Habits

What is a habit?

Habit - "A disposition or condition of the mind or body acquired by custom or a frequent repetition of the same act."   Websters 1828 Dictionary.  
As I was doing my devotions in Daniel a couple days ago the Lord revealed this verse to me:

"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days."
Daniel 6:10

I had read this verse before and had always admired Daniel's obedience to God, but this time the last part of the verse caught my eye, "since [his] early days."  Daniel had a habit of praying to the Lord three times a day.  He didn't change his habit just because an ungodly edict had been issued...he continued doing what the Lord had shown him to do.
Wondering if there was any other verses that revealed good habits started while young I searched the Scriptures.

1)  In 1 Samuel 3:1a, 10 it says, "Now the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli.  Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”"
Samuel had a habit of listening to God.  Because of this habit, established while young,  he was used mightily for God's purposes when older.

2)  Another person who established a godly habit while young was David.  In Psalm 71:5 he says, "For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth."
David had a habit of trusting God.

3) In the New Testament we're told that Timothy studied the Scriptures while still a child.
"and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."  2 Timothy 3:15

There are plenty of other examples but I just wanted to focus on a few.  From these verses we've gathered several habits that we should start right now!

Prayer- Talking to our Creator...why would we not?! :)
Listening to God- John 10:4 makes it clear that "His sheep know His voice."  How would we know His voice if we didn't listen for it?
Trusting God - this is a life-long habit we all have to acquire otherwise we will go crazy trying to do things in our own strength.  "Fear not for I am with you..." Is. 41:10  We must always keep our focus vertical not horizontal.
Studying the Scriptures- If we love God we will desire to please Him.  To please Him we must know what He delights in.  To know what He delights in we must study His Word.

Combine all these and we will be powerhouses able to used mightily for our Savior.
Another thing the Lord showed me is to beware of habits that will take away time from my family, Himself, and the real world.  One particular habit for me would be browsing blogs.  I don't necessarily spend hours on the computer looking at blogs but I do need to be very careful in how I use the time the Lord has given me.  Time is something that God has given man....it can be used for ourselves or to glorify God....which am I doing?  With the Lord's help I hope to overcome my not-the-best habit in order to better serve Him, my family, and others.  Will you pray for me?

Is there any habit I can pray for you to overcome?
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah 

Movie Review: Underground Reality "Colombia"

 

Over the last couple of weeks my family and I have been watching this fascinating and exciting documentary.  Filmed in Colombia this movie follows around a group of 7 young adults as they serve for a short time along other missionaries.  As you continue to watch you will hear the stories of several native Christians who have bravely stood and continue to stand for their faith...and the consequences thereof.  You will visit widows who lost their husband because they couldn't keep quiet about their love for Jesus; you will witness the continual struggle for freedom between the Paramilitary and the FARC guerrillas and the effects it has on the people; you will encounter amazing life-changing testimonies that will challenge and encourage you.  Colombia is close to my heart as we "adopt" 6 children from different regions of Colombia through Compassion International.  Watching this movie opened my eyes to the life our children have there and the difficulties they face every day. 

Unashamed and unafraid, the most amazing virtue that these fellow Christians portray is love and passion for Jesus and those who don't know Him.  This is what sets us apart from the rest of the world.  Our fellow believers in Colombia boldly proclaim the truth no matter the cost every day.  They will be praised because of their love and faith in Jesus.  

Will we?

To learn more go here!

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah  

P.S.- Because of some graphic images and reenactments I wouldn't recommend this for young children.     

A Prayer

Lord,
If you called Paul to be an apostle, [Galatians 1:15]
Peter to be a disciple, [Matthew 10:2a]
Mary to be the mother of the Savior of the world, [Luke 1:30-31]
Daniel to be Your servant in a foreign land, [Daniel 2:19]
Esther to be the defender of Your people, [Esther 4:14d]
Isaiah and Jeremiah to be prophets, [Jeremiah 1:5]
David to be the shepherd and ruler over Israel, [1 Samuel 16:12]
Moses to lead Your people out of bondage, [Exodus 4:12]
Abraham to leave his native country to establish Your nation Israel, [Genesis 12:1-2]
and Adam to be "fruitful and multiply" [Genesis 1:27]....
what is my calling?

**Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work.**
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

~Inspired by the continual prayer of what the Lord desires to do with me after I finish my formal education.~

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Modesty

What is modesty?  In today's culture you're considered modest if you don't show off everything to everyone.  But what really is modesty according to the Scriptures?  Does the Bible say anything about modesty?

"in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,  but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works."
1 Timothy 2:9-10

The Lord specifically notes that the women are to be dressed in "modest apparel...which is proper for women professing godliness...".  We're to look different from the rest of the world.  When people meet you what do they see first?  Your outside; your clothing, your make-up, your lipstick, etc.  Shouldn't our outside portray the inside?  If we're modest, humble servants of Christ wouldn't that show up in the way we dress?

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
1 Peter 3:3-4 

Not only do I believe modesty is important to God but also to our brothers in Christ.  I think far too often sisters in Christ unintentionally cause their brothers to stumble by their lack of modesty.  Our bodies are to be used for the glory of God [Romans 12:1] not for the admiration and lust of men.  We need to be so careful, my sisters, in what we wear and how we wear it!

Websters 1828 dictionary defines modesty as: "moderation; decency; Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor."

Modesty not only honors God and our brothers but also ourselves.  Men will be blessed by your attempt to assist them in their desire for mental purity.  We will be blessed by their honorable treatment of us.  And God will be blessed and honored by your desire to follow His way in regards to modesty.

See below for some resources that have helped me in my search for modesty:

The Holy Bible- research modesty/clothing/purity and see what the Lord shows you!
The Modesty Survey - This site has helped my sisters and I really understand what men think and why!
Beautiful Girlhood - This book taught me that true beauty is on the inside not the out!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Voice of the Martyrs

I would like to draw your attention to a link on the sidebar for Voice of the Martyrs.  We came in contact with this wonderful ministry through our church.  Founded in the late 1960's by a persecuted pastor in Romania who escaped from behind the "iron curtain", this ministry was meant to be a voice to the free world of the intense persecution in the closed Communist bloc.  Many free Christians had no idea of the sufferings of their chained brothers and sisters.  Today Voice of the Martyrs assists Christians living in persecuted countries.  Unlike some organizations, VOM's main goal is not to assist Christians fleeing from their country but rather those who have determined to stand where God has placed them-no matter the cost.  If you go onto their website you can sign up for their free newsletter which alerts you of the needs of your brothers and sisters in different countries.  Also I highly recommend the book "Tortured for Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand.  To find out how you can help or purchase any of their excellent books or DVDs go HERE! 

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah