Deo Volente

Here's the thing...

2009-07-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

I prayed a simple prayer that began with Psalm 139:23-24.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way."

I then asked that the Lord make it obvious to me what needs a'changin' because I am slow. Not only did my internet fail to work for about 2 weeks, I am now without my iPhone because it just suddenly stopped working. We also recently shut down our cable.
Being without this stuff sure has opened my eyes to how I had made such things a priority over serving the Lord. Now, I am not recommending everyone do this. No. That would be legalistic. But for me, it was necessary and the Lord made it very obvious that I had allowed these things to control me instead of controlling them.

I recently wrote the following to my church family, the women's group that meets in my home, and I posted this on my facebook:

I wanted to share with you some prayerful decisions that have been made in my life due to the trials and experiences from the past few weeks.

1. I am more excited than ever about teaching the women of Legacy. This has been a very difficult time with unrelenting trial after trial, but I have learned so much through this time. Most importantly that God is faithful. I felt beat down to the core and many areas of my life that had been left as dust in a dark corner have been brought to light. God has done an amazing work in transforming my life, but is obviously not finished. I tearfully, weepingly questioned whether or not I could possibly be qualified for the task of teaching. I am far from perfect... a work in progress by His grace alone. I LOVE teaching our women. I LOVE praying for you all and being a part of your lives. I LOVE hearing your testimonies and look forward to more. WOW! We heard some very powerful testimonies from 3 dear women last time we met and we will be encouraging at least one testimony per meeting. I will send out some encouraging criteria that may help you gauge how to articulate what God has so graciously accomplished in your life, so look for that soon.

2. I need your prayers. We all need to pray for one another often and consistently. But I especially beg you all to pray for our church leaders, elders, upcoming deacons, our pastor and their family. When you are in a teaching position proclaiming God's uncompromising truth, attacks are relentless and waring.

3. On that note, I have made the decision to limit internet time and focus on my primary ministries:
My Husband
My family
Teaching the women

4. This means I will likely not blog anymore and limit my time on facebook. ... It takes away from the priorities the Lord has been so gracious to provide. I will send out e-mail updates on what happened in the Bible study for those that miss and when I have time. Otherwise, please know that this decision was based on a longing to make my testimony and ministry authentic for HIS glory. That is hard to do when your life is stretched in too many directions.

5. There are other women in our church with the gift of teaching, so look forward to other teachers in the near future. As our pastor recently sent out an informative e-mail on gifts, each one of you has one and if you need help finding out what yours is, than our church has those booklets that our pastor mentioned.

So, there you go. If you want to contact me, my internet is obviously working again so you can e-mail me at lisa4given@gmail.com
I cannot guarantee I will e-mail you back, though I will do my best.
If I blog, it will likely be a comment here and there on others blogs, but I really do not have the time to keep this up. Wow. I have been blogging about 4 years now.
I have enjoyed SIMPLICITY and look forward to focusing on the ministries that God has so graciously entrusted me with.

Just remember to press on in His truth and His love for His glory,
Lisa

Nunley Swimming Pool Rules

2009-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

And yes, it is okay to laugh at some of these rules. I did. Though, in reality, they will be lovingly enforced :-)

1) In the interests of health and safety concerns, persons who are feeling unwell or recovering from illness are to refrain from swimming:

Open wounds
Skin irritations
Communicable ailments

Also please consider:

Babies: Swim diapers please
Please teach your children about how gross it is to pee in the pool.

2) Be careful on the diving board:

3) Modest swimming attire is required:

Males: Definitely no g-strings or tight and tiny anything (GACK!!!)
Males: Swim trunks must have inner liner and must not be too short
Females: Refrain from swimwear that displays your cleavage (leave that for your future husbands)
Females: No bikinis/ No skin showing on your midriff (I have teen boys and would prefer that you err on the side of modesty)
Females: If you show up at the pool displaying cleavage and your midriff, you will be required to wear THIS:

4) Bring your own towel. I really do have enough laundry to do. :-)

5) In the event of hazardous conditions such as lightning and thunder, all persons are required to leave the open area immediately.

6) I will maintain a Lost & Found. At the end of the swim season, I will donate those items to our Loving Choices garage sale if not claimed.

7) No food or drinks (glass, canned, staining fluids) are allowed in the pool and on the pool cool deck, except for bottled water.

8) No cuss words or bad-mouthing tolerated

9) Enjoy yourselves and remember "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do ALL for the glory of God"

Legacy of Biblical Womanhood Study Schedule: "Disciplines of a Godly Woman"

2009-06-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

"Disciplines of a Godly Woman"
by Barbara Hughes
Begins June 23rd at noon

For those who may not have a book yet, I am out, so you may want to consider ordering one from amazon here: "Disciplines of a Godly Woman" by Barbara Hughes

June 23 @ NOON: We will eat lunch together; bring finger foods to share
Discipline for Godliness (pg.11)

On following meetings, we will meet AFTER lunch unless otherwise posted. You may bring lunch for your children if you do not have time to feed them beforehand.

The pool should be open soon, however, the children will not be able to swim until we are done with our meeting: Nunley Swimming Pool Rules
They can play on the fenced in playset during our meeting on the south side of the house or with board games, books, blocks, etc. that are in the buffet room.
Healthy snacks are available for the kids.
We will continue to use the "buddy system"; in which the teen helpers will be assigned 2 to 3 buddies to oversee. Teen girls will be assigned girls; teen boys will be assigned boys.
The women will meet downstairs on the carpeted area for those that have babies that they want to keep near them.

July 7 @ 12:45 Discipline of the Gospel
July 21 @ 12:45 Discipline of Submission
August 11 @ 12:45 Discipline of Prayer
August 25 @ 12:45 Discipline of Worship
September 8 @ 12:45 Discipline of Mind
September 22 @ 12:45 Discipline of Contentment
October 13 @ 12:45 Discipline of Propriety
October 27 @ 12:45 Discipline of Perseverance
November 10 @ 12:45 Discipline of the Church

Holiday break (during this break, we will schedule a fun ladies luncheon)

January 12 @ NOON: We will eat lunch together; bring finger foods to share
Discipline of Singleness/ Marriage/ Nurturing

January 26 @ 12:45 Discipline of Good Deeds
February 9 @ 12:45 Discipline of Witness
February 23 @ 12:45 Grace of Discipline

In March 2010, we will begin an in-depth Bible study together.

Biblical Portrait of Womanhood

2009-06-10T20:05:00.001-07:00

One of the ladies asked if I could create a post that had the entire study series that we just finished available on the sidebar. Here it is. The following study was inspired by "Biblical Portrait of Womanhood: Discovering and Living Out God's Plan for our Lives" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Introduction and Self-Evaluation (pg.22)

Why was I created as a woman? (pg.8)

What makes a beautiful woman? (pg.10)

How does a woman of God conduct herself? (pg.12)

What is God’s plan for me as a wife? (pg.13)

On your own: How does God want to use me in others’ lives? (pg.16)

***Please remember to use the New Testament Greek Lexicon for word studies

Sound Doctrine Matters

2009-06-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

Legacy of Biblical Womanhood: "What is God’s plan for me as a wife?"

2009-06-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

I. Proverbs 31:11-12
Being able to fully trust your marriage partner is one of the fundamental foundations of a strong God-honoring marriage.

The term "husband" is the common word for husband in the Old Testament.
It also means "lord" or "owner."
Why the heart of the husband can trust his virtuous wife
The first reason a husband can safely trust his wife is found in the second part of verse 11 ("so that he shall have no need of spoil": his wife is not a financial liability)
the second reason is found in verse 12 ("she shall do him good and not evil")
READ Prov. 18:22; Proverbs 12:4
The verb "will do" is of interest.
It is not the common Hebrew verb for "do."
It means to deal out, to deal fully, to deal bountifully.
This verb is also used of the LORD who deals bountifully with his servants.
READ Psalm 13:6; 116:7; 119:17; 142:7.
The virtuous woman deals out to her husband that which is good. She dishes out to him and serves him that which is good and not evil.
She wants only God's highest and best for him.
Her life and her deeds are a constant benefit and blessing to her husband.
All the days of her life
In doing good to her husband she is consistent.
She doesn't serve him that which is good one day and that which is evil the next day (no PMS excuses... aarrrrgh)
Her godliness is marked with consistency.

II. Genesis 3:6

She saw. A great deal of sin comes in at the eye. Let us not look on that which we are in danger of lusting after, Mt 5:28.
She took. It was her own act and deed. Satan may tempt, but he cannot force; may persuade us to cast ourselves down, but he cannot cast us down, Mt 4:6.
She did eat. When she looked perhaps she did not intend to take; or when she took, not to eat: but it ended in that. It is wisdom to stop the first motions of sin, and to leave it off before it be meddled with.
She gave it also to her husband with her. Those that have done ill, are willing to draw in others to do the same. This is clearly a contempt of what God had bestowed on them, and a desire for what God did not see fit to give them. He would have what he pleased, and do what he pleased.
Who then can say that this seemingly minor sin had but little harm in it? See here what dishonour and trouble sin is; it makes mischief wherever it gets in, and destroys all comfort. Sooner or later it will bring shame. The excuses we make to cover and lessen our sins, are vain and frivolous; like the aprons of fig-leaves, they make the matter never the better: yet we are all apt to cover our transgressions as Adam and Eve. Before they sinned, they would have welcomed God's gracious visits with humble joy; but now he was become a terror to them. No marvel that they became a terror to themselves, and full of confusion. This shows the falsehood of the tempter, and the frauds of his temptations.
(from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible)

III. The following are key words from those Scriptures that I had you look up in the NT Greek Lexicon:

A. submit: (Ephesians 5:24)
Hupotasso (verb)
1.to arrange under, to subordinate
2.to subject, put in subjection
3.to subject one's self, obey
4.to submit to one's control
5.to yield to one's admonition or advice
6.to obey, be subject

A Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use,it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden".
B. Head: (Ephesians 5:23)
Kephale (noun feminine)
1. the head, both of men and often of animals. Since the loss of the head destroys life, this word is used in the phrases relating to capital and extreme punishment.
2. metaph. anything supreme, chief, prominent
of persons, master lord: of a husband in relation to his wife
of Christ: the Lord of the husband and of the Church
of things: the corner stone
C. reverence: (Ephesians 5:33) KJV
Phobeo (verb)
1. to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away)
to put to flight, to flee
to fear, be afraid
2. to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm
of those startled by strange sights or occurrences
of those struck with amazement
3. to fear, be afraid of one
4. to fear (i.e. hesitate) to do something (for fear of harm)
5. to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience

to venerate: to regard or treat with reverence; revere
Origin of venerate:
Latin: venerātus, to solicit the goodwill of
to treat with deference: respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.
respectful or courteous regard: in deference to his wishes
D. duty: (I Corinthians 7:3-4)
Opheile (noun feminine)
1.that which is owed
2.a debt
3.metaph. dues: specifically of conjugal duty

conjugal of, pertaining to, or characteristic of marriage; pertaining to the relation of husband and wife

this Scripture is in the context of avoiding/ preventing/ abstaining from sexual immorality
E. desire: (I Corinthians 14:35) as in “desire to learn” or “inquire about something”
Thelo (verb)
1. to will, have in mind, intend
to be resolved or determined, to purpose
to desire, to wish
to love
2. to like to do a thing, be fond of doing
to take delight in, have pleasure
IMPORTANT NOTE: this Scripture is in the context of the church. Thus, if during the church service, a woman has a question about something or desires to learn further about something that the pastor is currently preaching, make a note of the question and talk with your husband. Do not interrupt the worship service or preaching with your question, as this would be disruptive and irreverent to God and your husband. The women needed to especially here this admonishment in the church in Corinth because they tended to be disruptive and unsubmissive.

There will be times when what is preached may seem unclear to us, convict us or even anger us. We must yield ourselves to the Word of God, with humble and teachable minds. Being willing to be convicted of our sin even as it is preached, taking it both patiently and thankfully. When it comes to the Word of God being preached, we are especially to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.

READ James 1:18-25 if you question whether or not this applies to the preaching of God's Word
F. improper: (because the rest of I Corinthians 14:35 says "for it is improper for a woman to speak in church"... to disrupt the church service as the preacher was proclaiming the Truth according to God's Word... see "IMPORTANT NOTE" above)
Aischros (adjective)
filthy, baseness, dishonour
self-exalting because the focus shifts from worshiping the Lord to the person disrupting
disgraceful, improper, sordid

WARNING: The world will take all of what is written here and twist it. This is not at all about being a doormat, ladies.

"[Biblical Womanhood] is a gift, a Divine gift, to be accepted with both hands, and to thank God for. Because remember, it was His idea."- Elizabeth Elliott

Press on in His truth and His love for His glory and remember to be more Berean than the Bereans,
Lisa

BTW, we also had great discussions on the questions in the booklet. Especially in regards to the following:

"Am I completely trustworthy... in the way I talk about my husband to others?"
"Does my response to my husband demonstrate to the world the beauty and blessing of submission to Christ?"
"Do others know that I reverence my husband?"
"By my words, example and counsel, do I encourage other women to reverence their husbands?"
"Do I reserve intimate communication, looks, words, and touch for my husband?"
"Do I motivate my husband to grow spiritually by seeking his counsel, input, and direction, or am I quick to run to my pastor to another counselor for answers to my questions and problems?"
"Does my husband feel that I value and respect his input and counsel?"

Operation Outcry

2009-06-09T04:18:00.000-07:00

Go HERE to find out what "Operation Outcry" is all about.
The following is painful to share. These are my answers to the on-line declaration form:

1. Where and when did your abortion occur?
Texas
Spring of 1988 just before I attended John Brown University in the Fall
2. How many weeks pregnant were you?
14
3. What type of abortion was performed?
Suction Aspiration
4. Were you adequately informed of the nature of abortion, what it is, what it does?
I was told it was a "mass of tissue". I was NOT told that at the time of my abortion, all arteries are present, including the coronary vessels of the heart and that blood was fully circulating through these vessels to all body parts. I was NOT told that the "mass of tissue" had complete vocal chords and that the brain was fully formed and that the "mass of tissue" had organized muscles, could feel pain, suck it's thumb, and had eye lids that protected its delicate optical nerve fibers. I was NOT told that the flutters I felt were actually kicks and movements of the "mass of tissue"... of course, I did hear them say in the middle of the abortion "she is farther along than we thought" as I cried for them to stop... "It's too late, honey. You did the right thing. Now, you can go on with your life." I could hear the water running in the sink nearby. I then heard a big plop... "Did you just throw my baby in the trash?" I thought. ... Then they shuffled me out the back way.
5. Were you adequately informed of the consequences of abortion?
All I remember is that I was not told that I would experience deep despair and lonely scars of regret; that I would never forget the details of the actual abortion. I did not bring enough money to be put to sleep through the "procedure"... so I was awake the whole time. They numbed me. I felt no physical pain... but I will never forget the tugging and the pulling. I will never forget the sound of that vacuum. Instead, I was told I did the right thing. It was just a mass of tissue; that I could go on with my life.
I am 40 years old with 6 living children. Two of my children are adopted. I have never forgotten my first child: The child murdered by having an abortion because it was inconvenient that they kept assuring me was just a mass of tissue. Who gets attached to a mass of tissue? A mass of tissue that could easily be aborted, forgotten, right? No. ...no. Not a "mass of tissue". A life wonderfully made, knit within my womb. A life destroyed. Literally ripped from my body.
I can't forget. I will never forget.
6. How has abortion affected you?
I became pregnant as an older teen. My father begged me NOT to abort. So I went to my pro-'choice' mother. (She left my dad, me, my sister and brother when I was 6 years old to "find herself". Please know that I mean no disrespect. I love my mother dearly, though I do not know her very well.) She took me to the hospital to get an exam. They asked me, after they confirmed that I was pregnant, if I wanted to carry the baby to full term or abort the mass of tissue. Since I had no attachment to a "mass of tissue" I figured this would be no big deal.
My mother gave me the money I needed to have the abortion. She dropped me off at the clinic. I was alone and had no idea what I was doing. I did not bring enough money to be put to sleep through the "procedure"... so I was awake the whole time. They numbed me. I felt no physical pain... but I will never forget the tugging and the pulling... the sound of the vacuum. After the abortion, I was shuffled out the back way. I sat alone on the curb outside, waiting for my mother to come pick me up. She was an hour late.
They told me I would forget about the "mass of tissue' and be able to go on with my life, but I was having nightmares every night. For many years, a day did not go by that I did not contemplate suicide. I felt immense guilt, sorrow, loss of dignity, intense shame, deep despair and lonely scars of regret.
Though forgiven, I will never forget.
7. How has your abortion affected others in your life?
When my oldest 2 children found out, it devastated them that I would do that. They were angry with me and could not understand why I would ever do such a thing. I spoke for CareNet Crisis Pregnancy Centers fundraiser one year and then gave my abortion testimony on the radio. I hired a babysitter to watch my children. I had NO IDEA she would listen to the testimony on the radio with my children listening. I wanted to tell them myself when they were a bit older. It was a very difficult time. They asked so many hard questions. Especially "Why"... I still have a hard time answering that. I can't answer that.
By the grace of God alone, I have an amazing life now. With 6 children, precious gifts from God, I do not take life for granted. Most especially in light of having experienced the nightmare horror of abortion and even the fact that I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999. I try to live every moment to its fullest because the value of life, the value of living, should never be taken for granted.
8. Based upon your experience, what would you tell a woman considering abortion?
Please choose life. Your life should never be taken for granted. Please do not take for granted the life of the child being knit together in your womb by the hand of God. What is inside of you is not a "mass of tissue"

You have a choice:

You can have the memories of a child being knit in your womb and given the chance to live; perhaps even giving a family who cannot have a child the opportunity to provide a loving home for your baby.
or You can have the memory of a baby being ripped from your womb. A life aborted with the only excuse of inconvenience. A choice that will haunt you for the rest of your life.

Choose a memory that will bless you and not haunt you. Please... choose life.

9. Based on your own experience, what would you tell a court that believes abortion should be legal?
Women aren't forced to bear children, they choose to bear children by the act of having sexual intercourse. (rape or incest account for less than 1% of legal abortions.)
If a man chooses not to be a father, he is considered a dead-beat loser. If a women chooses not to be a mother, she is kindly labeled pro-choice. Why?
Abortions based on the mother's health account for 3% of abortions. Abortions based on the baby's health account for 3% of abortions. Most women pursuing abortion feel selfishly inconvenienced by pregnancy. 1.5 Million babies are being aborted every year. That is over a million babies dying due to inconvenience.
This is not a mass of tissue. This is life. A baby. A person... and 100% of a person's genetic makeup is determined at the moment of conception. Science and medicine define being a person (human) by genetic means.
No one is saying that babies should have rights equal to or superior to a woman's. Babies simply have a right to life.
Every child is a wanted child. The option of adoption is a far healthier option and there are endless lists of families waiting and longing to adopt those babies.
Abortion is not a choice about women's value, family, career, how to live their lives, or when or whether to have children. Abortion is a choice between allowing an unborn baby to live or killing it.

But, " It wasn't that long ago that there was no written Word available."

2009-06-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Really? Then consider the following:

Psalms 12:6-7

"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

God is all-powerful. He made the heavens and the earth and all that it is in it. Since He is powerful enough to do that, He is powerful enough to preserve His Word.

II Timothy 3:16-17

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction in Righteousness;
that the man of God may be thoroughly Furnished unto all good works."

The Old Testament scriptures thoroughly furnished man of that day unto all good works, and Christ continually referenced it to prove truths to Old Testament Israel. Jesus and others read and quoted scripture, never any oral traditions, except to condemn them. That's not an insignificant fact or something that is not pertinent. Likewise, when Satan himself tested Jesus, the Lord gave us our example of reproof by His steadfast reference to "the authority of scripture" to prove Satan's understanding, tempting or declarations were flawed.

Matthew 4:3-4

"And when the tempter came to Him, he said, if you be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."

What proceeds out of the mouth of God is His Holy infallible word, and this was written in the scriptures as man's authority. These words are as the bread or sustenance of life, that man must live by. Consider that Christ could have answered Satan in any way that He wanted, for He is Perfect God, and an original perfect answer could have been spoken at any moment. But instead, Christ pointed to God's word that was already written in the scriptures as His reply to the adversary. i.e., that was the perfect authority where the answer would come from. This yielding to what was written in the scriptures is an example and lesson for all faithful Christians about what authority we should defer to in coming to any Biblical truth. And Christ answered this way not only in debunking un-biblical assertions, but also when He was presented with scripture that was taken out of context. When this occurred, Christ again defers to additional scripture, that would "qualify" or shed more light on the scripture in question. For example:

Matthew 4:5-11

Then the Devil took Him up into the Holy City, and set Him on a pinnacle of the Temple,
and said to Him, if you are the Son of God, cast yourself down; for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning you, and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.
Jesus said to him, It is Written Again, you shall not tempt the Lord God."

In other words, Jesus replies to scripture taken out of context, with an additional scripture which "qualifies" and clarifies the scripture, not denies it. For no scripture contradicts another scripture. In doing this, Christ is demonstrating to us how we are to exegete scripture. i.e., he didn't deny the the first scripture the Devil submitted. Yes, it was true God's messengers will watch over us. But the additional scripture Christ submitted clarified how that didn't mean that we could test or tempt the Lord God. This is a perfect example of God illustrating the ultimate authority of scripture, even in the face of those who present other scriptures taken out of context. The perfect answer by Christ to combat erroneous understanding of scripture, was for Him to quote "additional Scripture" that shed more light on its true meaning. Thus we learn that the scripture is still the ultimate authoritative judgment over whatever other scriptures that anyone might misuse or misapply.

Christ Himself references the true and supreme authority declaring, "it is written!" This is a representative sample or model of the posture that we are to take in order to test the spirits to see if they are of God or of antichrist. We compare their words to "what is written," countering their Church traditions with the authority of what God has inspired written. The same can be said about any debate of any doctrine of the Church. The correct principle in faithful Hermeneutics is to always defer to a sound and ordered exegesis of scripture, and not to consensus, tradition, leaders, or the ecclesiastical body. This is precisely as Jesus demonstrated in His debates with the religious leaders of His day. He was God Himself, and yet He appealed to the authority of scripture that we might be enlightened.

Matthew 21:42

"Jesus said unto them, did you never read in the scriptures, the Stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner; this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our Eyes!"

They were to understand that it was written in the scriptures, the supreme authority that furnished them unto all good works. Therefore, they should have searched God's words that they would have known of the coming Christ. Likewise, when the New Testament was added, it Biblically follows this same principle of thoroughly furnishing us unto all Good works. The same principle would continue in the final Testament of God's Holy word. Once completed, the entire New Testament scriptures (like the Old Testament was) is the guidebook of truth for the Church. It is now a "completed work," not a work in progress.

http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/bible/sola_scriptura.shtml

Legacy of Biblical Womanhood Study Schedule: "Biblical Portrait of Womanhood"

2009-06-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

A quiet revolution of women willing to pattern their lives after God's Word will be gathering in my home twice a month beginning tomorrow. This group of women will be studying Biblical Womanhood as we pursue fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.

We will begin our study using a little booklet called:
"Biblical Portrait of Womanhood: Discovering and Living Out God's Plan for our Lives" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

April 14, 2009 Introduction and Self-Evaluation (pg.22)
Luncheon to precede this study.
Note: We will begin at noon today. Please bring a finger food to share.

April 28, 2009 Why was I created as a woman? (pg.8)

May 12, 2009 What makes a beautiful woman? (pg.10)

May 26, 2009 How does a woman of God conduct herself? (pg.12)

June 9, 2009 What is God’s plan for me as a wife? (pg.13)
***Please remember to start using the New Testament Greek Lexicon in your studies

Study on your own: How does God want to use me in others’ lives? (pg.16)

o Please bring your book and a notebook each meeting.
o Some of the teenagers will be available to look after children.
o We will begin at 12:30 unless we are beginning a new study, which means we will begin at noon and kick off the new study with a luncheon.
o In the summer months, kids can swim (please remember modesty).
o There will be structure to each meeting, with flexibility.
o Each meeting will include prayer focused on study,teaching and discussion on questions for each topic, prayer needs.

We will begin our study in "Disciplines of a Godly Woman" by Barbara Hughes on June 23rd!
I will provide a study schedule soon.

Would you pray these prayers for me?

2009-06-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

I will pray for you now, for you have been my faithful friends
While the road we walk is difficult indeed

I couldn't not ask for more than what you've already been
Only that you would say these prayers for me

May your heart break enough that compassion enters in
May your strength all be spent upon the weak

All the castles and crowns you build and place upon your head
May they all fall, come crashing down around your feet

May you find every step to be harder than the last
So your character grows greater every stride

May your company be of human insignificance
May your weakness be your only source of pride

What you do unto others may it all be done to you
May you meet the One who made us
And see Him smile when life is through
May your blessings be many but not what you hoped they'd be

And when you look upon the broken
May mercy show you what you could not see

May you never be sure of any plans you desire
But you'd learn to trust the plan He has for you

May your passions be tried and tested in the holy fire
May you fight with all your life for what is true

I have prayed for you now all my dear and faithful friends
But what I wish is more than I could ever speak
As the way wanders on, I'll long to see you once again
Until then, would you pray these prayers for me?
Oh, that you would pray for me

Kendall Payne: "Pray" Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/

A More Effective Examination

2009-05-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

My pastor has posted the following on his blog:

Do you examine yourself to see if you are in the faith (II Cor. 13:5; Matthew 7:16-23)? Unfortunately, the following is what is considered an adequate test in some circles today. Granted, it’s not offensive. But it’s also not biblical and therefore ineffective.
*Do you know you are a sinner?
*Do you want to go to heaven?
*Have you asked Jesus into your heart?
*Do you remember a time when you prayed to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior?
*If not, would you like to do that now? Repeat after me. “Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. . .”
Now, I don’t want to simply point out problems. I don’t want to complain or be overly negative. But, come on! Maybe, just maybe, the following is a possible alternative...
...You will have to go to his blog, Titus 1:9, to read the more effective examination. (I dare ya...)

Photo Booth Pic from Tyler Birthday Bash

2009-05-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture for a larger view

SHUT UP!!!

2009-05-27T11:02:00.001-07:00

Legacy of Biblical Womanhood Study: Week 4 "How should a woman of God conduct herself?"

2009-05-26T23:56:00.000-07:00

Read: Esther 1:16-18; Ezekiel 18:30-31; Philippians 1:27; Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Philippians 3:10; Galatians 2:20; I Thess 5:18; Romans 12:2; Rom 8:28-29; Philippians 1:6; John 3:30

As true believers in Christ, we are citizens of the kingdom of God not to be conformed to this world: but transformed by the renewing of our minds.

To ‘renew our minds’ according to God’s Word does not happen automatically.
We must immerse ourselves in THE truth, not just dip our toe in or allow other people to jump in and tell us what it’s like.
The Lord has so mercifully and sufficiently provided the Bible for us in this time.
We are not merely left to our own devices and with our own experiences.
God IS the Spirit of truth.
Though chosen men held the pen, God wrote the words of this Bible in order that we may be helped and taught as we are illuminated by the Holy Spirit that He has provided to all who truly believe.
You cannot renew your mind unless you are diligently abiding in God’s Word, both in the reading and study of it and in living it out by His grace.
You not only need to hear it preached to you without compromise, but you yourself need to struggle with it and search the Scriptures yourself, longing prayerfully and genuinely to understand it as the Spirit leads and guides you,
as you use your mind
as you seek earnestly to grasp it and constantly apply it for the purpose of glorifying God and conforming to the image of Christ.

You must, your entire life in this world, no matter how long you have been a Christian, approach everything in light of God’s standard that has been revealed in His holy, knowable, applicable Truth.

In Christ you are literally transferred from one condition to another.
You are not merely forgiven of all your sins past, present and future.
It goes further than that...
You have been transferred out of the kingdom of darkness, and into the kingdom of God through the work of the Son of God.
You have been adopted and you are now joint heirs with the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
And Clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ

We are part of a fallen world and we are creatures of habit.

We have been so accustomed to thinking in a certain way that we naturally will want to continue in that way even after being born again.
We will not automatically think like Christ.
The Christian life will involve breaking old ways of thinking, reacting, old sin habits and training yourself to think Biblically.
Even the things you were taught in your church as a child and even now will have to stand up to God’s Holy Word of Truth.
As a Christian, you will wrestle, question, fail, sometimes not conduct yourself in a manner worthy of your calling… even though, by His grace alone, you have obtained such abounding mercy and unfailing grace mercy.

You must, therefore, diligently renew your mind

Why are we prone to forget what Christ has FULLY accomplished like the Israelites were prone to forget all that God had accomplished on their behalf? Because we must be constantly reminded of who we are and what has happened so we don’t end up like dogs that return to their vomit.
To `be renewed in your mind' means that you will not allow yourself to forget.
You will be on guard as you remind yourself of who you are and what He has done.
All your groanings, whinings and worries are due more to the fact that you have 'forgotten what you know.
How can you listen to the voice of truth if you do not know what the truth is or abide in the truth?
Is relying on what you have been taught by your parents enough?
Are the examples of those around you godly enough for you to not have to study God’s Word yourself?
“The best of men are but men at the best, and the brightest saints are still sinners”-Spurgeon
Even when Paul said “imitate me” he exhorted them to do so only as he followed the example of Christ.
Is Sunday morning preaching enough to satisfy your thirst for the Living Water when you have God’s very Word in your hands in this country where most of us own up to 10 copies each… when other countries like Egypt have people that would die just to get a hold of a ripped page of it.

I will tell you that even the most stellar example of a Christian family will not suffice in providing what you need to stay on guard, renew your mind, equip you to be conformed into the image of Christ and cause you to conduct yourself as a woman of God.

Do you find any of this burdensome or legalistic?

Then I beg you to consider the fact that a true woman of God will find rest in God’s Holy Word as her soul is consumed with the longing for it.
She will cling to it, delight in it, love it...
She sometimes may not even feel like reading it or studying it, but she will, God-willing, press on in spite of how she feels; abiding in His Word as she earnestly pleads to God to help her once again delight in it.
Sometimes she will be rightfully laid low by it, justly convicted, counseled, encouraged, strengthened, and appropriately fearful of twisting it or compromising it

Read: 2 Peter 3:10-12

So, how can you conduct yourself as a woman of God according to God’s Holy Word?

I. Virtuous woman (KJV): woman of excellence (NAS); a worthy woman

(Ruth 3:11)

Virtuous Having moral excellence; characterized by morality; upright; righteous; pure; as, a virtuous action; Chaste; pure; -- applied especially to women.

Excellence The state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree; exalted merit; superiority in virtue; An excellent or valuable quality; that by which any one excels or is eminent; a virtue; A title of honor or respect; -- more common in the form excellency.

Worthy Having worth or excellence; possessing merit; valuable; deserving; estimable; excellent; virtuous.

II. Opens mouth with wisdom: on her tongue is law of kindness (Proverbs 31:26)

Wisdom: to speak with appropriate or righteous judgment; speaks sound, discerning judgment in complex situations

sapientia (Latin): We are homo sapiens. Sapien is a root of Sapienta and was chosen as our species name. This was apparently to emphasize man's uniqueness and separation from the rest of the animal kingdom.

law of kindness:

Why is it called a law? Because it proceeds from an inward and powerful principle of true wisdom.
Synonyms for kindness: grace, tenderness, compassion, gentleness, goodness, generosity

III. Persuade those who are wrong through patience & with a gentle tongue (Proverbs 25:15)

Patience: Forbearance Bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calmness;Persevering; constant;Capable of calmly awaiting an outcome or result; not hasty or impulsive.

Gentle tongue Considerate or kind words; amiable and tender;Speaks not harshly but mild and with fairness

IV. Learns in quietness and full submission (I Timothy 2:11)

Quietness: Hesuchia (Greek) hay-soo-khee'-ah; does not officiously meddle with the affairs of others

(to be officious: Marked by excessive eagerness in offering unwanted services or advice to others)

I Timothy 2:11 applies to a formal assembly in which the women are not to be gossips or busy bodies, but eager students of God’s Word as preached by the male pastor, who is to proclaim God’s Truth without compromise. (so be careful what church you put your self under the authority of) They are not to teach over men, nor seek to usurp the authority of God according to His divine order or she will be like a bird in the ocean trying to swim or a fish in the sky trying to fly. But she is to pursue being a Titus 2:3-4 woman.

full submission: subjection: Hupotage (Greek) hoop-ot-ag-ay; obedience

came from Hupotasso, which means:

to arrange under, to subordinate
to subject, put in subjection
to subject one's self, obey
to submit to one's control
to yield to one's admonition or advice
to obey, be subject

A Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in amilitary fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use,it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden".

V. Better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious, angry woman (Proverbs 21:19)

Contentious argumentative; quarrelsome; unsubmissive; spiteful; malicious

Angry easily annoyed; tumultuous; uptight; irritable; irrational

Read: Colossians 3:12-14

I also read to the ladies a testimony out of THIS BOOK (on pg. 87) of a godly woman I hope that I can conduct myself like. She reflected Christ and His faithfulness and sufficiency up to her death.

I have no idea what to title this...

2009-05-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

Consider reading the following articles from Monergism.com: Should Women Wear Head Coverings Today?

How do you recognize the difference between cultural customs and universal principles in the Bible? Consider purchasing the following book: Knowing Scripture

Another good book to guide you in studying Scripture is Independent Bible Study

And for the women who asked the really hard question today at our Legacy of Biblical Womanhood study regarding why I am not a Beth Moore fan:
Read the following Reviews of Beth Moore's Online Study: "Believing God"

1. As a Southern Baptist Pastor of over 20 years, I am very concerned about Beth Moore and her recent teachings. For a while I have seen her drift from sound doctrine to a "speak it & receive it" - "claim who you are" theology. This book is just the most recent & most blatant. The implications to sound Evangelical churches are astronomical. We must be careful not to allow Charismatic error to infect our churches. Our prayers are with her & that she would return to a proper understanding of Scripture-placing herself under the authority and teaching of a sound pastor.
2. ...Beth Moore seemingly has wandered off the theological map, straying into "name it, claim it" and positive confessionalism. She makes wild extrapolations from isolated texts so as to suggest that we might have the power to speak things into being. What does this say to those who are speech impaired? Is God's power less available to them? What's with all the emphasis on empowerment, anyway?

Beth Moore's involvement in a DVD that endorses contemplative or centering prayer called "Be Still" brings great concern. Please understand, contemplative Prayer practiced in our Christian churches happens when Christianity turns a blind eye to the infiltration of ancient mysticism that is rooted in the occult and pagan practices. "But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons"- 1 Timothy 4:1

I have received "Beth Moore fan" hate mail for 3 years since I openly published why I am not a Beth Moore fan. Please understand that though I believe Beth Moore is beautiful and sweet and knowledgeable in many areas, I also believe she has seriously strayed from sound doctrine. I am more concerned about pleasing the Lord and I fear the Lord more than the hate mail. I long for you all to be far more a Berean-like follower of Christ than a fan of Beth Moore and until I see evidence that she has sincerely and unquestionably changed her teaching, I do not, at this time, see how you can be both.

Here is a post I would also like for you to read about a woman's experience with Beth Moore studies. Her experience is close to my own, except she has articulated this far better than I have. Please understand that I have gone through several Beth Moore studies, so I am not recommending any of these links in this post in ignorance of what Beth Moore actually teaches or does not teach.

Press on in HIS truth and His love for HIS glory.
Sincerely from the heart,
Lisa

Head Coverings: As a Christian Woman, Am I Supposed to Wear One?

2009-05-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

God's High Calling for Women

And

What is the Head Covering in I Corinthians 11?
& Does it Apply to us Today?

are two articles that I want the Legacy of Biblical Womanhood group to read. I had a couple of women ask about the passages on head coverings in light of our meeting that addressed the question "Why was I created as a Woman"

This particular question covered some passages in I Corinthians 11 that caused a desire to learn about head coverings and if they apply to us today. Please understand that this is the only Scripture in the entire Bible that says anything about head coverings. This is a challenging and controversial passage that I pray does not cause division. Please do not look down at your sister in Christ if she feels strongly that she must wear one and do not act holier-than-thou if you do not.

I was planning on addressing this at our upcoming meeting, but have found there to be no time. We will actually only have time to cover the question "How Should a Woman of God Conduct Herself" even though we initially had it on the schedule to also include "What is God's Plan for Me as a Wife?"

I sincerely encourage you all to carefully read the above articles and study this on your own; prayerfully and with a desire to honor the Lord, testing everything as a Berean, and holding fast to what is good so that God alone is glorified.

"I ascribe my change wholly to God."

2009-05-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

"Well can I remember the manner in which I learned the doctrines of grace in a single instant. Born, as all of us are by nature, an Arminian, I still believed the old things I had heard continually from the pulpit, and did not see the grace of God. When I was coming to Christ, I thought I was doing it all myself, and though I sought the Lord earnestly, I had no idea the Lord was seeking me. I do not think the young convert is at first aware of this. I can recall the very day and hour when I first received those truths in my own soul - when they were, as John Bunyan says, burned into my heart as with a hot iron, and I can recollect how I felt that I had grown on a sudden from a babe into a man - that I had made progress in Scriptural Knowledge , through having found, once for all, the clue to the truth of God.

One week night, when I was sitting in the house of God, I was not thinking much about the preacher's sermon, for I did not believe it. The thought struck me, "How did you come to be a Christian?" I sought the Lord. "But how did you come to seek the Lord?" The truth flashed across my mind in a moment - I should not have sought Him unless there had been some previous influence in my mind to make me seek Him. I prayed, thought I, but then I asked myself, How came I to pray? I was induced to pray by reading the Scriptures. How came I to read the Scriptures? I did read them, but what led me to do so? Then, in a moment, I saw that God was at the bottom of it all, and that He was the Author of my faith, and so the whole doctrine of grace opened up to me, and from that doctrine I have not departed to this day, and I desire to make my constant confession: "I ascribe my change wholly to God." -CH Spurgeon

Are you stepping out in faith? or are you being foolish and testing God?

2009-05-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

Listen: there is nothing pious about doing something dumb because you trust God to clean up the mess afterwards.

If I find in myself an unquenchable desire to go to some country and share the gospel with people who have never heard it before; and seeking counsel from those members in my congregation whose walk and conduct and wisdom have shown these people to be godly, and if they agree that I am gifted for such a thing, and my spouse is as desirous as I am, and I find that the trappings of this world do not bind me as they do others so that selling my house, and leaving my job are all trivial matters to me, for I trust in the word of God that such things will be provided if I look to the Kingdom of God first - and in the strength of that conviction I quit my job, sell my house, and go to some far away land with my family - that is called "stepping out in faith".

Buying a house that is more than I can afford and trusting God to make up the difference by getting me more money - that isn't stepping out in faith, it's ridiculous.

Sending my "Christian" kids to a Muslim school because I trust God to protect their faith is not stepping out in faith - it's called tempting/testing God, and it's as far from piety as smart is from stupid.

That's not to say that we can never take a risk, or do something daring, or simply trust God for certain things that are outside the standard pale. But it is to say that dumb decisions that are buttressed foolishly by the misguided notion that one is stepping out in faith ought to be avoided by sober Christians.

There is a kind of mysticism that masquerades as faith, and we ought to be on guard against it. There are few things as blinding as ignorance pretending to be piety, for just as knowledge puffeth up, so willful ignorance puffeth up also, and it comes in all kinds of flavors... -Daniel at Doulogos

For the rest, go here: Art Thou Not Puffethed Up?

Reformed Rap? from my pastor

2009-05-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

Go check out Reformed Rap? on my pastor's blog. Unlike me, he actually likes rap... in small doses.

Also, consider reading Salvation by knowing the Truth

"...salvation is not in man, or in all the feelings, and weepings, and prayings, and Bible readings, and church goings, and chapel goings which zeal could crowd together. Nothing whatsoever that man does can avail him towards his own salvation. This I know by sad trial of it, and failure in it."-Spurgeon

Mission Accomplished: The cross will save all for whom it was intended

2009-05-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you would rather listen to nails scraping on a chalk board than listen to rap music, but the lyrics in this one are EXCELLENT:

Here is the link to the lyrics if you just can't bring yourself to push play: Mission Accomplished

Dead-Beat Dad vs. Pro-Choice Woman: What's the difference?

2009-05-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Not a Hint of Meekness

2009-05-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

"Not a hint of meekness existed in my character as a young woman. Sadly, I took pride in my ability to challenge men verbally and delighted in defeating them in debate. I thought this was a sign of strength, but actually I was a weak woman."-Kimberly Wagner from True Woman website writing on "Imperishable Beauty"

Carrie Prejean: courage coupled with a lack of clear Biblical thinking

2009-05-18T06:47:00.000-07:00

"Carrie [Prejean] has made a strong public profession of her faith in Christ. As Christians, we are called to live as redeemed men and women and to reflect to the world the beauty and holiness of God. I’m not in a position to judge Carrie’s motives or her heart. But while I applaud her courage, I also believe some of her choices and public actions, past and present, are representative of many women who consider themselves Christians, but who lack clear biblical thinking and conviction on such matters as virtue, womanhood, beauty, modesty, and discretion." Go to THIS LINK for the rest of the article

From my pastor

2009-05-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Church,

The following is from Arthur Bennett’s, The Valley of Vision. It is my prayer for all of us today. May the Lord bless you, your family, and our church.

“Our Father - When you are angry towards us for our wrongs we try to pacify You by abstaining from future sin; but teach us that we cannot satisfy Your law, that this effort is a resting in our own righteousness, and that only Christ’s righteousness, readymade, already finished, is fit for that purpose; that Your chastising us for our sin is not that we should try to reform, but only that we may be more humbled, afflicted, and separated from sin, by being reconciled, and made righteous in Christ by faith; that a sense of our sufficiency and ability in him is one means of our being immovable; that we can never be so by resting on our own faith, but by trusting in You as our only support, by faith; that if we cast away our faith we cast away You, for by faith we apprehend You, and as You are very precious, so is our faith very precious to us; that we fall short of the purity You require, because in thinking we are holy we do not seek holiness, or, believing we are impotent, we do no more. Humble us for not being as holy as we should be, or as holy as we might be through Christ, for You are all, and to possess You is to possess all. But to make the creature something is to make it stand between You and us, so that we do not walk humbly and holy. Lord, forgive us for this.”

Legacy of Biblical Womanhood Study: Week 3 "What Makes a Woman Beautiful?"

2009-05-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

For me to be talking with you about what truly makes a woman beautiful from the Biblical perspective when most of my life had been spent centered around ME, ME, ME, as I had deeply fallen into the world's view of beauty seems... ridiculous... almost laughable.
Who am I, Lord?
I certainly know that the world's view of beauty is a trap that leads to discontentment. I know that if you get caught up in it, you will never find true joy. You will never measure up. ... and if you are a Christian woman who has gotten caught up in it, you will be a stumbling block to the Gospel as well as a hindrance in serving your brother's in Christ who long to resist the temptation of lust.
So how does God transform your life, renew your mind to think Biblically on this issue of true and lasting beauty? For me personally, I would have labeled this an impossible task. A hopeless case scenario. But when God wants to do an impossible task He takes an impossible woman like me and utterly crushes her.

May our souls be crushed for the longing of God's Word... His Truth on these issues so that we can be helpers to our brother's in Christ for the sake of the Gospel and His holy Name and not stumbling blocks.

Much of what I went over with the women at the study was based on notes especially from studying God's Word and notes from well articulated sermons and books on the subject. This includes sermons/ books from John MacArthur, CJ Mahaney, Carolyn Mahaney and John Piper. I studied these writings because I deeply respect these people and I needed the balance of a man's perspective, their struggles in the area of lust, and their pleading desire for women of God to help and not hinder; along with a woman of God, such as Carolyn Mahaney, that has proven herself in this area as evidenced especially by the testimony of her husband.

Please take the time to read Cultural Beauty According to Google. It is a great way to look back at the ridiculous, me-centered, relative beauty trends that have inundated our society since the 1700's.

Do you really comprehend as a woman that men are stimulated visually? Do you really understand that your clothes will either help or hinder men who are trying to glorify God?

No! I will not encourage Islamic-type burquas or abayas as the standard of dress. I will not get out my measuring tape to make sure your skirt is long enough. I will not gawk at you in a holier-than-thou condemnation because you aren't following MY rules. I am a work in progress and am so thankful for the women in my life who have come alongside me to teach me what is appropriate for the sake of the Gospel. I am so thankful for my Godly husband!!!
I consider myself to be the worst sinner I know and if I am concerned about your manner of dress as a Christian woman I will come to you graciously and I would hope you would do the same for me. This is not the sole responsibility of the pastor and elder's of our church to tell us women what NOT to wear. Especially on a Sunday morning when we are to come prepared for worship; where the focus is to be on Christ and not our cleavage. It is the collective, gracious, loving responsibility of all of the members of the church... and should be woman to woman out of love for one another and God's Holy Name.
Now, there is a definite responsibility on the part of the man to control his lust. How far do we go as women on this issue? Some men may get turned on by a women's ankles, another by her shoulders, another by beautiful eyes, etc. So men, do us a favor and do not expect us to be responsible for your extremes and lack of control. We should be very willing as woman to be submissive in the area of modesty, but there is a point in which the men MUST take responsibility.

As a community of saints, we are not looking for a ‘dress code’ but principles where our theology meets our closets.- Dave H.

As Christian women in the church you can be either a blessing or a distraction as this young man explains:

The one place I might think I wouldn’t have to face as much temptation is at church. But this is not always the case. When ladies I’m friends with dress immodestly, it definitely has a negative effect on our friendship. When she dresses immodestly, it doesn’t make it easy to see her as a sister in Christ. There’s a constant battle going on as I’m interacting with her. Communication becomes more difficult, but I’m also trying to fight temptation.
I also think that some ladies aren’t aware that even the little things can distract guys a lot — showing even a little part of their stomach, wearing a bag that has a strap that goes between their breasts, etc.

I’m so grateful for the friendships God has given me over the last year and a half and for the godly ladies in my small group. I’m so appreciative of the sacrifice that these ladies make to glorify God and to serve and care for the guys.

I heard a story of one of the ladies in our small group who went shopping and really liked a shirt she was trying on. But then she thought, "No, I can’t do this to the guys." That was the first time I had ever heard of anything like that, and it made me so grateful. It is such a blessing to have friends who care for me enough to be selfless and to sacrifice what might look attractive in order to help me and other guys with sexual lust.

When ladies dress modestly, it’s attractive and it makes me want to hang out with them. I think modesty is so attractive and helpful in friendships; it makes it easier for a friendship to be centered around God and for fellowship to be unhindered.

"Both Paul and Timothy were concerned that the Ephesian church be a godly testimony to society. For the women of the church to imitate the gaudy clothing styles of pagan women, to call attention to themselves, or to dress to lure men into illicit sexual relationships was to blaspheme the intent of the worship service." –John MacArthur

Godly men find modesty attractive. And single gals... those are the men you want to attract! They appreciate women who dress with self-control and restraint. They’re grateful for women who serve them by helping them fight the temptation to lust. But this is not just about proper attire on a Sunday morning. Read this testimony of a young man in college:

A day in the life of a college student pursuing purity:
Each and every day on campus is a battle. A battle against my sin, a battle against temptation, a battle against my depraved mind. Every morning I have to cry out for mercy, strength, and a renewed conviction to flee youthful lust. The Spirit is faithful to bring me the renewal I need and to prepare me to do war against my sin, yet temptations still exist.

I’m thankful God has created me to be attracted to women. However, campus is a loaded minefield. There are girls everywhere, and it is guaranteed that I will pass some attractive girls as I walk in between classes. To make it through the day unscathed, I either have to be actively engaging my mind and spirit in praying, quoting Scripture, listening to worship music, or looking at the sidewalk. Many days it takes all four to be safe. . . .

The thing that women do not seem to fully grasp is that the temptation toward lust does not stop. It is continual. It is aggressive. And it does all it can to lead men down to death. And women have a choice to help or deter the goal and purpose of lust. Sometimes when I see a girl provocatively dressed, I’ll say to myself, "She probably doesn’t even know that 101 guys are going to devour her in their minds today. But then again, maybe she does." To be honest, I don’t know the truth, the truth of why she chooses to dress the way she does, the way she chooses to walk, the way she chooses to act. I don’t know because I’ve never sat down with a girl and asked why. All I need to know is that the way she presents herself to the world is bait for my sinful mind to latch onto and I need to avoid it at all costs.

For the most part, the church serves as a sanctuary from the continual barrage of temptation toward sin. However, the church’s members are not yet free from sin, and there are girls who are ignorant and unaware of men’s sinful tendencies.

I must confess that even church can have several mines scattered about. To the girls who are ignorant, please serve your brother in Christ and have your dad screen your wardrobe. Ask your dad how you can better choose holiness over worldliness. He’s a guy, and he knows more than you on the issue.

And to the girls who don’t follow the pattern of the world: thank you. Thank you a million times over. You are following Scripture’s commands, and you are helping your brothers in the process.

"I hope this ardent desire to serve your brothers in Christ characterizes every woman in the church. But the church should also be a place where the unconverted can come dressed immodestly and be warmly welcomed, not self-righteously judged."-CJ Mahaney

The Bible NO WHERE forbids a woman from enhancing her appearance! Paul, in I Timothy is warning about excessive attention devoted to appearance at the expense of the Gospel and serving Christ. This will inevitably lead to pride and discontentment.

However, a woman CAN honor God by enhancing her personal appearance or bringing beauty to her environment.

God is the creator of beauty. God delights in beauty. All we need to verify this fact is to consider the beauty He created all around us: whether it is an elegant flower, or towering trees, or a meandering river, or billowy clouds or the majestic night sky. Every time we stop to take in one of these breathtaking scenes on display in God’s creation, we can’t help but be convinced that He delights in beauty!

[B]ecause we are created in the image of our Creator, each of us has this propensity to make things beautiful. That means, when we decorate our homes, or plant a lovely flower garden, or seek to add some form of beauty to our surroundings, even when we attempt to enhance our personal appearance—we are actually imitating and delighting in the works of our Great Creator.-Carolyn Mahaney

"It is not necessarily evil to wear stylish clothing and an attractive hairstyle. It is not sinful to wear make-up and jewelry. The Proverbs 31 woman wore colorful, high-quality clothing. The bride in Song of Solomon adorned her appearance with jewelry. We are told that Esther went through 12 months of beauty treatments-six months with oil and myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. The Bible does not condemn wearing and using these things. It is wearing them for the wrong reasons that God's Word forbids"

So ladies CHECK YOUR MOTIVES!!! A Modesty Heart Check may be in order.

Read I Peter 3:3-5; I Timothy 2:9 and Proverbs 31:30

“Modest Apparel or adorn” – kosmios means ‘respectable, honorable, well-ordered.’ It is translated “of good behavior” in 1 Tim 3:2. Your clothes are to match/proclaim/adorn your godly behavior. It therefore does not refer only to clothing, but can mean "demeanor" or "attitude. " It encompasses both the attitude of the heart and proper adornment on the outside. Her clothing should reflect a heart focused on God.

“Propriety” – aidos has an interesting sense of both shame and honor, bashfulness and reverence (Heb 12:28).

“Moderation” – sophrosune means ‘soberness, soundness of mind, self-control, and reasonableness.’ Again, the context doesn’t allow for a girl to say, “but I don’t mean that when I wear this…”

Godly Fear- The Greek word translated "godly fear" (aid[ma]os) refers to modesty mixed with humility. It connotes a sense of shame--not shame in being a woman, but in any way inciting lust or distracting others from a proper worship of God. A woman with a proper sense of shame will dress in such a way as not to be a source of temptation. It implies morally rejecting anything dishonorable to God.

Putting This Together – We learn that adornment is a powerful thing (which is also proven by the huge apparel industry) and women know it. Much of what our culture tells young women to wear sends messages a godly woman should never want to send.

What are your clothes saying about your relationship with God? Are you exalting God or yourself? Your wardrobe is a public statement of your personal and private motivation. It should be an outward expression of the Gospel. It should promote Jesus and not "me". Your hearts WILL dictate your wardrobe.

So... who are the most beautiful women in the world?
Is it People magazine's choice according to their annual issue that contains a list of "The Fifty Most Beautiful People in the World." One year you may see a picture of Julia Roberts, a talented and attractive movie star... but what about the next year? Will Julia Roberts still be considered beautiful to their standards when she is 80?

Truly the most beautiful woman in the world:

lives her life by the Word of God
has a remarkable, pervading influence for good
knows that a woman gets her greatest joy and fulfillment in submitting entirely to the will of God
is a "light" in the world (Matt. 5:14-16), especially to her family
is not obsessed with carnal attractiveness and does not prize what is called "passing beauty" (Prov. 31:30)
esteems "the beauty of holiness" (Psa. 29:2)
is neither a nag nor a complainer
is spiritually attractive
has an inner beauty that becomes more and more radiant with every passing year
has a genuine attitude of humility that seeks to glorify God and serve others
is sensitive to her brother's in Christ and willingly serves them by purposely dressing in a manner that is not sensual
does not forsake her outward appearance

Please Read: Three Teen Young Men Define "A Real Woman"

Here is the Legacy of Biblical Womanhood Schedule
Press on in HIS truth and HIS love for HIS glory

Here are the sermons/ books/ blogs that inspired some of what was written here:

CJ Mahaney's Modesty Series (see modesty series index in that link that provides series 1 through 7)
Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World
Girl Talk Blog
God's High Calling for Women
Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America
Modesty – Let’s Take A Good Look
The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
The Look: Does God Really Care What I Wear?
Sister... Show Mercy!