renewing our minds. (Romans 12:2) 

If we know what the Bible says about sin, then we will be guilty for sin when we do, because we know it's wrong, but we make the ultimate choice to go ahead and do it anyway. (I really hope this is making sense) 

That was a lot for verse 9, so I'll keep verse 10 and 11 short. Verse 11 says, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." 

Like I said before, it's so we don't sin against God. The way we keep it in our heart is by memorizing it! We may think it's hard or boring to memorize the Bible, but we memorize songs, phone numbers, and addresses, so why can't we memorize verses? It really comes down to if you want to, or not.. 

 I struggled with memorizing verses, then I found out I could make into a song. That changed things for me! I also have wrote the verses in my room on paper, so when I woke up, sat at my desk, or walked in the door. I was forced to see them. It only takes a few minutes a day, you'll know a lot of verses by the end of month, year, or life.

Verse 10 explains, that David sought for God, so that he would not wander from what God had said.
  

Challenge: 

In the next two weeks, try to read your Bible everyday, even if it's just a chapter. Just try to get into it. Also, I would like to challenge you to memorize at least one verse. It can be anything. 

Last challenge was to write at least one thing God has done for you. I wrote two down, which are here.

So yes, I participated in the challenge too. I learned that God even cared for me in the little things, even when it came to my guitar.  Let me know if you did. If not, you can join on in this week's challenge. 

Also, click here, for the first part.

Today's Encouraging Quote:

Be BRAVE! God gives His hardest battles, to His bravest soldiers.  - Unknown

Today's Bible Verse:

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. - Proverbs 11:14 (KJV) 

Remember, the best friend you have is Jesus Christ.

There's Power In The Word (Part 9) + Plans For the New Year!

(A special thanks to my sister for allowing me to try something new with my intros...)

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So, I figured I would start this post of by saying, "HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!" I am really excited about this year. I mean, I don't know what it's going to bring, but last year was a struggle, so I am kind of glad that it's over.

This year I want to focus on planning my post, instead of waiting until the day of, which tends to make them seem a bit rushed, or at least I feel that it does. With that being said, I have some really fun things coming up in the future! I hope y'all enjoy that as much as I do! Anyway, that's the plans for this year, so let's get into today's post!



Today's passage is Psalms 119:65-72!

65) Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.

66) Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

67)Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

68) Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

69) The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.

70) Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.

71) It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

72) The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

Our power verse this week is going to be verse number...







CAN YOU GUESS!?







ARE WE THERE YET?







NOT QUITE YET, PEOPLE!







ALMOST...







ONE MORE TIME...







VERSE NUMBER...







71!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XDDD I have no idea why I did so many, it just felt right, okay? 


Which says, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."

Now, I know what you're thinking...

Yeah, you're right, but I want to look at a few other verses, that talk about affliction. It all begins in Genesis chapter 15, where God gives a prophecy to Abram (who later becomes Abraham). Verse 13 says. "And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;"   

If you are not familiar with the Bible, at the end of Genesis we see Jacob and his family, including Joseph are all in Egypt. In the beginning of Exodus we see that a Pharaoh rises up, who is very harsh with the the people, who are decedents from Abraham. They were slaves in the land of Egypt. Now you are probably saying...

Well, I am glad that you asked! You see the Israelites, suffered much in the land of Egypt. However, they were able to experience God's power in ways they wouldn't have been able to otherwise. They got to see the parting of the Red Sea, the manna coming down from heaven, and all the plagues that broke out in Egypt before leaving.

I say all that to say this: When we go through trouble, trails, and affliction, we are learning and seeing things about God we would learn and see otherwise! It's truly amazing the relationship you can have with God, when you're going through something that you just quite don't understand. 


Enough talking about that verse, let's go onto a few more. 

2 Corinthians 1:6 states, "And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation." 


We endure hard times so that we may help other people, who are also going through the same problem as you. We learn how to be comforted by Jesus Christ, while going through things, but sometimes it's just good to be able to talk to some else who knows your pain. That's one reason for suffering. 

However, while we are going through these times we must remember that it's only for a moment. Soon this life will be over and so will the problems. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, 

¹⁶  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.


¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

¹⁸ While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

There will be a day when you're rewarded for your suffering, until then just keep going, because it's far better. He will deliver you one day. 

2 Timothy 3:11 - "Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me."

Another thing that affliction does for us is: It helps us with being patient. James 5:10, says.

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience." 

Implying that it's important to have patience, which when you think about it is. 


Now for the last verse, "And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended."

 This is Mark 4:17, which is in the midst of the parable of the sower. There are many lessons in this chapter, but the lesson her is that if we're not careful we too, can become offended when they come. It's important to talk to somebody, if you feel overwhelmed. Go to Jesus, ask Him to increase your faith and strength. I would hate to see you get out of trusting God because you're offended when a problem arises. 


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That 's it for today! I really hope you find this encouraging as I did. If you are going through something and would like some prayer, please let me know. I would be more than happy to pray for you. You don't have to tell me what it is. God knows what it is, so let Him know. 

Today's Encouraging Quote: 

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of it's sorrows, but only empties today of it's strength. - Charles H. Spurgeon.   

Today's Bible Verse: 

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. - Matthew 21:9 (KJV) 

Remember, the friend you have is Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

  

There's Power In The Word (Part 3)

Hello everybody! :Waves violently:

"Hey there, Housemom322."

Hola, me nombre es Housemom322.

"And now you're speaking Spanish?"

Sí! ¿Cómo estas?

"Umm, can you translate?"

:Flips through Spanish 1 notes: Yes! How are you?

"We're waiting..."

I did. It means Yes! How are you.

"OHHH, Well maybe you should stick with English then."

Okay, I will stick con inglés. (with English)

"Get on with it already, please."


_________________________________________________________________

Okay, I'm not exactly sure how my intro became a Spanish lesson, or how it relates to today's post, but any who. It was interesting enough, so watch me flip through my Spanish notes. So, it another Wednesday, and that means I post! Last week I posted about What I want to do when I get older, you can see that post HERE.  That means this week we are working on Part 3 of TPITW! Here we go...

So on to the Scripture, in this part we are dealing with verses 17-24. As always all references are from the King James Version.

17) Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

18) Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

19) I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

20) My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

21) Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. 

22) Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. 

23) Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

24) Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.



Our power verse is going to be...























🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉VERSE 18🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉


In the first part we started our journey in Deuteronomy, well today we are going to go back even further, to figure out what the word "law" references to.  The first time "law" shows up is Exodus 12:49 (As far as our context goes. The real first time is Genesis 11:31, but it's talking about a daughter-in-law.

Here is a few verses before and after, to give us the context of our story to begin with.


47) All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.

48) And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.
49) One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.

50)  Thus did all the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

From the context of Exodus 12:49, we see "law(s)" are the commandment, that Israel shall keep. That makes sense in what we are reading over in Psalms 119. As I have said before, the main theme of Psalms 119 is God's word - The Bible. 

Here David, is praying that God would open his eyes, that he may see and observe the things in the law of God. This can still apply to us today, every time when we open our Bible.

Over in Hebrews, we read, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." in chapter 4, verse 12.

The Bible is living, it's know humanity. It's knows our nature; it know our heart and thoughts. With that being said, it reveals to you who are.  To get the most out of the Bible we should be asking the Holy Ghost, to reveal the areas we need to work on in your life. This is how your eyes are opened. 

Isaiah 34:16 says, "Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them." 

When we ask God for our eyes to be opened we are seeking the book of the LORD. Basically, I gave all those verse to say this: When we the Bible, we should pray first. That's how our eyes become open to God's words.


That seems to wrap up this week's post. I do have a challenge for you all.  

Challenge: 

Continue to read your bible from the previous challenge, but this time spend at least 5 minutes each time you read, in prayer asking God to reveal to you the things he has for you scripture. 

Last TPITW, post challenge was to try to read your Bible everyday, even if it's just a chapter and to memorize at least one verse. 

Unfortunately, I struggled with this challenge myself. I read September 14, 17, 18, 19, 22, and the 26. I did not memorize any verses over the last two week. You can see even I fail at times, don't be discouraged if you don't complete the challenges. They are there to help you to get closer to God, if you don't know where to start. It's a guide. 

Click here for part 1, or here for part 2.

Today's Encouraging Quote:

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. - Martin Luther 

Today's Bible Verse:

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. - Psalms 34:14 (KJV) 

Remember, the best friend you have is Jesus Christ.

 

 

There's Power in The Word (Part 6)

:Obnoxious alarm goes off:

:Whispers: Guys, it's here!

:Pulls the covers over your head:

But guys!

"HOUZE GO TO BED!"

It's Wednesday!

"Yeah, but it's 5 o' clock in the morning!"

No, I have 6. :Shows watch:

"Yeah, it's called you forgot to turn your clock back!"

I don't know what you're talking about.

"You know, fall you FALL back, spring you SPRING ahead?"

Hmm, nope!

:Takes watch off of arm:

Hey! That's my watch!

:Fiddles with it: "How do you change this thing?"

:Grabs it: What time is it?

"5:24 AM."

Are you sure?

"Yes, Houze! Just change it already!"

Alright, alright.

"Now I am going back to bed!"

But...BUT I've haven't wrote my post yet!

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Okay. So we are getting into part 6 of our TPITW series! Since my intro was pretty long we are just going to get right into it, but before I do that. I have a prayer request. Starting today (November 7) until Sunday (November 11) our church is having a special meeting. We get to go to church EVERY NIGHT! I am so excited. God always teaches me something during these meetings. So just be in prayer that we listen to what God is trying to tell us during the next few days! Thank you!


Now, let's get into Psalms 119:40-48 (KJV)

41) Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation according to thy word. 

42) So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. 

43) And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. 

44) So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. 

45) And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. 

46) I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. 

47) And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. 

48) My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; an I will meditate in thy statutes. 


Now, really this passage goes together really well as a whole, (Not that a verse stands alone in a chapter, because it doesn't). I am going to touch on a few verses instead of one, like we usually do.

This is great passage and I'm not just saying that just because. It truly is! These verses really go together to show the Christian that we really shouldn't be afraid to speak to people about our beliefs. 

We see in verse 42, someone is reproaching the author. However they have an answer, from the Bible, why? It's simple! They believe the Bible! In 2 Peter 3:15 we are told;

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

As Christians, we should be able to tell freely what we believe. Where our hope comes from if and when someone asks. Now yeah, we may not be able to answer ALL of their questions, but we should try. We should know something about who God is. Where our peace comes from. How we walk with Christ in our hearts from day-to-day, and how the person you are talking to can receive Christ themselves. 

Verse 43, we can make a practical application. We shouldn't allow the people who approach us to "take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth" 

Sometimes we take the words of people to heart. Sometimes we do we're crazy for getting excited when a prayer answer, or when we pray over our food. However, people are going to people. They don't have the peace and love we do. They understand the things of God like we do. 1 Corinthians 2:14 talks about the "natural man," or the unsaved man.  

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

We should not allow other people discourage us from speaking up. We can't let them take the word of truth (the Bible) from us. 



I could go on and on about about 44, 45, 47, and 48, but I've already covered about the topic of commandments, law, and precepts in Part 3. 

I do want to talk about verse 46 though! Now, you may see a word in there that we've studied in Part 1. I hope you see that all these parts tie together as they make one complete chapter. Anyway, so that word is "testimonies" as I've said before these are things God has done for you. 

 Don't be ashamed or afraid of telling people about the things God has done for you! Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, said MANY times he was not ashamed of the gospel.

Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." 

Romans 10:11 - "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

Philippians 1:20 -  "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christa shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death."



As Christians, we should never be ashamed of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has done so much for us. There are people who need to hear the gospel. Tell somebody! That seems to wrap up this post. 

Challenge: 

Open a conversation with a family member or friend about something God has done for you recently. Present to them the gospel if they don't know. I know it can be intimidating, but just try it. 

Last weeks challenge was to be cautious of who your friends are and of what you look at online. For this challenge I decided to step away from YouTube for a bit. Now, don't think I was doing anything wrong on there because I wasn't, but I did find myself being on there WAY TOO MUCH! So, I really put a limit on it. Since, I have. I have so much more time to do other things! I had no idea how much time I actually spent on YouTube! 

 Today's Encouraging Quote: 

We like to spend time doing stuff.

The bad, the good. 

The weak, the strong. 

We think all hope is lost and seem to be misunderstood.

However, God has given a wonderful song.

The poor, the rich.

The girl, the boy. 

Even when you've found yourself in a ditch.

God is there to pick you up and give you great joy. 

The lie, the truth.

The separated, the united. 

You've been ruined by the things of your youth. 

To heaven, by God, you've been invited. 

The blind, the seeing.

The woman, the man.

They're living their life in fear and fleeing. 

However, Jesus came to lay out a perfect salvation plan. 

Though this life is tough. 

There is One who promises that He'll always be near, 

and He is more than enough. 

- A Poem written by Housemom322, called God Is Enough.

Today's Bible Verse:

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. – Joshua 1:9 (KJV)


By the way, I made a new signature for my Christian posts...here it is!

Remember, the best friend you have is Jesus Christ.

There's Power in The Word (Part 5)

:Slience:

"Where's Houze today, she's late for her post."

:A box falls from the sky:

:Jumps out of the box: Hello guys! It's so great to see you today!

"Wow! You get crazier by the moment."

Why, thank you! You all are so kind!

"That wasn't a compliment Houze..."

Well I took it as one, so it is!

"Yep she has lost it"

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Hello guys! I am so glad you joining me in another TPITW post! I love writing these posts and I hope you enjoy reading them! By this time we are just over 1/5 of the way done. Yes, I've decided to do 23 parts. 😜

Without further ado let's get started!

Psamls 119:33-40 (KJV) 

33) Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

34) Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

35) Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

36) Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

37) Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

38) Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

39) Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.

40) Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

Okay, so after we've read that. Let me just tell you, this passage really spoke to me for many reasons, but I especially liked verse 37, because it seemed to fit so well in the world in which we live in. 

That being said....

















VERSE 37 is our Power Verse! 



 
We live in a time where there is vanity is everywhere we look, even to those who are sheltered. By sheltered I mean, not exposed to these things by either family members, friends, or school. We have these tiny little devices in our hands called, cell phones, tablets, or computers. They have the ability to expose us to vanity at the click of a button, whether we want to or not.

I find it very funny how we call these things "devices" every time in the Bible the word "device or devices" comes up it's in a bad context (Except 2 Chronicles 2:14; Ecclesiastes 9:10; which are 2 out of 26 times that it shows up).

Now, don't get me wrong these things can be used for good and are sometimes. However, there is also a lot of bad that can be done with them.

Vanity can be defined as simply going against what God commanded. I get this from 2 Kings 17:15 where it says. "And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them." 

This what got the nation of Israel in trouble. God had waned them in book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 8, verse 20. "As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God."

As Christians we are to be keeping our faces from the things that displease God. Many things displease God. It's sin that displeases God. We are to keep our eyes from sin as much as possible. Most of all, keep your live pure. I would encourage you to stay out of sin. 

Sin only lasts for a season, like Hebrews 11:25 says. "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;" Which is talking about Moses not wanting to be called the son of Pharoh's daughter in Egypt. By the way, Egypt is a type of the world in the Bible. I love how all these verses go together like a giant puzzle! 

The second part of this verse says "....and quicken thou me in thy way." This is what we are supposed to do instead of putting our eyes on vanity. 

Quicken can be defined as springing to life. 

We are to focus of walking in the way of life, which is walking according to the way of Jesus Christ. John 14:6 says that He is life. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

You may ask, "How do I know what the way of Jesus Christ is?" It's simple, it's found within Bible. The commandments, the prophets, the gospels. It's our answer. 

With all that being said! I guess we are done with today's post! Thank you all for reading. 

Challenge:

Be cautious of what you are clicking on while you're online. Evaluate what kind of friends you have. Are they like David and Jonathan where they encouraged each other to get closer to God, or do they pull you away from God? 

Today's Encouraging Quote: 

Your greatest message will be spoken by your life, NOT your lips. - Unknown

Today's Bible Verse: 

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. - John 14:3 (KJV)

Remember, the best friend you have is Jesus Christ.

Celebrating a Year With AJFC

Hello guys! I am SUUUUUUPPPEEEERRR excited about today! This week, Monday August, 19th marked a year since my sister and I became official authors on this blog. It has changed my life. The last year has brought many things - both good and bad. Through it I've learned a lot. I've learned what it's like to be a blogger. Yes, I only post once a week, but I'm glad that I do. I wouldn't be here without you guys! Really!

I want to thank you, as the reader, for being with me the last year. You've seen me grow in my writing. My first posts, were pretty cringey, I must say. You stayed with me anyway. So, today I want to take you back to memory lane, highlighting some of my posts, over the last year.

I want to thank you Gracie, for allowing me to work at my passion - writing. You've taught me tremendously on how to not only write, but how to blog in general. You've taught me the ins and outs. That deserves a big "thank you."

 Now, we shall get started. My first "official" post was entitled: Top 10 Best Hats Currently Out 
I say official because you may remember, I was a fill-in-author since May 24, 2018. 

This was a post that I went to Jam Mart Clothing and I tried on a few hats, that I felt were the best. It's kind of a cheesy first official post. In my post, I said that this...

was my favorite hat, that has since changed. I mean this is absolutely adorable, but I think I like the French Braid a lot better, or even a Fedora! Yeah, why I chose this as my favorite, I REALLY don't know. However, I must admit, I still think it would be in my top 10 though.


My most popular post is my Why So Dark? post with 136 views as I write this. It also had the most comments with 16 comments. I really enjoyed doing the research for this post, and the pictures that I took. :)

At this time, I was also a nonmember as you can see. I remember those days. LOL


Anybody remember the "There's Power In The Word" series? Yeah, I do that allowed me to get a start in making devotional type Christian posts. It was based on Psalms 119, but I didn't finish the series. I felt like I was saying the same thing over and over, I've thought about coming back to it, and I just may.

I feel like I've become better at writing these types of posts. So, maybe I should do that. It may be beneficial for all of us. XD


My "Guess the Worth" post was my least viewed post, with only 11. This was written a month ago, but I was really proud of this post and still am. You see, to me it's not about the views or the comments (though I do love the comments). It's about what I love to post.

My personal favorite post over the last year was either "Different Food Outfit Ideas," (AJ Post) or "What Is Your Desire," (Christian post).

Intro to "What Is Your Desire" post.

If there was one big thing I would like to improve on over the next year it would hands down be my intros. I have changed my style of intros so many times over the year. I can't really say, I like any of them. I just don't know. I don't like them, so that's one thing I want to improve on.


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Over the last year, I have written 48 posts...now it's 49. I've enjoyed writing  95% of them, (the 5% were probably the last 3 There's Power In The Word series I did). Thank you all, for making my blogging journey possible! Thank you! Please comment down below, what you've seen me improve on most over the year, or even what I still need to improve on.

Today's Encouraging Quote:

God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies. – Hudson Taylor

Today's Bible Verse:

38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

Remember, the best friend you have is, Jesus Christ.

No More "There's Power In The Word..."

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Okay, so the last past few weeks I've been debating with myself if I should continue with my "There's Power in the Word" series. The last 2-3 posts I haven't enjoyed writing. I feel like I am saying the same thing over and over again. Don't get me wrong there is so much in that passage, but I took too much upon my self. It got boring for the readers and  for me as the writer. (I talked to a friend who said she stopped reading it). It was good for the time being, but now it's a new season in life. It's time to move on. I may come back to TPITW in the future, I don't know, but for now I am stopping the series. I hope you all understand. 😉


With that being said, I am still doing my Christian posts every other week, but it will be on different topics, not limited to one set of scripture. Today, I am going to be talking about something I've been thinking about the last few days...

 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN?

I am currently reading a book called In His Steps by Charles Monroe Sheldon. Well, technically listening to it, since it's an audio book, but whatever. In this book it proposes the question "What would Jesus Do?" Now, it seems simple, but it's easy to understand. What would Jesus do?

We are a testimony to a lost a dying world. Are we really showing them what it means to be a Christian? We are to be showing this world what it means to be a Christian. I am guilty of calling myself a Christian, but not acting like one. I want to do better at being a Christian. 

Recently, I've seen a quote that said...

To be a Christian it means to have Christ in the fore front of your mind. To have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It's not about going to church. It's about being real and authentic. Having Christ is the most important thing in this life. If we can give that to others, that's a wonderful gift. 


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That is all. Let's ponder on the question "What would Jesus do?" As we make decisions each day.

Today's Encouraging Quote: 

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." - Corrie Ten Boom

Today's Bible Verse: 

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) 

Remember, the best friend you have is Jesus Christ.