Trusting Jesus

   Recently I was encouraging my Brother. He was discouraged due to the signs of the end played on the news everyday. he wants a chance to have a life too, he says. I told Him to sit down.
    Now, I bored you with the details, but really, I want to share what God taught me and Him that day.

     1.We have to trust God   

George Muller

        There are a lot of things that we say wee need to worry about, but God says otherwise.
   " Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" Mat. 6:25. 
  Things look bleak. the Economy is crashing, people are scared, buying gun and gold. but these things , in the end, won't really protect us. We must rely fully on God, as the Israelites did in the dessert. George Muller, from the 1800's, was a man who had much faith. His faith In God was seen as rediculous by on standers, especially his wife. on more than one account, God Provided needs immediately based on his faith. once, he was in his home with his wife. they were very poor. 
"we don't have any food, George." his wife complained.
"Set the table" he said.
"but, why? we have nothing to eat, don't you hear me?"
 "set the table" So she did, then they sat down, and george prayed. "thankyou lord, for the food you are about to provide." his wife looked at him. as he said amen, a knock was heard at the door. george's wife answered it. an old woman was standing there with a ham. 
  "i just felt I had to bring this here" the woman said. 

 We can trust God just the same as George muller. He is able and willing to provide our needs. (story may not be word for word or exact setting accurate, but it is real)

     2. Even if we  are here during the end times, we would be able to experience some of God's most marvelous works.

        People always ask about the rapture. we discuss when we think it will happen or won't happen. But I think most of us agree on one amazing fact: Just imagine the marvelous works we will see if we are here for part of the end times. just as the Jews in Egypt, God protects his people. we could be affected by some of it, but God would likely protect us from evil during those times if we are indeed here. we would see so much protection, as the family who had angels guarding their house in Waslala as the guerrillas came  
to kill them, or How Esther Ahn Kim's friend was able to be a wanted christian (to go to jail) and have police men button his jacket! How many protection stories will there be in this time? (I am speaking figuratively, not prophetically, lest I accidentally add to the book of the revelations, let's not do that!) not That every christian will be divinely spared from pain or death, as There were always times of martyrdom throughout the ages, but What a gift to be able to die for our Lord?

     I hope this encourages you. do not worry about the trials we have, because God is so much bigger than it. do not worry about people raiding your food or stealing,  or even dying of hunger during the lack of food and all the dry weather, But rather lean on God, your loving Father and Protector
     ~Delighted daughter

Only 11 days!

Praise the Lord! Christmas is almost here! I must say, I over shopped this year, but it was soo much fun!
    Often though, in enjoying the festivities, shopping, wrapping gifts and sending money to charities, we forget the real meaning of Christmas! why do we celebrate it? Christ's birth of course!
     Often I dwell on the great commission, hungry children, and the idea of giving a gift to a poor needy child on Christmas. (now,I need to find a good way to do it!)
       Christ is a gift you know. he was a gift for poor needy children, not only financially poor, or physically hungry, But without Christ, we are about as poor as a poverty stricken family, only in spirit, not flesh.
 I accepted Christ's gift to me a long time ago, and He is my sanctification, provider, and strength.
   as you think of what to give others this season, remember one thing, the gift God Gave to you, it is then best gift anyone could get. if you haven't received him yourself, here is how:
        1. realize you are a sinner "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23)
        2. realize you need Jesus. His grace is sufficient, and we can not go to heaven by works. "For by  grace   are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.(Ephesians 2:8-10)
        3. Confess your sins to Jesus, pray and ask him to become Lord of your life. by doing this, you are telling him to take you, form you, and to use you for his perfect plan."That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9)
        4. Realize that what you want to do and do do must change, because of your love for Jesus. "As he spake these words, many believed on him.Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."(John 8:30-32)
       Pray, ask God to forgive you, your sins will be forgiven, and your eternal home will be in heaven!
   What greater gift is there? If you received Jesus today, look for a good Bible (KJV is the best one) , Pray for fellowship with other believers, and search for a good church. read the Bible and pray everyday. don't be afraid to open up about trials or temptations, or for continual forgiveness, Because God cares for you, and will help you.
   Life as a christian isn't all bubbles, trials will come, and you will fail at times, But God will forgive you if you seek it with a repentant heart, and daily he will help you. He loves you!
      Why not share this wonderful gift with a friend? it is the most wonderful gift to share, (you can't give it. only God can do that!) or to receive!
      Merry Christmas! remember Him this year!
    - Delighted daughter



   

trusting with an open heart.

openness with our family is an important part of practicing for our future life as a wife. trust is an important factor in our relationships. do you trust your parents? some don't, some do. the key to trusting your parents is  first step for some: tell them everything. Don't be afraid to tell them your thoughts, feelings, interests,  time you were way, when you were surfing the web. everything.
      never lie to your parents. this will start a wall of separation from your parents. never keep secrets either. eventually as you "leave out" something or "tell a little lie" , you start to make it habit to keep your life a secret.
    this is a slippery slope ladies. God gave you your parents to be protectors and guides, best friends,leaders and confidants that are with you until you marry. starting to lie or leave out information now, will likely cause you to do the same in your future marriage. this secrecy will ruin the gift of marriage, and rob you of the blessings God had for you.
     How can I begin to communicate after i already lived this way? you have a tough situation. your parents may not trust you now, but you can earn their trust. begin now. when they ask you what you did on your lap top, tell them you read this article, and what you learned from it. tell them that you are sorry for the lies.  tell them you understand that you have to earn their trust again, and that , with God's help, you will try to be more open, and not keep secrets or lies anymore. they may not believe you, depending on how serious the situation. but most parents will likely be very happy and suprised at such a change. but one thing. make sure you change. make sure you change. without change you will have little effect and rob yourself of the joy God had in store for you.

          Remember, God sees everything,and he knows your "secrets".  ^{Numbers 32:23;}"But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out."

are you ready?

  Recently we were hit by a horrible storm. we were warned it was coming, and that flooding could ensue for low lying areas. we have experiecned flooding before,and did not want to have the losses again. we prepared.  our basement was emptied, and we could relax.
     I knew some people who said it would not be anything,and nothing would happen.
   They were wrong. we fled to another state to watch the storm from a distance. when we returned, there was a lake in our back yard, and very wet basement.
    many houses in our area were destroyed and are no longer livable.  the warnings were there, and many people did not heed the warnings.
    Listen, thereis a warning now. it is in your heart. do you hear it?
     the warning says that if you don't acccept christ, you will end up in a flood of fire. Will you heed the warning? will you prepare for the future by accepting Jesus Christ as your saviour today? by living his way, and not your own?
     if you are ready to make the most important descision you will ever make?  if you are ready to accept christ, i will tell you how.
         1) realize you have sinned "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. " (Romans3:23)
        2) realize that you cannot save yourself "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God  not by works, lest any man should boast."
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
         3) realize your descision to follow Christ means surrendering your life to Him , to serve Him and obey Him "If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed." (John 8:31)
        4) confess your sins to Jesus, tell Him that you dedicate your life to Him, and that you accept His gift of salvation. "that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
    I will not leave you a prayer to say here, because I believe what you say should come from you,not a paper.  But do remember to close with Jesus' name. He said: "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:13)
    Be sure to share the gospel with others too! "and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:47)
     Christ will bring you  ever lasting joy, if you would receive him today " Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 29-30)

       Remember, Christ alone can save you from the flood of fire to come. Will you trust Him today?

What if?

  Many a person worries about the welfare of their children as they grow up. "what happens if My daughter never gets married?" or "what if her husband or father dies?" , These are legitimate questions that need appropriate answering.
    for question #1, The Bible is our final authority.  Look at these statistics: In 2008, 29.4% of men and 22.7% of women ages 18 and over had never married. - U.S. Census Bureau. “America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2008.”  (source http://www.unmarried.org/statistics.html)
   Or:
"The percentage of adults who are married
declined between 1970 and 2009, from
72 percent to 62 percent for women and from
84 percent to 66 percent for men. In 2009,
15 percent of women and 20 percent of men
had never married, compared to 7 percent and
9 percent, respectively, in 1970. "  Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/Women_in_America.pdf
     " Historically 85-90 percent of Americans eventually marry. Ninety percent!" (source
http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001325.cfm)

  While the rate of marriage did decrease, it is still only approximately a 15-20% chance that you won't get married. This also is only partially true, because this is general America, not christian culture: many women , while they never marry are in "dating" relationships, as a sinful cohabitation. i
Click here to go to an article referring to the "deficit" of Christian men to women.

so that first question is answered: Christian woman are very likely to get married, perhaps not at age 20 (unfortunately), but they likely will eventually.It comes down to trust in God. God has the ultimate plan for the Universe, and for every individual in it. whether you decide to wait for God's best, or decide to "do it on your own your own way", God will make it work, but in the second case, not they way He intended or the best way.

   Question Number 2 is a tricky one. many woman are left widowed in our country. according to Boundless, (see click here article above) the number of widows to widowers is 4-1 in christian circles. now, what age are these widows?
  "The U.S. Census Bureau puts the average age of widowhood at 55." (source: http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/23161.htm)
    So, this If it happens, will likely happen when the woman is older, and has children to help care for her.
  This is how it was intended to be in the Bible. I believe that a daughter or son should take in an elderly parent(s), this is a way of repaying them for all they did for you, it is also a biblically sound model portrayed by Ruth and Naomi in the book of Ruth.
    God does not plan for anyone to be outside of families, alone. The only group of people I find in the Bible living on their own unmarried men. take a look at Paul, or Jacob. Still though, they lived with or near families most of their Christian or Jewish lives.difference: They cared for themselves. Paul Made tents to sell, he made his own money, even while serving God!
    Now back question #2: what about if their father dies? Girls, Don't be without some kind of skill that can make money from home. now, the only mention of women being alone is widowed or divorced women, not unmarried. But even then, many a girl moved back to her father's house (mentioned in Leviticus). Why can't a daughter help the wife of one of her Brothers? or , perhaps, assist her unmarried brother in his mission or vision? she would make things to sell or what not to earn extra income for herself and his home, But she certainly should not be alone, especially in her youth (twenties).
     Perhaps she can move in with a family from the church who has a bunch of little children and needs a hand. this is not only providing a home, but reciprocating a service to the poor tired wife! 
       These are some simple answers for the few tough questions. The summary of the whole page is really Trust God, keep His commandments, and follow His ways, and He will lead you to hope.
        
   
    

Super Hero

  Recently, well, it really depends on how you view "recently" (it was two whole summers ago..) I went to Disney world with my Uncle, Aunt, and cousins as a graduation gift. it was fun. the reason why i mention this is, while I was there I bought each family member a gift, and I bought my daddy a cup that said "you are My hero".
  Is your daddy your hero? Mine is! He is always there for me!If i need someone to talk to , I can talk to him; If I need someone to take me Places (even if he doesn't particularly enjoy the activity), he brings me.
    On my part though, I am no hero. (or heroine, or whatever I'd be) . Are we as open to our daddies as we should be? They are our spiritual protectors! Do they Know what we have been reading or writing about? What God has been teaching us?
      Now, I don't suggest you get into arguments with him.  To be submissive,  while arguments do happen sometimes, it is our job to avoid them. God teaches women to be submissive, therefore, when we speak, do we speak graciously and without fire? (fire not as in spiritual zeal, but anger.) We should talk to him as he has authority. One would never argue with a boss, or a superior with an angry tone, so we should not argue with our God given authority in a angry way either.
    Some daughters have the struggle that they do not see eye to eye with their daddies. The Bible, while it teaches submission, doesn't say we have to actually be in total agreement with every minor conviction. An example would be contemporary vs hymn music. The Bible doesn't speak very specifically on this topic,so it really doesn't need to incite an argument. Now, if  there is a difference in opinion on whether or not a sensual song is okay, it's not, Because the Bible says it is wrong to dwell on such things, or to Give the devil a foot hold. Even in such situations, a godly daughter must not angrily reply: it turns off the listener. Now,  Expressing your concerns in a kind , gentle way, that works. Perhaps you can talk to Him privately if something he does is bothering you (if, like I said, it is definitely un scriptural, ), then approach him kindly and say something like this : "Daddy, i was worried about you, because when you listened to that song in the car, it was very sensual. It was talking about things that are not pure or true or virtuous, like the things Paul reminds us to keep on our Mind in Philippians 4:8. can you not listen to that , at least around me anymore?"
   It is sweet, presents a biblical point, and does not go outside of submission. You are not telling him what to do. You are just telling him how you feel. This can well apply to married women too. If he continues to do the thing you talked about, Just pray for Him, God will deliver him. Remember too, that you are not perfect, and you have flaws yourself.
      Let Him also talk to you about things without getting angry. In Proverbs, it tells us How we are to submit to our parents, and one thing it says often is to accept correction. When daddy tells you that your dresses are too immodest, don't stomp to your room and slam your door and cry about how daddy only wants you to wear feed bags. that is not accepting correction.  Accepting correction would be not wearing the outfit in question anymore, and re evaluating your modesty standards.

 Now, getting back to the main point. My daddy Is my hero. He is my night in shining armor. I want to respect Him in all the ways I can and help him to be the best hero he can be. I can help him best By respecting his opinions and convictions, assisting My mother in the house hold to help it run smoothly, and being kind to my brothers and sisters,and babysitting so they can have alone time. Lastly, I can  Help him By challenging him.
   This is best for wives to do. Again, it is the way I mentioned above, a sweet, godly, and submissive way.
  But this time, it is a challenge. Again, you are not telling him what to do, you are just presenting a goal he can try for. An example of that could be for the Husband who doesn't have time to pray. You can encourage Him with a challenge: "Honey, I was thinking lately. you don't seem to have time to Pray, But perhaps, maybe you can just take a half hour at night to do it. I can take care of things, and the  bedroom will be left alone, so you can focus. Would you like to try that for a month and see if it makes a difference? "
    Once again, sweet, submissive, But to the point. That is what women were created to be: submissive, and assistants to their husbands or fathers so they may be the best heroes ever!

Stay at home daughterhood: is it in the Bible?

  The truth is, I am not a full time stay at home daughter,I have a job at a local pizza store for 8 hours a week. it is hard to figure out exactly how to apply stay at home daughterhood. while there is freedom in the Bible to live as a stay at home daughter through different applications, I often find myself and people wondering about my social abilities and laziness that could come about through "being home" all the time. personally, I can see why.I have a history of complaining and sitting around doing nothing. I want that to change. Currently, I am in the "early stages" of stay at home daughterhood. My time is spent now on trying to figure out where it is found in the Bible. My family is very theological, and often has discussions in which I have a hard time backing up my points. this is the reason why it is important to show exact backup for my points from the Bible. People want to see me telling them from the Bible, not just from so and so's reasoning .(not that it is wrong to read books on the subject: i am a advocate of such things!)
     Truth #1- In the Bible, women stayed home and were commanded to be taught to be "keepers at home". Isn't it amazing how silent the bible is on unmarried women? it says "young women", which people always take to mean  "wife". It does not say "wife" though?does it?  My sister points out that the Greek word (used in Titus 2 verse 4) generally means "woman" and could mean old, or married, or young woman, or just plain woman. the verse before it, which says older "women" also is the same word. Perhaps the Greek word is general. But when we say "woman" in English, it also can mean any of those things. ("the woman down the street" could be old, or young, or married, or unmarried...etc) but by translation, throughout multiple translations, including modern ones like NIV or ESV, "young" or "younger"woman is always used. Why not "wives"?  I looked at Bible gateway at many translations, I even Google translated the Chinese verses in Titus 2, and still, it says "young woman". many of them say "admonish" or "train" or "teach" all of these skills to them. it is a little late to "teach" someone or "train" someone for something they already have to be able to do, wouldn't you say?
     Truth # 2- the Bible never really mentions a "godly woman" who went out and made a life for herself. Dinah went out of her house and went out into the town: She was given to fornication. there is nothing indicating she was raped. this happens to many women who go out to see "the daughters of the land" (worldly friends, worldly entertainment etc).  Jezebel also wanted to make a name for herself: she was said to be an evil woman.  many people come to a few contradictions with these thoughts.
     Firstly, they recall Ruth. the Girl who worked in the fields and randomly came across a relative. well, first, she collected donations, she had to "go out" to get them, but she did not work for wages as a man would. she did not get a job. she accepted donations. she was protected by Boaz, now, this did happen By Grace,but one thing is true, she was donated to, and was protected under the Biblical laws of gleaning. after she found her kinsman, she did not leave his protection. later, she married him.
   next, they may recall the women who followed Jesus. they were all married, but "wondering about" with Christ. they were like female missionaries. these women, though traveling about, were ina feminine role. they did not teach or preach, but they prepared him food and care while he was around. they also came from somewhat unbiblical situations. one of them was possessed by demons, the other was the wife of Chuza, who served Herod,(if Chuza really loved Christ, would he not leave that high position? perhaps his wife had been persecuted and she needed the safety of Christ to protect her)  Susanna is the only one that we do not know much about. But in general, things were different While Christ was on earth, in the New Testament, men were told not to leave their wives for long periods of time (1Corinthians 7:5), But the disciples, some whom were married, traveled all of the time. these are not contradictions, but things which needed happen during this time to teach the people God's plan of salvation.
     Fact#3: The idea of women leaving their homes for a "job" is not condoned in the Bible, But a woman working from her home is, and is in fact, encouraged (proverbs 31).

   Does this mean a woman can never go outside her home? NO!
  It means, in general, her Job is her family.God gave her that job, While God gave men the job to provide for their families physically, spiritually, and emotionally. men is any male, married or unmarried, and woman means any woman, married or unmarried. God is a God of order, he does not give commands for unmarried men with married men, and not do the same for woman.
   are you not married? Not in the Business of raising children? Serve your mother and father. help with your siblings. assist a new mother with her child and house work. you can get out and do things, but in a different sphere. go grocery shopping for mom, be a hostess to your neighbors by having them over for dinner and some fun. we are living Bibles. Have tea parties with ladies at church in your home or their homes. there are lots of social opportunities! (you can even write a blog as a ministry where ministry opportunities are limited.lol!)
   Remember too, that when it comes to marriage, you will not likely meet your husband in the world. the best place to find a drunkard is a bar, and the best place to find a godly man is through ministry. get involved in a church if one is available to you.My family is trying to find a godly Church now, but for now, the only opportunities for ministry is in My home. but I know God has perfect timing, and one perfect man for me. he will bring him to me in his timing, no matter where! so going to church and having godly friends is important!
 
  Titus 2 also says that we are to live this way so that the world has no reason to blaspheme God. That is a big assignment!
    So remember, it is a Biblical command. How we apply it may vary, but it must be applied, with all dilligence!

God Bless!
-Delighted daughter