Meditations of His Love

When God??...Steals Your Joy.

2012-02-01T01:00:00.087-05:00

Written by Miss Rachel

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations."
~ James 1:2 ~

* * *

"God, why have you allowed this to happen?", you may ask. It's happened...the thing you've feared the most. Your father lost his job and now your family will be hard pressed to pay the bills this month....will you lose your home?

"God, I don't understand!", you say as tears stream down your face. Why did you take my baby brother away...couldn't you have healed him?

"God, I am so angry right now!! I am just so tired of the cruel things that happen in this wretched world!"

* * *

Have you ever felt like any of the above? I know I have. This life is TOUGH! :( Sometimes it's very hard to keep a godly perspective isn't it?

Speaking from experience here...it's very difficult for me to have the attitude God wants me to have when trials and hardships come into my life. The first thing I may want to do is scream, or burst into tears, or just sit and glare at the wall. Sometimes, I may even get angry at God for letting the bad things happen. But through the years God has shown me some things that I want to now share with you, in the hopes that God will use it to encourage you and bring you...JOY. :)

Sin

First we as Christians need to recognize why there are so many hardships and evils in this world. That is because of sin. Our own sin. You may know the story of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3); how satan disguised as a serpent came a long and tempted Adam and his wife, Eve into sin. They listened; they disobeyed God; sin entered the world. Sin is hurtful, unloving, unjust, unkind, a home-wrecker. It destroys everything it touches.

This is the first reason why "bad things happen". But Jesus Christ has given us the victory, if we have accepted Him as our Saviour. The bad things of this world will one day pass away. Sin will not win. We have "a blessed hope". :) But for now God allows sin in this world to show others that they desperately need Him - a good and loving, mighty to save, God. :)

God brings trials

We know from the Bible that God is in control over this world. He is a loving, gracious, and good God. So why then does He allow the bad things to happen? Why does He allow trials and hardships? This verse below gives us a clue:

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience... Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." ~ James 1:2-3, 12

God allows us to go through trials to mold and shape us into the women (or men) He wants us to be. :) The Bible says He tries us as gold (1 Peter 1:7; Job 23:10)...and the refining process sometimes hurts more than we'd like. Besides that, God has taught me that He can use *any* circumstance to bring Him glory and honor...to show others His love so they will come to know Him.

Would we wish away our trials if God would bring someone to know Him better or strengthen their faith? Or if He would use this difficult time to teach me to rest in Him and draw me to Himself? No my friend...I know I would not. :) So I will try to be thankful for the hard times and try to have the right attitude so that God can use it for His glory.

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." ~ Psalm 30:5b

"Blessings"
by Laura Story
"...What if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if your healing comes through tears?
And what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know Your near?
And what if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?"

Choosing Joy

If you look, you will find God's Word flooded with verses of praise to God, verses encouraging us to be joyful, and verses of His faithful promises. :) The best way to have joy is to choose it! We don't have to go around with our heads in our hands, my dear sisters in Christ...no, God has given us the victory through His Son, Jesus Christ! So why then do we walk around in a sad and pitiful state? As His daughters we are secure and nothing that happens in this life will ever change that! :D

God wants us to choose JOY!!! :D

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." ~ Psalm 16:11

So the next time you are facing difficult trial, whether that be just fighting temptations like disobeying your mother...or something much more difficult like job loss or the loss of a loved one - remember that God is in control and has allowed this trial to come to teach you, and others, something about Himself. :) Listen and choose to have a godly attitude (pray and God will help you with this!). Seek God's word...spending time with Him each day (and even many times a day!) helps us to remember that we serve a loving God who knows all our struggles and trials and knows our hearts. We can trust that He knows what He is doing with us.

"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." ~ Psalm 5:11

~ ~ ~

"You Are God Alone"

"...and right now, in the good times and bad
You are on Your throne!
You are God alone!"

"As Long As You Are Glorified"

"...You still reign in the deepest valley,
You're still God in the darkest night...
Oh, I long for nothing else as long as You are glorified!"

* ~ * ~ * ~

So my friends, it is not *GOD* that robs you of your joy, but instead, it is that of allowing yourself to dwell on all the bad in this world and losing focus from our good, great, ALMIGHTY GOD! Don't allow *satan* and your flesh to rob you of your joy! Focus on the mighty power and love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour and His faithful promises that He's given us in His Word! :)

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)
~Rachel~

Joy is Suffering: Where?

2012-01-30T08:59:00.000-05:00

By Sarah H.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2&3 NIV

Whenever my family was going through a hard time, my dad loved to quote James 1:2&3. As a kid, I found this highly irritating and sometimes maddening. How could there be any joy in a friend turning on you, a nasty church split, being sickly, being tired all the time, having an emergency bone scan because you might have a tumor, or facing the loss of your three year old sister.

When these things happened and my dad quoted the verse I wanted to scream. How could there be anything in this pain, fear, and heartache to be happy about? And there was my problem. Like many other people I confused joy and rejoicing with a happy feeling. I wasn’t until the recent few years that I truly came to understand what joy really was.

Joy is not a happy feeling, and rejoicing does not always stem from feeling great about life. Joy is knowing that good will triumph in the end, a sense that I am going through this hard time for a purpose. Rejoicing and praising God out of my pain and brokenness, knowing that his master plan is at work.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ; We will all suffer in different ways and to different degrees. You may live with unbelieving parents and/or siblings, you may have a co-worker that makes your job miserable, you may have a friend who deserted you in a time of need, you may be dealing with the loss of a loved one, or your life may feel like it is not worth living but there is joy to be found.

Every challenge I face now, I can now quote with my dad the verse from James, because I know that there is a reason and purpose.

”In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold…may be proved genuine and may result in praise… Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…” 1 Peter 1:6-8 NIV (selected sections)

MOHL Praise and Worship #34

2012-01-29T01:00:00.005-05:00

Sometimes it is hard to wait patiently. In such times, remember, God is still working!

HWIOH I Peter Project Update ~ Week 4 Verses

2012-01-28T01:36:00.001-05:00

Good morning, ladies!

Can you believe we've already one month into this project? It's hard for me to fathom that with one month down, we have eleven more to go! That can seem daunting and daring at the same time! :)

The verses we memorized this week are just lovely, aren't they? So true and full of hope and encouragement for us to carry with us throughout our lives. "Filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" can seem like lofty words, but, remember, joy is not the same as happy. You can have joy without being giddy-happy.

Verses Hid in Our Hearts

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." I Peter 1:8-9

Lesson Learned

Even when the pressures of school, work, friends, and family seem insurmountable and my to-do list is overwhelming, I can have joy. Joy in God. Joy in His love. Joy in the knowledge that I am "receiving the goal of {my} faith, the salvation of {my} soul." Let that soak in for a minute. Isn't it mind-boggling?

To Ponder

Are you letting something (pressure, to-do lists, worries) steal your joy? Will you ask God to fill you with His inexpressible and glorious joy?

***

Next week, we'll begin memorizing verses 10-11 of chapter one. Have a great week, ya'll!

Living Hope

2012-01-27T01:00:00.002-05:00

By Rose H.

1 Peter 1:3 (NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

What an amazing verse! Peter can’t contain his praise for what God has done. It spills over into the letter to God’s people. I can almost see him now furiously and excitedly writing the words.

Praising God through his pain, Peter tells us something truly amazing. That God has given us new birth into a living hope.

Once we were desolate, alone, and hopeless. Then God came down and made Himself known to us. He gave us new birth. The birth of the Spirit. Now we live a new life. The old things are past, the new has come.

In this new life one of the best things we have is hope. But this is not just any hope. This is a hope based in Jesus and in His resurrection. Christ is our living hope. He is the one in whom this hope begins and ends.

Dear sisters, let us look to our living hope and place our trust in Him. For our hope in Him isn’t futile. We have our living hope, Jesus, to be with us and help us. Let us walk on with our heads held high, placing our hope in Him, knowing that hope doesn’t disappoint.

Rejoicing in Hope

2012-01-25T02:00:00.000-05:00

“Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and their be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”
-Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV)

I don’t know of any other verses in the Bible which shouts hope than those verses in Habakkuk. Underlined and page-worn in my trusty ESV pocket Bible, those verses are very dear to my heart. To my “prone to wander…prone to leave the God I love” heart, they are medicine and tonic which never loses its potency.
When those hopeless times come, and I began to stray from the Strength and Joy of my life, I am often reminded through God’s Word to rejoice. And why shouldn’t I rejoice??
Christ has given me a living hope. He is my hope and my joy. He has promised He will be there, He will be enough and He will never leave or forsake me. So many verses in both the Old and New Testament speak of the joyousness of hope and of our duty to praise the Lord as a reflection of our trust and hope in Him.

“Rejoice in hope…” Paul reminds us in Romans 12:12.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul,
        and why are you in turmoil within me?
    Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
        my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 43:5 ESV)

“But I will hope continually
and will praise you yet more and more.”
(Psalm 71:14 ESV)

“The hope of the righteous brings joy,
but the expectation of the wicked will perish.”
(Proverbs 10:28 ESV)

Isaiah 12 is one of my favorite “hope” chapters. Although it doesn’t directly refer to hope in word, it explains the essence of rejoicing in hope. I have read it to bring hope to my troubled or discouraged heart many times.

    You will say in that day:
    “I will give thanks to you, O LORD,
        for though you were angry with me,
    your anger turned away,
        that you might comfort me.
    “Behold, God is my salvation;
        I will trust, and will not be afraid;
    for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
        and he has become my salvation.”
    With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day:
    “Give thanks to the LORD,
        call upon his name,
    make known his deeds among the peoples,
        proclaim that his name is exalted.
    “Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously;
        let this be made known in all the earth.
    Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
        for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”
    (Isaiah 12 ESV)

Isn’t that great?! It gets me excited just reading it again! On my worst days, I read that chapter and it gives me hope. I look at the first few lines and can say “one day, this trial will be over and I will be able to look back with a smile and see God’s hand on my life. I will be able to praise Him, realizing how wonderful of plan He designed for me. Yes, it was hard, but His love enabled me to walk through it with joy!”
So, I encourage you all to remember. The trial you are going through, the hard time, the relationship struggles, the pain and sorrow you are facing…it all will pass. You will see the dawn of a new day. Face it with a smile and with joy in your heart, praising the Lord for His faithfulness and love for you. He will be with you. He will be enough. And someday, you may look back and laugh at how tiny that trial was compared to the joy and hope that Jesus gave you.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
(Romans 15:13 ESV)

Hearing the Music

2012-01-23T01:13:00.000-05:00

written by Rachelle

I hoisted my gym bag over my shoulder the other day as I walked through the YMCA parking lot. Only two other people were around, a woman and a little boy about five years old. I smiled at them as we passed. I headed for the door. They ambled toward a blue minivan.

"Mama, I hear music."

My steps slowed as my eyes roved around the half-full lot. Music?

I didn't hear the mother's reply. Instead, as I looked up at the flagpole, I heard the flag fluttering in the winter wind. The call of geese flying overhead suddenly seemed loud and...musical.

I rushed inside the gym, threw my stuff in my locker, and pulled a pad of paper and a pen from my purse. I just had to write that down, because I realized something.

Hope is a lot like music.

Sometimes it's easier to hear. Sometimes it's so faint that many miss its sweet tones.

Psalm 31:24, "Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord." (NKJV)

The music of hope is a hard thing to hear when busyness rolls over us like an epic movie theme...or when grief makes our hearts thump fast like the loud beat of drums...or even when complacency plays a piano in the background of our souls.

All of these sounds and more can drown out hope's music.

Silence, especially.

The silence of hopelessness, despair, and destruction can pin us to the wall and plug our ears.

But through all the noise - and silence - in our lives, God calls us to listen...to hope...to know He is working in our overloaded lives, our sorrow, even our boredom with the everyday. He makes all things new...and He sings over us the song of hope. Even more amazing? He calls us to sing along so that the song grows ever stronger.

Zephaniah 3:17, "The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (NKJV)

Hope is hearing music when it would be easier to collapse in the silence.

So look around you...and listen. It may be the flag fluttering in the winter breeze or a flock of geese calling as they soar overhead.

Lord, I hear music.

HWIOH I Peter Project Update ~ Week 3 Verses

2012-01-21T01:30:00.018-05:00

To all you brave souls who have joined us in this challenge to memorize 1 Peter in one year, "Huzzah!" Bravo. If you were unsure about joining, didn't think you had time, and wish you could have joined us... there's still time to catch up! We're only on week three! You're smart cookies, you can handle it. :D

This week was the first week about Hope. Hope is like a steady, enduring flame. Hope is like a glad burst of splashy fireworks. Hope brings life - without hope, life is cold and ... lifeless. I'm so glad to have hope in my heart! I hope that you have hope too. :)

Verses Hid in Our Hearts This Week:

1 Peter 1:6-7:

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be,

ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,

though it be tried with fire, might be found unto

praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Lesson Learned:
So many lessons hidden and imbedded in these few words! Here's some of them:

   -Our faith is precious, more precious than gold. Hold on to it, and never let go.
   -Our faith will be praised and applauded at long last, one day, when He comes back for us.
   -Hope = life. Jesus Christ IS our hope. Because he died for us, and lives for us, we will live forever with him.

To Ponder:
What are some situations where you have hoped for something and had your hope fulfilled? Remembering what God has done for us helps to 'grow' our faith.

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for... the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1.

***

Next week, we'll begin memorizing verses 8-9! See you then! :)

Blessings,
Julia

As We Hope in Thee

2012-01-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hope.
Is it an elusive thing, there one moment, gone the next? Or does it remain, steady, constant, a slowly enduring flame in the embers of our hearts?
It depends on the situation.

Hope is a choice.
When you've given up hope, there's nothing left to live for. Life becomes an endless treadmill of stress. You trudge along, but are really going nowhere. Ugh. I don't want a life like that... do you?

A life with hope is filled with light and joy and peace, because no matter what is going on around you, inside there's a little spark... the coals glow, no matter how hard the cold wind howls outside.

Mind if I share a poem?

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chilliest land
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

~Emily Dickinson

Psalm 33:20-22
Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our hearts shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
The great hope, Jesus Christ:

1 Peter 1:3...Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
If anyone asked why we should have hope when the world is so dark and dreary - the answer would be "Because He lives!" He's conquered sin, once and for all. That's why we can have hope in any circumstance.
He is why we hope.

Not a sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing about it. (Matthew 10:29)

So don't be afraid to hope. Trust him with your dreams, your desires... your heart. He'll be there waiting if you fall. Be filled with that glad burst of fireworks, that slowly burning glow... Hope.

His,

Julia

Hope to the End....

2012-01-18T01:00:00.041-05:00

Written by Miss Rachel

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth:
my flesh also shall rest in hope."
~ Psalm 16:9 ~

I've had a rough couple of years spiritually. While many things around me seem to always be changing (something I do not like...) God has been teaching me that I have many area's of sin that I've held onto through the years and He seems to think it's about time that we work on those together. ;) That's not always easy and usually not fun. I don't like to see my area's of weakness...the area's of my failings...to see where pride, greed, discontentment, and even at times a coldness to His word and what He's trying to teach me.

Thankfully God is very loving and gracious to me. He is to you as well, my friend. :) Even when I wander a bit off the track, God is here to help me and won't let me stray farther than is good for me to come to an acknowledging of my sin and understanding once again how much I need Him in my life. :)

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" ~ 1 Peter 1:13

"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." ~ Romans 5:2

We have a hope: hope that God is ever changing us and ever helping us to grow. Hope of salvation - which if we believe in Him we have already. We have His promise to one day be made new in soul and body...there will be no more sin to reign in us!! :D We will be with Him and we will be like Him - I cannot wait! I have a hope that He will mold and shape me each day to be more like Christ. We have a "lively hope" because of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us (1 Peter 1:3).

I have never heard this hymn before but while looking for some things I found this one with the most beautiful lyrics to it that describes just how I feel:

1. Have we any hope within us of a life beyond the grave,
In the sweet and vernal lands?
Do we know if this, our tabernacle, were to be dissolved,
We've a house not made with hands?

2. Blessed hope we have within us is an anchor to the soul,
It is both steadfast and sure;
It is founded on the promises of Father's written word,
And 'twill evermore endure.

3. Hope has brought us through the dangers and temptations of the past,
And we fear not those to come;
By her blessings we'll go forward, while our mortal life shall last,
Then we'll joyously go home.

4. Since we've walked the strait and narrow way our path has ever shone
Brighter, brighter, day by day;
Hope within our hearts assures us it is better farther on,
It is brighter all the way.

5. Life will end in joyful singing, we'll have fought a faithful fight,
Then we'll lay our armor down;
And our soul will break the cable here, and take its happy flight,
To possess a starry crown.

*Refrain:
We have a hope within our souls,
Brighter than the perfect day:
God has given us His Spirit,
And we want the world to hear it,
All the doubts are passed away.

"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast..." ~ Hebrews 6:19

~ ~ ~

"Trust in God isn’t a thin hope in some not very sure outcome.
Hope in God is rather a present investment in a future guarantee.
What God says will be done.
What God has promised will come to pass.
His word is reliable because in his grace he wants to bless us,
and in his power he has the ability to do anything he’s promised to do.” ~ Tripp

God always keeps His word. Trust Him to guide you along the way. Keep in His word daily always seeking His will in every area of life. Pray and confess any sin that enters into your heart/mind/life...and then leave it in God's hands for He has forgiven you. Do not pick up your sins over and over again judging yourself for what God has forgiven you of. :) Rest in hope.

"Rejoicing in hope.." (Romans 12:12),
God bless.
~Rachel~

Reasons for Hope

2012-01-16T01:00:00.029-05:00

By Sarah

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV

1. Your hope is living.

Source

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” 1 Peter 1:3 NIV

2. You have an inheritance that will never spoil, perish, or fade.

“…and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:4 NIV

3. You are shielded by God’s power.

Source

“…who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:5 NIV

4. You serve The God of Hope.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

5. God calls you to hope.

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…” Ephesians 1:18 NIV

6. Christ will return for you.

“…while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…” Titus 2:13 NIV

7. You are loved by God

“…Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:5

8. Nothing can separate you from the love of God

“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.” Romans 8:38-39

MOHL Praise and Worship #33

2012-01-15T01:00:00.002-05:00

As Long As You Are Glorified

Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings
Yet not welcome any pain
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine
Yet grumble in days of rain
Shall I love You in times of plenty
Then leave You in days of drought
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest
But when winter winds blow, then doubt

Oh let Your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long
As You are glorified

Are You good only when I prosper
And true only when I'm filled
Are You King only when I'm carefree
And God only when I'm well
You are good when I'm poor and needy
You are true when I'm parched and dry
You still reign in the deepest valley
You're still God in the darkest night

So quiet my restless heart
Quiet my restless heart
Quiet my restless heart in you

Oh let Your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long
As You are glorified

HWIOH: 1 Peter Project Update ~ Week 3 Verses

2012-01-14T01:00:00.043-05:00

Hello everyone! We have now completed 2 weeks of this year's challenge!! How did your first week go of the "His Word in Our Hearts" bible memory challenge? :D

I pray you are enjoying your time so far! I know sometimes the start can be easy, or sometimes it can be a pretty rough beginning if you are busy - but that's okay. :) Keep working on it and praying and God will help you each day/week. I had a little trouble memorizing the verses this week too...but with God's help and hard dedication to the task He's put in front of us, we can do it! :D If you need some tips for making bible memory easier or need some encouragement to help you along, leave us a message at mohl-ladies@inbox.com, comment on any post, or join and comment on the yahoo group, and we'll get back to you and remember to keep you in our prayers each week! :)

"...and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." ~ Jeremiah 15:16

Verses Hid in Our Hearts (from week 2)

"To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." ~ 1 Peter 1:4-5

Lessons Learned

I've always loved this verse with words like, "fadeth not away" and "kept". :) It was a good reminder to me this last week that God's not *ever* going let me go and I'm secure in Him *forever*! :D

To Ponder

Remember, we are hiding God's word in our hearts. We're not doing this just to memorize a list of rules - each week as you practice your verses, think about what the words truly mean to you and the lessons God might be teaching you through them. :) Let the words sink into your mind and heart and take action! This coming week pick out some key words to ponder over! :D

~ ~ ~

The next set of verses we are to learn for week 8:
{January 15 - 21}
1 Peter1:6-7

Remember to continue to repeat the last weeks verses in your mind too, so you don't forget them! ;)

Have a blessed week everyone!
~Miss Rachel~

P.S. - please bear with us with these update posts...we're still working out how we'd like them formatted. ;) Sorry for any confusion we may be giving you!

Set Apart – Strangers In the World

2012-01-13T01:00:00.004-05:00

By Rose H.

To God's elect, strangers in the world

An interesting choice of words. Strangers in the world.

When I think of the word stranger I think of someone I don’t know at all. Someone I’m not familiar with. Shouldn’t that be our attitude toward the world? We shouldn’t be dwelling on what the world dwells on. Our thoughts and hearts should be set to God. Romans 16:19 (NIV) But I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. In regard to the evil, gossip, and sin of the world, we should be innocent of it.

Yet this doesn’t mean we become isolationists. Although we are called to be strangers to evil, we are also called to be in the world. We are still called to shine the light into this dark world.

Source

Yet how do we do that without becoming involved in the things that the world is interested in? By living the life the set apart life. When we don’t do as the world does, they will wonder why. They’ll ask questions. When you are in a tense situation and you don’t flare up, they’ll ask. When you are kind to the elderly woman even if she’s cranky, they’ll ask. When you make your family the best friends you have, they’ll ask. When you have love for others, they’ll ask. When our whole lifestyle is set apart to Him, people will notice and wonder what makes us different.

This is how we live in the world, but not of it. Let us strive to live our lives for Him, give of ourselves for Him, and live as shining strangers here.

Set Apart – How are we Set Apart?

2012-01-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

We’ve been learning lately about our position asset-apart daughters of the King of kings. Each post by my fellow authors has beautifullyillustrated our distinctiveness of being God’s chosen ones.

Sarahencouraged us with a reminder: “You, dear friend, have been chosen,sanctified, and sprinkled with the blood of Christ. You are loved. Christ has placed his mark on you, his version of a wedding ring, to tell theworld you are his.”

Rachelspoke to us about our separate roles as set-apart girls: “We are to be setapart in every way! In the way we dress, the way we talk, the way we serve, theway we treat others, the way we worship, the way we learn, the way we enjoyentertainment. And this is not to be done in a legalistic way so that we are"better" than anyone but so that others might see something *more* inus than just another girl on the street.”

Juliatold of glorious news of the love and acceptance of Jesus Christ, even when theworld rejects us: “Have you ever been rejected?...

Guess what?

HE willNEVER reject you.

HE hasCHOSEN you.

HE has SETYOU APART.

HE DIEDFOR YOU. And ROSE AGAIN for you.”

AndRachelle explained our call to be set aside for service for Christ: “Being set apart doesn't meanbeing completely apart. It does mean being different enough that thewhole world will know Who we serve. It means being His voice calling, His handshealing, His feet walking.”

All the posts have agreed and complimented oneanother. We are different, set apart,called and chosen to be His. We have apurpose in being set apart.

When praying about what I should write about, I was inspired to expoundmore on in what ways we as daughter of Christ are set apart from theworld. Some of the other girls touchedon this, but I would like to encourage you with a couple things God has beenteaching our family this year.

God has chosen usto be like Christ.

“For to this youhave been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example,so that you might follow in his steps.” -1 Peter 2:21 ESV

Being placed in a position to imitateChrist seems like an insurmountable task. Christ left us an example of a perfect life. He loved perfectly, all the time. He served tirelessly, no matter how Hefelt. He suffered patiently, discountingall shame. He died a criminal’s death,for those who spat and mocked in His face. Be like this perfect Man? Are youkidding? That seems impossible. Would itbe comforting if I told you that because we are redeemed daughters of God, thisPerfect Lamb now resides in us? He’s given us Himself, so we may be Hishands, His feet, His voice to the needy world around us (and to those annoyingpeople in your life that drive.you.crazy.). “ForI have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done toyou.”-John 13:15 ESV

2. He has set usapart by our love.

“A newcommandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you,you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are mydisciples, if you have love for one another.” -John 13:34-35 ESV

Our love for one another is to be themost distinctive characteristic of our Christianity. It doesn’t mean we have lesser differences(how we look, dress or talk), but it means that our heart attitudes are muchmore important to God. I’ve seen so manyChristians who are very religious and conservative fail miserably in theirattitudes toward their families, spouses and fellow Christians. At the end of the day, whether we have beentruly set apart daughters will deeply depend on how we have responded totrials, temptations, the little brother who pests who a little too much or howwell we honored and respected our parents in word and thought. We as Christians tend to measure our successas “honorable Christians” by our outward badges, instead of if we show unselfish,sacrificial, self-denying love for one another. God chose us, however, for a very different outlook on life than theworld. He chose us to be His Love to oneanother and the world around us. “Having purified your souls by your obedienceto the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from apure heart.” -1 Peter 1:22

Girls,we are called to something beautiful. Weare called to be like Christ and to love like Christ. May we choose to walk in that distinctive,self-sacrificing call of a set-apart life everyday.

Set Aside

2012-01-09T01:44:00.001-05:00

written by Rachelle

When I first heard that the theme this time was set apart, I tried to define in my mind what being set apart means.

What image do the words set apart conjure in your mind?

Honestly, the first picture that popped into my head looked something like this:

Away... Separate... Different... Set Aside...

In a way, that's exactly what set apart means. As daughters of the King, we are holy, unique, and devoted to Him. Our lives are surrendered to His purposes. Our hearts are consecrated to be vessels of His love.

But that view of set apartness is also wrong if that's the only view of set apart we have.

Because that's not all it means.

When I first heard the song below, I slapped my hand on the steering wheel. "That's it!"

To those I call My own
To those I've set aside

As spotless without blame
The chosen ones, My bride

We will be Your voice calling
We will be Your hands healing
We will be Your feet walking into a broken world
We will be Your chain-breaker
We will be Your peacemaker
We will be Your hope and joy
We will be Your love

That's what being set apart, set aside, means. Belonging to Him and serving Him. Knowing we are fully His and fully loved so that we can go to our neighbor across the street or across the world and show them that they can be fully His and fully loved, too.

Being set apart doesn't mean being completely apart.

It does mean being different enough that the whole world will know Who we serve.

It means being His voice calling, His hands healing, His feet walking.

Isn't that chorus powerful? Let the words chain-breaker, peacemaker, hope, joy, and love rush through your heart. They are synonyms of set apart.

We are set apart to serve.

MOHL Praise and Worship #32

2012-01-08T01:00:00.002-05:00

"Louie Giglio Mashup of Stars and Whales singing God's Praise"

I watched this earlier this week and found it to be incredibly encouraging and awe inspiring. Truly we serve an amazing, great God! I hope this blesses you as much as it did me!

His Word in Our Hearts update ~ Week 1

2012-01-07T01:00:00.001-05:00

Verses Hid in Our Hearts:

"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:1-3

Lesson Learned in My Heart:

God has been showing me what a blessing it is to memorize His Word with others.

Question

What have you learned so far?

Set Apart- Accepted by Him

2012-01-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been rejected?

It hurts, doesn't it? When someone you wanted to be a friend to or wanted to be a teammate for or wanted to help, get to know, or be close to in some way rejects you, it is one of the worst feelings in the world. It's happened to me. I think it happens to every human once they're at least 13 years old.

Guess what?

HE will NEVER reject you.

HE has CHOSEN you.

HE has SET YOU APART.

HE DIED FOR YOU. And ROSE AGAIN for you.

If Christians are 'doing their job right', they will be rejected. By some. Because we are not of the world, enamored with the world, and loving the people of and stuff in this world...

or at least we are not supposed to be.

1 John 2:15: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. (iPod, anyone? Using it more than your Bible? I've done it...)

If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

The Bible says we are "in, not of, the world" (couldn't find the reference this morning) - which means we are living here for the present, like strangers in a foreign land...

But this is not home.

Until we finally cross over to the other shore, leaving this world behind in an action called 'death', we will never truly be alive. We will not be home until we are with Him.

Of course, this doesn't really sound very comforting if you're still reeling from the sudden, unexplained, icy coldness in the behavior of a friend, or the sting of being picked last for the volleyball team.

It all boils down to what we're holding as important. If it matters more to us what our Creator and Father and Savior thinks about us than Susie and Johnny and Mary's opinions, we will be content. We'll be wearing spiritual 'raincoats', and the acid drip-drops of disapproval and rejection will slide right off, harmless as bathwater.

It's hard. It's difficult to make that choice to value what is unseen over the things that are easily seen and felt.

Jesus came back to life, and some people had a difficult time believing in it... like this guy named Thomas. He had to actually reach out and touch Jesus's nail-pierced wrists before he really believed. Jesus told him...

Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed

are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:29)

We are blessed when we choose to believe even though we 'have not seen' him in the flesh.

He has chosen us to be his children, if we will just reach out and cling to him. Once we accept that promise that is waiting there for us, we belong to him, and the price has been paid for our sins. We are set apart, and it is a thing to be joyful about!

So bask in the glory of that today. You are HIS child. You have been Set Apart.

You are loved.

Blessings!

Julia

~ A Girl "Set Apart" ~

2012-01-04T01:00:00.011-05:00

Written by Miss Rachel

"Set apart" might be a very familiar phrase to you...it may not be. It was not one for me, that is, until my sister and I started blogging 3 years ago. :) The concept was just something I'd never really taken the time to think about.... I wanted to know more and dig deeper than what I already knew from blogger's though. What does God have to say about this and what does it mean for me as His daughter?

We are studying through 1 Peter in this new year (very exciting!) and this is what this book has to say:

"To God’s elect...who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father...to be obedient to Jesus Christ" - 1 Peter 1:1-2 (selected passages)

We are a chosen people. Before we were ever born God chose us to be His children. What a special thought that is! To be so loved and thought of even before we were conceived (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV; Psalm 139:13 NIV)! But as His children we have a high calling. And this calling is to be like Christ in our actions, attitudes, and the way we live so that others might come to know Him too. To obey just as Christ, our example, obeyed His Father. We are to be set apart.

"You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own." ~ Leviticus 20:26

So what does that mean to us girls to be "set apart"? :)

You know, I was thinking this week about all the girls and young ladies out there. The Bible tells us we are not to be like the world - because we are God's girls, He wants us to live holy lives being obedient to Him and His word. That means we are not our own...we can't do things the way we might wish to. We can't live lives such as other girls. And we should not desire to either.

We are to be set apart in every way! In the way we dress, the way we talk, the way we serve, the way we treat others, the way we worship, the way we learn, the way we enjoy entertainment. And this is not to be done in a legalistic way so that we are "better" than anyone but so that others might see something *more* in us than just another girl on the street. Think about the girl next door to you...is she a Christian? Does she know if you are one? Do you talk about God with her and tell her why you are different? Or is your life one that looks very much the same as others around you?

God has been teaching me that even try as I might, that I am still not set apart enough. I am "good," but I do not live a life that shows off Jesus more than myself. I may boast in my talents and the way God has led me...but I am not as quick to share the reasons for choosing the paths God has lead me on. If Jesus means so much to me then He should fill my life so much that others see *more* of Him than they do of me!

"Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him." ~ Psalm 4:3 NIV

Ways we can be more set apart:

Read God's word and study it each day.
Hide His word in our hearts (like we are doing for the 2012 challenge).
Live out what God has written in His word.
Share God's love with others in many ways...by telling others about Him, our actions, and the choices we make.
Make choices by following God's will, not just be doing things in our flesh in our own way to please ourselves alone. Make them with the purpose of glorifying God.

This is not an easy path to be different from those around you, even at times, other Christian girls. But it is so worth it and it pleases God to do and be all that He desires us to! :D If you do not have this desire...talk to Him about it. It's okay to have conflicting feelings and God understands our humanness. He understands our fears/worries and He understands when our flesh fights against what we know is right. He has promised to guide and to help in every time of need whether spiritual or physical, etc. :) I know He has even helped me in this area of stepping outside of myself so that I can better serve and please Him too! ;)

* * *

What about you...what are some ways you can be more set apart...what are some idea's/testimony's you can share with us that God has taught you about being set apart? :)

(We would like to share some testimonial's in future from the 1 Peter Project for guest pos t week's so perhaps think about sharing some of your thoughts then as well!)

God bless you, His set apart girls! :D
~Rachel~

Set Apart; Chosen

2012-01-02T01:00:00.002-05:00

By Sarah

Chosen. We all desire to be chosen, to be picked for the team to make the top list, to be thought to be the best for the job opening. We long for the day when Mr. Right slips that ring onto our finger as a symbol to the world that we are his chosen one. Girls especially have the desire, sometimes and overwhelming desire, to fit in, to be chosen as a friend, teammate, or helpmeet. Girls shed many tears when they are not chosen or rejected.

As you read these verses, read them as though Jesus had written them to you, personally.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:18-19 NIV

1 Peter has many repeating themes, one of which is that we are chosen, set apart, by God. The world and worldly people scoff, laugh, and humiliate those who are set apart by God. They scoff in our belief in a God we cannot see, they laugh at our standards, and they humiliate us making others uncomfortable to be around us.

Dear friends, when these things are going on, remember that you have been chosen by the Father before the creation of the world. He has set you apart as his own. Allow me to paraphrase 1 Peter 1:1-2:

To God’s chosen ones, who are strangers in the world. To those who have been chosen by the Father’s foreknowledge, through the sanctifying work of the spirit, for their obedience to Jesus, and those sprinkled by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.*

You dear friend, have been chosen, sanctified, and sprinkled with the blood of Christ. You are loved. Christ has placed his mark on you, his version of a wedding ring, to tell the world you are his. Next time you feel down, remember you are….

Chosen

Do you want to learn how to be chosen by God? Read more here

*this is my paraphrasing, not scripture. Read it as such.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T01:00:00.001-05:00

By Rose H.

Source

Happy 2012 Ladies.

I love a days like today. Standing on the threshold of a new year, spending time with family, and waiting to see what God will do this year. Each year is special, each year has challenges and joys, each year is a gift from God. As we unwrap this year, let's strive to live closer to Him and closer to those He has placed in our lives.

Today is not only the beginning of a new year. It's also the beginning of our His Word In Our Hearts Challenge (more info on the page). There's still time if you want to join us. Just sign up on the sign-up bar to let us know that you'll be participating.

Also we have a Facebook event page for this challenge for people to keep connected. We also have lots of info on our challenge page to help you get started.

Let's get to it! Have a very Happy New Year!

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

A Look Back: Rose's Favorite Post of 2011

2011-12-31T01:00:00.002-05:00

By Rose H.

            Philippians 3:7-11 (NIV) But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

            Do you know God? Does He live with you? Does He feel so close sometimes that you can almost feel His touch? Have you known the comfort that surpasses all understanding? Have you heard the voice of the Almighty?

            If you have then everything else looks like trash compared to the gifts that come from above. Once we know God, life changes. Things of this world appear weak and miserable compared to knowing God and His love.

            One of my favorite things to do with my Savior is to take a long walk. On these long walks I’ll pour out my heart to Him, be still and listen for His voice, and let Him talk to me. These long walks help me focus on God and help me see His love and care for me. It also helps to put things in perspective. When I know and see how big my God is compared to all my problems and troubles, they soon fade away.

            In these times there is also a lot of cleansing and renewing. I confess my sins and temptations and Christ gives me His righteousness. I could never earn such a priceless wonderful gift yet He clothes me with righteousness again and again. Fellowship is reestablished. Life flows over into my weary heart.

            Yes, His love and fellowship are worth more than anything. It sustains me through everything, even suffering. Pain is hard. I have never liked suffering. But the more of it I go through the closer I get to God. When I am hurting, I find that God is closer to me than I ever thought. He comforts me and carries me through on eagles wings. Many times suffering leaves scares, but they give testimony to the healing power of my Savior.

            “I consider all things loss…” I’m still working on this one. There are some things that I still chase after. But God keeps loving me. He keeps pursuing me. He makes me see How wonderful and great He is.

      I think I’ll end with the words of Graham Kendrick

All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world reveres, and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this

Knowing you, Jesus, knowing you,
There is no greater thing
You're my all, you're my rest
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love you, Lord

Now my heart's desire is to know you more
To be found in you and known as yours
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All-surpassing gift of righteousness

Knowing you, Jesus, knowing you,
There is no greater thing
You're my all, you're my rest
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love you, Lord

Oh, to know the power of your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like you in your death, my Lord
So with you to live and never die

Knowing you, Jesus, knowing you,
There is no greater thing
You're my all, you're my rest
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love you, Lord

A Look Back: Melinda's Favorite Post of 2011

2011-12-30T02:30:00.000-05:00

In Everything...Trust (Originally posted June 29 2011)

The verses in Ecclesiastes 3 are sharp reminders of the changeableness of life. Stark contrasts give the verses a mournful flair. “A time to be born, a time to die…a time to break down and a time to build up…a time to weep, and a time to laugh…a time to seek and a time to lose…a time for war and a time for peace.”

Growing up is hard. Although I tend to be what someone once called a “card-carrying-drama-queen” and everything tends to be taken with extremes, I never imagined my life to be this, well, hectic and uncertain. In my blissful, innocent childhood years, when life was less complicated, I always imagined growing up to be a wonderful thing and everything would just be as it always had been, only I would be able to do the things I couldn’t do then because I was “too little”.

Little did I imagine the nights of tears, the heart wrenching struggles, the daily uncertainty of the future, the hard work...and all the rest that came with growing up. I fought, I cried, I argued, I resisted, I begged. I don’t do much of anything without a struggle and growing up as been no exception. :-) Through it all, I spent time in God’s Word, longing for a heart truer and more devoted to Him.

Last year, I had an amazing year in the Lord. He revealed Himself to me in ways I could never thought possible. “This is it,” I thought, “I think I’m finally maturing, mentally and spiritually. God is really doing a work in my life!”

And then, it was 2011. I don’t know why I thought things were going to be easy. I have never lived in such a roller coaster manner…and the year isn’t over yet. Relationships have been up and down. Decisions I have never faced have been thrown at me. My whole idealistic perspective on life has been shaken up, smashed, and blown away. A tornado blew away our family’s milk barn and chicken barns. Currently, a drought causes the grass to turn brown, the earth to crack and a constant fire danger. We live on a farm and as you know, farmers need rain for gardens and animals.

In all of these trials, in all of my tears and pain, I keep telling myself to trust and obey. That’s what God has called me to do. Trust God in everything. We tend to trust Him when things are going good. In Ecclesiastes, that means when we‘re planting, building up, laughing, dancing embracing and loving. But we still have to trust Him, yes and it is even more important to trust Him, when there is death, weeping, sorrow, mourning, hate, war, casting away, breaking down.

It’s not for me to be certain. I have no assurances that I will have an easy life, a happy life, and that all my desires will be fulfilled. I do have a promise that in this life I will have hardship, trial, persecution, famine, sickness and pain. Can I trust my God for everything? Can I trust that He is sufficient to meet my needs and take care of me? Can I trust that He will give my perfect peace, overwhelming hope, unquestioning faith, true love and overflowing joy?

I’ll end with a song that has become dear to my heart over the last few months. It speaks of the blessings of God, that often come in surprise packages. That’s been my story the last few months. I can now see a tiny glimpse of the blessings that have come through the hardships, and it’s a beautiful thing. I pray that you will see the trials of your life as tools to bring you closer to Jesus and to give you grace to trust Him more.

A Look Back: Rachelle's Favorite Post of 2011

2011-12-29T01:00:00.000-05:00

At His Feet

The wind courses through the trees. The sun peeks through lazily, reminding me it's quite early. None of my family seems to be stirring. Hardly any one of us are truly awake this time of the morning.

But He's waiting for me.

I fetch my Bible from the basket beside my bed. I look down on that basket tenderly. It holds the devotional books I'm working through, my treasured Bible, and some necessities: pens, pencils, highighter, and post-it notes.

It's time.

Time to sit at His feet.

Sometimes its easy to think that quiet times have to be just right, that doing your devotions means a set amount of time in the Word, a set amount in prayer. But devotions aren't recipes. It's impossible to add a cup of the Bible, a pinch of a prayer, and stir and voila! You have the perfect time with God.

It just doesn't work that way.

Quiet times are just like you and I - sometimes unfaithful, often messed up, and always imperfect.

But God still wants to meet with you. And if you want to become closer to and be more like Christ, spending time with Him is the best way to grow.

Here are some practical ideas to help you on your quest to faithful and fulfilling devotions:

<> Keep your Bible open so your eye can be drawn to verses. When I keep my Bible open and out where I can see it, I'm more inclined to pick it up throughout the day. (Remember, quiet times can be done any time of day and never need to end!)

<> Read Psalm 119, which is a letter of adoration for God’s Word. This psalm never fails inspire me to think as highly of God's Word as did the author.

<> Commit! Set a time when you are going to meet with God in His Word. It may be early in the morning or late at night or somewhere in between. It doesn't really matter when, it just matters that it happens.

<> Read a daily devotional book. I love “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers and “Streams in the Desert” by L. B. Cowman as well as the TrueLife Bible studies by Shannon Primicerio. Consider investing in a study or devotional Bible that will deepen your understanding of God’s words to you.

<> Check out the Bible Blast Challenge! Want to be part of the adventure of reading through God's Word in 90 days? Visit our Bible Blast page to learn more.

<> Do a word study! Choose a word that means a lot to you right now (love, peace, joy, etc.) then, using a concordance, list all of the verses that contain that word and meditate on these verses in your quiet times.

Last but not least, dear friends, remember that this time is for you and God. Study His Word to learn what He wants to say to you and pray in order to respond back to Him.

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you..." James 4:8 (ESV)

Challenge Update

2011-12-28T11:32:00.001-05:00

Hello blog readers!

The MOHL team has been hard at work getting things ready for our His Words in our Hearts Challenge. We now have a week by week verse list and we have set up a Yahoo group so that we can encourage each other, share memorization methods, and much more. Just send a message along with your request to join, so that we know that you aren't spam person ;)

Have you joined our challenge? Are you thinking about it? Please tell your friends and blog readers about our challenge!

A Look Back: Julia's Favorite Post of 2011

2011-12-28T08:01:00.001-05:00

My favorite post of this year was definitely "When He Calls, Do We Answer?" It was the first MOHL post I wrote on my new laptop :D and I wrote the whole thing with hardly a pause... I could really feel God working through me as I typed. It was an amazing experience I will never forget. :)

So, without further ado, here is the post! :)

*******

So this is what it looks like. You’re sitting at your desk in the middle of your everyday routine and there’s a pile of things awaiting your attention. A really big pile.

There’s too much to do. You’re overwhelmed. You can’t handle this on your own. You’re sorting through the pile of stuff, careful not to let the whole thing collapse and bury you underneath it, and you find the next thing to work on, and at the same time your brain is thinking about what you’ll be focused on after that. You’re completely immersed in this important work you’re doing. Everyone will be really pleased with all the projects and special endeavors that you’re accomplishing. Oh wait, that was just your imagination. There’s no way you’ll be able to make a dent in what needs to be done.

And then the receptionist pages you. You pick up the phone, resolving to hang up as soon as possible and get back to everything else that desperately needs your attention.

“What is it, Gertie?” You ask impatiently.

“It’s your best friend.”

Sigh. You don’t have time for this. “Tell him I can’t talk to him right now, I have too much to do.”

You go back to work, managing to get three small things done while worrying about a sticky situation that really should have been done first except that you don’t have a clue of how to go about it. You’re about to tear out some of your hair in frustration when the receptionist’s signal buzzes again.

“What is it now?!?”

“It’s your best friend again. He says it’s important.”

“I really can’t talk to him! I have WAY too much I’m working on right now. Can’t you tell him to leave me alone today?”

“Well, if that’s what you want.”

Blessed silence reigns as you get back to work. Well, until an argument starts nearby about whose turn it is to refill the copy machine. And of course the construction workers in the street pick that time to start jackhammering the sidewalk. There’s noise and confusion all around you and you can’t even hear yourself think, much less form a cognitive thought and get something done!

And then the buzzer sounds again. Ready to scream, you answer. “Helloooo?!?!”

The poor receptionist is timid as she says “Well, ah, it’s your best friend… he says he wants to help you with your workload.”

You don’t have the funds to hire an assistant, much as you like the thought of some help.
“Oh really? And what will that cost me?” You inquire.

“Nothing. He says it won’t cost you anything – he’ll help for free. All you have to do is listen to him.”

You mull that one over. There must be a catch somewhere. And besides, this conversation is taking up a lot of time that could be spent working.

“I’m sorry, but I really can’t be bothered right now.”
You hang up.

Turning to the pile of papers, you reach for the one with a red scribble on it that says “URGENT!” but when you pull it out the whole thing topples and you’re suddenly buried in the mountain of paperwork. You can’t reach your desk and have no way to contact the receptionist. You’ve finally had enough. You lie there inside the gently rustling cocoon of papers and start to weep… tears filling your eyes and rolling down your cheeks.

Then you hear a quiet little “ring… ring… ring…” coming from your pocket. It’s your cell phone. You reach for it and read the screen to see who could be calling your personal number. It’s your best friend, and suddenly you realize that you want nothing more in the world than to talk to him at that moment. You’ve desperately needed him all day long, and yet when he called you wouldn’t answer. Now you’re ready to talk to him.

“Hello?”

“Hi. It’s me.” The sound of the familiar voice is too much for you and you break down again. Through the sound of your sobs you hear him speak.

“Hey, it’s okay.”

“I’m so sorry I didn’t answer your calls!” Your voice is contrite and soft for the first time that day. “And now I’m in a huge mess, and I need help.”

“Well, I’m right here.”

You hear the door to your office open. And then the phone hangs up, but you hear his voice again.

“Would you like some assistance?” It's really Him.

With a happy cry, you reach out from within the pile of junk and stick your arms up through the papers. They’re grasped by a pair of strong, warm hands and suddenly you’ve been pulled from out of the mess. His smile shines and you know you’ve been forgiven. Redeemed. Restored. And then you look around, and suddenly all the paperwork is sorted into neat piles and stamped with...“It Is Finished.”

~*~

By now perhaps you’ve guessed that the above is an allegory. Who do you think the characters represent? Well, obviously ‘you’ represents ‘you.’ And yes. The best friend is the Lord.

I based this off of 1 Samuel 3:1-8. The Lord calls Samuel, a little boy working in the temple who does not yet know him, three times before Samuel realizes he needs to answer. I read this account over again and started to think about the times the Lord has been calling me and I do everything but answer and listen to him.

How can I possibly justify doing this? God loves me so much that my mind can't even fathom it. He created me. He knows my innermost thoughts, hopes, and dreams, and it hurts his heart when I turn away from him or worse... simply go about my day thinking I can do everything by myself and not bothering to even send a few words his way.

It is especially important to listen to the Lord when we are struggling with a tough situation or decision or problem... like that pile of paperwork. There's really no way we can handle it on our own. We weren't created to be able to. We need the help of our creator.

If this post tugged your heartstrings today, go find a quiet place and have some alone time with the one who loves you more than anything. Talk to him and pour out your heart... and then listen. And next time you feel that still, small voice inside you, listen up.

Love and Hugs,

~Julia

His Word In Our Hearts Challenge

2011-12-28T01:00:00.003-05:00

By Rose H.

The year is almost over. 2012 is just around the corner and with it is our new challenge.

We are going to be memorizing all of 1 Peter next year. That averages out to about three verses a week. Not bad right?

Our question to you is, will you join us? Just sign up on the sidebar to let us know you will be part of this challenge.

God bless you richly as you seek Him

A Look Back: Rachel's Favorite Post of 2011

2011-12-27T01:00:00.001-05:00

God's Plan for Your Year

Written by Miss Rachel

Each year thousands of people make "resolutions"...some are selfish and some really are good goals.

"I'm going to lose weight this year", "I will to spend more time with my family", "I want to start my own business this year (or make it better)"...the list goes on.

But every year I think, what does God have planned for my year? I've made these resolutions/goals before only to have plans changed and things not go the way I had thought they'd be. Now, I'm not saying that making goals is a bad thing...not if it's something that you know the Lord has placed in your heart to work on. :) Everyone has things in their lives that could use improvement.

But what I am asking you is...what does God want with you in this next year? What is your purpose in making these resolutions/goals? If it's only to be a better person, then it's not going to get you far. :( Our goal in life should be to be a light in a dark place...to share Jesus Christ with as many people as we can, and to live a life that brings glory to God so others can see Him reflected in our lives. :) We need to set our will aside sometimes because God wants to do more with us. Because He has a purpose for our life that is more than just the day-to-day things.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD..." ~ Jeremiah 29:11a

God truly *does* have a plan for you, for me, for each of us! :D He wants you to be His child, and He wants you to follow Him. :) We may not know what this year may bring, but God surely does and has already prepared you for today and for tomorrow. He will continue to prepare you for each day ahead so that you can be equipped with all you need. :) Whether it's graduation, marriage, job; financial, physical, emotional, spiritual...God knows what you will face in the new year ahead!

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." ~ Isaiah 55:8-9

My only resolution I want to make is to listen and obey my Lord, to follow His will, and to live a life (day by day) that is pleasing to Him as much as is in my power to do so. :) I just want to be sure I'm not in God's way, that I am not making plans on my own but following His will for me, so that He can do wonderful things in and through me this year. Whatever comes my way, I want to be able to say "God is good, all the time!".

What about you? :)

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." ~ Psalm 84:11

~Miss Rachel~

A Look Back: Sarah's Favorite Post of 2011

2011-12-26T01:00:00.004-05:00

By Sarah H.

“You have heard it said…”

The teacher’s word’s die away, as the sound of an angry crowd moving to where he is speaking. The people gathered to hear the teacher crane their head to see what is going on. Not far from where they are sitting, they see a large group of teachers of the law and the Pharisees moving toward them pushing a young woman ahead of them.

The young woman’s face is streaked with dirt and tears, her head hang low. Her hair is not covered; instead it flows around her in a tangled mess, though it hasn’t been that way long. Her clothes, though fine, are in a sorry state, seeming to have been hastily put on.

This group moves toward the teacher and shoves the woman to the ground in front of him. The people gathered to hear the teacher jump back as they see that the teachers of the law and the Pharisees have rocks in their hands. This was to be a stoning and they needed to get out of the way.

"Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" The oldest of the group said holding a stone up high, ready to hurl it at this wicked woman.

Jesus looks at the woman, than at the man who accused her then knelt in the dirt. With his pointer finger, he begins to write in the dirt. The people around him look at what he is doing but they can’t read. The only people that can are too busy asking him questions to read.

“Teacher? Don’t you think she should be stoned?”

“Don’t you agree with the Holy Law?”

“Do you think you are greater than Moses?

“We caught her in the act! Can there be any question?”

Jesus straitens up and looks them in the eye.

“If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her,” he says in a matter-of-fact voice, then bends down and continues his writing.

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees hesitate for a moment, looking at each other, waiting for someone to throw their stone. It is then that some of them began to read what Jesus has been scribbling in the dirt.

Starting with the oldest person there, they slipped away one by one until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.

"Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" Jesus said coming to his feet once again.

No one, sir," she said, looking around as if to be sure of the fact.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

*****

Like when you get a song stuck in your head, this story has been playing in my head a lot the past month. Sometimes I see it from the crowd’s perspective, watching the events unfold with rapt attention. Sometimes I see it from the view of one holding the stone, seeing the sin and knowing what should be done according to the law. Sometimes I see it from woman’s side of things, having committed a great sin, and being scared it would now cost her, her life.

The Lesson that I keep coming to is simple yet profound; This was more a lesson for the teachers of the law and the Pharisees then the woman. I think the Jesus was trying to show them what he had been trying to teach them for years.

“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”

What about you? Are you more likely to give mercy to the pastor that has just been caught having an affair or demand justice? When a girl lying about you do you give her mercy or wish for a sacrifice? What about me? Do I give mercy, or am I to busy studying my law books? It hurts doesn’t it? It should. Perhaps, it time, I will learn to say with Jesus; I do not condemn you.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T01:00:00.000-05:00

By Rose H.

Presents. Brightly decorated trees. Holly. Nativities. Hot chocolate. Sweets. These are just a few of the things that come to mind when I think of Christmas.

Christmas is such a fun time of year. Magic is in the air. Complete strangers smile and wish each other a Merry Christmas. Parents run around like little kids hiding presents.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It gives us a great chance to show those our family and friends how much we care. It also gives us a time to remember the gift that came down from heaven. How great and wonderful was that gift. In the midst of all the presents, chocolate, and family, take some time to remember the perfect gift that came down from heaven one night that changed our world forever.

Trusting Him In All Things

2011-12-23T01:00:00.006-05:00

By Rose H.

Snapshots from my year.

I sang in the New Year and prepared for a busy co-op semester. Everything seemed new fresh and exciting.

I sobbed into my sisters arms. After my elderly neighbor’s dementia episode, I felt so helpless and scared. I had wanted to help but things seemed to be getting worse. Her strong arms reassured me that it was all going to be okay.

Rejoicing with my friend that she is expecting her first baby.

Having a snowball fight with my siblings. Truly a rare thing in Texas.

Teaching again. New students. New challenges. New joys.

The day I performed the play was magical. I was so excited. I felt like a fairy tale princess. I got to be transformed (all in the play) from scared Much-Afraid to princess Grace and Glory. *Happy sigh*

As the plane landed in Philadelphia I grew restless. What if Rachel and Jessica didn’t like us? Finding out way our of the terminal, we found them right away. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with excitement. All fears were dissolved in hugs. The next two weeks I enjoy some of the best fellowship and fun that I have had in my whole life.

Asking God what He would have me to do. Seeking Him. Receiving answers.

Writing plays. Praying. Searching for the right words. Enjoying the project.

Celebrating my 20^th birthday with friends and family. Enjoying fellowship with one and all.

Working outside in the Texas heat to help people who lost everything in the Bastrop fire. Praying for comfort and healing.

Singing at a small Christian music festival. Having so much fun.

Comforting a family who lost their 13 year old brother and son. Hugging his sisters and crying with them.

Volunteering at a food pantry.

Spending a wonderful Christmas with my family

This year has been a time of intense growing for me. In everything I have mentioned, God has been teaching me to trust Him for everything. For answers, strength, resources, and things to work out. It hasn’t been easy. There have been so many times when I have wanted to take charge. There have even been times when I have was to tired and weak. But God is patient. He keeps loving me and leading me.

It's hard to trust when you want everything now. It's hard to wait when you are eager to move. It's hard to trust God for strength to go on when you feel burned out. But thankfully, God has been helping to learn this kind of trust. The kind of trust that waits for the right time. The kind of trust that stays and waits for the voice of God. The kind of trust that presses ahead knowing that God is your strength. The kind of trust that God grows in you.

Even as I write this, I know I still have so much to learn and put into practice. But God has helped me begin. I am so grateful for everything that He has done in my life. As I go forward into a new year, I am happy and blessed!

That I May Gain Christ

2011-12-21T09:32:00.002-05:00

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowingChrist Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things andcount them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, nothaving a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comesthrough faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—thatI may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings,becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain theresurrection from the dead.”

(Philippians 3:7-11ESV)

Philippians 3:7-11 were my verses for the year. I was prepared to live an exciting adventurewith Jesus in 2011. I thought I wasready to count everything as loss, so I could know Jesus more. Nothing, however, could have prepared me forGod’s Will for this year.

“If I have only achieved-when it is all saidand done and the year is over-the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus moreand loving Him more, then I have truly lived. If I can lookback at the end of this year and say that I became acquainted with thesuffering of Christ and have shared in His power-the Resurrection Power-I haveachieved everything worthy of obtaining. I have no othergoal or purpose higher than to gain Christ and be found in Him.” (FromMy Resolution for 2011)

What aspiring goals Ihad! What ignorant, mountain-top bliss! In all honesty, I didn’t have a horribleyear. It was hard; oh-my-goodness-yes itwas so difficult. However, I had joyousand splendidly delightful times I spent traveling and being with myfamily. But the rocky spiritual and emotionaljourney Jesus took me on was the highlight of my year. He took me literally. I wanted to die? Then, Melinda, you will die.

Childhood, fairytaledreams of romance and Prince Charming were dashed. The emotional trial this caused was more thanI could bear at times. Yet, Jesus carriedme through it. I am victorious onlythrough Him. He is my Prince. He holds the pieces of my dream in His hands. It was all for His glory. The loss of my dream I count as rubbish inorder that I may gain Christ.

Relationships werechanged, marred and nearly destroyed. The pieces lay scattered still. My dreams dashed again. Yet,Jesus is my truest friend I will ever have. I will turn to Him. He will loveme through the hard times. It is all forHis glory. The loss of my dream I countas rubbish in order that I may gain Christ.

Tornadoes came anddestroyed property. Drought came anddestroyed gardens and caused strain on the farm. Hay was outrageous. The summer was scorching. Yet, God was in control. His Sovereignty never ceased. I realized I could trust Him through thetrials and know He had a purpose. It wasall for His glory. The loss of my dreamI count as rubbish in order that I may gain Christ.

I could go on andon. My life this year was summed up bythis: It was all for His glory. The lossof my dream I count as rubbish in order that I may gain Christ.

Did I always facetrials with joy? Did I always have agood attitude when difficulties arose in relationships? Um, I’m not perfect. I struggled. I fought. I cried. I held ontothings and stuffed them in God's face and showed Him how much He was hurtingme.

I'm here to tell ya, it wasn't a prettysight. My flesh was fighting and bickering for control. There wasSomeone else, however, beckoning me to give Him full control, to let go ofmyself and all the things I refused to let go, and to completely trust and restin Him.

He loved me whenI was unlovable. His is a self-less, convicting, sacrificing, empoweringlove that will not let me go. I'm so grateful.

Littledid I know how much God was going to break me this year. I am brought totears as I look at those almost prophetic words I penned at the beginning ofthe year. God is so good and He is completely trustworthy. As I look backon each shattered dream, I can honestly say (yes, even shout!) that it was all for His glory. The lossof my dream I count as rubbish in order that I may gain Christ.

The 52 Challenge

2011-12-20T01:00:00.002-05:00

As you know Meditations of His Love is doing the His Word In Our Hearts challenge next year. Well, we would like you to know about another challenge that is going on that you can do at the same time.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.”Psalm 119:11

I would like to issue a challenge to you: in 2012, memorize one verse each week. Though such a commitment sounds simple, I realize

that it can be difficult for an individual to stay faithful to this commitment, so we have started a group of those who have committed to memorizing 52 verses in 2012.

I believe that hiding God’s Word in our hearts involves not only memorizingScripture, but also remembering that which we have memorized. Each week of this challenge, the participants are to memorize one new verse and review the verses that they have previously learned. Will you join us in this challenge?

Click the picture above to see this challenge.

When Grief is the Road to Redemption

2011-12-19T01:00:00.000-05:00

Written by Rachelle

"Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me."

Psalm 66:16 (NIV)

I'll never forget the bloodshot look in my father's eyes as he fought for composure. Shock rippled through me. I could barely believe that my grandpa, the man who had always seemed ten feet tall and the strongest of us all, was gone.

One of the hardest moments to endure during those first few days occurred the night before the funeral. My great-grandparents traveled down from their home in the northern part of the state. All evening, they sat in two chairs, looking stunned and heartbroken.

Two friends who had come to support me may have asked me who they were or I may have just supplied the information. “That’s his mom and dad.”

The awareness struck with as much force as when my dad’s choked voice informed me that Grandpa had gone Home that Wednesday morning.

“It shouldn’t be this way,” I remember thinking. “It shouldn’t ever happen like that. No one should ever bury their firstborn son.”

My great-grandmother must have echoed my thoughts. My grandmother knelt at her side at one point during the night and they clasped hands. Great-Grandma just kept repeating, “I can’t believe it, Sarah. I just can’t believe it.”

***

On a lonely night in Bethlehem two thousand years ago, as a bright star shone down, a young mother heard her firstborn’s Son’s cries pierce the darkness. Suddenly, the dank stable, the smelly animals, and the fear of the night all fell away.

Her baby was here and little could compare to the joy of the moment.

Except maybe the great grief of the moment in which she lost Him.

I can hardly imagine Mary’s pain and devastation over losing the Son that she had brought into the world with such great promise. What went through her mind when she heard Him whisper, “It is finished,” and heave one final breath? With what agony must she have stumbled home and survived the Sabbath day.

This Christmas, that young mother consumes many of my thoughts. As I read the lovely Christmas story, I feel transported back to centuries past, to ancient Israel…and I weep. For though the first Christmas probably spelled great mystery to Mary, I know exactly why He came. And what He would have to go through to be our Redeemer.

I hardly know what to pray, my gratitude is so great.

"He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes."

Deuteronomy 10:21 (NIV)

Because He came as a little baby, assumed the form of a man, lived a sinless life for thirty-three years, willingly walked the road to a Roman cross, and gave His last breath as the Lamb’s sacrifice, redemption is possible for all.

Without Him, what a miserable wretch would I be!

With Him, I cling to the hope of eternal life. I dream of the day when all the tears will be wiped from my eyes and I’ll hug all the loved ones I’ve had to say goodbye to. .. including my grandpa.

It can only be grief untold to lose anyone you love, whether the baby you’ve born, a neighbor, or a grandparent.

But I believe that God is Sovereign and knows what He’s doing.

And that the joy that surged through Mary when she saw her Son risen again, resurrected, and triumphant over death eclipsed even the joy she knew that first Christmas day in Bethlehem.

Ever Learning, Ever Seeking {what God taught me this year}

2011-12-16T07:11:00.002-05:00

*deep breath*

I never know how to begin these posts. What God taught me this year? How do I express it in one short little article with a few black words on a white page?
God never stops teaching me, and I never stop learning. He always has something new for me to discover about him, about life, about living. One of the most important reasons that I keep a personal journal (with real paper and ink... something tangible I can hold in my hands) is to remember these precious lessons. Otherwise, my little mind moves on to the next excitement... and I forget. I forget the special things the Lord did for me... what he showed me in that circumstance, and how I grew from this situation.

The other day my mom and dad had a conversation with us after lunch. "Do you see this tomato?" My mother said, holding up a large, firm, green tomato that had been harvested from our garden before it could be ruined by the frost. Left on the windowsill, it would eventually ripen into a rosy red.
"You are this tomato." As my brothers and I exchanged puzzled looks, she explained "You three are all adult-sized now. You've grown as big and tall as you're going to get. But the ripening process isn't complete. Just like this green tomato, you aren't finished yet. Our job as parents is to help you finish 'ripening' so that when you are living by yourselves one day, you will know everything you need to know to function as adults."
My mom went on to say that she and Daddy feel that they need to pass on to us the skills and talents that they have. For example... my dad has amazing drafting skills for drawing the landscape plans he does for a living. And he knows a lot about tools and handy-man work. These are skills he will be teaching my brothers. My mom knows nearly everything there is to know about sewing, while I'm still perfecting the straight seam. She will be passing her numerous talents on to me.

Just like my parents have been teaching me things I need to know about this world I live in, God has been teaching me about Him and the world that is to come. He teaches me things I need to know, and things that he wants me to know.

An important lesson I learned this year is that my day goes SO much smoother if I first commit it to Him and ask Him to bless it. When I read my Bible before I start my day, my mind is clear from distractions and open to receiving the messages the Lord wants to show me.

Matthew 6:31-33:

Therefore take no thought, saying "What shall we eat?" or, "What shall we drink?" or, "Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly father knoweth that you have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.

When I seek him first, everything else falls into place like puzzle pieces clicking together in neat little rows... forming a beautiful picture.

Psalm 37:3-5:
Trust in the Lord, and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in him,

and he shall bring it to pass.

I just love the way those words flow. To me, there's nothing like the King James when you're reading God's Word. :D "Commit thy way unto the Lord." I think we all know what it means to make a commitment. You promise something, and will follow up on it. It's like signing your name with a white quill pen on a long, crackling scroll while onlookers watch solemnly. It's a serious thing.

Consider committing your days to him. Then watch as he honors that commitment. God's pretty good about responding when we reach out and trust something to him. :D

Thanks for taking the time to read this post! What has God taught you this year?
~Julia

What Christ-Like Friendship Really Means

2011-12-14T01:00:00.035-05:00

Written by Miss Rachel

God has been working greatly in my heart in regards to friendships this year. Something that a few years ago I never could have imagined. Friendless (except for my sweet sister!) and seeking God in all areas of my life, I prayed that if God willed it that He would send me sweet friendships - not like those I had had in the past, but ones that would be a sweet fellowship of sisters in Christ. in 2008 when my sister Jessica and I began our blog, God began to bless us with the answer to my prayers.

{source}

Now, 3 years into my blogging journey, I become breathless whenever I think of God's goodness to me in the area of friendship. Never could I have imagined what *true* Christ-like friendship really would mean! :D

~ ~ ~
Long phone chats (or facebook ones!) right when you needed it most...
*real* prayers even when you didn't ask for them...
challenging each other mutually in God's word and living it out...
trust...
unconditional love...
encouragement...
understanding...
oh, so much more!
♥♥♥

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;" ~ Romans 12:10

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Somehow these real God-centered friendships have been reminding me of the passage where Christ talks about His church. The verses represent marriage, but I think they fit for a friendship too. :) *Ephesians 5:25-33*

To me, Christ-like friendships mean really keeping each other in prayer, forgiving and loving each other for those little "quirks" we all have, letting go of our needs for the sake of another, encouraging each other with and in God's word...not just having fun together, but helping each other grow in their walk with the Lord.

"I therefore...beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called...forbearing one another in love;" ~ Ephesians 4:1-2 (selected)

Being this kind of friend is hard work. It means giving up your time because your friend had a really bad day or something is hurting her right now in her life. It often changes you, being a Christ-like friend...because that means you have to remain close to the Lord to be able to show the kind of love that He shows to you every day. It changes your heart as you long to serve your friend or are inspired by her to be the godly young woman Christ wants you to be. :)

My friends inspire me every day to be more daring, more loving, more caring and forgiving, more generous, more devoted to God's word, more selfless, more gentle, more outspoken for Jesus Christ....and so much more.

We are sisters at heart...sisters in the Lord.

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." ~ John 15:12

That's what Christ-like friendship really means. :)

Blessings!
~Miss Rachel~

What God has taught me this year; Even in the good times

2011-12-12T14:49:00.000-05:00

The people of Israel went through a cycle sin. Everything would be going well for them, then they started worshiping other gods, then God would punish them, then they would repent and cry for help, and finally, God would deliver them. Sadly, this is the cycle many of us get stuck in.

This has been an amazing year for me. I have a part time job that I love, I self-published two books, and got to spend two weeks with Rachel and Jessica. When things are going well, it is easy to thank God every night and tell him to keep up the good work. God has been teaching me this year is to be reliant on him even in the good times.

We humans are funny creatures. When things are going badly, we blame God and ask him why he let them happen. Like why did he let a young child die? Why doesn’t he give my dad a job? Why doesn’t he give me some friends? Why is life so hard? However, when things are going well, we take the credit. Wow, those doctors were amazing! My dad is so skilled! I am such a good friend. I have really made the most of my life.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV

Every time something amazing has happened in my life this year, I found myself at the feet of the father not only to thank him but to beg for the strength to stay strong in him.

Stories From 1 Kings – In the Eyes of the Lord

2011-12-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

By Rose H.

All throughout 1 Kings there are stories of the Israelite and Judean kings. To introduced each king the writer would give his name, who his mother was, and how long he reigned. Right after this it always says something like ‘he did good (or evil) in the eyes of the Lord’ It doesn’t matter what the people thought. It doesn’t matter how good of a diplomat he was. It doesn’t matter how rich or poor he was. The only thing that mattered was what he did in the eyes of the Lord.

Romans 14:4 (NIV) Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

Photo is copyrighted by Christina Hastings Photography

Sadly many of these kings chose to go their own way, to the destruction of their nation.

Yet for the few brave kings who chose to follow God, He was with them. He made himself known to them and led them.

Sometimes God asks us to do things that seem crazy in the eyes of others. To them we are being silly to act the way we do. Yet in the eyes of the Lord we stand or fall.

Stand tall, follow His lead, do good and in His eyes you will be a shining light.

Giveaway!

2011-12-08T06:12:00.000-05:00

About the Giveaway

Hi everyone! The MOHL Ladies are excited to announce a special giveaway this week. Just in time for the Christmas holidays, we will be sending one randomly chosen winner the complete Charity's Diary trilogy by Elisabeth Allen! Consider this our little Christmas gift to you - a complete heartwarming series about a godly young woman trying to live in obedience to God.

To Enter to Win:

1) Comment on this post and share with us your favorite book of the Bible.

2) Follow this blog and comment on this post saying you have done so. If you already follow us, please leave a separate comment.

3) Join our Facebook page and leave a comment on this post saying you have done so. If you have already joined, please leave a separate comment.

4) Invite a friend to join our Facebook page and send us a Facebook message with your name.

5) Put our button up on your blog (the code is available on the sidebar) and leave a comment on this post saying you have done so.

6) Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a comment on this post saying you have done so. Don't forget to link back to our Facebook page by including @MeditationsofHisLove.

7) Email us with a guest post. You just might see it on one of our upcoming Guest Weeks (we will contact you if we choose to publish it).

As you can see, for 1-3 , 5, and 6, you must leave a comment on this post telling us of the way you entered. For each individual entry to count, please make separate comments. Thank you!

The winner, chosen randomly, will be announced one week from today, December 15th!

About the Books

That's right! We are giving away all three books of the Charity's Diary Trilogy, Just Like You, No Matter What, and For Life and For Eternity.

For more information about this encouraging series, please visit this page, full of reviews and reader comments!

About the Author

Elisabeth Allen is the twenty-something author of the Charity's Diary trilogy. She lives in the South West of England with her parents and three sisters. When not writing on her laptop, Clarissa, she loves spending time with friends or reading, cooking, sewing, drawing, or ministering. A preacher's kid and homeschool graduate of Jewish and British heritage, Elisabeth enjoys a faith relationship with Jesus Christ and has an interest in ministry generally and discipleship specifically. She has a heart for young women of this generation and, through her books, wants to reach them with a message of hope.

For more about Elisabeth Allen, please visit her blog.

Lessons from 1 Kings - Don't Usurp God's Control

2011-12-07T10:07:00.001-05:00

First, Absalom tried (2 Samuel). Then, Adonijah stuck his neck out (1 Kings 1). They wanted to be king instead of who God had destined to be king. The stakes were high but the reward was control and power. They thought they had what it took: Charisma, sensitivity to the people, strength, diplomatic skills. They thought they had enough strong men on their side. They even thought they had the blessing of God. It wasn't, however, God's Will for them to rule.

God's will is not meant to be usurped, no matter how unlikely the candidate for the job is, no matter how difficult the circumstances are (and the easy way out seems more logical), or no matter what the crowd says would be a better way. I might seem like a better selection for a task or position. I may have skills that make me the seemingly perfect choice. If it's God's will for someone with different capabilities to take the job though, I must submit. If I think that doing a certain thing may cause me more grief than necessary and I see an easier, logical way out, I must still submit to the will of God even if it takes me to the depths of darkness and the shadow of death.

God's will is not meant to be usurped. It is meant to be submitted to at all costs. No matter how hard the pain of losing, rejection, shame, disgrace, sorrow or tears may be.

I know this is short, but the lesson is one we often resist, at least I know I do. I kick, scream, hide and sometimes walk in direct opposition to God's will for me. Lord, give me a humble, submissive heart to your Will.

"I delight to do your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” -Psalm 40:8 ESV

Stories from 1 Kings: The Temple of the Lord

2011-12-05T01:00:00.002-05:00

written by Rachelle

This summer I had the privilege of teaching a Sunday school class full of children on occasion. Since my students ranged in age from five to eleven, it was always an interesting experience. It never failed to be a bit of a challenge, though, to try to pick out the pieces of the lesson that would make sense to each child on the uppermost or lowermost regions of the age sphere.

I had a minor panic the week that I realized the whole of the lesson stemmed from the book of Leviticus.

{Sometimes I have similar minor panics when looking at upcoming topics here at MOHL. I Kings? I Kings! I don't know what to write about from I Kings!!}

How was I supposed to bring to life a book of the Bible that is full to overflowing with rules that God set down under the old covenant to a group of five- to eleven-year-olds!?

Well, everything worked out in the end. The kids never acted bored...and we all (including me) learned a lot.

One of the points driven home that Sunday morning was that Leviticus lays out two kinds of laws: ritual and ethical. The ritual laws were the ones that the Israelites followed that may not make much sense to us today but carried a deep meaning for the children of God in that time. The ritual laws served as a constant reminder that the people were commanded to be holy and set apart for God.

The ethical laws, on the other hand, were the rules that God gave His children that we still follow today even though the old covenant (which the nation of Israel operated under) has been fulfilled with the new covenant in Jesus Christ. They may sound familiar: "...Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy'...'Do not lie'...'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord.'" (Leviticus 19:1, 11, & 30)

That last command (or ethical rule) is especially poignant for me because it leads into the passage that caught my eye in I Kings:

"When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled His temple." I Kings 8:10-11 (NIV)

Imagine this scene. The priests have come out from the Holy Place and suddenly something strange happens. Mist fills the air and beads on the elegant robes the priests are wearing. Fog fills the air until they can barely see a foot in front of them. The priests are silent, amazed at what they are witnessing. "...the glory of the Lord filled His temple."

How amazing! The God of the Universe chose to inhabit a man-made structure. The Holy Creator of all things came down and squeezed Himself into the temple that, though Solomon labored to make it magnificent, surely paled in comparison with God's Heaven.

And Solomon knew it. "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!" I Kings 8:27

My heart jumps for joy as I read and the pieces start to fall into place. And here is the truly amazing part, He wanted to. The Lord created men and women to praise Him, to glorify His Name, and to enjoy fellowship with Him...and the temple fulfilled this in a small way.

"The Lord said to him: “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." I Kings 9:3

As much as reading this story from I Kings enthralls me, it isn't yet the end of the story. You see, many, many years later, Jesus fulfilled the old covenant with the new covenant under His blood...and the curtain in this same temple was rent from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). The splitting of the curtain serves as a symbol that the purpose of the temple ~ to serve as God's dwelling place ~ has been forever altered.

We are His dwelling place now. We, the children of God, have His Spirit living in our hearts. We are the temple. He is with us always, sometimes as real and jaw-droppingly near as the cloud that filled the temple that prevented the priests from carrying out their rituals.

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)

MOHL Challenge 2012: His Word In Our Hearts

2011-12-04T01:00:00.006-05:00

The Psalmist said, I have hidden your word in my heart – Yes we want to hide his word in our hearts. We want to study it, memorize it, and put it into practice.

Yet sometimes it’s hard to find the time to memorize God’s Word in our already over booked schedule. Is there a way that we can still hide His word in our hearts without overbooking ourselves?

We are here to say yes! Here at MOHL we are launching a new challenge for 2012. We are going to memorize all of 1 Peter over the course of the year. That averages out to about 2 verses a week. Not bad right?

Source

But there’s more. All of our themes for posts next year are coming straight out of 1 Peter. As we memorize you can follow along with inspiring articles to strengthen your memorization.

Our question to you is will you join us? We will be beginning the His Word in Our Hearts Challenge on January 1^st 2012.

Just leave us a comment if this interests you.

More details coming soon.

Be Careful Who You Listen To (1 Kings)

2011-12-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

So there was this guy. He was young, and he had a long and rather dorky name. He needed some advice because he'd just succeeded his dad in a really important leadership position.
First he went to the old men who had advised his father, and heard what they had to say in their dry, creaking voices as they shook their gnarled pointer fingers, their gaunt, wrinkled faces expressing concern.

The young guy apparently didn't think much of their advice, because then he went to his young friends, the 'in' crowd, a group of hip teens that surely knew what was goin' on and what to do about it. "Hey man." they said, "Don't listen to those old dudes. We know what you gotta do with your new job, and you'll be the big man on campus if you listen to us."

Sound familiar yet?

In the book of 1 Kings, chapter 11, verses 42 and 43, we learn that King Solomon died after reigning for forty years, leaving the throne to his son Rehoboam.

Then Rehoboam had a visit from all the congregation of Israel plus a man named Jeroboam, (who, despite his similar name, was not the brother or cousin of young king Rehoboam, but in fact a mighty man of valor who had been promised by a prophet that he would get ten out of the twelve parts of the kingdom) ...and Jeroboam said for the congregation:
"Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of they father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee."

Basically, he said "If you make things a little easier for us than they were under your dad, we'll be faithful subjects for you."

You know what Rehoboam told him? "Come back in three days." Good grief. The man wasn't asking for much, and Rehoboam has to think about it for three days?

1 Kings 12:6 says: "And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said "How do ye advise that I may answer this people?" (verse 7) And they spoke unto him, saying "If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants forever."

Verse 8 - But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him.

He ran to his buddies! He didn't like the wise counsel from the knowledgeable, experienced old men that said he had to be kind and serve this people in order for them to always serve him. He wanted a different answer... a second opinion.

Guess what the 'buddies' said?

"Tell 'em your little finger will be stronger than your dad's whole middle, and that now as your father loaded them with a heavy yoke, you will add to their yoke, your father punished them with whips, you will punish them with scorpions."

I can just imagine the group of laughing teen guys saying that... maybe with smirks on their faces. "Yeah, 'Bo, tell 'em that!"

Rehoboam liked the sound of that. It was a tough-guy attitude... he would sound 'macho', manly.

Rehoboam listened to his friends.

So when Jeroboam and the people came back for Rehoboam's answer...

1 Kings 12:13-14 :
And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; and spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying "My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke, my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."

In verse 19, it says "So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day."

Sure, we can turn up our little noses at Rehoboam, and sniff at his sad lack of judgement and poor decisions. But how often do we do the very same thing as he did?

Think about it. Who are we listening to? Are we even aware of what influences and thoughts are entering our minds? There are messages blasting from every street corner, every TV station, every poster in the mall. What influences are we letting ourselves be affected by? Do we decide on the outfit for the day based on our own convictions or because we saw the model on the front of a magazine wearing the same style?

How do we make our decisions? Who are we asking for advice? People who are tuned in to the Lord and walking in his ways, or people who are caught up in the here and now and are very much a part of this world and all it's doings?

Do we take the time to get away from all the distractions and listen to God's voice speaking to our hearts?

I found it very interesting that in the recent interviews we posted of us authors on this blog that many of us answered we listened to God best when we were alone and outdoors. I'm not saying you have to be outside to hear what God wants to tell you, but if you stop and think about it... there are very little distractions when you're outside and by yourself. There's no music playing... only the sound of the wind in the trees and the birds chirping. There are no words or pictures grabbing for your attention, just leaves, grass, sky.

This post today has a mission - to encourage and convince you to get away from it all and listen to the Lord. Especially in what can be the busiest time of the year with all the holidays and parties and visiting family, it is important to stop and spend some time with the One who loves you most.

And next time you have an important decision to make, take the time to listen to the people who will give you wise counsel and good advice. It might not be your friends. It might be your parents, godly mentors, and God Himself.

~Julia

~ Love the Lord Your God ~ (stories from 1 Kings)

2011-11-30T01:00:00.037-05:00

Written by Miss Rachel

King Solomon: son of King David, the ruler of all Israel, the one who built a temple for the ark of the Lord,
...and with more wives than one can count.
~

"For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father." ~ 1 Kings 11:14

Wow. Just take that in for a moment...his wives turned his heart away from the Most High God! :( When reading through 1 kings again for this post, this statement just struck me as so sad. A man who was king and great and wise in all the land and who's father God had said was "a man after God's own heart". How could Solomon allow his wives to turn his heart to other gods besides the One True God?

The ten commandments tell us that the Israelites were not to worship any other besides THE God. When they would forget about God and turn to worshiping the man-made "gods" God would bring punishment to them - they were not obeying Him. They chose to worship "things" with no life in them instead of God.

"I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Thou shalt have none other gods before me." ~ Deuteronomy 5:6-7 [also Exodus 20:2-3]

♥ ♥ ♥

"But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites:

Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart." ~ 1 Kings 11:1-3

King Solomon allowed his many wives to bring in their gods. To me this seems like a shame because he really ought to have been teaching them about his God. Instead of teaching his wives (and children) about Yahweh, he allowed his heart to be turned instead to their false gods. :( Like the Israelites of old and like us today, he allowed his heart to be guided to something else and lost his focus on God.

Replica of the golden calf Aaron made in Exodus 32.

An idol is anything that takes our hearts away from God. That can be a material thing that is worshiped or it can be any material item or person which takes our minds and hearts off of God and onto them or ourselves (money, fame/popularity, friends or someone we love, etc.). We all can lose focus at times but we need to rest our hearts in God. It takes work. Sometimes it means getting rid of or stop hanging around those things or people which make us lose focus on God. Sometimes it means we just need to spend more time *with* God in His word and listening to Him in the quietness of our hearts. :)

You see, God is a righteous God and a Holy God...He is The One True and Only God. He is worthy to be worshiped and He wants all of our heart, not just a piece of it. ♥♥♥ He loves us so much, enough to send His only Son to take away our sins. That kind of a loving God deserves our all.

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment." ~ Matthew 22:37-38 - this phrase is repeated many times throughout the bible!

God does not command us today to keep a set of laws and rules, but He does desire that we give Him our hearts and follow Him!

"And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?" ~ Deuteronomy 10:12-13

* * *

I pray that today you will commit to giving God your whole heart. Don't just give Him one part, but all of it. :)

"You awake us to delight in you presence; for you made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." ~ The Confessions: by Augustine

May the Lord bless you and Keep you!
~Miss Rachel~

Stories from 1 Kings; You are not Alone

2011-11-28T01:00:00.010-05:00

Do you remember the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel? How God sent fire to consume the Elijah’s sacrifice that was drenched in water, but left the sacrifice of the priests of Baal untouched? Elijah should have been on top of the world, things were finally going his way. However, in chapter 19 of 1 Kings, we find that after this amazing event Elijah runs into the desert and calls out to God that he wants to die.

“…‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” 1 Kings 19:4 NIV

Can you hear his despair? He feels overwhelmed, drained, and without a reason to continue on living. Did God leave him like that? No, he sent an angel with food and drink and then sent Elijah to another mountain, this time not to confront a queen but to meet with God.

“There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’

He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.’

The LORD said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.’” 1 Kings 19:9-11 NIV

“I am the only one left…” Wow, how many times have you felt like that? Have you ever felt like you were the only one trying to live their life for God? I know I have. There were times when I would cry because girls didn't want to my friends because of the stands I had taken. I felt so alone, I wondered what God was doing.

Elijah does what God tells him. He is on the mountain and there is a powerful wind, earthquake, and a fire but God isn't in any of those. When Elijah hears a whisper, he pulled his clock over his face and headed back to his cave.

“Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’

The LORD said to him, ‘Go back the way you came…..I reserve seven thousand in Israel--all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.’” 1 Kings 19:13-18 NIV

“You are not alone Elijah!” God seems to scream. “There are 7000 people that haven’t bowed or kissed Baal.”

My dear sisters and brothers, You are not alone, there and thousands of people out there that are living their lives for God. You may not know them, and you may feel all alone, but they are out there. You are not alone! Keep listing for that still, small voice.

Author Interview with Rose

2011-11-26T01:00:00.005-05:00

It's my turn. Hi, I'm Rose H. And Here is a little bit more about me.

1)

Who's your one of your favorite film or literary heroes/heroines and why?

Tough choice. As far as hero’s, I love David and Esther because of their faith and courage.

From film, I love Artos from Pendragon: Sword of His Father. I love Emma Woodhouse because she is loves to be at home and help her father (even if she tries to be a little too helpful at times). So hard to choose. Is there room for Rapunzel? (Just because she's fun!)

2) What is the soundtrack to your life right now?

Remind Me Who I Am by Jason Grey. I've been stressing about life lately and have been very busy. There has been a lot of ministry to do and some hard work. Yet even in the midst of all that's been going on, God has been reminding me that He loves me no matter what.

3) What is your half-birthday?

HAHA. I think it’s February 27^th, but I’ll have to check with Rachelle and see. J

4) What are five words that you would use to describe you? Be descriptive!! :)

Crafty. (I love cross stitching, embroidery, sewing (a little), scrapbooking, crocheting, and pretty much anything that involves needles and thread) Passionate. (I’m in it all the way, or not at all. I love passionately, dance passionately, and I try to live passionately) Silly (Okay I admit, I’m not the brightest person in the world. My mind will wonder and then I will say something off subject, leaving my family wondering where I am. I mix up phrases and many times say things that make no sense. Thankfully my family still loves me anyway). Organized. (I like everything clean and in its place) Encouraging (I try to be positive and lift peoples eyes to God)

5) What is your favorite day of the year?

Good Friday. My family every year since I was two has done a Christian Seder (Jewish Passover Celebration). We start at sundown, mom lights the candles, and dad begins by reading to us from scripture. I don’t have time to tell you all about it. I will tell you that we end by having s’mores and a bonfire. FUN!

6) What would you rather do than almost anything else?

I would like to be married and start a family, but all in God's time.

A close second would be acting! I would love to find a Christian play and act in it. I’ve only been in one play, but it was too fun. It would be neat to do it again.

7) How do you hear God best?

Out in the woods. In the stillness. *sigh* Out there with my Savior, I can feel His presence and hear Him talking to me.

8) What is your favorite pastime?

Baking/cooking. My favorite things to bake are muffins and cookies.

Author Interview with Rachelle

2011-11-25T01:24:00.001-05:00

1) Who is your one of your favorite film or literary heroes/heroines and why?

A book that I return to time and again is titled Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer. The heroine is a terrific waitress who has lived all over, from New York to Brooklyn to Pensacola. But when she and her aunt, a fantastic cook who just can't seem to find the right restaurant, are betrayed, the next stop is a little town in Wisconsin.

I've re-read this little novel about a dozen times and it was probably the first Young Adult book I ever picked up. The funny thing? This book isn't even overtly Christian! Hope has a great voice that pulls me into the story over and over and makes me notice details I haven't seen before. Shining like crystal is Hope's persistence and perseverence. She's hardly anything like me (I'm a smiler; she's more serious) but her faith in the right and her willingness to work for what she wants hooks me every time.

2) What is the soundtrack to your life right now?

Oh, that's a tough one, but I think I'll say There's A Place For Us as performed by Carrie Underwood. It's the first song to play when I open up my blog. The first time I heard it was in the movie theater a year ago this December. The month of December seems like a magical time to me. Since I live in the south, it's just beginning to feel wintery. The air is silvery and blue and the anticipation of Christmas brightens everything. This coupled with the fact that the movie my family was seeing was the latest Chronicles of Narnia film and I was hooked. This song played during the credits.

This song describes beautifully the transported feeling I get whenever I dive into a new scene of my latest novel. At the time I bought this song off of I-Tunes, I played it over and over. My first semester of college had just ended and I was writing my first novel. New and dazzling, that's how I would describe it.

3) What is your half-birthday?

I love my birthday! I think it's really fun, too, that my birthday and Christmas are about six months apart, so no matter what time of year it is, a fun day is never far! My birthday, June 7th, is the day after D-Day (the anniversary of the Battle of Normandy in 1944) and my half-birthday, December 7th, is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor (1941). Maybe it's because my dad is a WWII enthusiast, but I think it's neat and sobering to have such important dates to me also be near or on important dates to our country.

4) What are five words that you would use to describe you? Be descriptive!! :)

As you may have guessed from that last answer: Patriotic.

Loyal. Faithful to a fault. When I latch on to something, it's hard for me to let go. God has taught me that the things really worth holding on to, He is holding on to, also (which makes giving up what I want or have planned easier).

Sunny. I'm a perpetual smiler.

Classic. I once had a conversation with a ten-year-old on fashion. Given the choice between Abercrombie and Fitch and Hollister, she said, "Oh, I think you're more of a J.C. Penny kind of girl." Exactly.

Dreamer. Was there ever any doubt? I get lost with my head in the clouds (or my nose in a book book) more often than I can count.

5) What is your favorite day of the year?

That's easy! It's a three-way tie between Christmas Day, my birthday, and my half-birthday! (Yes, in that order.)

6) What would you rather do than almost anything else?

Write. Whether it's the latest chapter in the novel I'm working on, a devo for Meditations of His Love, or an article, I think more clearly with a pen in my hand.

7) How do you hear God best?

The simple answer is listen. How do I listen? I make time to sit before Him and just allow Him to speak to my heart through His Word and that still, small voice. Most often, instead of "sitting before Him," I'm "walking before Him" by leashing up my dog and pullling on my sneakers for a lap (or ten) around the neighborhood. When I'm out, basking in the beauty of His creation, I feel Him near. It's easier to get quiet when all around you is quiet.

8) What is your favorite pastime?

I love to read! For more on books I love, you'll have to visit my blog, but I'll tell you that fairy tales are my absolute favorites. The genres that dominate my bookshelf are Young Adult Fantasy (though I prefer only toned-down majic) and Historical Romance. I'll read almost anything set in medievel times, the Revolutionary War, or on a tall ship. Throw in a Princess and I'm a happy camper!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T02:00:00.000-05:00

By Rose H.

Today fall is in full swing. The leaves have fallen. The harvest is in. Today is a day to eat good food and spend time with family.

It’s also a time to thank God for everything that He has done for us this year. I don’t know about you, but I have so many blessing to thank God for. Family, friends, love, strength, grace, to name a few. I could go on. But I’ll leave you with this thought. There are so many things that God has given to us. Make sure to take some time to thank Him for the blessings that He has freely given.

Author Interview with Sarah

2011-11-24T01:00:00.010-05:00

1) Who's your one of your favorite film or literary heroes/heroines and why?

That is a hard choice. It would have to be a toss-up between Peter in The Lion, the Witch, and Wardrobe (Disney 2005) and Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen). I loved how they portrayed Peter in the first film. I am the oldest sibling at home and I feel that responsibility keenly. This film more than any other I have seen, captured what I felt as the oldest.

Elizabeth Bennet and I share a major fault; we both are quick to judge people. I love the story dearly, and every time I see it, I am reminded how quick I am to judge and how wrong I can be.

2) What is the soundtrack to your life right now?
Bring it On by Steven Curtis Chapman

3) What is your half-birthday?
December 30^th (June 30^th is my Birthday)

4) What are five words that you would use to describe you? Be descriptive!! :)

Christ Follower; (I know that is two words but…) To me, my faith is so much more than a religion I am a part of; it is a relationship! Without God I would be nothing.

Loyal; It is hard to earn my love (I don’t mean this in the romantic way) or friendship but once someone does, I am fiercely loyal. Very few people, if any, will learn the faults of my family members or friends from me. I stick close to them and if it

Passionate; The things I love I am very passionate about. Family, faith, writing, politics, reading, and friends are my passions. Many things I either love or hate, yes, passionate it a good word.

Dreamer; I dream big and often. Whether it is plans for the future or a book plot, I am constantly dreaming up possibilities. I am a dreamer.

Family; I am a daughter to the most amazing parents a girl could have, a sister to six astounding siblings, and an Aunt to two precious little girls.

5) What is your favorite day of the year?
Good Friday. We have a Christian Passover on Good Friday every year. It is the best family time of the year, and a powerful reminder of what Christ has done for me.

6) What would you rather do than almost anything else?
Write! If I could spend all day writing down stories, I would!

7) How do you hear God best?
The funny thing is, God can get my attention at the oddest times. But at night seems to be when I hear him the most.

8) What is your favorite pastime?

Writing. Oh, the hours I have spent with my characters, weaving tales, and watching plots unfold.

Author Interview with Julia

2011-11-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hi There! I'm Julia. Nice to meet you!

1) Who's one of your favorite film or literary heroes/heroines and why?

Great question! I have several favorite literary (and film!) heroes and heroines, so narrowing down a favorite is tough... Can I give two answers? :D

One of my favorite literary heroes is Morgan Fairfield from the books "Murder on the Titanic" and "Voices from the Titanic" by Jim Walker. I love a good mystery, and I love historical fiction, and those books were perfect blends of the two... and they just happened to have a little hint of romance. Morgan was a man on a mission - to become a good man. I loved seeing how he reacted with honor, integrity, and brilliance in some of the amazing and challenging circumstances he was thrown into.

One of my favorite literary heroines is Callie Webber from the "Million-Dollar Mysteries" series by Mindy Starns Clark, which happen to be some of my favorite books ever. Callie is a PI, a Private Investigator, working for a charity called the J.O.S.H.U.A. foundation. Throughout all five books, she is clever, resourceful, clear-thinking, and always manages to escape just in the nick of time. :D

(I have some favorite Jane Austen Heroes and Heroines as well, but chose to write about some lesser-known ones this time...) :)

2) What is the soundtrack to your life right now?

I really have no idea how to answer this question - my life's soundtrack would be nothing particularly exciting, romantic, or dramatic... just something sweet and simple. Maybe a combination of the simpler parts of the new BBC Emma, the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice... and a little bit of Jamie Grace, Jonny Diaz, and Mandisa thrown in for when I'm cleaning the house. :D

3) What is your half-birthday?

Kudos to Rachelle for helping me figure out this answer... :D My half-birthday is October 10th, which just happens to be my younger brother Steven's actual birthday. :)

4) What are five words that you would use to describe you? Be descriptive!! :)

Creative. Cheerful. Artistic. Verbal. And........ Honest.

(Whew! That was so hard!)

5) What is your favorite day of the year?

It is an even tie between Thanksgiving, the first day of Spring (real Spring, not the one on the calendar) the first day you feel that crisp Autumn breeze, and my birthday (which is in springtime) :) Can you guess that I like Spring and Autumn?

6) What would you rather do than almost anything else?

Read!
I have a passion for reading... once I open up a book and discover that it's one of those really good books, there's no stopping me. I realized this afresh just the other day when I found a great series of books at an unfamiliar library. It's like entering a whole new world for a little while. It can get really addictive, too. But the lessons learned from books are just as appliccable to real life, if you look at them with a balanced perspective. I love to read!

7) How do you hear God best?

Sometimes, I can be really thick-headed when it comes to listening to God. Only once in a while will I get something right away that he's trying to tell or show me. Usually it is through my excellent parents or through discovering a recurring theme in what I am seeing and hearing around me. For instance... I had been thinking about the way I had acted at a social event, (Did I mention that I am a confirmed social butterfly?) wondering if I had been too boastful and putting myself forward, and then the next day I was browsing and flipping through a book of quotes, and this popped out at me "Do you wish men to speak well of you? Then never speak well of yourself." ... and I went, "Ouch." ;) Point taken. God gets very creative in the ways that he speaks to me. Which is good, I think, because I'm not fond of monotony. :D

8) What is your favorite pastime?

I have so many ways to pass the time that it is extremely rare to find me bored. I love to crochet, I love reading, I love photography and graphic design, I love baking, writing, singing, dancing, watching favorite movies, playing ultimate frisbee... I love designing handmade fine glass and swarovski crystal jewelry... and you're asking me to pick just ONE? :D Lol! In truth, the favorite hobby is always changing with me. Ask me later today and I might answer "crochet!" - next morning it might be writing. Or anything. :D

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview with you! I hope you did too, congratulations if you've made it this far. :D

Come back tomorrow for another MOHL Authors interview! And may I wish you an early, very HAPPY THANKSGIVING! :D Don't eat toooo much turkey, now... :D

Blessings,
Julia

~ Author Interview with Miss Rachel ~

2011-11-22T01:00:00.016-05:00

Hello! Miss Rachel here! :D
Thank you so much for stopping by!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1) Who's your one of you favorite film or literary heroes/heroines and why?

William Wilberforce - Since watching the film, "Amazing Grace", I have been learning and reading about the life of this great man. What inspires me about him is they way he chose to live his life...when he was a young man, he failed in many ways and didn't live up to his potential. But God (don't you just love those two powerful words "but God"?) changed his life around and he became one of the most influential and powerful speakers/British politicians, and Christian. Through his life he had many health issues (including opium overdose (a common drug used in the day) but he continued and persevered on the mission that God had given him to stop the slave trade. He inspires me because even though he had GREAT opposition on every side, he kept on and stayed strong in his faith and in his work - he was a man of passion and vision. :) I did a review on a book about Wilberforce earlier this year if you'd like to learn more about this great man! :D

"[Wilberforce] was such a fighter for *joy [in Christ]* that he never ceased to win his battles and make his sacrifices as he reached the highest realms of all happiness - *spiritual contentment in Christ*." ~ Jonathan Aitken

2) What is the soundtrack to your life right now?

Well, I don't actually listen to soundtracks (I much prefer music with words I can sing to). ;) But one of the "songs" of my life right now is this one...."It's about the Cross". God's just been reminding me of His great love and power in my life. Reminding me that He is here for me and how much He's done just for me. :) This beautiful song just echo's what I want my life to reflect - it's not about me, It's about God! :D

3) What is your half-birthday?

September 21 {my birthday is March 21} ;)

4) What are five words that you would use to describe you? Be descriptive!! :)

Oh goodness, I'm not good at these things. ;D Lol! Had to get my sister Jessica to help me! I would say:

* Strong
* Creative
* Encouraging
* Hard-working
* Servant
"I will love thee, O LORD, my strength." ~ Psalm 18:1
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my *strength*, and my redeemer." ~Psalm 19:14

5) What is your favorite day of the year?

Memorial Day - every year our whole family goes up to my grandmother's (about 45 min. away), pick her up, and we go to the annual Memorial Day parade down the street from where she used to live. After the parade we go to the grave-site where my grandfather and my grandmother's relatives are buried and clean up the area and place lovely flowers there as us kids listen to my mom and grandmother talking of all the "old days" when grandpa was alive. We've been doing it since I was little but the tradition started when my mom was little and she's go with both my grandparents. :) Grandpa is gone now in heaven, but we think of him every year especially on this day (he was a veteran). I love you grandpa and I can't wait to meet you one day!

6) What would you rather do than almost anything else?

Be a godly wife a mother someday. :) It's been the desire of my heart since I was a very little girl...

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." ~ Proverbs 31: 28-30

7) How do you hear God best?

In nature and through music. - In music I hear Him speak to my heart...quieting it, calming me, strengthening and giving me hope for the future. "You are my all in all", "In my weakness You are strong", "Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus", "My Redeemer lives!!", "All is well with my soul, He is God in control!". :D Oh, how my heart *SOARS* with every word.

And in nature I feel God's still, comforting hand over all things - how the change of seasons come and go, the detail in His creation, His control and power. I feel stronger seeing His creation around me knowing I was formed for a purpose. :)

"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." ~ Psalm 62:8

"For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God." ~ Psalm 38:15

8) What is your favorite pastime?

Knitting! :D Hehe!

Thanks for stopping by! :D
Have a blessed day!
~Miss Rachel~

2011-11-21T09:29:00.001-05:00

Interview with Melinda

1 1) Who's one of your favoriteliterary heroes/heroines and why?

Isabella McDonald Alden wrote many books during herlifetime. I have always loved her “EsterReid” collection and her unique style of writing. Her works of fiction convict, encourage,inspire and embolden my faith in Jesus Christ. I love how her characters are oh-so-familiar to relate to. Some of my favorites of her books are: EsterReid, Ester Reid Yet Speaking, Aunt Mary, Martha and John, Tip Lewis and HisLamp, and Four Girls at Chautauqua.

R.M. Ballantyne is another of my literaryheroes. I love his adventurous storiesfilled with real heroes who are “real.” Idon’t like main characters who are flawless and Mr. Ballantyne blendscompelling, dramatic prose with relatable, likeable characters with plenty ofhumor and virtue. Honestly, I’d love tobe able to write like R.M. Ballantyne, but you didn’t hear that from me! ;-)

2) What is the soundtrack toyour life right now?

Laura Story’s “Blessings” pretty much sumsup my life right now. Also, her song “Grace”is another song that means a lot to me right now.

3) What is yourhalf-birthday?

November 30^th! My birthday is May 30^th. :)

4) What are five words that you woulduse to describe you? Be descriptive!! :)

Witty (except when someone else is wittier), dramatic (all the time,unfortunately), romantic (sentimental, melancholy, nostalgic), introvert(shy and quiet until I get to know you better), impulsive (spontaneous, fiery,idea-machine, slightly odd at times :D).

5) What is your favorite day of theyear?

Thanksgiving!!!I can’t wait! :D

6) What would you rather do thanalmost anything else?

Find aquiet, peaceful meadow in the middle of nowhere where I can run and sing anddance all day for a few weeks with just God and I. It would be such a refreshing time to get toknow Jesus better without any distraction. Scotland sounds good. ;-)

7) How do you hear God best?

When Iread the Psalms, a lot of times I am drawn nearer to Jesus. Many prayers, songs and long conversationswith God have come from reading the Psalms.

8) What is your favorite pastime?

Moments sharedwith family and friends over tea. I love stopping during the day, fixing mesome tea and drinking it out of a pretty tea cup. Unfortunately, I don’t do this oftenenough.

Author Interview With Jessica

2011-11-20T01:00:00.003-05:00

1) Who's one of your favorite literary heroes/heroines and why?

I'm not sure how best to answer this. There are a lot of ways you could take this question. :)

In terms of literary heroes/heroines who were writers, I love C.S. Lewis, Lucy Maud Montgomery and Jane Austen, J. M. Barry and Sarah Holman. I won't explain why all of them, just that they inspire and challenge me in my writing. Specifically, Sarah Holman inspires me to work hard, not give up, and to trust God with the results.

If we are talking about Heroes/Heroines in literature who actually lived, than my answer would be pretty much people from the bible. Ruth and David have been the most influential though. Not that people in history don't influence me, it's just that it's only been bits here and there. (I'm not really a history buff. Can you tell?)

David challenges me to be bold and courageous. To put my faith in Christ, to stand up for what I believe, and to not just go with the flow of the world but follow God's leading even if it makes me different.

Ruth inspires the homemaker in me. She reminds me a lot of my older sister (Miss Rachel) who constantly challenges me on a daily basis to work hard towards my goals. To strive to be a godly woman not so I can get married to a great guy, but so I can please my heavenly father and be a blessing to my family.

2) What is the soundtrack to your life right now?

It isn't so much a soundtrack as a specific song. "All is Well" by: Robin Mark. Seems like all this year, God has been reminding me that despite all the hardship and struggle and turmoil this world brings to us, that in Him, all is well. That no matter what happens, I am held firmly in His hands. He has a plan even in the chaos. He is in control and even though I don't know what lies ahead, I can trust that God will be with me the whole way. I am so thankful that He will never abandon me; that I have a strong, firm foundation to stand on!

3) What is your half-birthday?

October. :) My birthday is in April.

4) What are five words that you would use to describe you? Be descriptive!! :)

Outgoing, Encouraging, Comical, Spontaneous, Comforting, Animated. (okay, so there is an extra word. Do you know how hard it is for a writer to come up with ONLY five words? lol!)

5) What is your favorite day of the year?

Just one? lol! There are too many. I love Easter and the first day of Spring, the first day of Autumn, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Memorial day... okay, I'll stop now. ;)

6) What would you rather do than almost anything else?

Travel. I've never really had the chance to and have always wanted to. It would be such a wonderful experience to see some more of this beautiful earth that God created. (and it would also be great for story ideas.)

7) How do you hear God best?

When I'm out in his creation. I feel most at peace and closest to God when I am out among the trees and flowers and listening to the birds sing. Without all the distractions from the world, it feels like I can really focus on His truths.

8) What is your favorite pastime?

Writing. With Photography as a close second. :)

The Fruit of the Spirit – Peace

2011-11-18T01:00:00.002-05:00

By Rose H.

In Webster’s 1828 dictionary, it defines peace this way. Peace – A state of quiet. Freedom from disturbance, war, internal and private quarrels, fear, terror, anxiety and the like. Heavenly rest. The happiness of heaven.

This week we have been looking at the fruit of the spirit. Today we find ourselves looking at peace. I find it funny how many times Webster used the word freedom and peace to go together. Although I’m not surprised. Think of what the spirit does when He moves into our lives.

When the spirit comes, we are changed. We are filled with the presence of God. Things begin to change. Our heart is made new. Day by day, the spirit stays with us, leading us on. As we are changed, we begin to show it by our actions. Instead of doing things in a fearful, mean, or hateful way, we do things out of love, gratitude, and hope.

As this wonderful change takes place, the Spirit sets us free from our old terrors, sins, and anxieties. As we are set free from these it is replaced with a quiet peace. The kind of peace that can never be shaken. The kind of peace that knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that God will take care of you. The peace that doesn’t take on itself to worry about the cares of the day. The peace that knows that God has taken care of sin and that it no longer has control.

Peace is a wonderful byproduct of the Spirit indwelling us. I would agree with Webster it is heavenly rest, the happiness of heaven.

The Fruit of the Spirit

2011-11-14T01:00:00.001-05:00

1. Love...

is the sacrifice of self

(Matthew 20:28)

2. Joy...

is the sacrifice of praise

(Hebrews 13:15)

3. Peace...

is the sacrifice of trust

(Isaiah 26:3)

4. Patience...

does nothing

(I Thessalonians 5:14)

5. Kindness...

does something

(I Peter 2:22-23)

6. Goodness...

does everything

(I Timothy 5:10)

7. Faithfulness...

is the choice to do it

(I Corinthians 4:2)

8. Gentleness...

is the choice to take it

(Matthew 11:29)

9. Self-control...

is the choice to not do it

(Galatians 5:24-25)

Taken from A Young Woman's Walk with God by Elisabeth George, pg. 189. Scripture verses added by Rachelle.

MOHL Praise and Worship #31

2011-11-13T08:07:00.002-05:00

Written By: Jessica

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Psalm 3:24