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9 years ago @ #SheReadsTruth - Do Something Beautiful · 2 replies · +1 points

I hesitate to comment on this particular lesson because it is one that can be divisive. I would point out, however, that Paul is very clear in verse 12 that HE did not permit women to teach. This was his personal conviction. Sometimes, I fear we get stuck debating personal convictions. Healthy discourse is good and right but, if it becomes divisive or a stumbling block to others, then we are not doing the body of Christ any good.

9 years ago @ #SheReadsTruth - The Worst · 0 replies · +3 points

There is so much goodness in this passage. I love verse 5 where it says the aim of teaching the gospel is love. It's easy to get caught up in the peripheral issues until we are no longer coming from a place of love but of simply wanting to be right. Our aim is love - and that love comes from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.

I also love verses 12-13. God had a plan for Paul while he was still Saul. He "judged him faithful" before he had ever proven himself to be faithful. It reminds me of God finding Gideon hiding in fear from the enemy and calling him a mighty warrior. When God looks at us, He sees what He created us to be.

I just love HIm so.

9 years ago @ #SheReadsTruth - 1&2 Timothy: Instructi... · 0 replies · +1 points

Praying for you right now.

9 years ago @ #SheReadsTruth - Give Thanks In Stress · 1 reply · +7 points

Love, love, love. Needed these words, today.

Prior to reading this post, I was in the book of Luke and I read verse 19:42 where Jesus is weeping over Jerusalem and saying, "If you had only known the things that would bring you peace." When I am anxious and overwhelmed, I think he says the same thing over me. This morning, I was reminded of Paul's words in Ephesians 2:14 that Jesus HIMSELF is our peace. In the midst of trials and chaos and noise, we can always have peace because we always have him.

Love y'all so much!

9 years ago @ #SheReadsTruth - Give Thanks In Suffering · 1 reply · +2 points

Praying for you, Jenny!

9 years ago @ #SheReadsTruth - Give Thanks In Suffering · 0 replies · +2 points

I am so sorry for your loss. Praying you feel the peace and presence of the One who loves you so.

9 years ago @ #SheReadsTruth - Give Thanks In Suffering · 0 replies · +4 points

I have always loved the book of Job and am in the middle of writing a series of talks on Joy from the book of Job. How is that for irony?

One of the things that always stands out to me from this passage is in verse 10 when it says, "In all this Job did not sin with his lips."

I tend to run at the mouth when I'm upset about something. I feel sorry for myself and I start verbalizing all the ways my life should be different or people should treat me better or why did God allow such and such to happen. Once I start saying those things out loud, under the guise of "venting," I actually get more upset. It doesn't help me at all. In fact, I usually just feel more sorry for myself and guilty for some of the things I've said that, in my heart, I know are not true. Our lips are for praise, not pity parties.

Job teaches us (Job 1:20) that, often, mourning and worship coexist. Pain and praise become one. And God is in it all.

Thank you so much for this devotional. I am SO loving this study!

9 years ago @ #SheReadsTruth - Give Thanks In Joy · 0 replies · +1 points

Love this so much. "Was no one found to return and give praise..." May that never be me.

9 years ago @ #SheReadsTruth - for the doubters · 0 replies · +4 points

This may not make sense but, sometimes, doubt creeps in over the fact that it does not seem at all unbelievable to me that Christ came - both man and God - gave up his life and rose again. I have not struggled with that - with other things to be sure - but not that. Satan sometimes makes me question whether I have accepted it too readily. Should I struggle and seek some sort of proof? I have watched others walk away and declare it unbelievable and, yet, I still believe. What I call faith, others call foolishness.

I have a seminary degree and I have heard the points above and I believe them all to be valid. In the end, however, for me - it has to be like the old preacher said, 'I just know that I know that I know and that's enough for me."

10 years ago @ #SheReadsTruth - fasting in secret · 1 reply · +8 points

This is just convicting and encouraging all at the same time. We do live in a world of over sharing and (I believe) the reason is not so much because we are seeking to brag but that we are seeking affirmation. We post a picture of a dinner we made (not me because, well, I can't cook!) so that others will ooh and ahh. We post something that we have done for our kids or spouse because we want people to think we are good moms and wives. We just want to be loved and appreciated. We want people to affirm what we are doing.

What your devotion has reminded me of is Galatians 1:10.

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Maybe, what we share isn't as important as why we are sharing it.

Thank you so much for the time and heart you put into your words here, Amanda.

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