Hey Everyone,
It was great to read all the entries! We all had a different person for the third spot so we are posting the top 4- Stacy, Betty, Farah, and Raevae. Now it's your turn. Out of the four contestants you get to vote for the winner. All you have to do is make a short comment on the one you like, it can be as short as "I love it", it's that simple. Voting starts February 14th and ends February 29th 2012. Get all your friends to vote. One vote per person please. Have fun
God bless
Andrew and Tash
PLEASE NOTE:
If you are not sure how to make a vote/comment click on this link to see a video demonstration.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Stacey - A Tribute
Of all the things I am thankful for since Jesus transformed my life nine years ago, there is one
that ranks pretty high on the list. It’s the radical way in which He’s changed and reshaped my
view of the opposite sex.
Secular culture did little to help me understand how men think and what they experience or need as they face life—except perhaps that physical intimacy was a high priority, and that for them, being in a relationship—whether a casual or committed one—was important. My own father’s faithful presence in my life was somehow not enough to stop me from believing the lies of the world, the flesh and the devil that were influencing my thinking and attitude towards the opposite sex … and cheapening my expectations of what I should expect from them in relationships and in life.
But God has been so faithful! He has given me an increased understanding and appreciation for what motivates and discourages them, and how we women can make a difference in how they see themselves—we are in fact uniquely designed to do just that.
So this is a short tribute and encouragement to you—my brothers in Christ—and to those still finding their way into His light and His love. In spite of what the world communicates to you … you are needed … and valuable … and appreciated!!!
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Click on the comments link below to vote for Stacey
Secular culture did little to help me understand how men think and what they experience or need as they face life—except perhaps that physical intimacy was a high priority, and that for them, being in a relationship—whether a casual or committed one—was important. My own father’s faithful presence in my life was somehow not enough to stop me from believing the lies of the world, the flesh and the devil that were influencing my thinking and attitude towards the opposite sex … and cheapening my expectations of what I should expect from them in relationships and in life.
But God has been so faithful! He has given me an increased understanding and appreciation for what motivates and discourages them, and how we women can make a difference in how they see themselves—we are in fact uniquely designed to do just that.
So this is a short tribute and encouragement to you—my brothers in Christ—and to those still finding their way into His light and His love. In spite of what the world communicates to you … you are needed … and valuable … and appreciated!!!
- Each of you are made in God’s image—unique, precious in His sight, and incomparable to any other (Genesis 1:27, 31, Psalm 8:3-5).
- Your leadership and provision are a needed dimension in our lives and families (Ephesians 5:23, 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Peter 3:7).
- Your physical strength—though admirable—is most awe-inspiring when used for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 1:25, Psalm 84:5-7).
- Your spiritual strength comes from your humility and inspires us to follow your lead (Proverbs 11:2, 15:33).
- Far from being unemotional, your hearts can be vulnerable to the women you love … so guard it wisely (Judges 16:4-19).
- But trust God to bless you with a woman with whom your heart can be trusted (Proverbs 18:22).
- Your courage in the face of insecurities, setbacks, disappointments, and struggles will be rewarded as you trust God (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:6-8, 2 Chronicles 32:7-8, Psalm 31:23-24, 1 Corinthians 16:13).
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Click on the comments link below to vote for Stacey
Betty - A Godly Women
Would I be called a godly woman if God looked down on me today? Would there be any evidence of holiness throughout my day? A godly woman is held as something valuable; one who brings good to the world, not harm. She is free from anxiety, worry and strife. Her life is not bound by alarm. A woman of honor provides for her family. She works hard to make ends meet. She gives of herself, unconditionally and she'll be fair to all, until her heart no longer beats.
A noble woman is kind to the poor. She reaches out a loving hand to those in need. She encompasses strength and dignity; joyfully serving all, never showing a sign of greed. A woman of God shows good judgement and possess' wisdom beyond her years. She offers good counsel to those in pain and shows compassion in her tears. A beloved daughter of the Most High King fears the Lord, and follows Him where He leads. She humbly praises the One who made her and lives to scatter the gospel seeds.
Would God see all these traits in me or have to search hard to find just one? Would I have to seek His forgiveness for my sins when day is done? I want to live a godly life; a woman after God's own heart. I may not see these qualities in me but today gives me a chance to start. I'll start by whispering a simple prayer for God to make me pure. Then I'll continue to seek Him day by day. I want to be spiritually mature.
I want to be seen as a woman whose integrity does not cast a doubt. A woman who knows who I am in Christ, not dying away from spiritual drought. Would I be called a godly woman when God looks down on me today. I know He's preparing me for this role but I must let Him lead the way. I humbly come to sit at Jesus' feet, my tears pour forth with joy and sorrows. Sorrow and regret for the way I lived in the past and joy for what God will do with all my tomorrows.
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Click on the comments link below to vote for Betty.
A noble woman is kind to the poor. She reaches out a loving hand to those in need. She encompasses strength and dignity; joyfully serving all, never showing a sign of greed. A woman of God shows good judgement and possess' wisdom beyond her years. She offers good counsel to those in pain and shows compassion in her tears. A beloved daughter of the Most High King fears the Lord, and follows Him where He leads. She humbly praises the One who made her and lives to scatter the gospel seeds.
Would God see all these traits in me or have to search hard to find just one? Would I have to seek His forgiveness for my sins when day is done? I want to live a godly life; a woman after God's own heart. I may not see these qualities in me but today gives me a chance to start. I'll start by whispering a simple prayer for God to make me pure. Then I'll continue to seek Him day by day. I want to be spiritually mature.
I want to be seen as a woman whose integrity does not cast a doubt. A woman who knows who I am in Christ, not dying away from spiritual drought. Would I be called a godly woman when God looks down on me today. I know He's preparing me for this role but I must let Him lead the way. I humbly come to sit at Jesus' feet, my tears pour forth with joy and sorrows. Sorrow and regret for the way I lived in the past and joy for what God will do with all my tomorrows.
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Click on the comments link below to vote for Betty.
Farah - What’s in YOUR dream?
I love to look up the meaning of my dreams, especially the ones that seem to stand
out the most. Just recently, I had a dream, in which I saw many birds flying, and I woke
up thinking of what the birds symbolize. So I went on what has become my favourite (and
most trusted) dream dictionary online, and this is what it said: “To see birds in your dream
symbolizes your goals, aspirations and hopes. To dream of chirping and/or flying birds,
represents joy, harmony, ecstasy, balance, and love. It denotes a sunny outlook in life. You are
experiencing spiritual freedom and psychological liberation. It is almost as if a weight has been
lifted off your shoulders.”1 Definitely true of where I am right now!
Can you remember the last dream that you had? Did you dwell on it for a moment and shrug it off afterwards, or did you ignore it altogether? I believe that God speaks to us even while we sleep, so we should try to seek interpretation for the meaning of our dreams. Throughout the Bible are scattered the dreams of people that actually took the time (and some even went to great lengths) to understand their meaning, whether the dreams were wonderful or horrific. Joseph, for instance, had dreams of becoming a ruler (Genesis 37:5-7, 9-10), while Pharaoh had dreams of famine ravaging his country (Genesis 41:1-7), and both dreams were fulfilled! I wonder what would have happened if Joseph and Pharaoh had both shrugged off their dreams as pointless? The lives of many would have definitely been lost. Instead, the Bible tells us that in the morning, Pharaoh “send for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt” to tell them about his dreams (Genesis 41:8). This tells us that Pharaoh took his dreams very seriously, and so should we!
The next time you are tempted to ignore your dreams, remember that God might be trying to tell you something very important that will not only affect you, but the people around you as well. So consider carefully, what’s in YOUR dream?
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Click on the comments link below to vote for Farah
Can you remember the last dream that you had? Did you dwell on it for a moment and shrug it off afterwards, or did you ignore it altogether? I believe that God speaks to us even while we sleep, so we should try to seek interpretation for the meaning of our dreams. Throughout the Bible are scattered the dreams of people that actually took the time (and some even went to great lengths) to understand their meaning, whether the dreams were wonderful or horrific. Joseph, for instance, had dreams of becoming a ruler (Genesis 37:5-7, 9-10), while Pharaoh had dreams of famine ravaging his country (Genesis 41:1-7), and both dreams were fulfilled! I wonder what would have happened if Joseph and Pharaoh had both shrugged off their dreams as pointless? The lives of many would have definitely been lost. Instead, the Bible tells us that in the morning, Pharaoh “send for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt” to tell them about his dreams (Genesis 41:8). This tells us that Pharaoh took his dreams very seriously, and so should we!
The next time you are tempted to ignore your dreams, remember that God might be trying to tell you something very important that will not only affect you, but the people around you as well. So consider carefully, what’s in YOUR dream?
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Click on the comments link below to vote for Farah
Raevae - Taking a Stand
I sang at a friend’s wedding and sat feeling so proud of him and his new wife for taking such
a commendable step in holy matrimony, when I was introduced to a man in his late forties. He
sat on the same dinner table with me and I sat calmly waiting for the commencement of the
reception. Enjoying our conversation, it then dawned on me that this 49-year old married man
was actually ‘interested’ in me. He told me that he mentioned to the bride’s parents, “If she is
single, I will become a Christian!” I sat stunned trying to maintain some sort of composure but
tried laughing it off for indeed, it had to be a BIG JOKE. What would this 49 year old married
man have to do with a 20-something year old woman like me? As well, he had the galls to
show me pictures of his 20-something year old daughter and son on his cell phone. As I quickly
finished my meal and tried saying goodbye he desired to have some sort of contact with me...but
I escaped. What is this world coming to?
Lately we’ve been seeing many couples who marry each other mainly for physical intimacy, being unequally yoked in every way and corrupting God’s ideal for marriage (See Ephesians 5:31; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Same sex marriages have also sky rocketed since New York’s laws made it legal, and God’s people are staying silent. Are we supposed to just sit there and let the enemy have his way with us? A million times NO!!
Ephesians 6: 10-13 says:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (KJV).
I deeply encourage you to spend more time in prayer with God and surrender all to His Holy Spirit. Time is closing in on us and Jesus is soon to return (John 14:1-3). Why not purpose in your hearts to live according to His standards today...and every day of your lives?
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Click on the comments link below to vote for Raevae
Lately we’ve been seeing many couples who marry each other mainly for physical intimacy, being unequally yoked in every way and corrupting God’s ideal for marriage (See Ephesians 5:31; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Same sex marriages have also sky rocketed since New York’s laws made it legal, and God’s people are staying silent. Are we supposed to just sit there and let the enemy have his way with us? A million times NO!!
Ephesians 6: 10-13 says:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (KJV).
I deeply encourage you to spend more time in prayer with God and surrender all to His Holy Spirit. Time is closing in on us and Jesus is soon to return (John 14:1-3). Why not purpose in your hearts to live according to His standards today...and every day of your lives?
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Click on the comments link below to vote for Raevae
Friday, February 3, 2012
Bible Talk-Matthew 4, The Temptation of Jesus
Welcome to Bible Talk! This is a small, informal Bible Study, where we want to hear from you. So come join us as we share in the LORD's Word together!
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Matthew 4
The Temptation of Jesus
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[a]” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[b]” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[c]” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. 9“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[d]” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
1. Why does Satan tempt Jesus?
2. Why do you think this account was recorded in the Bible?
3. What are the main messages of this passage?
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Matthew 4
The Temptation of Jesus
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[a]” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[b]” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[c]” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. 9“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[d]” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
1. Why does Satan tempt Jesus?
2. Why do you think this account was recorded in the Bible?
3. What are the main messages of this passage?
Talk Tuesday-The Abide Series, Pt.III-ABIDE IN LOVE
Hey BGOers, I just wanted to apologize for my tardiness in issuing out this week's Talk Tuesday post. We had a bit of a difficult week. Hope this blesses you and remember to keep on commenting!
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ABIDE IN LOVE-This is our last part in the ABIDE Series, from John 15:1-10. Jesus tells us, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you wil abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” John 15:9-10. What does it mean to abide in His love?
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ABIDE IN LOVE-This is our last part in the ABIDE Series, from John 15:1-10. Jesus tells us, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you wil abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” John 15:9-10. What does it mean to abide in His love?
- Love the LORD your GOD. In the first part of Luke 10:27, Jesus instructs us on what loving GOD entails; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind” Luke 10:27. We are to LOVE GOD above all else, and with all of our being. When we LOVE Him first, only then will we be able to fulfill the second part of Jesus' command in Luke 10:27.
- Love one another. "...and, Love your neighbor as yourself” Luke 10:27. In order to ABIDE IN HIM, we must ABIDE IN LOVE. "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him" 1 John 4:7-9.
- Love in purity of heart. "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart," 1 Peter 1:22. Jesus teaches us about love repeatedly. The power of LOVE, as manifested the one who laid down His life for us is captured in this statement, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" 1 Peter 4:8. If you, like me, have ever wondered what that type of love looks like, we only have to travel to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." May the LORD JESUS CHRIST bless us as we seek to ABIDE IN HIM all the days of our lives!
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