Lessons - on the Bible

As we head into the weekend I wanted to take an opportunity to put up a quick and fun Bible lesson. It comes from the 1777 New England Primer. If you're new in the faith, this is a nice way to learn some bible facts and for those who have been reading your bible for a while now, this may be used as a quick refresher. For your convenience, when a direct reference was available, I posted the verse.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB

Who was the first Man?

Adam

Gen 2:20 The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him.

Who was the first Woman?

Eve

Gen 3:20 Now the man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all {the} living.

Who was the first Murderer?

Cain

Gen 4:8 Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

Who was the first Martyr?

Abel

Gen 4:8 Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

Who was the first Translated?

Enoch

Gen 5:24 Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

Who was the oldest Man?

Methuselah

Gen 5:27 So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and he died.

Who built the Ark?

Noah

Gen 6:13 Then God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth.
Gen 6:14 "Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms, and shall cover it inside and out with pitch.

Who was the Patientest Man?

Job

Who was the Meekest Man?

Moses

Who led Israel into Canaan?

Joshua

Deut 1:37-38 "The LORD was angry with me also on your account, saying, 'Not even you shall enter there. 'Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall enter there; encourage him, for he will cause Israel to inherit it.

Who was the Strongest Man?

Samson

Judg 13:5 "For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines."

Judg 13:24 Then the woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson; and the child grew up and the LORD blessed him.

Who killed Goliath?

David

1 Sam 17:50 Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David's hand.

Who was the Wisest Man?

Solomon

1 Kin 4:29 Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore.

Who was in the Whale's Belly?

Jonah

Jon 1:17 And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights

Who save lost Men?

Jesus Christ

Matt 1:21 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Who is Jesus Christ?

The Son of God

Matt 4:1-3 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."

Who was the Mother of Christ?

Mary, the virgin

Luke 1:27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

Who betrayed his Master ?
Judas.

Matt 10:4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.
Who denied his Master ?
Peter.

Matt 26:34-35 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you that this {very} night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You." All the disciples said the same thing too.
Who was the first Christian Martyr?
Stephen.

Acts 22:20 'And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him.'
Who was chief Apostle of the Gentiles ?
Saul. (Paul)

1 Tim 2:7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

A Divine Song of Praise to GOD, for a Child, by the Rev. Dr. Watts.

HOW glorious is our heavenly King,Who reigns above tha Sky! How shall a Child presume to singHis dreadful Majesty!How great his Power is none can tell,Nor think how large his grace:Nor men below, nor Saints that dwell,On high before his Face.Nor Angels that stand round the Lord,Can search his secret will;But they perform his heav'nly Word,And sing his Praises still.Then let me join this holy Train;And my first Off'rings bring;The eternal GOD will not disdainTo hear an Infant sing.My Heart resolves, my Tongue obeys,And Angels shall rejoice,To hear their mighty Maker's Praise,Sound from a feeble Voice.

Modesty & the Christian Woman

This is a topic I decided to research for my own knowledge and for the other women out there who are trying to understand their call to modesty. In a world where even ABC News referred to the modern female fashions as "hooker wear," we as Christians must take a stand and do our part "that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" Phil 2:15 WEB ."

"Modesty comes from a Godly heart, not a checklist. Get the internal right, and the external will follow. "

"The reason we see less and less modesty today--or more and more immodesty--on commercials, advertising, and prime-time television is that more and more people today are simply intemperate, or to be more specific, unchaste, and since attire expresses an interior disposition, it should come as no surprise that immodesty of attire has become somewhat the norm. If a person is unrestrained within, she will be unrestrained without. The sexually promiscuous will dress the part. So too, the emotionally insecure girl who has a need to be desired by men will dress in a way that will turn their gaze towards her. "

MODESTY:No matter how we approach this topic, we have to understand that modesty must always begin on the inside. Outward apparel is important, but it is not the be-all and end-all of modesty. Modesty begins by putting others first, by dying to self and loving the Body of Christ. Girls, when you pull on that tight sweater that amplifies your bosom and reveals your bare midriff, are you putting your Christian brothers before yourself? When you sit down and let your skirt ride up to reveal your thighs and underclothing, are you helping your Christian brothers "keep a covenant with [their] eyes" (Job 31:1)? The man who "looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart," according to our Lord in Matthew 5:28. Are you laying a trap for this lust and adultery by the way you dress? You may respond, "Well, I am not responsible for the way boys think. That is their fault if they can't keep their minds off my body." Dear sister, you are grievously mistaken. "Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness" (Proverbs 30:20).

Richard Baxter, the prolific Puritan, wrote,

If it [the manner of dress] tend to the ensnaring of the minds of the beholders in procacious [shameful], lustful, wanton passions, though you say you intend it not, it is your sin, that you do that which probably will procure it, yea, that you did not your best to avoid it... And you must not lay a stumbling block in their way, nor blow up the fire of their lust, nor make your ornaments snares; but you must walk among sinful persons as you would do with a candle among straw or gunpowder, or else you may see the flame which you would not foresee, when it is too late to quench it.

God designed man to enjoy and appreciate a woman's body -- more specifically, his wife's body. The Song of Solomon is a breathtaking tribute to the beauties of human love and the gifts of femininity and masculinity. Proverbs exhorts a husband to enjoy his wife's body, which is his own and belongs to the gaze of no other man (Prov. 5:19). When you wear low-cut necklines, you are offering to the public what belongs to your husband alone to enjoy. Will your husband be happy to know that countless men before him have enjoyed beauties that should "ravish" him alone? It is the "strange woman" of Scripture who attires herself as "an harlot" (Prov. 7:10). She does it to trap the foolish man who is easily turned aside by her wiles. Cover yourself, ladies! Do it because you fear God and love His commandments. Do it because it is the "more excellent way." Do it because it is a way to love your brothers in Christ and put them first. Do it because it is a protection given to us by a loving Father.

"As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion" (Prov. 11:22). Let us be discreet, which means "showing discernment or judgment in the guidance of one's own speech and action; judicious, prudent, circumspect, cautious." If you would like young men to treat you with discretion ("not rude, not doing anything inconsistent with delicacy towards a female"), you must deserve it by dressing modesty and chastely, according to the precepts of God’s Word. You have liberty to be creative in your choice of styles, but you do not have liberty to sin or to cause others to sin ("God forbid!"--Romans 6). You have the freedom to choose colors that suit you, but you are not "free" to dress ostentatiously with the intent of attracting the notice of others by "costly apparel" or garments that are ill-suited for the occasion (no mink coats at the grocery store; no soiled gardening clothes in God's House). Your freedom is bounded by the Word of God. John Piper writes,

[M]any women (and men) today … judge [freedom] on the basis of immediate sensations or unrestrained license or independence. But true freedom takes God's reality and God's purpose for creation into account and seeks to fit smoothly into God's good design. Freedom does include doing what we want to do. But the mature and wise woman does not seek this freedom by bending reality to fit her desires. She seeks it by being transformed in the renewal of her desires to fit in with God's perfect will (Romans 12:2). The greatest freedom is found in being so changed by God's spirit that you can do what you love to do and know that it conforms to the design of God and leads to life and glory.

There is room within God's boundaries for the old-fashioned Romantics who love full, sweeping skirts and for the practical ladies who prefer more tailored lines. But there is no room for licentiousness. There is no room to stumble your brothers. There is no room to parade about in gaudy apparel designed to draw attention to your status or your feminine "assets." And mothers, please take care in how you dress before your children. It grieves me to see many older women who have apparently decided, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." I don't know what is more distressing: the young, beautiful girl in tight pants and cropped shirt or her mother, following in her wake in an attempt to look "hip." Let us be sober, dressing as befits our age and station in the world and in the Church. This is even more important than ever as our culture continues to slide down the drain. We are called to be "set apart" and different. Today it is nearly impossible to tell many Christian ladies from their worldly counterparts. And if you feel that this intrudes upon your "liberty" or "freedom," please consider that your "freedom" to dress immodestly is eating away at the freedoms of modest women to be treated with respect by men and not as mere sexual objects for sport or jest. Let's let the men be men, and let us be thoroughly feminine, from the inside out. It's not only God-honoring; it is beautiful and gratifying! I think artist Tasha Tudor puts it best:

Why do women want to dress like men when they're fortunate enough to be women? Why lose our femininity, which is one of our greatest charms? We get much more accomplished by being charming than we would by flaunting around in pants and smoking. I'm very fond of men. I think they're wonderful creatures. I love them dearly. But I don't want to look like one. When women gave up their long skirts, they made a grave error. Things half seen are so much more mysterious and delightful. Remember the term "a neatly turned ankle"? Think of the thrill that gentlemen used to get if they caught even a glimpse of one. Now women go around in their union suits. And what a multitude of sins you could cover up with a long skirt if you had piano legs.

Dress Often Determines Your Mood and Performance
In the same vein, dress as nicely as you can. Schlepping around the house in untidy, dowdy, unkempt outfits is no better than following current fads. You do not inspire your girls or create a vision of womanhood that gives the world pause. No matter what your income, you can afford to create lovely, feminine clothing that clearly declares your role to all who see you. You are not a shabby housefrau but a radiant queen who glories in her womanly realm. And don't save your prettiest clothes for company or eating out. Who deserves your modest beauty more than your own family? As Richard Wells wrote in 1891,

Never let your husband have cause to complain that you are more agreeable abroad than at home; nor permit him to see in you an object of admiration as respects your dress and manners, when in company, while you are negligent of both in the domestic circle. Many an unhappy marriage has been occasioned by neglect in these particulars. Nothing can be more senseless than the conduct of a young woman, who seeks to be admired in general society for her politeness and engaging manners, or skill in music, when, at the same time, she makes no effort to render her home attractive; and yet that home whether a palace or a cottage, is the very centre of her being -- the nucleus around which her affections should resolve, and beyond which she has comparatively small concern.

I find that putting on a lovely outfit first thing in the morning helps me set the tone for the entire day. Who says lovely outfits are to be reserved for "special" occasions? Dress as if every day is special (and it is!). And wear what is appropriate for the job at hand. A ready stock of serviceable aprons is great for kitchen tasks, and sturdy "housedresses" are super for scrubbing floors, straightening rooms and even gardening. Then make a point of attiring for the family meal in something a bit dressier. This is your family's time to feast together, sharing the day's happenings and enjoying one another's company and conversation. Help to make it fine by dressing beautifully for those who count most--your husband, your children and the Body of Christ.

Sisters, let us be modest! Let us be women! It is time to embrace again the unchanging commands and precepts of Scripture with giddy abandon. There is joy in modesty! This is not about soulless rituals or rigid rulemaking. This is not about trying to win "brownie points" with God (our works never justify us; instead, they flow out of our love for Christ). This is about glorying in God's distinctions and embracing them for their loveliness. We should strive to make modesty so attractive and soul nourishing that the world looks on in wonder and even jealousy. Prick their consciences by covering what God has made special and private and enjoying the very fact that they are private! "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:7-11).

exerpt from Ladies Against Feminism

Be strong in the Lord

Ephesians 6:10 -11
"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." WEB


Ever wonder what this means, "be strong in the Lord"? I have. I've read this explaination: "Many times we fall because we haven't learned that to be strong means to be aware of how weak we are."(seekgod.ca)

OK, so we need to be aware of how weak we are, still doesn't answer how to be strong in the Lord does it? I don't think so. I'm very aware of the weaknesses in my life and my inablity to overcome in the heat of a struggle. But really how does knowing my weaknesses make me strong?

Ahh, the answer comes in understanding the battles that are fought. Once I realized that the battles we go through are on a spiritual level, it makes sense. I have NO power in the spiritual on my own, but with God I am fully armed. He is my Salvation, my Righteousness, my Truth, my Shield, my Peace, my source of strength in the Word, and I have an open line of communication through Prayer - which ultimately brings God into the situation. What a picture! I am weak on my own but with him I become a Spiritual Soldier and I am able to stand!

Be strong
But don't be strong in yourself -
In your muscles and your mass -
In your swaggering saga of, "I can do anything! Just watch."
Be strong in something that you cannot bench press or measure,
something that weighs less than a feather,
but can withstand the pressure of the ages.

As I come into the understanding of my weakness, the understanding of other "weakness" verses become so very clear. Verses such

as:

2Co 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. "

How comforting is it to know that I have a God I can trust fully to be there for me when I call out to him. When I am at my weakest, to know that He is not only there but is pouring out his grace and his strength to help me. May I continue to be aware of my limitations and 'be strong in the Lord."

Expectations

After reading on this subject in "living in...The Active Word", I felt compelled to write about it on this blog. The issue of Expectations so touched me as I continually put expectations onto God and others in my life and have been hurt, disappointed and even angry. I see the great need to change this within myself and I know that with the strength of Christ I am more than able. I hope that you enjoy the article and if you need to, start to address the expecations in your own life.

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*An old adage says: "With no expectations, there are no disappointments."

How true. Our greatest disappointments in life are typicaly attached to our greatest expectations. There's a spiritual parallel to this principle: the more expectations we place upon God, the more disappointed or offended we become when He doesn't deliver as expected.

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Are you looking at God through a box of expectations? God has plans for you beyond what you can envision today. His work in your life is a lot bigger than you expect or comprehend. Are you willing to hold your dream loosely so that God can mold it and expand it to match His dreams for you?

When I box God in with my own ideas, I limit His work in me and through me. I can see only a small glimpse of what God wants to do, and because I cling so tightly to that little picture, I can't see the larger plan that God is working out. I thank God that He continues to open my eyes to see the truth: I can trust Him even if I don't understand everything at the time.

God works all things together for good. ...Disappointment is not the time to give up, it’s the time to hold on and wait to see the good that God has in store.

Laying down your expectations and walking with God one step at a time takes faith and trust. It takes faith to believe that His promises are true and that in the end, all of the unexpected and unexplained details of your life will work together for good in the end results that God has planned. It takes trust that is strong enough to obey God’s voice even when you cannot see His hand at work, knowing that He is guiding your steps and that as your Good Shepherd, He will not lead you astray. After all, He wants you to reach your final destination! He is determined to lead you in the right way, if you will only follow Him step by step.

“O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:11). “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

May God grant you the faith to reach out in trust and experience the completion of His work in your life!

*from "living in...The Active Word"
+adapted from an article by an ATI student, March 2005

Today's Music: Seek Ye First.

Time for some Fun!!!

Hey it's Monday again. What better way to help with the week ahead but to start the week with some FUN!!! Go on, see how quickly the day goes by, almost as fast as Mickey.

1)Kaleidoscope Painter
Kaleidoscope is really fun and a great way to pass the time on those long boring business and in some cases personal, phone calls!

2) What's Your Thinking Style?
Think? Think? Hey, I don't think on Monday's. (But hey, check out how I think the rest of the week!)

Your Dominant Thinking Style:

Modifying Super logical and rational, you consider every fact available to you. You don't make rash decisions and are rarely moved by emotion. You prefer what's known and proven - to the new and untested. You tend to ground those around you and add stability.

Your Secondary Thinking Style:

Experimenting You're all about looking at the facts, and you could always use more of them. You see life as your lab - and you're always trying out new things, people, and ideas. The master of mix and match, you're always coming up with unique combinations. You are good at getting a group to reach consensus.

3) Odd One Out
Ok, so now you know how you think - let's see how you use that brain of yours on a REAL quiz! Better grab that 2nd, ummm 3rd cup of coffee for this one! -you'll need it!