The Set Apart Girl has Inner Beauty

Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

I Peter 3:3-3

Have you seen Rihanna on the cover of that new magazine? Did you see the Victoria's Secret fashion show? I absolutely have to have that new shade of Cover Girl lipstick!

As women, we love to look beautiful, and  feel pretty - and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! God created women to be beautiful, delicate, and special in so many ways. The bible speaks about many "beautiful women." In fact, I encourage pampering yourself as much as you feel you need it. 

Daily, we spend time and effort in looking beautiful for ourselves and others. Day in and day out, we critique ourselves and others on the way we look. It is true that when you leave your house, you should take time to make sure you look neat a presentable. However, the problem that the girls of the world face is that they focus all of their time, energy, and money on becoming false image of "beautiful". They loose sight of who God says they are, and begin to become blinded by vanity, ego, and self-admiration. There is no sin in looking classy, fabulous, and glamorous. However, conceitedness, narcissism, and self-worship, are sin. Girls of this world put the love of "self" before their love of God.

When I was in high school, I wore long hair extensions because I felt having long hair made me feel pretty. I spent hundreds of dollars each month to make sure my hair was beautiful, so that I felt beautiful. During one of my routine styling appointments, I removed the extensions and had my natural hair washed. After my natural hair was blow dried and styled, I looked in the mirror. Instantly, I burst into tears. I hated the way I looked. My own hair wasn't good enough, and I did not feel beautiful at all. I went home, and added more extensions to my hair.

The problem was not the hair extensions. The problem was not what other people thought of me. The problem I had was loving myself for who God made me to be. I had fallen so in love with this "false appearance" of myself that I could not even look at myself in the mirror without crying. I had been blinded by vanity. 

God does not want you to have an experience like I had. He wants you to love His creation (you) whether you have on a full face of makeup, or just woke up and hopped out of bed. The Set Apart girl realizes that her beauty comes from within. The bible tells us that "People judge by outward appearance, but God looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). God sees you just as you are. He loves that you are a kind, and giving person. God loves that you are good with kids and that you pray for others. Those are qualities that make you beautiful to God. He created you and every beautiful feature on your body. Start seeing yourself as God sees you. Love yourself for who God created you to be. Your smile, your personality, your sense of humor, are all things that make you who you are. Don't hold back, and don't be afraid to stand out. Be you, and shine from the outside in. 

Think about it...

Why do you think God created you the way you are? What can you do that no one else can do? 

Focus Scriptures:

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

Proverbs 31:30

A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

Proverbs 11:16

Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:24

There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!

Proverbs 29:31

The Set Apart Girl Follows Jesus

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

1 John 2:6

 People of the world believe that going to church every sunday makes one a "Christian." Sometimes even as Christians, we believe that going to church or serving in ministry leads to a relationship with God. The term "christian" was given to those who followed Jesus when he walked on the earth.  Going to church every sunday won't get you into heaven. Singing in the choir won't get you special privileges with God. Living and loving as Jesus did makes you a true follower of Him. 

God sent His only begotten son, Jesus, here to earth to be an example of what we should be. Although the Son of God, Jesus was human just like you and me. He got hungry, he got tired, and he was tempted by the devil. There is nothing that you and I go through that Jesus did not also have to face. Jesus prayed, so we are to pray. Jesus showed unconditional love to others just like we should. In bible times, Jesus' disciples were those who not only followed Him around, but they also studied Him and lived by following His example. To be more like Jesus, you have to first learn about Jesus and how He lived His life. 

The Set Apart girl lives the set-apart lifestyle, just as Jesus did. She follows the example of Jesus and truly lives to please her Heavenly Father. To receive the promises of God, you have to first be obedient to God. Just as a mother rewards her son or daughter for good behavior, our Heavenly Father is pleased with us when we are obedient to Him. Jesus says that if we love Him, we will do what He says to do (John 15:10).

Think about it...

What can you do to be more like Jesus?

Focus Scriptures:

If you love me, obey my commandments.

John 15:10

When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love.

John 15:10

Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.

John 14:23

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

John 15:4

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.

Philippians 3:17

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

The Set Apart Girl Trusts God to Take Care of Her

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.

Matthew 6:33-34

The world we live in can be a scary place. The media and internet report stories everyday on war, death, crisis, and sickness. Whether these stories are truth or just propaganda, it seems as though everyone is consumed with the issues of this world. Although we live in this world, we have to remember that though we have to live in this world, we are not "of this world". The people of this world are worried about the issues of this world, but the Set Apart girl knows that because God is with her, she doesn't have to worry (Isaiah 41:10). 

The girl of this world worries about what will happen tomorrow. The girl of this world fears about the future. God does not want you to walk around in fear, instead He wants you to be strong and courageous (Deuteronomy 31:6). He tells us "not to worry about tomorrow" (Matthew 6:34) because He will take care of us. We are not to worry about our life, what we will eat, what we will drink, or even what we are to wear. God says He will take care of all of these things when we focus on Him (Matthew 6:25-34). The more we receive the truth of God's Word, the easier it becomes to trust Him to do what He says He will do. When you focus your time, energy, and attention on God instead of worrying, He will give you peace (Philippians 4:7).

The Set Apart girl trusts God when He says he will take care of her. Psalm 24:1 tells us that "the earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him." Everything you need is in Him. God has the resources and the power to provide everything you will ever need. There is nothing too big or too small that God can not take care of. The bible says if you need something, ask God for it (Matthew 7:7). Psalm 84:11 tells us that God will not withhold anything from those who do what is right. God is our Heavenly Father and He takes pleasure in taking care of us. 

Think about it...

God tells us that He is our Heavenly Father, and just like an earthly father, He will take care of us. What are some things you have been worried about that you need to trust God to take care of? Pray and ask Him for His help. 

Focus Scriptures:

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Psalm 84:11

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Psalm 55:22

The Set Apart Girl Finds Her Identity in Christ

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:10

When we are born, our identity comes from this world. Our parents give us a name, we belong to a family, and we learn how to live from our environment. As we grow, we learn to like and dislike things, foods, and people. We live to have experiences that mold and shape who we will later become. When a person becomes born again, they take on a new identity - a Heavenly identity.

Girls of this world will find their identity in the things they own, or the accomplishments they have achieved. The girl of this world brags about the degree she earned from the prestigious university she attended. The girl of this world bullies and gossips about others because she believes she is better than the "average person". The girl of this world will exalt herself and all that she has done, and can do. Although it is good to have goals, and work hard, Jesus tells us "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be" (Matthew 6:21). If your desires are in and of this world, your heart will follow the unGodly patterns of this world. 

When she becomes born again, the Set Apart Girl now takes on her new identity through Jesus Christ.  Her desires change from wordly desires to Heavenly desires. She no longer brags about what she can do, but she lives just as Jesus did. Christ died on the cross for our sins so that we can live again in Heaven with our Father God. The bible tells us that those that belong to Him will reign as heirs along with Jesus in Heaven (Romans 8:17). When the Set Apart girl realizes she is already royalty in Heaven, the things of this world become less important. 

 heir (n.) [air]

a person who inherits or has a right of inheritance in the property of another following the latter's death.

The Set Apart girl lives to store up her treasures in Heaven. She commits her time, resources, and talents to God's plan for her life. She lives this life here on earth to live again in Heaven. She behaves as an heir to the promises of God. 

Think about it...

When we get to Heaven, we will rule as joint heirs with Jesus. How does this change your opinion about how you should live your life here on earth?

Focus Scriptures:

And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right, to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Luke 22:29-30

Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Matthew 6:19-21

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

Ephesians 1:4

But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:13

The Set Apart Girl Lives to Please God

Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.

Galatians 1:10

Growing up, we were taught to be obedient and do what our parents told us to do (Ephesians 6:1). At our jobs, we are rewarded by our bosses for following the rules and doing great work. As we grow older, since the desire to please others was implanted into our minds from a young age, it needs to be put into perspective before it begins to control our way of living. For example, a girl of this world who wants to impress her friends by wearing fancy clothes, and having expensive things may work long tiring hours just to be able to buy these things that do not make her happy. A man of this world may want to impress a special lady by purchasing a fancy sportscar that he can not afford, then later goes into debt for doing it. That is not the life of joy that God wants for you. God does not want you to work hard to impress others. He wants you to work hard to love them. 

There is nothing wrong with wanting friends and family to be proud of you. The important thing when making decisions is the motive behind the decision you are making. Ask yourself, "why am I doing this?" "Who am I doing this for?"The Set Apart girl does everything she can to please God. Everything she does, she does it with her best effort, with the sincere desire to better others. She decides what to do based on what will please God. 

Do you know that when you help someone else you are pleasing God? Did you know that when you pray and talk to the Lord He is smiling down on you? Do you know that every time you are obedient to God, He has a blessing waiting in store for you? Can you imagine God dancing and singing over you because He takes delight in you? Because He does! (Zephaniah 3:17)

Girls of this world seek the attention of people around them because they have no idea that their #1 Fan, their Heavenly Father, is already pleased with them. God created you, and He loves everything about you. No one in this world can love you more than God. When you realize that God Almighty smiles with joy at the thought of you, you will try less to impress others, and spend more time doing things that are pleasing to Him. Spend time in prayer and talk to God. He loves you. 

Think about it...

God loves you more in a moment that anyone could in an entire lifetime. Before you do something, check your motives? Are you doing it to please God, or to impress someone else? 

Focus Scriptures:

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Matthew 6:24

For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.

1 Thessalonians 2:4

I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

1 Corinthians 10:33

For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

Zephaniah 3:17

The Set Apart Girl Makes Good Decisions

Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

"YOLO" is a popular catch phrase that means "you only live once." The popular motto implies that one should enjoy life, even if that entails taking risks, and is usually used before doing something meaningless or foolish.

Although "YOLO" may be fun as a teenager, and daring as a adult, the world has taken this buzzword to new extremes and using it as an excuse to do things such as participate in drugs and hurt one another. 

The Set Apart girl must be careful of the company that she keeps and the decisions that she makes. Friends that make foolish decisions can sometimes influence others to make bad decisions as well. Some decisions can have devastating consequences, and that is why the bible tells us to "carefully consider our steps." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that the body of the Set Apart girl is a place for the Spirit of God to dwell, and that she does not belong to herself. When you set yourself apart for God's use, that includes all of you, even your physical body. If you respect yourself, others will have respect for you too. The bible tells us that when a Godly person gives in to unrighteous things, it is like polluting a fountain.  

The amazing thing about God is that He tells us if we need wisdom or understanding to just ask Him for it. Making good decisions in life takes a conscious effort, but is not hard to do. God wants to lead and direct you in every decision that you make - so let Him. The bible says that "the footsteps of a righteous man are ordered by God." How do you let God guide you? By reading the scriptures and learning what God says is right, and what God says is wrong. When you know what God says, you can make good choices based on what you know is right. 

Think about it...

How can making better choices you make an effect on your life? Why is it important to know what God says about a situation before you make a decision?

Focus Scriptures:

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

James 1:5

If the godly give in to the wicked, it's like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.

Proverbs 25:26

Only simpletons believe everything they're told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

Proverbs 14:15

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

Proverbs 14:12

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5

The Set Apart Girl is a Rare Gem

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:10

Are you a good woman or a Godly woman? 

The Set Apart Girl can be described as a virtuous woman. 

Virtuous is defined as:

vir·tu·ous

ˈvərCHo͞oəs/

adjective

• having or showing high moral standards. 
• conforming to moral and ethical principles; 
• morally excellent; 
• upright:

A virtuous woman is one who lives an upright life. She lives to please God, and she practices high moral standards. So why does the bible say that a virtuous woman is hard to find? In the society we live in today, living by high moral standards is not a top priority. Even though women of good character and high moral standards are hard to find today, they DO exist. Abigail is a perfect example of a virtuous woman read her story here. 

Being Set Apart for God's use means that although you are a woman who lives in the world, you do not act like the other women who live in the world. For example, the media shows us images and examples of women who are beautiful on the outside, but are angry, promiscuous, and belligerant. Look at shows like "The Real Housewives" or movies such as "Mean Girls", (just to name a few), where the women are very pretty, but mean towards others. These women are examples of girls of "this world". These women use their charm, money, and good looks to gain attention and things from others. The bible tells us that "Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised." The scripture is teaching us that charm and beauty one day will fade away, but a woman who loves the Lord will be loved by others. Now hear me clearly, there is nothing wrong with pampering yourself by wearing makeup, nice clothes, or fixing you hair to look beautiful on the outside. The difference between a "girl of this world" and a "virtuous woman" is that the virtuous woman is beautiful on the inside first. She focuses on her character before she focuses on her outer beauty. 

As a Set Apart Girl, you have to make the conscious decision to live an upright and moral life. God is not going to do it for you. The world wants us to believe that being "good" is good enough, but a good woman is not necessarily a virtuous woman. When you decide to become Set Apart for God's use, it means that you decide to live a morally upright life. A virtuous woman is a woman who God can trust to do the right thing. She thinks about others before she considers herself. She loves unconditionally. She is faithful in her commitments. She meditates on God's words. She is not focused on the things of this world, but the things of God. She follows God's direction for her life, and loves doing good because it pleases God.

Think About It...

Think of the virtuous woman in contrast of today's "modern woman". What are the distinct differences? Why do you think the bible says it is hard to find a virtuous woman?

Focus Scriptures:

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Coral and jasper are worthless in trying to get it. The price of wisdom is far above rubies.

Job 28:18

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

Proverbs 31:30

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Galatians 5:22-23

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

November Study: The Set Apart Girl

Do you know that you are special to God? Do you know that He created you for a special purpose, to make a difference in this world? You are hand-picked and loved by the Almighty God. He chose you, and wrote your story before you were even formed in your mother's womb. God spoke to Jeremiah and told him,

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."

Jeremiah 1:5

Just like Jeremiah, God has a special plan for your life. You may not be a prophet like Jeremiah, but you have been chosen by God to leave your mark on this world, to make a difference, and to bring glory to God. Because you are so special, our enemy (the devil) is jealous and does not want you to fulfill your purpose, or receive all that God has for you here on earth. So what does the devil do? He puts in front of us enticing distractions and feel-good sins of this world, to keep us focused on everything but God. The devil tries to deceive us with the things of the world to keep us from the promises of God. When you decide to become"set apart" for God's use, He can move and flow through you everyday of your life to fulfill the perfect plan He has for you. 

The Set Apart Girl is a girl who is after God's purpose for her life. She sets herself apart from the things of this world and stays focused on the things of God. What is the difference between a girl of this world and a set-apart girl? Stay tuned as we search the scriptures and learn to distinguish the differences from a worldly woman, and a virtuous woman.

Scriptures about Being Set Apart:

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.

Deuteronomy 7:6

The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.

John 15:19

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.

I John 2:15

Love Notes from God: Day 4

Love Notes from God:

I am With You Wherever You Go

This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

As a child, did you have a teddy bear or a blanket that you carried around for security? When you were a little frightened, you knew if you just had your "blankie" that everything would be OK? You found security in the unknown knowing that everything was fine once you held your teddy bear in your arms. As adults, we can't carry around  a teddy bear or special "blankie" daily. But we can receive a comfort and security that will keep us at peace day in and day out. That comfort and security comes from your Heavenly Father and believing that He is with you wherever you go. You best friend, your husband, or your mom aren't able to be with you all day everyday to comfort or assure you. But God is. When I awaken in the morning, God is with me. When I kneel to worship Him, He is with me. When I am at church, when I am at the grocery store, and even at the airport as I am about to board a plane, He is still with me. God is with me while I am in my car, and He is with me when I arrive at my destination. He is with me as I turn out the lights and go to sleep, and in the midnight hours as I rest. Whether you are in New York, California, Pakistan, China, or Brazil; He is with you. We can be confident that Christ is present with us and all believers in the United States, Canada, Germany, Russia, Indonesia, Egypt, and every other country—at the same time. God is not limited by time or space, time, height or depth—or even our level of faith. God is "omnipresent", meaning He is everywhere at all times. This may be hard to understand for some, but that is due to the limitations of our human mind. This is where our trust in Him should take effect. When we don't understand, or start to doubt that God is with us, remember the scriptures and know that God is with you.  Be strong and remember that He is with you wherever you go.

Other Love Notes on this Topic: 

Psalm 16:8-9

I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety.

Deuteronomy 3:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Love Notes from God: Day 3

Love Notes from God:

I Will Help You

There are times in our life when it seems like trials surround us. Temptations set in, and we start to feel the pressure of our circumstances. Tough times seem to come come right after a moment of joy or a mighty victory. When our situations begin to overwhelm us, it starts to feel like we’re in a batting cage struggling to hit the balls being fired at us. It gets exhausting. Sometimes life gets hard, but there is good news. Good news that it can and does get better. That no matter how you feel or what happens, God does exist and He deeply loves you. No matter how awful things become, no matter what happens, we can never be separated from God's love. God tells us to "fear not", because He is with us. That means stop losing sleep about that situation. Stop worrying about what the outcome will be. Don't be afraid of the future. God tells us not to be in distress, because He is our God. He will strengthen us, He will help us. God says that He will "uphold you with His righteous hand." That means simply that when the path is not clear, He is your Shepherd. He will lead you to the right path and show you the way you should go. Listen to His guidance. When God upholds you with His righteous hand, fatigue, exhaustion and weariness will lift, for you will find rest in Him knowing that He loves you and that everything is going to be OK.

Other Love Notes on This Topic:

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Love Notes from God: Day 2

Love Notes from God:

You Are Mine

There are over 8 billion people on this earth, and thousands more being born every day. And guess what? Each and every single one of us are special to God. He knew each one of us before the foundation of this world. He knew you before your parents met. He know everything about your past, present, and future. God is not just some mighty ruler who looks down at earth and sees a bunch of nameless people running around. He knows each one of us by name. He knows what we like, he knows our fears, and he even knows our wildest dreams. God knows our troubles and our happiness. He made each one of us special, and he wants to have a personal relationship with each of us. He is our Heavenly Father and we belong to Him.

Isaiah 43:1

But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.

Write out Isaiah 43:1, replacing "O Jacob" and "O Israel" with your name. How does your understanding of this verse change when you understand that God is talking directly to you?

Love Notes from God: Day 1

Love Notes from God:

I Will Always Love You

God's love is always available to us, we just have to receive it. God loves you consistently, and unconditionally. Sometimes, we treat our relationship with God like we treat our relationships here on earth. If you get into an argument with your best friend, you may not speak to her for the rest of the day. If your child gets in trouble at school, you may punish him by taking away his favorite gaming system. Although we express our love in many different ways, the amazing thing about God is, He is not like us. There is nothing you can do that will cause God to stop loving you! God's love for you does not depend on if you read your bible enough, if you made it to bible study this week, or if you prayed enough today. Sometimes we can't help but wonder: Does God really love me? Even when I feel unloved and unlovable? Even when I really mess up? And the answer is YES. He doesn't love you any more or any less because of what you did or did not do. We can't earn God's love by the things we do. No matter how much or how badly people have sinned, God's love can still reach them. Even drug dealers. Even murderers. The worst person you can imagine can receive God's forgiveness by humbly asking for it. There's no such thing as a person God "no longer wants". There are only people who haven't accepted his love. 

My Beautiful Life: Day 25

God is Always Moving

To give thanksgiving unto God we must recognize His hand in our lives. The hand of God is not speaking of a literal body part. Just as a father lovingly guides, helps, and patiently disciplines a child with his hand, so are we guided by the hand of God in different circumstances in our lives. What blessings has He given to you? What miracles has He led you to? It is easy to recognize a miracle when someone walks up to you and gives you an envelope full of money. But what about the miracle of life? What about the blessing of having a meal to eat every night? We have to train ourselves to see God moving in our lives in order to truly be grateful for all that He has done. A great idea is to get out a piece of paper and literally number your blessings one by one. As you count your blessings be specific. Name individual family members and friends. Think of your life, health, home, city, and country. Ask yourself what  exactly about your home or country is a blessing? How about your skills, talents, education, and job? Think about those times that seemed like a "coincidence". Did you overlook God's hand moving in your life? Did you think of God's greatest gift to us, His Son, Jesus Christ? You will be amazed at how many blessings you truly have. The more we recognize the hand of God, the better we will be able to follow His lead. Even you are not powerful enough to stop God’s plan for your life. Nothing can snatch you out of God’s hand; no accident or opinion of another can stop God’s plan. God is in complete control of your life. God is working behind the scenes, arranging things in your favor; He’s making a way where you don’t see a way. His hand is always moving in your life, even when you don't see immediate results. All you have to do is keep God first place in your life. Honor Him with your life, and you will come into these destiny moments where you see God supernaturally protecting you, where you’re at the right place at the right time, and experiencing the favor of God moving you towards your divine destiny. It’s not your lucky break, it’s almighty God saying, “I’ve got a destiny for you to fulfill, My plan will come to pass.” Through the study of God’s Word, a strong prayer life, and an having trust in God, we can learn to recognize quickly the hand of God moving in our lives. When you are able to recognize all that He has done, you can easily accept and begin to show thanksgiving towards God for all that he has done.

John 10:27-28

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for trying to run my life my own way. I forget to let go and give you control. When I wonder why things aren't going the way I want them to go, help me to remember you. Help me to stop and ask what you want, Lord. Please help me to give you control, Father. I want to have what You desire for me. Lord, let me accept each day as a gift. Let me follow the path You choose for me. Help me to be thankful for what you give me and not to worry about my needs. I trust you will take care of all my needs. I m confident that You have a plan for my life. Remind me daily that my role is to trust and obey You.

Amen

My Beautiful Life: Day 24

He Deserves Our Gratitude

When we are thankful for the goodness of God in our lives, it touches the very heart of God and encourages Him to shower even more blessings upon us. A thankful heart is truly a floodgate to the blessings and goodness of God in our lives! Let's say that you had a granddaughter, and you went out and bought her the prettiest dress in town. You spent thousands of dollars on it, and invested countless hours hunting to find the perfect dress. When you're all done, you gifted your granddaughter with her new surprise. She first screams with excitement and then she cries for joy, and gives you the biggest hug you've ever received. Then for the next month, she can't stop talking about how you surprised her, and she continually thanks you up and down for such a wonderful gift. When she wears the dress, her eyes light up from happiness. Wouldn't that make you feel good inside for blessing her in such a way? You would probably want to run out and do it all over again, just because she loved it so much and was so thankful for everything you did. Now consider if you went through all that work to spend all that time and money to find the perfect dress for her, only to have your granddaughter act as if she couldn't care less for the gift you had given her. Never once did she show any appreciation, or thankfulness for all you've done. She didn't even stop to say thank you when you gave it to her. Wouldn't that make you feel awful? Wouldn't that make you think twice before blessing her in the future? How do you think God feels, when He's done so much for us (He made us, gave us such wonderful bodies and minds, then when we messed up, He sent His son to die for us, etc.), and then we go throughout the day not even stopping to think about all He's done for us? We're too busy watching TV, too busy complaining, and countless other things...that we don't even stop to think about all God's done for us. How do you think that makes God feel? The good thing is that God is not like us, and  He loves us despite of what we do or don't do. He shows mercy to us day after day, and He continues to bless us, even when we don't deserve it. Take time to show love to your Heavenly Father and thank Him for all that He has done for you. He deserves it. 

Psalm 86:15 

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

A Prayer for Today

Thank You Heavenly Father for being patient with me. You continue to bless me with your grace and mercy when I don't deserve it. Please help me to show continuous gratitude toward you, and not take for granted my many blessings. Help me to have a thankful heart. You deserve all of my praise for all of the wonderful things you have done for me. 

Amen.

My Beautiful Life: Day 23

Trusting God When We Don't Understand

Can you think of a time when you felt like, "What in the world is going on in my life? Why did that happen to me? When will I finally get what I've wanted for so long? Why, God, why? When, God, when?!" If we can be honest with ourselves, we have all probably had an experience like this at some point. We all understand the feeling; and you’re not alone. There is encouragement for you today. Here is something to always remember. Mankind is fallible; we fall short and at times we’re unable to keep our promises. Man can give you instructions that are misleading and imperfect. Thankfully, God is not like man. With God, all things are possible. God keeps His promises, God gives you right instructions according to His perfect will and He won’t mislead you. If He instructs you to do something, its for your benefit, even if you don't see immediate results. No matter how much you don’t understand life as it is right now; no matter how uncomfortable it may seem or how hard it gets, don’t give up. If God is with you - the same God who spoke life into you, the same God who IS and knows the beginning and the end, the same God who knew you before the foundation of this world -is with you. When you learn to trust the Lord, you will begin to have a sense of rest in the Lord knowing that He has everything under control even when life seems to be out of control. Mountain climbers could save time and energy if they reached the top of the mountain in a helicopter, but their ultimate purpose is conquest, not efficiency. Sure, they want to reach a goal, but they want to do so the hard way by testing their character and resolve. God could create scientists, mathematicians, athletes, and musicians and place them here on earth. He doesn't. He creates children who take on those roles over a long process. We learn to excel by handling failure. Only in cultivating discipline, endurance, and patience do we develop Godly character. God does not look upon trouble as we do. Where we see stress, He sees opportunities. Where we see crisis, He sees growth and betterment. God's purpose in times of crisis and trouble is to teach His children precious lessons. They are intended to educate, and build us up. And when we learn from them and ride out these storms of life, we will see the great promise He has fulfilled in our lives. When bad things happen, know that God has not abandoned you, and see it as a time to trust Him even more. When it is over we can look back and see that our learning lessons were necessary for His master plan for our lives.

Job 23:9-10

When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Isaiah 48:10-11

Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another.

A Prayer for Today

Thank You Lord for every trial and tribulation I have faced, it has made me who I am today. Thank You for bringing me out of the rough times with a testimony that will bring glory to You. I know that my helps comes from you in all situations. Please strengthen my faith and open my mind to the truth that everything is unfolding according to your divine plan. Let compassion and love for my brothers and sisters flow from me and may we all be uplifted by your glory. 

Amen.

My Beautiful Life: Day 22

His Blessings Are All Around Us

God created  the heavens and the earth, the moon and the stars. He created all of the good, wholesome, enjoyable, and fun things we have on this earth as a blessing for us to enjoy. The key is not holding on to these earthly things too tightly. We should grasp and enjoy our blessings whether big or small. If we know Jesus Christ as our Savior, our best lives await us in heaven where we will spend eternity in joy, enjoying a life which is far better than the “best” we could ever experience here on earth. The wonderful thing about God is, He wants us to enjoy life now, and later. The truth is, God wants you to enjoy your life every day. Did you know that? If you didn't, or aren't sure whether God approves of people enjoying their lives, take a look at John 10:10. It says, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance.” This is an absolutely amazing scripture because it clearly tells us that God doesn't just want us to be alive, but He wants us to enjoy being alive. He wants us to live with joy – abundant, overflowing joy! As a Christian, you can enjoy life because your conscience is clear from sin. You can enjoy life because you are secure and confident within God’s love. You can have fun and make memories with the ones you love. Take time to watch the sunset. Listen to the birds sing in the morning. Watch the way the wind blows through the leaves of the trees. God has placed even these things here on earth for our enjoyment. Blessings don't always come as materialistic gifts, but rather as the simple pleasures in life. The world makes us believe that "God wants to increase you financially" and if we aren't "rich" we aren't living the "good life". The truth is, in Christ, everyday we are living the "good life".  It is us to recognize it, accept it, and live it. God loves us and he wants us to live the abundant life of everlasting joy that He has already given to us. 

1 Timothy 6:19

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

A Prayer for Today

Father God, Thank You for this earth, for the beautiful sky and the radiant sun, for the ocean and streams, for the towering hills and the whispering wind, for the trees and green grass. Thank You for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of the fields. Thank You that we can taste autumn's fruit, rejoice in the feel of snow, and smell the breath of spring flowers. Thank You for all of the wonderful people I get to share my life with.  Grant me a heart opened wide to all of Your splendor and glory, and help me from being distracted by the things of this world. Teach me how to love what you love, Lord. 

Amen

My Beautiful Life: Day 21

We Have Everything We Need in Christ

Do you have joy in your life every single day? This is God's will for you, and He has provided the keys that will bring contentment and joy regardless of your circumstances. What's holding you back? Do you believe that your particular circumstances make happiness and enjoyment impossible for you? Well, it’s not true! Learning to be happy with yourself and where you are is a very important key to enjoying your life. If you know that God wants you to enjoy life, why does it sometimes seem impossible? Could it be that you’re unhappy with yourself because of the mistakes you have made? God doesn't require us to be perfect—He made us, and He knows we’re human and will make mistakes. Our job is to get up every day and do our best to use the keys He has provided for us. And when we fail, we must get right with God, receive His forgiveness and go on. Quit worrying about what you're not or what you don't have and give God what you are. Jesus died for us so that we could live life, and live it more abundantly. That means we now have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) through Him. This means we have everything we need, in Christ, to live a victorious life. This way of thinking isn't natural to us, and it's common for people to believe their happiness is based on having their way, doing what they want to do, when they want to do it, and getting everything they want. We have to renew our minds by the Word of God and realize that God's love is the greatest gift we can receive in life. I want to encourage you to make the decision to spend time reading and studying God's Word. Hang out with Jesus, praying and taking time to be still in His presence, letting Him speak to your heart. Examine your heart and be honest about who you're living for. If you want to give up living for yourself and live wholeheartedly for God, you can start fresh today.

2 Corinthians 5:15

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

A Prayer for Today

Father God, please help me to create a balanced life. Help me to take time to enjoy my life, and to be a person full of gratitude. Help me take time to love, to extend my hand in service to those around me. Lord, remind me to take time to learn, to be disciplined and accountable. Help me to make a difference in the small and big moments of my life. Lord, help me to keep smiling, to be happy, and to try to be myself. Lord, infuse me with your spirit so I can create a life of balance, moderation, and simplicity. Today, whatever my challenge, let it be an occasion to pursue Your will for my life.

Amen

My Beautiful Life: Day 20

Trusting God's Timing

We all want good things to happen in our lives, but too often we want it now...not later. When it doesn't happen when we expect it to, we are tempted to ask, "When, God, when?" Most of us need to grow in the area of trusting God instead of focusing on the "when" question. If you're missing joy and peace, due to waiting on your miracle, most likely you're not fully trusting God. Trusting Him includes trusting in His timing. Many people want change, but they don't want to go through the waiting process. But the truth is, waiting is a given—we all have to wait on something. The question is, what will be our attitude while we wait? Are we waiting the right way, or the wrong way? If we wait the wrong way, we'll be miserable; but if we decide to wait God's way, we can become stronger because of the wait. It takes practice, but as we let God help us in each situation, we develop patience, which is one of the most important Christian virtues. As we develop patience, the Bible says we finally feel completely satisfied—lacking nothing. God gives us hopes and dreams for certain things to happen in our lives, but He doesn't always allow us to see the exact timing of His plan. Although frustrating, not knowing the exact timing is often what keeps us in the program. There are times when we might give up if we knew how long it was going to take, but when we accept God's timing, we can learn to live in hope and enjoy our lives while God is working on our problems. We know that God's plan for our lives is good, and when we entrust ourselves to Him, we can experience total peace and happiness. 

Ecclesiastes 7:8

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I earnestly seek after You. I seek Your kingdom and Your will. I lay my plans before You. I give you the desires of my heart. Help me to rely on You in every area of my life. Thank you for the patience to wait on You and appreciate where I am right now. I trust You when You say that the plans you have for me are good. Sharpen my character and transform my heart this day and every day.

Amen

My Beautiful Life - Day 19

All That We Have Belongs to Him

We seem never to be satisfied with what we have—long hair or short hair, rich or poor, healthy or sick. Sometimes it's easy to forget all that we are already blessed with. But what a difference it makes when we realize that everything we have has been given to us by God! King David prayed, “Wealth and honor come from you … We give you thanks, and praise your glorious name … Everything comes from you” (1 Chronicles 29:12-14, NIV). We see wealth in terms of having an abundance of material or worldly things. The world tells us that riches consist of how many cars you own or how many square feet are in your house. When we get back to the Bible, however, we find that wealth is a lot more than money. Wealth is the sum total of all that God has given us. When we understand wealth as the gift of God, we realize that it comes from God and it all belongs to God. This is a very difficult attitude for the world to adopt. But the Bible makes it clear that God created everything, God sustains everything and God owns everything. Ultimately, everything we have is a gift from God. In His grace, God shares His property with us. In His grace, God shares the ability for you and me to make money in order to put food on our table and to clothe our families. It's all because of His amazing grace that we enjoy any of what He owns. Don't brag about how much God gives you or complain about how little He gives you. All good things are measured out from His hand just as we need them. Those who have smaller homes or more meager bank accounts may find they have much greater riches in other areas of life, if only they could see them with thankful eyes. Everything you have is God's gift to you. What you do with everything God gives you is your gift to Him. Be grateful for all that God has blessed you with.

1 Corinthians 4:7

For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, help me to be grateful. Help me to find my fulfillment in You, and not things. I pray that my focus would continuously be on You so that I would not be discouraged because of what I don't have, but instead be thankful for what I do have. Thank You for sharing your many riches with me. Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. Please help me to be a good steward over everything I have.

Amen 

My Beautiful Life: Day 18

Joy Comes from Him

In America, we live in a society that mainly focuses on materialistic possessions. Fancy cars, nice clothes, and good looking people. They tell us that we will experience happiness if we buy this new make-up product  or buy this high definition flat screen television. We are intrigued and start to want these things, yet we fail to realize that these things are only temporary. Eventually we will want more materialistic possessions to fill the growing emptiness within us. We work harder and harder to buy more. We fuel our happiness by buying “stuff”. Then, when we run out of fuel, we buy even more “stuff”. This cycle of finding happiness with “stuff” will eventually wear us out. We will eventually get to a point where we are on overload. What happens when you keep filling up the tank of your car? It starts overflowing. This vicious cycle will eventually control your life. Many people are living their lives like this and don't even know it. This overflow of stuff will push you further and further away from your relationship with God. Why? Because true joy does not come from “stuff”, it comes from living in alignment with God's plan for your life. There is nothing wrong with having nice things, but when these things become the focus of your life, and replace God in your heart, then you have a problem. There is so much noise and temptations out there in this world, we can easily become influenced by the wrong things. Stay focused on pleasing God. Stop chasing money to buy you happiness. Each of us have this decision to make. What does having happiness mean in your life? Does happiness come from materialistic possessions or the intangible aspects of life - such as love, appreciation, warmth, kindness, and peace? Everything you need for a life of joy your Heavenly Father has already given to you.  All you have to do is receive His love.

Matthew 6:19-21

Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

1 John 2:17

And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, please help us to spend wisely and not excessively. Please break the bondage of conspicuous consumption over our nation. Help us to be better stewards of the resources You have blessed us with. Holy Spirit, please help us to be more disciplined with our lifestyles. Help us to learn to be content with what we have instead of always wanting more. Please forgive us for any greed, selfish ambition, idolatry, conceit and arrogance. Forgive us for loving things and placing them over You. Forgive us for not being good stewards of Your blessings. Thank You for loving us in spite of our wrongdoing.

 Amen

My Beautiful Life: Day 17

Place Your Hope in Him

The Bible is full of examples of men and women who hoped in God's promises. Biblical hope not only desires something good for the future; it expects it to happen. And it not only expects it to happen; it is confident that it will happen. So what can cause our hope to go sour? Often, we hope in the wrong things. It's so easy to place our hope in this material world -- what we can see, taste, touch, and feel. These things are controllable to us. But God says His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). In fact, the things of this world do not provide a firm foundation for our lives (Colossians 2:8). Only when we look to the truly firm foundation for living -- Jesus Christ -- will we find a hope that can anchor our souls. It all begins with our relationship with God. If you have not been "born again," your hope is simply misplaced. If you are feeling hopeless right now, consider where your primary hope is grounded. Even if you know Jesus as your Savior, it is still very possible to still lose hope. We learn from Proverbs that "hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Proverbs 13:12). When our hopes are delayed, we can be overcome by a deep sense of despair. So how did the men and women of the bible do it? How did they hope in God for decades and centuries? If they did it, you can do it. God is the source of our hope, so submit yourself to Him. Come to Him in humility and with a grateful heart. Strengthen your faith in Him. Learn about all the amazing things that God has already done, and allow His previously fulfilled promises to renew your hope. Trust His timing. Sometimes God answers our prayers and fulfills our hopes quickly. At other times, for His own divine reasons, He allows us to wait. It is through faith and patience that our hope is fulfilled. Have patience. The bible never says "figure it out". Instead the bible reads, "Trust God." All we have to do is put our hope in Him. Take comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father is always watching out for you. 

Psalms 31:24

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD.

A Prayer for Today

Father God, I know You are the God of hope. So often hope is distant in my heart. Today I acknowledge that I need You. I need Your hope in my heart and I need Your filling. Please help me to do my part and trust You. Help me to trust You to give me the hope and the peace that Your Holy Spirit brings. Increase my faith so I can trust You fully with all the question marks in my life. Fill me by the power of Your Holy Spirit now. Your Holy Spirit is the only one who has the power to give the peace You offer into my weary soul. I trust you today with all the circumstances of my life. 

Amen.

My Beautiful Life: Day 16

Be Full of Joy Everyday

Joy is not hard to find, but we have to understand that true joy is not something you find outside of yourself. Joy is an unshakable feeling that we can bring with us wherever you go. At times, it is easy to feel defeated by life. Unfortunately that’s not how life works, you can't get the answers to life’s challenges in advance, so you will have to be ready for whatever happens. Don't use what you don't understand as a chance to worry, but to rather choose joy! Stop coming up with excuses to not be happy, and express gratitude for what you do have to be happy about. See yourself as God sees you, and embrace Him in your life. Feeling down and out not only is self-defeating, but it also does a disservice to the world. Your family, friends, and community can't enjoy your presence unless you give them something to love. Think about it. Do you want to be around someone who is always complaining? Would you want to have a conversation with a person who only speaks negatively? Of course not! Be the person who is always smiling despite their circumstances. Be the woman who always has an encouraging word to say. Be the friend who is a joy to be around. Life is about learning from your trials, failures, and misjudgments, so don’t lose any more of your time in unhappiness! We go through hard times in life to have a testimony to share with the world. Let your story be that you made it through with a smile on your face! Let your life be a testimony that God's joy can overcome any situation. People are watching your life, be the reason why they smile today.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

A Prayer for Today

Dear Father in Heaven, I know You are full of love towards me. Yet sometimes I do not feel filled with the joy You offer to me. So often happiness is distant in my heart. Today I acknowledge that I choose joy despite the circumstances. Help me to trust You to give me the joy and the peace that Your Holy Spirit brings. Increase my faith so I can trust You fully even when I don't feel like it. I don’t want to just survive or just get by… I want my life to overflow with joy! Help me to be a good ambassador for You. 

Amen.