by Rebekah M. from Virtuous Daughters, June 2015~Volume 15, Number 3 It’s been a rough morning. First, you wake up to the mixed noise of your two-year-old brother throwing a fit and your dog greeting his fellow canines through the fence (in other words, barking as loud as he can), causing you to develop a headache. Next, you walk downstairs to find your dad eating the last of the breakfast muffins you had been craving and your younger sister (who’s the same size as you) wearing your favorite shirt--which is now already a bit stained with orange juice, without asking. Finally, after much chaos, everyone piles into the car to head to church. Unfortunately, most of the ride is ruined by your two older siblings arguing about whose turn it was to change the baby’s diaper this morning. This duty actually never got done, explaining why the car smelled the way it did! Amidst these adverse circumstances, and before you move on with your day, you have one key choice to make. Either, to yell at everyone to be quiet, apologize, and get it together; or, choose the harder, yet life-giving path--to forgive. We find this exhortation in the book of Ephesians.
by Tiffany S. from Virtuous Daughters, August 2010~Volume 10, Number 5 She is thirteen years old and thoughtfully stands at a fork in the road of life. To the left is an attractive, wide path. “Popular” would be an appropriate one-word description, since much of the world and all her peers are happily traveling on it. They seem to enjoy this new adventure. To the right is a more narrow trail. She sees no one on it at the particular moment, but the worn pathway gives evidence that it has been used throughout the centuries and that occasionally, another pilgrim journeys through it.
She glances both ways. Which way should she go? Which way is best? Everyone seems to be enjoying the beginning of the path on the left, but what consequences will it reap in the end? Is it always that exciting, that easy? Just because everyone is taking the broad trail, does that mean she should? Which way should she go? July 2002~Volume 2, Number 4 I refuse to be discouraged, to be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted, and here’s the reason why. I have a God Who’s mighty, Who’s sovereign and supreme; I have a God Who loves me, and I am on His team. He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His Name; Though everything is changeable, my God remains the same. My God knows all that’s happening, beginning to the end; His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend. When sickness comes to weaken me, to bring my head down low, I call upon my mighty God; into His arms I go. When circumstances threaten to rob me of my peace; He draws me close unto His breast, where all my strivings cease. When my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control, He gathers me into His arms; He soothes my heart and soul. The great “I AM” is with me; my life is in His hand. The “Son of the Lord” is my hope; it’s in His strength I stand. I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod. I’m looking past all circumstances, to Heaven’s throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God. I’m resting in His love. I give God thanks in everything. My eyes are on His face; The battle’s His, the victory is mine; He’ll help me win the race! by Cheryl S. from Virtuous Daughters, February 2007~Volume 6, Number 11 Darling Virtuous Daughters,
As the beginning of the new year is generally a time when we all do a good clean up, I thought of some tips to help us clean up our spiritual lives as well... by Emily from Virtuous Daughters, March 2013~Volume 12, Number 13 What do you think of when you picture a faithful person? The thought comes to mind of one who continually goes on doing what is good and right, in spite of difficulties or trials. The Webster’s 1828 dictionary describes faithfulness as
“Firm in adherence to the truth and to the duties of religion; firmly adhering to duty; of true fidelity; loyal; constant; not fickle.” by Amanda from Virtuous Daughters, March 2015~Volume 14, Number 12 I walked into the health foods store and saw a young ‘earthy-looking’ employee in the produce section. It was a normal outing to the store, but then the thought, “Why don’t you witness to her?” Me: “Oh…no…well…what would I say? I can’t just walk up to her and say Jesus died for her sins!” That would be quite the first impression! God had been working in my heart to be bold in witnessing, but…Here? Now? What if I say the wrong thing? God’s grace prevailed and I found myself in front of this unsuspecting worker asking, “If you were to die tonight, do you know where you would go?” I waited for her reaction…she actually was looking very contemplative; she wasn’t even yelling angry words at me! She replied to my strange question by listing off several exotic countries that she would really like to visit before she died! Surprised by her answer, I said, “Actually, I meant, where do you think you would go after you died?” This time she looked very contemplative. She did not know what happens after this life, and I had the opportunity to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She did not fall on the ground in repentance or even seem very responsive, but I had obeyed, and I walked away with a great sense of joy and fulfillment.
by Sarah from Virtuous Daughters, February 2016~Volume 15, Number 11 “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2
“And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:2 by Tiffany S. from Virtuous Daughters, October 2007~Volume 7, Number 7 Follow your heart and your dreams will come true . . . We’ve all heard it. And it does sound reasonable, right? It leads us to believe that we can truly rely on feelings to guide our daily lives… As a result, we’ll be happy and successful. I’m not sure who thought up this quote, but we can be sure he maintained a fervent belief in himself and in his own will.
When a new idea (or even an old idea) is presented to you, what is the proper action to take? Pull out the Word of God and see what He has to say about it. Our Lord’s infinite wisdom and authority is the only instruction that should dominate the way we live our lives. Thus said, when we hear the “follow your heart” notion, we should retreat to the Bible and see if this is a Biblical truth. by Tiffany from Virtuous Daughters, June 2014~Volume 14, Number 3 The following notes are from my pastor's sermon at church; they encouraged me so much, and I pray they are a blessing to you as well!
|
The Article LibraryThis "Library" contains articles that were published in previous issues of Virtuous Daughters. It will keep growing as we continue to upload articles from the 20 years of printing. We pray they are an encouragement to you! Categories
All
Archives
March 2024
|