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<title>5 Lessons My Mother Taught Me in Her Last Days</title>
<link>https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2016/05/08/5-lessons-mother-taught-last-days/</link>
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<pubDate>Sun, 08 May 2016 21:51:21 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Faith]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Faith & Family]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[bible]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[death]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[eternity]]></category>
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<category><![CDATA[gratitude]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[mom]]></category>
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<category><![CDATA[words of wisdom]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[<p>The first part of 2016 has been one of the most difficult periods of my adult life. From the time the doctors recommended hospice care for my mother until her passing at the end of February, I felt that my … <a class="more-link" href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2016/05/08/5-lessons-mother-taught-last-days/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2016/05/08/5-lessons-mother-taught-last-days/">5 Lessons My Mother Taught Me in Her Last Days</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<p>The first part of 2016 has been one of the most difficult periods of my adult life. From the time the doctors recommended hospice care for my mother until her passing at the end of February, I felt that my emotions were like a dam ready to burst at the prick of a pin. Without a doubt, the only thing that held me together was the grace of God, which was so apparent during this season of my life.</p>
<p>As I spent time daily with my ailing mother, she taught me, directly and indirectly, many things about life. Some she had already been instilling in me since I was a child and others I learned as I listened to and observed her in the last couple of months of her life. These are treasures that I will carry with me in my journey thru life and hopefully pass on to my children because I know they are from God.<span id="more-9017"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Live with an Attitude of Gratitude</strong></span></p>
<p>As I watched my mother’s ailing body wither away and every day tasks, that most of us take for granted, become increasingly difficult for her, the fragility of life became a palpable reality. Just as God breathed life into man and he came into being, He can just as easily take that breath away at any given moment of our existence. Scripture reminds us in <strong>Psalm 39:5</strong>, “Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.” I’m awestruck when I ponder the reality of this almighty God that created the heavens and the earth, who could wipe me away with a simple puff, but chooses to gently breathe air into my lungs and grant me life day in and day out.</p>
<p>Life is fragile but despite it and because of it, life is also precious. This realization made me grateful for every breath that God granted my mother as the days went by. Even as her health declined, an attitude of gratitude was apparent in my mother, who constantly verbalized how thankful she was for everything God had done. My mother taught me to see everything with the eyes and heart of gratitude and it is something I will constantly remind myself to do, especially during those challenging seasons of life. We are reminded in <strong>1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</strong> to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”</p>
<hr /><p><em>Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances... 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp4Ea16-2lr&text=Rejoice%20always%2C%20pray%20continually%2C%20give%20thanks%20in%20all%20circumstances...%201%20Thessalonians%205%3A16-18&via=myroseshades&related=myroseshades' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Set Your Eyes on Eternity</strong></span></p>
<p>Like it or not, we have all been given a finite number of days on this earth. Only God knows when our journey will come to an end in this lifetime. <strong>Psalm 39:4 </strong>comes to mind, “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.” Knowing that life on this earth is but a dot in light of eternity, I realize more than ever that we need to make the most of every opportunity while we’re here, with heavenly reward as our ultimate goal in life.</p>
<p>Most of us have our retirement years in mind as we plan out our lives. We invest almost all of our energy working hard to save up so that we are met with comfort and security during our golden years. Instead, Scripture seems to teach us to live our lives with eternity in mind. Our best life is yet to come. <strong>Philippians 3:20</strong> reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven” and we’re not meant to feel at home here on earth. It seems to me that if we have eternity before us, comfort and security in this lifetime become less important and less logical to strive for. We should strive for treasures in heaven. <strong>Philippians 3:14</strong> says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” This means that I will offer up my earthly life to the glory of the One who has given me life and whom I will join in heaven for eternity.</p>
<hr /><p><em>I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp4Ea16-2lr&text=I%20press%20on%20toward%20the%20goal%20to%20win%20the%20prize%20for%20which%20God%20has%20called%20me%20heavenward%20in%20Christ%20Jesus.%20Philippians%203%3A14&via=myroseshades&related=myroseshades' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>You Can’t Take Anything with You</strong></span></p>
<p>I stood in the middle of the closet and looked around at all the pretty things that my mother had accumulated over the years. The stillness of these inanimate objects weighed down heavily on my heart and revealed a truth that I only knew in concept before that moment. You really can’t take anything with you! Not even one little thing. Not your favorite hat, not your favorite pair of shoes, not even a small precious ring.</p>
<p>All of a sudden I felt an incredible urge to rummage thru my entire house and purge everything that I didn’t need. My possessions no longer felt like treasures, but instead, they felt like burdens that keep me anchored down and chained to the false promises of this world. I am determined to simplify and give away my surplus of material blessings to those in need. I am reminded of <strong>Matthew 6:19-21</strong> where it says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”</p>
<hr /><p><em>Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp4Ea16-2lr&text=Store%20up%20for%20yourselves%20treasures%20in%20heaven...For%20where%20your%20treasure%20is%2C%20there%20your%20heart%20will%20be%20also.%20Matthew%206%3A20-21&via=myroseshades&related=myroseshades' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Live Generously</strong></span></p>
<p>This is something that my mother instilled in me since I was a child and in her last days, she continued to remind us of the need to live generously. Although it was a given that we should be generous with our monetary blessings, she also made sure to emphasize the need to be generous with our words, our time and our kindness. She would often say that compliments are worth much more than the effort it takes to give them. We can uplift and edify those around us with a few sincere words or simple acts of kindness.</p>
<p>From my own personal experience, I’ve realized that the more I give of myself and of what I have, the more blessings I receive from God in return. The words in <strong>2 Corinthians 9:6</strong> ring true to me more and more thru the years, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” I can choose to hold tight to whatever is mine but this is erroneous thinking in so many levels. First off, nothing we have is our own. Everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him as stated in <strong>1 Chronicles 29:14</strong>, “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” Thinking that we have earned and rightfully own anything in this world is a delusion. Holding tight to our possessions is futile. God can take it all away at any given moment and that is His right. <strong>Job 1:21</strong> says, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”</p>
<p>For me, living generously is an investment towards the building of God’s kingdom in the form of lasting relationships that hopefully will continue on thru eternity. <strong>1 Timothy 6:18-19</strong> says, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”</p>
<hr /><p><em>The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Job 1:21</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp4Ea16-2lr&text=The%20Lord%20gave%20and%20the%20Lord%20has%20taken%20away%3B%20may%20the%20name%20of%20the%20Lord%20be%20praised.%20Job%201%3A21&via=myroseshades&related=myroseshades' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>There is Joy in Suffering</strong></span></p>
<p>Although the Bible repeatedly says so, I never truly understood how joy, as I know it, could be experienced in suffering…until now. I admit that I have yet to fully grasp and embrace this truth, but I think that God gave me a taste of this “joy” as I walked alongside my mother in her journey to the next life. In suffering, we experience greater depths of God’s immense love and mercy, the truth of His sufficient grace, and the reality of His character. <strong>2 Corinthians 1:5</strong> says, “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” When we surrender to His will, in the midst of our loss, we gain more of Him and that is pure joy.</p>
<p>There can be joy in the death journey of a loved one. There is much to be thankful for in the process. In my personal experience, I was grateful for the fact that I was able to spend every day with my mother before she went on to be with the Lord. The fact that my brother and I worked together in harmony for the best possible care for my mother in her last days was also a blessing from God. Even though I miss her terribly, I know her joy is complete in heaven, and knowing that someday I will be joining her there gives me immense hope and anticipation for what is yet to come. I rely on <strong>2 Corinthians 4:17-18</strong> more now than ever before, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”</p>
<hr /><p><em>Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Cor 4:17</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp4Ea16-2lr&text=Our%20light%20and%20momentary%20troubles%20are%20achieving%20for%20us%20an%20eternal%20glory%20that%20far%20outweighs%20them%20all.%202%20Cor%204%3A17&related' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Linking up with these lovelies: <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2016/05/11/thursday-favorite-things-link-party-237/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> | <a href="http://thedeliberatemom.com/shine-blog-hop-96/" target="_blank">SHINE</a> | <a href="http://3dlessons4life.com/keep-eternity-in-view/" target="_blank">Thought Provoking Thursday</a> | <a href="http://mecoffeeandjesus.com/2016/05/22-encouraging-must-visit-sites/" target="_blank">Words with Winter</a> | <a href="http://www.richfaithrising.com/2016/05/closet-christian.html" target="_blank">Unite</a> | <a href="http://www.bybmgblog.com/2016/05/beauty-products-im-loving.html" target="_blank">Tuesday Talk</a> | <a href="http://www.crystalstorms.me/2016/05/intentional-tuesday-linkup-week-63/" target="_blank">Intentional Tuesday</a> | <a href="http://hollybarrett.org/2016/05/testimony-tuesday-words-affirmation.html" target="_blank">Testimony Tuesday</a> </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2016/05/08/5-lessons-mother-taught-last-days/">5 Lessons My Mother Taught Me in Her Last Days</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<title>Weekly Wisdom: I Wrestled with Jacob and God Won</title>
<link>https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/11/05/weekly-wisdom-i-wrestled-with-jacob-and-god-won/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[My Rose Colored Shades]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2015 11:30:51 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Faith]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Faith & Family]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Wisdom]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[bible]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Esau]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Galatians 6]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Genesis 27]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Holy Spirit]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jacob]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[live by faith]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[predestination]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Romans 11]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[truth]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[words of wisdom]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://myrosecoloredshades.com/?p=8785</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>I recently had a chance to revisit Jacob’s story in Genesis 27-28 as part of my attempt to read the Bible in a year. I knew Jacob was not one of my favorite people in the Bible but my dislike … <a class="more-link" href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/11/05/weekly-wisdom-i-wrestled-with-jacob-and-god-won/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/11/05/weekly-wisdom-i-wrestled-with-jacob-and-god-won/">Weekly Wisdom: I Wrestled with Jacob and God Won</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<p>I recently had a chance to revisit Jacob’s story in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+27-28&version=NIV" target="_blank">Genesis 27-28</a> as part of my attempt to read the Bible in a year. I knew Jacob was not one of my favorite people in the Bible but my dislike for him grew even stronger as I read his story for the umpteenth time. Conniving, deceitful, self-promoting…these are a few of the words that come to mind when I think of Jacob. He not only took Esau’s birthright but tricked Isaac into blessing him instead of his brother. Even when God revealed Himself to Jacob in a mighty way thru a dream, he dared to put a condition on his relationship with God! He declares that God will be his God <em>if</em> He watches over him on his journey and provides for all his needs. And yet in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+1%3A2-3&version=NIV" target="_blank">Malachi 1:2-3</a>, God says that “I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated. But why??? It doesn’t seem fair!<span id="more-8785"></span></p>
<p>As I wrestled with this question of why would God choose Jacob over Esau, I unwittingly found myself going down the predestination rabbit hole. I sought wisdom from notable theologians and preachers and read whatever I could google on the subject. I was relieved to find that many of them also struggled with the Jacob and Esau quandary that I found myself in. But even their articulate and carefully outlined exegesis could not settle the matter in my heart and mind.</p>
<p>It wasn’t until I read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 11</a> as part of my <a href="https://www.bsfinternational.org" target="_blank">BSF</a> bible study that God started to open my eyes and work in my heart, and drive home the message He wanted me to receive from the story of Jacob. My question of <em>Why Jacob?</em> became the realization of <em>Why me?</em> Am I not just like Jacob, an undeserving sinner, full of faults and shortcomings? And yet, God has chosen me as one of His children. As it says in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A9-31&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 3</a>, no one is righteous, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” If anything, I should be grateful for Jacob because his example gives hope to sinners like me who, by God’s grace alone, are justified and brought into His redemption. God wanted to remove anything in me that even hinted at the idea of justification by merit, or any kind of initiative on my part. He knew that my prideful human nature would rear its ugly head whenever it got a chance so He had to hammer down the nail in that coffin. It was like He was playing whack-a-mole with my human pride.</p>
<hr /><p><em>As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~Gal 6:14 http://wp.me/p4Ea16-2hH</em><br /><a href='https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp4Ea16-2hH&text=As%20for%20me%2C%20may%20I%20never%20boast%20about%20anything%20except%20the%20cross%20of%20our%20Lord%20Jesus%20Christ.%20~Gal%206%3A14%20http%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp4Ea16-2hH&via=myroseshades&related=myroseshades' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer" >Share on X</a><br /><hr />
<p>It was the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11%3A33-36&version=NIV" target="_blank">doxology</a> in Romans 11 that finally settled the unrest in my mind and heart. It says:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!<br />
How unsearchable his judgments,<br />
and his paths beyond tracing out!<br />
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?<br />
Or who has been his counselor?”<br />
“Who has ever given to God,<br />
that God should repay them?”<br />
For from him and through him and for him are all things.<br />
To him be the glory forever! Amen.</p>
<p>The idea that God’s infinite wisdom is beyond my human comprehension is not new to me. It’s something that I’ve always adhered to in my mind, but it was the Holy Spirit that convicted my heart, thru this passage, to rest in God’s infinite wisdom and unchanging character when it comes to matters that don’t make sense in my limited understanding. I believe that God is sovereign in everything, and I trust in His divine judgment, His justice, His righteousness, His omniscience, and most of all, His love for His creation. As I submit to His will, my only hope is that, “As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%206:13-15&version=NLT" target="_blank">Galatians 6:14</a>, NLT)</p>
<p>Have a blessed rest of the week!</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Linking up with these lovelies: <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2015/11/04/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-213/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> | <a href="http://thedeliberatemom.com/shine-blog-hop-72/" target="_blank">SHINE</a> | <a href="http://3dlessons4life.com/gratitude-as-a-discipline/" target="_blank">Thought Provoking Thursday</a> | <a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/2015/11/cozy-reading-spot-117.html" target="_blank">Cozy Reading Spot</a> | <a title="Fellowship Fridays Linkup" href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/ff94_steeped/" target="_blank">Fellowship Fridays</a> | <a title="Faith Filled Friday Linkup" href="http://www.missionalwomen.com/faith-filled-friday-blog-link-up" target="_blank">Faith Filled Friday</a> | <a href="http://rebekahmhallberg.com/my-grace-and-truth.html" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a> | <a href="http://mecoffeeandjesus.com/2015/11/a-party-for-one/" target="_blank">Words with Winter</a> | <a href="http://www.janncobb.com/link-up-11915/" target="_blank">Reflect</a> | <a href="http://afieldofwildflowers.blogspot.com/2015/11/love-leads-smallwonder-link-up.html" target="_blank">Small Wonder</a> | <a href="http://www.richfaithrising.com/2015/11/short-video-our-familys-adoption-story-and-unite-linky.html" target="_blank">Unite</a> | <a href="http://bybmg.blogspot.com/2015/11/fall-scarf-exchange-reveal.html" target="_blank">Tuesday Talk</a> | <a href="http://www.intentionallypursuing.com/2015/11/intentional-tuesday-linkup-week-42/" target="_blank">Intentional Tuesday</a> | <a href="http://purposefulfaith.com/serious-about-sin/" target="_blank">#RaRaLinkup</a> | <a href="http://hollybarrett.org/2015/11/testimony-tuesday-samantha-landrus.html" target="_blank">Testimony Tuesday</a> | <a title="Word Filled Wednesday Linkup" href="http://www.w2wministries.org/2015/11/i-want-to-make-eternal-significance.html" target="_blank">Word Filled Wednesday</a> | <a title="A Little R & R Linkup" href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2015/11/christmas-study-kids.html" target="_blank">A Little R & R</a> | <a title="Coffee and Conversation Linkup" href="http://patandcandy.com/coffee-and-conversation-link-party-67/" target="_blank">Coffee and Conversation</a></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/11/05/weekly-wisdom-i-wrestled-with-jacob-and-god-won/">Weekly Wisdom: I Wrestled with Jacob and God Won</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<title>Weekly Wisdom: Giving God the First Fruits</title>
<link>https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/07/08/weekly-wisdom-giving-god-the-first-fruits/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[My Rose Colored Shades]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2015 10:30:59 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Faith]]></category>
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<category><![CDATA[Weekly Wisdom]]></category>
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<category><![CDATA[first fruits]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Hannah]]></category>
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<category><![CDATA[Moses]]></category>
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<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[<p>You know how they say that children learn by repetition? Well, I think God has been using that method with me lately in order to press upon my heart the importance of giving Him the first fruits not only every … <a class="more-link" href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/07/08/weekly-wisdom-giving-god-the-first-fruits/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/07/08/weekly-wisdom-giving-god-the-first-fruits/">Weekly Wisdom: Giving God the First Fruits</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<p>You know how they say that children learn by repetition? Well, I think God has been using that method with me lately in order to press upon my heart the importance of giving Him the first fruits not only every morning but in everything I do. I had been reminded gently of this truth thru a couple of blog posts that I read recently. It obviously didn’t get thru to me the first time so God reminded me again thru a sermon I listened to while driving 3 hours to pick up my daughter from sleep away camp, and then again thru the Women in the Word series at She Reads Truth when I read about Hannah. But what does it mean to give God the first fruits? I don’t think it’s my place, nor is it my intent to delve into the theological meaning of the first fruits as referred to in the Old as well as the New Testaments, but I’d like to share some of the spiritual meanings that God has been conveying to me lately.<span id="more-7698"></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God should be first and foremost in everything I do.</span></strong></p>
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<p>God should be first and foremost in everything I do. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it. When we’re in love with someone, they’re our first thought when we wake up in the morning and the last thing in our minds when we go to bed at night. Such should be our relationship with God. I should go to Him first thing in the morning, thank Him first for every blessing, seek Him first in times of trouble and give Him first of whatever I receive. Elkanah and Hannah rose early in the morning to worship the Lord. Moses was in the habit of going up to the mountain to meet with God and always fell facedown first in submission to God whenever confronted with challenges. We are reminded in <strong>Proverbs 8:17 (KJV)</strong>, “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”</p>
<p>While driving up to pick up my daughter from sleep away camp, I listened to several sermons from Pastor Kjos of Brightmoor Christian Church, a local church. As he gave the example of Mary and Martha, the one message that stood out clearly to me was that God wants us to love Him first and serve Him second. I need to love Him first because He first loved me. We need to sit at His feet and listen to Him first. He is our source of wisdom and strength, and all that we need in order to serve Him effectively. We need His blessings in order to go and bless others.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Offering up the first fruits to God is an act of surrender.</span></strong></p>
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<p>Offering up the first fruits to God is an act of surrender. I am acknowledging and trusting in His sovereignty and providence. It’s also a demonstration of my gratitude as I’m giving God the honor that is due Him. Hannah prayed for many years that God would bless her with a child. When God finally blessed her with a son, she offered him right back to God. She says in <strong>1 Samuel 1:27-28</strong>, “<span id="en-NIV-7240" class="text 1Sam-1-27">I prayed for this child, and the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> has granted me what I asked of him.</span><span id="en-NIV-7241" class="text 1Sam-1-28"><span class="versenum"> </span>So now I give him to the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>.” </span>She knew that her son was a gift from God and rightfully belonged to Him. She trusted God to provide and care for her son and raise him up in His will.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Giving my first fruits means </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">giving God my best </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">and not the leftovers.</span></strong></p>
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<p>Giving my first fruits means giving God my best and not the leftovers. When I give Him the very first part of my day, I am giving the best part of my day because I am eliminating the chance of less important things in my life crowding out time with Him later in the day, and forcing me to give Him my leftover time, if any at all. When I give of my material possessions, I shouldn’t be thinking of myself and my livelihood first, I ought to give without reservation, knowing that what I have is not mine to begin with and that God has already provided for my needs.</p>
<p>Whatever I do in the name of the Lord, I do it with passion and dedication, because nothing could be more important. It says in <strong>Colossians 3:23-24 (NLV)</strong>, “<span id="en-NLV-29541" class="text Col-3-23">Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men. </span><span id="en-NLV-29542" class="text Col-3-24">Remember that you will get your reward from the Lord.</span><span id="en-NIV-29542" class="text Col-3-24">” </span>I give Him my best because He gave us His best, “he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (<strong>John 3:16</strong>)</p>
<p>Have a blessed rest of the week!<br />
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Linking up with these lovelies: <a href="http://mecoffeeandjesus.com/2015/07/friend-sharpens-friend-link-up/" target="_blank">Words with Winter</a> | <a title="Word Filled Wednesday Linkup" href="http://www.w2wministries.org/2015/07/my-heart-cry.html" target="_blank">Word Filled Wednesday</a> | <a title="A Little R & R Linkup" href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2015/07/3-reasons-use-boardbooster.html" target="_blank">A Little R & R</a> | <a title="Coffee and Conversation Linkup" href="http://momsmorningcoffee.com/coffee-and-conversation-link-party-49/" target="_blank">Coffee and Conversation</a> | <a title="Thursday Favorite Things Linkup" href="http://all-thats-jas.com/2015/07/thursday-favorite-things-197.html" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> | <a title="SHINE Blog Hop" href="http://thedeliberatemom.com/shine-blog-hop-55/" target="_blank">SHINE</a> | <a href="http://3dlessons4life.com/run-deep/" target="_blank">Thought Provoking Thursday</a> | <a href="http://www.servingjoyfully.com/2015/06/24/thriving-thursday-624/" target="_blank">Thriving Thursday</a> | <a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/2015/07/champion-sneak-peek.html" target="_blank">Cozy Reading Spot</a> | <a title="Fellowship Fridays Linkup" href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/ff80_rain/" target="_blank">Fellowship Fridays</a> | <a title="Faith Filled Friday Linkup" href="http://www.missionalwomen.com/faith-filled-friday-blog-link-up/faith-filled-friday34" target="_blank">Faith Filled Friday</a> | <a title="Faith & Fellowship" href="http://www.simplemomentsstick.com/2015/07/faith-and-fellowship-blog-hop_17.html" target="_blank">Faith & Fellowship</a> | <a href="http://www.busybeingblessed.net/god-loves-them-more-grace-truth-26/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/07/08/weekly-wisdom-giving-god-the-first-fruits/">Weekly Wisdom: Giving God the First Fruits</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<title>Weekly Wisdom: I’ll Tell You What’s Not Fair</title>
<link>https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/06/25/weekly-wisdom-ill-tell-you-whats-not-fair/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[My Rose Colored Shades]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2015 10:30:33 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Faith]]></category>
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<category><![CDATA[Romans 8:17]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[<p>As I continue to follow the Women in the Word series at She Reads Truth, I thought I’d share my thoughts from previous weeks’ stories. The story of Rebekah, the wife of Isaac, stood out to me as it was a … <a class="more-link" href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/06/25/weekly-wisdom-ill-tell-you-whats-not-fair/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/06/25/weekly-wisdom-ill-tell-you-whats-not-fair/">Weekly Wisdom: I’ll Tell You What’s Not Fair</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<p>As I continue to follow the Women in the Word series at <a href="http://shereadstruth.com" target="_blank">She Reads Truth</a>, I thought I’d share my thoughts from previous weeks’ stories. The story of <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/2015/06/09/rebekah/" target="_blank">Rebekah</a>, the wife of Isaac, stood out to me as it was a great reminder of God’s sovereignty and that nothing, not even the cleverest human devised scheme, can deter God’s sovereign plan. In discussing Rebekah, the author opens her post with phrases that have been banned from her family vocabulary. When she mentioned the words “No fair!” being one of them, I was thinking that one should be at the top of my family list.<span id="more-7582"></span></p>
<p>I can’t even count how many times I’ve heard my girls whine, “Why? That’s not fair!, when things aren’t going their way. It’s funny because when my kids say, “It’s not fair,” they’re not really standing up for justice but just complaining that things are not in their favor. As much as I like to be a good parent and survey the situation as fairly as I possibly can and patiently explain to my kids why things are the way they are, I agree with the author that sometimes they just need to learn to trust authority and be satisfied with “Because I said so.”</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>How many times have I failed to trust God and His promises </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>and chose to ignore His sovereignty?</strong></span></p>
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<p>Does this whole scenario remind you of your relationship with God? It sure does to me. How many times have I protested to God when things weren’t going my way? How many times have I failed to trust God and His promises and chose to ignore His sovereignty? It made me think of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard in <strong><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+20%3A1-16&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 20:1-16</a></strong>. The landowner invites men to work in his vineyard for an agreed amount of pay. At the end of the day, those who were hired later in the day receive the same amount of pay as those who were hired in the beginning of the day, which causes those who were hired first to complain about the unfairness of the situation. The landowner reminds them that they had agreed on the amount of pay and that he has the right to do what he wants with his own money.</p>
<p>In the same way, God is our sovereign creator and by His love and mercy, He has chosen to offer each one of us the gift of grace. We may accept that gift at different times in our lives, some of us sooner than others, but the resulting blessing is the same for all of us. We are saved by His grace and are given access to His eternal kingdom. It’s not about fairness, it’s about God’s unconditional love for His creation.</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>If we really want to talk about things not being fair, </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>let’s talk about Jesus Christ.</strong></span></p>
<hr />
<p>If we really want to talk about things not being fair, let’s talk about Jesus Christ. The perfect Lamb of God was sinless and yet He took on our sins. It says in <strong><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A21&version=NIV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:21</a></strong>, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” He was perfectly obedient to God’s will, “obedient to death, even death on a cross” (<strong><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202&version=NIV" target="_blank">Philippians 2:8</a></strong>). And yet it says in <strong><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A14-17&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 8:17</a></strong>, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” Now how is it fair that Jesus did all the work and we get to be “co-heirs” with Him! I don’t hear anyone protesting. I’d say it’s completely unfair but this is what God’s grace, love and mercy are all about.</p>
<p>Have a blessed rest of the week!</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Linking up with these lovelies: <a title="Word Filled Wednesday Linkup" href="http://www.w2wministries.org/2015/06/god-is-faithful.html" target="_blank">Word Filled Wednesday</a> | <a title="A Little R & R Linkup" href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2015/06/a-little-r-r-wednesdays-a-linky-party-108.html" target="_blank">A Little R & R</a> | <a title="Coffee and Conversation Linkup" href="http://momsmorningcoffee.com/coffee-and-conversation-link-party-47/" target="_blank">Coffee and Conversation</a> | <a title="Thursday Favorite Things Linkup" href="http://all-thats-jas.com/2015/06/thursday-favorite-things-195.html" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> | <a title="SHINE Blog Hop" href="http://thedeliberatemom.com/shine-blog-hop-53/" target="_blank">SHINE</a> | <a href="http://3dlessons4life.com/in-the-quiet/" target="_blank">Thought Provoking Thursday</a> | <a href="http://www.servingjoyfully.com/2015/06/24/thriving-thursday-624/" target="_blank">Thriving Thursday</a> | <a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/2015/06/cozy-reading-spot-98.html" target="_blank">Cozy Reading Spot</a> | <a title="Fellowship Fridays Linkup" href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/ff77_testimony/" target="_blank">Fellowship Fridays</a> | <a title="Faith Filled Friday Linkup" href="http://www.missionalwomen.com/faith-filled-friday-blog-link-up" target="_blank">Faith Filled Friday</a> | <a title="Faith & Fellowship" href="http://www.simplemomentsstick.com/2015/06/faith-and-fellowship-blog-hop_26.html" target="_blank">Faith & Fellowship</a> | <a href="http://www.beingconfidentofthis.com/uncategorized/grace-and-truth-week-24/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/06/25/weekly-wisdom-ill-tell-you-whats-not-fair/">Weekly Wisdom: I’ll Tell You What’s Not Fair</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<title>Weekly Wisdom: Time for R&R</title>
<link>https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/06/18/weekly-wisdom-time-for-rr/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[My Rose Colored Shades]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2015 10:30:36 +0000</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[<p>Hello, my dear friends! I’m living life and spending time with family. I think it’s a good time to R&R, refocus and recharge. Sometimes it’s good to step back, re-evaluate your priorities, clear away the clutter and focus on what’s important. … <a class="more-link" href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/06/18/weekly-wisdom-time-for-rr/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/06/18/weekly-wisdom-time-for-rr/">Weekly Wisdom: Time for R&R</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<p>Hello, my dear friends!</p>
<p>I’m living life and spending time with family. I think it’s a good time to R&R, <span id="more-7541"></span>refocus and recharge. Sometimes it’s good to step back, re-evaluate your priorities, clear away the clutter and focus on what’s important.</p>
<p>This verse from Matthew 6:33, to which I go back time and time again, is a good place to start:</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”</strong></span></p>
<p>Have a blessed rest of the week!</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/06/18/weekly-wisdom-time-for-rr/">Weekly Wisdom: Time for R&R</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<title>Weekly Wisdom: Time in the Wilderness</title>
<link>https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/06/11/weekly-wisdom-time-in-the-wilderness/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[My Rose Colored Shades]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2015 10:30:47 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Faith]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Faith & Family]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Wisdom]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[<p>This summer, She Reads Truth is offering a study called Women in the Word, where we’ll be learning about 40 different women in the Bible both in the Old and New Testaments. I’m very excited about this study because I … <a class="more-link" href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/06/11/weekly-wisdom-time-in-the-wilderness/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
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<p>This summer, <a href="http://shereadstruth.com" target="_blank">She Reads Truth</a> is offering a study called <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/category/plans/women-in-the-word-ot/" target="_blank">Women in the Word</a>, where we’ll be learning about 40 different women in the Bible both in the Old and New Testaments. I’m very excited about this study because I feel there is so much wisdom to be gained from these women, both from the good as well as the bad.</p>
<p>Last Friday, we read about <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+21%3A8–21&version=NIV" target="_blank">Hagar</a>. Talk about finding yourself in the most desperate of situations. <span id="more-7492"></span>She is homeless, sent away to the wilderness with her young child, whom she leaves to die when she has run out of all options known to her. She just sits there and she weeps. Just as God had found her in the wilderness once before when she ran away from Sarah, He finds her again and meets her where she is, He comforts her, and provides for her. We’re reminded that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2046&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 46:1</a>)</p>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">…when life is good, our human nature takes over,…</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We say, “I’m all set now, God,” turn our backs </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">and head the other way.</span></strong></p>
<hr />
<p>Do you know what it’s like to be desperate for God? What it’s like to realize that He’s your one and only hope? From my experiences in short-term missions in Kenya, the one thing that I always remember of the people I met there is the way they prayed. They prayed with such urgency and fervor. They desperately prayed for God to meet their physical needs as if they knew that God alone was the provider. Their livelihood literally depended on God.</p>
<p>Most of us live our lives doing everything that we can to avoid finding ourselves in those desperate situations. Even our prayers seek to make our lives easier and more comfortable. The problem is that when life is good, our human nature takes over, and we forget the source of our blessings. We say, “I’m all set now, God,” turn our backs and head the other way.</p>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As hard as it was when I was going thru it, </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">at my lowest point is where I was able to experience</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">the depth of God’s mercy and love for me.</span></strong></p>
<hr />
<p>No one, in their right minds, wishes for suffering in their lives, but as the author in She Reads Truth states, we should find ourselves desperate for God every day of our lives. We should live knowing that He is our source of life, truth and salvation. And we should desperately seek His will daily. As human nature goes, that sense of desperation only comes when we’re in dire straits. This is why we all need time in the wilderness, so we can gain back that sense of urgency in seeking God. In doing so, we can remember Paul’s words in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A1-5&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 5:3-4</a>, “…but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”</p>
<p>I don’t think I’ve ever been physically desperate for God as were Hagar or the people I met in Kenya, but I certainly have gone thru times of emotional desperation. As hard as it was when I was going thru it, at my lowest point is where I was able to experience the depth of God’s mercy and love for me. There is no valley that God’s love cannot reach as it says in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+33%3A26-28&version=NIV" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 33:27</a>, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”</p>
<p>Have a blessed rest of the week!</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Linking up with these lovelies: <a title="Unite Linkup" href="http://www.richfaithrising.com/2015/06/why-god-can-use-you-despite-your-missing-pieces-unite-linky.html" target="_blank">Unite</a> | <a href="http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/2015/06/titus-2-tuesday-159.html" target="_blank">Titus 2 Tuesday</a> | <a title="Word Filled Wednesday Linkup" href="http://www.w2wministries.org/2015/06/where-does-our-help-come-from.html" target="_blank">Word Filled Wednesday</a> | <a title="A Little R & R Linkup" href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2015/06/a-proverb-a-day.html" target="_blank">A Little R & R</a> | <a title="Coffee and Conversation Linkup" href="http://momsmorningcoffee.com/coffee-and-conversation-link-party-45/" target="_blank">Coffee and Conversation</a> | <a title="Thursday Favorite Things Linkup" href="http://all-thats-jas.com/2015/06/thursday-favorite-things-193.html" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> | <a title="SHINE Blog Hop" href="http://thedeliberatemom.com/shine-blog-hop-51/" target="_blank">SHINE</a> | <a href="http://3dlessons4life.com/sugary-sweet" target="_blank">Thought Provoking Thursday</a> | <a href="http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com/2015/06/cozy-reading-spot-97.html" target="_blank">Cozy Reading Spot</a> | <a title="Fellowship Fridays Linkup" href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/ff75_commitment/" target="_blank">Fellowship Fridays</a> | <a title="Faith Filled Friday Linkup" href="http://www.missionalwomen.com/faith-filled-friday-blog-link-up/faith-filled-friday-an-act-of-worship" target="_blank">Faith Filled Friday</a> | <a title="Faith & Fellowship" href="http://www.simplemomentsstick.com/2015/06/faith-and-fellowship-blog-hop_12.html" target="_blank">Faith & Fellowship</a> | <a href="http://adivineencounter.com/how-to-conquer-if-only-thoughts-grace-truth-linkup-week-22/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/06/11/weekly-wisdom-time-in-the-wilderness/">Weekly Wisdom: Time in the Wilderness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<title>Weekly Wisdom: The Race of Your Life</title>
<link>https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/27/weekly-wisdom-the-race-of-your-life/</link>
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<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2015 10:30:40 +0000</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[<p>I confess, I have been out of focus lately, feeling a little out of sync, as if I’ve lost my sense of direction. I feel like a ship that has lost sight of the lighthouse and is being tossed around … <a class="more-link" href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/27/weekly-wisdom-the-race-of-your-life/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/27/weekly-wisdom-the-race-of-your-life/">Weekly Wisdom: The Race of Your Life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<p>I confess, I have been out of focus lately, feeling a little out of sync, as if I’ve lost my sense of direction. I feel like a ship that has lost sight of the lighthouse and is being tossed around by the waves, slowly drifting away from its intended path. Ever since <a href="https://www.bsfinternational.org" target="_blank">BSF</a> ended in the beginning of this month, I have not been consistent with meditating on or digging deep into Scripture, and I feel the difference. Knowing how amazing it can be when I dwell in God’s Word, being able to discern His urgings more clearly, and experience Him working within and around me, there’s really no other place I’d rather be and all I want is to get back in God’s path. Just like Moses and the Israelites, I want to follow His cloud by day and His pillar of fire by night, and have a sense of direction as I live out my God-given purpose in this life.<span id="more-7288"></span></p>
<p>Desperately needing to find a daily devotional that I can go to consistently, I turned to <a href="http://shereadstruth.com" target="_blank">She Reads Truth</a> as I often do and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they’re currently offering a study on hymns. They’re taking a break from their typical Bible-reading plans and focusing on favorite old hymns and the Scriptures that inspired them. I highly recommend that you stop by to see what it’s all about.</p>
<p>I was excited to see on their list one of the hymns we chose to sing in our wedding ceremony, <em>Be Thou My Vision</em>, a favorite of mine and my husband’s. The words spoke to how we wanted to live our life journey together. Please allow me to share the words to this beautiful hymn with you:</p>
<p>Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;<br />
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;<br />
Thou my best thought, by day or by night;<br />
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.</p>
<p>Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true Word;<br />
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;<br />
Thou my great Father and I, Thy true son;<br />
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.</p>
<p>Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;<br />
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;<br />
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart;<br />
O King of glory, my treasure Thou art.</p>
<p>O King of glory, my victory won;<br />
Rule and reign in me ’til Thy will be done;<br />
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall;<br />
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.</p>
<p>Ah, these words just play with the strings of my heart, “Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of my heart…Thou my best thought, by day or by night; waking or sleeping, thy presence my light…Thou and thou only, first in my heart…Rule and reign in me ‘til Thy will be done…Heart of my own heart, whatever befall; still be my vision, O Ruler of all.” This is how I want to live my life! God as my vision, my purpose for living, my end goal, the prize for which I’m running this race called life.</p>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Our job is to follow God’s lead, right behind the cloud and fire, </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">not getting ahead and forging our own way </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">nor falling behind and losing our way.</span></strong></p>
<hr />
<p>I remember back when we were first married, I had a vision of how our life would be like. Regardless of my husband’s desires, I imagined us somewhere in Central Asia or South America, serving God thru long-term missions. It might have been a noble and Christian-like vision but the problem was that it was my vision, not God’s. Who knows? Long-term missions might still be in God’s plans for us but only God can show us where we need to be and when we need to go there. Our job is to follow God’s lead, right behind the cloud and fire, not getting ahead and forging our own way nor falling behind and losing our way.</p>
<p>This brings me back full circle to the main point of this post. I have been feeling unfocused because I have not been focusing on God and His Word. Only when we are in close relationship with God thru Scripture can we discern the path we need to take. <strong>Psalm 119:105</strong> says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” His Word is also nourishment to our soul as it says in <strong>Matthew 4:4</strong>, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Knowing that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work,” (<strong>2 Timothy 3:16-17</strong>) how can we not hunger for our daily intake?</p>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When it comes to spiritual training, we ought to be like runners, </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">training for the most important race of our lives.</span></strong></p>
<hr />
<p>When it comes to spiritual training, we ought to be like runners, training for the most important race of our lives. Imagine the dedication that it takes for athletes to endure the grueling physical training, to push themselves to the limits of their potential, to stay focused, to never give up, to never let anything get in the way, and to always persevere. God expects that same kind of wholehearted devotion from us. However, our spiritual fitness will bring us much more than a fleeting taste of victory as it says in <strong>1 Corinthians 9:25</strong>, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” I want to be relentless when it comes to seeking His truth. As Paul describes in <strong>Hebrews 12:1-2</strong>, I want to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” So that at the end, when it’s all said and done, I’ll be able to join Paul in His words, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (<strong>2 Timothy 4:7</strong>).</p>
<p><strong>Here’s some food for thought:</strong> Are you running the race? Are you aiming for the prize that lasts forever? Are you living your life purposefully or are you merely existing?</p>
<p>Have a blessed rest of the week!</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Linking up with these lovelies: <a title="Unite Linkup" href="http://www.richfaithrising.com/2015/05/how-to-rise-from-the-mud-and-mire-unite-link-party.html" target="_blank">Unite</a> | <a title="Word Filled Wednesday Linkup" href="http://www.w2wministries.org/2015/05/chipping-away-revealing-masterpiece.html" target="_blank">Word Filled Wednesday</a> | <a title="A Little R & R Linkup" href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2015/05/a-little-r-r-wednesdays-a-linky-party-105.html" target="_blank">A Little R & R</a> | <a title="Coffee and Conversation Linkup" href="http://momsmorningcoffee.com/coffee-and-conversation-link-party-43/" target="_blank">Coffee and Conversation</a> | <a title="Thursday Favorite Things Linkup" href="http://katherinescorner.com/2015/05/27/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-191/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> | <a href="http://www.servingjoyfully.com/2015/05/27/thriving-thursday-528/?utm_source=MadMimi&utm_medium=email&utm_content={Bloggers" target="_blank">Thriving Thursday</a> | <a title="SHINE Blog Hop" href="http://thedeliberatemom.com/shine-blog-hop-49/" target="_blank">SHINE</a> | <a href="http://3dlessons4life.com/kiss-on-my-list/" target="_blank">Thought Provoking Thursday</a> | <a title="Fellowship Fridays Linkup" href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/ff73_bible/" target="_blank">Fellowship Fridays</a> | <a title="Faith Filled Friday Linkup" href="http://www.missionalwomen.com/faith-filled-friday-blog-link-up/faith-filled-friday-standing-firm-giving-fully" target="_blank">Faith Filled Friday</a> | <a title="Faith & Fellowship" href="http://www.simplemomentsstick.com/2015/05/faith-and-fellowship-blog-hop_29.html" target="_blank">Faith & Fellowship</a> | <a href="http://adivineencounter.com/supporting-your-hard-working-husband-grace-truth-linkup-week-20/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/27/weekly-wisdom-the-race-of-your-life/">Weekly Wisdom: The Race of Your Life</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<title>Weekly Wisdom: 6 Ways to Fight the Blues</title>
<link>https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/20/weekly-wisdom-6-ways-to-fight-the-blues/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[My Rose Colored Shades]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2015 10:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Faith]]></category>
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<category><![CDATA[Weekly Wisdom]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[<p>Has physical exhaustion ever left you feeling emotionally vulnerable and susceptible to an emotional breakdown? That’s how I felt last week. A combination of an increasingly busy schedule, disheartening family news and sleepless nights led me to feel not only … <a class="more-link" href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/20/weekly-wisdom-6-ways-to-fight-the-blues/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/20/weekly-wisdom-6-ways-to-fight-the-blues/">Weekly Wisdom: 6 Ways to Fight the Blues</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<p>Has physical exhaustion ever left you feeling emotionally vulnerable and susceptible to an emotional breakdown? That’s how I felt last week. A combination of an increasingly busy schedule, disheartening family news and sleepless nights led me to feel not only physically depleted but also emotionally drained. I felt myself slowly withdrawing. I’ve been down this path before. We all feel the blues every now and again.</p>
<p>I realize that for some of us, depending on the circumstances, professional help is necessary when it comes to overcoming depression. Sometimes when you are spiraling down, it’s hard to come out of it without medical intervention. I’ve been there but I also know myself well enough that I can prevent it from going that far. I can choose to take some practical measures to help me stop the emotional downhill. I’m sharing six things that I always turn to in order to chase the blues away.<span id="more-7145"></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>#1 Get some sleep!</strong></span></p>
<p>It’s easier said than done but nothing beats a restful night’s sleep. You wake up refreshed, clear minded and ready to face the day. Lack of sleep is the number one culprit when it comes to fatigue. It seems obvious but many of us are too busy being busy that we forget how important it is to restore our bodies thru sleep.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>#2 Pray</strong></span></p>
<p>The power of prayer is undeniable. I’ve experienced it throughout my life and continue to do so every day. We often try to carry the weight of our burdens on our own shoulders alone. More likely than not, the heavy burden will wear us down and eventually keep us down. Lay your burdens at His feet. God is willing and wanting to carry it for us. Two passages come to mind:</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Matthew 11:28</strong></span><br />
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Philippians 4:6</strong></span><br />
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>#3 Exercise</strong></span></p>
<p>At least for me, physical activity has always been a sure way to fight the blues. It keeps the blood flowing and gives you a boost of adrenaline. It makes you feel healthy and strong, which in turn, gives you that mental boost. You also sleep better when you keep active.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>#4 Turn to Scripture</strong></span></p>
<p>Whenever I feel burdened by worries and can’t seem to find peace, I turn to the Bible to remind myself of God’s promises. His unwavering faithfulness fills my heart with hope and it makes me realize that I am in His good hands and all I need to do is surrender.</p>
<p><strong>Deuteronomy 7:9</strong><br />
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations”</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>#5 Keep hydrated</strong></span></p>
<p>This may sound simple but when I’m feeling down, I lose my appetite and I forget to eat or drink. I am infamous for going thru an entire day on barely a cup of water. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and headaches. A debilitating headache is the last thing you need when you’re feeling down.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>#6 Talk to a friend</strong></span></p>
<p>A lot of the times, the emotional breakdown comes from trying to keep everything together on your own. Turn to your family or find a trusted friend and share the burden. It always feels better to know that you’re not alone. Ask them to intercede for you. I truly feel that the prayer warriors in my life have moved God to pour out His mercy and grace.</p>
<p><strong>James 5:16</strong><br />
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”</p>
<p>Have a blessed rest of the week!</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Linking up with these lovelies: <a title="Unite Linkup" href="http://www.richfaithrising.com/2015/05/when-it-matters-what-were-clothed-in.html" target="_blank">Unite</a> | <a title="Word Filled Wednesday Linkup" href="http://www.w2wministries.org/2015/05/broken.html" target="_blank">Word Filled Wednesday</a> | <a title="A Little R & R Linkup" href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2015/05/people-benefit-internet-friendships.html" target="_blank">A Little R & R</a> | <a title="Coffee and Conversation Linkup" href="http://momsmorningcoffee.com/coffee-and-conversation-link-party-42/" target="_blank">Coffee and Conversation</a> | <a title="Thursday Favorite Things Linkup" href="http://katherinescorner.com/2015/05/20/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-190/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> | <a title="SHINE Blog Hop" href="http://thedeliberatemom.com/shine-blog-hop-48/" target="_blank">SHINE</a> | <a href="http://3dlessons4life.com/the-hard-hallelujah/" target="_blank">Thought Provoking Thursday</a> | <a title="Fellowship Fridays Linkup" href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/ff71_ascensionday/" target="_blank">Fellowship Fridays</a> | <a title="Faith Filled Friday Linkup" href="http://www.missionalwomen.com/faith-filled-friday-blog-link-up/faith-filled-friday30" target="_blank">Faith Filled Friday</a> | <a title="Faith & Fellowship" href="http://www.simplemomentsstick.com/2015/05/faith-and-fellowship-blog-hop_15.html" target="_blank">Faith & Fellowship</a> | <a href="http://arabahjoy.com/smart-donkeys-say-wha-plus-link-up/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/20/weekly-wisdom-6-ways-to-fight-the-blues/">Weekly Wisdom: 6 Ways to Fight the Blues</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<title>Weekly Wisdom: Are You Smarter than a Donkey?</title>
<link>https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/13/weekly-wisdom-are-you-smarter-than-a-donkey/</link>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[My Rose Colored Shades]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2015 13:10:34 +0000</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[<p>The passage about Balaam and his donkey in Numbers 22:21-41 is one of the most interesting and comical passages I’ve read in the Bible. I don’t know about you but a talking donkey was not something I was expecting! Despite … <a class="more-link" href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/13/weekly-wisdom-are-you-smarter-than-a-donkey/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/13/weekly-wisdom-are-you-smarter-than-a-donkey/">Weekly Wisdom: Are You Smarter than a Donkey?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<p>The passage about Balaam and his donkey in <strong><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+22%3A21-41&version=NIV" target="_blank">Numbers 22:21-41</a></strong> is one of the most interesting and comical passages I’ve read in the Bible. I don’t know about you but a talking donkey was not something I was expecting! Despite the amusing fable-like scenario, the message behind this passage is quite serious and real. We not only learn that God can use anyone or anything to bless His people or carry out His plan, but there are a couple of other truths that this passage revealed, about who I want to be and where I want to be, that convicted my heart.<span id="more-7024"></span></p>
<p>In this passage, God uses both a donkey, the lowliest of animals, and Balaam, a false prophet, to carry out His will. <strong>The <a href="https://www.bsfinternational.org">BSF</a> notes below provide a good parallel between these two figures to show that God can use two similarly unlikely characters to carry out His plan:</strong></p>
<table style="height: 211px;" width="684">
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<td width="221"> ⇒Balaam pushed his donkey onward until God’s anger intervened.⇒God opened the donkey’s mouth to speak truth to Balaam.⇒The donkey’s human speech did not make the donkey truly human.</p>
<p>⇒The donkey was caught between the angel with his drawn sword and Balaam’s stick.</td>
<td width="221">⇒Balak pushed Balaam to curse Israel, but God repeatedly stopped him.⇒God opened the prophet’s mouth to speak God’s true blessing on Israel.⇒Balaam’s prophetic words did not make him a true prophet.</p>
<p>⇒Balaam was caught between the unchangeable will of God and Balak’s urging.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>I thought it was noteworthy to highlight their differences as well:</strong></p>
<table style="height: 272px;" width="687">
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<td width="221">⇒The donkey was considered the lowliest of animals.⇒The donkey was able to see the angel because its eyes were focused ahead.⇒The donkey obeyed God despite Balaam’s beatings.</p>
<p>⇒The donkey was seeking to fulfill his God-given purpose.</td>
<td width="221"> ⇒Balaam was revered by men as someone with the gift of prophecy.⇒Balaam was blind to the angel of the Lord because his eyes were focused on himself.⇒Balaam disobeyed God despite God’s warnings.</p>
<p>⇒Balaam was seeking to fulfill his selfish ambitions.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The fact that God used these two unlikely candidates for His glory makes me realize that God can use me as well, despite my feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure. This is because I’m not the one doing the work. It’s God’s power displayed in me. I’m reminded of <strong>Philippians 2:13, “…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”</strong></p>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would rather be considered the lowliest in the eyes of the world and follow God than receive men’s highest praise and not know God.</span></strong></p>
<hr />
<p>I also came away with two other revelations from this passage that have stuck with me. The angel of God says to Balaam in <strong>Numbers 22:33 (NRSV), “The donkey saw me, and turned away from me these three times. If it had not turned away from me, surely just now I would have killed you and let it live.”</strong> The lowly donkey saw and obeyed God while supposedly wise Balaam failed to see and resisted God’s urgings. Balaam called his donkey a fool and yet it seems clear to me that the foolish one is Balaam. It made me realize that I would rather be considered the lowliest in the eyes of the world and follow God than receive men’s highest praise and not know God. Two passages come to mind. In <strong>Luke 9:25 (NLT) it says, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?”</strong> And in <strong>Philippians 3:8 Paul says, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.”</strong></p>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We can always choose to accept God’s grace and turn back to Him. He will always take us back with open arms, but the road back is not an easy one.</span></strong></p>
<hr />
<p>Our <a href="https://www.bsfinternational.org">BSF</a> teaching leader also reminded us that God will let us go our reckless way if we insist on it. This was a sobering reminder for me. We have the freedom to choose to disobey Him. As we see in Balaam’s case, even as he witnesses God working in him and those around him, he still chooses to go against God. As we read later on in the Bible, it did not end well with Balaam. Unlike Balaam, we can always choose to accept God’s grace and turn back to Him. He will always take us back with open arms, but the road back is not an easy one. I speak from experience. If we genuinely want to turn away from our sinful ways, we need to go thru God’s refining fire. It requires the painful awareness of our sinful ways, discipline from God and complete surrender to His will, regardless of where it takes us.</p>
<p>Have a blessed rest of the week!</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Linking up with these lovelies: <a title="Unite Linkup" href="http://www.richfaithrising.com/2015/05/why-your-family-is-worth-fighting-for-unite-linky.html" target="_blank">Unite</a> | <a title="Word Filled Wednesday Linkup" href="http://www.w2wministries.org/2015/05/3-steps-to-joy.html" target="_blank">Word Filled Wednesday</a> | <a title="A Little R & R Linkup" href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2015/05/5-traits-healthy-friend.html" target="_blank">A Little R & R</a> | <a title="Coffee and Conversation Linkup" href="http://momsmorningcoffee.com/coffee-and-conversation-link-party-41/" target="_blank">Coffee and Conversation</a> | <a title="Thursday Favorite Things Linkup" href="http://katherinescorner.com/2015/05/13/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-189/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> | <a title="SHINE Blog Hop" href="http://thedeliberatemom.com/shine-blog-hop-47/" target="_blank">SHINE</a> | <a href="http://3dlessons4life.com/24-hour-hotline/" target="_blank">Thought Provoking Thursday</a> | <a title="Fellowship Fridays Linkup" href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/ff71_ascensionday/" target="_blank">Fellowship Fridays</a> | <a title="Faith Filled Friday Linkup" href="http://www.missionalwomen.com/faith-filled-friday-blog-link-up" target="_blank">Faith Filled Friday</a> | <a title="Faith & Fellowship" href="http://www.simplemomentsstick.com/2015/05/faith-and-fellowship-blog-hop_15.html" target="_blank">Faith & Fellowship</a> | <a title="Grace & Truth Linkup" href="http://arabahjoy.com/in-this-dark-valley-plus-link-up/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/13/weekly-wisdom-are-you-smarter-than-a-donkey/">Weekly Wisdom: Are You Smarter than a Donkey?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<title>Weekly Wisdom: 10 Truths</title>
<link>https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/06/weekly-wisdom-10-truths/</link>
<comments>https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/06/weekly-wisdom-10-truths/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[My Rose Colored Shades]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2015 17:16:24 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Faith]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Faith & Family]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Wisdom]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[holiness]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Moses]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[obedience]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[scripture]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[truth]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[weekly wisdom]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[<p>I had been studying the life of Moses with my local BSF group for the past nine months and our last meeting was this past Monday. I have never in my life enjoyed reading Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy as much … <a class="more-link" href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/06/weekly-wisdom-10-truths/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">→</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/06/weekly-wisdom-10-truths/">Weekly Wisdom: 10 Truths</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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<p>I had been studying the life of Moses with my local <a href="https://www.bsfinternational.org">BSF</a> group for the past nine months and our last meeting was this past Monday. I have never in my life enjoyed reading Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy as much as I did in these past several months. I have been overwhelmed with all the wisdom that I have gained from meditating on the passages in these books, discussing them with my small group, listening to the lecture and reading the notes. God did not hold back in pouring out His blessings thru His wisdom. And since God’s blessings are meant to be shared, I am sharing with you ten truths that have convicted my heart during these nine months of studying the life of Moses, and hopefully they will touch a chord in your heart as well.<span id="more-6927"></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>TRUTH #1</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <strong>In everything we do, we should begin on our knees in prayer.</strong></span></p>
<hr />
<p>I can’t even count how many times it says “Moses cried out to the Lord,” “Moses prayed,” and “Moses fell facedown” in supplication to God whenever he was faced with a task or challenge. Moses is a great example of a faithful intercessor.</p>
<p><strong>Philippians 4:6</strong><br />
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.</p>
<p><strong>Challenge</strong><br />
Do you start the day on your knees in prayer?</p>
<hr />
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>TRUTH #2</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong> The key to holiness is obedience.</strong></span></p>
<hr />
<p>It says in Leviticus 11:45, “I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt, to be your god; therefore be holy, because I am holy.” The theme of the book of Leviticus is holiness. God longed to dwell among His people but He could not dwell among sin. In the Old Covenant, God expects His people to obey specific instructions on how to cleanse themselves before approaching Him, but now we have Jesus, whose sacrifice has cleansed us from all of our sins for good. All we need to do is follow and obey the perfect Lamb.</p>
<p><strong>1 Peter 1:14-16</strong><br />
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’</p>
<p><strong>Challenge</strong><br />
Do you live by God’s standard of holiness or have you been influenced by the standards of this world?</p>
<hr />
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>TRUTH #3</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <strong> God’s faithfulness does not depend on our faithfulness.</strong></span></p>
<hr />
<p>Faithfulness is part of God’s character, it’s His nature. Boy, would we be in trouble if His faithfulness was conditional upon ours!</p>
<p><strong>2 Timothy 2:13, ESV</strong><br />
If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.</p>
<p><strong>Challenge</strong><br />
Does this knowledge of God’s character help you trust in Him today and always?</p>
<hr />
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>TRUTH #4 </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong> Our God is a God of second chances</strong></span></p>
<hr />
<p>After reading God’s journey with the Israelites, it would be more accurate to say that God is a God of multiple chances. Time and time again, the Israelites would complain, disobey and go their own way, but God would always bring them back into His path. Our teaching leader reminded us that God’s grace isn’t given to condone sin or laziness, but to inspire obedience.</p>
<p><strong>Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV</strong><br />
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.</p>
<p><strong>Challenge</strong><br />
Have you taken advantage of a second chance in your life to turn from your old ways and live for God?</p>
<hr />
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>TRUTH #5</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <strong> God’s Grace is sufficient for all and in all circumstances</strong></span></p>
<hr />
<p>Throughout the life of Moses, God showed His grace to not only Moses, but also Aaron, Miriam and the people of Israel. They were completely undeserving of His grace but God poured it out on them without hesitation, no matter what the circumstances. But that is what grace is all about. As our BSF teaching leader put it, grace is “unmerited favor for the utterly undeserving.”</p>
<p><strong>2 Corinthians 12:9</strong><br />
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.</p>
<p><strong>Challenge</strong><br />
How have you responded to God’s pouring out of His abundant grace into your life?</p>
<hr />
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>TRUTH #6</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong> Complaining rejects God’s sovereign plan and provision.</strong></span></p>
<hr />
<p>The Israelites were pros at complaining, but then again, so are we. Complaining is being short-sighted and showing our lack of trust. We can’t see the big picture thru our human eyes so all we can do is trust our sovereign Lord. As our teaching leader said, gratitude is the greatest cure for grumbling. Our focus should be on our blessings.</p>
<p><strong>Philippians 2:14-15</strong><br />
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”</p>
<p><strong>Challenge</strong><br />
Do you often find yourself complaining about something without going to God first?</p>
<hr />
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>TRUTH #7</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong> God prepares His people today for where He will take them tomorrow.</strong></span></p>
<hr />
<p>Each one of us has been created with a special purpose for God’s glory. Sometimes we don’t understand why God places certain challenges in our path and question His guidance. But again, we don’t see the big picture, only God can. God is always preparing us for His good works. And along with this truth, we also need to understand that our present obedience may have future implications. Obedience today will surely bring blessings tomorrow, though it may not be immediate.</p>
<p><strong>Romans 8:18</strong><br />
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.</p>
<p><strong>Challenge</strong><br />
When faced with a challenge, do you trust God enough to obey and know that His plan is perfect?</p>
<hr />
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">TRUTH #8</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> No opposition can keep God from blessing His people as planned.</span></strong></p>
<hr />
<p>In the same way, God can use anyone or anything to bless His people. He even uses a donkey in Numbers 22! There is no inadequacy or obstacle that God cannot overcome in order to carry out His plan. Nothing will deter God from blessing His people.</p>
<p><strong>Romans 8:38-39</strong><br />
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</p>
<p><strong>Challenge</strong><br />
Have you made yourself available to God so He can use you for His glory despite your inadequacies and insecurities?</p>
<hr />
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">TRUTH #9 </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> God holds leaders to a higher standard.</span></strong></p>
<hr />
<p>When God tells Moses that he will not enter the promised land, we all probably think that God is being a little too harsh on His faithful servant. The fact of the matter is that Moses sinned thru his unbelief and failure to give God the glory. As a chosen leader of God, Moses was tremendously blessed by God. No leader since Moses was able to see God face to face. By the same token, God had high expectations of him because as we know, of those who have been given much, much will be expected in response.</p>
<p><strong>Luke 12:48</strong><br />
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.</p>
<p><strong>Challenge</strong><br />
When called to a leadership position, how seriously do you take the opportunity to be a role model for God?</p>
<hr />
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>TRUTH #10</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Keeping the Sabbath holy is more than just a law.</strong></span></p>
<hr />
<p>Nowadays, many of us don’t take the Sabbath as seriously as we should. In Numbers 15, a man was put to death for not following the Sabbath. It is true that we are no longer under the law but under grace. However, keeping the Sabbath holy has far more meaning than merely an act of following the letter of the law. We need to set aside a day, a time during the week that is special and different from any other day, completely dedicated to God. It is a demonstration of our faith and trust in God that He can provide even in our day of rest. We are showing complete reliance and dependence on Him. It’s also a time for us to remember and reflect on all that He has done.</p>
<p><strong>Luke 12:29-31</strong><br />
And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.</p>
<p><strong>Challenge</strong><br />
This challenge, posed by our teaching leader, really made me think – is it your habit to obey just the bare minimum (the letter of the law) instead of the spirit of the law?</p>
<p>Have a blessed rest of the week!</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Linking up with these lovelies: <a title="Unite Linkup" href="http://www.richfaithrising.com/2015/05/hearing-god-unite-linky.html" target="_blank">Unite</a> | <a title="Word Filled Wednesday Linkup" href="http://www.w2wministries.org/2015/05/a-prayer-walk-around-your-home.html" target="_blank">Word Filled Wednesday</a> | <a title="A Little R & R Linkup" href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2015/05/9-traits-toxic-friendship.html" target="_blank">A Little R & R</a> | <a title="Coffee and Conversation Linkup" href="http://momsmorningcoffee.com/coffee-and-conversation-40/" target="_blank">Coffee and Conversation</a> | <a title="Thursday Favorite Things Linkup" href="http://katherinescorner.com/2015/05/06/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-188/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> | <a title="SHINE Blog Hop" href="http://thedeliberatemom.com/shine-blog-hop-46/" target="_blank">SHINE</a> | <a href="http://3dlessons4life.com/mend-fences/" target="_blank">Thought Provoking Thursday</a> | <a title="Fellowship Fridays Linkup" href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/ff70_mothersday/" target="_blank">Fellowship Fridays</a> | <a title="Faith Filled Friday Linkup" href="http://www.missionalwomen.com/faith-filled-friday-blog-link-up/faith-filled-friday-full-meaningful" target="_blank">Faith Filled Friday</a> | <a title="Faith & Fellowship" href="http://www.simplemomentsstick.com/2015/05/faith-and-fellowship-blog-hop_8.html" target="_blank">Faith & Fellowship</a> | <a title="Grace & Truth Linkup" href="http://thebrowntribe.net/2015/05/holiness-through-mercy-and-grace-truth/" target="_blank">Grace & Truth</a></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com/2015/05/06/weekly-wisdom-10-truths/">Weekly Wisdom: 10 Truths</a> appeared first on <a href="https://myrosecoloredshades.com">My Rose Colored Shades</a>.</p>
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