Bible 365: Week 44

This weekend, we decided to get a head start on our Christmas decorating and take advantage of the Mr being home.  We put up the Christmas tree and decorated the refrigerator!  Moo and JJ were just too excited about the tree.  And I'm happy we put it up too because I have some of my closet space back now that I'm not harboring presents in it. I know, I know it's a tad bit too early for Christmas trees for some folks, but it's just the right timing for us.

Moving along, just a little over three weeks left in the Bible 365 Challenge!  It's tempting to double up on my reading so that I can finish faster, but I'm staying the course.  In week 44, we finished the book of Romans and started 1 Corinthians.  I have to say that I'm enjoying reading what God had to say through Paul (formerly Saul).

There were quite a few scriptures that stuck out to me like Romans 5: 3-4, "And not only that, but we also [find] glory in tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."  If you've been reading YUMMommy for the last few months, then you know that we've been going through our share of tribulations.  However, I can testify that going through these difficult times have definitely motivated me to keep pushing forward.  I do feel like my hope in God is stronger.  I know it sounds like it should be the opposite way around, but it's not.  I feel my faith getting stronger and I'm remember not to take things for granted!

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).  If I ever I would be interested in getting a tattoo, this is what I would want.  This scripture is constant reminder that we need to work hard at walking as closely to God's commands as possible.  I don't know about you  but death in the biblical sense is something to be fearful of.  I want to experience external life and all the joys that Heaven has to offer.

And no matter what you're going through remember that "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).  With God, we conquer and overcome anything.  Since starting this blog, I've had to overcome grief, letting go of friends and not wallowing in Mommy Guilt.  I've learned to take my problems to God in prayer and trust His guidance.

"So then faith comes by hearings, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).  Did you know people are more likely to believe what they hear or read than what they see?  It's true.  Why do you think these gossips magazines and blogs are so successful?!  Many of Jesus' critics couldn't understand how so many people who had never even witnessed His miracles still believe Him to be the son of God.  It's because they heard the prophecies and later heard of the miracles.  We have to trust that Bible is really the word of God and then put those words into action.

Not too long ago, I had a friend ask if I would still be friends with someone cheated on their husband just for the sake of cheating?  Her husband didn't cheat on her, worked hard, helped out around the house, respected her, but she felt bored and was now exploring her options.  My answer was and will always be no. The company we keep will eventually become a direct reflection of ourselves at some point.  For this very reason, Romans 16: 17 says, "But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner- not even to eat with such a person." 

Now if God doesn't even want us sharing a lunch date with people who have instilled in their minds that sinning is ok, you know I'm not going to be friends with one.  There's a difference between people who sin and recognize that what they did was wrong compared to those who sin and see it as the only way to live their lives.  Their evilness can rub off on you.  Before too long, you'll find yourself doing things that you would have once saw as wrong but will be brainwashed into thinking is really ok.  Exactly, why I keep my circle small and why I'm never afraid to let go of friendship if it's for the greater good.

Lastly, remember that you are VALUABLE!!  "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men" (1 Corinthians 7:23).  The price at which we were purchased was the crucifixion of Jesus.  And Jesus did not die on the cross for us to confirm to the rules of society!  We are way more precious to be put into molds.  Dare to be different.  This is part of the reason I talk so openly about my faith on this blog.  It's considered taboo and too many bloggers value to opinions and page views of readers to even admit that they are Christian.

I don't!  I know my worth and I'm not selling out to ANYBODY except Jesus.  If my faith preference makes me person that you don't want to get to know then so be it.  I refuse to become a slave to our society and its standards.

How do you stay positive in the mist of trials and tribulations?

Week 45 Readings

11/04: 1 Corinthians 8-11

11/05: 1 Corinthians 12-14

11/06: 1 Corinthians 15-16

11/07: 2 Corinthians 1-2

11/08: 2 Corinthians 3-7

11/09: 2 Corinthians 8-9

11/10: 2 Corinthians 10-13