Butterfly Bible Studies » Daily Steps

Daily Steps ~ Continually Transformed

Pam — Thu, 12 May 2011 15:44:02 +0000

Did you know that the average life span of a butterfly is about one month. It seems a little sad that this creature that has lived through such a miraculous transformation would be so short lived. But I know this is God’s beautiful plan, not mine. We, on the other hand have a lifetime (whatever that time is, for each of us individually) to continually transform into the creatures God desires us to be, by the “Renewing of our minds”. This too, is God’s beautiful plan, not mine. Enjoy the pictures. They were taken by my “hubby”.

God Transforms Each of Us, Who Are Uniquely Made By Him, Into Beautiful Creatures ~ It Is A “Love Change” Beyond Measure

Daily Steps ~ Why Am I?

Pam — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 02:07:03 +0000

Why am I? This is probably the most important question of the three, therefore, I should probably have asked myself this question first! Why am I, is a question that borders on the fine line of self worth (selfishness) or where do I find my worth (selflessness) ~ within whom and why do I exist?

The most straight to the point answer for why am I, is because God created me for His pleasure. Revelation 4:11 says this: Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

So what does that mean?

First of all, in whom and why do I exist? I saw a post on face book last week that said, why are we here? I think it was a heartfelt question, because I know the person who asked it and know that this person has had a difficult time with life in general recently. Haven’t we all had these times in life?

I exist because many, many years ago God created mankind in His own image. All you have to do is go to the book of Genesis in The Bible, The Holy Scriptures, and read with your own eyes what it says. I can tell you, with all certainty, that my great- great- great (and more greats than I care to write) grandparent was not some sort of little crawler, or swimmer, or tree climber. I am a product of God’s creation.

Second, Do I believe this with all my heart? Absolutely! Last year at this time I studied and wrote my Bible Study titled The Teacher. My heart felt conclusion~No, it was by revelation from God through His Word, was (and is) this:

The Purpose of The Book of John, And Life

“…that I may BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by BELIEVING I may have life in His name.”

Third, What does it all mean for my life? In a world, a time such as this, when I can look around me and see craziness and I can see a world that says it is okay to destroy a baby, but it’s not okay to mistreat an animal. I can see a world in which there are homeless children in my own community and children without warm clothing for winter. I could go on, but I’m not going to. My point is, that now is the time to remember and believe in my source. My favorite Psalm is Psalm 103, and has been for many years.

Bless the Lord Oh my soul. I forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all my iniquities, who heals all my diseases, who has redeemed my life from destruction, who has crowned me with loving kindness, and tender mercies, who has satisfied my mouth with good things, so that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s. He executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. My Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with me, nor will He keep his anger forever. He has not dealt with me according to my sins, nor punished me according to my iniquities….as far as the east is from the west He has removed my transgressions…He knows my frame, He remembers that I am dust….

I remember that I am dust, and this world is a part of my journey toward heaven~eternity. So, the bottom line(s) is…

I Am Here because God created me for His pleasure. He created me in love and it is my pleasure to shower my love upon Him by loving Him with all my heart, by loving others~following Christ’s example…simply because He first loved me.

Although I see around me a world gone sort of crazy, I know that my joy is not found in the craziness. My joy is found in all that God is and all that God has granted me in my life. The fact that now I am a daughter of God (1 John 3:2) gives me great comfort and hope for my future and that of my families future. The fact that it is very plain to me that God reconciled Himself to me through Jesus Christ and has given me (as He has you) the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) gives me structure and purpose in this life. All in The Name of Jesus~My Worth.

And, what a wonderful time of year To Remember all of this. It’s springtime! It’s almost Easter! Everything is new and fresh! Things are changing! Even I am changing ~ becoming more aware of this life’s purpose ~ structuring life around this life’s purpose!

It Is A Love Change!

2 Corinthians 5:17

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things pass away and ALL Things Become New!

Thought to Ponder: I changed my mind. It’s good I asked this question last!

Daily Steps ~ Without Shoes

Pam — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:13:52 +0000

I’ve been thinking about “without shoes” today. What sparked my thought was Tom’s Shoes, One day without shoes. To learn more about the Tom’s Shoes ~ One for One movement (a pair of new shoes given to a child in need, for every pair sold) go to http://www.toms.com/our-movement .

Not so long ago, several girl friends and I were on a mission trip. We were in a town in Mexico at a women’s prison. I had been talking to one of the young women in the prison for quite awhile. It was heart breaking to hear her story. She showed me pictures of her little girl, who was living with her mother some distance away. I still remember this young woman’s name. It is Rosalba. I remember her vividly for two very special reasons. The first reason is that before I left the prison that day, she wrote me a sweet note (in Spanish) thanking me for caring about her. I still have that note taped securely in the back of my Bible. The second reason I remember her so vividly is because she asked me for something that most of us have several pair of. She asked me if I could bring her a pair of tennis shoes. All she had was a very worn pair of very cheap flip flops, that were on her feet. Without giving it a second thought, I gave her the tennis shoes I had on my feet. I think it was a bit of a shock to some that I was doing this. The big question from everyone was this. What are you going to wear? Again, without a second thought I looked at my new Sister in Christ, Rosalba, and said, I will wear your shoes. Rosalba couldn’t believe I would trade my shoes for hers. I still have that pair of flip flops. Just as the note Rosalba wrote to me reminds me of that day in the women’s prison, the flip flops, I see in my closet everyday, remind me of that day too.

Rosalba was not totally without shoes, but she was without a decent pair of shoes. My reason for telling of this experience is simply because the Holy Spirit brought it to my mind and heart today. It is a little piece of my “Love Change” testimony. All of us have so many opportunities to love and care about others. We just have to take the time to listen and look with our hearts. Any one who knows me, knows that my #1 rule when you go on mission is this: Never wear anything you can’t bear to part with, including shoes and socks, jewelry or presecription sunglasses. I have given them all away. It’s not about me, it’s about the willingness to part with what God gives us ~ including our material possessions.

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “go in peace, be warmed and filled”, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? James 2:15-16

If you would like to read more about our mission trip to the women’s prison in Mexico go to…

http://butterflybiblestudies.com/beattitudes-vs-emotions-day-15/

Daily Steps ~ What Am I?

Pam — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:58:56 +0000

I am an Ambassador for Christ, as though God were pleading through me: imploring others on Christ’s behalf, to be reconciled to Him ~ 2 Corinthians 5:20

I am an Ambassador in chains, that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak ~ Ephesians 6:20

Our oldest Grandson Avery spent the weekend with Poppy and I. Avery’s situation is a very unique one. He was first brought in to our lives when he was about 18 months old. He is now 10 years old. To be technical about his relationship to us, he is our step-Grandson. Notice I do not give the “s” in step a capital status. Avery is in every sense our Grand-babe. He was our very first Grandchild, and truly is loved unconditionally by Poppy and I. With us, he holds every honor and high ranking, as should a first Grandchild. The thought that has enveloped my heart and mind the last few days is one of what it means to be an Advocate. I truly am an Advocate of the children in my life. An Advocate is one who pleads another’s cause, rendering defense, if the situation arises. I am an Advocate for six amazing and beautiful children. Their names are Avery, Jenna, Asher, AJ, Selam and Hong Yao. I would defend them with my life.

This thought of being an Advocate also makes me think about “Jesus Christ As My Advocate”, continually pleading for me to God the Father. If I am Christ’s Ambassador ~ Am I not also Christ’s Advocate ~ Pleading His Cause ~ Defending Him ~ With My Life! This is not a question ~ This is a statement!

Who Am I? ~ I Am A Daughter Of Christ, My King

What Am I? ~ I Am an Ambassador and Advocate For Christ, My King

Daily Steps ~ Who Am I?

Pam — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:01:08 +0000

I am chosen by God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ to be His Daughter ~ Ephesians 1:4,5

I am completely and fully accepted into The Family of God, never more an orphan to be ~ Ephesians 2:19

When my “Hubby” and I first married, we were determined to learn everything we could about our new family dynamic. We are a step-family. That was almost 22 years ago. One of the first things we learned was that the word “step” in step-famiy was taken from an Old English word, “steop”. It means bereaved or orphaned (lacking a parent).

Little did I know that I would learn many things about that little word, “steop”. I know what it is to choose and accept children into my family, in several different ways. I have step-kids, I have a step-grandson, I have a beautiful child in east Asia that is anything but out of sight and out of mind (we love and support her in many ways), and I have an adopted grand-daughter and grand-son from Africa.

But the most wonderful thing I have learned about the word “steop” is this. I was once orphaned, but now I am a chosen daughter of God the Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, never more an orphan to be.

Daily Steps ~ Kindred Souls

Pam — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 20:14:05 +0000

A kindred soul is a person who shares beliefs, attitudes or feelings with another. Today, I had lunch with a very sweet young woman. If for no other reason, the Lord put us together today to share our enthusiasm for the people of East Asia and to be encouraged in a passion to share the Gospel of Christ and A Life Lived For Him.

Though I cannot tell you this young woman’s name or any of the particulars of the ministry God has so definitely called her to, I would ask you to consider a prayer for her at this very moment. Ask the Lord to continue to speak to her clearly, and supply her need so that she might walk the path He has chosen for her. Amen!

Daily Steps ~Jesus Loves You

Pam — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:57:57 +0000

Jesus Loves You ~ And He Can Be Found Anywhere You Are

This past weekend, it was a beautiful and warm winter day, here in the Ozarks (SW Missouri). In fact, it was warm and sunny enough that my family and I were outside, without jackets, walking at our local Nature Center.

Although it was 60 plus degrees outside, there was still a layer of ice on the stream as we crossed a wooden bridge. We all noticed something very unusual, even our Grand-Babes noticed. Someone had ventured out on the ice to write a message with twigs. The message was…

Jesus Loves You

Not only did my family and I have a wonderful walk together, but we were met by this bold, visual reminder that Jesus loves us. My immediate thought, as I gazed upon the anonymous work of art upon the ice, was that the love of Christ is everywhere. There is no place on earth where His love cannot be found.

I hope you can see the image upon the ice, in the picture, and I hope you know that Jesus Loves You!

Daily Steps ~ His Commands Are Radiant, Giving Light To The Eyes

Pam — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:42:51 +0000

I was printing out one of my Bible Studies to give to a friend, and preparing a course of study for her. I opened my Bible to the Psalms, as I felt she should add a daily reading from this beautiful book of poetry. I began to read the first Psalm I came to, after opening my Bible. It was Psalm 19, and I was reminded again how beautiful and important the Word of our Father in heaven is to us.

Psalm 19:7-10

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.

The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

God’s Word is perfect. It turns our hearts from our sin to God and holiness. It is necessary. It is to be fully depended upon. It is a sure and pure foundation of hope and comfort. By the Word we continue to discover our true need for our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through the Word, the Holy Spirit speaks to our deepest most inner parts. The Word opens our eyes and enlightens us to the radiance of God.

Remind Us Each And Every Day Lord Of The Importance Of The Word

Daily Steps ~ Be Strong In The Lord

Pam — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 03:53:36 +0000

Today, I met with a friend who truly needs LIFTED UP in PRAYER! She needs encouragement to stand strong in the face of a troubled situation. She needs for all who will read this to stand in the gap for her in prayer to The Lord. Life is hard sometimes to the point that there is no place to go but up, if you can get up. My friend has hard decisions to make, and needs the strength to carry through on her decisions. She needs physical and mental strength ~ above all she needs spiritual strength. Please pray with me for my friend…

Pray that she will trust in the Lord, that she will lean on Him, that she will stand firm in Him and that she will rest in His shelter…

We must depend on the Lord every moment of every day…

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a strong hold (refuge) in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust Him.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 40:31 …they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always leads us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour (fragrance) of His knowledge by us in every place.

2 Corinthians 3:4,5 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

Psalm 71:16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness…

Psalm 31:1-3 In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defense to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Se-lah.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

God has promised…

Hebrews 13:5b,6 …for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

And, pray that my friend and her children will be protected from any sort of physical harm, and that a safe haven will be provided if necessary! All in Jesus name…AMEN!

Daily Steps ~ Titus 3:5 ~ Love Change

Pam — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 20:09:33 +0000

Titus 3:5 ..he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ESV Translation

…we are delivered out of our miserable condition, only by the mercy and free grace of God, the merit and sufferings of Christ, and the working of his Spirit. God the Father is God our Saviour. He is the fountain from which the Holy Spirit flows, to teach, regenerate, and save his fallen creatures; and this blessing comes to mankind through Christ. The spring and rise of it, is the kindness and love of God to man. Love and grace have, through the Spirit, great power to change and turn the heart to God. Quote from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Love Change