Prayer for our families and households:
1. Pray for the men of our homes: that they would know Christ as Lord and Savior and worship Him wholeheartedly in all that they do. Pray that they would submit to the word of Christ in heart and mind and live humbly according to Godʼs word for His glory and the good of His people. Pray that they would lead their families in Christlikeness with daily encouragement to follow Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that God would strengthen them to love their wives as Christ loves the church, for His glory.
2. Pray for the women of our homes: that they would also know Christ as Lord and Savior and worship Him wholeheartedly in all that they (we) do. Pray that we all would love Christ supremely and submit to Him with a steadfast trust in God, holding fast to the word of truth. Pray that we would be women of purity, gentleness, kindness, and compassion. Pray that we would submit to those whom God has given authority over us and that we would win over our men and our children and the whole world with our steadfast faith filled trust in God as it is lived out in our lives through sweetness and humble service to God and our families and friends and church body. Pray that we would respect our husbands as we should Christ.
3. Pray for the young ones in our families, whether they be our children, our nieces and nephews, our grand-children, our beloved little ones in our neighborhoods, or our spiritual children. Pray that God would grant them a heart that is passionate for His glory. Pray that God will save them and fill them with a great desire to know Jesus and live every day for His pleasure. Pray that God will raise up a generation who are not worldly and complacent but rather that are on fire in the Holy Spirit and will go forth into the world to make disciples of Christ for His glory. Pray that they would learn obedience to God and their parents, just as Jesus did.
4. Pray for the young men (for all men): that they will show themselves as an example of those who believe in their speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Pray that they will be men who are above reproach, temperate, prudent, respectable, gentle, and wise. Pray that God would guard their hearts and their minds from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life.
5. Pray for the young women (for all women): that they would adorn themselves with good works as befits a woman making a claim to godliness, dressing modestly and discreetly, quietly receiving instruction with entire submissiveness, being dignified, temperate and faithful in all things for the honor of Christ. Pray that God would guard their hearts from the deceitfulness of this present evil age and the wiles of Satan.
6. Pray that God would use us all: moms, dads, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandpas and grandmas; to honor His name and be an effective witness for the glory of Christ in this depraved and wrath-destined world.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Week of Prayer: Day 3
America —In the Middle of a Sea Storm
In the book of Jonah we’re given a great illustration of a Nation that was known for their evil doing and idolatry. We are told how God sent his prophet, Jonah, to warn the people of Nineveh of the judgement to come. Jonah, as we all know, ignored God’s command and tried to run away from him. You would think a prophet would know better than to disobey God, yet he didn’t stop there. He went on to show total indifference towards God when he decided to go to sleep while everyone else on board was literally fearing for their lives.
Though our Nation is not known for their absolute evil deeds yet, we are witnessing waves and waves of sinful behavior not only lived out, but approved and promoted everywhere we turn. Worse, I think it is because the Church is, at best, asleep. It allows the same sinful acts to run rampant in the church. God’s Word is no longer the supreme authority; instead, it is whatever “feels good.”
The story of Jonah has brought a great deal of hope to me lately, as I think of the direction we’re heading as a Nation. As you know, the book of Jonah is not about Jonah, but rather about how God is always ready to show compassion, mercy, and grace when the right responses to his warnings are made. And like my good friend Vicki always remains me “Esme, it is always about Jesus!” But we need not fall asleep in the mist of the storm, we need to fall our on knees and pray.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess, Lord, that I don’t loose sleep over the lost and don’t pray earnestly about it. Perhaps you would have us Christians in this Nation get swallowed up by the consequences of our apathy and lack of care for righteousness. Give us sight; give your people the courage needed to gently speak truth to others. Give us hearts that grieve over the souls perishing in the sea of life. I pray you remove the idols of our hearts that seek: comfort, money, leisure, respect, reputation, acceptance, and keep us from seeking you and the throne of grace.
Oh Father, If we don’t open our mouths, how will they know? When Jonah finally preached the good news, the people readily repented. Even their king repented! Lord, open our mouths. This Nation needs you above all things. Let your light shine through us so that sin can be revealed. Grant us adequacy, boldness, prudence, grace, and love to deal with the vast of issues we need to defend on a daily basis, and let us not fall into temptation. Oh, that you may find us faithful, Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen
In the book of Jonah we’re given a great illustration of a Nation that was known for their evil doing and idolatry. We are told how God sent his prophet, Jonah, to warn the people of Nineveh of the judgement to come. Jonah, as we all know, ignored God’s command and tried to run away from him. You would think a prophet would know better than to disobey God, yet he didn’t stop there. He went on to show total indifference towards God when he decided to go to sleep while everyone else on board was literally fearing for their lives.
Though our Nation is not known for their absolute evil deeds yet, we are witnessing waves and waves of sinful behavior not only lived out, but approved and promoted everywhere we turn. Worse, I think it is because the Church is, at best, asleep. It allows the same sinful acts to run rampant in the church. God’s Word is no longer the supreme authority; instead, it is whatever “feels good.”
The story of Jonah has brought a great deal of hope to me lately, as I think of the direction we’re heading as a Nation. As you know, the book of Jonah is not about Jonah, but rather about how God is always ready to show compassion, mercy, and grace when the right responses to his warnings are made. And like my good friend Vicki always remains me “Esme, it is always about Jesus!” But we need not fall asleep in the mist of the storm, we need to fall our on knees and pray.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess, Lord, that I don’t loose sleep over the lost and don’t pray earnestly about it. Perhaps you would have us Christians in this Nation get swallowed up by the consequences of our apathy and lack of care for righteousness. Give us sight; give your people the courage needed to gently speak truth to others. Give us hearts that grieve over the souls perishing in the sea of life. I pray you remove the idols of our hearts that seek: comfort, money, leisure, respect, reputation, acceptance, and keep us from seeking you and the throne of grace.
Oh Father, If we don’t open our mouths, how will they know? When Jonah finally preached the good news, the people readily repented. Even their king repented! Lord, open our mouths. This Nation needs you above all things. Let your light shine through us so that sin can be revealed. Grant us adequacy, boldness, prudence, grace, and love to deal with the vast of issues we need to defend on a daily basis, and let us not fall into temptation. Oh, that you may find us faithful, Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Witty Wednesday
Jasmine is letting me take her Witty Wednesday this week because I had the funniest conversation with her eight year old son Jackson last Thursday and we wanted to share it with all of you!
I was at church working on some econ homework before youth group started and he saw me and asked what I was doing.
"Homework," I replied.
He laughed, "You are still in high school?" he asked, as he came closer to look at the complicated graphs and pages of calculations it took to make the graphs.
"No, I'm in college."
His eyes widened as he looked at my work, "I'm never going to college!" he declared.
For those of you who don't know me that well, I am very against people not going to college. So of course I took the opportunity to try to convince him that he should go.
"You need to go to college so that you can get a good job when you grow up. You will want to provide for your family."
Now Jackson looked really confused. "Then why are you in college. You should just let your husband provide for you!"
I couldn't help laughing. I reminded him that I didn't have a husband.
I wish you could have seen the disdain on his face when I said that. It was total indifference. "But you will." He was stating absolute fact with absolute confidence.
I tried to reason with him. "But Jackson, we don't know that for sure. I can't just sit around waiting for something that might not happen. Also, what if the Lord doesn't give me a husband until I am 35? What will I do until then?"
"No," he replied, again with absolute confidence, "Because your father will see that you do not have a husband and he will find a man and say, 'Here, marry my daughter and provide for her!'"
I was at church working on some econ homework before youth group started and he saw me and asked what I was doing.
"Homework," I replied.
He laughed, "You are still in high school?" he asked, as he came closer to look at the complicated graphs and pages of calculations it took to make the graphs.
"No, I'm in college."
His eyes widened as he looked at my work, "I'm never going to college!" he declared.
For those of you who don't know me that well, I am very against people not going to college. So of course I took the opportunity to try to convince him that he should go.
"You need to go to college so that you can get a good job when you grow up. You will want to provide for your family."
Now Jackson looked really confused. "Then why are you in college. You should just let your husband provide for you!"
I couldn't help laughing. I reminded him that I didn't have a husband.
I wish you could have seen the disdain on his face when I said that. It was total indifference. "But you will." He was stating absolute fact with absolute confidence.
I tried to reason with him. "But Jackson, we don't know that for sure. I can't just sit around waiting for something that might not happen. Also, what if the Lord doesn't give me a husband until I am 35? What will I do until then?"
"No," he replied, again with absolute confidence, "Because your father will see that you do not have a husband and he will find a man and say, 'Here, marry my daughter and provide for her!'"
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Week of Prayer: Day 2
As we continue this week in prayer, today we are are going to pray for the ministries in the church. Yesterday Nichole gave some helpful ways to pray for the church and today I hope some will join us in praying for God to unify and edify us through the various ministries in the church.
1. Pray that all ministry will be controlled by genuine love and humility.
2. Pray that as we labor together it will be obvious that each ministry is extremely interdependent. We can't do ministries of service, mercy, administrations, encouragement, etc. rightly unless we are are taught properly from the word how. And, teaching cannot effectively take place unless acts of service are being done to help the teaching ministry; such as setting up tables, sound ministry, encouraging the teachers and encouraging others to go where they can be taught. If teaching is present with the absence of mercy it could get dangerous and extremely discouraging!
3. Pray for God to raise up people to strengthen weak areas in our Church; rather than complain about the weaknesses in certain ministries or lack of a certain ministry.
Now we will get to some, not all ministries ( I do not know them all).
4. Pray for the shepherding ministry. Pray that our shepherds will be on guard for themselves and the flock in all diligence. Pray that they will remember that this church was purchased by and belongs to Jesus, not them. Pray for humility, joy and faithfulness to us and our families because they will give an account for each and every soul at TBC. Pray that God's word will reign in the direction they drive the church. Pray that they will be temperate, gentle, faithful in all things, and that they will stay pure and free from self-exaltation. Pray for perseverance and patience. Pray God would be pleased to raise up other qualified men to help shoulder the shepherding.
5. Pray for the Deacon ministry. Pray that they will be examples to flock of what submission and humility looks like. Pray that they will faithfully, efficiently and effectively use gifted people in the body to take care of the needs in the body. Pray that they will persevere.
6. Pray for the teaching ministry. Pray for fruit in our households and communities through what we are being taught in "The Forge". Pray for the teachers to be careful in how they teach and to have sufficient time to study. Pray for the children's teachers. Pray for the children to receive the teaching and know Jesus. Pray that the teachers would enjoy the fruit of their labors. Thank God for your teachers including those who do not teach in an official capacity. Pray for those you know who are teaching individuals and working through in a more intimate way the things we are being taught from the pulpit and the classrooms.
7.Pray for the nursery ministry. Pray for Jon and Esme to persevere despite complaining and lack of help. Pray for more nursery workers. Pray for the children to be safe and well cared for while we are in service and thank God for those willing to sacrifice time and keeping their clothes clean to pray for and tenderly care for our children so we can learn without interruptions.
8. Pray for the sound ministry. Ask Gary Randle, Aaron Armitage, Matt Henry Jr. ( Matty) or Dave Fantl how we can pray for them. ( These are the guys I know for sure are doing this ministry, sorry for missing anyone) These guys record the service and make sure we can listen to a sermon if we missed it because we were in the nursery *hint hint*. This ministry affects people all around the world, because people in other countries can download the sermons. They make sure we can hear Pastor Matt on a Sunday morning.
9. Pray for the cleaning ministry. Pray for faithfulness and perseverance for those who week in and week out clean up our messes and make sure the bathrooms are clean and ready for use. Pray that they will see fruit from their labor. Think of ways to appreciate them.
Remember these are just a few of the ministries in our church, pray for those that you are part of or remember.
Here is a prayer from The Valley of Vision that we can pray for ourselves as we roll up our sleeves and labor beside out brothers and sisters in the church:
O My Lord,
Forgive me for serving thee in sinful ways- by glorying in my own strength, by forcing myself to minister out of necessity, by accepting the applause of others, by trusting in assumed grace and spiritual affection, by a faith that rests upon my hold on Christ, not on him alone, by having another foundation to stand upon beside thee; for thus I make flesh m arm.
Help me see that it is faith stirred by grace that does the deed, that faith brings a man nearer to thee, raising him above mere man, that thou dost act upon the soul when thus elevated and lifted out of itself, that faith centers in thee as God all-sufficient, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, as God efficient, mediately, as in thy commands and promises, immediately, in all hidden power that faith sees and knows to be in thee, abundantly, with omnipotent effect, in the revelation of thy will. If I have not such faith I am nothing.
It is my duty to set thee above all others in mind and eye: but it is my sin that I place myself above thee. Lord, it is a special evil of sin that every breach of thy law arises from contempt of thy Person, from despising thee and thy glory, from preferring things before thee. Help me abhor myself in comparison of thee, and keep me in a faith that works by love, and serves by grace. Amen!
1. Pray that all ministry will be controlled by genuine love and humility.
2. Pray that as we labor together it will be obvious that each ministry is extremely interdependent. We can't do ministries of service, mercy, administrations, encouragement, etc. rightly unless we are are taught properly from the word how. And, teaching cannot effectively take place unless acts of service are being done to help the teaching ministry; such as setting up tables, sound ministry, encouraging the teachers and encouraging others to go where they can be taught. If teaching is present with the absence of mercy it could get dangerous and extremely discouraging!
3. Pray for God to raise up people to strengthen weak areas in our Church; rather than complain about the weaknesses in certain ministries or lack of a certain ministry.
Now we will get to some, not all ministries ( I do not know them all).
4. Pray for the shepherding ministry. Pray that our shepherds will be on guard for themselves and the flock in all diligence. Pray that they will remember that this church was purchased by and belongs to Jesus, not them. Pray for humility, joy and faithfulness to us and our families because they will give an account for each and every soul at TBC. Pray that God's word will reign in the direction they drive the church. Pray that they will be temperate, gentle, faithful in all things, and that they will stay pure and free from self-exaltation. Pray for perseverance and patience. Pray God would be pleased to raise up other qualified men to help shoulder the shepherding.
5. Pray for the Deacon ministry. Pray that they will be examples to flock of what submission and humility looks like. Pray that they will faithfully, efficiently and effectively use gifted people in the body to take care of the needs in the body. Pray that they will persevere.
6. Pray for the teaching ministry. Pray for fruit in our households and communities through what we are being taught in "The Forge". Pray for the teachers to be careful in how they teach and to have sufficient time to study. Pray for the children's teachers. Pray for the children to receive the teaching and know Jesus. Pray that the teachers would enjoy the fruit of their labors. Thank God for your teachers including those who do not teach in an official capacity. Pray for those you know who are teaching individuals and working through in a more intimate way the things we are being taught from the pulpit and the classrooms.
7.Pray for the nursery ministry. Pray for Jon and Esme to persevere despite complaining and lack of help. Pray for more nursery workers. Pray for the children to be safe and well cared for while we are in service and thank God for those willing to sacrifice time and keeping their clothes clean to pray for and tenderly care for our children so we can learn without interruptions.
8. Pray for the sound ministry. Ask Gary Randle, Aaron Armitage, Matt Henry Jr. ( Matty) or Dave Fantl how we can pray for them. ( These are the guys I know for sure are doing this ministry, sorry for missing anyone) These guys record the service and make sure we can listen to a sermon if we missed it because we were in the nursery *hint hint*. This ministry affects people all around the world, because people in other countries can download the sermons. They make sure we can hear Pastor Matt on a Sunday morning.
9. Pray for the cleaning ministry. Pray for faithfulness and perseverance for those who week in and week out clean up our messes and make sure the bathrooms are clean and ready for use. Pray that they will see fruit from their labor. Think of ways to appreciate them.
Remember these are just a few of the ministries in our church, pray for those that you are part of or remember.
Here is a prayer from The Valley of Vision that we can pray for ourselves as we roll up our sleeves and labor beside out brothers and sisters in the church:
O My Lord,
Forgive me for serving thee in sinful ways- by glorying in my own strength, by forcing myself to minister out of necessity, by accepting the applause of others, by trusting in assumed grace and spiritual affection, by a faith that rests upon my hold on Christ, not on him alone, by having another foundation to stand upon beside thee; for thus I make flesh m arm.
Help me see that it is faith stirred by grace that does the deed, that faith brings a man nearer to thee, raising him above mere man, that thou dost act upon the soul when thus elevated and lifted out of itself, that faith centers in thee as God all-sufficient, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, as God efficient, mediately, as in thy commands and promises, immediately, in all hidden power that faith sees and knows to be in thee, abundantly, with omnipotent effect, in the revelation of thy will. If I have not such faith I am nothing.
It is my duty to set thee above all others in mind and eye: but it is my sin that I place myself above thee. Lord, it is a special evil of sin that every breach of thy law arises from contempt of thy Person, from despising thee and thy glory, from preferring things before thee. Help me abhor myself in comparison of thee, and keep me in a faith that works by love, and serves by grace. Amen!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Week of Prayer
Jasmine, Esme, Betsy, and I are very busy people. Our days are packed and our evenings are taken. You would laugh if you could see the emails that have been exchanged trying to come up with a time where we can have a blog meeting! Because of this, although we all pray over this blog separately, we rarely get an opportunity to pray for it together.
Last week, Esme had the idea that we should have a week of prayer. She sent out a list of topics and we each picked a couple to pray for on our day. It is the closest way we have of getting together to pray. Esme then suggested that we let you all in on this. Take this opportunity to pray with us for a wide variety of subjects.
Church:
Last week, Esme had the idea that we should have a week of prayer. She sent out a list of topics and we each picked a couple to pray for on our day. It is the closest way we have of getting together to pray. Esme then suggested that we let you all in on this. Take this opportunity to pray with us for a wide variety of subjects.
Church:
- Pray for the elders. Pray that they would have wisdom and discernment as they lead our church. Pray for Pastor Matt as he prepares this week's sermon, as he meets with people for counseling, as he prepares for the upcoming Cameroon trip. Pray for Pastor Rick as he deals with difficult work schedules, little sleep, and prepares for his upcoming sermons.
- Pray for the deacons. Pray that they would lead their ministries faithfully. Pray that they would be good examples to those working alongside them.
- Pray for ministry leaders. Pray that they would be faithful in thier ministry. Pray that they would have respect for the decons and elders over them. Pray that they would have ample opportunities to work out thier ministries in the body.
- Pray for each other. Pray that the Lord would be strengthening each individul member of Temple Baptist Church. Pray that the Lord would be strengthening TBC as a whole, in unity, service, and love. Pray that humility would be sought after. Pray for opportunities to use spiritual gifts. Pray for a willingness to serve and be served.
- Thank God for each other. Thank Him for the blessings He has given us through our brothers and sisters at Temple. Thank Him for the service that others offer you in His Name.
- Pray for our church. Pray that it would be always increasing in unity, humility, wisdom, and love. Ask God's blessing on it, its elders, deacons, leaders, and members.
- Pray for our children. Pray that God would work mightily in their lives and saves them at young ages. Pray that they would be challenged and loved by the older members of TBC. Pray that God would raise them up to be the church's next generation. Pray that they do not fall away.
School:
- Pray for those being home schooled. Pray for diligence and patience for the parent teaching the children. Pray for perseverence, obedience, and respect for the children learning at home. Pray that God would bless the sacrifices that home schooling families make.
- Pray for those attending public schools. Pray that God would protect them as they interact with the world on a daily basis. Pray that God would grant them many opportunities to share their faith and that they would truly be a light to those around them. Pray that they would be respectful and obedient to their teachers in order that they will show honor to the name of their Lord.
- Pray for those in college. Pray that God would grant them wisdom as they prepare for the rest of their lives. Pray that they would be faithful to their work. Pray that they would be a light on the campus, that they would never be ashamed to speak of their faith. Pray that their faith will be strengthened as they go through the various and assundry trials that colleges has to offer. Pray that they wil not fall away. Pray that they would seek to do their work as unto the Lord. Pray that they would not grow discouraged.
- Pray for those seeking a higher degree. Pray that they push onward, work hard, and serve faithfully. Pray that they would be a good witness to those that they interact with. Pray for their families, as they support them.
I keep thinking of things that I want to go back and add but in interest of time, I will restrain myself. Pray with me for our church and for those who are in school today.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
True Woman Conference Reflection Pt.4
Today we are going to hear from our good friend, Linda Cate.
Initially, the True Woman 2008 conference appealed to me because of the fantastic line-up of speakers and worship leaders. Even more, I was hungry for fellowship with ladies from our own body at Temple. Because I work, it is difficult to participate in prayer groups or Bible studies during the day. Because I teach Sunday School, I am not able to connect and get to know better others in the body as much as I would like.
What the conference delivered was far beyond what I dreamed, the result of many months of hard work and even harder prayer over every detail and preparation of the speakers and the attendees alike. It was truly encouraging, enlightening and inspiring, BUT-it was not all “pretty”. We learned some chilling statistics that both shocked and stirred my soul. What I’d like to focus on today is largely taken from Nancy Leigh DeMoss’s final words or charge to us, based on the book of Esther and the theme of the conference: “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (4:14) I do want to warn you that there are some disturbing and graphic realities that I will share.
We are in a battle, a horrible, bloody battle where the future of Christianity in the lives of our children and our children’s children is at stake. The history lesson we had regarding the development and growth of the feminist movement opened my eyes to depths of depravity to which young women of today, in the name of independence and “equality” with men, have plunged. We have all seen news coverage of girls beating up girls, attacking others on school buses, and have heard reports of meaningless sex being initiated at younger and younger ages. “Think it’s 5th grade nowadays? Think again: 2nd grade” (per True Woman video). I had no idea (and frankly, to my shame, I did not want to know) of the degree to which harassment, sexual abuse (by students to students), and peer pressure is victimizing our young people. Do these words of a FIRST GRADER scare you? “I have sex with my pillow at night”. I now know a fear for my grandchildren that I never knew before.
The battle we face, is, of course, spiritual. The spiritual weapons we have and NEED TO USE include fervent and persistent prayer, fasting, reliance on God, humility. As Nancy said, “We are not a people of humility before God because we are not yet desperate enough.” This information has more than made me desperate enough to get down on my knees and cry out to God, not only for my grandchildren but for all of God’s kingdom. Esther and her people fasted and prayed for three days before she came before the king. She put her life on the line in order to plead her case: “If I perish, I perish.” (4:16)
Am I willing to perish for the sake of God’s kingdom and His glory? Am I willing for my children to perish that He may be glorified? Oh, God, may it be so! Can I say, “Yes, Lord” to endless suffering, endless struggling with my sin and this world, and “No” to self, pride, bitterness, complaining, whining, resisting, resenting the will of God for my life, for His glory?
There is no situation so desperate that God cannot redeem it! Do not judge the outcome of the battle by the way things look now. We may suffer for the moment. Things may look desperate for the moment. Our faithful, supreme God has a sovereign, redemptive plan that will not fail! Through our faith and obedience, we women can be part of God’s plan. Let us remember our children and our children’s children. Let us proclaim to them the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us make Christ known to them by our delight in Him. May others say, “I see Jesus” when they see how we relate to our husbands. And may we, like Mary, say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as You have said.” (Luke 1:38) “Yes, Lord.” May it be so. Amen.
Initially, the True Woman 2008 conference appealed to me because of the fantastic line-up of speakers and worship leaders. Even more, I was hungry for fellowship with ladies from our own body at Temple. Because I work, it is difficult to participate in prayer groups or Bible studies during the day. Because I teach Sunday School, I am not able to connect and get to know better others in the body as much as I would like.
What the conference delivered was far beyond what I dreamed, the result of many months of hard work and even harder prayer over every detail and preparation of the speakers and the attendees alike. It was truly encouraging, enlightening and inspiring, BUT-it was not all “pretty”. We learned some chilling statistics that both shocked and stirred my soul. What I’d like to focus on today is largely taken from Nancy Leigh DeMoss’s final words or charge to us, based on the book of Esther and the theme of the conference: “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (4:14) I do want to warn you that there are some disturbing and graphic realities that I will share.
We are in a battle, a horrible, bloody battle where the future of Christianity in the lives of our children and our children’s children is at stake. The history lesson we had regarding the development and growth of the feminist movement opened my eyes to depths of depravity to which young women of today, in the name of independence and “equality” with men, have plunged. We have all seen news coverage of girls beating up girls, attacking others on school buses, and have heard reports of meaningless sex being initiated at younger and younger ages. “Think it’s 5th grade nowadays? Think again: 2nd grade” (per True Woman video). I had no idea (and frankly, to my shame, I did not want to know) of the degree to which harassment, sexual abuse (by students to students), and peer pressure is victimizing our young people. Do these words of a FIRST GRADER scare you? “I have sex with my pillow at night”. I now know a fear for my grandchildren that I never knew before.
The battle we face, is, of course, spiritual. The spiritual weapons we have and NEED TO USE include fervent and persistent prayer, fasting, reliance on God, humility. As Nancy said, “We are not a people of humility before God because we are not yet desperate enough.” This information has more than made me desperate enough to get down on my knees and cry out to God, not only for my grandchildren but for all of God’s kingdom. Esther and her people fasted and prayed for three days before she came before the king. She put her life on the line in order to plead her case: “If I perish, I perish.” (4:16)
Am I willing to perish for the sake of God’s kingdom and His glory? Am I willing for my children to perish that He may be glorified? Oh, God, may it be so! Can I say, “Yes, Lord” to endless suffering, endless struggling with my sin and this world, and “No” to self, pride, bitterness, complaining, whining, resisting, resenting the will of God for my life, for His glory?
There is no situation so desperate that God cannot redeem it! Do not judge the outcome of the battle by the way things look now. We may suffer for the moment. Things may look desperate for the moment. Our faithful, supreme God has a sovereign, redemptive plan that will not fail! Through our faith and obedience, we women can be part of God’s plan. Let us remember our children and our children’s children. Let us proclaim to them the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us make Christ known to them by our delight in Him. May others say, “I see Jesus” when they see how we relate to our husbands. And may we, like Mary, say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as You have said.” (Luke 1:38) “Yes, Lord.” May it be so. Amen.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
True Women Conference Reflections Part 3
Today we are going to hear from my dear friend Jackie Marciniak.
When I first heard there was going to be a women’s conference this past spring and made the decision to go, I must admit I really didn’t give it much thought. I didn’t even know what it was about or what a big event it would be. I just knew it might be a good thing for me to attend and learn something and to hang out with the girls from church. As always, God demonstrated His sovereignty while I was just plodding along.
The opening night of the conference I was fatigued both physically and emotionally as Britt and Tim had just endured Tim’s leukemia and hospitalization and my mom had emergency quadruple cardiac bypass surgery several days after Tim was released from the hospital. In fact, on the day we left for the conference, my mom was being transported back to the hospital for due to low blood pressure. (Thanks to Judy who encouraged me to just go anyways.)
So anyway, our group had strategically reserved seats toward the front of the conference center. Did I mention the place was amazing? There were 6,200 seats filled with women like us. The lights were dim and the music began. The Getty’s were the worship leaders and the music was spectacular all weekend; it was so good to hear such God-centered music sung by Kristyn’s angelic voice along with the voices of all the ladies in the conference center. My emotions were elevated, tears ran down my face, and I knew that the Lord was so good to bring us there for “for such a time as this” (part of the theme verse Esther 4:14).
John Piper was the main speaker the first night and he spoke of how wimpy theology makes wimpy women. He went on to explain how wimpy theology doesn’t make God big enough to handle life’s trials. I realized how easy it is to dwell on what is seen rather than what is unseen and forget that God is working in unimaginable ways that will bring about His will and display His glory in all of life’s trials. “In every situation God is always doing a thousand different things that you cannot see and cannot know.”
This is comfort to a soul. This is not something new to us, but always good to be brought back to the true knowledge of how big God is in every situation working things out for Himself. He asked at the end for us to answer this question for ourselves: how would my life change if I lived as if I believed? WOW, every time I seem to take a step forward it seems I go two steps back; sometimes in my faith I feel like a giant and others times like a dust mite. Lucky for me God remains the same.
Some other highlights for me were Nancy Leigh DeMoss speech called “What is a True Woman of God.” She spoke of how we serve a God that has inexhaustible, immeasurable wisdom. No matter how deep your problems, God is deeper and His riches are more than we need for our circumstances. God needs nothing or anyone outside of Himself and yet we owe Him everything, He is the source of our existence. If we resist our circumstances we are truly resisting God Himself.
There were many other great speakers. I especially liked Mary Kassian with her history of the women’s movement of the 1960’s. They had a conference in Chicago in 1968, a mere 40 yrs earlier and our society was changed forever. What seemed to be such a small event catapulted immeasurable change. She also did a great job in her “Girls Gone Wild” breakout session comparing the WILD vs. WISE woman (if you get a chance she said the 20 comparisons would be posted on her web sight).
In the constraints of time I must conclude this, although I feel there is so much more I could say.
Nancy spoke at the closing session about Esther and how God had worked so providentially through her. Thus our theme verse, “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
The small women’s movement of the 60’s has radically changed our society although it began is living rooms. Who knows what God can do through 6,000 women pledging to God that we will be light in our world and speak unashamedly of goodness and the meaning of the “True Woman”? God has truly created us differently than men, although He values us both of the same. When we live obediently to God’s plan for us we have true joy in our lives. God has given us the picture of Christ and the church as a role model. When we submit to God’s headship we are bringing glory to Him as designed us to do.
PS. I would like to thank all who were involved in coordinating our plans, you did a great jobJ. I had a great time of fellowship with all of the ladies, especially Esme’s and my late night hot tub trip! I truly feel so blessed to have been able to take part in such an event and pray that God will us to impact our world for Him.
The opening night of the conference I was fatigued both physically and emotionally as Britt and Tim had just endured Tim’s leukemia and hospitalization and my mom had emergency quadruple cardiac bypass surgery several days after Tim was released from the hospital. In fact, on the day we left for the conference, my mom was being transported back to the hospital for due to low blood pressure. (Thanks to Judy who encouraged me to just go anyways.)
So anyway, our group had strategically reserved seats toward the front of the conference center. Did I mention the place was amazing? There were 6,200 seats filled with women like us. The lights were dim and the music began. The Getty’s were the worship leaders and the music was spectacular all weekend; it was so good to hear such God-centered music sung by Kristyn’s angelic voice along with the voices of all the ladies in the conference center. My emotions were elevated, tears ran down my face, and I knew that the Lord was so good to bring us there for “for such a time as this” (part of the theme verse Esther 4:14).
John Piper was the main speaker the first night and he spoke of how wimpy theology makes wimpy women. He went on to explain how wimpy theology doesn’t make God big enough to handle life’s trials. I realized how easy it is to dwell on what is seen rather than what is unseen and forget that God is working in unimaginable ways that will bring about His will and display His glory in all of life’s trials. “In every situation God is always doing a thousand different things that you cannot see and cannot know.”
This is comfort to a soul. This is not something new to us, but always good to be brought back to the true knowledge of how big God is in every situation working things out for Himself. He asked at the end for us to answer this question for ourselves: how would my life change if I lived as if I believed? WOW, every time I seem to take a step forward it seems I go two steps back; sometimes in my faith I feel like a giant and others times like a dust mite. Lucky for me God remains the same.
Some other highlights for me were Nancy Leigh DeMoss speech called “What is a True Woman of God.” She spoke of how we serve a God that has inexhaustible, immeasurable wisdom. No matter how deep your problems, God is deeper and His riches are more than we need for our circumstances. God needs nothing or anyone outside of Himself and yet we owe Him everything, He is the source of our existence. If we resist our circumstances we are truly resisting God Himself.
There were many other great speakers. I especially liked Mary Kassian with her history of the women’s movement of the 1960’s. They had a conference in Chicago in 1968, a mere 40 yrs earlier and our society was changed forever. What seemed to be such a small event catapulted immeasurable change. She also did a great job in her “Girls Gone Wild” breakout session comparing the WILD vs. WISE woman (if you get a chance she said the 20 comparisons would be posted on her web sight).
In the constraints of time I must conclude this, although I feel there is so much more I could say.
Nancy spoke at the closing session about Esther and how God had worked so providentially through her. Thus our theme verse, “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
The small women’s movement of the 60’s has radically changed our society although it began is living rooms. Who knows what God can do through 6,000 women pledging to God that we will be light in our world and speak unashamedly of goodness and the meaning of the “True Woman”? God has truly created us differently than men, although He values us both of the same. When we live obediently to God’s plan for us we have true joy in our lives. God has given us the picture of Christ and the church as a role model. When we submit to God’s headship we are bringing glory to Him as designed us to do.
PS. I would like to thank all who were involved in coordinating our plans, you did a great jobJ. I had a great time of fellowship with all of the ladies, especially Esme’s and my late night hot tub trip! I truly feel so blessed to have been able to take part in such an event and pray that God will us to impact our world for Him.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
True Woman Conference Reflection Pt.2
Today we are continuing to give you a peek at what ladies from our church took away from the conference we went to in Shaumburg. This is from the perspective of my mom, Shelly Smith. It is a worthwhile read, enjoy!
In 1968, two hundred women gathered to start the women's enslavement-oops! I mean liberation movement. I will not take time to list the effects of this movement. You can just look around and see the profound damage this movement has wrought. Now 40 years later a new movement has been born.
Truewoman '08 was attended by more then 6000 women. There was no bra burning, men bashing or calls to bitterness and anger. The call was to be the woman God called you to be for His glory and to see that it's not all about you. It is and always has been about Him.
John Piper laid a foundation for the conference by stating "wimpy theology makes wimpy women". He called us to not settle for wimpy theology, saying "it's beneath you". God is too great. Christ is too glorious. Womanhood is too strategic. Don't waste it. Your womanhood, your true womanhood was made for the glory of Christ".
This foundation carried through the entire conference. Those who attended were blessed by sound theology through the music and the speakers. The solid foundation that our pastors and teachers at Temple Baptist Church have faithfully laid was reinforced. I looked for a secret agenda, a set of rules that I would probably fail at and found none.
Christ was the center; He was the focus. The call was to live our lives based on what God has called us to do through His word for His glory and not to make much of ourselves.
The movement in 1968 began with 200 women. The movement in 2008 has begun with more then 6000 women. I wonder, if the Lord should tarry, what the effect on our culture will be in forty years with 6000 women living out their lives for the glory of Christ.
I looked around at my sisters from TBC that attended the conference with me. These were not wimpy women. They were all women who had been through many trials, and are being refined by the fire to become more like Christ. Some had been through so much that you pray "Lord how long?" and yet they stand because their hope is in Christ. They stand because their foundation is granite. I am blessed by their faithfulness and the testimony of God's work in their lives.
I would encourage those who were not able to attend to go to Truewoman.com and listen to some of the sessions. I highly recommend John Piper, Joni Tada and Janet Parshall.
I also highly recommend that you get to know the women in our body. Serve with them, pray with them, rejoice and weep with them. You will be blessed, encouraged and strengthened.
In 1968, two hundred women gathered to start the women's enslavement-oops! I mean liberation movement. I will not take time to list the effects of this movement. You can just look around and see the profound damage this movement has wrought. Now 40 years later a new movement has been born.
Truewoman '08 was attended by more then 6000 women. There was no bra burning, men bashing or calls to bitterness and anger. The call was to be the woman God called you to be for His glory and to see that it's not all about you. It is and always has been about Him.
John Piper laid a foundation for the conference by stating "wimpy theology makes wimpy women". He called us to not settle for wimpy theology, saying "it's beneath you". God is too great. Christ is too glorious. Womanhood is too strategic. Don't waste it. Your womanhood, your true womanhood was made for the glory of Christ".
This foundation carried through the entire conference. Those who attended were blessed by sound theology through the music and the speakers. The solid foundation that our pastors and teachers at Temple Baptist Church have faithfully laid was reinforced. I looked for a secret agenda, a set of rules that I would probably fail at and found none.
Christ was the center; He was the focus. The call was to live our lives based on what God has called us to do through His word for His glory and not to make much of ourselves.
The movement in 1968 began with 200 women. The movement in 2008 has begun with more then 6000 women. I wonder, if the Lord should tarry, what the effect on our culture will be in forty years with 6000 women living out their lives for the glory of Christ.
I looked around at my sisters from TBC that attended the conference with me. These were not wimpy women. They were all women who had been through many trials, and are being refined by the fire to become more like Christ. Some had been through so much that you pray "Lord how long?" and yet they stand because their hope is in Christ. They stand because their foundation is granite. I am blessed by their faithfulness and the testimony of God's work in their lives.
I would encourage those who were not able to attend to go to Truewoman.com and listen to some of the sessions. I highly recommend John Piper, Joni Tada and Janet Parshall.
I also highly recommend that you get to know the women in our body. Serve with them, pray with them, rejoice and weep with them. You will be blessed, encouraged and strengthened.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Revive Our Hearts - True Women Conference 2008
Happy Monday! This week the girls and I are taking a break from posting and have gotten five guest bloggers. They are all women who attended the True Women Conference last weekend with Jasmine, Betsy, and Esme and they are going to give you their impressions of the conference. I look forward to hearing their thoughts and hope that you do to. If you would like to listen to any of the main sessions, click on the link above.
Our first guest blogger is none other than my mom, Kim Henry.
The motto for Tremper High School is learning no matter what. This motto made me think of how I would sum up the Revive Our Hearts, True Women Conference - enjoying and glorifying God no matter what. In many different messages, godly older women shared their grief and their sorrow in the many devastating trials that they had experienced. They shared how they grew up in a world that was running fast away from God. They shared trials that I have experienced and am experiencing and hope to never have to experience. I think that every woman in that conference hall (6300 women from 48 states and 8 countries) could relate in one way or another, not to mention those that wanted to come but were told that the conference was sold out so they had to watch online.
The thing that probably struck me most is how we were all encouraged. We were encouraged in that we were reminded that God is in control, that He loves us beyond measure, that He will never leave us or forsake us. He has given us the wonderful gift of His word to guide us, strengthen us and enable us to get through every trial that He has lovingly and sovereignly ordained to make us the daughters that He wants us to be. We were also encouraged to answer our Lord's leading and commands with the words, "yes Lord."
At the end of the conference we were encouraged not to fear in spite of the current world events and pray that our Lord would use them to bring about revival. I was left, once again, with the crazy thought that I want the trials that the Lord has to give me because this is the only way that I can draw closer to Him and be like His Son. Of course, that was immediately followed by fear - "OK Lord, I guess that I really don't want to suffer". But in my heart, as the conference reminded me, I know that my God is great enough and delights in His children enough to get me through whatever He gives me, in His divine wisdom, in such a way as to bring Him glory because of His Son's death on the cross to make us His.
In closing, it is such a wonderful pleasure to see all those women affirming biblical, God glorifying principals that, if applied will allow us through His Spirit to change the world for His everlasting kingdom in each of our homes, neighborhoods and work places, if we are willing to say yes, Lord and become strong women not wimpy women.
Our first guest blogger is none other than my mom, Kim Henry.
The motto for Tremper High School is learning no matter what. This motto made me think of how I would sum up the Revive Our Hearts, True Women Conference - enjoying and glorifying God no matter what. In many different messages, godly older women shared their grief and their sorrow in the many devastating trials that they had experienced. They shared how they grew up in a world that was running fast away from God. They shared trials that I have experienced and am experiencing and hope to never have to experience. I think that every woman in that conference hall (6300 women from 48 states and 8 countries) could relate in one way or another, not to mention those that wanted to come but were told that the conference was sold out so they had to watch online.
The thing that probably struck me most is how we were all encouraged. We were encouraged in that we were reminded that God is in control, that He loves us beyond measure, that He will never leave us or forsake us. He has given us the wonderful gift of His word to guide us, strengthen us and enable us to get through every trial that He has lovingly and sovereignly ordained to make us the daughters that He wants us to be. We were also encouraged to answer our Lord's leading and commands with the words, "yes Lord."
At the end of the conference we were encouraged not to fear in spite of the current world events and pray that our Lord would use them to bring about revival. I was left, once again, with the crazy thought that I want the trials that the Lord has to give me because this is the only way that I can draw closer to Him and be like His Son. Of course, that was immediately followed by fear - "OK Lord, I guess that I really don't want to suffer". But in my heart, as the conference reminded me, I know that my God is great enough and delights in His children enough to get me through whatever He gives me, in His divine wisdom, in such a way as to bring Him glory because of His Son's death on the cross to make us His.
In closing, it is such a wonderful pleasure to see all those women affirming biblical, God glorifying principals that, if applied will allow us through His Spirit to change the world for His everlasting kingdom in each of our homes, neighborhoods and work places, if we are willing to say yes, Lord and become strong women not wimpy women.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Reflections from Jonah (continued)...
I am continuing my reflections from the book of Jonah from yesterday.
4. Jonah saw God’s faithfulness and kindness repeatedly and was (I hope only for a short time) hardened by it, not humbled.
- Am I humbled and awed as I look into the face of Christ and the gospel (the ultimate act of faithfulness, mercy and kindness) or have I become cold to the wonders contained therein?
5. Jonah was corrected (for his good) kindly and repeatedly by God for his hard-heartedness.
- Do I receive God’s loving discipline as a mercy from my Father’s kind hand or do I hate discipline like the foolish child in Proverbs 12? Do I buck and fight like a child not wanting his spanking or do I submit humbly to my discipline as Christ submitted humbly… to MY punishment?
6. Jonah was so concerned with his sense of injustice and his selfish desires that he missed the reality of what God was doing in the people of Nineveh.
- Do I hold onto grudges and bitterness and as such render myself ineffective in ministering God’s grace to those around me? Do I blind myself to God’s ongoing work in those around me because I am so pridefully consumed with myself and my own agenda?
7. Jonah didn’t trust God as he should have. This made his life more difficult not easier like we all tend to think when we act out of fear and go wandering off on our own. (Remember he was thrown overboard in a really nasty storm, swallowed by a big fish, puked up by a big fish, and got a painful sunburn after his lovely plant died while sitting and pouting outside of Nineveh.)
- Do I allow fear and a lack of trust in God to keep me from following Jesus in the “valley’s and deserts” of life?
- Will I make the hard decisions with a firm trust in the God who is magnificently sovereign over all or will I run from His will for my life?
- Do I recognize and truly believe that my disbelief of God’s promises and disobedience to His word will result in consequences that are worse than any possible “benefit” that I might temporarily receive from my sin?
Well, there you have it. Those are my reflections from Jonah and I hope that they may help and encourage you all as God is willing.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Reflections on Jonah (Pt. 1)
A few days ago, I read through Jonah as part of my designated Bible reading time.As I read it, some thoughts and convictions ran through my mind and heart and I wanted to share them with you all briefly. I don’t know who wrote the book of Jonah, but I sincerely hope that it was Jonah. If he was the writer, then (in my mind) it would seem to indicate that he eventually was humbled by God and recognized his sinfulness in the entire matter of the “preaching repentance to the Ninevites” and repented. The thought of Jonah being so stubborn and hard-hearted and yet eventually repenting gives me great hope. Here are some of my personal reflections from my reading…. (This will be a 2 post series… starting today and finishing up tomorrow.)
1. Jonah was a prideful man. He was willing to preach the words of God to the Hebrews whom he thought worthy of God’s grace, but not to the Ninevites.
1. Jonah was a prideful man. He was willing to preach the words of God to the Hebrews whom he thought worthy of God’s grace, but not to the Ninevites.
- Do I think anyone is too sinful to save or just not worthy of God’s grace?
- Do I show preference to people whom I think are more “holy” than others, especially in living out God’s grace and His gospel to them?
2. Jonah disobeyed God’s direct commandment. God told him to go to the people of Nineveh and warn them of the wrath that God would pour out upon them in 40 days and Jonah refused.
- Do I disobey God’s commandments to me? For example: Do I submit to my husband as unto Christ? Do I respect my parent’s? Do I show love and compassion to those around me? Do I care diligently for my children and my home? Do I show hospitality? Do I love God more than all else? (Do I even spend time thinking about loving God or trying to love God, or has life become an empty routine?)
- Do I even know God’s commandments? Do I diligently and earnestly seek to know God’s revealed will for every aspect of my life through the study of scripture, or am I content to live by “grace” and take advantage of my supposed “Christian liberty” aka. Ignorance and apathy.
3. Jonah ran away from what God planned for him. He didn’t just disobey God’s command to go to Nineveh; he went in the opposite direction (I can see him with his fingers in his ears and mumbling “I can’t hear you… blah… blah… blah…”!).
- Do I go in the exact opposite direction of what God calls me to do? For example: Instead of showing hospitality, do I hide away like a recluse and shut myself off from the body of Christ or unbelievers? Or instead of submitting to my husband in everything, do I wrest control from him and seek to lead the household for my own purposes and desires?
* The biggest difference in my mind between point two and point three is whether I am a lazy Christian living and undisciplined life of passive response to my Savior or if I’m in abject rebellion to my Savior. Both are dangerous places and the first certainly can lead to the second, but I see slight differences in the two as well as the danger for the first to rationalize that “at least I’m not as bad as Suzy Q. down the pew from me!” I also see the potential for me to be in abject rebellion in some areas of obedience to God, lazy and complacent in others, and diligent in still others. * (This is my opinion, not any great source of theology) - Do I deceive myself into believing that God has not commanded ME to do … (you name the difficult commandment) when in reality He has.
- Do I listen to other Christians when they instruct me in God’s word or am I only willing to receive God’s word if I feel like it….(or if the moon is full on the second Wednesday and it’s my birthday month!)
I’ll finish up tomorrow with my other 4 “reflections”…
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Witty Wednesdays
Okay, this "story" was emailed to me from my father. (I'm sure it's been around the web a few billion times, but I'll pass it on so you all can have a laugh.) Here it is...
DADDY'S GONNA EAT YOUR FINGERS ...
I was packing for my business trip and my three year old daughter was having a wonderful time playing on the bed.
At one point she said, "Daddy, look at this," and stuck out two of her fingers.
Trying to keep her entertained, I reached out and stuck her tiny fingers in my mouth and said, "Daddy's gonna eat your fingers," pretending to eat them.
I went back to packing, looked up again and my daughter was standing on the bed staring at her fingers with a devastated look on her face.
I said, "What's wrong, honey?" She replied, "What happened to my booger?"
(Okay it was kind of gross but it was still pretty funny. I will be more hesitant to put my niece's and nephew's fingers in my mouth from now on though, just in case....)
DADDY'S GONNA EAT YOUR FINGERS ...
I was packing for my business trip and my three year old daughter was having a wonderful time playing on the bed.
At one point she said, "Daddy, look at this," and stuck out two of her fingers.
Trying to keep her entertained, I reached out and stuck her tiny fingers in my mouth and said, "Daddy's gonna eat your fingers," pretending to eat them.
I went back to packing, looked up again and my daughter was standing on the bed staring at her fingers with a devastated look on her face.
I said, "What's wrong, honey?" She replied, "What happened to my booger?"
(Okay it was kind of gross but it was still pretty funny. I will be more hesitant to put my niece's and nephew's fingers in my mouth from now on though, just in case....)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Wisdom For The Young Ladies I Love so Dearly... Not My Wisdom of Course
Dear young ladies,I know some of you are discouraged, thinking you will never get married. You may be thinking your standards are too high. I'm pretty sure they're not. But for some reason as time passes you begin to lower the standard for a suitor.
Remember this, keep your eyes firmly fixed upon the author and finisher of your faith. Delight yourself in Him. Drink deeply of the pure milk of the word, hold fast to the faith and serve fervently, using your singleness for His glory; believing it to be a gift... at least for the time being!
Pray and think about the little pearls of wisdom regarding what kind of man you should allow to pursue you, here, and consider Dr. John Piper's answer to the question "should I date someone whose theology is different?" here.
I have seen too many young women put themselves through more pain than was necessary through foolish decisions in regard to men. Marriage is great gift. I love being married to Rick. I think very highly of God's gift of marriage. But marriage is a very serious, very sobering thing. It should not be taken lightly. You are a sinner, and someday Lord willing, you will marry a sinner. Conflict resolution and forgiveness is something you will learn much about no matter who you marry. So, there is no reason to compound that with an unbelieving, foolish, arrogant, or unfaithful man. God blesses those who do things His way. Trust Him! He knows the desires of your heart (which you should be pouring out to Him). He gives good things to His children. Do not make your life a hedge of thorns by being so desperate for a man (when God is sufficient) that you hastily rush into a relationship with someone because he's cute, funny, smart, successful, charming... whatever, fill in the blank, but he is missing the essentials like a grasp and love of the gospel, love and devotion to Jesus Christ, humility or a commitment to the body.
God has greatly blessed me. I can testify to the grace and goodness of God in married life. I wasn't sure how to say this. My marriage to Rick was an act of faith in my Lord who made me and I believed/believe blesses obedience. I am a far worse sinner than most of you know. And we are sinners saved by grace through faith and not of ourselves, (nothing to boast in) just like other children of the King. But I saw the qualities you will see in those links! He was/is a man desperate for God. I saw the gospel of Jesus Christ as the driving force in his life. I saw a passion for God's people unlike any I had seen. And girlies, I have not been disappointed! God is good. Yes, there are conflicts. No, he isn't perfect. But, he is quick to resolve conflict God's way. We have the same vision and desire for our family. We are are devoted to the same person, Jesus! So, our lives are headed in the same direction! We have a joyous marriage that we have both said has been better than we could have imagined it. Maybe we have low standards...
Do not presume upon God's grace in the area of men. This is serious stuff. Please consider the wisdom in those blogs. Consider the godly advice of your parents and others. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Consider your path (Proverbs 5:6). Wait on the Lord. It will be worth it! I didn't have to wait long. But, I can testify that my short wait was worth it.
Love ya!
Remember this, keep your eyes firmly fixed upon the author and finisher of your faith. Delight yourself in Him. Drink deeply of the pure milk of the word, hold fast to the faith and serve fervently, using your singleness for His glory; believing it to be a gift... at least for the time being!
Pray and think about the little pearls of wisdom regarding what kind of man you should allow to pursue you, here, and consider Dr. John Piper's answer to the question "should I date someone whose theology is different?" here.
I have seen too many young women put themselves through more pain than was necessary through foolish decisions in regard to men. Marriage is great gift. I love being married to Rick. I think very highly of God's gift of marriage. But marriage is a very serious, very sobering thing. It should not be taken lightly. You are a sinner, and someday Lord willing, you will marry a sinner. Conflict resolution and forgiveness is something you will learn much about no matter who you marry. So, there is no reason to compound that with an unbelieving, foolish, arrogant, or unfaithful man. God blesses those who do things His way. Trust Him! He knows the desires of your heart (which you should be pouring out to Him). He gives good things to His children. Do not make your life a hedge of thorns by being so desperate for a man (when God is sufficient) that you hastily rush into a relationship with someone because he's cute, funny, smart, successful, charming... whatever, fill in the blank, but he is missing the essentials like a grasp and love of the gospel, love and devotion to Jesus Christ, humility or a commitment to the body.
God has greatly blessed me. I can testify to the grace and goodness of God in married life. I wasn't sure how to say this. My marriage to Rick was an act of faith in my Lord who made me and I believed/believe blesses obedience. I am a far worse sinner than most of you know. And we are sinners saved by grace through faith and not of ourselves, (nothing to boast in) just like other children of the King. But I saw the qualities you will see in those links! He was/is a man desperate for God. I saw the gospel of Jesus Christ as the driving force in his life. I saw a passion for God's people unlike any I had seen. And girlies, I have not been disappointed! God is good. Yes, there are conflicts. No, he isn't perfect. But, he is quick to resolve conflict God's way. We have the same vision and desire for our family. We are are devoted to the same person, Jesus! So, our lives are headed in the same direction! We have a joyous marriage that we have both said has been better than we could have imagined it. Maybe we have low standards...
Do not presume upon God's grace in the area of men. This is serious stuff. Please consider the wisdom in those blogs. Consider the godly advice of your parents and others. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Consider your path (Proverbs 5:6). Wait on the Lord. It will be worth it! I didn't have to wait long. But, I can testify that my short wait was worth it.
Love ya!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Last Friday I was able to get off work in time to go and watch the co-ed softball game. I rushed over the second I left work so that I wouldn't miss anything. By the time I got there I was so hungry - all I had had to eat that day was some cheese popcorn! I mentioned this fact to my sister Bekah very offhandedly and she immediately responded by giving me a burrito she had bought for herself from Taco Bell.
It touched my heart and caused me to consider for the past few days what a blessing my family is to me. These thoughts have led me to my church family and the relationship I am to have with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
In the same way that I would freely give my sisters and brother anything they needed, I should be looking for opportunities to minister and serve my other family. I should be eager and ready to forget and forgive any wrongs done to me in the same way I would forgive my brother Matt. I should humbly seek forgiveness in the same way I would if I had sinned against Lydia. I should be actively looking for ways I can help and serve my church body in the same way I ask my mom if there is anything I can help her with. I should obey promptly and happily if an elder or deacon asks me to do something in the same way I would obey if my dad asked me to do something.
We are told that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a beautiful picture of the relationship we can aspire to have with each other. If you have great relationships with your family then you can hold them up as a standard: Do I treat my brothers and sisters at Temple with the same preference, respect, and love that I treat my family? If you don't have good relationships with your family then you can praise God that he has given you a second family, a family that you will spend eternity with.
Let us all decide to "tie on the apron of servitude" this week and look for ways to serve your church family as you serve your own brothers and sisters and they serve you.
It touched my heart and caused me to consider for the past few days what a blessing my family is to me. These thoughts have led me to my church family and the relationship I am to have with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
In the same way that I would freely give my sisters and brother anything they needed, I should be looking for opportunities to minister and serve my other family. I should be eager and ready to forget and forgive any wrongs done to me in the same way I would forgive my brother Matt. I should humbly seek forgiveness in the same way I would if I had sinned against Lydia. I should be actively looking for ways I can help and serve my church body in the same way I ask my mom if there is anything I can help her with. I should obey promptly and happily if an elder or deacon asks me to do something in the same way I would obey if my dad asked me to do something.
We are told that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a beautiful picture of the relationship we can aspire to have with each other. If you have great relationships with your family then you can hold them up as a standard: Do I treat my brothers and sisters at Temple with the same preference, respect, and love that I treat my family? If you don't have good relationships with your family then you can praise God that he has given you a second family, a family that you will spend eternity with.
Let us all decide to "tie on the apron of servitude" this week and look for ways to serve your church family as you serve your own brothers and sisters and they serve you.
Friday, October 10, 2008
A Family Vacation
I am very excited! My husband, my children, and I are going to be driving to Utah to visit my sister Charity, her husband Johnny, and their three children. We are really looking forward to seeing them. Here’s a bit of background. Charity is 6 years older than me and we didn’t really grow up together. She joined the military right out of high school (when I was still just 12) and has lived away from Wisconsin ever since. So about 8 years ago, when she and her husband moved from Alaska to Michigan to be closer to her family, we had an opportunity to get to know them both. By this time Ryan and I were around 23 years old with a family of our own. Charity and Johnny were married the year after us and had at that time two little girls (with their 3rd child coming a year later). Spending time with them was a lot of fun and we found that we enjoyed our visits with them immensely. They were not believers and God gave us loads of opportunities to witness to them. Charity came to know the Lord and eventually so did Johnny! What an amazing blessing that is! I am so full of praise that God brought them from Alaska to hear the gospel and to save them and that He allowed Ryan and me to be a part of it!
Fast forward to present day… Charity and Johnny left Michigan and were stationed in Florida. Now their 4 year stint in Florida is up and they have been stationed in Utah, just an hour away from Salt Lake City. Can you imagine being a new believer and moving from a solid biblical church family (in Florida) into the Mormon capital of the world? Well, they have found a bible believing church founded upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they are sticking it out! An older lady from their church in Florida told them (upon hearing of their plans to move to Utah) that there was plenty of opportunity for them to minister where they were going… they just needed to be faithful to the call. And the Lord has been so gracious to fill them with a desire to be faithful and minister there, too! My brother in law is on fire for the Lord! He is growing in faith and knowledge of Jesus so much! He is studying all about how to witness to Mormon’s and has already had opportunity to use what he is learning with some Mormon’s that he’s met. Charity keeps trying to convince us to move out there so that we can be closer to them and we can all find ways to minister in the church and community. (They’ll have to be content with us visiting occasionally!)
As we are planning on going out for a 10 day visit, I am anticipating much fellowship and praise giving to the God who really does work miracles in the hearts of people all around us! I can’t wait for the conversations about God with them both as well as the trips to Starbucks (and late night ice cream shopping) with Charity. I can’t wait for them to take us hiking and exploring the mountains and the valley that they live in. I look forward to visiting their church with them and seeing how my nieces and nephew are growing up, too! I also appreciate that this will be some “concentrated” family time that we’ll have together before Ryan leaves for Cameroon, Africa (a week after we get back to Wisconsin)!
Please pray for us! Pray that we’ll have a safe trip there and back. Pray that we’ll have sweet fellowship in Jesus! Pray that we’ll have a great time and that we’ll see God at work all around us! Pray that we won’t get unexpectedly snowed in while we’re there… (They are in the mountains!). Praise God along with us for His grace in working out all the details and for His work of redemption in Charity and Johnny’s life! And however else you can think to pray, please do!
Fast forward to present day… Charity and Johnny left Michigan and were stationed in Florida. Now their 4 year stint in Florida is up and they have been stationed in Utah, just an hour away from Salt Lake City. Can you imagine being a new believer and moving from a solid biblical church family (in Florida) into the Mormon capital of the world? Well, they have found a bible believing church founded upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they are sticking it out! An older lady from their church in Florida told them (upon hearing of their plans to move to Utah) that there was plenty of opportunity for them to minister where they were going… they just needed to be faithful to the call. And the Lord has been so gracious to fill them with a desire to be faithful and minister there, too! My brother in law is on fire for the Lord! He is growing in faith and knowledge of Jesus so much! He is studying all about how to witness to Mormon’s and has already had opportunity to use what he is learning with some Mormon’s that he’s met. Charity keeps trying to convince us to move out there so that we can be closer to them and we can all find ways to minister in the church and community. (They’ll have to be content with us visiting occasionally!)
As we are planning on going out for a 10 day visit, I am anticipating much fellowship and praise giving to the God who really does work miracles in the hearts of people all around us! I can’t wait for the conversations about God with them both as well as the trips to Starbucks (and late night ice cream shopping) with Charity. I can’t wait for them to take us hiking and exploring the mountains and the valley that they live in. I look forward to visiting their church with them and seeing how my nieces and nephew are growing up, too! I also appreciate that this will be some “concentrated” family time that we’ll have together before Ryan leaves for Cameroon, Africa (a week after we get back to Wisconsin)!
Please pray for us! Pray that we’ll have a safe trip there and back. Pray that we’ll have sweet fellowship in Jesus! Pray that we’ll have a great time and that we’ll see God at work all around us! Pray that we won’t get unexpectedly snowed in while we’re there… (They are in the mountains!). Praise God along with us for His grace in working out all the details and for His work of redemption in Charity and Johnny’s life! And however else you can think to pray, please do!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Happy Anniversary Rick!
Today Rick and I are rejoicing in the Lord for 9 years of marriage... that's right, today is our anniversary. The past 9 years have brought many changes, joys, and trials. All have strengthened our faith in our great God, and been a testimony that Jesus truly is the One who has been the beginning, center and continuing uniter in our marriage. We have been asked if we have something that we "do" together that keeps us close, and honestly Rick is a busy guy, there isn't a whole lot that we do activity wise together. We have no set date nights... we try. We have no set family night... ideal, but doesn't fit in the schedule to well ( we do what we can, as often as we can, as time will allow). But we have Jesus and we have His body and we are devoted to them together because we cannot separate Jesus from His body, the Church. And, folks our marriage has thrived without consistent date nights and family outings . Notice I said thrived, not survived. We are not in survival mode. Our marriage is growing and we have nothing to boast in but God! We have wept together, laughed, prayed, and struggled; not alone, but together with God. I say all this to encourage those who think family life must be structured a certain way. It does need to be structured around Jesus and according to His word, not man made rules and expectations. I have to remind myself of that. So, if your husband wants to do something for sake of Jesus Christ that will take him away from home a little more, take a leap of faith with him, join him and journey together. I want to give 9 things that I have observed about my husband that I am growing to appreciate, respect and see as the important stuff that causes our family to thrive. The limit of 9 is to commemorate the 9 years we have been together.
1. It is obvious to me and our children that he loves and follows Jesus.
2. He loves me without expectations for me to change or respond to him in certain ways.
3. He doesn't just teach the Bible to me and the children, it actually affects his decisions, actions and attitudes.
4. I have seen him weep and pray over Gods' people with glorious hope; rather than anger and bitterness.
5. He is quick to observe Gods' grace in people, he sees their strengths and does not define them by their weaknesses. He tells me if an elder does define someone exclusively by there weaknesses it is destructive not only to that person, but to the elder.
6. He has consistently proven he will do hard things, if he deems it God glorifying. Such as, moving in all your in-laws, bringing rebellious teens in the home, working three jobs to make ends meet, going back to school to finish his Masters for the sake of becoming a more equipped shepherd.
7.He is extremely self-critical, which means he is very approachable and willing to hear a person out.
8. He is slow to speak and quick to listen.
9. He hates his sin and is longing to be holy.
All this by God's grace has been the big factors in having a thriving family; not date nights and family outings!
I love you babe, thank you for loving me. Happy Anniversary!
1. It is obvious to me and our children that he loves and follows Jesus.
2. He loves me without expectations for me to change or respond to him in certain ways.
3. He doesn't just teach the Bible to me and the children, it actually affects his decisions, actions and attitudes.
4. I have seen him weep and pray over Gods' people with glorious hope; rather than anger and bitterness.
5. He is quick to observe Gods' grace in people, he sees their strengths and does not define them by their weaknesses. He tells me if an elder does define someone exclusively by there weaknesses it is destructive not only to that person, but to the elder.
6. He has consistently proven he will do hard things, if he deems it God glorifying. Such as, moving in all your in-laws, bringing rebellious teens in the home, working three jobs to make ends meet, going back to school to finish his Masters for the sake of becoming a more equipped shepherd.
7.He is extremely self-critical, which means he is very approachable and willing to hear a person out.
8. He is slow to speak and quick to listen.
9. He hates his sin and is longing to be holy.
All this by God's grace has been the big factors in having a thriving family; not date nights and family outings!
I love you babe, thank you for loving me. Happy Anniversary!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Witty Wednesday
Do you like cats? I love cats. Actually, I love kittens and then I get attached and still love them once they are cats and less cute. I love the personalities of cats. My cat, Delia, honestly thinks she is queen of the world. She's got my personality in that she rarely likes to be around people. She prefers her own space. Every once in a while though she will feel the need to be scratched and good luck trying to tell her no! She is an awesome cat.
Here are some funny cat pictures I found online. You can also click here to find a funny cat video. I couldn't figure out how to get the video on its own page, so you have to scroll down a little ways to get to the right one. The name of the video is "Tired kitten just wants to sleep." I didn't watch all of the others on the page, so view at your own risk - although the few I had time for were really cute. The one I am referring to here is less than two minutes. It gets a little slow around the middle but stick it out, the last fifteen seconds were my favorite.
Happy Wednesday!
Here are some funny cat pictures I found online. You can also click here to find a funny cat video. I couldn't figure out how to get the video on its own page, so you have to scroll down a little ways to get to the right one. The name of the video is "Tired kitten just wants to sleep." I didn't watch all of the others on the page, so view at your own risk - although the few I had time for were really cute. The one I am referring to here is less than two minutes. It gets a little slow around the middle but stick it out, the last fifteen seconds were my favorite.
Happy Wednesday!
Watch the True Women Conf. 08 LIVE!
If you're not attending the Conference, you can still be part of it!! You need to register to receive the video feed- right here - October 9-11.
Don't miss out and register today.
As for those of us going, I can't wait to spending the weekend together--it should be fun (bring your ear plugs, I've heard some...of us snore.)! This should be quite the event 6000 women are attending the conference...But I fully expect our hearts and minds be refreshed and renewed as we grow in the love and knowledge of our Lord.
Lord willing I'll see some of you soon!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Psalm 71
1In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
Let me never be ashamed.
2In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
Incline Your ear to me and save me.
3Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come;
You have given commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.
4Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man,
5For You are my hope;
O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth.
6By You I have been sustained from my birth;
You are He who took me from my mother's womb;
My praise is continually of You.
7I have become a marvel to many,
For You are my strong refuge.
8My mouth is filled with Your praise
And with Your glory all day long.
9Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
Do not forsake me when my strength fails.
10For my enemies have spoken against me;
And those who watch for my life have consulted together,
11Saying, "God has forsaken him;
Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver."
12O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, hasten to my help!
13Let those who are adversaries of my soul be ashamed and consumed;
Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek to injure me.
14But as for me, I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.
15My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And of Your salvation all day long;
For I do not know the sum of them.
16I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.
17O God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.
18And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.
19For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?
20You who have shown me many troubles and distresses
Will revive me again,
And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21May You increase my greatness
And turn to comfort me.
22I will also praise You with a harp,
Even Your truth, O my God;
To You I will sing praises with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You;
And my soul, which You have redeemed.
24My tongue also will utter Your righteousness all day long;
For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my hurt.
Let me never be ashamed.
2In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
Incline Your ear to me and save me.
3Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come;
You have given commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.
4Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man,
5For You are my hope;
O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth.
6By You I have been sustained from my birth;
You are He who took me from my mother's womb;
My praise is continually of You.
7I have become a marvel to many,
For You are my strong refuge.
8My mouth is filled with Your praise
And with Your glory all day long.
9Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
Do not forsake me when my strength fails.
10For my enemies have spoken against me;
And those who watch for my life have consulted together,
11Saying, "God has forsaken him;
Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver."
12O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, hasten to my help!
13Let those who are adversaries of my soul be ashamed and consumed;
Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek to injure me.
14But as for me, I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.
15My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And of Your salvation all day long;
For I do not know the sum of them.
16I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.
17O God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.
18And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.
19For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?
20You who have shown me many troubles and distresses
Will revive me again,
And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21May You increase my greatness
And turn to comfort me.
22I will also praise You with a harp,
Even Your truth, O my God;
To You I will sing praises with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.
23My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You;
And my soul, which You have redeemed.
24My tongue also will utter Your righteousness all day long;
For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my hurt.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Frugality and God’s Grace
I am not a frugal person. If the subject were being discussed, I might say that I aspire to be a frugal person, but upon examining myself I believe that for the most part, I’d really just like to be known as a frugal person, while still being able to make purchases at my whim and with little regard to wisdom. (As such, though, you cannot accurately say that I’m frugal - you can accurately say that I am prideful. But that is for another discussion!) However, I have been observing some people around me and I have noted how some people actually are blessed with frugality! My sister in law Leila is very frugal. She is an inspiration to me. Other people that come to mind are my mother in law: Ruth, as well as my husband Ryan, his two brother’s Randy and Rick, and his sister Rebecca.
Now isn’t that strange? My mother in law and all four of her offspring have this enviable quality. Not only that, but I have seen in her and her sons a contentedness with simple living with no regard to their financial situation. (I do not mean to exclude his sister in this, but she is much younger and only lived outside of her parent’s house for a short time. So I haven’t had time to observe her as much.) As I look at their lives I see lived out the heart attitude of Paul who said in Philippians 4: 11-13 “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
I have seen all 5 of them live in prosperity and in lean times, and they all show forth a heart of contentment and faith in God who both provides and blesses in whatever measure is best. This is such an example to me as I struggle with contentment and covetousness sometimes even in the best of times! Also, I am encouraged as a mother because I see how my mother in law was able by God’s grace to live out and instill these qualities in her children! What an encouragement to press on in my witness to my children and training of them, all under the covering of prayer to my Sovereign and merciful Lord Jesus!
Another thing that gave me a chuckle was a memory from one of the first times I had ever met my husband’s mom and the striking resemblance that the memory has to a current situation with my husband. First the memory: Ryan and I had only recently met and were spending time together at his parent’s home (over 14 years ago!). His mom walked into the kitchen with a lovely shirt on, which I complimented. She replied to me, “Thank you! Would you like to have it?” Needless to say, I was taken aback. She was not joking, though. She was serious. She would have gladly given me (literally) the shirt off of her back, if I had so desired it. Second, the present situation: Ryan and I have some cabinets in our garage that we offered to my sister, all of which we had intended for use in our kitchen, but circumstances prevented that and so they were still in their boxes, unused. However, there were a few of the cabinets that we had been able to use in our garage for Ryan’s work bench, which I did not offer to my sister. Ryan heard my sister and I discussing the cabinets and the possibility that we would not have enough to meet their needs, when he offered up his own cabinets to my sister, if that would help out. So I had to laugh to myself… he might as well have said, “Would you like my shirt?”
In this, I see the work of God in His grace! I see how God has granted that my mother in law has trained up her children in frugality, contentedness, and generosity as well! Praise God for He is ever at work in subtle ways in those around us!
Now isn’t that strange? My mother in law and all four of her offspring have this enviable quality. Not only that, but I have seen in her and her sons a contentedness with simple living with no regard to their financial situation. (I do not mean to exclude his sister in this, but she is much younger and only lived outside of her parent’s house for a short time. So I haven’t had time to observe her as much.) As I look at their lives I see lived out the heart attitude of Paul who said in Philippians 4: 11-13 “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
I have seen all 5 of them live in prosperity and in lean times, and they all show forth a heart of contentment and faith in God who both provides and blesses in whatever measure is best. This is such an example to me as I struggle with contentment and covetousness sometimes even in the best of times! Also, I am encouraged as a mother because I see how my mother in law was able by God’s grace to live out and instill these qualities in her children! What an encouragement to press on in my witness to my children and training of them, all under the covering of prayer to my Sovereign and merciful Lord Jesus!
Another thing that gave me a chuckle was a memory from one of the first times I had ever met my husband’s mom and the striking resemblance that the memory has to a current situation with my husband. First the memory: Ryan and I had only recently met and were spending time together at his parent’s home (over 14 years ago!). His mom walked into the kitchen with a lovely shirt on, which I complimented. She replied to me, “Thank you! Would you like to have it?” Needless to say, I was taken aback. She was not joking, though. She was serious. She would have gladly given me (literally) the shirt off of her back, if I had so desired it. Second, the present situation: Ryan and I have some cabinets in our garage that we offered to my sister, all of which we had intended for use in our kitchen, but circumstances prevented that and so they were still in their boxes, unused. However, there were a few of the cabinets that we had been able to use in our garage for Ryan’s work bench, which I did not offer to my sister. Ryan heard my sister and I discussing the cabinets and the possibility that we would not have enough to meet their needs, when he offered up his own cabinets to my sister, if that would help out. So I had to laugh to myself… he might as well have said, “Would you like my shirt?”
In this, I see the work of God in His grace! I see how God has granted that my mother in law has trained up her children in frugality, contentedness, and generosity as well! Praise God for He is ever at work in subtle ways in those around us!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Sinclair Ferguson's 20 resolutions out of James
Sinclair Ferguson spoke at the Desiring God conference, and here are 20 resolutions he gives out of James in regards to our speech. If you want to listen to the message, go here.
His accent is awesome! :)
They are all extremely convicting, but I love the resolution to never grumble, knowing that the Judge is at the door - timely for me!
James 1:5 To ask God for wisdom to speak and with a single mind
James 1:9-10 To boast only in exaltation in Christ, & humiliation in world
James 1:13 To set a watch over my mouth
James 1:19 To be constantly quick to hear, slow to speak
James 2:1-4 To learn the gospel way of speaking to poor and the rich
James 2:12 To speak always in the consciousness of the final judgment
James 2:16 To never stand on anyone’s face with my words
James 3:14 To never claim as reality something I do not experience
James 4:1 To resist quarrelsome words in order to mortify a quarrelsome heart
James 4:11 To never speak evil of another
James 4:13 To never boast in what I will accomplish
James 4:15 To always speak as one subject to the providences of God
James 5:9 To never grumble, knowing that the Judge is at the door
James 5:12 To never allow anything but total integrity in my speech
James 5:13 To speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer
James 5:14 To sing praises to God whenever I am cheerful
James 5:14 To ask for the prayers of others when I am sick
James 5:15 To confess it freely whenever I have failed
James 5:15 To pray with and for one another when I am together with others
James 5:19 To speak words of restoration when I see another wander
You can find all the messages from the conference at the Desiring God website.
His accent is awesome! :)
They are all extremely convicting, but I love the resolution to never grumble, knowing that the Judge is at the door - timely for me!
James 1:5 To ask God for wisdom to speak and with a single mind
James 1:9-10 To boast only in exaltation in Christ, & humiliation in world
James 1:13 To set a watch over my mouth
James 1:19 To be constantly quick to hear, slow to speak
James 2:1-4 To learn the gospel way of speaking to poor and the rich
James 2:12 To speak always in the consciousness of the final judgment
James 2:16 To never stand on anyone’s face with my words
James 3:14 To never claim as reality something I do not experience
James 4:1 To resist quarrelsome words in order to mortify a quarrelsome heart
James 4:11 To never speak evil of another
James 4:13 To never boast in what I will accomplish
James 4:15 To always speak as one subject to the providences of God
James 5:9 To never grumble, knowing that the Judge is at the door
James 5:12 To never allow anything but total integrity in my speech
James 5:13 To speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer
James 5:14 To sing praises to God whenever I am cheerful
James 5:14 To ask for the prayers of others when I am sick
James 5:15 To confess it freely whenever I have failed
James 5:15 To pray with and for one another when I am together with others
James 5:19 To speak words of restoration when I see another wander
You can find all the messages from the conference at the Desiring God website.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Witty Wednesday
Love is not always express in the way you like it...
Ok, I got this one from at least two people so you probably have read it, but I think it's funny every time...Enjoy!!
Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. Ralph and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool. Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end. He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there.
Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out. When the Head Nurse Director became aware of Edna's heroic act she immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she now considered her to be mentally stable.
When she went to tell Edna the news she said, 'Edna, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged, since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love. I have concluded that your act displays sound mindedness. The bad news is, Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead.'
Edna replied, 'He didn't hang himself, I put him there to dry.
How soon can I go home?'
Happy Mental Health Day!
Ok, I got this one from at least two people so you probably have read it, but I think it's funny every time...Enjoy!!
Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. Ralph and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool. Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end. He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there.
Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out. When the Head Nurse Director became aware of Edna's heroic act she immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she now considered her to be mentally stable.
When she went to tell Edna the news she said, 'Edna, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged, since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love. I have concluded that your act displays sound mindedness. The bad news is, Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead.'
Edna replied, 'He didn't hang himself, I put him there to dry.
How soon can I go home?'
Happy Mental Health Day!
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