Are You a Doer?

Here we are -- Part III of BE

Yes, Ladies, we have arrived to the final entry for B

First let's take a quick look at what we've talked about:
1. Beware
2. Be not wise in your own eyes
3. Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving...
4. Be careful for nothing
5. Be sober (not given over to emotions)
6. Be thankful

And today, we'll talk about:

7. Be ye doers of the word
8. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS might

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So -- Are YOU a doer of the WORD?

Look at the word 'DO' - it is an ACTION word.

The word of God admonishes us in James 1:22

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

We learned in Part I of B - that the LORD has given us, by his grace, the very manual we need to live our everyday life. The WORD of God...the very practical and applicable answer/instruction of life.

I'm going to assume, that you READ your Bible everyday. I do.

Let me ask you this: is what you read a nice motivational book to cause you to say "Awww, that was special/interesting." Or when you read the WORD of God, does it daily revolutionize the way that you think about a matter, and cause you to be challenged to walk closer and closer with your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?

What do you DO about what you've read?

3 Key Points

A: John 15:5 (Jesus speaking) "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

B: Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things, through Christ, which strengthens me."

C: James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not; to him it is sin."

Strong - Effective - Challenging words -- these verses strike right to my heart. I want do be a doer of the word and not just a hearer. I want to please the LORD as I know YOU DO TOO.

I will not give you my opinion on these verses. God says it best :)

Be Encouraged!

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I DO, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 3:13-14

#8 Be Strong in the LORD

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD and in the power of His might."

Ephesians 6:10

In all of our DOing, we can be assured that it is God who provides the strength to walk with HIM, we must plainly take the first step and obey.

until next time,
~Cristina

A Hive of Busy Bees

Hello! and welcome to today's post!

It's time we continue with the B's -- Be Careful for Nothing, Be Sober, Be Thankful --

But before we begin, I'm smiling because I just remembered  a book I read to our children when they were much smaller. It was "A Hive of Busy Bees"...a wonderful children's book teaching on the same sort of topics we are talking about today ---

How the LORD, in His mercy, shows us plainly in His Word-- how to be and how not to be...

---

#4 --  Be Careful for NOTHING....

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

I'd like to point out a couple of things about this verse. (One of my favorite daily reminders)

point A:  The verse begins as a command.  Did you notice that it is not a question, nor a suggestion, but rather a directive.  Interesting.

point B: the word careful:  to be full of cares
What does the Lord Jesus say to us about the cares of this world and cares in general?

"Casting ALL your care upon him; for he careth for you"  I Peter  5:7

"Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on...which one of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?...consider the lilies of the field...." Matthew 6:25-34

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God , and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."  II Corinthians 10:5

Our Lord and Savior, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, will TAKE CARE OF IT -- IF we would let go and obey.

 I am amazed at how many times in my life, I get anxious; all because I have chosen to think about the situation on my own and not rely on the all powerful God. 
I'd like to say again that Philippians 4:6-8 is my favorite daily reminder that God has promised to take all my cares, and in return, he will give me peace -- that passes all my understanding.

THANK YOU, LORD.

#5 -- Be Sober -
This is talking directly about one's emotions rather than not being drunk with wine. 

To be sober is to be a person NOT given over to emotions or NOT to be ruled by emotions.

 The reminder here -- to us women -- is an urgent message.  The Bible tells us  'to be instant in season and out of season' 'to be ready to give an answer to any one who asks of the hope that is in us'
If we are living by our emotions, we are easily distracted and drawn away into our own world. 

The world of 'me, myself, and my needs...' is the world of emotions...ie, I'm upset at so and so for offending me,  I'm scared & worried about the economy, I don't feel like....

We should make a note of how we may react or respond to people and situations. Every moment of the day (Pray without CEASING - I Thess. 5:17) we ask the Lord for His strength and die to self: that we may be ready to give an answer of the hope that is in us....I Peter 3:15

"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked , fall from you own stedfastness. 
But GROW IN GRACE, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and fore ever. Amen." II Peter 3:17-18


#6  --  Be Thankful

"Enter into his gates with THANKSGIVING, and into his courts with praise: be THANKFUL unto him, and bless his name." Psalm 100:4

"And, whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS TO GOD AND THE FATHER BY HIM." Colossians 3:17

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

Being thankful is truly a choice we need to make everyday. Guarding our heart and keeping it from complaining, grumbling, and murmuring (under our breath).

I will leave you with this verse. (Another favorite daily reminder)

"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

Be Encouraged,
~Cristina

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Been a little under the weather...

Sorry, girls, that I have not posted our next lesson, yet.

I've been bothered by a nasty cough for the past 2 weeks.  YUCK.

But to God be the glory, he has healed me and I am getting stronger every day.

I will be posting the next lessons -- Lord willing, we'll get caught up to the letter "E" by the end of the week.

Please note that the podcast feature has been temporarily removed
because of technical difficulties....it will air again soon.


Be Encouraged!  Be Blessed!  and Be a blessing to someone today!

~Cristina

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To every thing there is a season....

and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiates 3:1-8

I am SO looking forward to spring! Winter is winding down and now is the time that farmers and gardeners are preparing and planning for planting time.

The LORD has allowed me to help with the designing and planning of a new project at our church. I am SO pleased that this project will provide an avenue for my children to work along side me and be a blessing to others!

One of the members of the church wants to have a veggie garden (2 acres total) that will be a type of ministry and definitely a blessing to the church folks as well as the local community. This member has not had a garden before and technically neither have I. However, I have spent several years in study of how I would want my own garden/homestead when the LORD provides our own house. So I've done the research and now have the opportunity to share the design and organic gardening information with my friends. But here is what is so great, our church has many farmers and most of the older generation have had gardens. THEY have much wisdom.

As we see it, this is a great way for the older folks to come along side the younger and teach the HOW TO's of gardening, preserving, and all things homestead-like. We are even planning workshops that include all topics of keeping a home: from mending to organization to side by side mom & child training.

Oh yeah, then we will reap the benefits of yummy food! Encouraging one another and sharing the love of Jesus in our community.

One thing about the veggie garden is that we want it to have a very welcoming and peaceful atmosphere and will accomplish that by creating a parklike space. This done by 'companion' gardening. Not only will there be lots of yummy food, but it will also look and smell amazing.

If you have some ideas that you'd like to share about gardening, homesteading, or the like, PLEASE leave a comment.

Ultimately, we'd like the whole process of this garden to be used for training and encouragement to others.

Spring! New beginnings! Even the mercy of the LORD is new EVERY morning!

Today, look for ways that you can be a blessing in someone's day.

Be Encouraged,
~Cristina
aka Bayith

B - is there really a life manual?

Hello Girls!

and welcome to this week's lesson of A Wise Woman's Bible Study
presented by Bayith Treasures

Lesson 2 - B
to BE and not to BE

“B” is its definition: BE

Have you heard the statement,
"if there only was a manual that came when you got married, had children, something to tell us how to get through this thing called: life..."

I know that the Word of God holds the answers to your marriage as well as to everything else in and around your life.

>The Word of God is THAT manual for LIFE!
" Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him." Proverbs 30:5

Bible tells us how to BE and how not to BE.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” -James 1:5

The LORD God Almighty is so very gracious and merciful. He gives us clear direction in every area of life, we just have to ask. These eight areas are just a starting point for us to study and seek the Lord. To ask Him how we are to apply them to our day; that we may diligently and consistently practice.

1. Beware
2. Be not wise in your own eyes
3. Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving...
4. Be careful for nothing
5. Be sober (not given over to emotions)
6. Be thankful
7. Be ye doers of the word
8. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS might

Today, we will study the first 3 B’s:

Many, many times I don’t know how to deal with a situation in my marriage or in my day - from the important to the petty - things which annoy me. I may not understand what’s going on. But God does. Instead of complaining, whining, or running to someone else, I choose to go straight to the Lord God; who made me just for my husband--just like He has made you just for your husband. I go directly to God, the living God, who is merciful and unchanging and wanting to lead me and you in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. I encourage you to do the same. Do you run to God? Will you? Really?

Beware
Our 1st B is BEWARE: I must address this very important issue. An issue, better stated, a problem so prevalent in a woman’s life, especially, a Christian woman’s life, that it cannot go unaddressed.

Question: Do you run to someone else before you go to the Lord or even at the same time to find the answer to your ‘situation’? Who is your closest confidant? The one to whom you ‘tell all’? Husband? Mom? Best girlfriend? Sister? Pastor? Another lady whom you feel is more spiritually mature than you?

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

The point is that so many of us have missed the point of GOD. We all know and can probably quote Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and ….” Right here is where I want to draw you attention. SEEK FIRST – not after you have gone to someone else.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (II Timothy 4:3-4)

Ladies, I beg of you to seek the Lord first in your life, in every single situation, all day long: ‘be instant in season, out of season…” (II Timothy 4:2)

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” –Psalm 118:8

“Thus saith the LORD; cursed be the man that trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm and whose heart departeth from the Lord.” - Jeremiah 17:5

2.BE not wise in your own eyes

As I write this my own heart is cautioned. Take a good look at the following scripture:

"To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another." Titus 3:2-3

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Philippians 2:3-4

We keep ourselves from selfishness and thinking too much of ourselves and less of others when we read and take to heart I Corinthians 13. This is a VERY familiar scripture; but what is sad, is that it is not PRACTICED. Take the time to actually meditate on this and ask the LORD to open your eyes to how you've been treating those around you. Doing all the 'right' things with no love is worthless.

Remember...I John 4:7-8 and 19

"....We love him (God), because he FIRST loved us."

Let's move on to #3 Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving....

In Ephesians 4:32 we read,

"And BE ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

The Lord is tenderhearted toward us, he is merciful to us, he LOVES us. WOW that the God of all creation, the living God -- hath forgiven me! How much more then should I do as he does and walk in that God kind of love.

Remember the account in Matthew 18:21-35 where the fellow owed a large debt and his master decided to forgive that debt completely. Then that fellow went and found another guy that owed him just a small debt and he was cruel - mean - unforgiving and demanded that the small debt be paid and when it wasn't he threw the debtor into prison?....

Do we act that same way when others do or say things to us that are offensive or unkind? Do we hold grudges? Maybe we excuse ourselves by saying, "well, I guess I will forgive, but I won't forget."? WHAT!!!! GOD Himself, forgave you the HUGE Debt that you or even I will not ever be able to pay.

Forgive, dear sisters.
BE YE KIND, dear sisters.
above all Love like God LOVES!

HOMEWORK: 1.Read & STUDY! Matthew 18, I Corinthians 13, I John 4
2.Ask the LORD to open your eyes & heart to see the things that need addressing in your own life.
3.Be eager to obey

Be Encouraged,
~Cristina

A is for Abide in CHRIST

Do you know Jesus? I will assume that those of you reading this post have made that personal decision to believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved. (Acts 16:31)

With that, let's proceed with this journey through the Word of God to answer the age old question, "How then shall I live?"

As a teacher, I look for things that will help my students understand an instruction so that they will be able to APPLY and PRACTICE the lesson as it becomes a part of their life. I don't want an answer regurgitated on a test...I want them to actually use what they learn.

As I sat to write to you, I began to ask the LORD for an effective and clear communication plan. Because God likes order (I Corinthians 14:40), he teaches us in order and for this wise woman's Bible study...Alphabetical Order.

Bayith Treasures: A wise woman's in- depth Bible study
Lesson 1

A is for Abide

A -- the beginning of the alphabet..Yes, you know this, of course. But remember we are coming to the LORD as little children

A -- the letter "a" often adds to the sense of "plus" or "and" to a word. The capital "A" is a pictogram of expansiveness, with it's spreading sidebars. (In Awe of Thy Word, GA Riplinger pg. )

Can you see in your mind's eye the open Arms of the LORD God, outstretched to you?

A flood of scriptures come to mind...In Deuteronomy 33:27 "the eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" Go to Psalms 136:2 "With a strong hand and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth forever." And Remember, Matthew 23:37 "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her brood under her wings."

What comfort! What security! in those everlasting, strong arms of the LORD!

(You find more scriptures and leave us comment....)

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Time for the resources. Now, keep in mind, that the resources I list for you are not mandatory reading. I know there are some who have limited time for further study: whether you have little ones in tow, homeschooling, working, or whatever....I simply am making you aware of them. If there is but one book you are able to own and read AND study...it MUST be your BIBLE!

Resources: Book, Abide in Christ, by Andrew Murray....a study devoted to John 15
Software, www.e-Sword.net ... free Bible software..download KJV Bible, Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary, and many other study helps
website, www.fetchbook.info ... web search for the BEST prices on books (includes eBay, Amazon, etc)
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OK, on to ABIDE ....

Abide defined is to dwell, settle down, to sit
to rest, to continue, to wait for, to sustain.

Proverbs 19:23 "The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil."

Let's look at this illustration to help you understand what it is to Abide.

Think about the difference between grabbing a bite to eat at a fastfood chain and dining at an elegant restaurant where it is required to dress in your best, sit down, and be served a 5 course meal.
Hmmmm, more often than not that fastfood, grab it, on-the-go, I want it now way of living and thinking keeps us from the best that God has for us. Your walk with God must consist of that
TIME with your Abba Father.

But, HOW? I hear you. I've had those thoughts, too. My babies need attending, the phone is ringing, my husband, commitments....HOW?

To read more, email me and I'll send you the PDF Want the audio version? Listen Here.


"You do well to come, you do better to ABIDE" (Abide in Christ, A. Murray, pg. 13)

Be Encouraged, girls!
~Cristina

Grace for Grace....Response to an 'off the record' comment

When our oldest child was about 1-1/12 years old, we were out one evening driving somewhere.  It must have been late because the moon was high in the sky, full and bright.  My husband and I were pointing out the beauty of the moon to which our daughter asked, "Hold it?"  Ahhhh...how cute.  We relish that moment, that memory...the simplicity...the innocence; she didn't know that she couldn't actually hold the moon.  We needed to teach her, to explain distance and size.
    In the same way, when I began teaching our children what was an apple and that apple begins with an 'a '; I did not fault them because they did not know about the nutritional value of apples.  As our children grow, we have the opportunity to share with them additional information about objects, sentiments, and matters of life; to take their knowledge of something to the next level that they might have an understanding and then be able make a practical application to their own life...wisdom.

    The Bible says,  "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5
And  "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom 8:1
    This I say in response to an "off the record" comment made to me by someone who read the previous blogpost, "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God".

    I admit that my understanding of Spanish grammar is elementary.  For that reason I went to God and asked HIM to explain the translation to me. The result was the post that I shared with you.  For me, God fulfilled His promise of giving me an answer....I studied and learned about the fullness of the word WORD.  I, like my children, learn the basic things first:  I learned God is every aspect of WORD, not just a piece of it; I learned that he has given me Jesus as my redeemer, and God has given me His written WORD that I may grow from where I was...I learned something!
 
  I ask you, does that make me stupid because I hadn't pursued further knowledge of the origin of the word 'verbo' in Spanish?  I answer:  A RESOUNDING - NO! 
I know that "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (John 1:1)  COMPLETELY. IN FULL.

 "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." (John 1:16)

Stay with me ......
    I can choose to go deeper with this lesson, with more study of the words WORD and VERBO.  I've been presented with additional information to GROW in my understanding. But that's just it .... to GROW. (I'll share that additional info w/you in just a moment.)
    FIRST, I must stand and rebuke as well as reject, the spirit of condemnation.  I will not accept being made to feel stupid because the size of my understanding was not as tall as someone else's. 

I thank God for James 1:5...and especially dear to me is the phrase, "...and upbraideth not..." Allow me to interject here --HALLELUIA!   What does upbraideth mean? 

Upbraideth:  To charge with something wrong or disgraceful; to reproach; To reprove with severity

The Bible says, "But grow in grace and in the knowledege of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. AMEN" (II Peter 3:18)

Growing is just that. Growing.  There is no speed required.  There is no condemnation because I don't grow as fast as you or even because I am not learning the same lesson. Plainly, I am SO excited about the lessons that I am learning, I've just got to share them with you. 

I close this post with this:  Here's what I've learned from this
1.  To walk in love..not to take offense and be quick to forgive
2.  To stand on the Word of God
3.  To not receive condemnation from others
4.  To grow deeper in God each and every day
5.  To not look upon others with disdain because they are not where I am. But to show mercy
     just as God has shown mercy to me.

Maybe, you've already learned this lesson.  Maybe, you need a little reminder or nudge.
Or, just maybe, it's new to you as well.....

Be Encouraged
and I add....Be a blessing to someone today!

~Cristina
aka Bayith

(Since this is a long post, you'll have to come back again to find out the additional information about WORD and VERBO.....)

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