Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths stumble and fall exhausted. But those who wait for the lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31






Have you even been so tired and completely spent with no strength, no desire or will to keep going. Have you ever been so tired that you just wanted to give up? Have you ever wanted to just stop? Not try any more and just rebel? No more obeying, no more listening no more doing the right thing.


I have felt that way, I think we all have.


Because we are human, with limited strength and will, how do I even do what I need to do? How do I keep going? The answer is: You can’t, but I know who can. To see this let’s take a step back…


For a moment let’s get above what we are feeling and thinking right now. We will try and look at things from a bird’s eye view. Let’s look at what we need to do, by just take a step back for a minute.


“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”
Exodus 19:4-6


All the earth is Gods, everything in it is Gods. Pharaoh, He was a man who dealt with the consequences of his rebellion and a heart turned against God God is reminding his people; to look back at what rebellion got the Egyptians. Does anyone remember what happened to them?


But look at what God tells his people, he is telling them, to remember, remember what had happened to those who rebelled against Him... But look at what he reminds his people. He reminds them...


You are my special treasure, MY people whom I carried. I bore you on wings as eagles; I brought you out of all that: you my people are mine. I kept you from the plagues, even when you rebelled against me I brought you through the dessert, I fed you, I clothed you, I gave you water, I made sure your sandals did not wear out, and you cloths did not fall apart. I the lord brought you through. I protected, and I carried you on wings as eagles, because you are my people whom I have chosen.


A way to compress all they had been through into a short space is to say to them:


“I have carried you on the wings of an eagle and I brought you to myself.”


In life we all shall go through many things. But remember: No matter what is below you, always ask “what is behind me?” Remember you have had a bird’s eye view, and God has carried you to this place. We may go through things, there will be hard times, whatever is below, whatever is a head, whatever behind know that it is not in your strength or power that you get through things. But on the powerful wings of Jesus Christ, we cannot get through this. We cannot carry ourselves above all these things. I’m sure when the angel of death was visiting the Egyptians and they could hear the screams of the people dying that they didn't feel like they were being carried above all they were going through and all that surrounded them. I’m sure they were scared and horrified, but did God project them? Did God take care of his people who remained faithful to him and what he had promised them? Yes they were not touched by the plagues. Did God protected them and carry them through the horrible things happening around them? Yes!!! Did they have to do through the wilderness because they disobeyed God? Yes, But God carried them through. He lead them with a pillar of clouds by day and a pillar of fire at night, he gave them food, water, clothing and shelter, he took care of His people. They were carried through!! No matter where you have been or what you have gone through, you are a frequent flyer on God airline, he has carried you on eagle’s wings and brought you to himself. He is the one who has brought you out of bondage, He has carried you through all the these horrible things he has brought you through it all.


Even when you don’t know how you will get through, remember what God has said: “I am the one who has protected you, I am the one who has lead you and taken you through, It was hard but I carried you”


The Israelite's could not lead themselves through ANY of that. It was through God, it was his care and love for them that brought them through. We can tap into the promises of Jesus in this passage!


Just as they left Egypt, so we have left this world. Just as they were in bondage to pharaoh, so we were in bondage to sin. Just as through Passover and sacrifice of a lamb they were spared from the angel of death so we through the power of Jesus laying down his life for us, and the covering of his blood on our lives, we are set free from the plague of death. Just as he brought them out of slavery so he has brought us out of the bondage to sin and the fear of death and oppression, our chains are no more we are set free. And now in freedom we come to him. Just as they came to the mountain for the law, so we have come out from bondage through Jesus, we now have come for his presence, for his holy spirit.


Hebrews 12:22-24a “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood.”


You have come to mt Zion to receive his presence. We are made perfect through His blood under the new convent. Our debt is paid in full; his life was given for you and for me. Now we are here, at the foot of the mountain awaiting his presence. Where you are at right now, He has brought you to this place! Here we are, at this place wanting to meet with God.


And right here, right now wear ever you are at ask:


What are ways he has been carrying you? How did you get through to this point?


Looking back: here are ways to know God is carrying you:


· More has been done than we could ever do on our own. Your life, you have not gotten to where you are at on your own. There is no way any of us could have got through on our own.


· Remember what he has done. And look at where you are at now. You are not wear you were. For God has said “I have brought you here to my presence.”


· Promises have been kept; God has never let you down. God will never let you down.


· Look at the way he has gone before you and set things up. He is your rear guard. He has also gone ahead of you and set things up for your success.


· I know God has carried me because he has not given up on me. How great is he to extend grace!


· Despite failures and short coming, and all the ways we don’t measure up. He uses the foolish things to confound the wise. He has made me to be more like him. Especially through failure loss and short comings.


So stop telling yourself he could never use you and you are worthless. Fire yourself as your personal critic and hired yourself as you coach; foster the voice which says “this will be worth it; God will use this, Press on.” Rather than the Voice that cry’s “you suck! God could never use this or you.”


· Dark days haven’t destroyed you. Dark days don’t make you doubt him, but they prove his presence because you have got though them. He is always here! You survived the storm. Having gone through trials praise God, because they carried you. Shadow and shade make the light more beautiful! God has sabotage my suffering; he brings good out of pain! He takes pain and uses it as a microphone! To bring beauty out of ashes.


So take it in, enjoy the ride! You can chose be intentional about what you do. Life is too short not to savor it. Wonder in the whirlwind, chose to enjoy the moment, because I will never be here again.


Remember: You can take it to the next level, further up and further in. We wait on the lord, to give us the strength to get through. The lord gives us strength, like a Holy Ghost jet pack. He doesn’t tap out; God is never going to give up on holding onto you. And remember He saves the best wine for last! He is just getting started on working on your life, he has never failed and he won’t stop now!


· 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.


· Isaiah 43:18-19 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.


Because he has carried us, we know he has carried us and still has plans for us. He is not finished with us yet, He still has has a work for you to do.


He has brought you here to bring you there. There is more that God wants to do. There is a land to be concurred and he wants to do more than we have ever seen before! He has Chosen you. 1 peter 2:9 says “ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” He has plans for you that are good and are not for evil! But in His plans, It won’t be easy- it’s hard to take a land filled with giant, but they died without taking all the land they had been promised, when you say “God use me.” When you shine the light it gets in Satan’s eye. Give it all. Time treasure and talent, when God does things through you Satan will come at you. Train for the trial, if you carry the foot ball, expect to get tackled. There will be no short cuts! 1 Chronicles 28:10, 20, if you rise up, you have to be strong and do the work, it takes effort! Fight! Rise up and do the work! Do what is difficult! Be strong to do the work! His strength is made perfect in our weakness when you have nothing, when everything is dead when there is no life left in you you can still take the land. Because it is not in your strength or power that you are able to get through, but by the mighty hand of God. Because he has carried us he has called us, higher. Once you trust him you can take it to the next level you will come up against hard times and oppression. Trust that his grace is sufficient. Wait on the lord and call on the lord and as you do that he will carry you. He will raise you up. Call on the eagle, call on the one who can carry you above all that you face. You are strengthened in him. He will bear you up, to rise and run. He will carry you, because of who he is. He will carry you and call you. You have new things to face. But if you call on him, He will cue the eagle. He will carry you above and through it all. It will be worth it! It will be worth it, It will be worth it!!!!! No one in heaven says: “I wish I had done less,” But you would give anything to do more. You may wished you had called on him more to trust in him more. When it is all done, may I be able to say with everything I willed to serve God. Not with less, but with more. With everything we will call on God.


Lamentations 3:22-24


The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Ephesians 4:22-24





To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Talented!

Talents: Matthew 25:14-30
Words to ponder:,


“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country” (vs14a)

Jesus has gone away for a time, He is preparing for the kingdom. But, He in going away is one;

“…who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.”
He has called each one of you to him, He has given each of us gifts, talents, time, energy, resources, and we all have been given so much. Especially here in America, we have more “things” than most, But God has given different amounts to different people, He has entrusted each of us, uniquely and individually.
“ Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money”
 now in this parable each invests in different ways, but in reading this, I realized something, the one who wasted his talent buried his treasure in the earth, He put his treasure into the earth. Let that sink in, He put his treasure, his goods, his resources, his gift; the man buried it in the earth.This earth, this world, that is where he put his gift, he gave what he had to the earth and what did he receive… I began to think of all the ways I have buried my talents in this earth, using my gifts, investing my time, energy and efforts into this world. Matthew 6:20 says it best”
“ But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” or the old saying nothing lost nothing gained, dear ones, everything has a cost, there is a price to pay, for everything, each moment costs you, each investment costs you, I have had a clearer picture of the cost in battling celiac disease, if I touch someone and they have eat gluten sometimes I will break out in boils, or get physically ill, but do I stop investing, no, it has a cost yes, but the hope that others might know him, and see him, in me, that others lives might be impacted because I gave of myself no matter the cost, then it is worth it. Cause to be honest, pouring into others, investing in others, everything has a cost, it costs some more than others, but it’s worth it. nothing, in fact he lost all he had been given, all the opportunities, all that the master had given were put into the hands of one who invested in that which gained more “talents” to have done nothing with His gift, blaming God for his lack of faithfulness, he had what had been given, taken.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 1Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10
To have stored up treasure in heaven, rather than in something that will burn, then it is worth it. If my life can be spent on his behalf, may I freely give as I have received. Dear soul do not burry your treasure in this world, were is does not good, benefits no one, yes there was no loss, but there was no gain… freely you have received, freely give.
“ Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.”
For there will be a time to settle accounts…
“ And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.”
What will you bring forward…
“His master said to him,”
What will he tell you? When you come forward and show him what you have done with your life. Willl it be said when you come forward…
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Or when he calls you forward, will you be one who returns what has been given, with none left to show, having hid what was given into the earth.
“He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.”
But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’This last bit may seem harsh, but what was not used was given to one who was faithful, God will use the faithful,
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” Luke 12:48B
Let it not be said, “you ought to have invested MY Money”

A heart beat for humility

Heart beats for humility


Modesty, what is the purpose? Why Modesty? What is the Purpose,


Truly modesty is not an out ward appearance, after all the true Glory of a woman is not found in her appearance, modestly is a heart issue.


A stripper once said, “ I can seduce any man by simple taking off a glove.”


Women in burkas can seduce with their eyes. It does not matter what you wear, but who for, how, what is your heart behind wearing what you are wearing.


It is not what you wear, or what you are clothed in, modesty, being called higher is a heart is issue, the power, the choice, the decision of modesty of humility beings with the heart,


But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7


Modesty, it stems from the heart, you can do and say and wear all the right things in mans eye… but this world is so vast, Modest, ot prudent changes from culture to culture, but what is your heart beat? Who’s attention and gratification are you looking for? Are you seeking to bring honor and Glory to God.. Or are you seeking the attention and confirmation of man. , but if your heart doesn't desire to honor the lord, and out of a love for him, you seek to honor him, it's meaningless.


Psalm 51:10


God create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a stead fast spirit within me.


Being a woman of steadfast hope and spirit begins with the heart, any work must begin with the cleaning of the heart.
In mans eyes you will fall short, Galatians 1:10


For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ
1 Peter 3:3-4


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


It is not what you wear, but who you are adorned to.


“that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.- Ephesians 4:22-24


“But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.
Walk in Light


8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:


“Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”






“Don’t mimic that. When you come to church, come dressed in a way that shows you desire to the attention to be on God, not yourself.”


A person’s manner of dress, or even their preoccupation with clothing itself (Matthew 6:28-30), is often indicative of a heart that loves self more than God.


3. Modesty is about behavior and attitude, not just clothing When Paul says that women should wear “respectable apparel,” the term “apparel” is probably translated too narrowly: it is a term that encompasses not just clothing, but one’s whole demeanor, attitude, and actions.Ultimately, what should adorn a woman is not just clothing but “good works.” As Christians, we are being remade by God for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Christ died so that we might be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). Women should seek to dress their lives in works that do good to others, marked with godly love.


This means mode
4. Modesty shows sensitivity to sin


In this text Paul says a woman’s apparel should be worn with “modesty.” Other translation opt for the word “decency.” The King James Version translates this “shamefaced,” which gets more to the heart of the word.


It is talking about a demeanor of reverence, showing respect to oneself and a regard for others. It even carries the connotation of “bashful.” Connected to the term “shame,” the word implies the idea of grief over sin that is in the world—that a woman would be so sensitive to sin, knowing that sin is offensive to God, that she would never come close to trying to provoke it in others.


No, a woman is not guilty of a man’s lust if she dresses with the intention to allure him. Let him account for his sins. But she is guilty of a lack of shamefacedness, for treating sin lightly. A heart of modesty is motivated by a love for one’s fellow man.
5. Modesty involves cultural discretion


Paul didn't just paint broad strokes when talking about modesty; he gave specifics. He said braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire were out of place for a truly modest woman.


Some knowledge of Roman culture is helpful for understanding what Paul is saying. In Paul’s day, Greek hairstyles for women were fairly simple: hair was parted in the middle and pinned in the back. But a culture change was sweeping the region. Women in the imperial household were wearing their hair with elaborate curls and braids, covered in expensive ornaments. The elite throughout the empire copied this style.


For Paul, the appearance of braids and ornaments was more about what the fashion communicated. They carried connotations of imperial luxury and conjured up images of notoriously immoral Empresses like Valeria Messalina and Poppeaea Sabina, ancient equivalents of Cosmopolitan cover girls.


The poet Juvenal, a contemporary of Paul, gives a vivid description of this cultural trend:


“There is nothing that a woman will not permit herself to do. Nothing that she deems shameful. And when she encircles her neck with green emeralds and fastens huge pearls to her elongated ears, so important is the business of beautification. So numerous are the tiers and stories piled one another on her head that she pays no attention to her own husband.”


Similarly, the philosopher Philo gives a description of a prostitute in his writing called “The Sacrifices of Cain and Abel”:


“A prostitute is often described as having hair dressed in elaborate braids, her eyes with pencil lines, her eyebrows smothered in paint and her expensive clothes embroidered lavishly with flowers and bracelets and necklaces of gold and jewels hanging all over her.”


Paul’s description of immodest dress conjured a picture of someone preoccupied with appearance, fashion, luxury, and sexual prowess. Similarly, modern modesty standards are not about arbitrary rules of how much skin is shown or how low-cut something is, but about the messages and values our clothing communicates.
6. Modesty is about true freedom, not repression


More often than not, modesty standards are seen as repressive, arbitrary rules that restrict a woman’s creativity and freedom. But when modesty is motivated from the heart, the exact opposite is true.


Paul says women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel with “self-control.” This might be better understood as “self-mastery,” being of sound mind or sober, being in control of one’s impulses and appetites. In extra-biblical literature, this word has sexual nuances: being able to totally control your romantic and erotic desires.


Immodesty is often, though not always, a kind of slavery. A woman may be enslaved by her desire to attract a man. She might define her worth by her fashion sense, her sex appeal, her image, her bust size, her weight, or the brand names she wears. This kind of slavery is widespread because sin impacts us all, and in today’s sexually charged, media-saturated culture, many women fall prey to this kind of slavery.


But as Christians we are free from the slavery of sin because we are united to Christ. Paul exhorts us to live out this freedom: “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions” (Romans 6:12). When it comes to modest dress, we can follow Paul’s next statement quite literally: Do not present the members of your body to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present your members to God as instruments for righteousness (v.13). Paul wants Christian woman to have self-mastery in their wardrobe choices, to be totally free from worldly ways of defining worth, beauty, and sexiness.


Ironically, it is not just those who are scantily dressed that are enslaved, but even those who pride themselves on their modesty. “Modest is hottest,” they say, unaware that in their own hearts, they are still enslaved to a preoccupation with their physical image, still defining their worth by their outward adornment.
Defining Modesty


Taken together, these aspects of modesty help to give us a working definition. Modesty is a respectable manner of adorning one’s body and carrying oneself, born out of a freedom from a worldly definition of beauty and worth, and motivated by a hatred of sin and a desire to draw attention to God.


When it comes to the subject of modest clothing, the first question we should ask ourselves is: What am I trying to accomplish by what I wear?


Former Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi often told his players, “The best defense is a good offense.” Is that principle applicable to the Christian life? Undoubtedly it is! Those who think positively will be more apt to succeed in their walk with the Lord than those who do not because they will adopt positive actions that will please Him.


In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul zeroed in on some things believers should set their minds on—to think about to the point that they affect their Christian life. One of the words he mentions is pure. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance says the word means “properly clean, i.e. (figurative) innocent, modest, perfect :- chaste, clean, pure.” (Strong’s Greek Dictionary of the New Testament, Abingdon Press, 1980, p. 6). Though the Bible is not a fashion guide, it is a guide for the Christian life-style. A Christian, whether male or female, should think and dress modestly.


Ask, what are some examples of immodest dress that you have seen lately? What, in your opinion, could the person have done to make their attire more appropriate?


There are three guidelines for the Christian life-style that are relevant to the issue of modesty that I want us to examine together today. The first is: the modest person will stay away from every form of evil. Turn to First Thessalonians 5:22. (Ask someone to read the verse. If more than one translation is available, ask that the verse be read from some of them.)


Ask, some things are obviously wrong, aren’t they? Let’s name a few of them. (If a whiteboard is available, write some of the responses on the board.)


Ask, can you think of some things that may not be wrong but give the appearance of evil?


First Thessalonians 5:22 says that we should avoid both that which is evil and that which has the appearance of evil. The word translated stay away from is a strong word that means “to hold oneself away from.” Looking at some of the things that we have previously mentioned, how could we stay away from them?


Turn to John 17:15-16. What effect, if any, does the idea that we are not to be “of” the world but still be “in” it have on the things we have just mentioned?


Ask, how could this be applicable to the issue of modesty in one’s attire?


The second guideline for the Christian life-style that is relevant to the issue of modesty is: the modest person will be a good example. Turn to Titus 2:7. The word translated example is one that means to make a mark or impression with a tool, a die, or a stamp. Though Paul wrote this verse to Timothy as a pastor, the principle applies to every believer. The modest person will set the right kind of example for others to see and follow. They will make the right impression by the manner in which they dress, as well as by the way they act.


Ask, how does 1 Peter 3:1-5 relate to this? Do the principles found here relate to men and boys as well?


Ask, what are some ways that we can dress modestly and set the right example for others to follow?


The third guideline for the Christian life-style that is relevant to the issue of modesty is: the modest person will practice self-control. Turn to Galatians 5:22-23. William Barclay says the word self-control refers to “the spirit which has mastered its desires and its love of pleasure.” Ask, how do you think self-control applies to dressing modestly?


Ask, in what way does Colossians 3:5 speak to this matter of self-control?


Ask, have you ever had to express self-control in purchasing (or not purchasing) some article of clothing—maybe something that you wanted but felt was questionable? What did you do?


In an article by Vicki Courtney entitled Sexy Too Soon, the author asks the question: “Have you shopped for girls’ clothing lately? Toddlers to teens are inundated with adult fashions. Pop singer Beyonce now has her own clothing line that introduces the red-light district to the school lunchroom.


“Popular clothing items among teens include thong underwear and shorts displaying suggestive words across the backside. The abundance of racy clothing emphasizes the message: Dress sexy.”


Later in the article she says that teenagers are being unduly influenced by their parents who “fret over physical appearance or enjoy media laden with sexual images.”


Ask, what message would you have for parents who dress their small children in outfits that are immodest and inappropriate? Are they setting a precedent that they may regret later?


The question that all of us need to think about as we close is: Am I living with modesty or am I setting the wrong example with my life-style?


WHAT CAN ONE PERSON DO?


1. Always pray for God’s guidance both before you go shopping and as you shop for clothing. Ask Him to direct your thoughts and your purchases.


2. Decide that you will not purchase anything that might be too revealing. If in doubt, choose something else.


3. Look for stores that typically carry a good selection of modest clothing styles. The latest fashion may very well be outside the bounds of modesty.


4. If you have friends who dress modestly, ask them how they decide what to buy and wear?


5. If you are a parent of small children, exercise caution in the clothing you purchase for them. Be careful not to dress them in anything that you wouldn’t want to see them in when their bodies are more fully developed. Remember, you are constantly setting a precedent for the future even at a very young age.


6. If you are a female, apply the eight step test located here to decide if an article of clothing is appropriate or not.




Proverbs 31:30


Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.




1 John 2:16


For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.
1 Corinthians 10:31


So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Peter 5:5-6


Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

Matthew 6:1


“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
Romans 14:13


Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.








1 Thessalonians 4:3-4


For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
Proverbs 6:27-28





Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?

Not what, But who!

Luke 14:16-24.

"Then He said to him, a certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ But they all with one accord began to make excuses... VS 16-18 A

How incredibly amazing is the invitation of coming into the kingdom... Think about it, the Lord of the universe, who mad heaven and earth, desires your presence at his table, now think of your favorite star or maybe famous role model, it seems impossible that they would ask you to dinner right? Well what if they did? Would you make excuses like: "I really can't, see I just got a new car, and I really want to drive it so, I'm sorry I cannot make it." would you really turn down an invitation to go to your favorite stars house? Not likely, why then would any one turn down an invitation from God? Those he asked first let their possessions, and things keep them from coming into the banquet of the king of kings, they let what they had keep them for coming into the presence of the king, I do not want what I have, what I hold on this earth to become more important or to hold value over an invitation to his presence. The excuses I read, they seemed ridiculous to me, and how could anyone turn down such an invitation? but we do... we look at the things we have, or at the tasks on our plate, and suddenly a banquet with the King of Kings the Lord of Lord's gets set to the side, or simple tossed away because I simple "I don't have time for that."

The time is now, He invites all, but only those who will accept His invitation, will enter into His kingdom. He invited the lowly, the poor those who had nothing holding them back from his invitation.

He sent his workmen to look for those who would come, he sent them with the command to first: "Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind" and when it was done. "Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."

We are his servant, here to do the work of our master, He has sent us out, for this task, that we may send out the invitation, to all who are willing to come, tell of what the King has prepared for them, no matter their condition, what they look like, or their past, we are to simple go, and compel them to come, that his house may be full, our mandate is to fill the house of the Lord, to bring people to his Kingdom, some will turn down his invitation, but we must deliver it, be about the work of the master, for his banquet is set, His table ready, you have been given the charge as his workmen to bring those who desire to come, to come and enter into the kingdom.

In His presence

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure?






Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”


As I read this I can’t help but look at whom Jesus surrounded Himself with, Tax collectors, they were the social outcasts of the day, known for their cheating, dishonesty. They were traitors, the most hated in the community. Sinners, it literally means “missing the mark”, Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned, and fallen sort of the glory of God.” Not everyone sees themselves in this category, but according Romans 3:23, come join the crowd gathered to Jesus. Why? They were there to hear, and draw near to him, if we are all sinners, wear should we be found? Drawing near to Him, to hear Him, Wear is hope found for this lost soul? It is found in drawing near to Him, and Hearing Him.


But there are those who did not hear… who were these who did not receive? Pharisee, the outwardly religious, those who spent their days studying scripture, debating scripture, and seeking to show outward observance of the law, I say out ward because the true filament of the law was sitting right in front of them, that they had no intent of following. For them the word was hypocrisy, saying the followed it, but having not intent of living for the true word, (John 1:1) what about the Scribes? Well they spent their time coping scripture, experts in the word, they found themselves to be the only ones to accurately interpret scripture, yet they were not the ones who received Jesus, they condemned His actions. Dear heart of mine, may you not spend your time and energy on studying and knowing the word, yet missing it completely, they knew yet did not hear, they walked but did not draw near. There religious bigotry kept them from touching the outcast, they would lift there robes when walking through the streets. They condemned Jesus for eating with them, but this gives me hope, for I am a sinner. Christ receives you, and me, we can have communion with him. I have hope, Because He will receive me, I don’t have to be dammed. He receives sinners, those with no hope, the Pharisees condemned because they believed they were above such as sinners, the sinners heard and drew near, because they were cheaters, dishonest, and known for missing the mark, how can such be received, it is not because we are worthy, but because he is holy, We cannot be clean, yet through his blood he makes us clean. He receives them, to restore and make them righteous, Just as the father received his filthy stinky, lost son, so the Son of man receives us with open arms. He receives the sinner to restore, and make him righteous. The accusations of the Pharisees give me hope, I know I am a sinner; I am unworthy to come to him. Yet to the sinner he says, “Come unto me!” Though I am unworthy, He receives me, I know I have done nothing for God to have communion with Him, Yet He welcomes me with open arms, If I will get up, leave the life I have been living, beg forgiveness, and repent . I desire, since I have been restored form the pig pen of this world to reflect the love of my father, Christ, Say unto Him, May I look for him who is lost, Love and forgive, and I have been loved and forgiven so much, and rejoice upon return!