LILLA ROSE GIVEAWAY!!

Let the fun begin!  If you don't know already, I LOVE Lilla Rose!  John and Missy Dorsey, the owners of the Lilla Rose company, actually had very humble beginnings in a garage. These elegantly designed accessories became a huge hit almost overnight.  You can use them for countless hairstyles, decorate your scarves or cardigans, or order the beautiful badge holders for school or work!

Lilla Rose is a Christian company which is VERY important to me!  The other VERY important detail is.....as I said before...I LOVE all my Lilla Rose products!  My flexis and hairbands have proved durable, easy to use, and are exactly as the company described.  The very first clip I ordered still looks exactly the same as the day I purchased it about 2 years ago!  (Sidenote...I have owned Lilla Rose clips way before I ever decided to become a consultant and will continue to order these even if I never sell anymore!)

Lilla Rose products make great gifts for anyone and is delivered in the most beautiful packages!

It always comes packaged this way!

 

Starting today, RIGHT NOW, through 12  a.m. January 2, 2015 you can enter the Giveaway for:
-(1) Lilla Rose Flexi Clip of your choice 
                             AND
-(1) Lilla Rose Hair Band of your choice!

YOUR INFORMATION WILL NOT BE GIVEN AWAY OR SEEN BY ANYONE ELSE!  Registering is just a way to keep up with those entered in the giveaway.  You will not be contacted or emailed unless you win.  When the giveaway is complete your registration information will be deleted. : )

Now that we are passed that, Follow the direction below to enter the fun! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are a few options on the rafflecopter that you can do EVERYDAY UNTIL THE GIVEAWAY IS OVER to get more entries in the giveaway!  Good luck and join me back here Friday to see who wins!

Need help with picking the right size for your hair?

 

You can also check out this Lilla Rose Sizing Video to answer any of your questions!

Let's Catch Up!!!!

WOW!  Has it already been well over a month since we met here together?  Well, last night I finally received an email saying that the issues with the blog I had been having should be completely fixed.  Let's hope so!  I have REALLY missed blogging.  “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” – Ecclesiastes 3:1  I am sure there was a purpose for our break, but I am ready to be headed into a new season and see what God is going to do!

This post is going to be random thoughts of catching up.  I hope that is okay!

Kathleen, Kelanie, Kera, and Kati

How were the holidays for you?  I thought it was absolutely fantastic.  I LOVE the holiday season!  How could I not when I get to spend it with my favorite people in the whole world.  It went by too fast though.  I can't believe it's over and we are fast approaching 2015!

I realize it's past Christmas, but I don't want it to be over!

If we don't face anymore technical difficulties (fingers crossed), I am just going to do some random posts this week because of New Year's, and get back to our Matthew Bible Study next week.  Are you as excited as I am? 

I know it might seem crazy to some of you, but during the week I don't have the time I would like to have to visit with other ladies because of school, so the little bit of time I spend blogging makes me feel like I get to visit with you everyday.  I really do enjoy it!  I love the comments and interaction on this page and on Facebook.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me.  Oh....GROUP HUG!!!

What did you love about this year?  What are you most proud of yourself for accomplishing?   

I read the whole Bible straight through, from cover to cover, for the first time!  I have learned so much!  Also, I am proud of myself for finally losing the weight I said I was going to lose every year for the last 8 years. (Since my last baby was born!)  I did it!!!  I have lost almost 50 pounds....minus the few I gained during the holidays!  I DID IT!!!!!



January 2014

December 2014



(I know!  I apparently have not conquered the "Selfie" yet!)  This has been an amazing journey of learning that "I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Phil. 4:13 

Because I haven't given anything away in a while, what better way to start out blogging again and start the New Year than a GIVEAWAY.  Join me tomorrow to find out what you can win!  

(Here's a hint: It's something from Lilla Rose and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!)  



Matthew 12:33-42

Week 6 Memory Verse

 

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart

brings forth good things,

and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings

forth evil things. 

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,

they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 

For by your words you will be justified,

and by your words you will be condemned.”

 

Matthew 12:35-37

 

 

READ MATTHEW 12:33-42!

 

In these scriptures there are 3 main points that stand out to me.

 

#1. In the state of Washington, you can drive by a group of trees and take a look at them.

They will be covered with beautiful apples.

Hmmm…. That must be an apple tree.

In the state of Florida, you can drive by trees and they are covered with oranges.

Must be an orange tree.

I think you get the point. “A tree is known by its fruit”.

So are we.

The Lord brings this point home as He tells us that your fruit is either good, or bad. (Notice it is one or the other. No middle ground here.)

I like to refer to it as either good, or “Stinky fruit”.

There are times my fruit stinks.

And just about every time, it is when the second point comes about.

 

#2. One thing you will find about everyone is this.

What is “Really in their heart…… comes out of their mouth”.

“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh”.

It’s really quite simple, what’s inside…. Comes outside.

Want to know what’s in my heart, listen to my big mouth. Hmmm…. Sometimes that fruit doesn’t smell so good. But at this point, I am thankful for the Holy Spirit which pokes me in the ribs and tells me, “that fruit is a little smelly there bub!”

 

Which bring us to the 3^rd point.

 

#3. “Every idle word”.

We are accountable for every word. Oh my gosh… am I in trouble!

I am just so thankful that when I stand before God, that when He looks at me, He is going to see the cleansing blood of His Son Jesus! The blood that washes away all my sins.

This does not give me a right to sin, and I believe we will have to be accountable.

I just want the Lord to be proud of me.

He gave it all for me.

What have I given to Him?   

 

There was a flight attendant on an airplane that had been scolded by her captain. The gate agent had said that a passenger had complained about her treatment of him. When the captain told the story, it was “Lots of people have complained”. This made her very upset, and as she was trying to make her announcements, she began to cry.  She hid her face for a while, but managed to get through what she needed to do. After the plane was in flight and the seatbelt sign was turned off, a man approached her and said, “Lady, are you ok?” She began to tell her story and she was very upset that she was lied about. And lied too. The man said to her, “Lady, Jesus loves you, and He cares about all the things in your life. He will take care of all things if you let Him.” She looked up and said that she was a Christian and thanked the man for reminding her of that. Her sadness was now turning more toward joy. The man told her that he knew that God was watching over her and said, “I know this for sure, after all, He had me change my flight so I could be here to tell you so”.

 

In this true example, we can see the three points of our scripture’s.

Good fruit…. And Stinky.

The abundance of the heart, good and bad.

Every idle word.

And every good one. 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: BRO.KEN ROSE is the husband to Mrs. Etta, father to 2 sons, and grandfather to 6. They attend Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas where Bro. Ken serves as Executive Pastor, and Mrs. Etta assists him in that task and is Director of Intercessors.  Bro. Ken travels frequently and uses every opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Matthew 12:31-32

Week 6 Memory Verse

 

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart

brings forth good things,

and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings

forth evil things. 

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,

they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 

For by your words you will be justified,

and by your words you will be condemned.”

 

Matthew 12:35-37

 

 

Matthew 12:31-32 (Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost)
 

Matthew 12:31-32 (NKJV) ³¹ “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the (Holy)Spirit will not be forgiven men. ³² Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

This is a most difficult and frightening scripture.  (And we should have Godly fear regarding forgiveness of sin.  The consequences of not being forgiven are awful and eternal!)  We must look at the preceding scriptures to see the context of Jesus statement.  A man who was blind and couldn't speak because he was possessed with a demon had been brought to Jesus.  Jesus cast out the demon, healing the man of his blind and dumb condition.  The Pharisees promptly accused Jesus of receiving his power to heal from Beelzebub, the prince of devils.  Jesus then gave a lengthy discourse concerning good and evil in which he made the statements which we are discussing concerning blasphemy. 

God is willing to forgive any sin which is confessed to him.  The Apostle Paul states that he was a blasphemer who was forgiven by God. 1 Timothy 1:12-15 (NKJV)

¹² And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, ¹³ although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. ¹⁴ And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

There are many examples of blasphemy against Jesus. Peter denied him, John 18:25-27.  Paul was a blasphemer before his conversion.  Jesus was blasphemed at his crucifixion both by those who crucified him and by those who stood and jeered.  All these blasphemies were forgiven if the blasphemer confessed it as sin and repented of the sin.

 

The difference between the Apostle Paul, who was a blasphemer, and the Pharisees, who also blasphemed through their unbelief, was in their response when they were confronted face to face with Jesus.  Paul was confronted with Jesus in a supernatural way on the road to Damascus when Jesus appeared to him.  His response was submission. He said, "Who are you, Lord?"  Acts 9:1-5.  (He too was a Pharisee, Acts 23:6) On the other hand the Pharisees were confronted with Jesus as he walked the roads of Israel.  They witnessed his mighty works of healing and deliverance and they heard his sermons about the kingdom of God yet they rejected him and attributed his mighty works to Satan.  If they maintained their rejection unto their deaths, this is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  Sadly, because of the hardness of their hearts this was most likely the case. 

I believe that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the resistance to the wooing and conviction of the Holy Spirit which leads to trust in Jesus Christ for remission of sins. 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  JULIA KILPATRICK is the wife of 45 years to Bro. Shannon Kilpatrick, mother to 7 adult children, and grandmother of 23 grandchildren.  Bro. Shannon and Mrs. Julia have been pastoring Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas since 1995.

Matthew 12:15-30

 

Week 6 Memory Verse

 

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart

brings forth good things,

and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings

forth evil things. 

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,

they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 

For by your words you will be justified,

and by your words you will be condemned.”

 

Matthew 12:35-37



 

READ Matthew 12:15-30!

 

Jesus assures us in this passage that division can only bring downfall. There are so many areas of our life that require unity. I started thinking about how destructive division could be in a troop of soldiers. Lives would be lost if even one soldier didn’t have the same agenda as the others. Soldiers can’t wander the battlefield blindly. This lead me to think: "What makes a good soldier?" and "What are some things that are required in his heart/mind?"  Here is what I came up with:

 

WILLING TO FIGHT (eager)

Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb.

~Psalm 110:3

 

WILLING TO TAKE ORDERS (humble)

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

~Hebrews 13:17

 

BELIEVES IN WHAT HE IS FIGHTING FOR (passionate)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

~Galatians 2:20

 

FULLY ARMED (ready)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

~Ephesians 6:10-18

 

HAS HIS FELLOW SOLDIER’S BACK (committed)

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

~Galatians 6:10

 

 

Unity is a necessity for spiritual battle. Unity keeps peace. Unity brings strength. Unity conquers the enemy. And unity is pleasing to the Lord.

 

 

 

TIME OF REFLECTION:

Can you think of something that makes a great soldier? Write it down in your journal today and try to find a corresponding scripture.

 

Battle is not for the faint of heart. Do you have the heart of a warrior or is your heart divided? Take time to pray today. Ask the Lord to reveal your weaknesses, give you strength for the battle, and unity to serve in the exact place He has you (because He has put you there for a purpose).

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: NAOMI CHANCE is the wife of 16 years to Dale, and homeschooling mom to three children.  She serves as Ladies' Ministries Director and in the Media Department at Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas, where her whole family is very active!

 

 

If you are enjoying Matthew: The King and The Kingdom, please take a minute and share the link to this Bible Study by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or by email using the icons below and invite your friends and family to study along with us!  Thank you!



Matthew 12:1-14

Week 6 Memory Verse

 

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart

brings forth good things,

and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings

forth evil things. 

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,

they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 

For by your words you will be justified,

and by your words you will be condemned.”

 

Matthew 12:35-37

 

 

READ MATTHEW 12:1-14!

 

Keep the Sabbath Day holy!  It's the fourth the commandment.  During Jesus' day, the Pharisees had added to the original laws of the holy day, creating a religious day (somewhat bypassing the HOLY part) by forcing their man made traditions onto the Jews.  The true character of the Sabbath Day had long been gone. 

 

From this passage we can know that Jesus allows all works of necessity and good to be done on the Sabbath.  He justified the Disciples for plucking ears of corn because they "were hungry" and in NEED of food.  I have heard people teach that it is against God's Word for men to work on the Sabbath.  Well, I believe this passage alone would contradict that teaching.  It is necessity for their family to have food, clothing, and shelter that their work provides.  Jesus also permitted a sick man to be healed on the Sabbath.  This man was in pain and suffering from a disease.  In this case, Jesus did not see that it was breaking a commandment, because as we know He knew no sin (2 Cor. 5:21), to give relief and comfort to this man.  We should never rest from doing good.  People who teach that doing anything other than sitting home reading the Bible and praying on the Sabbath is a sin, apparently overlooked Jesus' teaching in this passage. : )  

 

I love that when Jesus was tempted or questioned He always answered with scripture or Biblical history.  When charged with breaking the law, Jesus reminded the Pharisees of how David and his men ate the showbread out of the tabernacle when they were hungry.  He reminded them of how the priests were required to labor on the Sabbath by preparing and sacrificing animal offerings.  Jesus reminded the Pharisees how any one of them would even help a sheep help out of a pit and not allow it to suffer and die on the Sabbath Day.

 

The most important thing we can learn from this passage is this principle.  No ordinance or law of God would require us to neglect charity, love, or doing good for others.  If it does, it is not just an ordinance of God, BUT A TRADITION OF MAN!  "I will have MERCY not sacrifice."  God’s great love and mercy is at the heart of the law.  It was given to benefit humanity.  What really matters to Jesus is not the strict observance of the law, but the needs and salvation of people.

 

The last thing I want to note, is the last verse.  Defeated and silenced by Jesus, the Pharisees "went out, and conspired against him, how they might destroy him."   

 

 

TIME OF REFLECTION:

Jesus uses Hosea 6:6, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" a few times while addressing the Pharisees.  Can you find any of those instances?  Write down the scripture reference(s) in your journal!

 

 

 



If you are enjoying Matthew: The King and The Kingdom, please take a minute and share the link to this Bible Study by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or by email using the icons below and invite your friends and family to study along with us!  Thank you!

Matthew 11:20-30

Good morning!  It is another late posting and I am sorry about that.  Apparently, Blogger is having some glitches.  I have had this saved for some time now, but when I got up to post it, it was just gone...vanished into thin air! LOL!  So, I had to layout the whole post again.  Which was good for me because I needed to read this again!  I hope y'all have a great week and enjoy week 6 of Matthew: The King and The Kingdom!  LOVE, Tera ☺

 

Week 6 Memory Verse

 

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart

brings forth good things,

and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings

forth evil things. 

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak,

they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 

For by your words you will be justified,

and by your words you will be condemned.”

 

Matthew 12:35-37



READ Matthew 11:20-30 NKJV or NLT!

 

Today's selection of scripture covers a few areas. I am focusing on the ending verses, but quickly want to touch on the beginning verses.

Verses 20-24

Can we just say, "Wow!"  I would Not want to be on the receiving end of Jesus comments in these verses. There is harsh judgment for these cities refusing to repent, even though they had seen and experienced the miracles of Jesus themselves.

Pray earnestly for our cities/NATION that we not fall deeper into such a place. After all, this is what our Savior did. . . HE prayed. Verses 25-27

Here are my focus verses today.

Verses 28-30

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

How stubborn we can be sometimes!  Just like those rebellious cities, we can try to hold on to things that we don't need in our lives or to circumstances which we have absolutely No control over.

Jesus message here is simple and straightforward. It is simply,

"Come to me!"

He is gently coaxing us to let go of all the things in our daily lives that are weighing us down and are burdensome to our hearts. He will, in turn, make our burden light. And in Him,  we will find REST for our weariness.

Not only do we lay these things down, but if you'll look closely,  after we are to take up His yoke,

He tells us, "Let me teach you."

He will teach us to not let these burdens and heartache overwhelm us, if we are willing to listen to guidance and Wisdom.

 

He wants us to be childlike. With a burning desire to be taught, always wanting to know more from the One who has brought us life. And not just life, but the strength and wisdom and His love to make it through even the toughest storm we may face.

Come to Jesus today. Lay your burdens at His feet. Allow Him to teach you to Trust Him to give you a lighter burden. And there in His presence you Will find...

REST!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: JOSIE MATHIS is wife of 11 years to Bro. Michael.  She is the homeschooling aunt to two of her nieces and has been faithfully working in Children and Youth ministries for over 15 years.  Together, Bro. Michael and Josie serve as Jr. High Youth Pastors at Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas.  Josie also sings on the Praise Team and is an active member of F.F.H.S.C. 

Matthew 11:1-19

Week 5 Memory Verse

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.   

And as you go, preach, saying,

‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’  

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers,

raise the dead, cast out demons.

Freely you have received, freely give.

Matthew 10:6-8
 

 

Read Matthew 11:1-19!

 

Calling All The Messengers

 

The other day, my neighbor killed a massive snake.  It wasn’t some little two foot snake, I’m guessing its length was closer to five feet!  In an instant, my neighbor was able to send pictures of this dead creature to eight people.  So, of course, I had to instantly pass along the pictures she sent me to everyone I knew was scared to death of snakes. J

There are so many ways to instantly reach people now, if you want to text your brother a picture of the 10 point buck you just shot down or if you want to share the joy of your new baby to the world through Facebook; in today’s world, it can all be shared in an instant.  John the Baptist was the best in his day at getting the MOST important message out. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2.    Jesus quoted the Old Testament saying John was THE messenger.   With just his voice and the Holy Spirit, (no TV show, IPad or Tweet) he made a huge splash in the water & the ripple effects reached so many, preparing them for the Messiah.   

Do you ever pay attention to what is trending when you log onto the internet?  I catch it from time to time.  Can you imagine the stirring in your soul if you were to log onto the internet to find something like “John 3:16” trending, or “Jesus our Savior”?  What a wonderful day that would be!

Spreading the message of Jesus our Savior is not always as easy as posting a picture with scripture on Facebook (although I would much rather look at that then other things posted).  Matthew 11:12b “……., the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”  Spreading the gospel is a battle, John the Baptist lost his life over this message, and people today are still dying because of their steadfast belief in the truth.

  There are so many confused,  and heartbroken, people who are suffering because they have no hope in our communities and around the world.  So if you have the chance to share your testimony or even a simple scripture, don’t hesitate.  Let the Holy Spirit be your guide & do what you must to be a messenger for God.  One sentence can instantly cause a stirring in someone’s heart to give their heart to God, which will lead to rejoicing in heaven for one more soul saved from an eternity without Him.

 

Time of Reflection

Certain phrases or scriptures can really stick with you.  Is there a phrase or scripture that really starts a stirring in your heart for revival or hope?  Do you know someone who needs to hear that scripture today? Don’t hesitate, share it with them.  Share it with more than one person, for the kingdom of God is at hand.

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  JESSICA HONC is the wife of 14 years to Will, and homeschooling mother of three children.  She is the Director of Freedom Fellowship Home School Co-op.  Jessica has served in many different capacities at Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas, such as librarian and children's teacher.

 

 

 

 

If you are enjoying Matthew: The King and The Kingdom, please take a minute and share the link to this Bible Study by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or by email using the icons below and invite your friends and family to study along with us!  Thank you!

Matthew 10:24-33

Week 5 Memory Verse

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.   

And as you go, preach, saying,

‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’  

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers,

raise the dead, cast out demons.

Freely you have received, freely give.

Matthew 10:6-8

 

READ MATTHEW 10:24-33!

 

The subject of persecution is an extremely passionate topic for me to say the least. I, myself, am a fairly new Christian (February marks 3yrs!) and my husband, Rich, re-dedicated his life at the same time! Needless to say, our "past" has yet to vanish into thin air, and we are reminded of it ALL the time. We have yet to make it through one whole week without someone, whether claiming Christianity or not, says something about our taking this Jesus thing way to far! We are labeled "holy rollers", "Bible thumpers" etc.. Oh and not to mention, we have just changed sooo much since we began going to this church all the time.

 Excuse me for being myself here (blunt) but isn't that the point? To not be the same next year as we are this year? To develop Godly relationships through fellowship with other believers? To GROW closer to Jesus? To be changed from glory to glory? To allow Jesus to be a part of our EVeRYday lives and not just on Sundays? I could go on for days about these things but the truth is that some people are just not willing to go against the grain of the world and so they give in and eventually give up. This absolutely breaks my heart.

The term persecution defined in scripture is to be oppressed and to be oppressed means to be afflicted ; to feel pain or sorrow; a cause of pain, sorrow, suffering, and trouble! 

Here are some scriptures where persecution took place:

Mark 4:17 Parable of the four soils marks one way persecution can defeat a Christian. The ones sown on Rocky places have no FIRM ROOT in themselves, only a temporary one, then when the affliction and persecution come because of the Word, they IMMEDIATELY fall away.

Acts 8:1 records the persecution that forced the Christians out of Jerusalem and into Judea and Samaria. This fulfilled the second part of Jesus' command...why?  Because it actually was needed to spread the gospel!

Acts 13:50 The Jewish leaders ran Paul and Barnabas out of town because they simply refused to "hear" the truth!  When the Holy Spirit reveals a change that needs to be made we must listen!!! We are so blessed to have to only face persecution in the form of others nasty comments. This is nothing compared to what some face for proclaiming the name of JESUS....However, if we are so free to speak our beliefs, why is it that we are sometimes quiet about our faith? We can become scared of what others think (rejection) and then fall prey to Fearing man rather than Fearing God!

Words can definitely pierce the very core of our souls....IF we CHOOSE to not take every thought captive into the obedience of Christ (2Cor.10:5) and forget where our true identity comes from! For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God! (1 Pet. 2:20) We (believers) are MORE than conquerors through him who loves us.(Rom.8:37)

How do we respond/react to others when facing persecution? We follow the Lord's instruction in 2 Timothy 2:24-26.  The Lord's bond servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness, correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare if the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. Also Matt. 5:44, We are to love those who persecute us and continue to pray for their eyes, ears, and hearts to be opened to God's truth.

TIME OF REFLECTION:
Check out part of Paul's story in 2 Cor.4:7-14.  Of all people we read about Paul was the one to know both sides...the persecutor and the persecuted! There is joy in suffering my friends!
 

Our responsibility is to let people see Jesus through us! Even when we feel like we are at the end of our rope we must never reach the end of our hope! ALL of our risks, humiliations, and trials  are opportunities for Jesus to demonstrate his power and presence in and through us!!!!!

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: HEATHER BETH is the wife of Rich and homeschooling mom to 4 children.  Her family attends Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas, where Heather serves in Children's Church, sings on the Praise Team, and leads the Girl's Dance Team.  Rich teaches in the boy's classes and serves on the van outreach ministry.  They are also active members of Freedom Fellowship Homeschool Co-op!