detoxing your life from the familiar taste of sin

I have been eating well since October 2009 and detoxing since the beginning of January. The purpose for my detox was to give glory to God while giving my pancreas and liver a break so that I could flush out the build up of preservatives, caffeine, lactose, etc. in my system. I skeptically began by cutting out all coffee, soda, dairy and processed foods for a month... maybe more (maybe forever). Then I sought to eat only fresh, wholesome, nourishing foods that would best honor my body as a temple for the Holy Spirit to reside.

You see, early last year I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to submit over my physical stronghold of weight to God. Sure, up until then I knew what I was eating was not in keeping with my desire to worship and honor His Name in all I said and did. It was obvious by how out of control my health had become. Instead, I can honestly assess my previous eating habits as selfish choices saturated in gluttony. It was sin, pure and simple.

So, in obedience, I decided to hand over my heavy frame, and even heavier appetite, to my Shepherd to manage His way. Thankfully, He has proven faithful and has introduced me to all sorts of information about health, nutrition, exercise, etc. As the new year kicked into full swing, I was a little nervous because a full-on detox seemed the appropriate course - but I had never detoxed before. I had never done anything healthy or nutritionally sound before. But God kept prodding me, and I obeyed. Now, I'm so grateful for His grace! Because He gave me the strength to change, I was willing to let go of what has weighed me down for years... literally! He is changing me! For as hard as it was for me to turn away from the sinful, familiar food "crutches" that promised a false sense of comfort and fulfillment to my belly, the lesson to make Jesus my only focus... my only portion... has changed me spiritually while also blessing my body with a smaller waistline. Praise His Name!

Now, I am even more sensitive to listen for God's healthy prodding. And He has not held back. He has brought up many more questions, many more convictions to consider as I allow Him to separate out the sin I have selfishly grown accustom to keeping around. Isn't that just like Jesus? He loves us too much to only focus on one or two key areas of our lives. No, He wants ALL that we are so that we may become new creatures - holy like He is. And why waste time? Daily He calls us... encourages us to dive deeper into His redeeming grace.

For me, today was no exception to this truth. Today I called in sick. I was laying in bed trying to recover from a small flu I had caught from a co-worker. I had stopped life so that my body could gain the sleep it needed to attack the yucky bug. Yet, even in my worn down state... as I slept, God showed up. I awoke with these questions in my mind...

"Victoria, what has this detox taught you so far? Do you still desire the familiar taste of sin? Has not My way, though difficult to swallow at times, proven better... purer... healthier... eternal? What else haven't you surrendered to Me? What else has distracted you away from My love? What habits... what sin are you still comfortable savoring that is leading you away from our relationship?... Do you really want to become closer and more intimate with Me, your Savior? I love you. I came to redeem you. I want more than anything to save you not only from death, but from the sin of this world. What sin are you still hanging onto, Victoria? How deep are you willing to take your detox? This is no longer about food... in fact, it was never about food. This is about your laying down your whole life and giving it to Me so that I can give you MORE! A new life... a new creation is what I promised to you. When will you completely surrender everything from this old, dying world and follow me to the abundant life I have especially planned for you?"

Wow, God. I'm speechless.

While I laid in my bed contemplating these questions today, I knew there was still so much sinful poison to rid out of my life. So many fleshly addictions and earthly dependencies that I desperately needed Jesus to chisel away. So much junk to cut out. So many emotions to change in my heart - all so that I could freely, openly, honor my Lord. Oh God, there have been so many bad choices. So many foolish decisions. So many selfish paths that I still struggle with and/or follow. So many after effects and unhealthy outcomes that were caused by my own will to rule. But you must rule in order for me to be healthy. I know this. I know that you will give me MORE!

With You guiding my way, I can detox my whole life and replace this sin with holiness. I can detox my entertainment (television, movies, Internet) with You, Jesus! I can detox my finances for You, Master! I can detox how I relate with those in my life and filter my emotions and words through You, Father! With You, I can accept every circumstance, every test, every trial and detox my wishes, my insecurities, my need to control things my way - all so that You are the only One remaining... the only One evident... the only One seen in my life! When my name is called... when my heart is exposed... when my life is dissected, will others see me... or You, Jesus? Oh, how I want my time to clearly glorify You, my perfect Creator. How I look forward to welcoming Your eternal kingdom each and every day! Detox me, Jesus! Detox my taste for sin and give me an appetite for You alone!

Ladies, have you thought about the sin in your life that you still choose to savor? The attractive fleshly desires that you have grown accustom to? Do you not know that they are worthless and will one day pass away as rubble? Please know that Jesus will not change our lives if we do not submit completely to His rule. He will not detox out what is unholy in us if we continue to feed our fleshly desires with the familiar taste of sin. That's not how He works. We must choose in His Name to avoid all evil. We must give up the desires of this world. We must turn and walk away from all that fails to redeem and glorify His Worthy Name.

I challenge you to consider and pray over what sin you are still hanging onto. What needs to be given over to God and left on His altar? What continues to distract you away from His perfect grace? I know - there is so much, isn't there? And it is a daily struggle. A daily choice to lay down our lives so that He is the only One evident. If we are to know Him deeply, intimately, fully... we must stop clinging to our sin. We must be willing to surrender it all. He is the only Way, the only Truth, and (let me emphasize this strongly)... THE ONLY LIFE we should ever seek after. The rest of it... the old... will indeed pass away one day soon. So, give it up. Give up everything else... every idol, every fleshly desire, every selfish thought, every corrupt path. Give up your love of this world and it's fake promises to fulfill. Give it all to Jesus. He will make you full. He is the only portion you'll ever need. He will give you MORE!

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean." (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone - an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:16-31)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:37-39)

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel - let the reader understand - then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now - and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. Immediately after the distress of those days 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." (Matthew 24:4-35)

Please think about WHO you are really living for, ladies. Think about what choices and activities you allow to fill and consume your days. Is it to appease your flesh for a period of time... or to glorify God forever? Are you ready for His return? Are you whole heartedly giving it ALL to Him? If not, it is time to detox in Jesus Holy Name!

All to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all! Thank you, sweet Jesus, for leading me closer and closer to your Throne. Amen... I surrender ALL!

Blessings!

Blog Post Written By Victoria Anderson

are you active?

Are you Active?

Active in your faith???

Active in your walk with Christ???

Active in your life????

Active in your love toward others???

Active to serve and please your God???

Actively seeking, searching, praying, learning from Him???

Are you ACTIVE?

Get there, girls! He expects no less.

He is too cool to be stagnant. To awesome to be boring. Too terrific to be ordinary. Too wonderful to be depressed.

He is all that matters. He is LOVE!

He is LIFE!

Blessings!

~Victoria

fact...

Over two billion people in the world live on less than $2 per day; and 1.1 billion of them live on less than $1 per day.

Today, let's thank God for his grace as he provides for our needs.

a prayer...

This is written on the first page of my Bible, and I have prayed it many times...

Give me the grace to care without neglecting my needs;
The humility to assist without rescuing;
The kindness to be clear without being cold;
The mercy to be angry without rejecting;
The prudence to disclose without disrespecting my privacy;
The humor to admit human failings without experiencing shame; and
The compassion to give freely without giving myself away.
(Author Unknown)

XOXO

~Victoria

prayer... what a blessing!

Prayer... what a blessing!
To know that I have access to the Throne Room of the Most High.
To know that He hears me and is inclined to listen to me always.
Our God is so generous in that He gives us the honor and ability to pray to Him directly.
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

Blessed be His Name!!!

XOXO!

~Victoria

the Lord will repay the years the locusts have eaten!

It just breaks my heart to see people who claim to be decent act... well, indecent... without integrity, or ethics, or moral principle. What's even worse is when Christians fall into this same trap and act un-Christlike because of selfish pride or jealousy or anger or greed. Sure, as humans we are all privy to sin, but it is especially heartbreaking to be betrayed and belittled by those who claim to know and follow Jesus as Lord merely so they can gain an edge up in position or profit. How sad.

For Jesus never betrays or belittles.
Jesus is not proud or selfish or greedy.
Jesus has never been filled with jealously stemming out of hatred or anger.
No, sweet Jesus has always promoted love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

Let me say that again...

JESUS ALWAYS PROMOTES LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF CONTROL!

Praying today over these things.

Lifting up those who have intentionally schemed against and deeply hurt my family this past week, and hoping in the Mighty Name of Jesus that He will do whatever it takes to draw those astray back toward His throne.

So, despite what men have done... today I will bless those who curse me.
I will trust that the Lord will protect and fight for my family.

I will rest in my one Refuge and Strength, an ever-present help in trouble... my Wonderful Savior!

Today... yes, this is the day that I will continue to rejoice and seek the peace and promise of God's Word. I will be still and trust... knowing that my faithful Father is always in control and protecting me and my family from the snares of the enemy... and those who callously pursue his evil path.

"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten - the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm - my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the LORD your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed." (Joel 2:25-27)

Blessings!
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

pause with the heavens

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19, KJV)

Right now, my house is in chaos. Right now, every room in which I currently live is scattered with fifteen years of belongings - all out of place... all waiting for relocation. Everywhere I look, half-filled moving boxes are precariously stacked, and life seems to be in disarray. You see, right now my family and I are in the process of packing up to move to Houston. It is a move that will bring us into a new chapter of life... a move that will offer us the opportunity to love and serve in a new place.

Yes, right now, as I write this, it is a little after 1:00 a.m. on Monday morning. My husband is grumpy from a long day of physical labor. My Momba is tired from a day of organizing and consolidating. Yet we are all retiring for the night completely satisfied... for we all know that the Lord's hand is directing our steps. We are united in trusting that our King will see us through every crazy, busy moment that awaits us ahead.

Right now, I'm sitting in my living room surveying the eclectic items that make up the majority of things we've accumulated from all over the world. And I wonder, do we really need all these things? This is when Psalm 19 runs through my mind. "The heaven's declare the glory of God." Yes indeed, let's forget about these earthly things for a moment and pause with the heavens to declare the glory of God, shall we? This is the Creator who has thoughtfully organized and placed every particle in it's proper space. This is the Lord - the One in complete control of all things. Right now, He is overseeing the moons surrounding Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, the volcanoes of Venus. He has given us a full and amazing universe to seek Him... to discover His greatness... to admire His unmatched authority. All we must do is faithfully go where He leads. All we must seek is His Word!

Yes, no matter what surrounds us, whether chaos or clarity, God has ordained and approved it for our good so that we might pursue knowing Him more intimately... so that we might love Him first. The rest of it all is just gravy, isn't it? For nothing... NOTHING... can outshine or out dazzle His blessed, perfect, beautiful presence. Thank you, Father, for it all... for all you provide... for all you display. But above it all, we first desire You. It is always You we wish to be near and know better!

I don't know about you, but the heaven's declaring God's glory is of great comfort to me. For no matter how nutty this world can become, I can always relax in the secure promise that my God's kingdom is always, always in order. In fact, right now He is in full control and ready to escort me into the next chapter of my eternal life and the honor of serving His majesty.

How wonderful is our Maker! How great is the God of the universe! I encourage you to consider Him... putting aside the things that distract and overwhelm you, and pausing in the place He has put you - - pausing with the heavens to declare His glory! Blessed be His Holy Name!

Blessings!

Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

LOVE with all your heart

"Mortify the deeds of the flesh.
Get up and fight the good fight in Jesus' Name.
Substitute all earthly idols with God's holiness.
And always, always LOVE with all your heart.
To live is Christ!"

(Victoria Anderson)

a heavenly home

Praise the Lord, Chuck and I found a home to rent for a few years as we make our transitional move to Texas. It is clearly suited for me too since "A Heavenly Home" is engraved under the address numbers!

"A Heavenly Home"... really, I love this statement. I love the idea that my whole household lives their day-to-day fixating their eyes on Jesus first - especially in the place we are most comfortable together: home. For ultimately this earth is not our final home. As children of the King, we long to be with God 24/7. He is our #1 priority. And, without His love, we are nothing.

God is good ALL the time.

May every home be "A Heavenly Home" focused on His Heavenly Throne!!!

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. (Psalm 18:2)

Blessings!

Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

very bumpy, very uneasy... but God is good all the time

Hallelujah. God is good all the time.
Admittedly, it is hard to always believe this from our human vantage point. But thankfully, irrespective of our wavering opinions, the solid truth of the Savior's goodness never changes.

God is good.
His Way is good.
His plan is good.
His love is sooo good.

I write this to you as I endure a very bumpy, very uneasy plane flight. (And I REALLY hate to fly!) A flight that takes me and my husband into a new, uncertain chapter of our lives. You see, over the Christmas holidays, my husband accepted a new position that will ultimately move us from Chicago to Houston as soon as February 2012. Needless to say, our whole world has just become bumpier and uneasier than ever as we venture forward to find a new home in a new city while juggling all that must be wrapped up professionally before leaving our current officer roles in Chicago.

Yet, through this bumpy flight... and through the uneasiness of a new, unpredictable future, I am reminded that my God is good all the time. His timing is perfect. His Word is sound and wise. Hallelujah! For my God has planned every step. My God has already ordained the outcome of these brief days and continues to beckon my spiritual advance... to worship His throne... to seek only His peace... to fear not... to lay down calmly in his righteousness rather than freeze in the panic of momentary turbulence.

So, as I sit here being tossed about thirty thousand feet in the air, I obediently choose to claim the truth of my Master's Word. I will bless the Lord with all my soul - with all that is within me. I will not forget His benefits nor what He has done for me. My God is so merciful. My God is so gracious. Hallelujah! My God is good all the time, and He is in complete control! Yes, I choose to set the Lord always before me and praise His Name. For He has not given me a spirit of timidity or cowardice, but rather has offered me His faithful friendship and a spirit of power and self-control. Thank you, Savior, for with You I can see past these bumpy, uneasy moments and breathe easy. I can appreciate that as far as the east is from the west, so have you removed my transgressions and come to my ultimate rescue. I will cast every burden on you and trust that you will sustain me. For you care for me. You love me. You are always, always good to me. Hallelujah. God is good all the time.

Friends, bless the Lord with all your soul... even in the bumpiest moments... even if life seems uncertain, uneasy, or threatened. Remember how faithful He is and bless His Holy Name! Set Him before yourself and choose to worship the throne of the Most High! For God is indeed good. A refuge in times of trouble. A King who cares for those who put their trust in Him!

Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

Hallelujah! God is good.

His Way is good.
His plan is good.
His love is sooo good!!!

This bumpy, uneasy day is THE DAY to rejoice and be glad in JESUS CHRIST OUR GOOD LORD!

Blessings!

~ Victoria

merry christmas!

Merry Christmas, DW's!

Hallelujah! Jesus is KING!

May God bless you and yours as you celebrate His glorious birth! His truth endures forever!

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37)

XOXOXOXOX!

~Victoria

the maddening toxicity of sin

What is poison?

Poison is anything with an inherent property to destroy life or impair health. Poison is harmful or pernicious as to one's happiness or well-being. Poison contaminates, pollutes, taints, retards, inhibits.

Simply put, what is poisonous to us will indeed kill us!

Yet... every day people choose to absorb poison. We choose to eat chemically laden foods. We choose to work too much and sleep too little. We choose toxic environments... toxic relationships... toxic lifestyles. We eat junk food, ingest chemicals, smoke cigarettes, avoid exercise, forget to breathe in fresh air, and fail to expose ourselves to nature and sunshine. We lock ourselves in little boxes and accomplish little things. And don't forget about our stress. We thrive to be stressed. In fact, we skillfully find more and more ways to stress about our stress. Yes, as a race, I think we are our own worst enemy. We are a community of addicts who invite in the cancer of destruction. We experience needless pain and misery all because we complicate our lives with the maddening toxicity of sin. Sin that corrupts and deadens us from living up to our full potential. Sin that poisons the health that God originally intended for us to enjoy.

Benjamin Franklin once said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result." So, if we are persistent to pursue what is poisonous but still expect to live healthy... are we insane? Has our mental capacity been compromised? Is our judgement sound?

The truth is, humankind is indeed messed up. We are broken and damaged beings. As such, without assistance... without help... we are lethal to ourselves. This is why God's Word is so important. This is why Jesus' sacrifice and simple truths are the only solution - the only Way we can ever experience and know real freedom. The truth is, the blood of Jesus carries our only antidote from the poison of sin.

For the life of the flesh is in the blood. (Leviticus 17:11, KJV)

It's amazing how far away we can live from God, isn't it? He has given us everything necessary to know Him and live healthy, holy lives. Yet we continue to choose the poison of sin rather than the simplicity of His holiness. We allow toxicity to win out over and over and over. We continue to destroy ourselves - going our own way, doing our own thing, choosing ourselves instead of serving Him. And sadly, we still expect a different outcome/result - always forgetting that God is no respecter of persons. Forgetting that His absolute Word will hold true no matter who challenges it's validity.

The Bible says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6, NKJV) This could not be more true. Our antidote, Jesus, cannot heal our poisoned lives if we continue to impair ourselves by avoiding His Word. Rather, we will remain toxic and sick if we ignorantly believe we can somehow become close to a King whom we won't bow down to... whom we won't allow to reign in our lives.

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey - whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6)

Satan is a venomous snake who wishes to keep us distracted from the biblical danger signs that our Redeemer has provided in order to warn us away from the poisonous trappings of sin. Stop believing the insanity of the devil and instead seek Jesus to rid the merry-go-round of the enemy's sickly ways.  Choose to follow the holiness of the one true King! For only God's Word is medicinal to our spirits... only Jesus is capable of strengthening the marrow of our bones!

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:12-16)

Ladies, a new life has been offered by the King of kings. A new hope to know the Creator of the universe is detailed within the pages of sixty-six chapters of scripture. Without Him, we can never live up to our full potential. Without Him, we will never be healthy or know freedom from the maddening toxicity of sin. Without Him, we will die from poison.

Knowing this, what will you do next? 
How will you live today? 
Will you continue to ignore the King? 
Or will you consider the perfect advisement of the loving Savior? 
Will you continue consuming poison? 
Or will you choose to be healed by His holiness, His counsel, His rule? 

I encourage you to take your next step in the right direction - His new direction! 
Everyday, may we each live deliberately and bow down to His throne. 
Everyday, may we each know a healthier life in Jesus Christ while offering ourselves in worship to the Lord of all lords!

This is the day!

Blessings!

~Victoria Anderson

be ready

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority." (Acts 1:7)

But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding oat the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:36-44)

Judgement day is coming... the end is near! Yes, some have predicted that Jesus is scheduled to arrive on this or that particular day... that the world will be over and done (insert ominous music here). Well, whether it occurs tomorrow, next year, or next century... my response is still the same to these haughty and presumptuous claims: Bla bla bla bla blaaaaaaa! (LOL)

In my lifetime, I have heard so many predictions and proposed dates around the exact timing of Christ's return. Calendars that have been calculated, publicized and debated. Then, of course, the predicted time passes and the "date of certainty" must again be recalculated, readjusted, re-publicized and, of course, debated some more... (let me just say it again... blaaaaaaa!)

What folly of men! For our prideful collaborations and speculative ways cannot compare to God's supreme authority!!! We do not control the moments of this age. He does! We cannot proclaim to know something that God has already stated NO ONE will know but the Almighty Himself! How much time and resources have been wasted on this foolishness? For God's Word plainly states that the timing of Jesus’ return and the end of the age is not for us to know.

Rather, the Messiah simply encourages His people to do one thing: BE READY!!!

Jesus tells us to “keep watch, because we do not know on which day our Lord will come.” This clear command from the Savior discourages His followers from wasting precious time speculating over the discovery of Christ's actual return date/time, and instead motivates us to live EVERY moment abiding in His Spirit while keeping a watch out for His triumphant return. In short, we are to remain motivated to glorify Him at EVERY hour of EVERY day for His Name's sake!

We are to live our lives ALWAYS devoted to His glory as we anxiously await His imminent return!!!

As these last days of earthly history play out under God's sovereign reign, it is too bad that we will continue to witness the foolish forecasts of men trying to predict the future around our King's glorious return. Let's fervently pray for those misled in this area as we continue to trust and adhere to the words of our Savior. Let's ask God to restore and reclaim those led astray and/or diverted by the schemes and "scare tactics" of the deceiver. And let's always BE READY as we love and pray for others... just like Jesus loves and intercedes for us!

Friends, whether Christ returns today, tomorrow, next week, next year, next decade, next century, etc... BE READY, believer! Always be ready for your King's return and always live devoted to His Throne! This is your purpose: to glorify Him TODAY - this very hour!!! So, make Jesus your ONLY focus and priority - not logistics or a speculative date to count down to! HE is what's important! So, stay near to Him! Abide in His Word! Know His Ways! Trust His simple, steadfast truth!

TODAY is the day to rejoice and be glad in Him! So, let's be ready to love our Savior until the moment He surprises us in person! WOO HOO! Hallelujah to our wonderful Redeemer! Thy Kingdom come! Thy will be done, Almighty Father!

YOUR Way, precious Lord... not man's! Amen!

Blessings!
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

are your laces tied tightly in His truth?

Well, yesterday was certainly an interesting day at The Devoted Woman, because yesterday I knew the Holy Spirit was pushing me to repost a blog God had given me pertaining to divorce. Without rehashing this topic again, I will say that divorce is a controversial topic within many Christian circles. Many who profess Jesus as their Savior have still chosen the path of divorce, or have experienced the repercussions of divorce in their lives. Sadly, it has become a commonality in our society and age.

That said, yesterday I knew going into the blog that we would be under attack. I knew that our position would be challenged for quoting God's Word on such a volatile issue. So, I began my morning in prayer, trusting in His care and guidance, and preparing my heart for the tidal wave of emotions that my inbox would inevitably receive from our readers.

All this proved true. For I received many emails filled with anger and hatred in addition to several notes offering me support and encouragement. I received stories outlining the lives of women (and men) from all walks of life, dealing with all kinds of difficulties, and deciding for/against the decision to divorce. Many felt compelled to explain their life experiences and/or rationalize their decisions. Many expressed rage and defensiveness. Many wanted to debate over the truths of scripture and why God's Word did or did not prove relevant to their life. But what comment came up the most was a quote taken from Jesus words in Matthew 7:1-2, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

I prayed over these words yesterday, taking each person's feedback seriously. I asked God to search me and know my heart - exposing any sin on this (or any) matter. For, of course, I do not wish to enter into a discussion under pretenses measured by my own self righteousness. That would be foolish. I understand completely that without Jesus, I am nothing. I agree with the spiritual ramifications that Christ spoke of in Matthew 7 and whole-heartily acknowledge that my corrupt and sinful human nature is hopeless without His guidance. Yes, I prayed over this scripture yesterday and walked away with a clean conscience. For I was assured that the lesson I shared in our blog was reflective of His Word. I know that the truth under question by some audience members is still, indeed, TRUTH spoken from my Master's lips. And I am confident that His holy institution of marriage should be upheld rather than discarded. I know that God is clear on this... He hates divorce. He always has and always will promote restoration in relationships. So whether you agree or disagree with His stance, as a servant of Jesus, please know that we at DW choose to lovingly promote God's unchanging truth without apology. I ask that you respect this choice (as it is biblical) and assure you that my intentions to share His Word are unselfish in motive.

(Pause and breathe.) Lord... I pray that you give me Your wisdom to address this next topic that you have put on my heart. Let me speak as Jesus would. Let me love others in these words.

"Judge not, that ye be not judged (KJV)..." We like to throw that one out in defense when someone speaks up against a sinful behavior and backs it up with scripture, don't we? For simply put, mankind wants to be right. We hate to be opposed. We resent when our character is questioned under the microscope of God's Word. Sure, we acknowledge our nature is tainted by corruption, but we don't like to be beat over the head with solid reproof and correction, do we? No, that is too raw. That takes out the wiggle room in our gray, lukewarm lives. That contradicts our rationalization for self preservation.

No, rather than pausing to hear and receive God's truth... rather than responding in repentance and obedience... rather than seeking to follow His way boldly and without exception - when challenged, we can easily become defensive and angry. Then, in an effort to save face, we turn ourselves into "victims" and redirect the focus back onto our "accuser" by denying their credibility, by questioning their understanding, by rejecting their love.

As a result of yesterday's email "bombings", my husband and I were discussing how some Christians do not know how to lovingly and respectfully confront one another with biblical correction. Some have not learned to test their hearts against scripture to insure that we each are in fellowship with God's Word (and each other) with pertinence to the foundations He has established. Sure, it is a given that people won't always agree while living on this side of heaven. But we still must care enough to share with one another... to do the work and seek after His kingdom while relying on His Spirit to show us the righteousness He has planned for our lives.

I fear that too often we try to keep reproof and correction on the down-low and maintain a numbness and politically correctness at the forefront of our faith. This approach results in us sweeping the harder issues under the rug and readopting the acceptance of popular sins as excusable behavior. Why? Because it is uncomfortable to address divorce... or lying, or gossip, or homosexuality. It is uncomfortable to bring up the remorse of abuse, or infidelity, or apathy... or any other sin for that matter. Even more, it is uncomfortable to admit that we may have shared ownership, enablement, or possibly even initiation of such sins. So instead, we keep up "holy" appearances and speak Christianese while maintaining a generic undertone that God will always forgive. God will make it all o.k. in the end. And while it is true that God uses all things for His ultimate good and glory, it is dangerous to live outside the honesty of His perfect will. It is folly to ignore the eternal voice of our Creator and avoid all reproof. For when we willingly walk outside any portion of God's solution for a full, redeemed life, we venture with our shoes unlaced into territories where Satan thrives. We look backward to the false security of our corruption rather than forward to His assurance, newness and peace. This is what trips us up in sin and selfishness. This is what stops us from growing deeper spiritually.

As believers, we are to boldly proclaim what God's Word says about sin as well as be willing to humbly own up and repent of our own transgression. We are not to respond in hatred to what God has said. We are not to react in resentment, defensiveness, or anger against others because we don't like hearing that The Master's authority should win out over our own. No, everything that is brought to us biblically must be considered... and considered pure joy at that. For God cares enough to correct His children. And He will greatly bless those that love Him in obedience and humility.

In this race of life, it is a blessing to succeed spiritually right out of Salvation's gate rather than stumble because we didn't follow God's simple instruction to tie our shoes. So, when we are encouraged as believers in 2 Timothy 4:2 to "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction," we must do so without apology. We must share our faith with one another and avoid intimidation tactics against those who step up to what is godly. We must never default to promoting man's agenda because we desire selfish comforts or waveless waters. Most of all, we must love one another as Jesus loves each of us. We must remember that His authority always overrules our own. For He has the authority to judge our faithfulness. Because of this, we must always promote His way as the ONLY way. For the path to His kingdom is narrow enough. So, we should do all that we can to help one another avoid stumbling along the way.

Yesterday, I spoke up against one topic: divorce. I did so with James 5:19-20 in mind. "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." Although I cannot change anyone's past and I do not claim to know the details of anyone's future while on earth, I am certain that God will forgive us when we repent and turn from evil. He will bless us when we follow His ways over our own.

Regardless of your situation... regardless of what you have lived through... regardless of the choices you have made by your own will or by obeying His will... please stop and listen when God speaks in the form of correction and reproof. Receive His Words when a fellow-believer shares something in love or when He brings truths to the table via scripture or other means. Stop and think about your emotional/physical motivation when someone challenges you about your spiritual choices. Above all, I exhort you to seek God first... His kingdom... His righteousness. For His way is the only way to live fully!

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

My hope is that every DW comes to know God intimately rather than coasting along in their faith generically. My wish is that we each can openly love Him with our whole heart, soul, and mind without having to rationalize or make excuses about how we have chosen to live. For our choice should always default to holiness. So, let's motivate one another to seek after what is holy and simply choose Jesus' Way. Let's resolve to stay true to His truth without apology or waiver. Let's lay our comfort level on His altar and live out every trial He gives us in accordance to God's gracious, eternal plan. This is how Christ sacrificed for us. He endured every abuse, every trial, every temptation to the cross because He loved us more than His own comfort. Then he rose again to free us each from our sin. Let's love like Jesus and endure this short moment on earth in joyful obedience and humble sacrifice to His Word. His is the only Way. His foundations are certain. His institutions are sound. His kingdom is FOREVER AND EVER! So, enjoy His blessed richness and live fully while running forward... while running with your spiritual laces tied and your feet secure... while running safely and wisely home into the arms of the King.

I love you all. XOX! ~Victoria

Blessings in Jesus Name.
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

a holy decision

The Holy Spirit has been teaching me how easily people deceive themselves when it comes to divorce. Mankind's quest to live a happy life causes many people (Christians included) to sinfully rationalize how God might make an exception to the rule for the sake of their comfort level. However, I fear that these rationalizations are simply convincing lies that we like to argue with hopes of an easier road - advancing what we THINK or FEEL is "right" rather than actually OBEYING what our Master says is holy.

Recently, I was visiting with a group of women. While many shared their backgrounds and life stories with me, one woman approached me and started discussing her marital history. Her story was this: She was married very young, but determined shortly thereafter that her husband was the wrong man to be married to for reasons she chose not to disclose. She quickly divorced him and later remarried a "nicer" man. Now, she is enjoying "a happy life" and a "normal" relationship. (That is how she worded it.) Her concern was this: Should she repent to God about the decision to divorce her first husband when she honestly felt that leaving him was the right thing to do?

After hearing this, many other women piped up to share their own stories regarding how they too divorced themselves out of difficult marriages. Suddenly, I found myself in a room filled with a parade of divorced women (Christian women) rationalizing why God would not have wanted any of them to have stayed married to their first spouse. Their husbands were men who ranged from dead beats, to alcoholics, to abusers, to two-timers/cheaters, to men that just didn't get them, etc. etc. etc....you name it. Each woman stood in agreement that surely God would approve, "They deserved better!" Each admitted that by divorcing their first mate, they were clearly happier today for making the decision... no regrets whatsoever.

Finally, the woman who first initiated the conversation wrapped up her argument by stating in agreed satisfaction, "Let's face it... now I'm able to serve Jesus better without all that messiness in my life. So, why repent for something that turned out well? Sure, God says He hates divorce, but why ask for forgiveness when divorce was really the best solution for my situation?"

Hmmm.

"God hates divorce, BUT..." But what? He hates it!

"So, why repent..." Wait... what? Did I hear that right? Why repent? REALLY???

Admittedly, I was speechless. What the heck has happened to our belief system that we somehow think that God's will for us has changed from scripture and does not involve any messiness or suffering through trials - especially in marriage? Furthermore, if God outright has said that He hates divorce, it is clearly NOT a "holy" decision when we go do exactly what He despises. No, this cannot be rationalized as a "right" decision - irrespective of how happy one may emotionally feel afterward. God would NEVER encourage His children to divorce. That is not a physical representation of His covenant love.

What concerns me most about this whole matter is the complete absence of regret or repentance that so many lack today after following through with such a decision. In fact, most people defend their decision to divorce at all cost. It's like we form these little clubs of "Why it was OK for so and so to get a divorce" and then seek the approval of others to secure our position on the matter. But I ask you this, are our hearts truly repentant hearts if we are quick to go against God's plan? Do we value His Word, His Way so little that we quickly embrace exactly what He hates?

Perhaps we have forgotten what our repentance really means. According to New Testament Greek, the word for repentance (metaneo) means a change of mind that results in a change of action. The Bible tells us that true repentance will result in our turning to God and what He loves... not away from Him! Acts 26:20 declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.”

Repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action. Not a change of scenery. Not a change of spouse. No, if we have accepted Jesus' way, we must change how we perceive and see things - even in our marriages. We must seek to recognize the sin that Satan uses to destroy our covenant relationship the same way God recognizes such sin. How do we do this? By loving our spouse to the level that Jesus loves us while sacrificially giving over our lives to God for His use - to bring Him glory. Do you choose to bring God glory by seeking divorce? I think not. In fact, I know not. For here is what He said:

“I hate divorce...” says the Lord God of Israel. "So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith." (Malachi 2:16)

Did you get that? Guard yourself in spirit and do not break faith! How do we guard our spirit? By embracing God's Word... by knowing what He says and repeating it to ward off the enemy... by following His commands to avoid sin. How do we keep our faith solid? By remaining in His presence and seeking His ways over our own... by literally abiding in Him and setting our sights on His ways.

Ladies, I know that many will not like reading this blog today. Many will disagree and argue against these passages because they simply want what they want. Many will promote a life of earthly happiness over a marriage of sacrifice and obedience. But heed my words... following Jesus is not about finding a self-serving form of happiness on this earth. Rather, God gives us specific trials so that we can become MORE like Jesus... not less. And what was Jesus' model? Well, Jesus surrendered His life over in order to fulfill the will of His Father. Jesus loved his bride (us) more than His own life and gave everything up so that we could be with Him intimately forever. Jesus lived as a humble servant and did what was necessary to restore our relationship with Him... even though we were deadbeat, sin addicts who abused His love and cheated by looking toward another selfish way of life. Jesus loved us enough to do everything possible to repair our broken relationship with God and restore us back home!

You and I both know that Jesus would not agree to divorce... no matter how difficult a relationship is strained. We are to be help mates to our husbands as Christ is to us. We are to sacrifice. To serve. To love. To be joyful. To be self controlled. To be patient and long-suffering like our Savior. (2 Peter 3:9)

Many examples of difficult experiences have been documented throughout scripture where God allowed his children to endure unimaginable trials and tests of faith. Some, like Joseph, were sold into slavery. Some, like Paul, were imprisoned. Some, like David, were hunted down. Some, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were sentenced to death. Did they give up or throw in the towel? No. Did they turn from God's plan and renounce their Savior's way? No. They sang and rejoiced and sought after God while trusting Him to see them through... mind you, through things we could not even imagine enduring!!! Most importantly, no matter what the earthly result of their trial - their deeds gave glory to their King! Their life was a repentant life - a changed life that only sought after God's way of doing things.

So, just because your marriage may face challenges and variances of hardship, it is biblically an unwise conclusion to dissolve a holy covenant that was instituted by the Creator Himself. In short, it is NEVER healthier to seek what we want over what God wants. It is never good to sway from His truth because Satan has painted a picture of greener pastures promising earthly happiness. That's how we got into this sinful mess in the first place! (Remember Adam and Eve?)

Now, depending on circumstances that involve an individual's safety, a separation based on prayer and trust (with the hope of God being able to restore and renew) may be a necessary course of action in a complex marital trauma... and it may even run the course of one's lifetime. But divorce? No. Not when God clearly hates it. Not when God is blessing our lives with a holy trial to become MORE like Him! Rather than running away, consider such testing as PURE JOY...

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:2-5)

For those who have already been through divorce, whether self initiated or forced by a spouse... I challenge you to take ownership of your heart on this matter. Consider your involvement and pray about your willingness to surrender your spiritual eyes to look through His holy lens. Confess any sin where you held ownership that contributed to the broken marital covenant. Allow Christ to change your mind, soften your soul, strengthen your faith. Forgive and love your ex. And if possible, start seeking and praying for restoration and healing in Jesus' gracious Name. God is ready and able to renew so much if you only allow Him the opportunity... if you trust Him without limits... if you seek and obey Him at all cost.

I do not claim to be an expert at anything. I am merely a lover of Jesus and a follower of His word. He is my authority in all matters. So, I write this blog in love and obedience to my King. I write, because if we are to be honest about what God says on this matter of divorce... if we are to face the trials He puts us in for the purpose of making us more like Jesus... we must stop making excuses for sin and call a spade a spade. Divorce is man's solution. But marriage is God made. I have learned to always, ALWAYS choose God's way over man's!!! Let's acknowledge His holy way and be ready to account for our deeds. Let's live for His Name's sake - not our own.

Please ladies, let's stop trying to convince one another that divorce is acceptable in the eyes of the Lord. It is not. God HATES divorce. So let's make a holy decision to stand for what is right and base our choices on mirroring His sacrifice rather than advancing human selfishness.

Every day we follow Jesus - through every trial we face here on earth... it is one day's march closer to His perfect, healthy presence and eternal glory. I encourage you to always focus on Him. Follow Him. Strive to be holy like He is holy. You are new in Christ Jesus, ladies. Live like it. Encourage it. Depend on His eternal covenant and model it within your own marriage. No matter what, represent your King correctly... honorably... holy.

It won't be easy... but eternally, it will be worth it! I encourage every devoted woman to always turn to God... not away from Him!

Let she who has ears hear. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

Blessings!

Blog Post Written By Victoria Anderson

speechless, astounded, ecstatic, filled

Speechless that He loves me.
Astounded that He forgave me.
Ecstatic that He saves me.
Filled because I am new in His grace.

Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

let's go!

Hallelujah! The repentant sinner may find His way!

The broken heart may be restored...

All in His Name!

All in Jesus' Holy Name!

Freedom is ours because the Savior sacrificed it all so that we may have life!

NEW LIFE!

This is the day to celebrate and submit to the One... the King... the living, active Redeemer who is full of grace.  This is the day to walk in His ways and be refreshed!

So, let's go!... WOO HOO!

LET'S GO LIVE IN CHRIST!

Yippee!

(Victoria Anderson)

serve Him well, dear Christian

Serve Him with all your heart.

Serve Him even if you don't understand.

Serve Him no matter where you are.

Serve Him no matter who you are.

Serve Him no matter what you think or feel.

Serve Him as He sovereignly commands.

Serve Him as He purely instructs.

Serve Him with full obedience and trust.

Serve Him with full honor and praise.

Serve Him in complete fear and love.

Serve Him well, dear Christian...

Serve Him well... and BE WELL!!!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

(Victoria Anderson)

watching over our household... His household

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. (Proverbs 31:27)

Mmmm, that wicked bread of idleness can indeed be appetizing, can't it?  We've all tasted it's fattening flavor.  We've all gobbled away our precious time with it's hollow, trivial vanity.  And in the end, here we sit with gained weight... still lacking... still hungry. In fact, our appetites have strangely increased. We are lazily reclined in our worldly ways. A chosen sinful pause. But is this where we'll find true rest and comfort? Are we really relaxed as we munch on this bread?  Absolutely not!


As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

Then there is the polar opposite of idleness; The Martha vs. Mary debate of busyness. Ahhhh, we also crave this drug-induced high of pride, don't we? Our self-proclaimed importance of always being necessary - and noticed for it. Our impulsiveness to get the job done. To achieve. To seem irreplaceable, unsubstitutable. But is any credit really ours to take? Rather, isn't the devoted woman's role to"watch over the affairs of her household" best centered around sitting at the Lord's feet and listening to the teachings of our Master?  Should we not surrender to Him the burden of independence and full charge?  What a testimony our hearts could display if we made Him our priority over all other activity!

Yes, how do we properly watch over what God has given us...
If we are to manage the blessings our King has bestowed,
Then how have we performed?
Distracted?
Overwhelmed?
Untrusting?
Unfocused?

How have we followed through?
Lethargic?
Disinclined?
Selfish?
Entitled?
Unthankful?

Whose glories can we truly claim for ourself? And if not for us... what gives us right to take credit away from our King... the One whom all glory is due?  For aren't we to live as servants under the reign of the Most High?  Aren't we to resemble His image while wearing His family crest... without becoming fattened impostors of His position and authority?

Indeed.

For we are not called to live haughty and selfish in our own name, but rather humbly under His Name - resting obediently under His sovereign grace.

O Lord, forgive us!
For both idleness and busyness have easily distracted our hearts from faithfully serving Christ.
May we no longer forget to eagerly attend to your household.
May we joyfully watch over what you have entrusted to us.
May we strengthen our bones in your peace and serve you with our willingness...

So that we may rest in your pure satisfaction.
So that we may be still in your completeness.
So that we may know and project your full capacity... your grace... your love... your holiness!

Let our lives be pleasing in your eyes.
Let us produce for your purpose...
Because YOU are our purpose!

Yes, teach us to watch over the affairs of our household, Father. Keep us from wandering in our own wilderness of pomp. And let us lift up Your Name in honor and gratefulness... always in thanksgiving of your eternal, esteemed love! We give you all glory and honor and praise and attention! We bow down in total submission and choose to trust your higher ways. We are your servants. We joyfully surrender it all.

So, please come visit our homes.
Teach us.
Rule every facet of our lives each and every day... THIS DAY!

We are devoted.
We are yours!

lunch break

Taking my lunch break right now.
It's been a busy, grueling work day.
Collapsing in a comfy position and elevating my feet up.
Heaving a big sigh and looking around at the many blessings that surround me.
Remembering all God provides.
Refocusing off the temporary of today and pausing to remember all God has sacrificed so that I might live freely in His love.
Mmmmmmmmmm. Yes, I love LOVE!

Opening my Bible and tasting the sweetness of words I know so well...

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Ahhhhhhhhhh!
What a comfort!
He's still here.
He's still with me and able to take on all my weights and burdens.
He's still faithfully available to offer me His gift... His LOVE.
How wonderful to know that I am my Beloved's and He is mine!
I'll say it again... Ahhhhhhhhhh!

Isn't life easier with God's assurances to rest upon?
Isn't today better when you realize that Jesus offers peace for your soul?
Yes, Lord... I'll gladly take on Your yoke.
I'll happily learn whatever You want to teach me.
For I want to receive Your rest!
I want to know You more intimately, even in this short lunch break.
Teach me, Lord. I've come to learn.
Teach me and use me for Your glory forever and ever!

How has your day been so far, believer?
Are you weary or burdened?
I encourage you to take a moment to pause in His splendor!
Take on His yoke.
And be mindful to love His LOVE this very hour!

Blessings!
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

busyness

WOW!
It's already Friday.
I feel as though this week (this very challenging and busy week) has had its way with me.
Honestly, as this morning rolls in, I feel beaten up and run down.

But now that Friday is here, I am excited to enjoy the much-needed weekend, I realize that this week was the first week of 2011 where my life seemed truly unmanageable... overwhelming, if you will. So this morning, I stopped everything and started praying for the Lord to show me what was going on... why life seemed so hectic all of a sudden. Here is what He revealed:

Turns out that this week I allowed my own "busyness" to bulldoze over God's healthy promise of calm, comfort and control in my heart. Sadly, at some point I stopped focusing on Jesus with regard to my schedule... I stopped looking to my Creator to give me just enough time and energy to finish the work He planned for me to accomplish. As a result, I stopped focusing my gaze on the Master of all my comings and goings. Instead, I obsessively propelled my life into more and more busywork as I pridefully embraced the far fetched notion that I could handle it all... that I could complete a never ending to do list in five days or less. How ridiculous.

Have you ever had a week like that?... A time when you were distracted away from your purpose to live deliberately under Jesus' authority, and instead became a responsibility addict... a delusional workaholic who lived hurried and scattered? And unfortunately, the deeper you tried to get things done, the more your heart and spirit started running on auto pilot? Have you found yourself sitting at the end of a time period wondering how you got there?... Realizing how many meals you skipped or scarfed down, how much sleep you lost, and how frequently you worked late rather than working smart - all for the sake of self fulfillment and accomplishment?

This was such a week for me. A week where Satan was able to cloud my judgement with stacks of responsibilities and people pleasing. And I bit down hard on the enemy's bait. So hard, that I've been struggling to wiggle free from his net since Monday. Even though I had enjoyed my daily study and prayer time this week, in retrospect, I don't think I showed up 100% for God. No. I was more like the spouse who takes his partner out for an intimate dinner but ends up discussing business on his cell phone throughout the entire evening. SOOO, not cool!!!

Thankfully, today the Lord came to my rescue. He dusted away my fog of frenzy and exposed how self destructive I had become in only five short days. With busyness monopolizing my time, I lost sight of the fact that He should be the only one overseeing my productiveness. How embarrassing. I knew that. I strive to live by it. Yet in one small work week, my sinful ego began to overshadow my Redeemer's rule, and I started grabbing it all back... all the work and worry... all the intense rushing and pushing to get EVERYTHING done now. How grateful I am to realize how much I need to let go and give back to Him in order to stay on track and enjoy His peace and rule over all that is going on around me and in me.

So, as the weekend soon approaches, I look forward to sacred renewal and a time of restful submission as I pause to snuggle back into the arms of my Good Shepherd. Thank you, Lord, for coming after me when I fall astray. Thank you for opening my eyes to the dangers of burnout and busyness. Thank you for protecting me and my time even when I foolishly abuse the moments you have given. Keep my eyes focused on You, dear Jesus. Keep me committed to Your plan and not on my own objectives. Direct my steps and prevent me from over-prioritizing my days with hectic and superficial tasks. Remind me to stop, pause, breath and be silent as I seek to trust Your timing. Continue to give me exactly what I need, to accomplish exactly what You have planned for my life.

Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. (Ecclesiastes 4:6)

Father, let me produce and please You alone. In all I do, may I forever proclaim, "Glory be Your Name, dear Jesus. All glory and power is Yours to rule! O Holy King of Kings!" Amen!!!

Blessings!

Blog Post Written By Victoria Anderson

love in action

Joy is love exalted;

Peace is love in repose;

Long-suffering is love enduring;

Gentleness is love in society;

Goodness is love in action;

Faith is love on the battlefield;

Meekness is love in school;

And temperance is love in training.

(D.L. Moody)

Since the start of DW, just about every day I have heard a recurring comment about our ministry... "This is sooo good." That statement has reminded me of the above quote from D.L. Moody. In particular, the part that said "goodness is love in action".

You know, that is what I hope and pray for The Devoted Woman Ministry, and all who claim part in it... LOVE IN ACTION.

So many times in life, I stood by the sidelines and didn't step up when God was clearly telling me to. How selfish and lazy I was. Only when I got passed my own excuses did I learn that when God leads us to do something... it is a great opportunity to see Him work in a BIG way for what is GOOD. Only then are we able to see Him bless us beyond measure!

God has shown me that the only way I should love (and live) is with action and a heart for Jesus! He intended for each of us to exist to glorify Him with every single breath we inhale/exhale. As believers and followers of Jesus, we are dead to sin... but even more important... we are ALIVE in Christ. And Christ is love! He is really the One that is sooo GOOD! All credit should always go to Him.

I have learned that it is an honor to speak God's words and mirror His ways. As such, it is my lifetime goal to share everything that the Lord, our wonderful Counselor and Teacher, has said. I am resolved to follow His call and speak His truth to anyone who will listen. You see, TODAY is the day to live in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control! We are each here to glorify and worship Jesus' name in all we say and do. We are alive for one very fulfilling reason - - to love and honor God above everyone and everything else (even our own self) with all our heart, soul, mind, strength!!!

I encourage you to focus on WHO love is! WHO goodness comes from. Forget about what mankind says and focus on God's grace. Know and share His word! Believe in every one of His blessed promises! Abide in Jesus!!! Succeed in Jesus!!! Assume your identity in Jesus! He is sooo GOOD, believer. He is sooo worth it!!!

I hope you will join me in this worthy quest - to love in action and spread His glory to all the world while living each and every moment for His holy and perfect name's sake!

Love you and praying for you all!

XOXOX!

~ Victoria

a note from Benny Beagleman

Hello. My name is Benny Beagleman. My Mommy (Victoria) wanted me to send you a note letting you know some wonderful news....

JESUS LOVES YOU!!!!

Mommy wanted me to tell you this important news because she thought that it would make you smile big! (...and she likes it when people smile big and are happy.... actually, so do I!)

OK, I'm going to go take my daily nap now... however, please note that my tummy will be open for rubbing if anyone feels so inclined to pat it. God Bless You and Woof Hoof! ("Woo Hoo" if you talk like my Mommy.)

XOX!

Love,

Benny Beagleman