Thankful Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving to all of the American readers out their! 
I thought that with it being thanksgiving it would be a great opportunity to express what I'm thankful for and urge you to do the same. 
I wanted to tell you of F I V E things in which I am thankful for in 2014......

1. Jesus! I am so thankful for Jesus. If Jesus hadn't sacrificed his life for me and guided me, I wouldn't have anything to be thankful for. 

2. I am super thankful for my Au Pair Job, I have asked God to help me with this for over 3 years and now I am super blessed to living in a beautiful city, five and a half hours from my hometown. But I am enjoying it, it's challenging 90% of the time but I am excited and blessed to be on this life changing journey.

3. I am thankful for my boyfriend. We met in New York 4 years ago and dated for less than a year and then didn't speak until January this year. And we started dating again in February. I never thought in a million years that this relationship would ever happen. But our God is unlimited in love and amazement. God Amazed me when my boyfriend came back into my life. It was something I never thought would happen. It was a miracle and I'm so blessed to say that were planning a future together and if it wasn't for God we wouldn't be here. So thank you GOD! THANK YOU! 

4. Health and Safety of my family. Most of family are happy and healthy and I am thankful to have them all and that they all have there health. 

5. I am thankful for my life. I am thankful for every day I get to wake up and have meals, hot meal to eat, to have clean water to drink and shower in. I am thankful for the roof over my head, the bed I sleep in. I'm thankful for my daily life which Jesus sacrificed himself so I could live my life. I live my life in his name because he reigns forever and ever. 
His love never fails for us. He loves us.

What are you thankful for today?

Thank you for reading my thankful Thursday / Thanksgiving Blog.
Have a great Thanksgiving. 
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo 
E: jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk
@bibleblogwomen

Studying Joel : Bible Study

Hey everyone welcome to the Studying Joel blog. 

I recently decided to write a study every month (hopefully) on a different person or book or theme. This idea came to me when I was reading through my bible and realised that even though I've read the Bible cover to cover I still don't understand certain things. Therefore I hope you enjoy these new blogs, they are written in a simple way so you can get a little information and hopefully leave the blog and do some scripture finding yourselves. I pray that these future blogs bless you and enriches you with wisdom and understanding. Thank you Amen.

Outline of the book of Joel.

- He didn't say that much about himself

- Resident of Jerusalem

- His message is timeless

- Disaster strikes

- Son of Pethuel

- Preached to the people of Judah

- The locusts he mentions in Joel 1:4; Joel 2:25 are best understood as real insects

The theme of this book is Restoration. 

- Restoration and blessing will come only after judgment and repentance.

Joel 1:1-12- An Invasion of Locusts

Joel 1:13 - A Call to Repentance

Joel 2:1-11 - The Day of the Lord

Joel 2:12- Return to the Lord

Joel 2:18 - The Lord Had Pity

Joel 2:28 - The Lord Will Pour Out His Spirit

Joel 3:1-16 - The Lord Judges the Nations

Joel 3:17 - The Glorious Future of Judah

Joel 1:13

13 Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests;
wail, O ministers of the altar.
Go in, pass the night in sackcloth,
O ministers of my God!
Because grain offering and drink offering
are withheld from the house of your God.

14 Consecrate a fast;
call a solemn assembly.
Gather the elders
and all the inhabitants of the land
to the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.

15 Alas for the day!
For the day of the Lord is near,
and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.

16 Is not the food cut off
before our eyes,
joy and gladness
from the house of our God?

17 The seed shrivels under the clods;
the storehouses are desolate;
the granaries are torn down
because the grain has dried up.

18 How the beasts groan!
The herds of cattle are perplexed
because there is no pasture for them;
even the flocks of sheep suffer.

19 To you, O Lord, I call.
For fire has devoured
the pastures of the wilderness,
and flame has burned
all the trees of the field.

20 Even the beasts of the field pant for you
because the water brooks are dried up,
and fire has devoured
the pastures of the wilderness.

Confronted with this crisis, he calls on everyone to repent: old and young (1:2–3)

drunks (1:5), farmers (1:11) and priests (1:13).

He describes the locusts as the Lord’s army and sees in their coming a reminder that the day of the Lord is near. The locusts are known to be actual insects and not representations of the Babylonians, Romans etc.

The locust plague and severe drought was known to be the 'great and dreadful day of the Lord'.

The main idea throughout this scripture is ' Repent. for the day of the Lord is near'.

Joel 2:12-13 - Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and boundless in loyal love.

Define Boundless - Having NO Boundaries 

How amazing is that? His love has no boundaries. He is boundless in loyal love for us. Repent your sins, and return to him, your creator, your author, your father, your Lord Christ Jesus.

Christ in Joel

The coming of the Holy Spirit, who applies Christ's redemption, is predicted in Joel 2:28. Jesus Christ is the only one who judges nations but who also restores his people. [Trust me, I know this as a fact, I have been restored].

In Joel 2:18-20 Is Gods response, his agricultural blessing, his promise. He informs us of our glorious future. The people of Judah repented and God restored. There is no restoration without repentance. 

The promise of God follows in Joel 2:25-32 This promise is the greatest promise of hope in the Old Testament. Restoration is so important as a Christian. We need to leave the dignity and proud outer characters out of the picture and just be true to God and ourselves. And ask him for guidance and speak to him about your own pros and cons and he will help you be the person he created you to be. 

Define Restoration - The action of returning something to a former owner, place or condition. 

We need to be restored and returned to God.

Emphasis in the study

Joel 1:1- 2:11 Desolation

Joel 2:12 - 17 Exhortation

Joel 2:28 - 3:21 Restoration

This book shows that no matter what we go through in life, no matter how dark and challenging things might turn, God will always be there to restore you. In the future remember your past and when he has pulled you through a messy time and then have hope for the future as he's helped you before so why wouldn't he help you again? He wants your companionship, your friendship, your communication and obedience. He wants to be in a relationship with you and by repenting your old ways and habits, he can restore you 'The sins I haven't already forgiven, I'll forgive' God has moved into Zion for good'.

Scriptures to check out-

The book of Joel [it's not that long so if you have time, just sit and study, meditate this book, it's such a great book]

If not check out these:

- Joel 2:12-14

- Joel 2:18

- Joel 2.25-27

Thank you for reading this study I hope it helps you in your studies and bible reading. 

Enjoy your day. God bless

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

 

Goodbye Autumn : Lifestyle Blog

It’s official! Autumn is OVER!

Yes that’s right! Christmas is on the way… The red cups have made a comeback, our shops are filled with Christmas jumpers and dozens of decorations. My favourite time of the year! December!

I love autumn and winter because the cold brisk air when you go for a morning walk and the shorter days which means it gets darker earlier which also means for me, it’s harder to get out of bed. But I don’t mind as I love the dark nights and dark mornings. I love days where you can just stay in bed all day or lay on the couch snuggled up into a fluffy blanket watching Christmas films.

I have already watched Home Alone and Polar Express! That’s how excited I am. I think I’m most excited this year because I’m going home from being away since August and I worked in a pub on Christmas last year which meant no Christmas dinner for me and no family and this year I get both! How amazing is that! 

#JessicasAuPairYear

This year is my first Christmas with my boyfriend too! So I can’t wait for Christmas and lots of yummy food and my little going away trip to a lovely 5 star private birthday treat!

I turn 20 on the 27^th December and usually my birthday isn’t anything special but this year I get to go away and just escape for a night or two! It’s certainly going to be amazing!

The only things I shall miss when I leave Chelmsford when I go home at Christmas are Starbucks and Paper chase and the boys I look after in my au pair job.

I have enjoyed autumn but let’s get excited because the season is upon us. #JesusIsTheReasonForTheSeason #JesusBirthday

Don’t forget to be grateful this Christmas and the real reason for Christmas.

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

E: jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

@bibleblogwomen

Diary of an Au Pair

[7th October 2014]     //    Diary of an Au Pair 
    #jessicasaupairyear

6:30AM : Rise and Shine 
 - Get ready 

7:00AM : Wake Children up
 - Make sure they have all their uniform sorted 
 - School Bag Check 

7:15AM : Breakfast

7:30AM : Brush Teeth
 - Make packed lunches 

8:15AM : Children set off for school

8:30AM : Dog Walk along the river 

9:30AM : Hoover and Dust the house 
 - Hoover Up stairs once a week 

10:00AM : Quick kitchen and bathroom clean 
 - Daily to keep on top of it

11:00AM : Bike Ride
 - Cycle to coffee shop to have a snack of lunch

1:00PM : Home - [Laundry and Ironing on a Monday]

2:00PM : Website Maintenance 
 - Write blog pieces or publish blogs.

3:30PM : Children are home
- Planners on the table

4:00PM : Start cooking dinner 
 - Children complete homework meanwhile 

5:00PM : Dinner is served 

5:30PM : Children are showered and in Pajamas

6:30PM : Host mother is home from work 

7:00PM : My duties end 

I then have the night to my self which I can either chose to watch television with the family in the living room or retire to my bedroom and do whatever I please. 

My day as an Au pair is structured well, I have chores to do but they are not difficult chores and only a few are time consuming. 
I have heard stories of Au pairs who are treat like cleaners... I'm very blessed in that I am not treated as a cleaner, I am respected and I am mainly here for supervision while the mother is working. 

I shall be uploading a few other blogs very soon! 
Thanks for reading 
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo 

Christian Love In Each Women - Guest Writer

Welcome to another guest post from our weekly blogger - Josephine Wolley from Indonesia. I hope you enjoy another lovely piece by this amazing lady of the Lord. 

Where can we find real love–the kind of love that doesn't ask for anything in return-the kind of love that loves without conditions and stipulations? Is there such love in our world? The bible tells us throughout scripture what real love is, and my heart tells me what real love is through God’s love for us. We know what real love is, but more important where is it?

Real love comes to us through our relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ. If we have a personal relationship with Him we will feel God’s love in our life. We will come to know what it feels like to be loved with the wonderful blessings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God shows us how much He loves us through His blessings. God’s blessings are proof that He loves us! In fact the greatest blessing we have been given is that of His Son Jesus Christ – the Redeemer of the world! (John 3:16)

We show just how much we love God through our actions. Are we willing to follow Him even if we don’t feel like it? Are we trusting in what God says for our life? Are we telling others about our love for God and the abundance we have been given? Are we telling people about the glorious blessings that God has poured out to us? These are ways in
which we show God how much we love Him. (Psalm 91:14)

God does let us know in order for us to be with Him in the eternal we must throw off the old selfish ways, and follow Him. But, even if we decide not to do that, and we continue to go our own selfish way, He would still love us! Wow! But who would want to do that? No one would but Jesus. Why? The answer is "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16)

And a question comes in mind "What if there's always a trial that looks hard for myself to love people around me? How could I keep loving them same as Jesus has done?"

Well, the answer is we all have personality traits that irritate or offend other people. When you surrender to God, he files down your rough spots. He carves away any pettiness or smallness in your life, and ironically, your personality isnt diminished, but is softened and beautified. Jesus knew when He surrendered to His Father's will, God's limitless love would flow through him and into others. 
When you empty yourself enough to be a conduit for God's love, God will reward you not only with His love, but with the love of other people as well. There's nothing wrong with wanting others to love you. Loving others always takes a risk that you won't be loved in return, but when you know that God loves you no matter what, you can love like Jesus: "A new command I give you: Love one another," (Jesus said). "As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

Over time, however, God showed me that if I'm worthy of His love, I'm worthy of the love of other human beings too. But that can be a big step to take. We will be more lovable by becoming more like Jesus. We can do that by surrendering our life to God!

- Josephine Wolley 

WOW! can I just say that this is personally my favourite blog this lady has shared with us! It's amazing! Like seriously awesome. It's jam packed with really amazing pieces of scripture. I love hearing the word of God and I think Josephine has made this blog relate to a lot of women. 

Thank you Josephine my lovely! Everyone Josephine has twitter go check her out....@Yossie_98
For everyone who wants to know, I have recently moved house and that's why the blogs and website aren't up to date, i apologize but I'm back on track now and I'm currently sat in Starbucks writing this to you. So have a lovely day and speak soon.

Lots of Love 
Jessica Louise Xoxo

E: jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk 
Twitter: @bibleblogwomen
Instagram: @bibleblogwomen
 

Goodbye Hello

Hey Guys and Girls.

I hope your all well and having an awesome week, my week has been stressful to say the least because… The Bible for Women is moving!

Don’t worry the blogs will still be uploaded and the weekly inspiration etc. but I and my laptop will be venturing on a brand new journey… In Chelmsford (30 mins from London)

I have a job as an Au Pair for one year there, I’m very excited to be on this amazing journey.

This week I have packed, even though I started packing 5 weeks ago, I have finally finished packing with 2 days to spare! I love being prepared, and organised, especially when I’m super excited to start this job. Many of you know that I was supposed to leave for Italy then New York Staten Island in two separate events last year for Au Pair jobs however they weren't the right ones for me and I experienced some horrible things from them. I’m very glad and grateful to have this overwhelming opportunity to be an Au Pair and also have more time to start my New Year resolutions… TO GET FIT and spend more time on the BLOG and PRAY MORE!

On Sunday, I attended Paradox Church for the last time in a year, a year doesn't sound that long but in my mind, it’s a life time without my paradox family… Nevertheless they have been supporting me from day one of me entering the church and I know that there going to keep on being my life cheerleaders and praying for me while I’m on this journey. Church is the people, not the place.

I will be attending a church in London and I’m ecstatic to be beginning on a new journey but I am also very sad that I am leaving my Church (Family).Also my family at home, they drive me crazy but hopefully over the next year I’ll develop some patience.

The Bible for Women is going to be growing into a lot more very soon (SEPTEMBER 15TH) I and Brittany Nicole can’t wait to share more of this with you all!

I am travelling to Chelmsford on Friday 29^th with Kieran (the boyfriend) and hopefully I will have plenty of time in the long car journey to write a blog which has been placed on my heart. I am very excited to share some blog ides with you all very soon. Hope to have a blog ready for you on Monday maybe Tuesday.

Have an amazing week and remember be grateful for the opportunity and situation you are in, you might not of wanted to be there but you are, and you’re there for a reason.

Thanks Everyone! Speak Soon.

Loadsaa Love & God Bless You All

Jessica Louise Xoxo

Here’s some photos of me and my church family, saying our goodbyes! Love You Paradox Church!!!

 Paradox Church - http://www.paradoxchurch.co.uk/

Always Be Grateful - Josephine Wolley

Welcome to The Bible For Women and to another piece of writing from our partner in Indonesia - Josephine Wolley.
Here's her weekly blog on being thankful! Enjoy.

Always Be Grateful

Sometimes, Thank you is just a spoken word that comes out when you feel happy. But sometimes, when you feel down, do you really say it straight from your heart? It can be hard to say it because you can't accept the situation or how you are feeling? Especially women, we are often controlled by our emotion. But what if the emotion is sadness? I know it can be difficult to be thankful in these circumstances. But Jesus told us through the Holy Bible that we have to be grateful for whatever our circumstances are. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus 

And a question comes to mind.. how can we be grateful in every situation? Well, Jesus never says that things will be easier when we're grateful. But He emphasized that if we do everything in His name and surrender every detail of our lives in His will, He'll never make us upset. He has set all of timing in our lives, such as a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance, etc. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
"There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for every event under heaven ~
2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up.
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
5 A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.
6 A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace.
9 What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils?  10 I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves. 11 He has made everything appropriate in its time.  He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; 13 moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor, it is the gift of God.  14 I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him.  15 That which is has been already, and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by."

 Just keep on believing that even though you're really really sad, it is still one of God's plans for you. So, we always have to remind ourselves that every situation we find our self in is a part of God's plan. He has devised everything up for our lives. He allows it come to us so that we can always be grateful and rely on Him.

Thank you for reading Josephine Wolleys guest blog on being grateful. 

Stay Tuned for more blogs coming very soon.

Thank you & God Bless

Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

E: jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

Submit and Straighten

Welcome to a blog that's been placed on my heart, I hope it helps you or makes you understand a little bit more about myself. 

What path do you belong on? What path have you been on the past? What have you done to change that?

Before my life with Christ, I was heading onto paths which scared me and I didn't want to be on them, there was nothing in mind I could do. 
Just before I started attending church my path I was walking on was unpleasant and included people who I did not want to have wandering on my path with me. 

Some people haven't got a relationship with God and have a 'great' 'content' life. That's okay, but it wont stay like that forever, you'll have bumps on your road. But with God, your bumps will not be there forever. He will straighten them. 

Do you like the path your on,or heading too?

We are all on journey and we are all given a path from God, he created the bricks and stepping stones for your path. We might not like it, we might love it. I personally love it, I'm useless at making decisions so relying on an almighty God makes me have a kind of peace and inner strength about the future.

Proverbs 3:6  In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Only by submitting your self to God, only then he will make your paths straight. 

I love this piece of scripture, because I hate the idea that I'm on one path my entire life, I love the fact he will make our PATHS straight meaning that we will be on more than one path throughout our lives, but if we commit and submit to him he will make every path straight. 

Psalm 1119:35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

When God directs us we need to take that direction and instruction because after all he knows us best and knows where we need to go, not where we want to go. Sometimes we need to trust in him and his plans.

Jeremiah 29:11 
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

God has a plan for you and he knows exactly what path your on and were your heading, so trust in the Lord and just trust his guidance. We are all in need of some guidance, we can't do this on our own. We are all different but in need of the same God. 

When I came to Christ, I chose to follow God and God's commands and in return he guided me on to the right path, the path and plan he had for me all along. It was amazing seeing the change in my self whilst choosing his path (In reality his plan chose me).

By submitting to the Lord, he straightened my path and that's the best thing I've decided to do. 
I ask you now to think about this... Have you fully submitted yourself to the Lord, if not why? He has an amazing plan for you and if you haven't submitted yourself to the lord, how can you get to see a little part of your plan, God doesn't show you the plan for the rest of your life, he gives you a small segment of it, he shows you this ,to give you peace and hope for the future, you future with the Lord. 

Today Remember : Submit and Straighten 

And Also remember God sends us difficult paths but he will always provide us with strong shoes. 
He will provide patience, strength and wisdom. Just Submit. 

Thank you for reading today's blog. Have an amazing day.
Stay tuned for big news coming very soon! 

Thank you & God Bless 
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo

Email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk
Instagram and Twitter - @bibleblogwomen 

Miracles Do Happen - Monthly Blogger

Welcome to The Bible For Women! 
I would just like to say a huge thank you to every one reading this and especially all the new followers from Indonesia, Brazil, America, South Africa,Portugal, Philippines, Italy And so many more amazing places! 
The website is impacting people worldwide... Yes you heard me... WORLDWIDE! 

Also Check out the news page as I will be sharing some awesome news very soon! 

Now I welcome back Brittany Nicole - Monthly Guest blogger on The Bible For Women - blog - site. Enjoy her amazing blog...

So I'm not an expert on miracles. Let me start with that. I've struggled with severe leg pain that has progressed over the years. The doctors can't even diagnose me because they’re clueless to what's causing it. It has made it difficult to sit longer than 30 minutes, and on some days even difficult to walk or stand. I've prayed, cried, and prayed some more, asking for a miracle. I KNOW God can heal me, but it's apparently not in his plan at this moment in time. 

So I can say, miracles don't happen when we want or expect them to. But they DO happen.

Almost 5 years ago I went through a depression. I didn't know it at the time, but looking back, it was definitely a stage of depression. I then became suicidal. I didn't express my sadness, anger or feelings to anyone. I dealt with it myself. And the fact I'm alive after that, is a miracle in itself.

But the miracle that happened to me might not be seen to some as a miracle but I know it was.... The day after I planned on committing suicide (and obviously didn't go through with it) I was at school, walking down the hall to class. I prayed for this person who was causing a lot of my anxiety and etc., to not be there. I prayed for this student to just not be at school so I could have one day of peace. That's all I wanted. 

I get to class, literally 15 seconds after saying this prayer, and the student isn't there.... That student didn't come back to school for the rest of the year. 

God knew my prayer before I even said it. 

That was a miracle, because I needed to see a change in my life. I needed proof God heard me and was real. I needed to see that for myself and God showed me. 

I've seen other miracles happen. I saw my aunt who couldn't breath without an oxygen tube, BREATHE for over an hour without it! She didn't realize her tank was turned off, and she was breathing like normal without it. NORMALLY, not having her tank turned on would have killed her, but God provided a miracle that day (actually on multiple occasions that happened!)

So you see, miracles do happen. They might not be "news worthy" in societies eyes, but let me tell you, anything that God is involved in IS "News Worthy"! Just being alive is a miracle in itself. Think about that. Your beating heart is a miracle. God shows he's here with us by providing even the smallest miracles.

Sure, maybe your prayer for a good grade wasn't answered. Maybe your car broke down. Maybe your medical test came back with bad results. Maybe someone dear to your heart passed away. 

Don't turn away from God and say miracles don't happen, because that miracle that you wanted to happen, wasn't a part of Gods amazing plan, or it would have happened. 

God has planned miracles, and we sometimes can't predict them. But that's how it works, and that's just where our faith and trust in God comes in. 

Miracles happen every day, and sometimes we just have to open our eyes to really see them. 

Thank you for reading this blog! I hope you enjoyed hearing from a member of The Bible For Women's Team. 

You'll be hearing a lot more of her shortly. 

Sharing some awesome news soon. Stay Tuned.

Thank you & God Bless 

Love Jessica Louise & Brittany Nicole 

Xoxo 

Email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk with any questions.

Women with Jesus - Josephine Wolley

Welcome to A Guest post from Josephine Wolley 

Women with Jesus. 

Josephine is apart of the Bible For Women team! She has already guest posted before in the Natural sparkle Finale and I'm very humbled to welcome her back to the website with this awesome blog! I hope you all enjoy! 

Decisions. Everyone has ever made decisions. But is that the best one for our future? And how do we know that the decision we make is the best decision from other choices? As women who believe in God, sometimes, even often we dont rely on God in making decisions. How important it is for we to rely on God in making decision? I emphasize to you that God is the all-knowing God. He has fearfully planned our lives. He has known what we'd be in the future and what  we can do to pass it. So, why do we still rely on ourselves? But I invite all women who read this to start making decisions with Jesus. What we think isnt always same as God's will.

-Women without Jesus- Sometimes when we rely on God alone, the situation still looks bad and we can imagine if we did not rely on Him..how it would be a mess..so even though we still hand the downs when we surrender our decisions on Him, keep on believing that God has guaranteed the best for us! Thats why we need faith to see something that's unseen. And don't forget to make sure your decision is in line with God’s Word. (Psalm 119:98) We will consistently make better decision when we line up with what God wants in our lives already.

We each need to listen to our heart and the prompting on the Holy Spirit to know what things are okay for us to do. Just because something may not be wrong, doesn't mean it's right for you at this time and in this situation. You'll consistently make good decisions if you're spending time in God’s word and acting on the advice you receive there.
So, sometimes the most difficult choices in life are not those between wrong and right, but choices of what is good and what is best.

Thank you for reading this blog and I hope to hear from you soon! 
Enjoy future blogs and the previous blogs that have been uploaded this week! 
Email me on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk

Thank You God Bless 
Love Jessica Louise Xoxo 

Giving God Our Best - Guest Post

Welcome to The Bible For Women and here is a lovely lady I would like to share with you all...Enjoy her guest post!

Kelly Harris      

I am the daughter of two pastors. Both of my parents have a ministry located in the state of Georgia. My sister and I have been a vital part of the ministry working in different areas such as the praise team, dance ministry, children’s ministry, and many other areas. I work as the church administrator. I started Confessions of a PK Heiress because I wanted to share Christ in a relevant way through the eyes of a PK (preacher’s kid). I love Jesus Christ and I am passionate about sharing him with others!!

Giving God Our Best 

The word best is defined as: of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality.  When I think about giving God my best I think about two stories in the Bible specifically, the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), and the widow that gave her last two mites to God (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4). Both stories focus on giving your best to God.

  We find through the story of Cain and Abel many different lessons to be learned, but specifically the difference between giving God your best based on obedience to God vs. giving God what you think He deserves.  Cain gave God fruit because he worked the fields. He believed that God would be satisfied with the fruit because it was time to give, not because it was considered satisfactory. Abel gave the first born of his flock and their fat to God, and God was pleased with his giving. Abel’s offering was considered his best because he gave God his first. The shedding of the blood from his sacrifice was out of obedience to God and to cover his sins. Cain’s fruit was rushed and out of sheer disobedience. He gave God what he thought was enough.

The widow that gave her two mites was pleasing in the eyes of Jesus because she gave all she had at the time of offering. Her livelihood was found in those two mites. During that time, a widow earned less than slaves and was most likely destitute or homeless unless she had family. The two mites that she gave were worth the fraction of what a penny is worth today. It’s safe to say that the widow could have purchased food to eat with those two mites or anything else she desired, but she gave it to God instead.

Jesus commended her for this because she unlike the rich who gave a portion of what they could give, gave all that she had knowing she could possibly be without for days to come. She demonstrated her trust was in God alone and not her economic status. She understood that God was the ultimate provider of all things not her income or lack thereof.

It’s not enough to give God the bare minimum when we know we can give Him more. Cain and the rich knew that they could give God more, but they gave Him what they thought was sufficient enough.  Growing up I was taught that God wants us to give Him the “three T’s” our “Tithe, Talent, and Time” it wasn’t until I grew up that I understood the importance of each area in our Christian walk with Christ. God desires for us to give all of these things in honor and obedience to Him. All of these things are gifts to us from God. God has given to us in these three areas (money, talent, and time) to thrive and flourish in if we are good stewards. Being good stewards over these things begins with giving God our best in each area and following His direction in each area.

How do we give God our best in these three areas? I’m glad you asked.  Begin by putting God first in all of these areas and supersede where you begin. The giving of tithes is the Biblical principle of giving a tenth of your first fruit to God. During Biblical times the first fruit was considered the first of your harvest and/or flock to the temple. Today, our first would come from the income we bring home. Giving of your tithe is an act of obedience to God and it shows gratitude for the income. When it comes to the area of giving my tithes to God (because I am a faithful in the area of tithing) I always seek God about how much more I should give. I start at 10% of whatever I earn and give more.  In today’s time acquiring money for some is a hard thing to accomplish. There are some who are in the same position as the widow concerning their finances. They don’t know if they will have enough for tomorrow or the next week.

Despite all of this, the widow still gave back to God what belonged to Him. She didn’t give it because He needed it, but she gave it because she recognized that it belonged to God. Seek God in the area of financial giving and follow His direction. Don’t feel burdened about not being able to give to God when you are without the finances to give.   

God gifted many of us with different talents. Some sing, some dance, some are artistic, some are performers, and some are good with building and crafting new things/ideas. We are all different in the area of talents, but we must recognize our talents are gifts given to us to help edify others and glorify God. Giving of our talent to God is the giving of ourselves to be useful in our local church to help draw others to Christ.  I have the talent of singing, dancing, and I am artistic.

I have been told on several occasions I should audition for American Idol, but I always tell people that my talent is reserved for God. I do not desire to acquire fame or fortune off of the talent God has given me. I am satisfied with using my talent to help draw others to Christ and encourage others in the ways of Christ through worship. No matter what your talent may be, big or small, it was given to you to be a blessing to God and others. If you have the talent to sing, use it to worship God. If you are artistic use it to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you have the talent to build things, use it build things to edify the body of Christ.

God gives us a lot of time. He has given us 1,440 minutes in one day. How much of that time have you spent with Him? Does He get your left overs? Does God only know you on Sunday’s? Giving God your time allows you the opportunity to know Him on an intimate level. I know many people that start their day with God before they go to work. I know many people that end their day with God. There is no required time of day to give to God, as long as you give Him your time. During this time you need absolutely no distractions. I usually turn the T.V. off and my phone is on DND (Do Not Disturb). This helps me to learn of God and to hear from Him. The time given to God is not confined to your own personal study time, but also the time you spend actively in your ministry. 

Being active in your local church is necessary for edification, but it does not take the place of your personal study time.

Giving God our best demonstrates our love, obedience, and faithfulness to Him. God gave us His best when He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. All He wants in return is our lives in return and gratitude for what He has given to us. There are many ways to give our best to God. I expounded on the three areas above because they are ways we can demonstrate giving, obedience, love, faithfulness, honor and reverence to God. If we put God first in every area of our life no matter how big or small, including those three areas, and supersede in every area. We have given God our best. If you don’t know where to start or how to start seek the face of God and ask Him for direction. Every man is different, but every man can accomplish greater through the help of God. 

WOW! Thank you all for reading this amazing ladies guest post! You can find her on instagram @pk_heiress 

I hope you enjoyed this blog and if you have any questions feel free to email myself on jessica@bibleforwomen.co.uk or instagram us on @bibleblogwomen 

Thank you God Bless 

Jessica Louise Xoxo