Beautiful To God

 

This Makes Me Beautiful to God

    This is  a 31-Day Devotional booklet that I had made up for one of our Women's Retreats through our church and district. Everyone had to bring something bought or homemade for a raffle to raise funds for our group. So  I made two items. One was a coffee basket. A lovely golden basket with handle contained a homemade relaxation cd, a cup and saucer, instant coffee jar, a coffee scented candle and a booklet of made-from-scratch beauty recipes, plus homemade creamers. That was a hit. The other item was an upcycled corn syrup jar converted into a gorgeous vase.

    In the bottom of the vase I put little white and gray stones with a Bible verse written on them. Each verse indicated what made a person beautiful to God. But I was thinking that they may not know why I chose those particular verses. So, I wrote it all down and printed it off neatly. Then tied it with ribbons. 

    The vase was labeled and I had wrapped a grape vine around the top, with grapes attached. It was very pretty. Inside the jar, on top of the stones, I put about 15-20 bite size chocolates. And then I stuck the flower clips which I had made in that. So then it resembled a potted bouquet. That went over well, too.
This is the booklet:

     1 Peter 3:3-4 "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight."

 It is not my clothes, nor my jewelry, nor my fancy hairdo, nor my piercings, nor my make-up, nor my lack of these things in my life that makes me beautiful to God. What makes us beautiful to God is everything that makes God happy. So, what makes God happy in me? Is there anything that I can do or which I can say, that will delight God and make me beautiful to Him?

God makes me beautiful with His Word because:

1. I put Him first. Psalm 63:1
2. I take delight in His Word. Psalm 1:2
3. He is My Salvation, My Healer. Jeremiah 17:14
4. I speak the language of Grace. Colossians 4:6
5. I bring with me only what The Holy Spirit has given me, when I enter into His courts with praise. Esther 2:15
6. I wear His Mercy and His Truth in my heart and around my neck. God sees me and shows me Favor in His sight, and I am given favor by all men. Proverbs 3:3
7. I honor my parents. Subjecting myself to my parents' will when I live with them is an ornament of grace. Proverbs 1:8, 9 (Acknowledging that God is My Heavenly Father means that He is also my parent. Therefore, when I subject my will to His will, and humble myself to Him, this is an ornament of Grace to Him)
8. I choose to obey God's laws and wills for my life and not man's laws when they go against God's authority. By making it known publicly, God will reward me with gifts according to my abilities and talents. Daniel 1:8, 17
9. I understand what the will of The Lord is. I am wise in His Word. Ephesians 5:17
10. I have allowed myself to be filled with The Holy Spirit in excess. Ephesians 5:18
11. I don't worry about any thing. I just pray to Him and thank Him; God gives me real peace through Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7
12. I clothe myself with the Mercy Qualities of His Son, Jesus: Compassion, Kindness, Generosity; Humility of mind=think of others before self; Meekness=Strength to be still, quiet in the face of adversity; Unending Patience. Colossians 3:12
13. I forgive as Christ has forgiven me. Tolerating people like Christ tolerates me in His infinite Love. Colossians 3:13
14. And over all of the Qualities which adorn my heart and my attitude, I cover myself with Jesus Christ, His Son, Who is The Bond of Perfection on me: Agape-unconditional, no-strings-attached, enduring, ever-forgiving, ever lasting, from time before time until time is no more- Love. Colossians 3:14
15. I allow Peace, the Peace of God, to rule in my heart, for I am the Body of Christ, for which I am thankful. Colossians 3:15

16. I allow God's only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to live in me fully and completely. Teaching me His Wisdom by His Word, which is alive in me. Whereby we are exhorted to teach and admonish one another in or through music and spiritual songs: singing with Grace in our hearts to praise The Lord. Colossians 3:16
17. I do all that I do in Jesus' Name and while I work/labor in Jesus' Name, I have a thankful attitude, spirit, which is ever present because God is ever with me. I thank Him for every thing for He is my God and my Father. Colossians 3:17
18. I have a submissive heart in my marriage. I submit not only my body, but my authority as a wife, a mom, self, to my husband, for he is my authority. He covers me with himself by his words and his actions, as Representative of Christ, Who covers His Bride with Himself: Christ is her glory. And by my decision to submit myself and every thing about me to my husband, this pleases God. Colossians 3:18, 19 and Ephesians 5:22-33
19. Respect and Honor are given to my parents for this pleases The Lord. If I could have lived again with them, then I would have been subject to their authority: their rules and their laws would have to be obeyed, even if I am already an adult. Colossians 3:20
20. I keep myself sexually pure. Even though most of us Christian women do not have sex outside of our marriages, some still flirt, some 'booty-watch', some indulge themselves with sexually explicit literature and movies [whether made for tv or on screen]. This is still considered by God to be sexually impure, for God knows what we're thinking when we let ourselves watch or read stuff like that. We are sanctified and set apart from the world, for we are called by God to be holy.                         1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 1 Peter 1:15, 16; Exodus 19:5, 6.; 1 Kings 8:53.    I am God's inheritance, therefore, because He is holy, I too, must be holy.
21. I mind my own business and I don't gossip. I neither slander nor make fun of people behind their backs. I work quietly that I might walk in my integrity and be a blessing even to they who are watching me. By taking this action, God is able to bless me and meet all my needs. 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12
22. I pray for those in authority over me, whether it is my pastor, my mayor, my governor, or my government (president & vice president, senators and representatives); even for those who in law enforcement, for this pleases God, and draws people to Him who are seeking His salvation and direction. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
23. God has saved me, called me, not because of what I can do, but because of what God has done, and will continue to do, through me and in me. His purpose and His will is being accomplished in me in Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 1:9
24. I am patient. I establish-build up, am rooted into-my heart in Christ, for His return is near. James 5:8
25. A meek and quiet spirit is an ornamental quality pleasing to God. For the treasures of my heart are not corruptible; they neither fade nor can be destroyed. My attitude towards my husband, when described as such, not only please God, but God says I am priceless in my submission to my husband's authority. 1 Peter 3:4

26. Be of one mind: the mind of Christ; showing compassion to all. Love each other like a loving, devoted family should. Be kind and gracious. Be a blessing to everyone you meet. Deceive not, nor make trouble for anyone. The Lord hears only the prayers of the righteous; all others He will turn against. And I want God to hear my prayers. 1 Peter 3:8-12. {Think not that he will hear the sinner's prayer, for once that person confesses and repents, he or she, is no longer a sinner but a saint, a righteous person. Therefore, God will indeed hear that prayer.}
27. I sanctify The Lord God in my heart. I am always ready to give answer for what I believe and why to everyone who asks, speaking with strength and honor, in reverence to my God. 1 Peter 3:15
28. I live in love. Therefore, because I know and believe, and have confessed with my mouth that Jesus Christ is The Son of God, then God lives in me. Because I love with God's love, it is known to God that I live in Him, also. 1 John 4:15, 16
29. I am beloved of God; my faith, my holy faith, is built up in Him. I pray in The Holy Ghost, in the love of God, watching for the Mercy of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will bring me into eternal life. Interceding on behalf of others for their salvation. Jude 20-23
30. I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Regardless of what is happening in the world around me, I am content and at peace, because I have a Savior Who has overcome the world around me. Nothing in this world can separate me from the love of God. It matters not what the enemy brings against me to try to destroy my faith and my works of faith; for The Holy Spirit of God strengthens me and prevents me from falling out of Grace. Philippians 4:11.                    1 John 4:4-14.
31. I have a sound mind, it is a gift of God. God has also given me the spirit of love and the spirit of power. I control my thoughts and keep them under submission to The Word of God. I have learned from my elders in The Word and The Gospel; receiving from them and observing their actions: therefore, The God of Peace is with me. 2 Timothy 1:7 and Philippians 4:8, 9

    Now, while parts of this particular study was directed to the women at the retreat, most of  it can also apply to men. God wants our whole hearts centered in Him. I did write a separate study for godly men. I'll see if I can find it. 

The Law of The Lord Is Refreshing To The Godly

 

Psalm 1:1

Blessed (the happiness which comes from being in a right relationship with God) is the one who does not listen to ungodly advice, nor live life accordingly (to that ungodly advice), nor keeps company with sinners (who deliberately live ungodly lives), nor sits with scorners and mockers (who rail against godly wisdom).

THE LAW OF THE LORD 

Psalm 1:2

But his delight is in The Law of The Lord;

On His Law he meditates day and night. 

Delight: the inclinations of the heart 

    The Law of The LORD is The Word of God. We more than lean towards The LORD's presence: we yearn to be as close to Him as He desires to be close to us. We are trees of righteousness yielding to The Righteousness of God. We are clothed with that which is more beautiful than the flowers of the field: Jesus Christ. 

    The Law of The LORD is Eternal: permanent, neverending, everlasting, without end. It is Life; not just any life, but an abundant Life in Christ and Christ in us. 

    Have you believed The Law of The LORD for your own salvation? The LORD GOD is calling everyone to repentance, to godly sorrow which leads to a changed heart and life. Are you ready for The Law of The LORD to clean your hearts and change the course of your life? Better get ready. Come to Jesus. It's the most important decision you will ever make. 

Guard Your Heart - - Godly Diet & Exercise

 

Matthew 15:10, 11

Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, "Listen and understand. A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it."

*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 2840

Defiled: to make common
From the Greek word 'koinoó' (pronounced koy-no'-o): I pollute, make unclean, desecrate; I regard as unclean. Treating what is sacred as common or ordinary.

WORLDLY DIET & EXERCISE

Touch Not, Taste Not

1 Timothy 4:3 

3. They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 

Self Discipline For Personal Gain

1 Corinthians 9:25

Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.

GODLY DIET & EXERCISE

Taste The Word

Psalm 34:8 

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusts in Him.

Psalm 119:103

How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth!

1 Corinthians 11:23-25

23. For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, 

24. and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

25. In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Exercise Godliness

1 Timothy 4:8

8. For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.

WORLDLY WISDOM

Colossians 2:20-23

20. If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations: 

21. “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”?

22. These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.

23. Such restrictions indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-prescribed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body; but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

GODLY WISDOM

Job 28:28

And He said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'"

Psalm 111:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

Proverbs 1:5

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.

EXERCISE GODLINESS

2 Peter 1:3

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

    So, how can we live a godly life in this day and age? For many are offended at the least little thing. A man's article of clothing is resented by those around him who demand he remove it 'because it's offensive' to them. Everything a born again Christian does or says is going to offend someone somewhere. That's just the way it is when we faithfully follow Christ and we need to accept that as fact. 

    The Bible tells us that the very name of Christ is offensive, that the gospel of salvation through Christ offends other religious factors. If you want to live a life that offends no one, then you will offend God, but I'm determined not to walk that path, for that way only ends in God's wrath and eternal damnation. 

    Being obedient to the moving of the Holy Spirit on our lives is of more value than being obedient to the offended spirits who control the people who obey those spirits. The spirit of antichrist is any person who rebels against Christ. 

Matthew 24:5 "For many will come in My name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many."

Matthew 24:24 "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible."

Mark 13:22 "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible."

1 Timothy 4:1 "Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons."

1 John 2:18 "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour."

    But, remember that you are valuable to God (Matthew 10:31) and blessed. 

Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me."

Matthew 10:22 "You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved."

1 Peter 4:14 "If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you."

    Come, let us taste of this Word which The Lord our God has given us today. Let us pray together for understanding The Word. It is bittersweet: bitter to the hearing yet sweet to the tasting.  The result is the betterment of our souls. We are enriched. 

    Lord, increase our faith. Help us to live godly lives which glorify You and humble us. Spirit, lead us in godly wisdom that our souls may prosper, even as The Word prospers in us. 

In Jesus' Name, we pray,

Amen.

Better Than Life

Peace 

Taste & See

Honey In The Rock  

Bread of Heaven 

       

The Mystery of Godliness

 

1 TIMOTHY 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

MANIFEST IN THE FLESH
Luke 2:11, 12
Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Matthew 16:16
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 4:25, 26
The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.”  Jesus answered, “I who speak to you am He.”

JUSTIFIED IN THE  SPIRIT

Matthew 3:16, 17

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

John 1:32

Then John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him."

Romans 4:25

He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification.

SEEN OF ANGELS 

Luke 2:13, 14

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”  

Hebrews 1:6

And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”

PREACHED TO THE GENTILES

{The word "Gentile" means nations distinct from Israel, races of people} [the root word of Gentile is "ethnos" from which we get the word "ethnic or ethnicity", the customs/cultures]

Isaiah 49:6

He says: "It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth."

Acts 13:46, 47

Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD

John 4:39, 41-42

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 

And many more believed because of His message. They said to the woman, “We now believe not only because of your words; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man truly is the Savior of the world.”

John 20:29

Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Acts 8:12

But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

--Status in Life Not A Distinction--

Galatians 3:28

There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority].

RECEIVED UP INTO GLORY

Mark 16:19

After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

Luke 24:51

While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven.

Acts 1:9

After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

The Godly Wife

 

It is not the woman's job to go looking for a husband: it is the man's job. Proverbs 18:22 "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." 

The wife complements the husband. Adam went looking for the one who could fill the empty place in his heart, but could not find one. So God created Eve from one of Adam's ribs, that Adam would have the one who would complete him.

While Eve remains the one who was created in this way for Adam, God still creates godly women for godly men. Proverbs 31 does not describe the perfect woman, it describes the aspects of being a godly wife. 

*Noble character (excellent morals and ethics)

*Trustworthy (dependable, reliable)

*Industrious (skillful, diligent, hard-working)

*Thoughtful of Others (considerate, kind)

*Financially Wise

*Strengthens Herself In The Lord

*She is Filled with The Holy Spirit

*She keeps her hands busy

*Generous heart and hands to the less fortunate

*Family is clothed well

*She is clothed in glory

*(cf. Proverbs 31:23 with Proverbs 12:4) She brings honor to her husband

*What she creates by her industry, she also sells

*(cf. Proverbs 31:25 with 1 Timothy 2:9-10) Self-discipline and self-control are evident in her

*Speaks the Word wisely, honestly and faithfully

*Watchful in prayer over her household

*Her children defend her honor and declare her righteousness in the Lord

*(cf. Proverbs 31:29 with Ephesians 5:27) Lives an overcoming life in the Word

*Fears the Lord 

*Soul-winner (cf. Proverbs 11:30)

The godly wife is the foreshadow of the Bride of Christ. As the wife is, so the church is.