Don't be Selfish...

There's not really much of a visual here, but the message Beth Moore brings is powerful and true. We as girls definitely need a lesson in modesty, and here it is!

This is so true, perhaps you have encountered a girl who dressed to get attention from your man. Or even more so, perhaps you yourself are guilty of dressing for attention or pride. Check the motives behind your heart as you get dressed in the morning. Am I wearing this to get confirmation that I'm pretty or that I have a good body?

The type of attention boys give you for dressing like that is negative. It may seem like fun and games but if you knew what went on inside that boy's mind you would think otherwise. Why do you think 1 in 6 women are molested and raped? Men are highly highly highly visual and as women we should do our part to dress modestly. No, don't go buy a nun suit--but yes wear a tank-top under your v-neck, yes your skirt should come down a little lower. We do this because we care for our brothers in Christ, and we care for those boys who need to come to Christ. Ephesians 5:21 says "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

"We are only as good as we are sexual desirable"

--straight from the mouth of Satan. It's a lie, don't believe it!

The ONLY person whose opinion matters is God, and the only way you are going to be completely satisfied with who you are and the way you look is by turning to God and letting him fulfill your needs.

1 Peter 5:5

"All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because 'God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.'"

Don't dress to boost your pride. Don't dress to prove that your butt looks better than the girl over there's. Dress with humility. If you are faithful to cover yourself up and be humbled by the fact that God gave you such a beautiful body, he will no doubt bless you and your husband for it years down the road. Just because his timing isn't always NOW, doesn't mean it won't happen. Stay faithful, humble, and covered.

Much love,

Why do people have such a hard time staying single?

Why do people have such a hard time staying single?

If singleness is the obvious gift Paul and God declare it to be, then why is it so hard?! Why do so many men and women ache and hurt and complain about not having a significant other? Why do people frown upon us for being individuals? Why can't we all just enjoy this time in our lives?

Because the devil is much smarter than that.

2 Corinthians 2:11 says, we are not unaware of the schemes of Satan. John 10:10 says the thief comes only to steel, kill, and destroy. Ephesians 6:12 blatantly tells us that our struggle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the evil forces in the spiritual realm.

1 Corinthians 7:34 says, "An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit."

1 Corinthians 7:8 says if you are unmarried it is good to be that way.

The Bible tells us that it is good to be single. Why? Because you can focus your full attention on God. We all know that as soon as a man comes in your life you forget the existence of everything else, your grades drop a bit, you stop sleeping, and God goes on the back burner. However, when your single you have no distractions. When your single, God can speak clearly and boldly use you to do awesome acts for his kingdom--it's in the bible. Satan knows this too!

If singleness weren't such a sacred place for holy living and advancing the kingdom, Satan wouldn't bother messing with it. However, the devil knows that God has big plans for your single life, he knows that this is the freest and most spontaneous you will ever be, and he sees God wanting to use that, so he fights it! He fights it with all of his will. Steel, kill, and destroy--that's exactly what he's trying to do to you young sister.

Don't be so naive, those thoughts in your head about being worthless, alone, ugly...those aren't your thoughts!! That's Satan using one of his "Schemes" on you so that you can't do God's work he has prepared for you (Ephesians 2:10.)

I've said it a thousand times and I'll say it again: Singleness is a precious gift from God that should be cherished at all costs. Ladies stand firm in God's grace and look directly in his eyes so that he can use you in this time. Don't let the world push you over and tell you your not good enough because you don't have a boo. Those are lies straight from the mouth of Satan.

2 Corinthians 10:5--take captive every single thought and make it obedient to Christ. When you hear these thoughts in your head, shut 'em up! Confront that devil and stick it to him! Quote scripture, say the name of Jesus, or pray--Satan hates those things and he will undoubtedly shutter when you do this.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take our stand against the devil's schemes. for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then..."

Ephesians 6:10-14

Redefining "The Wait"

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am hopeful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful

But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

--"While I'm Waiting" lyrics

Life is short and fleeting. The bible says the days are evil. We don’t even know if tomorrow will come or not. The only thing we can count on is what lies in front of us, the present, the here and now.

Single ladies, your life does not go on hold because you are waiting for prince charming.

Dating ladies, your life does not stop because you’re waiting for him to pop the question.

Engaged women, God has a purpose for the time in your life between engagement and marriage.

Married women, your life isn’t finished because you are married; God has many plans for you still.

One of my friends recently pointed out to me that we have this horrible assumption that we must be absolutely still and do nothing while we are waiting. Waiting has a horrible connotation for our society—when we think of waiting we are instantly irritated and upset—we just want it now! Give it to us now! I shouldn’t have to wait! I’m above this!

“You’re waiting because you’re not ready yet. Wanting it now is pride.”

—a wise man once said

God has his plans made up for us (Ephesians 2:10.) He has everything working out in his perfect timing, we just have to exhale and trust him. This time of waiting, is a time of blessing and growth. God uses times of wait to stretch our patience, deepen our dependence on him, and bring us closer to his love and protection.

God has been really challenging me to redefine the word “wait” in my life. I no longer want to think of it as annoying and “taking forever!” I now want to think of waiting as a prolonged period of patience-enduring faith; an opportunity to grow spiritually and deepen my walk with the Lord. I think this is what God intended for the word “wait.”

Isaiah 40:31 says,

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” God promises the wait will strengthen our character and renew our trust and energy for following him.

So stop focusing on what everyone else is doing around you with their lives. Stop trying to guess what God is going do for you, stop trying to manipulate situations to make things happen faster, and stop screaming at the microwave for taking too long--everything will happen in God’s perfect timing. Be patient, and trust him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…”