1 Chronicles 22; 1 Peter 3; Micah 1; Luke 10

It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from within you – the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NCV)

Every day (yes, even in India), I am bombarded with images of male and female models who project what the world values as beautiful. The men are well dressed, muscular, a trace of 5 o’clock shadow, eyes staring dreamily at something on the unseen horizon, a flirty smile on their lips. The women, more often than not, are adolescent girls exposing stick thin figures and ample cleavage in barely-there fashions with come-hither expressions painted on their faces.

The world’s definition of beauty has always left me feeling inadequate, falling just short of the perceived ideal. Even though I did some local modeling while in high school, I still always felt too dumpy, too fat, not enough this, not enough that.

Throughout the years, I have experienced times where I looked at myself and liked what I saw in the mirror. My positive self-esteem strengthened by my understanding that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and being unique is appreciated. I have also experienced times when I was unhappy with my reflection, especially after being a veteran of childbirth. Though I love my daughters immeasurably, getting to know my post-pregnancy body has sometimes been a less than pleasurable encounter.

In the movie “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”, Andie (played by Kate Hudson) is going to a gala event with Barry (played by Matthew McConaughey). She steps out of her apartment building in a stunning gold dress, walks to the edge of the steps and turns a 360 in front of Barry who is standing at the bottom of the stairs on the sidewalk. He is awed by her outer beauty.

A few years ago, while I was in the midst of a self-image struggle, God showed me a picture similar to this scene. Dressed in a gorgeous red gown, I walk out of the building, walk to the edge of the step and slowly twirl around. Jesus, standing near the road, looks at me with awe. God whispered in my ear, “You are beautiful. You’re covered in the blood of Christ. You are made perfect in me.”

“Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 (NCV)

Beauty isn’t simply skin deep. It isn’t about how I dress up or accessorize; it isn’t about wearing the latest trends or having the latest hairstyle.

Choosing Jesus made me beautiful. My beauty is found in my character, in my spirit. It originates inside of me and radiates to the outside. Being beautiful is about Christ in me and the fruits produced as a result of our relationship. Being beautiful is about what I do with that harvest.

The beauty the world prizes will fade – aging is inevitable. But, my inner beauty, the beauty that is precious to God and ultimately treasured by those around me, will never be taken away. It will only grow more beautiful because of Jesus.

Yesappa, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for proving my value and worth when You died for me on the cross and covered me with Your blood. Thank You for making me beautiful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings – Julie (writing from Sholavandan, India)

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Leviticus 13; Psalms 15, 16; Proverbs 27; 2 Thessalonians 1

As water reflects your face, so your mind shows what kind of person you are. Proverbs 27:19 (NCV)

That is why we always pray for you, asking our God to help you live the kind of life he called you to live. We pray that with his power God will help you do the good things you want and perform the works that come from your faith. We pray all this so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ will have glory in you, and you will have glory in him. That glory comes from the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NCV)

One of the difficulties I have living as a missionary in a foreign land, a life allocated to God’s work, is the concern that I am not living up to expectations. Am I living the life that I was truly called to live? Am I doing the right things? Am I doing enough? Is God being glorified or am I seeking glory for myself? Are my own desires for the life I wish for in line with the plan that God has for my life?

Sometimes I wonder if I am really walking in His will because my will so often screams out to be heard. In the midst of the day to day struggles, my emotions, my frustrations too often take the center stage. My attitude reflects self, instead of Spirit. The smog of my own darkness seems to get in the way of His Light, His Glory, and in those moments, I am forced to question whether I am able to be an effective reflection of the love and compassion of Christ.

Sometimes I realize right away that the attitude I am projecting is not Christ within me; sometimes it takes much longer for me to repent. But I know that God’s grace and mercy for my human failings are still demonstrated every day. And I am grateful, because in spite of it all, I may be the only evidence of God’s love, the only manifestation of His presence that the people I meet acknowledge today. I may be the only Bible someone reads.

I praise the Lord because he advises me. Even at night, I feel his leading. I keep the Lord before me  always. Psalm 16:7-8a (NCV)

I am grateful that He chose me. I am grateful that He is the One who gives me the ability to walk through this gift of life. I am grateful that He equips me for everything He has called me to. He guides me, teaches me, and He directs my path. He has saved me and made me worthy to be His reflection.

Blessings – Julie, Vadipatti, India (written in the U.S.A.)

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Deuteronomy 16, Psalm 103, Isaiah 43, Revelation 13

I, even I, am the LORD, And besides Me there is no savior. Isa 43:11

The number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. Rev 13:18

Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! … And forget not all His benefits: … The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:1-2,19

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut.%2016;%20Ps.103;%20Isa.%2043;%20Rev.%2013&version=NKJV

Deuteronomy 16 – 

Worship of God is sacrifice through obedience to God. (Romans 12:1-2) God gives detailed instructions of His requirements: observe, you shall sacrifice, shall eat no, shall eat yes, seven days, you may remember, you may not …, there shall be a sacred assembly to the LORD your God. You shall do no work, you shall give, rejoice, keep a sacred feast, shall not pervert, You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” The result is fellowship with God with peace, joy, and blessings.

Psalm 103 – One of my most favorite psalms! Word after word, dripping with facts about our God and His character towards those He redeems! David is telling his soul to bless the Lord God Almighty for a multitude of AMAZING reasons. Please read each word aloud to your self with deliberateness and passion! I am All ways blessed when reading this for my own soul, mind and heart!!

Isaiah 43 – Dear Lord God Almighty, Oh what you have done for me, and for Everyone who lives under Your Christ!! You say – “ Fear not, for I have redeemed you; called you by your name; You are Mine. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; … you were precious in My sight,  You have been honored, And I have loved you;” (v.1-4)

       I am to take this for my heart and mind daily, when people are fickle, moody, or just “people”, I am to trust and live like Your Word is Fact, which it IS!! You have healed me in So Many ways because You have trained me to do this!! You have changed most of my relationships because of this Word! I Rejoice!! May I be faithful to Your Word too! 

      Lord God Almighty, You declare that You are the Christ, Who is my Creator: “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, And besides Me there is no savior.” V. 10-11  (John 10:30, Hebrews 1:3, John 14:9, John 8:58, John 1:1,14)                   “I am the LORD, your Holy One,  The Creator of Israel, your King.” V. 15, John 1:1-2

Your deliverance of me is Permanent!  Indeed before the day was, I am He;  And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; v. 13,  John 10:28-29

Lord, I am so enjoying the changes You have made in and around me!! – And You are not finished!! I still eagerly anticipate!!   “Behold, I will do a new thing,  Now it shall spring forth;”   v.19 (2Cor 5:17, Philippians 1:6)

     I am SOooo sorry when I dishonor You!! When I do not search my heart with the Light of Your Word to see, reject, confess and repent my iniquities to You, the Holy One!! May I never make excuses, compromises, or rationalizations based upon people or my own flesh – but instead run to Your Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) so that You will do: “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.” V. 25

      May I give You Great Glory all the days and nights of my life!! I shall not  remember the former things! May I be Your good witness in every place and time. May I encourage others to join me in giving You Infinite Praise in all circumstances with great love and gratitude!! (v 7,9-10, 12-13, 18-20-21) 

Revelation 13 –  

God’s Word is Truth. “The entirety of Your Word is Truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” Psalm 119:160 (2 Peter 1:20-2:1, 2 Tim 3:14-17, Heb 4:12-13, Isa 55: 8-12, 1Cor 2:13, Psalm 119:105, 1 Pet 1:23, Psalm 119:89

FACT, never fiction, to be taken Eternally Seriously. The Lord God Almighty warns for wisdom, patience and endurance through to the very End. (Rev 13:10, Rev 14:12, Proverbs 1:2, Job 28:28, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 14:27, Isaiah 33:6)

        Jesus says the time IS set: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:36 – Confirmed by God’s vision to Daniel. (Daniel 7:7-28; Daniel 8-9; Daniel 12; Matthew 24; Isaiah 48:5; Ezekiel 12:28; Isaiah 44:6-8; Isaiah 45:5-12; Isaiah 55:8-11; Isaiah 66:2 )

Revelation 13 teaches specifically.

The first beast is a ruler who blasphemes God, deriving his power, throne and authority from satan, the dragon. He seems to get mortally wounded, and then healed. In response, people follow and worship him and satan. They fear due to their powerlessness against the world system. For 3.5 years this evil ruler blasphemes everything about God and kills God’s people. The ruler’s worshippers are doomed to hell.

God Boldly Warns: “If anyone has an ear, let him hear. …  Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”

Then another evil man comes to power, seemingly kind and gentle, but speaks and acts exceedingly wickedly. “He deceives by those signs …  telling…  to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.” He “give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.” And “causes all…  to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, … no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast….”

God Reveals: “Here is wisdom. …. the number of the beast, …of a man: His number is 666.”

            The devil’s goal has never changed:

worship the devil and hate God. Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 3  

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Matthew 4:10-11

Do I live for things, power, pride, money, pleasure, people pleasing, addictions,…?  I will get sucked in if I value any thing more than my relationship with the Living Lord God based upon His Son Jesus Christ’s shed blood for my sins.

        God says the Mark is coming. It is numeric. Taking the Mark is an eternal pact with the devil. The only option is to depend upon the Living Lord Jesus Christ Now and allways. Lord, may I never trust people, governments or institutions for my sustenance. May I put my full trust in the All Mighty Creator and God and follow Him.

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.” And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. John 14:1, Prov 3:5-7, Psalm 1, Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6

       Lord God, You assure me that You are Sovereign and in complete Authority and Control. I surrender my sin and willfulness to trust and obey Lord Jesus Christ, through Word and Spirit, with all of me all of the time, no matter what. Change me to reflect You more. Prepare me to not be deceived or fear and to share with others to be saved from present and eternal condemnation, for Your Glory only!  John 3:5-6; John 3:13-21; Romans 8:1-2; Romans 8:12-17; Romans 8:31-39; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 20:10