Moms of Faith

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James 4:2b-3

…You do not have, because you do not ask.

Or you do ask and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is to spend it in sensual pleasures.

God is all about the heart. He could care less how many nice faces we put on, church services we attend, and how much money we give away. He looks at the “why” not the “do.” He looks deep in our hearts to find our hidden agendas and motives that we even hide from ourselves.

You have not because you ask not.

This tells me if I ask, I can receive.

The next verse is the deal breaker though. When we ask with the wrong motives. When we ask for selfish reasons. When we ask out of discontentment. When we ask for things that have not good purpose for our lives. I think that God is like any parent. He would love to give us His wealth…if and when we can handle it.

We may want something, ask for it, and never receive it. Not because God does not love us, but because He does love us. And He knows us better than we do. He knows what is good for us.

So, when we ask God for something, we should first ask Him to clean our hearts of wrong motives. Then ask Him to show us His will for our life. Then make sure that we have an active personal relationship with Him. Finally, we can ask.

When we are walking closely with God we gain more and more of His character and we begin to want what He wants . Then when we ask for things, it is not out of selfish motives. It is from a true and faithful heart. Knowing that all things are His and we are not complete in “things.” We are complete in Him. And if we lose everything, it is OK, because we know this and understand it!

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for loving me and only wanting the best for me. I pray that You show me Your will for my life and help me to fulfill it. I love You, Lord. I want more than anything in this world to live a life that pleases You. Thank You for Your love and Mercy. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

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<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Proverbs of the New Testament Main

James 4:5

Or do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says, The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit to be welcome with a jealous love?

The original Greek word and meaning for yearns is, epipotheo (ep-ee-poth-eh’-o): intensely crave possession, earnestly desire.

We can be certain that we serve a jealous God. He tells us Himself in Exodus 34:14 - For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, Whose Name is Jealous, is a jealous impassioned God.

He longs for us to put Him first. His greatest desire is for us to love Him and pursue a friendship with Him. He wants to be our delight. When we put people, hobbies, entertainment, or anything before Him in our lives we are creating idols. Idols are not just golden statues. They can be anything and anyone.

Instead of writing a passionate speech on putting God first, I am giving you an assignment for today. I want you to make, yes make some time to sit down and really examine how you are spending your time and where you find your most joy.

If you find that you have little time with God or that your children bring you most of your joy, then you need to make an adjustment in your life. Don’t get me wrong, our children and loved ones should be a joy to us. However, nothing should be more important to us than our Daddy in Heaven.

We need to make sure that God is our top priority. When we do this we will be the wife, Mother, and woman that He created us to be. And we will find a joy and fulfillment that is incomparable!

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, help me today. Help me to examine my priorities and how I spend my time. Show me where I have self made idols in my life and help me to knock them down. I want nothing more that to live my life for You. Help me to put everything in its proper place and to set an example for my children and those who know me. I love You Daddy, and I want You to be my All and All! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Proverbs of the New Testament Main

James 1:27

External religious worship, religion that is expressed in outward acts that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.

The first part of this verse clearly explains that worship that is pure and pleasing to God is unselfish. It is when we care for those in need with our wallets, time, and actions that we are truly worshiping God.

The second part of this verse is very interesting to me. James just told us that we must take care of those in need in order to really be expressing true worship. However, there is a very important word after that, “and.”

And to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.

Those of you who are faithful readers have heard me say that the Church as a whole is like a carbon copy of the world. The Church has embraced the ideas and ways of this world. As a body, we watch movies that we would never invite Jesus to come and watch with us. We read garbage gossip magazines that are filled with lies and information that is really none of our business anyway. We live our lives as “closet Christians.” We tolerate sin to the extent of participation. We have become desensitized. We have forgotten our First Love.

God had this problem with the Israelites and I believe that what He said in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is fitting for the Body as a whole today.

If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven…and will heal their land.

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, help me to have the eyes to see those who are in need. Help me have the ears to hear when someone is in trouble. Help me to lay down my life for You. Help me to live my life as a testimony of Your Great Love and Mercy and not my flesh. Help me to turn from things that are unhealthy for my spirit and displeasing to You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Proverbs of the New Testament Main

James 3:17

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure; then it is peace-loving, courteous, considerate, and gentle. It is willing to yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned, free from doubts and insincerity.

I believe that there are two types of wisdom. There is the kind of wisdom that we gain through education and life experience and then there is the wisdom that we gain from our consistent walk with God. That is the one we will talk about today.

When we seek after the things of God and make Him and His ways a priority in our lives, we gain a type of wisdom that you cannot find in any book or class. It is a gift that the Lord gives you little by little. The closer you get in your relationship with God the wiser you become.

It is not the same kind of wisdom that the world classifies as wisdom. It is a change in your heart and mind. It is an insight and understanding into the very character of God. Just look at the words that James uses to describe it. He says that the wisdom from above is pure, courteous, considerate, and gentle. Who does that sound like?

The more we seek God and the more we yield to His will the more wisdom we will receive. It’s almost like fruit. I guess you can call it the fruit of wisdom. A gift from God. True and unblemished by the world wisdom.

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for all the wonderful gifts that You have in store for me as I grow in my walk with You. Thank You for being such a Wonderful Daddy. I am honored to be Your daughter. Help me to walk in Your ways and learn Your Truth. I love You, Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Proverbs of the New Testament Main

James 1:13-15

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by evil and He Himself tempts no one.

But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desires.

Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when fully matured, brings forth death.

When we go through trials and temptation, we have this need to put the blame anywhere except the image in the mirror. We not only put the blame on God, but we put it on the world, our spouses, our children, other people, the way we were raised, our past hurts, and of course the most common one, the devil.

The truth is that God has given us free choice and if we choose to be tempted then we will be. We are the ones that get drawn away. We are the ones with the evil thoughts and desires. We allow ourselves to be baited.

When we allow it to go from a thought to an action, we sin, and when we sin, we are opening the door to death and destruction. This doesn’t necessarily mean you physically die. Depending on the sin, it could mean the death of a relationship, finances, dreams, job, and of course physical death.

The only way to really overcome temptation is to renew your mind. The only way you can renew your mind is to study the Word. Every sin that we commit started in our mind. When we allow our minds to go astray we are opening the door to sin and death. This does not have to happen. God has given us power over sin. God has shown us through His Word how to overcome sin and death.

However, it is our choice. We can choose to be overcome by temptations or we can choose to overcome temptation. I mentioned this before, but, I wrote an article that deals with the mind and tongue (A Mother’s Battle). The example I use in the article is anger, but the basic principal is for all sin. All sin starts in the mind and this article helps you learn how to hold every thought captive under the Authority of Jesus Christ. We must submit our thought life to Him and stop the thought before it ever becomes a manifestation.

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for freeing me from the chains of sin through the Blood of Your Precious Son, Jesus. Thank You that I no longer have to be overcome by temptation. Daddy God, I choose right now to turn away from sin and renew my mind daily. And when I mess up I will pick myself up and try again. Thank You. I receive Your strength right now, IN Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Proverbs of the New Testament Main

James 1:26

If anyone thinks himself to be religious and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religious service is worthless.

The original Greek word for worthless in this text is mataios (mat’-ah-yos) and means; empty, profitless, an idol, vain, vanity.

We all know that the tongue is a dangerous weapon. It can cause the same kind of destruction that a catastrophic category five hurricane can…and worse. The words we speak are either life or death. They cannot be taken back, and they are more powerful than you or I could ever imagine.

As Christian Mothers we can destroy our children’s self esteem, courage, performance, happiness, stability, and future. We can do all this with the words we speak to them day after day. When we take our frustrations out on them, when we expect more than they can give, anytime we speak negative words to our children we are harming them. We are creating scars that a lifetime will not heal.

I know this from personal experience. Throughout my entire childhood my Mother blamed me for everything, and spoke very cruel things to me. She continues to use her words to this day to cause me pain. As an adult I now know that she has many issues, and only when she makes the choice to submit her mouth to God will she change. However, the words spoken to me as a child and teenager, and young adult still ring in my ears. I must call out to God, and quote Scriptures with my mouth in order to get through those dark moments.

I share this with you because we must be very careful how we speak, and what we speak to our children, as well as others. We must not be foolish and let our tongues run rampant. We must learn and train ourselves to be slow to speak and quick to submit our mouths to Jesus Christ.

There is another harmful consequence to letting our tongues run wild. That is what James is trying to tell us. He makes it clear that when we allow our tongues to be used as a destructive force we are no longer effective in our ministry or service for the Lord.

And trust me that does not mean you must be working in a church. As wives our ministry is our husbands. As Mothers our ministry is our children. As Christian women our ministry is to the Lord and being an example for Jesus to a very dark world.

Letting our tongues run a muck will destroy anything we are trying to do as a wife, Mother, and Christian woman. It is very important that we be very careful and choose our words with wisdom. I know that I want to train my daughters up to be well balanced women, who love the Lord, have a great self-esteem, confidence, are strong, and know how to use their tongues to speak life. I’m sure that you want the same thing for your children.

The only way we can do this is to model it before them. To show respect to our husbands with our actions and words. To discipline them with love and not verbal abuse. Finally, we must walk the narrow road in front of them and show them how it’s done.

The tongue is an issue I can just keep going and going on like the Energizer Bunny. LOL…I will stop here though. However, if I remember correctly, James has more to say on the tongue later….

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for giving me a tongue. Thank You for entrusting me with a very powerful weapon. Forgive me for the times that I have abused that trust. Forgive me for the selfish, unkind, hurtful, and destructive words that I have spoken to my husband, children, and others. Help me to learn and train myself to use my words to produce life in the lives of others. Convict me strongly when I even begin to use my words in a way that displeases You. Thank You, Daddy God. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Proverbs of the New Testament Main

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive the victor’s crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.

Let’s start with the original Greek text for blessed.

Blessed - makarious (mak-ar’-ee-os): supremely blessed, fortunate, well off, happy.

That sounds good to me! If I am patient and stand firm when I am tempted and under trials I am blessed. It doesn’t stop there though. I also earn treasure in Heaven. Treasure that no thief can steal and no moth or rust can destroy. It is a promise of God.

He wants to give us something we can have while we are here on earth. When we stand firm and remain patient under temptation and trial we become SUPREMELY blessed. We gain true happiness. Why? Because we trust and are confident in our Mighty God and His Hand over our lives.

God also wants to give us an eternal reward for standing strong. He wants to give us a crown. WHOO HOO! I will wear mine proudly! I plan on getting that crown! I hope you do to.

Standing firm is an act of will. We must want to do it. It is never a matter of “can we.” It is always ONLY a matter of will we. God has given us the power to do all things. It is our job to receive that power and exercise it by faith.

As far as the patience part of this promise, we just did a devotion on that in our Flesh vs Spirit study.

The wonderful thing about when God wants us to do something is, He always has some awesome benefit or reward to give us for our obedience.

What a GREAT DADDY!

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, I just want to thank You for always making life as Your child a joy. Thank You for always giving rewards for my obedience. You are truly an AWESOME God. You are the perfect model of what a parent should be. I would be blessed to be even a fraction of the parent You are. I love You Daddy. I love You very much and I trust You completely. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Proverbs of the New Testament Main

James 3:18

And the harvest of righteousness (conformity to God’s will inn thought and deed) is the fruit of the seed sown in peace by those who work for and make peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts.

Last lesson we learned that true wisdom comes from a life dedicated to God. We get this wisdom little by little as we grow. Part of this wisdom is learning to submit to God and His will for our lives.

When we lay down our desires and live our lives to please our God, we begin to want the things that He wants for our lives. We begin to turn from the sin that used to so easily entangle us. As we develop the wisdom that comes through a consistently submitted life we also gain a “harvest of righteousness,” which is a peaceful mind set. We become people who seek peace rather than our own way.

This is a wonderful gift. It is a quality that can save countless marriages and relationships. If more of us would seek and strive for peace and harmony there would be a major decrease in our divorce rate.

Unfortunately, the only way to get this gift is to receive the wisdom we talked about last time. And the only way we can obtain that wisdom is by letting go of “self” and grabbing onto God and His ways. That is the biggest obstacle in this pursuit.

Not many of us want to let go of “getting our way.” Not many of us want to give up the things that our flesh loves so much. Not many of us desire to be God pleasers. No, most of us are very comfortable living somewhere in the middle. Somewhere not too radical and not too liberal, but just enough middle ground to keep us from real victory and blessings in our lives.

Will you make a change? Are you willing to step out of the middle ground and onto the Holy ground? Do you really want all that Jesus died for you to have? Do you?

Let’s pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Your life changing Word of Truth. Please help me to no settle for mediocre. Help me to pursue excellence and be a shining example of a life dedicated to the One Who bore my sins. Help me to live out loud and on fire for You! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Proverbs of the New Testament Main

James 4:13-17

Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money.

Yet you do not know the least thing about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are really but a wisp of vapor, a puff of smoke, a mist that is visible for a little while and then disappears into thin air.

You ought instead to say, If the Lord is willing, we shall live and we shall do this or that thing.

But as it is, you boast falsely in your presumption and your self-conceit. All such boasting is wrong.

So any person who knows what is right to do but does not, to him it is a sin.

We make plans for the future…

We worry about the future…

We think about the future…

None of us know what our futures hold. It is rather foolish to think that we do or to spend time worrying about it. We should put our future in the Hands of the One Who Created time. He knows best. We should submit our plans to Him and lay our worries at the foot of the cross.

Of course we should save for retirement and have goals for our lives. We need to plan for a future vacation and our children’s college funds. However, all of it needs to be submitted to God, and He must be included in all of our plans and decisions. When we do not include Him we are in sin. And that opens the door for the enemy.

This may sound silly, but we should include God even when we grocery shop. That is the level of closeness we should be striving for. Ask Him to help you pick out a good melon, find the best deals and coupons, pick the best line, etc. When we acknowledge Him in all our ways throughout our day to day lives, we are building a close relationship with Him. And then when we want to make “plans,” we are ready to include Him and submit to His will…even when it may mean giving something up.

The bottom line is, we MUST learn to trust God with our past, present, and future. His Word says that He will never leave us or forsake us. His Word says that if He be for us, who can be against us? His Word says that He has a good and prosperous future for us. His Word says that He Is Truth, and that He cannot lie. Now we just need to believe His Word and Trust Him with the rest!

Let’s pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Your boundless love and mercy in my life. Right now, I submit all of my plans, worries, and thoughts for the future to You. I ask that You help me to do Your will and to know when I am stepping out of Your will. I love You, Daddy. And I want to walk the road that You have paved for me, and no other! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Proverbs of the New Testament Main

James 3:1

Not many of you should become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we teachers will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation.

Before I knew that God had called me to something more than just wife and Mother, He began to slowly cause me to change my ways. He asked me to give up many things. I no longer watch what I used to watch or listen to what I used to listen to. It was very hard to give certain things up. However, I wanted to become all that He created me to be. I am still on that road to “becoming,” and will be until I die or Jesus comes back.

I did not understand why I had to stop watching and listening to things that I had been. After all, every Christian friend I had was. God wasn’t pressing them to give up those things. Why me? I would ask God that almost every day. No answer. I slowly began to lose the friends that I had loved and known for so long. I guess I was no longer what they considered “fun.”

I became a little depressed, and wondered if something was wrong with me. I tried to go back and do what I stopped doing…LOL. I couldn’t. It was too late. Those things now disgusted me.

Fast forward to the present…I now know why God required me to give up certain things. He has revealed to me that I have a call on my life to teach wives and Mothers. To minister to your hearts. To help Christian women to rise up and become a force for the Lord and an example for their children, who are the next generation.

When God asks you to step out and minister to others, you will be put under a microscope. Your life is no longer only about you. It is about others and God’s purpose for them.

If you are in leadership or feel called to it, do not be discouraged with what you must lose. I promise you that it is worth it and your reward will be greater than you could ever imagine. Do not let anyone or anything hold you back. Step forward and do what you were called to do. God will help You with the rest.

A word of caution is what James is giving us. He is reminding us that our lives will no longer be the same. He is making sure that we understand the HUGE responsibility we have and will have as leaders. Be ready to fight yourself. Be ready to lose some friends. Be willing. Then get ready for the most wonderful, joyful, and incredible ride of your life.

Let’s pray,

Daddy God, I submit my thoughts, my self, my will, and my life to You and Your purpose. I want to be all that You have created me to be. I do not know or understand all of what that will be, but I am ready and willing to do it. I am ready to live my life for You and You only. I am handing the key to You. I no longer want to be in the drivers seat. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

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<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

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