Important Biblical Science References to Remember

§ Roundness of the earth (Isaiah 40:22)
§ Almost infinite extent of the sidereal universe (Isaiah 55:9)
§ Law of conservation of mass and energy (II Peter 3:7)
§ Hydrologic cycle (Ecclesiastes 1:7)
§ Vast number of stars (Jeremiah 33:22)
§ Law of increasing entropy (Psalm 102:25-27)
§ Paramount importance of blood in life processes (Leviticus 17:11)
§ Atmospheric circulation (Ecclesiastes 1:6)
§ Gravitational field (Job 26:7)

Romans

I read Romans for the first time. Yes, the first time. It's now my favorite book. Definitely. I read it in my NKJV bible and used the online NLT version to help study it. I usually don't go for the NLT version, because it is a thought for thought translation, not word for word. BUT when used as a tool to study this book, it's great! It makes everything crystal clear! Some little tidbits from my study of Romans:
- It is Paul's letter to the Romans. To tell them of his plans to come there on his way to Spain. It is the chief book of the new testament, the purest gospel. Some say it is "a light and way into the whole scriptures."
- It is a comprehensive statement of Paul's mature thinking and reflection on the gospel, not only to benefit the church of Rome but for the greater Christian community. It was his Presentation of the Gospel.
- His theme was justification BY faith.
- Building an airtight case for the lostness of mankind and the necessity for God's intervention.
- He refers to himself as a "servant to Jesus Christ." Servant is translated from the Hebrew word "doulos"- for a Roman citizen at that time, it was unheard of to actual refer to oneself as a servant.
- Romans 2:4- Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?  Exactly! It is God's KINDNESS that leads us to Repentance!!
- Romans 2:11- For there is NO partiality with God.  ---- He loves us all equally!
- Romans 2:12-15- For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law. for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; For when Gentiles who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to the Gospel."--- People are condemned not for what they don't know but for what they do with what they KNOW. Those who know God's word and his law will be judged by them. Those who don't know the Bible STILL know right from wrong, and they will be judged because they did not keep even those standards that their own consciences dictated. People violate the very standards they create for themselves! If someone THINKS something is a sin and they still do it, IT IS A SIN.
- Romans Chapter 3- it's about God's Judgement being defended - Some say our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous GOD is.
---We are ALL under the power of sin, since birth.
Romans 3:10-18 (NLT)

¹⁰ As the Scriptures say,

“No one is righteous—
    not even one.
¹¹ No one is truly wise;
    no one is seeking God.
¹² All have turned away;
    all have become useless.
No one does good,
    not a single one.”^[a]
13 “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
    Their tongues are filled with lies.”
“Snake venom drips from their lips.”^[b]
14     “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”^[c]
15 “They rush to commit murder.
¹⁶     Destruction and misery always follow them.
¹⁷ They don’t know where to find peace.”^[d]
18     “They have no fear of God at all.”^[e]

Romans 3: 20 is basically saying that no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands, the law simply shows us how sinful we are.
Romans 3:27-28 - We Can't boast because it has nothing to do with obeying the law, it is JUST ON FAITH ALONE.
Romans 4:4- When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned.
Romans 4:7-8- Oh what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.

Romans 4:14 - basically says that if God's promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith wouldn't be necessary and the promise would be pointless- Thank Goodness that's not so!
Romans 5:1-2- therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
We can rejoice too when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance and endurance strengthens character and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation, and this hope will not lead to disappointment.
Romans 5:8- But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
We have to remember that when Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adams one sin brings condemnation for everyone but Christs one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
Romans 5:20- Romans repeats several times that God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were.
Romans 6:4- Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.....We know our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might loose it's power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin! Jesus died ONCE to break the power of sin. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead.
Do not let sin control the way you live. Do not give in to sinful desires.
We must ".....present yourselves slaves to obey....." (Romans 6:16)
"......so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness." (Romans 6:19)
Romans 6:23- For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 7 starts discussing how "the law only applies while a person is living." You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. Now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead.
Romans 7:4- Therefore my brethern, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another- to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should BEAR FRUIT TO GOD.
WE HAVE A CHOICE
Slave to sin = Death
Obey God= Righteous Living

Remember that because you are a human you were born a slave to sin.
Paul's words in NLT...."Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation to death. It uses Gods good commands for it's own evil purposes.  In my mind I want to obey God but because of sinful nature, I am a slave to sin. I love God's law with all my heart, but there is another power within me that is at war with my mind, this power makes me a slave to sin that is still within me."

Romans 8 (Life in the Spirit)
talks about the fact that there is no condemnation for those who walk in the spirit, not in the flesh.
"....for to be carnally minded is DEATH, but to be spiritually minded is LIFE and peace." Romans 8:6
"...and if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." Romans 8:10
NOW we have no obligation to do what our sinful nature urges us to do.
".....for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:13.... You see a trend here???
I like this verse----- "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
We must wait patiently and confidently.
"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Romans 8:26 - in other words, even when we cannot form the words to pray what we need to pray, God understands and translates even our groanings.
Romans 8:28-  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:31- "....If God is for us, who can be against us?!"
Romans 8:38- " For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ----- IT'S FOREVER LOVE!!!!!
God chooses who he will show mercy to, we cannot choose it or work for it. (Romans 9:15-16)
Romans 10:10- For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  ---- WE CONFESS OUR SINS WITH OUR MOUTH, CONFESS THAT JESUS IS LORD and BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD-- YOU WILL BE SAVED. :-) What a GIFT!!

SALVATION
1. Everyone Has Sinned (Romans 3:23- For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.)
2. The penalty for our sin is death. (Romans 6:23)
3. Jesus Christ died for sin. (Romans 5:8)
4. To be forgiven for our sin, we must believe and confess that Jesus is Lord. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone. (Romans 10:8-10)

Romans 12:2- And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Give Yourself to God. 

Starting in Romans 12 Paul talks about our personal responsibilities and how to behave like a Christian. Some key points:
- God has given us all different gifts for doing certain things well- I never knew this was actually biblical!
- Use your gift WELL and WITH GLADNESS (Romans 12:8)
- Abhor what is evil, Cling to what is good (Romans 12:9)
- Be patient in tribulation (Romans 12:12)
- Never be lazy, work hard for the Lord
- Bless those who persecute you. (Romans 12:14)
- Don't just pretend to love others, REALLY love them. (Romans 12:9)
- Live in harmony with each other, Don't think you know it all. (NLT)
- Love each other with genuine affection, take delight in honoring each other (NLT Romans 12:10)
- When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. (NLT Romans 12:13)

Romans 12:17- Don't pay back evil with evil, Do things in such a way that everyone can SEE you are honorable.
Romans 12:18- "......live peaceably with all men."
Never take revenge, leave that to God.
Romans 12:21- Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing GOOD.
Romans 13 is about Respect for Authority
13:5-Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience sake."
from what i'm reading this chapter is about the fact that we must obey our earthly superiors/leaders/authority because they would not be in the position without God's assistance- Everyone must submit to governing authority.
Give to everyone what you owe them, give respect and honor to those who are in authority. Authority is meant to strike fear into those doing wrong. Sent for our good, but of course we should be afraid if we are doing wrong because they have the authority to punish us.
Romans 13:8- "....except to love one another....."
Romans 13:9- ".....are all summed up in this saying, namely, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' love does no harm to a neighbor, therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Romans 13:12- "....therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light (the shining armor of right living.".
Live decent lives for ALL to see. Don't participate in the darkness.
Romans 14- Accept other believers who are weak in faith and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
Romans 14: 8- "For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's."
Do not look down on other believers if they don't believe the same as you. If it's for the Lord, its for the Lord..
Romans 14:13- "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brothers way."
We will all have to give our own personal account to God.
Romans 14:14- "that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person, it IS wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what YOU eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. "
Romans 14:17- "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
Let us aim for harmony and building each other up.
Romans 15 - If you do anything you do not believe is right, you ARE sinning. We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this, we should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. (Romans 15:1)
Romans 15:5- "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another."
Romans 15:13- "now may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Personally, I LOVE the book of Romans. It states these basics OVER AND OVER AND OVER again. Beating it into my, and hopefully your, head. Read it, absorb it, Live it.

Belief Statement

This is the belief statement from GotQuestions.org. I absolutely LOVE their summary! And I wanna keep all these reference verses handy at all times! :)

Statement of Faith

---

Section 1: The Bible
We believe the Bible, comprised of the Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). In faith we hold the Bible to be inerrant in the original writings, God-breathed, and the complete and final authority for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). While still using the individual writing styles of the human authors, the Holy Spirit perfectly guided them to ensure they wrote precisely what He wanted written, without error or omission (2 Peter 1:21).

Section 2: God
We believe in one God, who is Creator of all (Deuteronomy 6:4; Colossians 1:16), who has revealed Himself in three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14), yet who is one in being, essence, and glory (John 10:30). God is eternal (Psalm 90:2), infinite (1 Timothy 1:17), and sovereign (Psalm 93:1). God is omniscient (Psalm 139:1-6), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-13), omnipotent (Revelation 19:6), and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). God is holy (Isaiah 6:3), just (Deuteronomy 32:4), and righteous (Exodus 9:27). God is love (1 John 4:8), gracious (Ephesians 2:8), merciful (1 Peter 1:3), and good (Romans 8:28).

Section 3: Jesus Christ
We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is God incarnate, God in human form, the expressed image of the Father, who, without ceasing to be God, became man in order that He might demonstrate who God is and provide the means of salvation for humanity (Matthew 1:21; John 1:18; Colossians 1:15).

We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary; that He is truly fully God and truly fully man; that He lived a perfect, sinless life; that all His teachings are true (Isaiah 14; Matthew 1:23). We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for all humanity (1 John 2:2) as a substitutionary sacrifice (Isaiah 53:5-6). We hold that His death is sufficient to provide salvation for all who receive Him as Savior (John 1:12; Acts 16:31); that our justification is grounded in the shedding of His blood (Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:17); and that it is attested by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; 1 Peter 1:3).

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven in His glorified body (Acts 1:9-10) and is now seated at the right hand of God as our High Priest and Advocate (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

Section 4: The Holy Spirit
We believe in the deity and personality of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4). He regenerates sinners (Titus 3:5) and indwells believers (Romans 8:9). He is the agent by whom Christ baptizes all believers into His body (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). He is the seal by whom the Father guarantees the salvation of believers unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). He is the Divine Teacher who illumines believers’ hearts and minds as they study the Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-12).

We believe that the Holy Spirit is ultimately sovereign in the distribution of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11). We believe that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, while by no means outside of the Spirit’s ability to empower, no longer function to the same degree they did in the early development of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 2:20; 4:7-12).

Section 5: Angels and Demons
We believe in the reality and personality of angels. We believe that God created the angels to be His servants and messengers (Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 148:2; Hebrews 1:14).

We believe in the existence and personality of Satan and demons. Satan is a fallen angel who led a group of angels in rebellion against God (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:12-15). He is the great enemy of God and man, and the demons are his servants in evil. He and his demons will be eternally punished in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

Section 6: Humanity
We believe that humanity came into existence by direct creation of God and that humanity is uniquely made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). We believe that all humanity, because of Adam's fall, has inherited a sinful nature, that all human beings choose to sin (Romans 3:23), and that all sin is exceedingly offensive to God (Romans 6:23). Humanity is utterly unable to remedy this fallen state (Ephesians 2:1-5,12).

Section 7: Salvation
We believe that salvation is a gift of God’s grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ’s death fully accomplished justification through faith and redemption from sin. Christ died in our place (Romans 5:8-9) and bore our sins in His own body (1 Peter 2:24).

We believe salvation is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Good works and obedience are results of salvation, not requirements for salvation. Due to the greatness, sufficiency, and perfection of Christ’s sacrifice, all those who have truly received Christ as Savior are eternally secure in salvation, kept by God’s power, secured and sealed in Christ forever (John 6:37-40; 10:27-30; Romans 8:1, 38-39; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24). Just as salvation cannot be earned by good works, neither does it need good works to be maintained or sustained. Good works and changed lives are the inevitable results of salvation (James 2).

Section 8: The Church
We believe that the Church, the Body of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all believers of this present age (1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27). We believe in the ordinances of believer’s water baptism by immersion as a testimony to Christ and identification with Him, and the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of Christ’s death and shed blood (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:41-42, 18:8; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Through the church, believers are to be taught to obey the Lord and to testify concerning their faith in Christ as Savior and to honor Him by holy living. We believe in the Great Commission as the primary mission of the Church. It is the obligation of all believers to witness, by word and life, to the truths of God’s Word. The gospel of the grace of God is to be preached to all the world (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20).

Section 9: Things to Come
We believe in the blessed hope (Titus 2:13), the personal and imminent coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to rapture His saints (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). We believe in the visible and bodily return of Christ to the earth with His saints to establish His promised millennial kingdom (Zechariah 14:4-11; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 3:10, 19:11-16, 20:1-6). We believe in the physical resurrection of all men—the saints to everlasting joy and bliss on the New Earth, and the wicked to eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:46;John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:5-6, 12-13).

We believe that the souls of believers are, at death, absent from the body and present with the Lord, where they await their resurrection when spirit, soul, and body are reunited to be glorified forever with the Lord (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23, 3:21;1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). We believe that the souls of unbelievers remain, after death, in conscious misery until their resurrection when, with soul and body reunited, they shall appear at the Great White Throne judgment and shall be cast into the Lake of Fire to suffer everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:19-26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 20:11-15).

STeaDy My HeaRT

by Kari Jobe

Wish it could be easy
Why is life so messy
Why is pain a part of us
There are days I feel like
Nothing ever goes right
Sometimes it just hurts so much


But You're here
You're real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart (x2)

I'm not gonna worry
I know that You got me
Right inside the palm of your hand
Each and every moment
What's good and what gets broken
Happens just the way that You plan


And I will run to You
You're my refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You
Cause of everything You are

You steady my heart (x2)

WeeKenD

Weekends are too brief. This one has been flying by. The boys and I spent alot of time playing and watching movies yesterday while Daddy was at work. Then family nap time. Last night Michelle K. and I went to do a little shopping, dining and LOTS of talking. It was great to see her, I hadn't seen her in awhile, so there was tons to talk about. Today we got up early and went as a family to do our grocery shopping. Kids didn't really nap at all today, agh, so little do they know it's going to be early bedtime tonight!  Now we are just relaxing a little bit before dinner, making tea, showering, etc.

Gavin is about to turn 5! I can't believe how fast he is growing. He is all about Spiderman and Power Rangers right now. He is very ornery, he is a stubborn rambunctious fully opinionated individual. He is a very trying child for sure. He can push me to the limit of my patience and understanding on a daily basis. Reminds me of the "Strong-Willed Child" book. Sometimes I can talk to him before we do something and he will be good, but for the most part he is wild rambunctious banshee child. He gets all worked up inside when we are in public, which makes him bounce off the walls like a ping pong ball. We are trying to work on his school work but he doesn't like doing it with ME. He can write his name well at school, but at home, nope. He does do his short vowel sounds pretty good. I guess it'll just take time and patience. I'm trying I swear!  

God Has A Plan for Little Ol' ME?

Hearing God answer me is often my problem. It's difficult for me. I wonder if what I'm thinking or feeling is just ME or is it God telling me or pushing me towards those thoughts/decisions. I have no idea. I've often just sat there crying and pleading with God to just WRITE ON THE WALL. Of course He didn't. So I am still fine tuning my ears and heart to hear what He wants me to hear. 

"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." Romans 15:13

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.  Before you were born I set you apart!” Jeremiah 1:5

“You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!” Psalm 139:16

God’s plan uses your strengths as well as your weaknesses.  We all have strengths – they are part of the plan.  We all have limitations – they too are part of the plan.  We all have seasons of life that are essential to the plan as well.  Real Success comes when, instead of constantly fighting against or trying to change the plan, we learn to identify and build on our strengths, accept the limitations as hedges of protection from God and yield to the seasons in life as God’s perfect timing. Sometimes we step off our path because of some unexpected adversity, but more often it is by us giving into temptations and sinning.

WHEN THERE IS A LACK OF PEACE IN YOUR LIFE, THAT IS WHEN YOU SHOULD STOP MOVING AHEAD.

I saw a devotional email that said it was like a sports game, as long as you stay within the boundaries you are free to move about, but the whistle gets blown and the game pauses if you step outside of those bounds. Maybe that is where free will comes into a pre-destined plan. You have a set course, but lots of movement within that course.

When we get off our path, or try to leave the game, God WILL try to get our attention.  Watch for the uneasy feelings of warning, the lack of peace IS the sign we are asking for.

If we step off our path, it's not GAME OVER, that is where confessing our sins, seeking His face, and following His instructions comes into play. God is always working to restore your life after we try to veer off the path.

“The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

What God calls you to do, He empowers you to do. With the plan comes every resource that we will need to accomplish that plan. 

The right path is always marked by peace.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

"Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him." Psalm 25:12

Of course, since it is God’s Plan, it is THE BEST PLAN, the goal for which it was instituted is of the highest good.  It is good in a functional sense, because the plan is certain to work, producing the ends for which it was ordained. Ultimately, it is good because it is God’s plan. bible study

The bible states over and over again, making it very clear, that God does have a plan. 

“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation” Psalm 33:11

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord, it will stand” Proverbs 19:21

“This is the plan devised against the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out against all the nations. For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?” Isaiah 14:26-27

From the Westminster Confession of Faith: “God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass.”

More from this Bible.Org bible study: "The “purposed will of God” refers to God’s eternal decree, the plan which will surely come to pass. It encompasses all of the other “wills.” The “preferential will of God” refers to that which gives God pleasure or displeasure. Our Lord’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals that the cross of Calvary was not our Lord’s desire, but it was His purpose. “God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). In spite of this desire, God has purposed that some will be eternally saved, while others will be eternally damned (see Romans 9). Just as we may spank a disobedient child when it is not our desire or delight, God’s decree includes some things in which he does not delight, like the punishment of the wicked.  The “prescriptive will of God” is God’s will expressed as a standard for man’s conduct. It is God’s will set down in the Scriptures as commands, standards, or principles which govern what we do or do not do. It is God’s prescriptive will that we do not steal, lie, or worship idols. It is likewise His (prescriptive) will that we love Him and love our neighbor. God’s “permissive will” includes those events or actions of men which are, in and of themselves, sinful. They are contrary to God’s preference and to His prescriptive will. Nevertheless God uses sin to accomplish His will. "   The plan of God is all-encompassing.

When human plans fail, it is often because the planner has overlooked some detail. Something unforeseen arises, and suddenly plans collapse. This is because every detail was not taken into account. God’s plan is all-inclusive. It is based on God’s omniscience (knowing all), so that everything past, present, and future is taken into account. God’s omniscience, as we have seen, includes all things which will actually occur, as well as all things which could possibly occur. Every contingency is taken into account in God’s plan. God’s plan is for all creation, things in heaven and on earth, things visible and invisible, thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities (Colossians 1:16).   God’s plan includes seemingly insignificant details. It excludes “good luck” or coincidences."  bible study

How do we find God's Plan for US? By spending time with God. He made the plan. He is the only one who KNOWS the Plan.

By saturating daily life with His truth and continually turning our hearts to conversation with Him. simply because we love the sound of His voice and long for His presence. When we spend time with Him the plan naturally unfolds as we take every step in obedience.

I have to learn what my spiritual gifts are. What am I passionate about? What are my natural abilities? What type of personality do I have? What do other people see in me? I also need to learn what my limitations are, and accept them. They are there for a purpose.  I will learn to flow with the seasons of my life. I will trust Him to lead me down the right path, MY path that HE designed for ME. God’s plan is developed throughout a lifetime. He started it, and He will finish it.  The God who began a good work in us continues it throughout our lifetime, and will finish it when we meet him face to face. God's work for us began when Christ died on the cross in our place. His work in us began when we first believed. Now the Holy Spirit lives in us, enabling us to be more like Christ every day. God will help you grow in grace until he has completed his work in your life. Don't let your present conditions rob you of the joy of knowing Christ or keep you from growing closer to Him.  Philippians 1:6

God's Plan does NOT change.

"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation” Psalm 33:11

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord, it will stand” Proverbs 19:21

“This is the plan devised against the whole earth; and this is the hand that is stretched out against all the nations. “For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?” Isaiah 14:26-27

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” Isaiah 55:10-11

“From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” Romans 11:28-29

The plan of God is complete, fully developed, and as good as done, from God’s point of view: “His works were finished from the foundation of the world” (Hebrews 4:3).

From a human point of view, the plan is being unfolded progressively through history and is only partially revealed.  God’s plan is a mystery because it is the product of the divine mind of God and not the finite mind of man. It is a mystery because of the mysterious way in which God works, using sin to accomplish His good will, suffering to produce glory, death to bring about life. It is a mystery which fallen man cannot fathom apart from the illumination of the Holy Spirit.

“Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” 1 Corinthians 2:6-8

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” Isaiah 55:6-9

God’s plan should shape our plans. God’s plan suggests that we should plan. But His plan is also instructive as to the kind of plans we make. Some see planning as inconsistent with our faith in God, directing us to such texts as:

“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on” Matthew 6:25a

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” Matthew 6:34

God wants us to plan, but not to worry. Worry is the opposite of faith. Worries are based on fears that COULD occur, but have NOT. They are not based on God’s promises to us.  I think this means we should plan, and that it is foolish not to plan, especially when it comes to planning the consequences of our actions and/or sins.

I will continue to pray for my path to be clear and for courage to follow it.

Friendship

I wanted to delve deeper into what I feel and what I think God wants for me and from me in regards to friendship. This has been a very tough topic for me, my entire life. 

We make life what we want it to be. We make friendships what we want them to be. Be the friend you want to have. 

According to this latest friendship bible study I was reading there are 5 traits of a true Christian friendship.

Christian Friends Love Sacrificially - For me this means you do not choose your friends because of what they have to offer. For me this includes time together. Less time does not mean less friendship.  It means I love you enough to know that as long as your needs are met, and I do value your needs, I’m good. It means that whatever makes you happy, makes me happy. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (NIV)

Christian Friends Accept Unconditionally- We must love unconditionally. Through good and bad, thick and thin. The best friendships are with those who know and accept our weaknesses and imperfections. A good friend is quick to ask forgiveness and ready to be forgiving. Proverbs 17:17   A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (NIV)

Christian Friends Trust Completely- Trust is important in a friendship. It actually talked about the way I do things, putting complete trust in a few loyal friends, but not in all your mere companions because trusting too easily can lead to ruin. I agree with this wholeheartedly. I have few GREAT friends, and then some I would consider mere companions.  I do think that trusting is also not about telling secrets and such, but also about trusting that someone has your back no matter what. That someone would defend you to the ends of the earth with no question. That someone trusts in your friendship no matter how much you see or hear from the person, and vice versa.  Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NIV)

Christian Friends Keep Healthy Boundaries- This one I am not good at. But I’m gonna quote what the study said “If you feel smothered in a friendship, something is wrong. Likewise, if you feel used or abused, something is amiss. Recognizing what's best for someone and giving that person space are signs of a healthy relationship. We should never let a friend come between us and our spouse. A true Christian friend will wisely avoid intruding and recognize your need to maintain other relationships.”      1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy ... (NIV)

Christian Friends Give Mutual Edification- this one discussed how important it is in a true Christian friendship to build each other up emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Friendships are supposed to be for strength, encouragement and love. We talk, We Cry, We Listen. And it says “But at times we also have to say the difficult things our dearest friend needs to hear. Yet, because of the shared trust and acceptance, we are the one person who can impact our friend's heart, for we know how to deliver the hard message with truth and grace. I believe this is what Proverbs 27:17 means when it says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."  Proverbs 27:6 

I want those kind of friendships in my life. I’m not old, but I’m not getting any younger. I’m not so young that I NEED friendships to build me, but I AM old enough to know what kind of friend I want, and to choose my friendships wisely, to build up rather than tear down. 

As CS Lewis says “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…it has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” Beautiful!

Other verses to study on friendship:
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Ecclesiastes 6:16
Job 29: 4-6
Proverbs 13: 26, 18:24 (Trust Completely), 17:9, 27:5-6, 13:20, 22: 24-25, 28:28, 17:17(Accept Unconditionally), 27:10a, 27:9, 12:26, 14: 6-7, 11:14, 19:20, 24:5, 27:17
James 4:4, 4:8 (Greatest friend is God)
John 15:12-15 (Jesus on Friendship)(Love Sacrificially)
1 Corinthians 13:4 (Keep Health Boundaries), 15:33(Do not be deceived, bad Company ruins good morals)
Psalm 119:63
1 Samuel 18:3, 20:4, 20: 16-17, 18-22, 30-33, 41-42
Mark 12:31
Luke 6:31 (And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them)
Romans 12:10 "Love one another with brotherly affection..."
Ephesians 4: 29-32
Colossians 3:12-14

And stories of friendships in the bible such as:
Ruth & Naomi (Ruth 1: 16-17)
David & Jonathan (1 samuel 18:1-3)
Jobs Friends (Job 2:11)
Elijah & Elisha (2 Kings 2:2)