Monday Scripture Encouragement

Hi ladies! Life has been crazy lately! I started college, and that has eaten up a ton of my time, but I want to keep posting here, so we're going to have some Monday scripture encouragement today, which is perfect because it is the start of a new month! September! It's also Labor Day, so I hope you guys are enjoying a no-school day, or just a day that you get to spend with family. I also want to let you guys know that I am reading a book that a friend highly recommended--And the Bride Wore White. So far it is really good, and I may do a review when I finish it. Anywho, here is the scripture encouragement for today!

I encourage you to read the entire chapter of Ephesians 4. While going through some stuff, this chapter was in my scheduled reading, and it really spoke to me and applied to my situation. It's such an important thing that we need to remember. But I'm just going to share a couple scriptures from this chapter.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry and sin not" let not the sun go down upon your wrath: ~ Ephesians 4:26

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. ~ Ephesians 4:32

 There are so many great scriptures in this chapter encouraging believers in their relationships with others, and urging them not to grieve the holy Spirit of God. And... well there's a lot here. You should read it. Please do.

 

The Joy of Motherhood

With my nephew

  It seems to me that there is a problem with girls these days. In fact, I am sure of it. And if you look deep within you can see that problem, shining out. And it makes me sad. Of course there are many problems. But this problem has been one I've been dwelling on lately. What is this problem, you ask?

 Children.

 Actually, children aren't the problem. But they are what many girls claim as the root of the problem. Girls these days don't want kids. Some say, "I want a boy and a girl, maybe, but no others," but I find myself a little surprised at the amount of young people who don't want children... at all. When I hear this I feel a little sad inside, but rarely say anything because I don't want to upset anyone... or I don't know how to phrase it. Avoiding conflict is much easier than starting something that could jeopardize a friendship sometimes.

 But truthfully, I am deeply disturbed by this recent trend in a single... or married without children life. It seems that people have lost sight of a truth that is revealed everywhere. The truth that shows that there is joy in motherhood. There is joy in being a parent.

Psalm 127:3

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 

 

Genesis 33:5

And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant. 

 

Matthew 18:10 

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

 

 Psalm 113:9

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. 

 

My niece kissing my nephew

 

 As you can see by these scriptures, children are a great blessing. In the first scripture they are called a heritage of the Lord. They are part of His heritage. And they are also called His reward. Children are not a punishment, but a reward in the sight of the Lord!

 In the second verse, Jacob refers to his children as gracious gifts from God. 

 In the third verse, Jesus warns not to despise children. 

 And in the final verse I listed, God shows that children will make a barren woman joyful. 

 Because children are a joy!

 Since I was a young girl I've wanted to be a mother someday. And now that I have a niece and nephew to shower with hugs and kisses I realize how wonderful it would be. Of course, there is the responsibility. And children can be mischievous, and are hard work. But just as everything worthwhile in life, hard work is required. And it shouldn't be any other way.

 There are many reasons girls don't want to have kids. I'll discuss a few. Many of these reasons come back to the root of selfishness, or what society has told our young people.

 They don't want a child because of their body. Either they think it will hurt to have a baby, and so don't want to experience it, or they don't want to have to deal with their post baby body. But from what I've witnessed, and spoken with women who have given birth, it isn't half as bad as they make it out to be in movies. 

 They don't want a child to damage their chance at a career. But child rearing was the original career, wasn't it? It was what God designed women for. Not that you can't have a job and be a mother. Because lots of people do it. 

 They don't want a child because of the responsibility involved. See my earlier statement of work making things worthwhile.

And there are many other things people will say for their reason they don't want a child. But there is joy in motherhood. There's the joy of first kisses, snuggles, those drawings you can put on the fridge, and when they look at you and tell you they love you. The love of a child is one of the most extraordinary things God created. And if the Lord blesses me, I would love to experience the love of my own son or daughter one day. 

 

 But what do you think? 

 

And It Came to Pass...

 Hello everyone! I'm so sorry about my absence. Life has been crazy for this high school senior. I hope that all of you have been well! To kick off my first post in a long time, I've decided to do another Scripture Encouragement Monday!

 With the day most Christians celebrate the birth of Christ quickly approaching, I think it would be nice to reflect on a verse or more talking about this momentous occasion.

 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of        David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ~ Luke 2:1-7

  In these verses we learn about Jesus' earthly parents, Joseph and Mary. We see pretty quickly that Mary is heavy with child, but still they have to travel to Joseph's hometown, which is a pretty long journey for someone who is about to give birth, to pay taxes. They make it to the town, but soon after Mary goes into labor. The Inn keeper has no room for them, so they find themselves in a stable, where Mary gives birth, her baby's cradle turning out to be a manger. 

 What a thought! Jesus all through His ministry on earth showed great humbleness, and it was shown from the beginning when he was born in a humble stable, surrounded by animals. Jesus was the meekest man ever while he was on earth, and we should follow His example!

 This is pretty short, but I hope it gives you a bit to think about. Next week, we'll continue further. Also, is there any sort of topic you would like to see discussed on APOC? Post it below, and we'll do what we can to cover it!!! :) 

 

The Calling

 Hello. Would you like to go on an adventure of great exploits, and exciting experiences? Would you like your words to hold great meaning, and your life to show great things? Well, I have something very special for you. It is The Calling.

 ^ Sorry for the bad sales pitch. But... you ask... what is The Calling?

 God has a special purpose for everyone. One person might be called to preach, another to teach, or maybe even sing. This calling in whatever form is so important. Your calling will involve great exploits, and exciting experiences when God is directing your paths, whether these exploits include trekking through Africa, or merely singing a special at your local church. Your words will hold great meaning, and your life will show great things when God is your pilot.

 Finding the true direction God wants you to go- your true calling- can be hard. You pray for the Lord to show you His purpose, you tell Him you'll do whatever He desires, and still you're pulling up a blank. You might think you have an idea of what The Calling might be... for example, I have a special place on my heart for children, so I think The Calling might have something to do with that. God has also placed within me a gift and desire for singing, writing, and acting. I don't know what His plans could be involving these things, but I know that when He asks me to use them, I must.

 But still... You may have an idea, but you aren't sure. What if you think you're calling is to preach, but you try and embarrass yourself? What if you think your calling is to sing, but you sound like you have a frog in your throat?

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. ~ Ecclesiastes 9:10

 I suggest praying. Even if you've prayed a million times, pray for peace about whatever you need to do, and pray that God's will be done.  

I can be a hard to thing to give in, and let God's will happen, but this is an incremental part to answering The Calling. 

 I still don't know entirely what The Calling is for me. I pray, and may feel certain about some areas, but still confused about others. But I want to tell you something. 

 You are called. Yes, you! There is a Calling that you don't have to wait to receive. There is a Calling every child of God has as part of their responsibility. The Calling is the most important part of being a Christian. The Calling defines us. 

  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ~ Matt. 28:19

 This Calling is not given to a specific person. This command was given to all who were present at the ascension of Christ, and carries over to every Child of the King. So when you feel discouraged, still praying for The Calling, remember that you are called for something great. You are called to be ambassadors of Christ, bringing the good news of Jesus to all in the world. There is your adventure and great exploits. There is the meaning and weight of words. The Calling is so important for the souls of all. 

 Will you accept The Call?

Monday Scripture Encouragement

 I've decided to post an encouraging scripture every once in awhile. I can give you all the advice I can think of, but all of it boils down to God's word, and sometimes that can explain it better than anything. I encourage you to meditate on this scripture, and think about how it might apply to your life. God bless!

 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

Philippians 4:8

 Think about the things that go into our life. Are they edifying to us in anyway? 

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Hello everyone, let me first say how excited I am to be writing for A Pinch of Classy.  I’m Sierra Kay (or just Sierra if you wish) and I am the seventeen-year-old homeschooled daughter of a pastor, eldest of three girls, an avid reader of classics, aspiring author, amateur musician, and an addicted horseback rider. Well, that just about sums me up in one long run on sentence. 

                                           

Since this is my first post I want to go ahead and talk about modesty. I don’t want to talk about what modesty is, but instead why we find modesty to be so important. Just what is this ‘why’ about?  That’s exactly what I’m going to tell you.    

   With each new generation modesty seems to become even more and more rare.  I've even found that the older I get the more people question my choices of dress, friends, and actions. They always seem to be asking me why. 

“Why, do you dress like that?”…”do your parents make you?”…”why don’t you act like other teens?”…”are you some kind of religious nut?”…and on it goes. You’ve all been there right? If not, one day you probably will be.  

See, in our day and age modestly sticks out among the low cut shirts, short dresses, and sagging pants. People seem to take notice of the girls who wear tasteful clothing. Clothing that doesn't seem to show every inch of their body as possible. They take notice of the clean cut boys who understand what a belt was originally designed for. Our actions are often compared to the majority of teens in America who party and spend their time involved in endless high school drama. Now, some of people will look at these young adults who aren't conforming to the world and think ‘these are respectful, conservative, trust worth kids’ whereas others will look and say ‘how old fashioned and backwards!’  

  Now you might be asking where this is all going. What does this have to do with the ‘why’? 

You see, because of the fact that modesty in dress, actions, and words have become so rare in America they’re noticed more than immodesty.  Sad isn't it? However, this can be used as a way to reach people. Others are curious about why we don’t just go with the flow.  This is the reason we should ask ourselves why. Is it only because its what our parents say is right? This isn't a bad thing of course.  I’m thankful every day that my parents have set high standards for me in all aspects of life.  Is modesty only important because your pastor, religion, or Christianity says so? Once again this isn't a bad thing. Christians should challenge others to me modest.  But should either of these be your foundation for modesty?  If you think the answer is no then good thinking!

Your ‘why’ should be that you are a beloved daughter or son of the King of Kings! Jesus Christ died and shed his blood on the cross for our sins.  So shouldn't we strive to honor and glorify Him in everything that we do? 

In John 14:15 it says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” 

Isn't modesty a commandment? 

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” –I Timothy 2:9 

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” –I Corinthians 6: 19-20 

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” – I Peter 3: 3-4 

These are all verses which talk about Jesus Christ being your ‘why’.  As daughters of the King we are supposed to be a mirror image.  In Christ Jesus we are made a new man.  So should you only be modest to please others or to praise the God who has fearfully and wonderfully made you? Ask yourself these questions and answer them honestly. That way the next time someone asks you the ‘why’ question you will have an answer that will show them the awesome power of Jesus.
 

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”  - Psalms 139:14

 

The Twisted Billboard

Not too long ago, I saw several billboards going up in my area.  I never found out who put them there, but they read, "If my people will humble themselves and pray, then I will heal their land.- 2 Chronicles 7:14"  Every time I drive by this representation of what the Christian church in America is today I am reminded once again why I want no part in it and why I don't like to call myself a Christian.  You may be a bit confused right now.  Perhaps this will help clear things up...

This is what 2 Chronicles 7:14 actually says: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Enlightened yet?  Maybe this will help....

"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."-Revelation 22:18-19

If God is that serious about changing the words in the book of Revelation...would He not be just as serious about the rest of His Word?  And if He is that serious about the whole of Scripture, how DARE we quote a verse for a whole city to see and leave out the key point?  How DARE we lie about what the almighty God has declared?

This is the way the church has gone.  Our pastors don't preach the truth anymore.  It's their job to tickle our ears, keep us happy.  Tell us just enough things to change that we can pretend we've been convicted, but never actually do anything about it.  They teach a false Gospel that involves nothing more than saying a few words and being "in church" the rest of your life.  You can live however you want because you have "freedom in Christ" and He understands and will never forsake you.  

Christians don't know who Christ is anymore.  They think that Christianity is just another religion (only it's the right one and we don't like people who disagree with us) and you know what?  They are right.  Christianity has nothing to do with Christ and everything to do with making people think that they're safe because they go to church and know all the right answers.

I don't have any idea who put that billboard up or what they were thinking.  But the way they twisted that verse around puts words in God's mouth that were never there.  He never said that all men had to do was be humble and pray and their land would be healed.  No, He said that if men would "humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways" that then and only then would He heal their land.  

Are there still Christians left in the Christian church?  I believe yes, that there are a few left who are faithful.  But the church as a whole is not only lost, but MORE lost than those who do not claim the name of Christ.  I am standing here to speak a warning to the church in the U.S.  Persecution is coming.  It will not come the way many of us think that it will.  No one will say that people are being persecuted for being a Christian.  Christianity will probably always be legal in this country.  No, they will throw in jail those who speak against evil and they will call it "hate speech".  They will secretly put to death those "terrorists" who refuse to obey their laws because it violates the law of God.  

May you be one of those who refuses to compromise.  May you never deny Christ by your actions as you proclaim Him with your mouth.  

"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."-Revelation 3:16-22