One of my favorite college memories was spending a summer semester overseas in China. I chose China because, at the time, it was the trip that would take me the furthest away from my normal life at the lowest price. (Read: Freedom!) Once we got there, our small group spent a lot of time studying the culture and Chinese history. We did the typical things, like visiting the Great Wall of China, but we also visited a whole lot of temples.
Temple after temple after temple.
Some of these temples were over 1,000 years old and felt randomly planted in the middle of busy cities with tall buildings and bustling commerce all around. Others seemed to stand in desolate places, in the middle of nowhere, still as equally beautiful and cared for. All of these temples were built to honor “little g” gods, yet they stand as the cornerstones of their communities. Most of the temples are meticulously cared for, with security guards who stand always at watch, ensuring that nothing and no one could get in that might bring the temple harm.
So how much more should we, who are the temples of the one true God, the Creator of the Universe, protect, honor, and care for the temples that He has made?
You are not your own, for you were bought at a price.
—1 Corinthians 6:19–20
We live in a world today that has so loudly promoted as acceptable the things God has marked as sin. There’s so much deception and blurring of the lines between what is right and wrong, good and bad. And the same was happening in Paul’s day as well (vv.9–10). But as followers of Jesus, we have freely received an inheritance that sets us apart. And when we accept this inheritance, our bodies become temples in which God dwells (v.12). One thing the Lord really challenged me with in today’s reading is that, as God’s temples, we have to be careful about what goes in and about what comes out. Just because we can do something doesn’t mean that we should, unless we can do it to bring glory and honor to God (vv.12–13). As God’s temples, there’s no reason for us to unite ourselves with sin and ungodliness because our bodies are part of Christ himself (v.15)!
Lord, help us to stand on guard. Show us clearly the things, people, and desires in our lives that are not of You. Help us to show You honor in everything we take in and everything that we say and do today. Amen.
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105 thoughts on "Glorifying God in Body and Spirit"
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@Raquel Echandy- I was stumbling over that part of our reading too. I agree with Martha. To add to what she said, I think it’s also people whose lives our defined by those behaviors. When you think of that person, you see the sin driving their life. The fruit of the tree tells us what type of tree it is. As Christians, we will struggle with sin, but that sin doesn’t define us. We are actively seeking repentance when we sin, so that we can become more like Christ.
Hi! I’ve been a Christian all my life but was never great about reading the Bible. I am just now reading it to truly understand. With that said. When he says “you will not inherit the kingdom of God” I get confused cause I thought if you believed you were saved. I’m not saying I believe we should do whatever we desire because if we love him we should have the desire to try not to but we all fail at at times so… can someone explain? Thank you!
@Raquel Franco, verse 9 says that it refers to the unrighteous… those who are not saved. And verse 11 says that such some of you were, but now they belong to the Lord. They will not inherit the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul is just saying that there is no reason now to practice these things. There is more to say and different theological opinions about your question, but as you said, loving the Lord is important to always try to live a holy life, not a perfect one. If we fail, He sent a Helper to guide and restore us.
Please pray for my son, who is held in bondage by this kind of sin. He is young and has believed lies. We hit rock bottom last week with a serious consequence from his actions and I’m terrified. I want as many people praying that this will be his deliverance. I am praying the Lord frees him from the attack he’s endured for years, and that his mind and spirit would be renewed. Lord, please give him the desire to be renewed and to take all the steps he needs to in order to surrender to You and Your plan. Reclaim him as Yours.
My son loves Jesus and my family is in ministry and he’s served along with us. I truly see this as a spiritual attack and he did not equip himself to resist. Please pray for deliverance.
Lifting your son in prayer, Melissa!
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Thank you ladies for sharing your words and thoughts with me. ❤️
Amen
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should ! I needed that reminder today. Really great comments here. Praying for requests as I come across them.
RHONDA J… Don’t know if you go back and read through replies to various posts, and I didn’t want this to get buried, so… Your comment about skinny legs got my attention earlier, and then my husband and I were listening to an audiobook… (“On the Shores of Plum Creek” by Laura Ingalls Wilder)… your comments came back to me and made me giggle (but maybe it woulda made you sad)… There were some girls that noticed Laura’s and Mary’s skinny legs… and they said the girls looked like snipes. Now that certainly wasn’t nice, but it made me stop and pray for my sweet sister! ❤️
well…I’ve never been called a snipe! What the heck is that?! hahahahaha..glad you prayed for me! It’s funny of how many people think it is totally appropriate to comment of my being way to skinny as they crinkle their face like it’s awful! I have learned to not care…but here it constantly…for years! And I have to say…I am more caught on the phrase…”me and my husband listening to the audiobook of Laura…little house on the prairie…” How cute and sweet is that! I can’t ever get my hubby to listen to a book with me!
I am doing some research on “setting security guards” around our temple, and thought I might as well share.
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Steps to taking guard of our temple:
– Take captive every thought. God gives us grace to do this.
– Community and accountability.
– Avoid situations that position us for weakness. Identify triggers.
– Beware of temptation, and prayerfully turn away.
– Arm yourself with Word-centered prayer, worship and fasting (Philippians 4:5–7), be clothed with the Lord Jesus (Romans 13:14), the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Oh wow, so good! I must borrow this!
What a reading today. Paul was so brave and angry in this letter. This was some real and harsh whooping that Paul sent to this wayward church (even present time church, ouch). It is like…. church, listen to me, do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you (ESV). Another thing stood out to me is: All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful (1 Corinthians 1:6:12). All things could be legal, but not all are beneficial for your spiritual growth and maturity, even your well-being, such as same-sex relationship, premarital sex, abortion (murder in the womb) are legal in some nations, though all those things that are legal (due to declining society standards) but will be forever damaging to the victims. To name a few, sexual immorality and sexual sins lead to open doors of sickness, disease and soul ties. Romans 1:24-32 says that God will allow men to reap within their physical bodies the results of sexual sin. There is a vast array of sexually-transmitted diseases. Soul ties are formed when joined with a person sexually, 1 Corinthians 6:16 says, “Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? Sexual sin comes with a high price attached to it. Heed the words of God dear church, not society and its liberal and filthy wayward standards. Choose the hard and narrow path for that is the path of life. Thankful for so many truth speakers in the comments today, applause to you dear shes for your courage and your voice. Let us be disciplined and forever lean onto the grace of God to help us overcome the evil temptations and deception of there. Glory to God who is able to keep us blameless unto the day of our Lord. Happy Canada Day to fellow Canadian she’s :)… Be blessed dear sisters.
So well said. Thank you, Mercy.
I was convicted of how I treated my body, God’s temple when I was younger. I had not truly met my Savior yet, but it still devastates me. Everything seems so backwards today. Sleep together right away, have a baby, live together, maybe get married. And we stay silent. May we use what we have learned from our aging years to help teach those that are younger. To share our stories, not judge or condemn their behavior. That won’t help at all. I like to start a sentence with, “what I learned” etc. It is the best way for someone to see themselves. To maybe just maybe have their ears opened. With the Holy Spirit we can be such good examples from our learning experiences.
I love how it reminds us of who we truly are
This study, along with our sermon series is a real gut punch.
“but you were cleansed; you were made holy, made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” v.11
In other translations it says, “abusers of themselves with men.” In that time period, it was a power thing. It wasn’t a love thing. I think it’s really important to look at the culture and audience and heart of the passage. I didn’t believe that those that believe in God and are in a healthy, loving relationship, even if it’s between the same sex, are going to hell.
Hello Shes
Paul is getting really worked up now! My reading of his words:
Lawsuits: “If y’all can’t settle disputes among yourselves [the church], then you’ve already lost” [not living out the gospel]! Get right with yourselves!
Be changed! Work it out as brothers & sisters.
Body & Spirit: “Y’all should stop destroying your own temple!” [Your body is sacred. Joined by Spirit with His]. “It ain’t right to think you can do with it whatever you might please.” [Behave “wholly”.]
“Everything is permissible, but not beneficial”: Taken as good advice on a number of fronts. Whether I indulge in romantic fantasies or a sleeve of Oreo cookies!
“as God’s temples, we have to be careful about what goes in and about what comes out.”
This line from the devotion really spoke to me today. The body as a whole, I know that there are so many things that go in and out especially with social media, videos, and such. What I allow myself to take in often becomes what I reflect. I think it may be time to take some time away from social media and what I allow my body to take in.
This is convicting for me. My body is a temple and I am realizing that I do not treat it well at all. I am working hard to change that and be kinder to it vs seeing it as my enemy.
Ladies if you could pray, a friend of mine, K… is having a medical emgergency this morning.
Praying!
I have to share this since it brings such clarity to the subject of sexual immorality:
From HE READS TRUTH today: (Collin Ross) “…Christians who live according to a scriptural approach to sexual integrity are not all prudes or legalists. Rather, the diversion from the cultural norms originates in the foundational belief that God has purchased us for higher things — namely, redemption and resurrection. When we pursue sexually immoral activities, we leave behind the greater things that we are destined for in Christ. This is why Paul says that sexual sin is unique in that it is a sin against our own selves! Why do we settle for lesser pleasures when God has freely offered us abundant life in Jesus?”
There are so many ways in which we can defile our temple, perfection in that aspect is impossible to come by in our own strength. From sexual immorality to self harm to viewing our temple with wrong eyes. May God give you grace and peace today to follow Him.
Dear Melissa…We’ll put.
As a perpetual striver, taking these words especially to heart, those tendencies to:
“self harm & viewing our temple with wrong eyes”.
We have several friends and a family member who are gay. According to our Pastor’s corporate prayer last week, we were to pray for those who “struggle” with same sex attraction. Those in our family and friend group are committed in relationships and not struggling. I am struggling with the church not loving and welcoming them, as I thought we were supposed to. Needing some help here, especially after today’s reading. I have been a Christian fro a long time and Jesus is my rock and personal Savior. After today’s reading and the pastoral prayer last week, I am a bit shaken. Thoughts?
My thoughts only, since you asked, and I just heard a pastor answering this question. That he would welcome them in, but not as a couple together, but separately, because of how that them being together “lovingly” would affect the children and other people that are there to learn the values of Christ. It is an obvious rebellion to Christ law. And although we are all guilty, most of us aren’t straight out saying…look at this, I believe my way is right even though the Bible clearly says it is. I thought that made sense. Because we all come in sinful, but the ideal is to be convicted by God, and CHANGE our sinful ways. You wouldn’t want a married man bringing his affair partner to church and people be okay with that…because God’s law says its not. And our kids and younger believers are trying to find truth taught in churches. We can’t believe some scripture and not others. This is handled in a loving way, but it also must be addressed and not ignored, otherwise it is basically us sinning as well.
Of course this is just my thoughts and trying to explain it the best I can.
I don’t have easy answers, but I do know that your friends and family member (and mine!) are created in the image of God and are loved by Him. Many scholars think that Paul was calling out abusive power dynamics attached to commercial and/or m/m sexual relationships in the place and time in which he was writing. I didn’t know. But I do know that God loves us, and our gay brothers and sisters,
I believe that God does not condone homosexual behavior (1 Cor. 6:9, etc). However, we live in a fallen world and this is a way that some people are tempted (“struggle with same sex attraction”). As followers of Jesus, it is not something we are to give in to. There are some Christian author-speakers you could read on this topic. All three would say that they struggle with same sex attraction but have chosen to live lives that do not give in to this desire. Check out Jackie Hill Perry (wrote a book Gay Girl, Good God), Google Rosaria Butterfield’s testimony, or also look up Rebecca McLaughlin. It is true that we are all made in the image of God and all hold great value. We are to show great love and compassion without condoning sin.
I have a lot to say on this topic. I’ll try to stay brief. Since my family has dealt with this issue for many years, I have listened to, read and prayed about this topic for years. Although it seems to be hard for some to accept God’s Word as true, it never was for me. I don’t see any gray here. I have used the same analogy that Rhonda J used in her comment about the adulterer. My husband had an affair, which I think we can all accept is a sin. If he never repented but instead flaunted his relationship by coming to church with his partner and going to family affairs with his partner, I think we would agree that this is wrong. I don’t really understand how we don’t feel the same way about homosexual relationship. The Bible is very clear that it is a sin, just like adultery. The writers that try to say it is about something else are false teachers. There are no blurred lines here. I think we want there to be blurred lines because we know people who are great people who are gay and we love them (my daughter is a perfect example – she is a delight and a joy!) – but just because we are good people doesn’t mean we should be allowed to continue in sin. I agree that homosexuals should not be banned from entering the church – of course not! And we should befriend them and get to know them and love them. BUT, we shouldn’t act like their relationship isn’t against God’s will. We shouldn’t dance around what it says in the Bible about their lifestyle. And Churches are the worst offenders! Churches that marry homosexuals are blatantly going against what the Bible says. They are encouraging people to continue in their sin. I don’t want to attend a Church that encourages me to continue in my sin. I want to sit under a Pastor who shows me what God says about my sin and encourages me to turn that sin over to God – not the opposite!
I do not mean to come across as angry or preachy here. I am very passionate about this subject because I am living it. And I am ashamed of the Church and how it has handled God’s Word, especially in this instance. Someone mentioned Rosaria Butterfield as a resource. I would second that. She has a wonderful testimony of a Christian couple who befriended her and lovingly showed her the Gospel. And she left her lesbian marriage and her job, which was working at Syracuse University as a Professor of Women’s studies and was very involved in the LGBTQ community as a leader and influencer. I have been very blessed by her books and every time I hear her speak.
This is a topic we as Christians must wrestle with. We cannot let culture dictate our feelings and ideas about it. God’s way IS counter-cultural. Because it is better.
Amen Laura! Well said. I have just had a discussion with a new lady in my group that is going through a divorce, and told me today it is with her “female partner” and I thought of your precious daughter and the HOPE there is through God and our prayers. She said she talked to our pastor and he told her the word is clear but he is there to support her in following God. She wants to change her life and live for God. But she is adamant that it is something the church needs to learn to address in this day and age better. She basically was, before the divorce and this recent commitment to heed to the Lord, a professing Gay Christian and stood by loving the Lord and being actively gay. (giving into the action). Which I want to judge, but look at my whole life of saying I was a Christian yet living with boyfriends, drinking, one night stands, cheating on my first husband…and on and on..all to say..we tell ourselves what we want, and justify and excuse. But Laura is right, the word is the word, no gray.
Amen, Laura. Sin is sin, no matter what culture says.
Don’t worry about being brief lol! Thank you for this. It’s encouraging to see people stand up for God’s word.
Well the Bible says that having sexual relationships with the same sex is a sin.
THANK YOU sweet Rhonda!! After reading today’s devo and comments I went back to read yesterday’s comments. YOU’re so sweet and made my morning! Thank you Kelly (NEO) for praying for me as well. I feel LOVED! I am SO excited as THIS morning we are meeting with our youth groups girls for a summer bible and its at my favorite coffee shop (my son works there)! Glad I’m OFF and able to participate. God provided work for me next week at our church in the nursery for all the volunteers for our VBS. Thank you all for praying for that as well. TRUSTING My Jehovah Jireh! AND since I’m off…I’m off to go do something I LOVE to do and BEFORE the 100 degree weather hits. RUN!!! LOVE you all SO much!! Oh…..Happy MONDAY sweet She’s!
Something I thought of as I was reading through all of this was that my son is a Student Minister. Over the years he has been asked to perform weddings for former students. Very honored to do it. But he really struggles when he knows that the couple is already living together. He requires them to have counseling sessions with him and always discusses the premarital sex topic with them, but most don’t change their lifestyle. There have been a few couples that he actually refused to marry but on the whole he marries them. It’s sad that Christian couples (including me) go along with our society regarding premarital sex and living together.
I have been convicted to pray for our country even more, especially during these elections.
Hugs to my sister She’s ❤️
Yes, same thoughts for me!
Wise action on your son’s part! I know some pastors also insist on separate living arrangements prior to the wedding- once counseling has started. ❤ I can’t help but wonder if
destination weddings became popular just to dodge the church conviction.
The church has become so lax on this. Our extended family has had a hard time navigating it as well. We have family members who think nothing about their kids living with their SOs and they treat them the same as if they are married. Our daughter did not live with her boyfriend (and then fiance) until they were married. When she told others that she didn’t live with him (and when we shared that info), people were so surprised and she got a lot of young girls saying to her that they wished they had done what she was doing. Cultural peer pressure is real. Christians are called to live like the Bible says (God’s Word), not follow cultural norms. I believe this was a big reason for Paul to write this letter to the Corinthians. They were struggling with how to live that counter-cultural life. In my opinion, we NEED to be bold. We NEED to stand for what is counter-cultural. Because it is God’s design and it is the best things for us.
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The artwork is magnificent! I am absolutely loving this study. In every verse, there is so much to unpack and apply to my life. Thank you so much.
Treat yourself as His temple today and every day, sweet sisters.
Dear She’s, I’m learning about the spiritual habit of fasting through a course that Practicing The Way dot Org offers. It’s really helping me to understand how to honour God with my body. My hope is some of you sweet sisters find it helpful too.
“May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together – spirit, soul, and body – and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it he’ll do it! “ 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Have a great day everyone!
https://www.practicingtheway.org/
Amen!!!
This is such a convicting study! It just hits us right where we are today. This quote from Vines Expository Bible expresses the thoughts of many of us so far in this study:
“The purpose of a church is to change society. But too often the church takes on the atmosphere of the world. A church is not intended to be a thermometer registering the temperature of the age but, rather, a thermostat changing the temperature.”
Adding my amen to Abby’s prayer as well!
Love that… thermometer versus thermostat! Amen.
My jail ministry leader always uses that example to the ladies…that they are to regulate themselves and not let the environment affect them! (I always confuse them!lol) but SO good example to them! It is so good to apply to the church. I am so sad for the church today.
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“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”
I Corinthians 6:19 NKJV
Reading this passage reminded me of a song my students sang in their school concert last year called I am Not My Own by Keith and Kristyn Getty. It’s such a sweet song and a great reminder that “ I belong to the Lord, I am not my own”!
https://youtu.be/yxCb6l3jkis?si=42ZW2K6KBstx63JZ
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
Titus 3:4-7 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/tit.3.4-7.NIV
This selection from Titus spoke to me. We have been saved from sin by Jesus. He does the washing, the sanctifying and justification.
It made me realize that the sin (whatever it is) that trips us up if we confess it and repent(turn from it), Jesus has already done the work. We just have to turn it over to Him. Then be on guard!
“Lord, help us to stand on guard. Show us clearly the things, people, and desires in our lives that are not of You. Help us to show You honor in everything we take in and everything that we say and do today. Amen.”
May this be my daily prayer.
So thankful for each one of you. Have a wonderful Monday sisters!❤️
Adding my ‘amen’ and thankfulness! ❤
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“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”
This verse reminded me of a song my students sang at their school concert last year called I am Not My Own by Keith and Kristyn Getty. Such a sweet song that reminds us “I belong to the Lord, I am not my own”!
https://youtu.be/yxCb6l3jkis?si=LhpHGXDu5zN0s6m2
“You are not your own, for you were bought at a price” is so powerful. Living in a world that determines worth by what you own can lead us astray. But, God! Praise our mighty God, Abba, Father for reminding us whose we are! We are in this world, but are sanctified/ separated by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Amen!
I know..that sentence was POWERFUL to me as well…like knock me over!
Oh boy..does this hit hard about how I treated my body…my dear temple of the Lord..yet, how, I gave it so easily to so many no named guys over my young years. It literally makes me sick now. And that we live in a society where we preach so loudly about homosexuality, yet don’t shout as loud about sleeping around so casually. Pre-marital sex. Living together. It’s funny that I actually thought I was better then most of my friends..playing the comparison game, but yet just one…tying my soul to them, becoming one..ouch! How shameful that makes me feel, how convicting that Christ gave it all for me, so being a Christian..yet pre-marital sex. You see it so much in the church today. I was so adamant that with my now husband that we couldn’t move in together (all though we did) before marriage..but yet in my mind I had reasons…oh geez. How often do we do that. And then the funniest thing, was we were having sex…um??? Isn’t that the problem..not the moving in??! Make it make sense. Lord…convict us, convict our young Christians…That your word and instruction is there for our best!!! You made us for you…to live in us, to be your people, yet we want our fleshly ways..and then try to justify it. Live your truth, do what makes you happy, follow your heart..NOOOOO. a big N.O. Live for Christ..follow HIS heart. Change us Lord. We cry out to you..we repent, and need you so much Lord, to work and heed to you Lord.
I feel like I am a stiff-necked Israelite…that God moves in my life big, then I forget…over and over all those years of the first half of my life. I am determined that my last half of my life will stay diligent to the Lord. Make me a David..or a Paul, with all my past failures, now I commit to you in all my ways, no matter the cost..In Jesus name! Yes I will fail, but I will quickly be convicted by the Spirit. Boy do I want to follow all your ways and precepts Lord.
Sorry…SRT shouldn’t be my diary, but I know how comments shed light to me over the years, and we learn from each other’s insights. To all the Glory to our God!I will not thought dump as much!:/
Amen, sister! Preach it! Isn’t it so easy to justify our sin by comparing ourselves to others and thinking that we’re better than them? The blood of Jesus has washed us clean! Praise God!
Amen, Rhonda! ❤
Yes! And SAME!
The shame I feel over my past sins can be overwhelming sometimes. But God…
Oh so thankful for His grace, mercy, and forgiveness!
Amen to Abby’s prayer “Lord, help us to stand on guard. Show us clearly …”
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Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. NKJV
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KIM praying for your MIL’s recovery
MARI V praying for your relationship with your mother, that you can both “agree to disagree” when your thoughts and opinions differ, and that grace will overflow.
Amen! ❤
So crazy, but I actually “randomly” said a prayer almost identical to hers last night. For the past year God has been revealing to me “inputs” that are not beneficial. It has been insane the things he has opened my eyes on, mostly media content even some of my favorite music. I had no idea how seemingly harmless inputs were in fact harming me. Being pregnant has put this in a whole new light. There are so many “normal” things that you can’t take in. And you have to be on guard all the time. It has made me even more aware of what am I taking into my mind as well. Most recently I have been conflicted on political content. I follow several Christians with political platforms that are constantly warning us to stay alert, on guard, speak out, but at the same time I feel a little heart tug that maybe the political content is also not beneficial to me, that maybe it just distracts me or adds to anxiety. My due date is right after the election so maybe I should give it up now? Haha
Lanie, you are right to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to guard your heart (especially since you’re pregnant). Congratulations, BTW! Politics are too depressing and frustrating! I always exercise my right to vote but just can’t watch or listen to all the foolishness that is involved with elections. I pray about the election, for our leaders, for wisdom on how to vote, and for God to turn our country back to Him.
Amen Lynne – I am right there with you!
Wise thoughts, Lanie! ❤
Ditto, Lynne! ❤
Same, Lynne!!
Dear Lanie
Prayer
Purpose driven
Preparatory
Priority
Bringing your baby safely into the world
God is making.
New.
Amen Lord. It is so hard for me to always remember I am a temple of the Holy Spirit. Thank You Jesus for your sacrifice that makes me a child of God! In Jesus name, Amen
“some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
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BUT GOD
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Thankful for God’s power to change me from the inside out. As I become more like Him, the ways of this world become less appealing.
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MARI V – praying for you and your mom to find a way to communicate better.
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KIM – praying your MIL’s surgery went well.
Good morning ladies! Praying for you all. It was a whirlwind of a weekend, with various emotions. Last night coming back from an event, I realized that my “friend” was talking with my girl friend more than with me. And I’m getting a stronger feeling that he likes her, not me. Would love your continued prayers. I am honestly very confused and disappointed, and a bit frustrated, to say the least. Thank you in advance for your prayers!
Hang in there, sweet sister! Remember that God has a perfect plan/mate for you and that He will bring him to you. You don’t have to go looking for him. Try not to worry about who that perfect mate is and trust God’s timing. You are God’s precious treasure and He wants what is best for you!❤️
I agree, Sarah, He has a plan for you. Wait for it to be revealed, sweet sister!
SARAH – joining with LYNNE to encourage you to wait on the Lord’s plan and person for you. He will always want His absolute best for you. I can say from personal experience that the times I did not wait on His guidance, the relationships were disasters …. Including a failed marriage to someone I met through one of the church ministries. Love you SARAH, praying for peace in the waiting.
Sarah D., I’m so sorry you are going through this situation. Praying for you ❤️
Sarah D – joining in prayer with Lynne, Searching and Karen. God has a perfect plan and His timing is perfect – even when we think ours is better. Try to be patient, especially in the waiting. ❤️
Echoing our sister SHES, Sarah! When it’s the ‘right’ guy and the right time, you will know. If he causes this much frustration when you aren’t in a relationship, maybe that is a red flag. Love you,sister! ❤
Sarah, I once heard someone say that God won’t give what He intends for you to someone else. Knowing that nothing will keep God from giving to you what (and who) He has for you brings peace and freedom to our hearts when we see someone else possibly getting what we wanted.
Praying for you in this season of wondering & waiting—-it can be so hard. But also, praising God for His perfect plans and timing.
Amen!!
Dear Lord, let all that I say and do, whether it be be things I put into the temple You have given me, or the things that come out of it, be all for Your glory. It is easy to pray that, but let it be so. In Jesus Precious Name, Amen.
Have a lovely Monday, Ladies!
Amen!
Amen .
Donna, how is Anya doing at boot camp? ❤️
Amen Tricia!
I was thinking as I read the verses, especially 1 corinthians about our bodies being the temples of the the Lord God’s Spirit.. and how we, most of us, are not happy with the shape, size, weight of what we have, BUT, if God is happy and delighted with who we are, and chooses to live in us, whatever or however, who then are we, to re-shape, re-size, re-weight ourselves? I get that some of the above mentioned will be necessary for some, so forgive me if that is you, I have no intention of upsetting or even disrespecting anyone, this was a thought as I read the verses this morning.
Or, is the reference to the body being the temple, the soul of us? Our innermost being is where the Spirit of the Lord lives?
Much to ponder this morning, I think for me..
BUT GOD..
Lord God, I know you live in me, but I had never thought it through, in this way, I guess, Forgive me.. Help me, guide me, and please direct me Lord God, to the right way of thinking and help me Lord, to see ME as Your choice, through the gift of my Saviour Jesus Christ.. Thank you for saving me, and giving me purpose and reason to be ‘clean and tidy’ for You..
Thank you Lord God for choosing me, and blessing me with Your Spirit..Thank you Lord God, Thank you in Jesus’s name I pray..
AMEN.
Happy Monday my dears, wrapped in love and much blessings and covered in prayers for all..❤️
Amen
Amen!
Tina, you are always such a blessing to all of us, sweet sister! ❤️
Amen .
I recently may the realization and told my group that I was so determined to reshape my body..see I was a skinny-minny kiddo, with little toothpick legs. When I was in high school I would where like thick stockings under my jeans to feel me out more to make my Gloria Vanderbelts fit nice and snug like was the style instead of the baggy bag they were on me! lol. So when I got a little older I hit the gym…which became my career. I spend lots of time there working and training. Not crazy..I didn’t want to be insane, just consistent and to keep my shape. Later in life..after closing my studio, I still went to the gym 3 days a week to make sure to do my little legs to keep some shape. At some point about 7 years ago..in my late 40’s I said I’m done. I’m letting my legs be! So I told my group a few months ago..I wish I would have spent that much time reading my Bible all those years!! The body…no matter how much you train it…still…falls. Gravity. Yes..it’s important to take care of it, stay healthy, take in good foods. But..you still get old! hahahah. No matter what..my legs are still little now! I makes me made when people still call me skinny straight out..but whatever, I’m tired of caring…my body, is Christ’s body…a temple!!! Hallelujah!! thank goodness…I can shed the coat of trying to look good for society!!! It is refreshing not to be obsessed with my shape!! You are spot on Tina!! I should be more concerned with keeping it a temple for the Lord..! Too bad wisdom comes with age..!(through the Lord!)
I agree… we are His temple. This has been hard for me, after being “downsized” by WW last year, after almost 30 years of working for them. Now I try to focus on just eating right and moving my body. I still get on the scale regularly and see what number it says, but I don’t let it direct how I approach my day anymore. I am His temple, and He guides me, whether it be for my health or to help someone else be who He wants them to be. The glory should always be His, right? (Yes!)
I get it Rhonda! I was always a skinny, long limbed kid and I hated being called skinny or kid! Now I’m twenty pounds heavier and in my late 50’s and long to be called either. Just kidding! We have to examine all remarks we might make on appearance as they really cut deep. Now I tell thin people they look amazing, and I mean it. ❤️
Thank you Tina for reminding us of what is the most important.
For so many years now I have been unhappy with my weight and my appearance. As hard as I try – I can’t seem to get past it. And I am not taking this whole aging & looking older thing well. I want to be content with how God made me, I know I am His workmanship – but it is a daily struggle!
With God’s help & the power of the Holy Spirit, I want to get past this so I can concentrate more on Jesus and less on myself. All prayers are appreciated!
Praying for you, sweet sister! ❤️
Yes, it’s hard when all around us are commercials, etc. telling us how we should look. And this old body doesn’t look like that! I have to just continue eating healthy, and going to the gym with Steve so that we can both strengthen our bodies, and if this body doesn’t change, it’s okay.
“Thank you for saving me, and giving me purpose and reason to be ‘clean and tidy’ for You”.
Now, that’s a fun thought, Tina.
“Spic & Span”!
Soul-deep!
Thanks be to God.
Amen