A to Z: F is for Faithful Witness

F is for Faithful Witness 

(Revelation 1:4-6 ESV)    John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
    Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
    To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The above verse is from the book of revelation where John is taken to heaven and Jesus the son, tells him what to write. He calls Jesus the Faithful witness. 

What does Faithful mean? It means one who stick by another no matter what and says/does what is true and right.. Jesus is Faithful to God the father and those who are his.

adjective

1.strict or thorough in the performance of duty: a faithful worker.

2.true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.

3.steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant: faithful friends.

4.reliable, trusted, or believed.

5. adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an original; accurate: a faithful account; a faithful copy.

(Revelation 19:11 ESV) Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

(Revelation 3:14 ESV)  “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.
Later on in the book of revelation, John calls Jesus the Faithful and true witness. 

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

Jesus called himself the truth.

(1 Peter 4:19 ESV) Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

He is also called the Faithful creator.

(Hebrews 2:17 ESV)Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

And the Faithful high priest.

    Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say,
    “The Lord is my helper;
        I will not Fear;
    what can man do to me?”
(Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV)

Why is is so important that Jesus be Faithful? Because if he is Faithful, we know he will never leave us nor forsake us... no matter what we do!  If he is Faithful, then his promises are true. What he has promised he will do.

Today:

Take time yourself to search the bible, use a concordance or even google and search for Faithful witness and the word Faithful in the bible. Find out what God wants you to learn about himself and his son through this name.

Have a great Friday!!!

Ang

Here is the link back to the A to Z challenge :)

A to Z: E is for Everlasting Father

E is for Everlasting Father

I am carrying on with my themes of Jesus' names, today's is Everlasting Father.

(Isaiah 9:6 ESV)    

For to us a child is born,
        to us a son is given;
    and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
        and his name shall be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
        Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

In the above verse Isaiah a prophet of the old testament is prophesying about the coming Messiah. He calls him many things in this verse one of which is everlasting father.

This verse tells of the attributes or characteristics that the Messiah would have.

 (2 Samuel 7:13-14 ESV)   He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men,

In this verse God promises David and heir whom God will establish the throne of forever! This is again where the characteristic of everlasting is found of the Messiah.

  
(John 1:1-5 ESV)  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
   
The messiah, Jesus, is the Word... He was with God in the beginning and is God.

(John 14:9 ESV)    Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

(Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV)    Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.


Jesus is the representation of God the Father. The exact imprint of the fathers nature.

Why is it so important that Jesus is the everlasting father?

Because that makes him the Messiah, the savior of both Jew and gentiles. The son of God.

Today:

Take sometime yourself to look up in the bible where it talks about an everlasting father. Think about what that means. Pray about that name and ask God to reveal to you more about himself through that name.

If you want, check out this song by Chris Tomlin called Everlasting God. Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yubLGTOcm8c

Have an amazing Thursday!!!
Ang
Here is the link back to the A to Z challenge :)

A to Z: D is for the seed of David

D is for the seed of David

Jesus is called in the bible the seed or descendant of David.

  (Romans 1:1-6 ESV)  "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,"
   
   (Matthew 1:1 ESV) The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

There are multiple other places in the new testament where Jesus is referred to as the son of David. 

You may ask "Why is it so important that Jesus be a descendant of David? 

The reason is because in the old testament God promised David and heir who would reign forever. This heir would be a descendent of David as well as the son of God.

(2 Samuel 7:11-17 ESV)   Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
   
This is so important because if Jesus truly is the son of God and the descendant of David, that makes him the fulfillment of the prophecy and promise to David. This makes Jesus the promised Messiah for Jews and gentiles.

(Mark 12:35-37 ESV)    And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared,
    “‘The Lord said to my Lord,
    “Sit at my right hand,
        until I put your enemies under your feet.”’
    David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly.

Jesus in the above verse is claiming himself to be a fulfillment of that prophecy.

Today:

Take time yourself to look in the old and new testament to find where it talks about the Messiah and Jesus the son of David.

Have a great Wednesday!!!
Ang
Here is the link back to the A to Z challenge :)

A to Z: C is for Christian

C is for Christian

What is a Christian?

A christian is a follower or disciple of Jesus Christ.

Dictionary Definition:

adjective

1.of, pertaining to, or derived from Jesus Christ  or His teachings: a Christian faith.

2.of, pertaining to, believing in, or belonging to the religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ: Spain is a Christian country.

3.of or pertaining to Christians: many Christian deaths in the Crusades.

4.exhibiting a spirit proper to a follower of Jesus Christ;  Christlike: She displayed true Christian charity.

5.decent; respectable: They gave him a good Christian burial.

 noun

7.a person who believes in Jesus Christ;  adherent of Christianity.

8.a person who exemplifies in his or her life the teachings of Christ: He died like a true Christian.

9.a member of any of certain Protestant churches, as the Disciples of Christ  and the Plymouth Brethren.

10.the hero of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.

11.a male given name.

  

How do I know if I am a Christian?

Do you believe that Jesus Christ is Gods son and that God raised him from the dead? Have you been baptized as a physical sign to others that you have decided to follow Jesus?  Do you have the Holy Spirit in you? Are you showing fruit of love, joy peace, patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self control? Do you desire to read and obey gods word? Do you love the Lord your God with everything? Do you love others?
If you answer yes to these questions, then yes, you are a christian.

Matthew 22:35-40

35One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, 36“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38“This is the great and foremost commandment. 39“The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ 40“On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”  

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

How do I become a Christian?

One becomes a Christian through faith in Jesus Christ. God grants you faith through his grace and opens your eyes to see the truth that Jesus died for you and that you are a sinner. You then embark on a lifelong journey of getting to know your lord and savior better and becoming more like him. 

Romans 10:9-13

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Today:

Christians: Take some time to ask yourself if you really are a Christian. Search the bible to find out what it means to be a Christian. 
If you aren't a Christian, search the bible to learn more about God and to allow Him to reveal Himself to you!

Matthew 16:24

English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁴ Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Have a Happy Tuesday!!!

Ang

Blog hoppers:
Here is the link back to the A to Z challenge. :)

A to Z: B is for Bible

B is for Bible

Today’s A to Z challenge letter is the letter “B”; So, I am going to talk about my favorite book; the Bible.

What is the bible?

The bible is the written word of God. The Holy Spirit is the author.

The bible is divided into two parts: The Old and New Testament.  The Old Testament contains the Old Covenant between God and man for being found Righteous in the eyes of God through sacrifice. The New Testament shows how Jesus, God himself, made the ultimate sacrifice, dying on the cross for you and I and what we are supposed to do now if we believe he is the son of God and that God raised Him from the dead.

What is the bible useful for?

The bible is useful for teaching, rebuking correcting and training. 

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 

Who is the bible about?

The bible is all about Jesus. 

What is the purpose?

To show us, what to do and what sin is.

 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

How do  you Read the Bible?

You can read the bible in any order you want to and in any way you desire. Here is a link to some reading plans: http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans

Today: 

Read a chapter or two... If this is your first time, I suggest you start with the book of John in the new testament.  Don't believe what others have to say about it, take time to read it yourself.

John Chapter 1 link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%201&version=ESV

Have an Beautiful Monday!!!

Ang If you read this and want to join the A to Z challenge click on the picture below and it will bring you to the page to link to.

A -> Z: The letter "A"

Ok so today's letter challenge is the letter "A", so I thought I would would answer some questions about myself since my name is Angela.

What kind of music do you like and who are your favorite bands?

 I love contemporary Christian. My favorite artists are Francesca Battistelli and BarlowGirl.

What are your favorite movies and what was the part you liked best?

 My fave movie is the 6hr Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth.

Do you like to travel and where have you been?

 I love to travel and so far in the US I have been to: CA, AZ, TN, KY, PA, MI, DC, VA, WV, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX, NM, NY, & NJ. Outside of the US: Mexico, not just border towns but deep into Mexico on missions trips.

What's your favorite season and what sports do you like best?
 Fall/Winter and Synchronized swimming.

What is your favorite food and favorite take out place?
 Fettuccine Alfredo is my FAVE food, I would have to say Taco Bell is my fave fast food place.

Do you believe in God or another supreme being?
I believe in God/ Jesus Christ.

Are you introverted or extroverted? 

 I am kind of in between, it really depends on who I am with.

Do you like group activities or one on one activities?

 Both!

Do you have brothers and sisters? What are they like? Are you close?
 I have two brothers and two sisters.
My brothers are now 11 and 13 years old. They are boys..... They love lizards, snakes etc. I wouldnt exactly say we are close although I was to my baby bro before I got married.


My sisters are almost 17 and 20 years old.  We are kind of close. They love doing crazy things that I would never do like sock races in Walmart.

I am the girl in the middle. I am also the oldest even though my sisters may look older. :)

What are your hobbies?
 Currently my hobbies are gardening and reading.

Are you in College? If so, what are you studying to do?

 I am currently a student at the University of West FL. I am a senior working towards a degree in Elementary Ed and Special Ed.



I guess that is all for my first post. :) If you read this and want to join the A to Z challenge click on the picture below and it will bring you to the page to link to.

Blogging from A to Z April Challenge: A is for...All-Aboard

Have a great Sunday everyone!!!
Ang

My Babies



My babies: Cocoa, Jack and Midnight (cat)

 I took a cute pic of all three of them together.. They all had their eyes closed when I snuck up to take a picture... but as you can see... My sneaking didn't work too well on two of them. LOL! Have a great day! A-Z Challenge starts tomorrow. :)
Ang

Baking: Chewies

A messy kitchen is a happy kitchen, and this kitchen is overjoyed !

My moms friend Mrs. Deborah makes these amazing vanilla brownies called chewies. They are absolutely delicious. My husband was complaining of wanting something more to eat at like 10pm last night so I made him some.  I thought I would share the recipe with you. :)

Chewies

Ingredients:

1 stick butter, melted

2 cups brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla

2xL or 3 med-large eggs

2tsp baking powder

3/4tsp salt

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix all ingredients together.

Pour into a greased, floured 9 x13 pan.

Bake for approx 30min (until edges are brown)

Allow to cool 10-15min before cutting.

Now for pictures with the directions. :)

Mix all ingredients together.

Pour into a greased, floured 9 x13 pan.

Bake for approx 30min (until edges are brown)

Allow to cool 10-15min before cutting. 

Don't they just look yummy???

 Yes, I am terrible at cutting cakes, brownies etc. LOL!

Let me know if you try the recipe. I tell you, they are amazing and very BAD for you. LOL!

Ang

Chocolate Muffins

A messy kitchen is a happy kitchen, and this kitchen is overjoyed !

So yesterday, I made these Chocolate Muffins.. I didn't follow the recipe all the way as you will see below.. But I did for the most part. They were yummy!!!

Ingredients list:

2/3 cup of baking cocoa.
2 large eggs.
2 cups of flour.
1 cup of chocolate chips.
1/2 cup of sugar.
2 teaspoons of baking soda.
1 1/3 cups of milk.
1/3 cup of vegetable oil.
1 teaspoon of vanilla.
1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Coat muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.

 In a large bowl, combine the cocoa, flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and vanilla.

 

Stir in half a cup of chocolate chips. 

** I read the directions wrong and actually mixed in all the chocolate chips.**

In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and milk.

Add the egg/milk mixture to the other ingredients until moistened.

** At this point I tasted the batter and it didn't taste sweet enough to me. So I added about two tablespoons more sugar to the mix**

 Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chips.

 **I just sprinkled some extra chocolate chips on the top... So I used about 1.5 cups of chocolate chips.**

Bake for about twenty minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool on a wire rack before removing from the pan. 

These muffins were sooooo yummy! Let me know if you try the recipe. :)

Ang

Priorities cont: Being an Excellent Wife

Some day's it is so hard to keep our priorities in life straight... This is because we are sinful man... Even though Christ now lives in us, we still tend to not fully rid ourselves of our old self... This for me can be tough sometimes...

As a wife, I know God has called me to put my husband first above everyone else expect God himself... This however, can be hard to do... I have friends and family who I like to spend time with as well... But, I realized recently that sometimes, I am caring more about the feelings and actions of my friends and  family more than those my husband. I am not saying, I should never spend time with family or friends or have a life outside of the house... No, that is not true.. But when my husband needs me.. I should be there for him.

• God created me to be my husbands helpmeet; to love and support him and to bring him joy. 

Genesis 2:18, 23-25 

"Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” 

"The man said,
         “This is now bone of my bones,
         And flesh of my flesh;
         She shall be called Woman,
         Because she was taken out of Man."

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed."

• God also commands me to submit and respect my husband. 

Ephesians 5:22-33

Wives and Husbands

"22Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.^a 28In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30because we are members of his body. 31“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband"" According to this verse, I am not only supposed to submit to my husband, but also respect him... 

What does respect mean? 

Respect. Verb:

1. to hold in esteem or honor.

2. to show regard or consideration for.

3. to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with.

5. to relate or have reference to.

What does submit mean?

Submit

verb (used with object)

1.to give over or yield to the power or authority of another (often used reflexively).

2.to subject to some kind of treatment or influence.

3.to present for the approval, consideration, or decision of another or others: to submit a plan;

4.to state or urge with deference; suggest or propose (usually followed by a clause):

verb (used without object)

5.to yield oneself to the power or authority of another:

6.to allow oneself to be subjected to some kind of treatment:

7.to defer to another's judgment, opinion, decision, etc.:

Looking up both of these words in the dictionary, this means I am supposed, to honor, show consideration and yield to my husband. 

• God has called me to be an excellent wife.

Proverbs 31:10-31

10 ^d An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.^f 22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates."

The above passage shows me where I am GREATLY lacking as a wife...  I fail so much in comparison to this passage... But this is what God has called me to be, and excellent wife, who does my husband good and not harm all the days of my life. 

This doesn't apply to me, I am not married:

If you are a woman, not married yet... think of verse 12, God wants you to do good to your husband all the days of your life... That means now! Are you doing things that could hurt your future husband? Think about that... If you marry, the above passage is what God has called you to do... You can work on being an excellent wife now before you are married. 

I leave you with this:

Are you doing what God has called you to do as a wife or single woman? 

Do you fear the Lord?

Are you kind and gentle? 

Do your words show wisdom and kindness? 

Do you respect, honor and submit to your husband?

Do you do your husband (or future husband) good every day? 

Are you according to the bible, living the life of an excellent wife?

If you answered no to any of these questions, here is my challenge:
  Join me on the journey of becoming an excellent wife.

1. Look in the bible yourself what God has commanded to wives and woman.

2.  Write down the verses and really study them.

3.Pray about what you learn and ask God for his help!

4. Start small and Do it! (This is the hardest part!) Remember you can do all things through Christ! Don't try to do it on your own.

If you have any questions or would like ideas of how to be an excellent wife, feel free to comment.

Ang