1.Be with Christ.

2. Pray as you can not as you want. 


3. Have a keepable rule of prayer that you do by discipline.


Say the Lord’s Prayer several times a day.


Have a short prayer that you constantly repeat when your mind is not occupied with other things.


Eat good foods in moderation.


8. Keep the Church’s fasting rules.


9. Spend some time in silence every day.
10. Do acts of mercy in secret.


11. Go to liturgical services regularly


12. Go to confession and communion regularly.


13. Do not engage intrusive thoughts and feelings. Cut them off at the start.


14. Reveal all your thoughts and feelings regularly to a trusted person.


15. Read the scriptures regularly.


16. Read good books a little at a time.


17. Cultivate communion with the saints.
18. Be an ordinary person.


19. Be polite with everyone.


20. Maintain cleanliness and order in your home.


21. Have a healthy, wholesome hobby.
22. Exercise regularly.


23. Live a day, and a part of a day, at a time.


24. Be totally honest, first of all, with yourself.
25. Be faithful in little things.


26. Do your work, and then forget it.


27. Do the most difficult and painful things first.


28. Face reality.


29. Be grateful in all things.


30. Be cheefull.


31. Be simple, hidden, quiet and small.
32. Never bring attention to yourself.


33. Listen when people talk to you.


34. Be awake and be attentive.


35. Think and talk about things no more than necessary.


36. When we speak, speak simply, clearly, firmly and directly.


37. Flee imagination, analysis, figuring things out.


38. Don’t complain, mumble, murmur or whine.


39. Don’t compare yourself with anyone.
40. Don’t seek or expect praise or pity from anyone.


41. Don’t judge anyone for anything.


42. Don’t try to convince anyone of anything.


43. Be defined and bound by God alone.
44. Accept criticism gratefully but test it critically.


45. Give advice to others only when asked or obligated to do so.


47. Be merciful with yourself and with others.


48. Focus exclusively on God and light, not on sin and darkness.


49. Endure the trial of yourself and your own faults and sins peacefully, serenely, because you know that God’s mercy is greater than your wretchedness.


50. When you fall, get up immediately and start over.


51. Get help when you need it, without fear and without shame.

Daily Prayer: April 19 2014

Lord Jesus, we implore, now and for the hour of our death, the intercession of the most blessed Virgin Mary, Thy mother, whose holy soul was transpierced, at the lime of Thy Passion, with a sword of grief. Grant this, 0 Saviour of the world, Thou who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost for ever and ever. Amen.

The Cross Was A Choice

The Cross Was A Choice

He didn’t have to do it. Whatever you read or listen to or think about on this Good Friday pertaining to the cross of our Lord, keep this in the forefront of your mind - He didn’t have to do it. As you enter into this day and your heart scrambles to deal with the emotions of remembering those awful hours of pain and darkness, make sure you remember this one outrageous fact - the cross was not a given. It was not inevitable. He could have said no and yet, He said yes.

I’m not saying there was any other way for us to be saved. The cross was our only hope. The Son of God paying for our wrong was the only way we could be forgiven. It was the only plan that could or would work, but it was not forced upon Him. It was not fate. It was not the cleverness of His enemies. It was not a trap. His hand was not forced. He could have stopped the motion of those dreadful wheels at any point and He didn’t, which means the cross was His choice.

He chose to go. He decided to endure the pain. He allowed Himself to be humiliated. He intended for this to happen. I guess you could say He wanted it. Yes, He did ask for this cup to pass from Him. He did ask the Father for another way, but when no other way could be found, He chose it, which means that however badly He did not want this, there was something in doing it that He wanted more. As F.B. Meyer said, “Whilst there was much that cried, “Back!” there was more that cried, “On!”

As you go through this Good Friday, remember Him and the cross He chose. Remember that He willingly endured everything for the joy set before Him. What could that joy be, if not His love for you? It was love. He didn’t have to do it, but He loved you and me. Every believer in Jesus can rightly say along with the Apostle Paul, “He loved me and gave Himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20

I am Christian

I am Christian

When I say that ‘I am a Christian,’ I am not shouting that ‘I am clean living.’ I’m whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'


When I say  ‘I am a Christian,’ I don’t speak of this with pride. I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. 



When I say  ‘I am a Christian,’ I am not trying to be strong. I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on. 



When I say  ‘I am a Christian,’ I am not bragging of success. I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. 


When I say  ‘I am a Christian,’ I am not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it. 


When I say  ‘I am a Christian,’ I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. 



When I say  ‘I am a Christian,’ I’m not holier than thou. I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s good grace somehow. 

Good Friday

Good Friday 

the most difficult day of Passion Week. Christ’s journey turned treacherous and acutely painful in these final hours leading to his death.

According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who had betrayed Jesus, was overcome with remorse and hanged himself early Friday morning.

Meanwhile, before the third hour (9 a.m.), Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple unlawful trials, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion, one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods of capital punishment.

Before Christ was led away, soldiers spit on him, tormented and mocked him, and pierced him with a crown of thorns. Then Jesus carried his own cross to Calvary where, again, he was mocked and insulted as Roman soldiers nailed him to the wooden cross.

Jesus spoke seven final statements from the cross. His first words were, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, NIV). His last were, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46, NIV)

Then, about the ninth hour (3 p.m.), Jesus breathed his last and died.

By 6 p.m. Friday evening, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus’ body down from the cross and lay it in a tomb.

Today's Prayer: April 18 2014

Dear Lord Jesus,

You reign over all. You reign over all negativity, all anxiety, fear, pain and strife. You are the first and the last. The beginning and the end. I ask for your absolute love to overcome all things. Take away all social anxiety, break every chain of insecurity and hope in You. Make all things new and fill them with the Holy Spirit. Remove all that is not from You. Give them joy like nothing they’ve ever known. Help them to keep growing in their faith and trusting You always. In your mighty name, Amen

Praise The Lord!

Praise The Lord!!

Praise the Lord ! 
I will thank the Lord with all my heart 
as I meet with his godly people. 
How amazing are the deeds of the Lord ! 
All who delight in him should ponder them. 
Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. 
His righteousness never fails. 
He causes us to remember his wonderful works. 
How gracious and merciful is our Lord!
All he does is just and good, 
and all his commandments are trustworthy. 
They are forever true, 
to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. 
He has paid a full ransom for his people. 
He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. 
What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has! 
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. 
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. 
Praise the Lord ! 
How joyful are those who fear the Lord 
and delight in obeying his commands. 
Their children will be successful everywhere; 
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. 
They themselves will be wealthy, 
and their good deeds will last forever. 
Light shines in the darkness for the godly. 
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. 
Praise the Lord ! 
Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord . 
Praise the name of the Lord !
Blessed be the name of the Lord 
now and forever. 
Everywhere – from east to west – 
praise the name of the Lord .
For the Lord is high above the nations; 
his glory is higher than the heavens!

(Psalm 111: 1-4, 7-10
112: 1-4
113: 1-4)

What on Earth Am I Here For? Purpose Driven Life By: Rick Warren Book Review

The Purpose Driven Life is a devotional book, and with over 30 million copies sold, it's become quite popular. So what's all the fuss about? Well, the book offers readers a 40-day personal spiritual journey, and presents what the author says are God's five purposes for human life on Earth. They are:

1 You were planned for God's pleasure
2 You were formed for God's family
3 You were created to become like Christ
4 You were shaped for serving God
5 You were made for a mission

What you're suppose to do with the book is this. It's divided up into 40 brief chapters, and the reader is urged to read but one chapter a day so you can take time to think about it's implications for your life. Therefore, you really start finding yourself interacting with the book, and not just merely "reading" it. To that end, each chapter finishes with points to ponder, a verse to remember, and a question to consider.

All-in-all I found this to be a pretty thought provoking and inspiring book. The chapters are short, which I greatly appreciated due to my busy daily schedule. Additionally, I found the author's writing style easy going, which makes the book an overall enjoyable read. So if you're looking for a good book to help guide you along your spiritual journey, or a "workbook" to help you answer some of life's most important questions, I can definitely recommend you check it out. 

Today's Prayer: April 17 2014

Father I am grateful for today, grateful for my life, and grateful for all that You have given me. I’m grateful for my family and friends, my experiences, and the lessons that I have learned.

Father the hardest thing to do is rejoice, pray, and give thanks always and for every situation, because in my weakness I am often times blinded by how something painful can also be a blessing, and necessary for my growth.

Lord I pray to You to help me. Mold me Lord. Help me to accept pain, ‘death’, and disappointment and see the reality that through You there is no pain, death, or disappointment. Help me to see that change, when not embraced, is painful, and that my best experiences will come when I openly embrace all change while praising Your Holy Name. 

Help me to see the opportunities and amazing lessons each day and in every situation. I humbly pray to You in Jesus’ name, as a believer in Christ. 

Amen.

Today's Prayer: April 16 2014

Dear God, I am praying for those hurting and in need because of illness, loss of a loved one, unemployed, loneliness, in need of answers, or in need of comfort. Please wrap your loving arms around them and give them peace. Amen

Gods love can't be explained only experienced.

Gods love can't be explained only experienced.

One time I was cornered. I was caught off guard one time. I tried to explain my religion and God. I forgot to say the right things but seeing this is really something. Yes, I cant quite verbalize everything about God and how He changed me and how He is my Father now and all but it can be made through experience. Lots of prayers. Lots and lots for them to experience too, the awesome love of God.

Mistakes

When we make mistakes in life, there are three main things that we need to do. Firstly, ask for forgiveness. Secondly, receive God’s mercy. And thirdly, move forward with your life. Let it go and move ahead.

So many people today are still beating themselves down over something they did five years ago. They’ve asked God to forgive them a thousand times, but can’t let it go. They go around living depressed, defeated and feeling unworthy. If that’s you, realize today the price has already been paid. The first time you asked God to forgive you, He forgave you. Now you’ve got to receive God’s mercy and press ahead.

You may have made mistakes today, but because of the blood of Jesus, you are still your Father’s child. You are still the apple of God’s eye. You are still His most prized possession. God may not be pleased with every action, but He is pleased when you receive His forgiveness by faith. 

Don't Stop Stay Positive

Don’t stop at the halfway mark just because times are tough. Don’t quit because you don’t see anything happening. The scripture tells us not to walk by sight, but to walk by faith. 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Roman 8:18 

A Prayer for Today April 15 2014

Heavenly Father, today I choose to stand strong in You. I set my focus on Your promises and choose to run my race with conviction. I let go of the past by faith today and press forward into the destiny You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

The Bible

The Bible  contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

 

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions immutable.

 

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

 

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

 

It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter.

 

Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

 

Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.

 

It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet.

 

Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully.

 

It is a mine of wealth, a Paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

 

It is given to you in life, will be open in the judgment, and be remembered forever.

 

It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy precepts.

Atheist vs. Christians

An Atheist’s View On Life

 

I will live my life according to these beliefs

God does not exist

It is just foolish to think

That there is a God with a cosmic plan

That an all-powerful God brings purpose to the pain and suffering in the world

It’s a comforting thought however

Is only wishful...thinking

People can do as they please without eternal consequences

The idea that

 I am deserving of Hell

Because of sin

Is a lie meant to make me a slave to those in power

The more you have the happier you will be

Our existence has no grand meaning or purpose

In a world with no God

There is freedom to be who I want to be

But with God

Everything is fine

It is ridiculous to think

I am lost and in need of saving.

A Christians view on Life (read bottom to top) 

Prayer

Father,

As our minds attempt to comprehend the unthinkable,

we grasp for straws of understanding.

As our hearts ache with sorrow and heaviness,

we droop from the weight of burdens.

As our spirits argue with the dark meaningless of the world,

we beg for the light only You can shed.

And as our souls search for answers,

we reach for your Divine hand of healing and comfort through the peace only You can provide.

Amen.

Why I Support Gay Marriage?

It is clear that sleeping with the same sex is a sin.

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination. Leviticus 18:22

Most Christians use this to discriminate against gay people they pick and choose what they want out of the bible to get what they personally want. I do not discriminate against gay people and don't think anyone should because of Matthew 7. 

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." 

I am not God I have no right to judge or hold someone's sins against them. I have no right to punish someone by not letting them get married because I believe it's a sin. Only God has that right. 

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 

 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Galatians 5:14

I hear a lot of Christians say, "I am against gay marriage, because I think homosexuality is a sin.  But I still have gay friends," or "I believe that marriage is between a man and woman, but that doesn't mean I hate gay people.  Hate the sin, love the sinner."

Characteristics of a Godly Woman

• She handles herself gracefully- Proverbs 11:16
• She loves and embraces children- Psalm 113:9
• She speaks with wisdom- Proverbs 31:26
• She has discretion- Proverbs 11:22
• She is able to be fully trusted by her husband- Proverbs 31:11
• She joyfully embraces being a woman and abhors feminism- Psalm 113:9
• She can manage her home well- Proverbs 31:27
• She is diligent to accomplish anything entrusted to her care- Proverbs 31:13
• She is firm in her convictions and desires to teach younger women the virtues of godly womanhood through her example and instruction.- Titus 2:4
• She desires for, and encourages men to be leaders in their families, churches and society.-Isaiah 3:12
• She desires to build up and strengthen her home- Proverbs 14:1
• She believes children are a blessing from God, not a burden- Deuteronomy 7:14
• She has a humble spirit- 1 Peter 3:4
• She looks up to, follows, and respects her husband as the leader of the home- 1 Corinthians 14:35
• She has a quiet spirit, and influences others through godly conduct- 1 Peter 3:1-2
• She desires to be a mother of nations, not a leader of nations- Genesis 24:60
• She has a heart to open her home to hospitality and service to others- 1 Tim. 5:10
• She cares for the saints- 1 Timothy 5:10
• She is capable and skilled to clothe her family and decorate her home- Proverbs 31:21-22
• She desires to model the examples of holy women in Scripture- 1 Peter 3:5
• She has skills to prepare meals for her family and bless others through hospitality- Proverbs 31:15
• She is able to teach her children with practical, life instruction- Proverbs 31:1
• She desires to please her husband and do him good all his life- Proverbs 31:12
• She is able to manage a business from her home- Proverbs 31:18
• She can be trusted with wise discretion in spending- Proverbs 31:16
• She cares for the poor and the needy- Proverbs 31:20
• She clothes herself in modesty and good works and does not desire to attract or distract men’s eyes- 1 Peter 3:3-4
• She has a kind and helpful attitude- Proverbs 31:26-27
• She is prudent: intelligent, productive, skillful, wise and has understanding- Proverbs 19:24

A Virtuous Woman serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul. She seeks His will for her life and follows His ways.
A Virtuous Woman respects her husband. She does him good all the days of her life. She is trustworthy and a helpmeet.
A Virtuous Woman teaches her children the ways of her Father in heaven. She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go. (Proverbs 31: 28, Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 22: 6, Deuteronomy 6, Luke 18: 16)

4. Health – A Virtuous Woman cares for her body. She prepares healthy food for her family. (Proverbs 31: 14 – 15, Proverbs 31: 17, 1 Corinthians 6: 19, Genesis 1: 29, Daniel 1, Leviticus 11)

5. Service - A Virtuous Woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable. (Proverbs 31: 12, Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20, 1 Corinthians 13: 13)

6. Finances - A Virtuous Woman seeks her husband’s approval before making purchases and spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs. (Proverbs 31: 14, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 18, 1 Timothy 6: 10, Ephesians 5: 23, Deuteronomy 14: 22, Numbers 18: 26)

7.  Industry – A Virtuous Woman works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 24, Proverbs 31: 31, Philippians 2: 14)

8. Homemaking – A Virtuous Woman is a homemaker. She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her. (Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20 – 22, Proverbs 31: 27, Titus 2: 5, 1 Peter 4: 9, Hebrews 13: 2)

9. Time - A Virtuous Woman uses her time wisely. She works diligently to complete her daily tasks. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 19, Proverbs 31: 27, Ecclesiastes 3, Proverbs 16: 9, Philippians 4:8 )

10. Beauty – A Virtuous Woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones. (Proverbs 31: 10Proverbs 31: 21 – 22, Proverbs 31: 24 -25, Isaiah 61: 10, 1 Timothy 2: 9, 1 Peter 3: 1 – 6)

What on Earth am I Here For? Rick Warren

Modesty Workout

I love how C. J. Mahaney describes immodesty: “Immodesty, then, is much more than wearing a short skirt or low-cut top; it’s the act of drawing undue attention to yourself. It’s pride, on display by what you wear."  

#1 Put your arms straight in the air. Is your mid-drift showing? 
#2 Touch your head. Can you see your armpits?
#3 Touch your shoulders. Did a button pop? Can you see your bra through your shirt?
#4 Touch your knees. Can you see down your shirt?
#5 Touch your toes. Can you see the bottom half of your butt?
#6 Sit on a chair. Are your knees showing?

If you answer yes to any of these six questions change and repeat!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Timothy 2:9 

Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,

1 Timothy 2:9-10

Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

1 Peter 3:3-4 

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

Proverbs 31:30 

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.