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Faithfulness: More Than Not Giving Up Part 3 of 3

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:00:50 +0000

There are other areas besides how we do things in which we can be faithful. We all have gifts, talents and abilities given to us from God. What are we doing with them? Are we just sitting on them not really using them? Or, are we turning what God gave us into more? The next parable Jesus told in Matthew 25 (verses 14-30) is about a master giving his servant talents before going away. While the master was away, two of the servants turned what was given to them into more. Notice what the master says to them ” Well done, good and faithful servant…” The servants that did more than what was required were deemed faithful. The third servant simply gave the master back what was originally given to him. The master called this servant “wicked and lazy”.

Ladies, being faithful causes us to stretch. It can often be hard. But if we want to please God, it’s something we should strive to do. It’s in us to be faithful, we simply have to work at it until that fruit is developed. It’s not always about what we do out in the open where people can see us. Sometimes, its small things we do behind closed doors. If we can develop a habit of doing more than enough in our private lives, it will come naturally and show in our public lives. I’m asking GOd to forgive me for doing a half job and I am asking Him to help me to be more faithful. I encourage you to do the same.

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Faithfulness: More Than Not Giving Up Part 3 of 3 is a post from: Mrs. BliSs for WomantoAnother.com

Faithfulness: More Than Not Giving Up Part 2 of 3

admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:00:07 +0000

The first three words of 1 Corinthians 1:9 are “God is faithful…” We are to take on the character of God. Since God is faithful, we too should be faithful. Many of us get excited when we read Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…” Again, we are to take on the character of God. So, therefore, we should do exceedingly and abundantly as well. What would happen if God suddenly decided to half way bless us? Or, what if He half way delivered us from trials? So, why are we giving less than 110 percent?

Let’s look at some examples of being faithful. In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells a parable about 10 virgins waiting for the bridegroom to come. 5 were foolish and 5 were wise. The wise virgins took extra oil for their lamps. The foolish didn’t bring extra oil. In other words, they brought just enough. Verse 5 says that the bridegroom was late. When the bride groom did finally show up, the virgins that hadn’t brought the extra oil missed out when the bridegroom showed up because they had to leave and go get more oil. This parable simply tells me that it’s foolish to simply do just enough to get by…

to be continued…

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Faithfulness: More Than Not Giving Up Part 2 of 3 is a post from: Mrs. BliSs for WomantoAnother.com

Faithfulness: More Than Not Giving Up Part 1 of 3

admin — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:00:57 +0000

Lately, I have been learning about being faithful. In this, I’m learning that being faithful is more than not giving up. Yes, it is sticking it out and keeping at something even when it gets hard. But, being faithful is also going the extra mile and doing more than what is required. When I looked up the definition of the word faithful, dictionary.com’s first definition was ”strict or thorough in the performance of duty”. If I am strict and through at something, I am not just doing the bare minimum. I do more than what is required and I do it well.

Being faithful requires us to stretch ourselves. When we want to give up or do a mediocre job, it can be hard to give a little more. But, faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit. When we accepted Christ into our lives, the Holy Spirit came into us. With it came the fruit of faithfulness. So, it’s in us to give more when it’s hard, we just have to develop that fruit (see It’s “Already There” Part 1 and Part 2). Eventually, giving more won’t be so hard and being faithful in this maner will be a way of life…

to be continued…

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Faithfulness: More Than Not Giving Up Part 1 of 3 is a post from: Mrs. BliSs for WomantoAnother.com

It’s Already There Part 2 of 2

admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:00:55 +0000

Another example can be seen in fitness. Everyone has muscle. However, if you want to see that muscle, you have to work out and put stress on it. The fruit of the Spirit is sort of the same way. It is already in us, but we have to develop it. James 1:2,3 says “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” In other words, God doesn’t just zap us and we automatically show the fruit of the Spirit. I’m quite sure He could if He wanted to. But, I don’t think we would appreciate it as much. So, we go through different things that cause us to exercise our fruit.

Instead of allowing some of life’s issues to get us upset, we can look at it as we are exercising our fruit and getting a spiritual work out. I’m sure many of you know, exercising can sometimes be painful. Especially when you first start out. But, as you progress, it gets easier. Sooner or later, what seemed to be a challenge at first, is a breeze. The same goes for our spiritual workouts. When we choose to do what’s right when it doesn’t feel good, we are growing spiritually. Later on, when we do that same right ting and it’s easy, we are enjoying the growth that previously took place.

So, be encouraged. Know that the fruit of the Spirit is already in you . We just have to get on the spiritual treadmill and work out so we can see it. Let’s not allow the things of life to upset us. Let’s count it all joy while breaking a spiritual sweat

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It’s Already There Part 2 of 2 is a post from: Mrs. BliSs for WomantoAnother.com

It’s Already There Part 1 of 2

admin — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 12:00:30 +0000

Lately, I’ve been listening to a series of teachings by Joyce Meyer titled “Extreme Personality Makeover”. One thing she talks about in particular is the fruit of the Spirit. And how we already have it. As I mentioned in a post earlier in the week, Christianity is often made more complicated than it needs to be. Sometimes, the fruit of the Spirit is looked at as something we have to work to obtain. But, did you know that you already have it?

In John 14:16-26, Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit. In verse 17, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will not only live with us, but in us as well. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes into us. And since the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22) is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, that comes in too.

So, if we already have the fruit of the Spirit, why can’t we sometimes see it in our daily lives? If I were to take a picture of you with a camera (one with film), I can say I have that picture. But, you can’t see it because it hasn’t been developed. To develop the film, it has to be done in a specific location and under certain conditions. Another example can be seen in fitness. Everyone has muscle. However, if you want to see that muscle, you have to work out and put stress on it…

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It’s Already There Part 1 of 2 is a post from: Mrs. BliSs for WomantoAnother.com

It’s Complicated…Isn’t It?

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:26 +0000

Sometimes, as Christians, we tend to over spiritualize things. We’ll make something more complicated than it has to be. The results cause us to feel condemned and even discouraged. When I hear the phrase “In the Presence of God” my mind automatically goes to thinking I have to get in a quite room and sit still until I hear God speak to me. Yes, getting in God’s presence can require you to get somewhere quiet and pray. But, did you know that it doesn’t require that every time?

1 John 4:12 says “No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.” It’s just that simple. If we walk in love, God’s presence will live in us. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 tells us what love is. Some of these things include being patient, being kind, and not being envious. When we exercise these this in our everyday life, we can say we have walked in the presence of God all day. I think that’s fabulous!

Christianity doesn’t have to be complicated. Often times, we make it hard for ourselves. If we have formed bad habits of not walking in love, it’ll be a hard at first to break those bad habits. It’s impossible to break them on our own. But, if we rely on God to help us, it can be done. I am going to commit myself to asking the Holy Spirit to help me walk in love every day. I invite you to do the same.

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It’s Complicated…Isn’t It? is a post from: Mrs. BliSs for WomantoAnother.com

Exercising Self Control Part 2 of 2

admin — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 12:00:09 +0000

Luke 12:48 tells us that where much is given, much is required. So, when we do get blessed and God puts us on certain levels, we can no longer act the way we did before we were elevated to that level.

God can help us with every aspect of our lives. All we have to do is ask and stop trying to do it on our own. Galatians 5:22 lists self control as one of the fruits of the spirit. We cannot produce fruits of the spirit without the spirit. So, we cannot exercise self control without God.

My husband says “ Insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results”. When you keep trying to exercise self control without God, you are acting as if you are insane.

In an effort to lose a few pounds and get healthier, I cut down my calorie consumption to only 1000 calories a day. Let me tell you it was so hard the first few weeks because my body was used to eating whatever I wanted. I like to cook and bake. I also like to eat what I cook and bake. This has been the time for me to exercise self control. If I want the results that I am aiming for, I have to show restraint in this area. I know that I can’t do this on my own so, when I pray in the morning, I ask God to help me with my appetite. I have had so much progress and it is not as hard as it was when I first started. Everyday, it gets easier and easier. This is the way it is when we don’t allow our flesh to control us. It is hard at first but eventually it’s not hard at all.

Ladies, let’s give God full control over everything in our lives. Ask Him to help you in any area that needs to be strengthened. Don’t give up either. It will be hard at first but just think how good it will feel when you have overcome that issue.

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Exercising Self Control Part 2 of 2 is a post from: Mrs. BliSs for WomantoAnother.com

Exercising Self Control Part 1 of 2

admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 12:00:46 +0000

I chose this picture for today’s post because it is important that we really take a close look at who or what is controlling us. Is it God? It is our emotions? Is it friends and family? Sometimes, we let the wrong things control the way we behave. This is something that God has dealt with me on and is still dealing with me. So many times we as women give the excuse for it being “that time of the month” as an excuse to have an attitude. This is an example of emotions controlling our behavior. Honestly, I think PMS is an excuse for women to act up. When it is all over, we go back to being normal as if nothing ever happened. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are physical things that take place during this time that can be pretty stressful. But, it is no excuse to allow it to control our emotions.

Proverbs 25:28 says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” During Biblical times, cities were surrounded by walls. These walls offered protection from enemies that could come and destroy the city. When we don’t exercise self control, we are operating as if we have no defense against the devil. We allow him to have control over our “cities” destroying our spiritual fruit. When are controlled by our flesh, we are not only destroying our fruit, we are possibly shutting doors to blessings. If we show God that we cannot exercise self control, things that He may want to bless us with may be put on a shelf because we are showing Him that we cannot handle them. For example, if you are the type of woman that shops on impulse and emotion, God may not bless you financially because you are showing that you cannot control your spending habits.

…to be continued

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Exercising Self Control Part 1 of 2 is a post from: Mrs. BliSs for WomantoAnother.com

It’s All About Love pt 5 of 5

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:25 +0000

1 Corinthians 13:7 begins by saying that love bears all things. In other words, love bears the burdens of others. When we hear of someone falling into sin, we don’t take the attitude that we are better because we didn’t fall into that particular sin. Galatians 6:1 says “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” We are the bring correction bearing in mind that we are just a susceptible to sin as they are. We also don’t gossip about it. Love covers sins (see Proverbs 10:12 and 17:9).

1 Corinthians 13:7 says that love believes, hope and endures all things. I believe that love has faith. Hebrews 11:1 gives the definition for faith. “Now faith is the substance for things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We believe that God will deliver whatever it is we are have faith in. When we are walking in love, if we are believing for a loved one to get saved, we endure and continue to pray never giving up, if we have faith that God will fix our marriage, we continue to endure, no matter how hard it gets. This also goes back to being long-suffering.

When we look at all of the aspects that make up love, we can see why without it, we are nothing. We know by Galatians 5:22 that love is a fruit of the spirit. The only way to produce this fruit is through Christ. No matter what spiritual gifts we possess, if there is no love, it is fruitless. I have learned that our prayer life and our love walk go hand in hand. If our prayers aren’t being answered, chances are, our love walk is not 100%. My sister, I pray that you will continue to walk in love. If there are areas that need to be strengthened, study God’s word on love and pray that God will strengthens you in the areas that need the be strengthened.

“And now abide faith, hope, love these three; but the greatest of these is love” ~1 Corinthians 13:13

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It’s All About Love pt 5 of 5 is a post from: Mrs. BliSs for WomantoAnother.com

Faithfulness

admin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:00:51 +0000

Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful. One thing that God requires of us is to be faithful. There are many ways to be faithful. One way is to be faithful over our possessions. We know that if we are faithful with the small things that God blesses us with, He will bless us with bigger things. Another way to be faithful is toward each other. We don’t give up on one another no matter what the circumstances are (Galatians 6:2). More than anything else, I think God wants us to be faithful towards Him.

Being faithful to God goes beyond not worshiping any other gods and going to church. Dictionary.com has about six definitions for faithfulness. One definition is “steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant ”. When we are constant with God, we are not wayward. When I say wayward, I mean today we follow Him but tomorrow if things don’t go right, we follow our flesh. When we are faithful to God, we put our spiritual well being first. We make decision based on our spirit and not our flesh. We also work extra hard and press forward when things get tough.

Jesus said in John 15:2 “Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” When you prune a tree, you cut some of the branches away so that the tree can grow better. This is what I believe Jesus was talking about when He talked about purging the branches. When we choose

not to act on our flesh, we are starving it and snipping a little bit away so that the spirit can bear more fruit. If we are not faithful in living according to our spirit, we allow the flesh to grow wildly. This chokes out the good fruit that the spirit bears. Being faithful is continually cutting away the flesh so that the spirit can grow more fruit. No matter how hard it gets, we must remain faithful so that the other fruits of the spirit can grow.

As you may know, Galatians 5:22 lists faithfulness as one of the fruits of the spirit. Among the other listed fruits is also love. I found it quite interesting when studying on faithfulness that one of the reference scriptures for faithfulness describes love as well(1 Corinthians 13:7). This told me that when we are walking in love, faithfulness will follow.

Looking at the greater picture, all of the fruits of the spirit seem tied together in some form or fashion. Long-suffering and faithfulness seem to go hand in hand as they are almost the same in definition. Gentleness, kindness and goodness are also similar. When we have self control, we also have peace and joy. We can’t have any of these without love. Because God is love. He is the vine and we cannot bear the fruit without the vine (John 15:4).

Faithfulness is sticking to it no matter how hard it gets. I know I have said this many times in many other posts, but we cannot be faithful without God. God gives us the energy boost when we are worn out. He picks us up and dusts us off when we fall down. He motivates us through His word when we feel discouraged. No matter what is ahead of us, God is the only One that will give us the strength to remain faithful in whatever we are trying to accomplish.

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Faithfulness is a post from: Mrs. BliSs for WomantoAnother.com