White As Snow

"Come now, let us reason together' says the Lord 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.' for the mouth of the Lord has spoken" Isaiah 1:18-20

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; blot out all my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are proved right when You speak and justified when You judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely You desire truth in the inner parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be white as snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will turn back to You. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God (my sacrifice is) are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. In Your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight You; then bulls will be offered on Your altar." Psalm 51

The Importance Of Being in a Group

Making it a priority to be a part of a small group, home group and/or Bible Study is very important in the life of a believer, for the individual and for a marriage.

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching" Hebrews 10:24-25

"Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" James 5:16

I have grown up all my life attending many Bible studies, sometimes a few at a time. In youth group, I could always be found in my d-group or bible study before "Flood" (youth group) began. As an adult, I had a women's bible study I was a part of, as well as a bible study with just my friends. Those times of digging into God's Word, having hours of powerful prayer and the lessons I learned are forever etched on my heart and are wonderful memories in my relationship with God. I studied numerous topics (which can be found on my book shelf now) and often had the opportunity to bask in the wisdom of some amazing Women of God. I would not have the relationship with the Lord, the strength or the understanding I have today had it not been for those many many years of being His student.

Today, as I am married and my spiritual walk now effects someone else...my husband and I made it a goal to always be God's students. Throughout our courtship we did many studies, including; a study with my parents on relationships, a study on marriage called Love and Respect, and a study on finances called Financial Peace. All before we were even engaged! We also thumbed through the 5 Love Languages (which we will do more in depth one day I'm sure). Being married, we have become a part of a home group where we have the wonderful opportunity to grow with couples from our church on a weekly basis. We took part in Experiencing the Heart Of Jesus, Sacred Marriage (I highly recommend) and now we are digging into the minor prophets covering What Ticks God Off.

The thing about small groups, home groups and Bible studies, is you don't have to be a scholar to attend or have something to say. You just have to show up! Everyone is normal, and a lot of times you're all just learning together, there's no teacher but God's Word.

"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, bones and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

My church has been advocating for Groups for a few years now as a tool for discipleship. Contrary to what most Christians think, discipleship isn't just for new believers, and no one person is exempt from needing a good home group and Bible study. No matter how perfect you think you are, no matter how wonderful your marriage is, and no matter how much you study on your own, nothing can compare to the benefit of being in a group. God's Word talks about sharing and studying His Word with others and not just keeping it to ourselves. He knows what a benefit it is and that's why He talks about it.

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God" Colossians 3:16

This concept of studying God's Word in a group is nothing new. Jesus kept His friends close, and spoke of God's Word with them often. They were His disciples, His friends, His accountability. They went with Him everywhere and when He left, they knew Him so well they were able to share His Words with others.

We must be students of God's Word. We can't merely read a few verses, say a few prayers and that be all there is. We need sharpening. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" Proverbs 27:17

"Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" Acts 2:46-47

Here's some notes from my Pastor's message:

"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• Teach = doctrine = body of principles and beliefs
• Rebuke = confronting us
• Correct = willing to change = how will God's Word direct me?
• Train = work = lead us forward

"so that we are equipped for every good work"

((The Word can't teach you if you never open it up!))

What can we do to apply this to our lives?

1. Read the Bible
2. Study with others
3. Memorize
4. Live it out - don't miss the destination

"Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!" James 1:22

Making My Bed

I'm that person that makes my bed every day. If I don't, I often remember it all day.
Getting into the habit of making my bed every day has not been something I decided to do to make my life seem like it's in order, or to make my home look "put together". It is far more than that. Making my bed every day is for me. It's the first accomplishment of my day that I can feel proud of. It starts my day off right. It also gives me a fresh frame of mind knowing my room is in order and ready if unexpected guests arrive.

My husband and I decided before we got married that we wanted our home to be ready for entertaining at any time. That doesn't mean there aren't things on the counter, or stuff in the sink...but it does mean that we are conscious about the things we leave out and if our home is comfortable in the way of guests can find a seat when they come and we don't have underwear in plain sight (let's face it, those things are uncomfortable).

This way of thinking has been an eye opener for me because it speaks to how we care for our hearts and lives too. Are we open to the unexpected needs of others? Are we ready for a friend to vent to us in a time of need? Are we making our family aware that sometimes when you're available you need to pick up and go help someone? This is something that is important to me. To be ready. But to also take care of myself and my needs so that I am available when called. One of my best friends and my Mom live their lives like this as well. And I always hear compliments about how inviting and relatable they are. They have both helped so many people because of their decision to think ahead.

What if we all took on the "making our bed" mindset? I think we all would experience a more willingness to help those in need and not play the comparison game. Because let's face it, no time is ideal to get organized or to help someone, we always have excuses, don't we? But it doesn't take perfect circumstances in order for it to happen, all it takes is a decision. Sometimes the best way to make that decision is after you wake up in the morning...starting off on the right foot for the day.