My Molding Page

2009-03-04T18:14:00.003-05:00

Its been a while since I have been in a consistent quite time. I stopped 1 John to study something else to prepare for a devotion that I recently gave. Ever since than my quite has been suffering. I need to get back into the Word of God. I am being foolish and I am not gaining any wisdom. God gave my his life and I tend to be so selfish with mine. I have been convicted of my quite time for a long time. I have the hardest time establishing this habit. This is probably my greatest sin that I need to deal with. Please keep me in prayer as I continue to fight this horrible sin.

As for now, I am going to start reading the book of Daniel. Today I will read Daniel 1 & 2. I am going to read and study though this book. I my not blog about it much, because that did take up a lot of time. I enjoyed that time of blogging my quite times so much, but I think that my have been a hindrance on my quite time because I am tiring to juggle all the home management duties at once.

As for home management, I am going to start reading Becoming a Woman who Pleases God by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock. In about a weak. A few of my other friends want to read it at the same time, so I am waiting for them to get their books.

Quite-Time Plans (Also posted on A note From Carrie)

2009-01-20T08:08:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone. I am going through the book of 1 John in my quite time and I am enjoying it so much. I have read through this book before, but I have never got as much as I am getting out of it this time as I am studying out each verse. God must have a lot to teach me! I have been convicted of many sins in my life. Mostly in the order of time management and how selfish I can be with it.

I have decided that once I am finished with 1 John I am going to read through another book of the Bible and read through the book, Becoming a Woman who Pleases God, by Pat Ennis & Lisa Tatlock. I think it will help me a lot in planning my time as well as many other areas that I need to develop into godly habits.

My friend Heather has recently gone through this book with a Womens Bible Study that she leads. I planned on going through it with them, however with my crazy summer and sinful nature, I did not.

If you would like to go through this book with me please let me know. I will let you know when I plan to start. Also If you have any suggestion on what book of the Bible I should read through next please suggest. I have not yet decided on this, but I do not want to substitute the Word of God with another book. So I will not read out of the book study without reading the Holy Bible first.

1 John 4 : 1-6

2009-01-20T06:30:00.004-05:00

Daily Reading: 1 John 4

vs. 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Matt. 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Christians must examine any teaching that they hear and make sure it lines up with the scriptures. We must not take teaching as truth without first doing this.

vs. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

1 Cor. 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

The teacher of God will teach the true nature of Jesus. That he was 100% God and 100% human at the same time. Satan will try to distort these fact with false teachers.

vs. 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

There will be many antichrist leading up to the Antichrist. All of them have a false nature.

vs. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit in us that will give us the ability to point out false teaching and antichrist. We need to use this god given ability.

vs. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

The "world" will not hear God like a Christian does.

vs. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

1 Cor. 12-16 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

Christians will hear God. They will hear him more than the world. They will be able to discern a false teacher speaking not of God.

My Reflection: Usually I will go to church and hear a nice sermon that has taught me something and has convicted me of something. I usually do not take the time to study out what the pastor has preached to make sure it lines up with the scripture. I have learned that I need to start doing this. I can't trust everything I hear. I need to make sure everything that I learn and am convicted by lines up with the Word of God. T0o many Christians are not doing this. This leaves room for a lot of false teaching and antichrist.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your word this morning. Thank you for helping me to finish as it was very challenging today. I pray that I would line any teaching I hear up with your word. Help me Lord to discern false teaching. I pray for the false teachers out there Lord that Christians will start seeing them as antichrist and stand against their teaching. Please help us know how to stand against their teaching. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

Todays Quiet-Time

2009-01-19T15:17:00.002-05:00

I am going to read 1 John 4-5 today. I also am going to spend sometime in prayer. If you read this blog and I know about it, I will be praying for you and your quite time also. Have a wonderful day!

1 John 3: 16-24

2009-01-15T08:43:00.007-05:00

Daily Reading: 1 John 3

I woke up way to early today but really didn't have a choice. My puppy and all 3 of my children were awake! So after breakfast I was trying to relax, but I wanted to call Bill to make sure he was safely at work. The roads were really bad today. I could not get a hold of him, but I was not to worried because he is not always able to answer, but he will always call me back. Well a little while later he IM's me and told me he left his phone at home. I had a sigh of relief and I was thankful that he made it to work safely. However, he proceeds to tell me that he lost control on the roads this morning and ended up in front of a semi-truck on the oncoming traffic side. I was shooken up. I know God protected him. He regained control and quickly was able to get back in the right lane. I just really Thank God for keeping him and everyone around him safe. I could not imagine my life with out him. So while I was thanking God this morning, I couldn't help it not to start my quite time. I can't wait to hear what God has for me today!

16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

John 10: 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 15: 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

This is how strong our love for others should be.

vs. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Duet. 15: 7If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:

Love showed be given in all circumstances.

vs. 18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Ezek. 33:31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Claiming to love is not enough.

vs. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

We know we are Gods when we love like he loves us.

vs. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1 Cor. 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

You may question our salvation at times, but if you truly are a Christian, God's love shows you that you stand uncondemed before God.

vs. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Gods love gives Christians confidence in a relationship with him.

vs. 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Ps. 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

vs. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Matt. 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

vs. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Roman 8:9-16 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

My Reflection: God really puts alot into his word about how we need to love. I am afraid that I have not met up to this standard. I thank God that He will never love me less for not loveing just like he does, but I do want to try. I am going to think about my relationships with others today to just think about how strong my love is for them. I am going to pray that God will give me a stronger love for everyone in my life. Also I think it is neat how this chapter went from hate to love. They are the only ways we can feel about people. We need to love all!

Heavenly Father, Thank you God so so so much for keeping Bill safe today. Please help me to remember that every day is a gift from you to proclaim your name and to show love to everyone. Help me not to waste my life in sin. Thank you for your word today. Please help me to obey what I have learned.

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

1 John 3: 11-15

2009-01-13T13:51:00.007-05:00

Daily Reading: 1 John 3

Well, I have taken some time off from blogging, but God has truly blessed me though his word this weekend. I have been given the opportunity to disciple a young girl. I totally had to go out of my comfort zone to do this. But God put this girl on my heart and I am now learning why. I really didn't know a lot about her so I did not know what to expect or what to have prepared to give to her during our first meeting. I studied salvation, sin and a few other topics, but I still didn't know where I was going to go when I met with her. I have felt under qualified ever since God put her on my heart.I knew I had to just leap and to do this. Even though I am not as consistent on my quiet times as I ought to be, God used what I have been learning to share with this girl. I went though 1 John 1 with her, and it was exactly what I believe God wanted her to hear. I am excited about this opportunity. Please keep this in your prayers.

vs. 11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

John:13: 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Love is not an option, but it is a characteristic that a true Christian has.

vs. 12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Gen. 4: 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

Cain was lost. He did not love his brother. Jealousy is what caused him to kill his brother.

vs. 13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

John15: 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

Heb. 11: 36-40 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Jesus promised the world would hate us if we are doing his work.

vs. 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

Our love for others will tell ourselves and others if we are a child of God. Someone who is living in hate, is living in sin and can't be living through Christ.

vs. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Gal. 5:20-21 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

According to God, the attitude of hate is equal to the act of hate.

My Reflection: When I learned that hate is equal to murder to God it really caught my attention. Our sins may seem minor to us. Some people think they are good enough for heaven. As long as they haven't killed any one or robbed anyone right? No. That is what the devil wants us to believe. This is an attack against the gospel. If people really understood the reality of their sins, They would beg for God's forgiveness. However, only God can open their eyes to this. We need to be faithful and showing love to the lost by sharing this with the lost. God can and will use us. Also, if there is anyone that you hate, than you need to stop and show love to them. That is what God would do and he expects Christians to do this to. Heavenly Father, Thank you again for saving me and giving me that assurance. I am so thankful for all that you have done in my life. I pray that I will let you work in my life. I pray that I will show love to everyone. The best love to show them is to share you with them. please give me the boldness to do this. I pray for the young girl that you put in my life. I pray that you will turn her into a godly women. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

1 John 3 : 4-10

2009-01-08T13:33:00.005-05:00

Daily Reading: 1 John 3

vs. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

committeth - habitual practice

Christians love the law are not able to live like there is no law.

vs. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Jesus was sent here to free us from sin. If he has forgiven us than we should not desire to live in sin.

vs. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

Again, this is talking about habitual sin. We will always sin, because we still have our sin nature, but if you are living in sin and are content with it than salvation from God never took place.

vs. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

John told Christians to make sure the people they were learning from had a correct view of Christ. You could see this through their obedience, love, and prayers to Christ. Their lifestyle would also reflect Christ because they will show a path of righteousness.

vs. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

If you habitually practice sin than you are a slander. You hate God. God sent Jesus to die for our sin. We should turn to him and live for him and not the devil. Everyone living for God is helping to destroy the works of the devil.

vs. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

With a Christians new nature, they are not able to habitually live in sin.

vs. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Are you a child of God ? or a child of Satan? You are one or the other.

My Reflection: Wow, God's word is so clear. Yes I hate my sin and wonder why I just can't repent from all of it at this moment, but I hate how my lost family members do not see the scripture like I do. The Bible convicts me and shows me more and more sins in my life. It repeats the gospel over and over. Its not hard to understand! So why doesn't everyone just get saved? Well, God is the reason I can see the scriptures as I do. Only God can open my eyes and make me alive in him. My lost family members are enjoying their life. They are living for satan because satan allows you to love your sin. I pray that God will open their eyes to see the path of sin that they are on and turn away from that to live for God.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your word today. It has been a blessing and very convicting to me to. I pray that you would save my mom and my dad and my other lost family members. Please help me to live a life that reflects you. Help me not to be tempted to sin. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

1 John 3: 1-3

2009-01-07T14:04:00.005-05:00

Daily Reading : 1 John 3

Well, it has really has been a while since my last quite time with my God. I feel ashamed. I feel like I'm not managing my home the way I should. My attitude is not as good as it could be. And I don't feel prepared to do what God has given me to do. I want to Thank every one who has told me about their quite time or has asked me about mine. That really has encouraged me in a convicting kind of way. I can tell you a lot of excuses, but there is only one fact that is true. Sin. No matter how busy or "down" I get, I need to put God first. Other wise it is sin. How can I teach my children godly ways if I'm not in God's word? How can I have a godly attitude if I'm not in Gods word? How can I be prepared for the battlefield if I'm not in God's word? I can't! I need God and I will hear from him through his word. If you read this blog, please pray for me and ask me where my blog is if I skip a day. There may be some days when I take a break from blogging, but I will still try to write a quick note on what I'm going to be reading that day. So now, after a long break, back to 1 John 3!

vs. 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Behold - understand, perceive, be aware

God's salvation to us started with his love for us. Once God has adopted us he gives us part of his nature. We will not be like the "world". The lost do not have a nature with a heavenly origin.

vs. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Beloved- beloved, dear

Yes, once becoming a true Christian we will not be exactly like him. The holy spirit will be working on us here on earth to make us more like him, but we will not be completely transformed into his likeness until Christ return.

3 vs. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Phil. 3:12-14 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 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.

As Christians, we should have a desire to be continually growing in Christ until his return. We should be trying to be like Christ.

My reflection: Sometimes when I am in sin I start to question my salvation. However, I know that I know that I know that I am saved because God always shows me my sin so that I can repent. As Christians, we will have times when we are not growing like we should be. We need to look at how far we have come. As I grow close to God. I see so many more of my sins. This can be discouraging because some times I feel like I'm not making any head way. However, when I think back to a few years ago or even a few years before that, I can see how much God has changed me. Even last moth I felt like I was running up hill, but this month started on a landslide. God has used people and my conscience to show me my sin and I am thankful for that. Heavenly Father, Thank you God, for continuing to work on me. Please help me not to hinder your work. Please help me to be in your Word everyday. Please help my attitude to desire to do right. I pray that I will let you live in me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

Todays Quiet-Time

2008-12-22T16:39:00.002-05:00

As excited as I am to jump into 1 John 3, I am going to wait. Today I am going to read through Luke 1-2. I want to take some time to focus on our saviors birth.

1 John 2: 26-29

2008-12-18T07:20:00.002-05:00

Daily Reading: Psalms 10-12, 1 John 2

Well, I'm up, but I'm not sure if I'm awake. All my boys are also awake. I wish I could have some of their energy! I must say it dose feel good going to bed right right after reading God's word and than waking up to God's word. As I was thinking about my quite time before I crawled out of bed, I knew that I was going to have to stay up. Even though my body is telling me to go back to bed. It is not easy to get up at 6 am for me, but the later I do my quite-time, the harder it is to do. So here I am dark and early!

1John 2

26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

Antichrist will try to deceive you. John wrote this so we may know how to point them.

27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Truth and wisdom dose not come from man. It comes from God. Only a true believer who has the holy spirit living in them will know truth and gain wisdom. If we have truth, than we will be living for God.

John 14: 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Jer. 31: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

vs. 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

We have hope when we are true believer.

1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

vs. 29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

A true believer will show fruit.

Act 22: 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 1 John 3: 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

My reflection: Reading and learning about antichrist is so important. We really need to watch out for antichrist. If we do know of one we need to stay away from their teaching and pray for them. They are dangerous. They are turning people away from God in a sly way. As a child of God, we should show fruit. This is God working through us, not us working on us.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for allowing me to start the day off with you today. I pray that I could meditate on what you have taught me today throughout the day. I thank you for showing me my sins lord so that i can repent from them. Please continue to work on me. Help me not to stop you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

1 John 2 22-25

2008-12-17T20:57:00.002-05:00

Daily Reading: Psalms 7-9, 1 John 2

OK, so its been a while again. Urrrrr.... I get so mad at my self. I am allowing satan to stop me. I have no excuse, even though I had 6 kids this weekend :) Still, that is not an excuse. I was very busy, pretty much non stop. And when I did stop I was tired. However, life is going to be busy. I must put God first. Not everything else. Please pray for me. My priorities are mixed up. And I will be living in sin if I don't change.

In my last blog I studied a little about antichrist. I realized I didn't study enough. Please do not take every thing I write in my blog as truth without studying it out for yourself. In my reflection, I made it sound like all the churches who teach false doctrine are antichrist. I think I may have been wrong. If a church is teaching false doctrine and doesn't realize it or is not trying to be against Christ, than they probably are not antichrist. This is something I really need to study more to get a full correct understanding of it. If you have any thoughts or knowledge about this, please write them in as a comment.

1 John 2

vs. 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

An antichrist denies sound doctrine.

2 John 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

vs. 23Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

You can not believe in the one true God with out believing that Jesus is Gods perfect son and that he is God.

John 15:23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

John 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

vs. 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

We know that we are in Christ when we follow him and there is fruit coming out of us. The gospel will not change. Is is the same as it was from the beginning.

2 John 6-7 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him

vs. 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

John 3: 13-16 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 17: 2-3 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

My Reflection: It is neat how I wanted to learn more about antichrist and than God showed me more. I am excited about having a correct understanding about this. I am happy to say that I know I am not an antichrist. However I do still need to examine myself daily to make sure that I am living for God and not for myself. This is very hard to do. When I really think about this I see so much sin inside of me. I feel filthy. Do I give my all to God? No.

Heavenly Father, Please continue to mold me into who you want me to be. Please help me to give you more and more of myself to you as I see my sin. Help me to repent of my sin. Help me Lord not to sleep in tomorrow, but to get up and spend time with you. I pray that my quite times will get more and more consistent. Thank you lord for everything. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

1 John 2: 18-21

2008-12-11T14:00:00.012-05:00

Daily Reading: Psalms 3-6, 1 John 2

God has laid it on my heart to start adding additional reading to my quite time. I am not going to study out the book of Psalms right now, just read it.

1 John 2

vs. 18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Little Children- all of Gods children

time - hour

Antichrist- The final world leader whom is energized by satan who will oppose Christ.

many antichrists- false teachers who teach false doctrine and distort truth and opposed Christ.

2 Thess 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2 John 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

1 Tim. 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

vs. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

This verse is talking about the endurance of Christianity. True Christians will never completely leave the fellowship. Yes, there may be down times, however, God has saved you and he will never let you go. If a "christian" completely leaves the fellowship. Than God never saved them in the first place. They may have thought it was the thing to do at the time. But it was their choice, not Gods. God must save us, we can't choose to be saved with out him giving us the gift of salvation.

Deut. 13:13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;

Matt. 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

vs. 20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

unction- annointing

"know all things"- The Holy Spirit will help us. False "Christians" do not have the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

vs. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

True Christians want to learn truth. They will not believe lies.

My Reflection: This is really the first time I studied anything about antichrists on my own. This study has clarified the meaning of antichrist to me. I knew it was someone teaching against God, but that's about all. Its amazing to think off all the antichrist in the world today... they are everywhere! Moving to NC and Pa I have heard so many false doctrine preachers while looking for a church. Wow, the Bible says that they are antichrist. That is scary. I some time think that there are more antichrists in the pulpits than real genuine Christian preachers. It really makes me sad. We need to pray. We need churches to line their preachers up with the word of God. We need to first line ourselves up with the word of God. Does the world look at me and see a Christian or an antchrist? I sure hope they see a Christian, but I do need to examine myself daily to make sure I am teaching others truth.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for saving me. Please do not let me fall into any teaching of an antichrist. Please help me to stand against them. Please help me to teach others truth not only through my words, but through my actions. Thank you for saving me and the assurance you have giving me. I know I have the Holy Spirit working in me. Thank you. I love you Lord. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

1 John 2: 15-17

2008-12-10T13:45:00.008-05:00

Daily Reading: 1 John 1 & 2

I guess you can say that I am struggling. Today is just one of those days I don't feel like doing much of anything. I believe God is working in me, but everything is just spinning around me. Right now, I don't see what he is teaching me clearly. I have been praying for God to save my mom and dad. I could not imagine eternity with out them. It breaks my heart that they may not end up in heaven. God has given me many opportunities that I'm thankful for to talk to my mom. Right now I can see God possibly working on her heart. Please be praying for her. I have not talked to my dad about salvation at all. I know I need to. Please pray for me to have the courage to talk to him. Now as I go into my quite time, I'm looking forward to see what God has for me. I know he is going to teach me something!

Lord, I pray for my attitude to be right. I pray that you will help me stick to your word and not my feelings. Help me to be obedient. I pray that you would save my mom and dad. Help me to speek for you to them. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

vs. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

The MacArthur study Bile calls this the love that God hates. This love is talking about a devotion and affection. We cannot have God and the world be our love. We must be devoted to one or the other. God commands us to be devoted to him.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

vs. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

The sin in the world is not of God. If you have a strong desire for evil things, than you are of the world.

Eccl. 5:10-11 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?

vs. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

The things of the world will not last for eternity. The will of God will extend thou eternity.

1 Cor. 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

My Reflection: It is hard not to lust after the things of this world. Even though they will not matter 200 years from now, our sinfulness keeps use thinking of "me" and "now". I love my family so much. I struggle with loving God more than them. I need to, but I often question it. I am glad that God allows me to love my family and that it is his will for me to take care of them. This is an awesome privilege. However it is hard to keep God first. Am I leaving my children with a spiritual inheritance? Are my boys seeing Christ through me. Yes we pray and sing, and tell them how God made everything, but do the see the almighty God that I know? This is my prayer. I know God is working on me and at times I feel so far from this. His word tells us to love him first! And with this we should only love the things that God wants us to. If I can do this I know my children will see God in me.

Heavenly Father, I love you so much. Please help me to love you first in my life. You gave me my children and my husband to love. Thank you. I can't imagine loving them more and I know you love me more than I love them. I am so thankful that my love for them comes from you. Please Lord. I pray that this will be true off all things in life. Help me not to desire what you don't want me to have. Help all my love, desires, and actions only come from you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

Todays Quiet-Time

2008-12-09T22:01:00.003-05:00

I had a really early busy day today. I have not yet taken the time to spend in Gods word. I can't go to bed with out it. Its a great feeling. I want to be in God's word! Thank you God for the encouragement! So tonight I'm going to take a break from 1 John and read and meditate on Psalms 1-3 to see what God has for me. I plan to be back in 1 John tomorrow.

1 John 2: 12-14

2008-12-08T14:07:00.006-05:00

Daily Reading: 1 John 1-2

Well, I stopped doing my quite time blog while I went out of town. I planned on continuing to read my Bible and to start back up with the quite time blog as soon as I got home. However, I failed. I put every thing else before these plans. I'm sad, because I know I missed out on what God had for me. So here I go starting it up again... and I pray that my sinfulness will not take me away from Gods word again.

Lord, Please encourage me with your word today. Please help me to be faithful to you. Please forgive me for neglecting you. Thank you for showing me yourself even in my disobedience. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

vs. 12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

Little Children- offspring of any age.
In this verse John is writing to all Christians of every age.

1 Cor. 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

vs.13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

Fathers, young men, and little children all represent 3 stages of spiritual growth.
Fathers being the most mature. Young men are able to abstain from a lot of sin and know a lot of doctrine, but do not have a deep relationship with the Lord yet. And Little Children are those who are those with just a basic knowledge of God and who need to grow.

"I write" - John's perspective

Romans 8: 15-17 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

vs. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

"I have written"- anticipates the readers perspective when they have received the letter.

Eph. 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

My Reflection: I never really compared my level of spiritual growth with scripture. I have only compared it to other Christians. As I look at this scripture, I am sad to say that I am probably closest to the "little child." However, I am happy God is showing this to me. It does encourage me to grow. I may have a few characteristics of a "young man." But God wants me to be a "father," closely walking with him.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your word today. Thank you for showing me how much I need to grow. I pray that you will not let me stop or slow down Lord. Help to know your doctrine that is in your word so that I can stand firmly. I pray that I will use your word in every circumstance in my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T20:09:00.001-05:00

I will by back to bloging on Tuesday! I'm In NC for Thanksgiving! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

1 John 2: 7-11

2008-11-25T08:50:00.005-05:00

Daily Reading: John 2 & 1 Peter 1

vs. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

1 John 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

The commandment that John is talking about is love.

vs.8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

This verse is again talking about the command to love one another.

Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

If we love one another, than we are obeying God. We are also showing the light of God.

vs. 9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

Hateth- to detest, persecute, to love less

If we are in a lifestyle of hate, than the light of God is not in us. When God saves us he will not allow us to walk in a lifestyle of hate.

vs. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

If we are living in a lifestyle of love, than we are shinning Gods light. We are abiding in him. This will not save you, it will just show the evidence that God saved you. When God saves you, no one can take that away from you.

vs. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

John12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

My Reflection: If you are in a life style of hate, you are also seen to God as a murder. This dose not mean that any one who has ever killed anyone will not go to heaven. This means that if you are in a life style of hate, than you are in a life style of murdering. We all have probably hated someone at some point in our lives. Dose this mean we can't go to heaven? No... this is evidence of our sin. We need to repent from this sin just like all others and abide in Christ. If you are a Christian and you are living a lifestyle of hate, than you must ask your self if God really did save you. God will not let Christians dwell in their sin and have the joy of God in them. You cannot be walking in the darkness and be walking in the light at the same time. If you don't know witch way you are walking, it is only because you are walking and darkness and it is blinding you.There will be murders in heaven, but only the ones that have repented from their sins and started waking in the light with God. We are all to wicked to ever think about deserving to be in heaven. It is only by the precious blood of Jesus that we can be forgiven of our sins.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for saving me. Thank you for showing me the light to walk in. Please help me not to hate. If anyone shall ever persecute me Lord, please help me not to hate them, but to only show your love to them. Thank you for your Word. Please help me to continue to be in it. Let it teach me how to walk in the light. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

1 John 2: 3-6

2008-11-24T13:44:00.007-05:00

Daily Reading: John 2

vs. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

If we are not seeking to obey God, than we must question our salvation. Salvation dose not come by works by any means, however if the Holy Spirit is in us, we will be trying to obey God.

vs. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

This verse is very bold and clear. If you are not trying to obey God and have no desire to change that, than you are lying to yourself. You probably do not know him. You can not lose your salvation. It is a gift from God. However, you may believe your a Christian when you really never truly gave your life to God.

vs. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

1 John 2:5 clearly tells us that we know God is in us, when we know he is perfecting us. God will help us be in his Word and obeying him. If you have given your life to Christ, you will want God to be working on you.

vs. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

John 15: 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

1 Peter2: 21 For even here unto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

If we you are a Christian you are putting God's name on every thing you do, every place you go, every thing you say, etc. So therefore every thing we do should be what God would have us to do. This is how we will be abiding in Christ.

1st Cor. 10: 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

My Reflection: Christians everywhere, including myself, most of us have failed. It is not everyday that you meet Christians truly abiding in Christ. Satan is attacking us not to do this. He doesn't want us to show are Heavenly Father to the world. He wants us to hide him under a bush. NO! We can't let him win. I am guilty, I have questioned my salvation many times. I don't know why I can enjoy sin. My faith is weak. I need to trust in God to help me conquer my sin. I need to be in His Word so that I know how to do this.

Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for your Word today. I was tempted to skip it since I had so much to do, however you put it in my mind and I could not shake that. Thank you for working in me. Please Lord help me to abide in you. Please help me only to take you where you would want to be. Help my faith to be stronger. Please keep working on me and help me not to hinder that. Thank you again for your Word, I love you and I praise you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

1 John 2: 1-2

2008-11-22T08:36:00.008-05:00

Daily Reading: 1st John 2

vs. 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Advocate- an intercessor, counsoler, comforter

"My little children" indicates that John was an old man when he wrote this. We are going to sin, but he wrote this to tell us to be continually confessing and repenting from sin so that the Holy Spirit can work in us. When we do sin, Jesus Christ is always with us to be a counselor to us after we confess and repent from our sin.

vs. 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Propitiation- atonement

Hebrews 2: 16-18 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Jesus came to the earth as a man to die for our sins. His blood was sufficient for everyone, however only those who truly believe in him and repent from their sins to live for him will be eternally covered by the blood of Jesus. We came to earth as sinners, we don't even deserve to live here. We all deserve Hell. God loved the world to much for that. He sent his son Jesus so that we could live a life here on earth. Those who God saves here on earth will live with him eternally in heaven.

My Reflection: I love it when God's word amazes me! Why me? Why? God loved me so much to save me from an eternity in Hell. I am so thankful I praise God for this. I still don't understand why he choose me... I am nothing. I just think about giving my sons life for a worm. No way! Could you imagine turning your child into a worm so that they could learn to communicate with the worms and die for them? Even if I knew my son would raise from the dead... there is just no way I could ever do this. It was even more humbling for Jesus. We are closer to being a worm than God.

Heavenly Father, Thank you Lord for sending your son to be the substitute for my sins. You did not have to do this. Your love for me is stronger than anything. Thank you so much. Please help me to do my best on living this precious life to serve you. I should be burning in Hell, but you loved me to much to let me go there. I love you Lord Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

1 John 1: 8-10

2008-11-21T08:27:00.008-05:00

Daily Reading: 1 John 1-2

I have just read my daily reading and I noticed something that really caught my attention. I have had 1 John 1:9 memorized for many years. But today I looked at it and one word really boggled my mind. The word just. It says God is faithful and just to forgive us. Wow, I thought just was the same as fair. Is it fair to God to forgive us? I'm really excited about studying this out today to figure this out. So here it goes!

vs. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
This verse is pretty clear. John was preaching with false teaches in mind. There were/are many false teaches who do not believe that they sin or they need a savior. Teachers or anyone that says they have no sin are lying to themselves. They truly are not a child of God.

vs. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Confess - to acknowledge, assent, and a covenant.

Proverbs 28:13 says He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Faithful- trustworthy, sure, true.

Romans 3: 24-26 says Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Just- equitable, innocent, and holy. (OK, so just dose not mean fair in this verse like I thought.)

Cleanse- to clean, purify.

Psalm 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

So basically, John 1:9 is saying that we must acknowledge and agree that we sin. Forsake sin. And than our true and holy God is able to forgive our sins and to purify us.

vs. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

I am going to share what John MacArther said about this verse... Since God has said that all people are sinners, to deny that fact is to blaspheme God with slander that defames his name.

My Reflection: God made it clear that we are all sinners. If I ever deny one of my sins, I am calling the holy, almighty God a lair. Wow. I really must see all of my sins for what they are. A sin is a sin to God no mater how big or how small I may think it is. Thankfully when you are a true believer of God, he is able to help you see your sin and to forsake them. Because God has purified you, he will not let you live in sin. And if you are living in sin and it dose not bother you, you must question who you are walking with. Lost peole are able to admit that thier not perfect, they may even admit to being a sinner. Its more than just admiting... you must forsake your sin. You will always be a sinner here on earth, however a gunuine christian will only experiance the true joy of God when they are forsaking sin. Also, when a lost person see a christian forsaking sin, they will see God in you. God is awesome! He is able to use us to show him self to others! He is able to forgive our sins... all of them! He allows us to walk with him so that he can help us forsake are sin!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for showing me my sins. Thank you for allowing me to walk with you so that you can continually help me forsake my sins. You are awesome. Please continue to show me my sins and please help me to forsake them. It is so tempting to let the "little ones" slide, but please help me not to do this. I pray for all my lost family and friends. I pray that you would use me to help share the gospel with them. Use my actions, my words, and my lifestyle. help them to see your work within me and your Holy Spirit living inside of me. Thank you God. Amen

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

1 John 1: 5-7

2008-11-20T08:00:00.004-05:00

Daily Reading: 1st John 1 & 2

Yesterday after my quite time with God, I felt great! But only for about a 1/2 hour. Then I started feeling sleepy, so I took a shower to try to fight it. But after that I not only still felt sleepy but I also started feeling like I was getting sick. Then I just felt unmotivated to do any thing but sleep. However with 3 children running around, thankfully I was not able to just sleep.

Its kind of a good and bad feeling at the same time. I feel God working on a revival in my heart, I really do! I love how excited I have been getting about spending time with him, sharing the gospel to the lost, and encouraging other christian to get excited about the same. I also been thinking a lot about when I first came to know Christ and how excited I was than. I remember being worried about things, but than I would just pray to God and the worry was completely lifted of of my shoulder. Even though I did not know a lot about the Bible, my faith then felt so strong. I want to have that faith with God again!

Now for the bad feeling... As strong as I have been feeling God working a revival within me, I have felt satan working on me almost just as strong. No wonder It is so hard to stay committed to reading my Bible and praying as much as I should. I have been letting satan win. Feeling tired, sick, lazy, unmotivated.... wow sounds like satan to me. However this is not an excuse. God is stronger than satan. The battle is Gods and with him in me, we can win! I can do all things through Christ because he will give me strengh! So get out of the way satan... God is working on me and he is not going to let you get in the way!

Now back to the Bible Study :)

vs. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

This message that John is telling us in here came from God. John is the messenger. God is light- Holy, perfect, no sin at all. God has no darkness- sin, unrighteousness.

vs. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

We are never going to be perfect here on earth. We will never be light like God is, however we need to be walking in the light. If you are walking in darkness, than you are practicing sin. You should never be in a habit of sin. Once God shows you your sin, you need to repent from it or you will be walking in darkness.

vs. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If you are walking in the light, than you have given your life to Christ and you are now living for him. You are in communion with God. God will be continually cleansing you from your sin. God sent his Son, Jesus Christ to die for you. His blood cleanses you if you are walking with God.

My Reflection: I am so glad I studied these verses out. I read through this book over the past couple of weeks and I was a little confused. I know I am a sinner and I know I can never be perfect here on earth. I thought that every time I was in sin that I was walking in darkness. So I kept wondering how can I possible walk in the light when I am not perfect? Now I understand it. Walking in darkness is a habit or practice of sin. I have to admit, I still feel like I'm walking in darkness sometimes. However, God is changing me. He is cleansing me. He Saved me and now he is going to keep working on me. I hate my sin and I want God to change it. I need to walk with God so that I am not walking with satan. Its one or the other, no in between. I am still going to sin even as I am walking in the light. I am not the light, I'm just walking in the light who is God.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you God for being my light. Thank you for the cleansing you have done in me and the cleansing that you are going to continue to do in me. Please help me to resist the devil like oil and water. Please keep me on your path of light. I pray today as I go on with my day that you will not let me feel tired, sick, lazy, or unmotivated. And if I am tempted to feel any of this, please help me to resist and to stay walking with you. I love you Lord and I thank you so much for your word. I pray that you will help me be just as excited to be in it tomorrow. I also pray that you will help me to be thinking about what I have learned all day today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

1 John 1: 1-4

2008-11-19T06:29:00.005-05:00

In case you want to join me... I'm going to start reading through several verses in 1st John while only focusing and studying out a few each day. Today I read through 1 John 1.

The Book of 1st John is believed to be written by John. It is a letter to Christians also known as an epistle. John knew Jesus personalty. He loved God and had close fellowship with him.

vs. 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

This verse is clearly talking about Jesus. Jesus is the Word. We have seen the word. Why is it important for me to read and study my Bible? Because it is Jesus(God) talking to me! The Word of life is talking about Jesus and the gospel. Jesus is the gospel.

vs.2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

Again this is talking about Jesus. Manifested- to appear, shew, and declare. Jesus Christ came here to show us eternal life and to give it to us. John was close to Jesus here on earth. Although John was probably much older at this point, he remembered him clearly.

vs. 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

The gospel is important to hear and to proclaim. No one can have fellowship with God or other true believers without being a true believer themselves. Fellowship- partnership or communion.
It is important to have fellowship with other believers, but most important to have fellowship with God and Jesus Christ.

vs. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

John wrote this book so that we can know how to have fellowship with God and have eternal life. This is the only way to truly be full of joy.

My Reflection: I wonder sometimes why I am not always full of joy. I know Jesus Christ is my savior and I can feel him working in me even when I'm not being obedient to him. But as I'm typing this I see the answer clearly. When I am not being obedient to him... my joy will not be full. Why would God give me joy when I am in sin? God and sin.... they cannot be together. Although my sin will not keep God from me, God will convict of my sin and will not give me joy through my sin. I do have joy in Christ, however I know it is not as strong as it could be.

Heavenly Father,
I thank you for showing me my sin and convicting me of it. Lord, please help me to repent so that my fellowship with you can be stronger. I thank you for your Word today, I pray that I will continue to spend time with you. I know it is just sin keeping me from spending time with you, because it is such a blessing to me to have this time with you. I love you God and I thank you for your Word. Amen

The study material I used were the King James Bible, Strong's Concordance, and The MacArthur Study Bible.

God will mold me!

2008-11-18T13:55:00.001-05:00

I have created this blog to help me spend time with my Heavenly Father. I have the desire to have a close relationship with him, but to often I put everything else before him. God has been convicting me of this sin and I am going to repent, but only by the grace of God. If you read this blog, please help me by keeping me accountable, suggesting scripture for me to read, and please pray for me. I pray that God will use the time I spend with him to glorify him. I am going to record thoughts, prayer, convictions, and anything else the Lord may lead me to on this blog.

Heavenly Father,
I praise you for who you are. Please Lord, help me to be who you want me to be. Lord I am only clay that can't do anything. Please mold me into exactly what you want me to be. Help me not to ignore you. Help to be in your word everyday. Help me to be speaking to you all day. Help me to thinking about you every moment. I pray that you will use me to proclaim you name. I pray that you will help me to be bold when I need to be. Help me never to be ashamed of you. Please use this blog to help me stay accountable to you. I pray that you would use it to help me see how you are molding me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen