From my morning devotion:
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Also:
2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
Not only are His word pure, but His way is perfect. We've got to get into the word everyday. But it's more than that:
2 Kings 18:5,6 He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. 6 For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.
To say that we trust something means nothing. Our words and our actions must match up.
Lord, we trust you both in word and in deed. Help us to get into your word everyday. To take counsel from you and cleave to your side. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Morning Meditations: Government
From my morning devotion:
Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
also:
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
God Himself has put in place all the rulers of the earth, for his purposes. In Old Testament times he would send wicked rulers as a punishment. He wasn't just being a cosmic killjoy, he was trying to bring us closer to him. A work I believe he is still doing.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
People of faith know that God is in control of everything. We are commanded to pray for them: not badmouth them, not rebel against them, & not stop paying your taxes.
Lord, we pray for those officials you have placed over us. Please use us to spark a revival in this country. Give us favor with those who rule over us, that we might be able to reach them with the Gospel message. In Jesus name, Amen.
Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
also:
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
God Himself has put in place all the rulers of the earth, for his purposes. In Old Testament times he would send wicked rulers as a punishment. He wasn't just being a cosmic killjoy, he was trying to bring us closer to him. A work I believe he is still doing.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
People of faith know that God is in control of everything. We are commanded to pray for them: not badmouth them, not rebel against them, & not stop paying your taxes.
Lord, we pray for those officials you have placed over us. Please use us to spark a revival in this country. Give us favor with those who rule over us, that we might be able to reach them with the Gospel message. In Jesus name, Amen.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Morning Meditations: Respect of Persons
From my morning devotion:
Proverbs 28:21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
Also:
Deuteronomy 1:17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
Worldwide racism is a problem. Everywhere from the Americas to Africa to Europe Asian there is a history of racial cleansing. But even in old testament times the command was clear: Do not treat someone different for a their outward appearance, position or ancestry. We are to treat all men equally. We are to judge on Character.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons
The more we treat each other the same, the more like God we become.
Lord, help us to respect all people equally. Help us to see all people as you see them. In Jesus name, Amen.
Proverbs 28:21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
Also:
Deuteronomy 1:17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
Worldwide racism is a problem. Everywhere from the Americas to Africa to Europe Asian there is a history of racial cleansing. But even in old testament times the command was clear: Do not treat someone different for a their outward appearance, position or ancestry. We are to treat all men equally. We are to judge on Character.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons
The more we treat each other the same, the more like God we become.
Lord, help us to respect all people equally. Help us to see all people as you see them. In Jesus name, Amen.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Morning Meditations: Our Speech
From my morning devotion:
Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
also:
Matthew 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
We have to be careful with not only what we say but how we say it. People will see through any falseness we try to put up.
1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
The power of the Spirit of God should be evident in all our lives. God will lead us with proper timing and speech.
Lord, help us to listen for your voice. Guide us in everything we do. Help us to be a blessing to someone everyday. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
also:
Matthew 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
We have to be careful with not only what we say but how we say it. People will see through any falseness we try to put up.
1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
The power of the Spirit of God should be evident in all our lives. God will lead us with proper timing and speech.
Lord, help us to listen for your voice. Guide us in everything we do. Help us to be a blessing to someone everyday. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Morning Meditations: Flattery
From my morning devotional:
Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Which reminds me of:
Proverbs 29:5 Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.
Ever hear the old saying: 'You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar'? While we should always strive to be friendly and show others the love of Jesus which is within us, we should allow the Holy Spirit to guide our conversation. There comes a point where you go beyond what is proper and God associates us with liars, tells us we're trying to ruin or trap someone.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
The solution to life's problems is always running to Jesus.
Lord, help us to draw closer to you everyday. Put our hearts through the refiner's fire. Let your mind be in us, that we might show proper respect to others. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Which reminds me of:
Proverbs 29:5 Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.
Ever hear the old saying: 'You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar'? While we should always strive to be friendly and show others the love of Jesus which is within us, we should allow the Holy Spirit to guide our conversation. There comes a point where you go beyond what is proper and God associates us with liars, tells us we're trying to ruin or trap someone.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
The solution to life's problems is always running to Jesus.
Lord, help us to draw closer to you everyday. Put our hearts through the refiner's fire. Let your mind be in us, that we might show proper respect to others. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Time Waster: Mario Theme Played With Stepper Motors
Something to make the geek inside me glad. Someone made instruments out of 3 stepper motors and some aluminum.
[Via Hacked Gadgets]
[Via Hacked Gadgets]
Morning Meditation: Humility
From my morning devotional:
Proverbs 25:6-7 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
Also:
James 4:6b ...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
The opposite of humility is pride. God will not abide with pride in his children. The solution is simple:
James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
By submitting to God's will, he will give us victory over Satan. You will have fellowship with Him. Does this mean we need to walk around depressed all the time? God forbid! We should find our strength and joy in the Lord.
Lord, we submit to your will. We will read you word daily and do what you have commanded of us. Give us your grace and transform us into the image of your Son. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Proverbs 25:6-7 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
Also:
James 4:6b ...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
The opposite of humility is pride. God will not abide with pride in his children. The solution is simple:
James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
By submitting to God's will, he will give us victory over Satan. You will have fellowship with Him. Does this mean we need to walk around depressed all the time? God forbid! We should find our strength and joy in the Lord.
Lord, we submit to your will. We will read you word daily and do what you have commanded of us. Give us your grace and transform us into the image of your Son. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Morning Meditation - Wisdom
From my morning devotion:
Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
In the bible honey is associated with health. A constant diet of wisdom is good for the soul.
Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
It makes us happy! True wisdom will lead us to a deeper understanding of our purpose. A desire for the truth and instruction.
Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Wisdom is a prized treasure. Don't treat it cheaply.
Lord, we thank you for opening our understanding. Help us to find wisdom and seek truth. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
- Phillip
Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
In the bible honey is associated with health. A constant diet of wisdom is good for the soul.
Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
It makes us happy! True wisdom will lead us to a deeper understanding of our purpose. A desire for the truth and instruction.
Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
Wisdom is a prized treasure. Don't treat it cheaply.
Lord, we thank you for opening our understanding. Help us to find wisdom and seek truth. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
- Phillip
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Children Are A True Blessing!
Today I pulled out four big bundles of dusty rose yarn to knit a blanket for my daughter who is due in October. My three year old daughter Clara asked me what I was doing. I told her I was going to make a blanket for her baby sister Twyla.
She picked up two of the unused bundles and cradled them like babies and said "Look mommy this is Twyla and this one is Twyla." She ran to her room and got her blanket from her bed to cover the yarn bundles with and she sang to them. I sat on the little couch with Clara her two babies. I was in tears. That was so sweet.
Its funny what little girls will make babies out of. A week ago Clara and I visited my sister up north. Clara found some plastic dinosaur toys and she rocked them like a baby. When we got ready to put her to sleep she was very worried about her "babies".
-Amanda
She picked up two of the unused bundles and cradled them like babies and said "Look mommy this is Twyla and this one is Twyla." She ran to her room and got her blanket from her bed to cover the yarn bundles with and she sang to them. I sat on the little couch with Clara her two babies. I was in tears. That was so sweet.
Its funny what little girls will make babies out of. A week ago Clara and I visited my sister up north. Clara found some plastic dinosaur toys and she rocked them like a baby. When we got ready to put her to sleep she was very worried about her "babies".
-Amanda
Morning Meditations: The Word
As a part of my daily devotionals I like to read the Proverb that match the day's number. Here are my thoughts for today:
Proverbs 23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
This reminds me of another verse:
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Study, memorization & application are the keys to gaining victory over sin. We've got to be diligent, not only receiving the word but applying it to our heart.
Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, he could have rebuked Satan of his own power, but he choose instead to use scripture. It is written...There is power in 'Thus sayeth the Lord'.
Lord, wake me early every morning so that I will have time to study your word. Help me to take it to heart, apply it to my life & keep me from sin. In Jesus name Amen.
- Phillip
Proverbs 23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
This reminds me of another verse:
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Study, memorization & application are the keys to gaining victory over sin. We've got to be diligent, not only receiving the word but applying it to our heart.
Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, he could have rebuked Satan of his own power, but he choose instead to use scripture. It is written...There is power in 'Thus sayeth the Lord'.
Lord, wake me early every morning so that I will have time to study your word. Help me to take it to heart, apply it to my life & keep me from sin. In Jesus name Amen.
- Phillip
Monday, June 22, 2009
My Way Home
I have worked outside of the home since I was 16 years old. My father told me I had to get a job to offset some of the family expenses. I worked more than full time while attending high school and worked a job outside the home all my adult life. I met my husband, married and continued to work.
I worked through my first pregancy and went right back after she was born. I never had a second thought about working outside the home until my baby was born. I felt awful leaving her with someone for close to ten hours a day. If my sweet baby got sick and I had to stay home I felt guilty for that also. I felt like I was letting the "company" down. My husband kept telling me to quit the job and stay with Clara but I kept working.
One afternoon I went to pick My daughter up from the sitters and she was calling the sitter MOM!!! Wow! What a wake up call. I went to work the next day and gave a one week notice. I knew money would be tight, but I also knew that God would somehow provide for us.
My husband and I were babes in Christ at the time. We put our trust in the Lord and so far it was the best choice we have ever made! Its almost a year now and I am still adjusting to being at home all day. I have trouble with time management lol!
I want to learn the sewing machine, to bake bread, to home school, the list goes on and on. I want to be content with my place in the home. I want to be a good Godly wife. I want to be a crown to my husband. These are things I pray for everyday.
I am a work in progress!
-Amanda
I worked through my first pregancy and went right back after she was born. I never had a second thought about working outside the home until my baby was born. I felt awful leaving her with someone for close to ten hours a day. If my sweet baby got sick and I had to stay home I felt guilty for that also. I felt like I was letting the "company" down. My husband kept telling me to quit the job and stay with Clara but I kept working.
One afternoon I went to pick My daughter up from the sitters and she was calling the sitter MOM!!! Wow! What a wake up call. I went to work the next day and gave a one week notice. I knew money would be tight, but I also knew that God would somehow provide for us.
My husband and I were babes in Christ at the time. We put our trust in the Lord and so far it was the best choice we have ever made! Its almost a year now and I am still adjusting to being at home all day. I have trouble with time management lol!
I want to learn the sewing machine, to bake bread, to home school, the list goes on and on. I want to be content with my place in the home. I want to be a good Godly wife. I want to be a crown to my husband. These are things I pray for everyday.
I am a work in progress!
-Amanda
Welcome to Our New Blog
My name is Amanda Riley. I am a 24 year old stay at home mother of one(three year old girl) and in October my husband and I will welcome our second blessing into the world! I have been wanting to write a blog for sometime now and i never really knew what to say. I aspire to fulfill my biblical role as wife and mother, but for someone who came from a worldly household growing up this a struggle for me. I know I can make it with the grace of God! I am far from having it all together. I am hoping that while writing this blog i can draw encouragement and advice from Women who do have it a little more together that i do! -Amanda
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Welcome to Our New Blog
Welcome to our new family blog.
My name is Phillip Riley and my wife is Amanda. We will be posting here about our family, our faith and our journey through life.
May God bless your day!
Phillip
My name is Phillip Riley and my wife is Amanda. We will be posting here about our family, our faith and our journey through life.
May God bless your day!
Phillip
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