Month: April 2015

Psalm 119:1-4

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Last year, the Lord allowed me to study through Psalm 119. I love the longest chapter in God’s Word and learned so much through it! One of my friends encouraged me to share it on my blog, so in the next few months, I’ll be posting some of the gleanings that God gave me in this chapter!

Psalm 119:1-4 
 (1)  Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
We are all walking in a way, but which way it is?
Does God’s law guide my every step? Many people think that it is only bondage to walk in God’s Word – but according to Psalm 119:1, we will be blessed (happy) when we uprightly walk in God’s law.
(2)  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
To find true happiness, we must keep God’s testimonies and seek Him – not partially or some of the time, but with all of our being, all of the time.
(3)  They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
There is a close connection between walking in God’s ways and not doing iniquity. It is impossible to walk in God’s ways and do evil. Either we are walking in God’s ways and doing good or we are not walking in God’s ways and doing evil. Proverbs 2:13 reminds us, “Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;” We must leave the path of uprightness to walk in darkness.
(4)  Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
This is not just a suggestion – it is a direct command from God: if we are His, then we are to keep His precepts. We are not to loosely hold them, but to keep them diligently (gives the idea of immediately, completely).
(1)  Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
(2)  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
(3)  They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
(4)  Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

What is my walk like? Does my walk line up with God’s law and His ways? The only way I know is if I am seeking Him and keeping His testimonies and precepts. I cannot do this by “happenstance” – I must be actively searching God’s Word so that I know what His ways are. If I don’t know His ways, how can I walk in them?

Our Father’s Heartbeat – guest post by Nicole Shepherd

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By Nicole Shepherd

Through the life of Jesus we see the breathing, bodily image of His Father’s heart. When the Word became flesh, man was given a stethoscope to know what moves, rejoices and grieves the spirit of God. So if we want to discover the crown of the Father’s affections, we must become students of the Son. What did He do? What rhythm pattern did He leave us to hear, feel and walk in step to Jehovah’s heartbeat?

Of the many things Jesus did, none are more vivid than His love for people – especially His disciples. For three years He knit these men to Him through the ties of daily life until He knew them not only as Creator, but as Friend. He ate, walked and spent nights listening to Galilee’s waves drum the shore rocks with them. Whether He was laughing with them or patiently forbearing their peevish moments He loved them enough to be inconvenienced by them every day.

Why did Jesus do this? Why would God Almighty put up with rough fishermen and zealous tempers until they were so familiar with His holy Presence to lean against His chest like brothers? Because He was molding men. Jesus was shaping the Son of Thunder into a tender teacher whose fatherly pleas to his “little children” would be imprinted on Scripture’s pages forever. He was converting the tax collector’s deceitful fingers into the hand that would pen the first Gospel. As God seeing into the future, Jesus knew His men needed a teacher they could see, hear and handle, if they were to teach others. And His model is not just for them – it’s for us! Just as Jesus discipled through involving the disciples in everything He did, so we are to disciple others in everything we do. And, like Jesus, we must start with those closest to us. It takes more Christ-like sacrifice and humility to stop during a hectic day to read a story to our five year old sister than to feed the 5,000 at the soup kitchen. Yes, those in the outer circle must be ministered to as well, but Jesus put priority on ministering to those close before the crowds. In fact, the crowds became the training ground where Jesus coached His followers. So it must be for us. Our influence is most powerful on the impressionable sister who is learning from us for better or worse. Each interrupted moment, each hour spent together and each opportunity we seize to disciple her will be recorded on the pages of her soul forever. Let’s not miss it! Our field of ministry must start with hearts burning to recruit our siblings, nieces, nephews and younger Christian sisters as laborers-in-training for God. Take their hand and together walk in time to the rhythm of our Father’s heart.      


~*~
About Nicole:
There is no more beautiful way to live than as a disciple of Jesus on a small homestead nestled in the gorgeous Missouri Ozarks and Nicole Shepherd is very grateful to call such a life hers! A daughter, oldest sister to six and homeschool graduate, Nicole enjoys studying God’s Word, writing, British and American history, being an entrepreneur and long Sunday afternoon car rides with her family.

Shadows of the Past (1 of 3)

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By Amanda Tero (Written in 2005, age fourteen)

This was my first short story, written as a school assignment (after I post all three parts, I’ll share my original “Afterword” which explains a little more). It was fun to read again after all of these years. I can detect some immaturity of my thought-process at fourteen but the story was fun to read nonetheless.

Part One


Our annual family picnic had come once more, and we were all excited to get on the go. It seemed the ideal day, and we were all eager to find out where it was going to be this year. But as much as we prodded, Dad kept silent. Even my cousin, Carla, who was staying the summer at our house, was curious. Finally, the car stopped and Dad told us to start walking. He led the way.
We walked for what seemed hours then Dad finally stopped at a ravine in the woods. “This is it.” He stated as we all quietly overlooked the land that dipped in front of us.
Seventeen year-old Joseph looked up at Dad. “Isn’t there a–”
“Yes, I guess we’ll go there.” Dad interrupted quickly. “All right, just a little further.”
In a few moments, we were staring at an almost crystal-clear stream that gently rushed past an old, abandoned mill.
“Oh…” I couldn’t seem to take in all the beauty at once. Everything was so calm…so serene.
“Let’s unload.” Mom directed softly, handing Carla and I the yellow-checked blanket to spread on the ground.
“May we eat there?” Carla asked, pointing to a shady spot underneath a grove of oak trees.
“Yes, that is the perfect place. I don’t think I could’ve chosen a better place because, well, there is no better place than this one.” I stated as I scanned the area.
We shook out the blanket and cautiously spread it on the ground, being careful not to put it on any stumps or roots. Then, we helped Mom set the food out on the blanket.
“It looks so cheery.” Carla stated, staring at the plates of food on the yellow blanket.
“Yes,” I mused. “And out here, it is so…quiet and peaceful. There is no one to bother us.”
Out of the blue, Joel came whooping up to the picnic spot, very much like any eight year-old boy would do.
“Except for my brothers.” I added with a grin.
Soon, we were all seated on the ground and Dad said the blessing. Everyone got their food and began to quietly eat.
I took a small bite of my cheese sandwich and slowly began to chew. I looked out at the stream again and listened carefully. Yes, there it was. Somewhere close, water was rushing over high rocks. My mind flew to the words of Psalm 23:2 and 45:10. “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters…Be still, and know that I am God: …” I quoted to myself. It seemed that God’s presence was surely near.
I looked down at my dress thoughtfully. Not many girls today wear dresses. Mostly pants. Then my thoughts drifted once more to our picnic spot. I wonder if anyone else once sat here. Maybe the family from that mill ate here once—or maybe a family that was waiting for their meal to be ground, I wonder… I shivered. That would be interesting if I sat in the exact same spot as one of them. Maybe it was a girl my age…or maybe the baby. I smiled, satisfied with my thoughts, and, since I was finished eating, I got up and wandered across the stream.
“Don’t go far.” Mom advised.
“Yes ma’am.” I called as I went a little closer to the mill where I could think better. I wonder if one of the workers of the mill ever sat here to rest during their break. Or maybe to eat their lunch, or dinner, as they called it…I felt someone behind me and turned around. Carla stood there silently looking at the mill.
“I hope you don’t mind me here.” Carla said softly.
“Not at all. I was just thinking of how nice it is out here and—Carla!” I gasped and grabbed her arm suddenly. “Look!” I pointed towards the mill.
Suddenly, a girl in a long, flowing dress disappeared into the mill. Without a word, I slowly pressed closer to the mill.
Can she be someone from the olden days? No, I quickly dismissed the thought. I didn’t believe that someone could come back to life. But so few girls now wear dresses…especially like that. Who is she? How did she find her way to the mill? Could she have thought that the miller is still here, and is looking for him?
I bit my lip nervously as I swung the old mill’s creaky door open.

. . . Come back next week for part two! 🙂

Word Wednesday #49

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
“And when He saw them, He said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” Luke 17:14

When they obeyed, they were in the same state as before. However, while they were obeying, Jesus cleansed. So often we want to see change before we move. But maybe God is asking us to obey so He can change us.

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

 
 

What About the Money?

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
I recently read through one of my favorite Old Testament stories. When King Amaziah began his reign in Judah, he did “that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.” (2 Chronicles 25:2) It always saddens me when kings began right and fell. But today, I wanted to focus on one of the good points of his life.
After making his armies (2 Chronicles 25:5), King Amaziah hired 100,000 more mighty men of valor for 100 talents of silver (2 Chronicles 25:6). Immediately in the next verse, a prophet was sent to Amaziah saying, “O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.”(vs. 7-8)

I can almost see Amaziah’s thought-process: “Wait! You don’t understand! I’ve just spent an immense amount to hire this help – and God tells me to send them home? Doesn’t He understand the money I’ll lose from this investment?” His next words prove where his thoughts were: “But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel?” (vs. 9) I can sense a bit of apprehension, rooted in the fact that money had already been spent – and wouldn’t be returned.
The answer he got was, “The Lord is able to give thee much more than this.” This truth applies to me as well as Amaziah. God can give us so much more than what we’ve already spent if we but follow Him! After all, what am I looking to? My pocket-book? or God?
To those of us who like reading of the kings who actually chose right, Amaziah’s response is applauded. He sent the men home and fought with his own men (vs. 10-11). Victory! (vs. 11-12).

Now to bring the story back home: is there an area in which I have invested (time, money, things) and then God leads me elsewhere? What is my response? “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22) At what price am I willing to follow God’s leading in my life?

Boldness | Ephesians Study

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Ephesians 6:20

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul considered himself and ambassador (representative) of the mystery of the Gospel (considering Ephesians 3, particularly the mystery of the Gospel to the Gentiles). This is the second time Paul mentions boldness.
Examples of boldness:
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:8-13)
“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30)
“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”(Acts 4:31)
“According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” (Ephesians 3:11-12)

Boldness comes by the filling of the Holy Ghost. Boldness is granted by prayer. One cannot decide, “I’m going to be bold for Christ.” Rather, it comes by following as Christ leads, granted as an answer to prayer for boldness. Do I pray for boldness? (for myself and others) Do I pray that God would help me (and others) to speak as He would have us to speak?

Six Free Songs

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Today is the conclusion of a week of free piano solo sheet music at With a Joyful Noise. You can view and download piano solos for the following songs (click the title to go to the page):
At the Cross (beginner)
When I Survey (beginner)
Hallelujah! What a Savior! (early intermediate)
When I Survey (intermediate)
Jesus Paid it All (late intermediate)
Near the Cross (late intermediate/early advanced)

And, if you’re not a pianist, here’s something you can enjoy:

8 Unique Ideas for Mothers’ Day | Guest post by Rebekah Dan

Published on by Amanda Tero1 Comment

It may seem a bit early to think about Mother’s Day, but it’s never too early to start planning.

This post features some ideas to help you rise above the cliché of Mother’s Day traditions: a bouquet of flowers, a card, breakfast in bed, and an outing to a special restaurant. Nice, but you can take it up a notch by being more original.

If you are looking for some fun ways to make Mother’s Day more meaningful and memorable, this is the post for you!

1. Potted fruit tree. Instead of the usual bouquet of flowers, surprise your mom a potted fruit tree! If you have several siblings, you can put your money together to get nice a tree. Buy a tree with her favorite fruit, or an exotic fruit. Some ideas are: citrus, cherry, fig, apricot, (or even avocado)… the options are endless. Add a nice big bow on the tree to make it extra special! She will have the tree throughout the years to remind her of you. If she’s not into fruit trees, a bonsai tree could be another idea.

2. A photoshoot. Seems like everyone is into photography nowadays. There are photoshoots for every event imaginable: high school seniors, maternity, you name it. But we rarely see photoshoots of a mom, right? If you own a good camera, plan a photoshoot for your mom on Mother’s Day! Or hire someone to do a photoshoot of her. Then she can have some really professional and lovely pictures to keep and frame. You can even make it a multi-generational photoshoot of grandmother, mother, daughter etc!


3. Take her to a flower field or botanical garden. If you live near a flower field or a botanical garden, spring is the best time to go visiting, and it’s a lovely way to spend Mother’s Day together! Or, if flowers are not her thing, take her fruit picking on a farm. Then you can make fruit jams, pies or preserves together with the fruit you picked!

4. Print her recipes/photos into a book. Compile a collection of her best recipes, or photos of her life (from your birth to the present), and print it as a special book for her! Or you can have all your siblings put together “mom’s words of wisdom”, such as sayings that you always remember her repeating to you, and print it into a fun scrapbook with pictures of your life. It’s super easy to do with websites like Blurb, Shutterfly, Snapfish, or even local stores like Costco or Walmart.

5. Cooking contest! Cook something and let Mom be the judge. Skip the restaurant crowds and do something special at home! Have everyone in your family cook a dish or bake a dessert, then present them to your mother and have her be the judge. Do not reveal who cooked which dish! Then have her give scores and awards/ribbons to the best dishes, and at the end, identify the cooks. To keep it simple, you can have a pie contest, everyone making a different type of pie. Or if you want a challenge, have each person cook one of your mom’s favorite dishes!

6. Surprise envelopes every hour! Have everyone in your family write special notes of appreciation, Mother’s Day cards, Bible verses, sweet memories, or words of encouragement and put them in separate envelopes. Tie the envelopes together in a bundle, and label each with the time she should open an envelop (example: open at 8:00 A.M., or at noon). Every hour that day, she can open a surprise envelope with a special note inside! You can add envelopes with little surprises like gift cards, tickets to a museum/amusement part etc.

7. Make it classy, go to a music hall! Let your mom experience something new this Mother’s Day! If she’s never been to a classical music concert and she loves music, now is your chance to spoil her! If you live near a music hall, look up dates around Mother’s Day when there will be nice concerts with choirs, philharmonic orchestras or chamber music in your area. Before the concert you can visit a cafe, antique shop, or bakery for a treat!
Of course, when it comes to a special outing, the options for fun adventures are abundant (horseback riding, kayaking, hunting, depending on what your mom enjoys doing ;)).

8. Mom interview. Get your family together and have everyone interview mom and videotape it. Make a list of questions in advance, such as “how did you imagine yourself as an adult?”, “what was the most exciting moment you remember as a child?” “who did you admire most when you were young?” “what advice would you give for….?” “what is the best advice you got from your parents….?” You can also look up ideas online.

Hope this will get you bubbling with ideas for making Mother’s Day better than ever!

What Mother’s Day traditions do you have?

Rebekah is a homeschool graduate and college student living a life redeemed and justified in Christ. She blogs about theology, art, music, health & nutrition, book reviews, and a variety of other topics she is passionate about at Heritage of Grace. She enjoys connecting with her readers and using her blog as a ministry to her peers.