February 1, 2014 · Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 1 ~ Blessed
I have been blessed...I really have been blessed. Even when married life has been hard...okay, really hard...try devastating, actually...my husband has been a blessing to me, especially the last year, when I haven't deserved it. Blessed. Oh, that we could all see blessings from God, even during the times when we can't see through the fog -and every one of you who has been married For awhile knows exactly what I'm talking about- or someday you will. God gives trials (especially in marriage) to refine us, mature us, help us die to sin and self and live for Christ, help us learn to lay our life down for another, help us learn to bless someone who doesn't deserve it, teach us to forgive, help us learn to accept blessings when WE don't deserve them, and to make our marriage a picture of Christ and the church. In marriage we face the hardest challenges. We live with an imperfect person who often times sees life differently, in some areas, than we do. That person lives with an imperfect you, too!
We need these: Refinement....the blood of Christ...a little more refinement...the grace of The Lord Jesus Christ...even more refinement...forgiveness from the Chief Shepherd...so much refinement, until we are like pure gold, with all the impurities skimmed off the top...Until we are a lump of clay, fashioned by the Potter's hands, into a pot that can be put on display for all to see. Marriage is the quickest way for God to do these things. But God can't do it with hard hearts...unwilling and selfish hearts...with clenched fists. He can only refine the lives of people with open hands...with soft, pliable hearts...with broken, cracked, hearts...open hearts. Hearts that find the blessings, even in the fog...the lighthouses in the storms...the candles in the blackout....the gifts tied with scarlet threads, offered in the dark corners of a place called 'I don't understand'...the heart that finds the blessings even when it is grappling with the cold 'whys?'
Blessings like: An affectionate hand brushing stray hair away from your face ~ a whisper of 'I love you' in the dark ~ him pacing the room with your newborn baby, whispering 'shh' at 4:39 am ~ full trash cans rattling to the road on Awana night ~ a knee-kicker grabbing at new carpet, pushing it into corners of an old room ~ red, white, and tan paint and wood made into childs' play things ~ sawdust covering an MCC jacket speaking of tables, and beds, and wood creations made with love ~ little blond and brown and red haired American girls on shelves, paid for with too much money ~ him leaving the last bit of Blue Bell for you and taking none for himself ~ diapers in the trash not changed by you, size one and size four, not paid for by you either ~ not letting you have a natural labor because he can't bear to see you in more pain than he's already caused in the past ~ paying too much money for technology for directionally challenged people whose phones find themselves in liquid such as coffee ~ gazebos that hit dining room windows because he's too busy doing labors of love that are more important ~ fish on 4 hooks and four smiling faces and him knowing how important it is that he make sure 'no one drowns' like they've all tried to do ~ flowers for no reason ~ trips out of the way for essential oils when he was 'just at that store-out of the way- last week' ~ him knowing not to go to walmart and waste gas because I forgot to tell him we needed cat food...they can eat tuna...just don't waste gas --without me having to say anything ~ Oneness. Knowing the other person's mind. Marriage.
See the little blessings, when they are little, when you can't see through the fog; someday you'll see the big blessings....just the little blessings all heaped up into one long life together, because you "chose" to see them.
http://youtu.be/ZACkRe_W4Gg
Showing posts with label Devotions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devotions. Show all posts
Monday, April 25, 2016
Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 2 ~ Provision
February 2, 2014 · Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 2 ~ Provision
Are you married to a Boaz? A man who is a wonderful provider? This is who Boaz was. All through the book of Ruth you see his character. You see amazing character traits that every man should try to emulate, but mostly you see his provision for Naomi and Ruth. I love Boaz. I love his history, which is where his character was really born. Far before the events of the book of Ruth took place, a story was being weaved; a story that is quite silent but also not silent....it just takes some digging and some bible knowledge, but it's there. ....his history began with his mother; the beautiful soul mentioned in Hebrews 11, but found in Joshua....a scarlet cord in her hand...a foreigner....a prostitute. Do you feel the weight of that? His mother....a foreign prostitute....a history no one would really want...a woman no good Israelite would want....except there was this one Israelite who did want this woman named Rahab. Nothing but his name is mentioned in scripture but nothing need be mentioned of him; this man named Salmon. His son Boaz reveals all that Salmon was. Salmon redeemed a prostitute, for his wife. He loved and cherished her; provided for her needs. He washed her stains and made her clean because he rescued her, just as Christ wants to do for you. Are you the Rahab in your marriage relationship? The shameful, rebellious one, whose character and history is very colorful? Her faith took her all the way to Hebrews 11 and Matthew 1...the great great great.....grandmother of our Lord Jesus Christ. His great great great....grandmother??? That is a story only God can weave. A story of grace, forgiveness, redemption. A story like you could have. A story you could have if you have a Salmon in your life and The Lord Jesus in your heart.
Are you the Salmon of your marriage relationship?...not much flare...nothing to really tell about you except your name in a genealogy? Sometimes a name says it all. Sometimes that is all that is needed. Sometimes just your name is mentioned because your story is so special it's reserved for heaven alone. To be told to the Saints....To be told to the curious believers who love a great story....a precious testimony. Are you called to be Salmon? The quiet one who loves, forgives, provides a sacred place of rest and acceptance to the colorful one? To the one no one wants? Will you be the Salmon who becomes such an example to his children that people associate your name with your offspring? Will you raise little Boaz boys and girls, who redeem the foreigners, provide for the widows and even their mother-in-laws...with tangible provision and emotional provision? The beacon babies? Maybe God calls you to raise a Rahab child. You can raise all your children the same and you still might get one or two who despite your care, your prayers, and your teaching, is a Rahab child. This is when it's out of your hands and it's where God weaves the tapestry....the story. The beautiful redemption story. This is where the little Salmon's of the world become the bearers of Christ's image to a dying world. A world that needs their love and care...their forgiveness and acceptance...their grace and affection. These things that Rahabs need to make it to Hebrews 11. If you are a Salmon, keep going, keep digging into God's word and tapping into his power. If you are a Rahab, you have responsibilities, too. Rahab had to change. She had to turn her back on her sinful ways. She had to take every thought captive so she wouldn't live in life-long shame. She couldn't go to the places she used to go. She couldn't see the people she used to see. She couldn't listen to things she used to listen to. After all, she had a little boy now. She had to be an example to Boaz. She had to provide also, but in a different way than her husband. She provided stability, ability to teach from her past mistakes, ability to extend what Salmon had given her, and she taught Boaz gratefulness, contentment, and faith. Her boy grew into such a man that he deserved a whole book of the Bible. In the book of Ruth you see the character traits he learned from his mom and from his dad. Read it with new eyes! No matter if you are the Rahab or the Salmon, or a mixture of the two, make sure you provide well, from what God has given you! References: Joshua 1 and 6 Ruth 1-4 Matthew 1 Hebrews 11
Are you married to a Boaz? A man who is a wonderful provider? This is who Boaz was. All through the book of Ruth you see his character. You see amazing character traits that every man should try to emulate, but mostly you see his provision for Naomi and Ruth. I love Boaz. I love his history, which is where his character was really born. Far before the events of the book of Ruth took place, a story was being weaved; a story that is quite silent but also not silent....it just takes some digging and some bible knowledge, but it's there. ....his history began with his mother; the beautiful soul mentioned in Hebrews 11, but found in Joshua....a scarlet cord in her hand...a foreigner....a prostitute. Do you feel the weight of that? His mother....a foreign prostitute....a history no one would really want...a woman no good Israelite would want....except there was this one Israelite who did want this woman named Rahab. Nothing but his name is mentioned in scripture but nothing need be mentioned of him; this man named Salmon. His son Boaz reveals all that Salmon was. Salmon redeemed a prostitute, for his wife. He loved and cherished her; provided for her needs. He washed her stains and made her clean because he rescued her, just as Christ wants to do for you. Are you the Rahab in your marriage relationship? The shameful, rebellious one, whose character and history is very colorful? Her faith took her all the way to Hebrews 11 and Matthew 1...the great great great.....grandmother of our Lord Jesus Christ. His great great great....grandmother??? That is a story only God can weave. A story of grace, forgiveness, redemption. A story like you could have. A story you could have if you have a Salmon in your life and The Lord Jesus in your heart.
Are you the Salmon of your marriage relationship?...not much flare...nothing to really tell about you except your name in a genealogy? Sometimes a name says it all. Sometimes that is all that is needed. Sometimes just your name is mentioned because your story is so special it's reserved for heaven alone. To be told to the Saints....To be told to the curious believers who love a great story....a precious testimony. Are you called to be Salmon? The quiet one who loves, forgives, provides a sacred place of rest and acceptance to the colorful one? To the one no one wants? Will you be the Salmon who becomes such an example to his children that people associate your name with your offspring? Will you raise little Boaz boys and girls, who redeem the foreigners, provide for the widows and even their mother-in-laws...with tangible provision and emotional provision? The beacon babies? Maybe God calls you to raise a Rahab child. You can raise all your children the same and you still might get one or two who despite your care, your prayers, and your teaching, is a Rahab child. This is when it's out of your hands and it's where God weaves the tapestry....the story. The beautiful redemption story. This is where the little Salmon's of the world become the bearers of Christ's image to a dying world. A world that needs their love and care...their forgiveness and acceptance...their grace and affection. These things that Rahabs need to make it to Hebrews 11. If you are a Salmon, keep going, keep digging into God's word and tapping into his power. If you are a Rahab, you have responsibilities, too. Rahab had to change. She had to turn her back on her sinful ways. She had to take every thought captive so she wouldn't live in life-long shame. She couldn't go to the places she used to go. She couldn't see the people she used to see. She couldn't listen to things she used to listen to. After all, she had a little boy now. She had to be an example to Boaz. She had to provide also, but in a different way than her husband. She provided stability, ability to teach from her past mistakes, ability to extend what Salmon had given her, and she taught Boaz gratefulness, contentment, and faith. Her boy grew into such a man that he deserved a whole book of the Bible. In the book of Ruth you see the character traits he learned from his mom and from his dad. Read it with new eyes! No matter if you are the Rahab or the Salmon, or a mixture of the two, make sure you provide well, from what God has given you! References: Joshua 1 and 6 Ruth 1-4 Matthew 1 Hebrews 11
Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 3 ~ Of Him Who Loves Children (And She Who Is Grateful)
February 3, 2014 · Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 3 ~ Of Him Who Loves Children (And She Who Is Grateful)
12:53 pm, a hot summer day, a squawking cry is heard. A boy is born. A father is born. 5:01 am, 8:42 am, 2:02am, 1:02 am...a father is increasingly being perfected. Time. God makes all things beautiful in His time, the wise king said. What truth. But how much easier when God begins, from the beginning, with a man who loves and wants children. Such a joy to a mom like me who always dreamed of a large family. When a man loves his children, a woman can forgive a lot. When his children run to him when he returns from work, crawling, clawing, and jumping all over him, especially the toddler, there is a safety there, where a woman knows her precious children are secure, happy, and safe. Think of every woman friend you know. I'm sure you can think of many whose husbands don't love the children, don't know how to, don't care to. Most of these women probably live alone with their children, and a broken heart. Some abandoned; some alone by choice. All sad. Where are the men? Where are the women who are content and grateful; thankful and appreciative of the men who live out Jesus's words of "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them..."?
See with fresh eyes, your man, who is loving and tender with the children. Forgive him of his failings in other areas, whether great or small. Live in gratitude for the strengths he does have, the weaknesses he is trying to overcome by God's grace, and build a beautiful family with him. <3 Are you a barren woman? You can have a house full of children and still be barren. Read the definition:
1 : not reproducing
a : incapable of producing offspring
b : not yet or not recently pregnant
c : habitually failing to bear fruit
2 : not productive: as
a : producing little or no vegetation : desolate
b : producing inferior crops
c : unproductive of results or gain : fruitless
3 : devoid, lacking
4 : lacking interest or charm
5 : lacking inspiration or ideas
A barren mother of children is devoid of joy, happiness, and strength. She lives life with no purpose, lacking gain, and frittering away her life. She doesn't better herself or her family with learning, growing, and graceful living. She doesn't open her hands, her heart, or her mind to new ideas, to the will of God, to opportunities, to others, to her husband. Don't worry; I'm guilty of it, too. But what does the scripture say? What is the answer to the ungrateful, maybe hateful, maybe bitter wife who lives in the desolate places? Who lives in the barren places? Scripture says the answer is The Lord: "He makes the barren woman abide in the house As a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!"(Psalms 113:9 NASB) How? I believe The Lord does it through a grateful heart...the heart that, here again, chooses to see the blessings from her husband and her God!
12:53 pm, a hot summer day, a squawking cry is heard. A boy is born. A father is born. 5:01 am, 8:42 am, 2:02am, 1:02 am...a father is increasingly being perfected. Time. God makes all things beautiful in His time, the wise king said. What truth. But how much easier when God begins, from the beginning, with a man who loves and wants children. Such a joy to a mom like me who always dreamed of a large family. When a man loves his children, a woman can forgive a lot. When his children run to him when he returns from work, crawling, clawing, and jumping all over him, especially the toddler, there is a safety there, where a woman knows her precious children are secure, happy, and safe. Think of every woman friend you know. I'm sure you can think of many whose husbands don't love the children, don't know how to, don't care to. Most of these women probably live alone with their children, and a broken heart. Some abandoned; some alone by choice. All sad. Where are the men? Where are the women who are content and grateful; thankful and appreciative of the men who live out Jesus's words of "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them..."?
See with fresh eyes, your man, who is loving and tender with the children. Forgive him of his failings in other areas, whether great or small. Live in gratitude for the strengths he does have, the weaknesses he is trying to overcome by God's grace, and build a beautiful family with him. <3 Are you a barren woman? You can have a house full of children and still be barren. Read the definition:
1 : not reproducing
a : incapable of producing offspring
b : not yet or not recently pregnant
c : habitually failing to bear fruit
2 : not productive: as
a : producing little or no vegetation : desolate
b : producing inferior crops
c : unproductive of results or gain : fruitless
3 : devoid, lacking
4 : lacking interest or charm
5 : lacking inspiration or ideas
A barren mother of children is devoid of joy, happiness, and strength. She lives life with no purpose, lacking gain, and frittering away her life. She doesn't better herself or her family with learning, growing, and graceful living. She doesn't open her hands, her heart, or her mind to new ideas, to the will of God, to opportunities, to others, to her husband. Don't worry; I'm guilty of it, too. But what does the scripture say? What is the answer to the ungrateful, maybe hateful, maybe bitter wife who lives in the desolate places? Who lives in the barren places? Scripture says the answer is The Lord: "He makes the barren woman abide in the house As a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!"(Psalms 113:9 NASB) How? I believe The Lord does it through a grateful heart...the heart that, here again, chooses to see the blessings from her husband and her God!
Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 4 ~ Fullness of Grace and Forgiveness
February 4, 2014 · Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 4 ~ Fullness of Grace and Forgiveness
The little page...always hard to find...tucked between the giants of Timothy, Titus, and Hebrews...you flip around trying to find it, when you are asked to find it, which is rare...no one really preaches on it...does anyone even read it?...Philemon. The book that's been wet with my tears....a little wrinkled and worn...words journaled around it's edges...the book I can always find because it saved(s) my heart from bitterness. Many times have I replaced Paul's words to Philemon, as words from God to me. No matter who you are, there is always someone you need to forgive.
Onesimus (if you can't say it, it's pronounced 'Oh-ness-uh-miss'), a thieving slave of Philemon...a run- away...scared and useless, finds Paul...or should we say, "God weaves the tapestry again, working through Onesimus's sin, unto his salvation (because that's what God does)...and leads him to Paul." Glory. God saves people for His glory. "God saves people in his timing, when it brings HIM the most glory", says my friend, Tammy. Paul asks Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, who is now his brother in Christ. Saved. Forgiven by God. Blameless. Righteous. Paul asks to be charged himself, with whatever Onesimus owes. Do you need to forgive your husband or wife? Imagine God speaking all the words of the book of Philemon to you...such as, "welcome your spouse, as you would welcome me...if he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me". Charge the offense to God. Something I've found: People who have been forgiven much by God or others, are able to forgive much. The ones who receive a great and abundant grace are able to extend it easier to others. It is truly a wonderful gift from God, to be able to do this. For this I am thankful. My man forgives me and extends grace far easier than I am able to, even when I am extremely difficult. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
The little page...always hard to find...tucked between the giants of Timothy, Titus, and Hebrews...you flip around trying to find it, when you are asked to find it, which is rare...no one really preaches on it...does anyone even read it?...Philemon. The book that's been wet with my tears....a little wrinkled and worn...words journaled around it's edges...the book I can always find because it saved(s) my heart from bitterness. Many times have I replaced Paul's words to Philemon, as words from God to me. No matter who you are, there is always someone you need to forgive.
Onesimus (if you can't say it, it's pronounced 'Oh-ness-uh-miss'), a thieving slave of Philemon...a run- away...scared and useless, finds Paul...or should we say, "God weaves the tapestry again, working through Onesimus's sin, unto his salvation (because that's what God does)...and leads him to Paul." Glory. God saves people for His glory. "God saves people in his timing, when it brings HIM the most glory", says my friend, Tammy. Paul asks Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, who is now his brother in Christ. Saved. Forgiven by God. Blameless. Righteous. Paul asks to be charged himself, with whatever Onesimus owes. Do you need to forgive your husband or wife? Imagine God speaking all the words of the book of Philemon to you...such as, "welcome your spouse, as you would welcome me...if he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me". Charge the offense to God. Something I've found: People who have been forgiven much by God or others, are able to forgive much. The ones who receive a great and abundant grace are able to extend it easier to others. It is truly a wonderful gift from God, to be able to do this. For this I am thankful. My man forgives me and extends grace far easier than I am able to, even when I am extremely difficult. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)
Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 5 ~ Gentile Soldier
February 5, 2014 · Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 5 ~ Gentile Soldier
We are all Gentiles unless born as Israelites, but there is a uniqueness in the Gentile Soldier. Even more-so the believing, washed-in-the-blood, redeemed, righteous, Gentile Soldier. Rewind 2000 odd years...imagine a brown and green sandy shore, palm trees and ugly olive trees scattered around, walled houses of the town in front of you, fishermen, boats and nets, and the Sea of Galilee behind you. Capernaum. An Israelite man, the Word wrapped in flesh, wearing sandals and a robe, enters the town. He's greeted by Jewish elders sent by the Roman soldier. The Centurion. The one said later, to be the greatest in faith in Israel. The Gentile. The Jews hate him. He only has a few Jewish friends....the ones he sent to Jesus, even though he's done much for the Jews. He's a delegator. He has a hundred men under him. He's busy. Plus, he has this problem that's stressing him out. His servant, who he regards highly (listen...he respects those lower than he...he respects a slave), is sick and close to death. He sends his Jewish friends to Jesus. Why didn't he go himself? There's three reasons, plus a bonus reason. They unlock why he was the greatest in faith in Israel, but not only that: the reason any soldier is great, or becomes great....
Number 1: the soldier knew that he had to multitask. He needed to use his time wisely. He needed to maximize what had been given him. So he delegated. He shows wisdom, commitment, maturity, stewardship of his resources, responsibility, and fore-thought. All Of these qualities make up a great soldier.
Number two: He sent his Jewish friends, so that it would not cause a ruckus in the presence of Jesus, since Jesus was likely on his way to the Jewish synagogue...if he had gone himself, it would have caused an uproar because he was hated by most of the Jews. This would have prolonged the healing of his slave-friend. Again, the soldier shows tactful thinking, logical reasoning. He's smart. More great qualities in a soldier.
And number three, the exact reason (if you've ever wondered) why this soldier was said to have the greatest faith in all of Israel: this man knew that he didn't need to be present to have his orders carried out, JUST LIKE Jesus didn't need to be present to heal his slave. It only took faith. And not just plain ole faith. This was faith from a roman gentile who had no religious or Christian upbringing. He was just like many of us.
If these things aren't enough to blow your mind, there's also this tidbit tucked away in Luke 7: he didn't come to Jesus himself, because he felt he didn't deserve to be in the presence of his Lord. He demonstrated a humility not often seen in soldiers. Even though he had a hundred men UNDER him, he knew there was still authority OVER him. He lived humbly under the Lordship of Christ. He carried out his duties with honor. He surrounded himself with men (the Jewish elders that he had befriended) who could teach him. He wasn't above being taught. He wasn't below giving orders. He led with competence but lived under Lordship. Not only this but think about it: why would any of us feel we don't deserve to be in the presence of Christ? Maybe there was some shame behind him. Maybe there was some sin behind him that made him feel he didn't deserve to be near his savior. Maybe he didn't quite know his identity yet, but I can guarantee you that if he had been Moses, I doubt he'd need to be asked to remove his sandals at the burning bush. Just saying.
And one last quality of this great man: He HAD a servant but he WAS ONE! He served Christ by helping to build the synagogue in Capernaum. We don't know if he literally helped build it with his hands or if he donated money for it to be built. If he donated money it was probably anonymously done. Wow! No wonder Jesus said in the hearing of self-righteous Jews and hypocritical Pharisees, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." While he likely mopped the brow of his servant-friend fretting over his life, and dare we imagine: probably changing his bedpan and bedding, he lived out Jesus's words without even knowing it...."Whoever does something for the least of these, does it for me", said Jesus. 'Last will be first'...'Least will be greatest'... 'God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud'.... ........God gives grace to the humble...... I daresay.....God in human flesh probably gave a lot of grace that day in Capernaum. He healed a soldier's servant-friend....AND....told him he had the greatest faith in all of Israel.... And maybe....just maybe that Centurion had killed Christians in the past....maybe he had been a carouser.....a drunkard....greedy.....an idol worshipper....HE WAS SOMETHING....SOME KIND OF SINNER LIKE WE ALL ARE..... God gives grace to the humble.... <3 References: Luke 7:1-10 Note: The story is also told in Matthew 8:5-13, to which it is written that the Centurion did go to Christ himself. This is not a contradiction but a difference in how it was written and why, by each author: In dealing with the messengers Jesus was dealing with the centurion. Matthew wrote to Jews, so he emphasized the gentile man's faith. Luke wrote to Gentiles so he emphasized the good relationship between the Jewish friends and the Centurion, trying to highlight the need for barriers to be broken down (racial, ethnic, and social barriers). It's also good to remember that Luke is known for his more detailed writing than any of the other gospel writers. Hope that makes sense. :)
We are all Gentiles unless born as Israelites, but there is a uniqueness in the Gentile Soldier. Even more-so the believing, washed-in-the-blood, redeemed, righteous, Gentile Soldier. Rewind 2000 odd years...imagine a brown and green sandy shore, palm trees and ugly olive trees scattered around, walled houses of the town in front of you, fishermen, boats and nets, and the Sea of Galilee behind you. Capernaum. An Israelite man, the Word wrapped in flesh, wearing sandals and a robe, enters the town. He's greeted by Jewish elders sent by the Roman soldier. The Centurion. The one said later, to be the greatest in faith in Israel. The Gentile. The Jews hate him. He only has a few Jewish friends....the ones he sent to Jesus, even though he's done much for the Jews. He's a delegator. He has a hundred men under him. He's busy. Plus, he has this problem that's stressing him out. His servant, who he regards highly (listen...he respects those lower than he...he respects a slave), is sick and close to death. He sends his Jewish friends to Jesus. Why didn't he go himself? There's three reasons, plus a bonus reason. They unlock why he was the greatest in faith in Israel, but not only that: the reason any soldier is great, or becomes great....
Number 1: the soldier knew that he had to multitask. He needed to use his time wisely. He needed to maximize what had been given him. So he delegated. He shows wisdom, commitment, maturity, stewardship of his resources, responsibility, and fore-thought. All Of these qualities make up a great soldier.
Number two: He sent his Jewish friends, so that it would not cause a ruckus in the presence of Jesus, since Jesus was likely on his way to the Jewish synagogue...if he had gone himself, it would have caused an uproar because he was hated by most of the Jews. This would have prolonged the healing of his slave-friend. Again, the soldier shows tactful thinking, logical reasoning. He's smart. More great qualities in a soldier.
And number three, the exact reason (if you've ever wondered) why this soldier was said to have the greatest faith in all of Israel: this man knew that he didn't need to be present to have his orders carried out, JUST LIKE Jesus didn't need to be present to heal his slave. It only took faith. And not just plain ole faith. This was faith from a roman gentile who had no religious or Christian upbringing. He was just like many of us.
If these things aren't enough to blow your mind, there's also this tidbit tucked away in Luke 7: he didn't come to Jesus himself, because he felt he didn't deserve to be in the presence of his Lord. He demonstrated a humility not often seen in soldiers. Even though he had a hundred men UNDER him, he knew there was still authority OVER him. He lived humbly under the Lordship of Christ. He carried out his duties with honor. He surrounded himself with men (the Jewish elders that he had befriended) who could teach him. He wasn't above being taught. He wasn't below giving orders. He led with competence but lived under Lordship. Not only this but think about it: why would any of us feel we don't deserve to be in the presence of Christ? Maybe there was some shame behind him. Maybe there was some sin behind him that made him feel he didn't deserve to be near his savior. Maybe he didn't quite know his identity yet, but I can guarantee you that if he had been Moses, I doubt he'd need to be asked to remove his sandals at the burning bush. Just saying.
And one last quality of this great man: He HAD a servant but he WAS ONE! He served Christ by helping to build the synagogue in Capernaum. We don't know if he literally helped build it with his hands or if he donated money for it to be built. If he donated money it was probably anonymously done. Wow! No wonder Jesus said in the hearing of self-righteous Jews and hypocritical Pharisees, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." While he likely mopped the brow of his servant-friend fretting over his life, and dare we imagine: probably changing his bedpan and bedding, he lived out Jesus's words without even knowing it...."Whoever does something for the least of these, does it for me", said Jesus. 'Last will be first'...'Least will be greatest'... 'God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud'.... ........God gives grace to the humble...... I daresay.....God in human flesh probably gave a lot of grace that day in Capernaum. He healed a soldier's servant-friend....AND....told him he had the greatest faith in all of Israel.... And maybe....just maybe that Centurion had killed Christians in the past....maybe he had been a carouser.....a drunkard....greedy.....an idol worshipper....HE WAS SOMETHING....SOME KIND OF SINNER LIKE WE ALL ARE..... God gives grace to the humble.... <3 References: Luke 7:1-10 Note: The story is also told in Matthew 8:5-13, to which it is written that the Centurion did go to Christ himself. This is not a contradiction but a difference in how it was written and why, by each author: In dealing with the messengers Jesus was dealing with the centurion. Matthew wrote to Jews, so he emphasized the gentile man's faith. Luke wrote to Gentiles so he emphasized the good relationship between the Jewish friends and the Centurion, trying to highlight the need for barriers to be broken down (racial, ethnic, and social barriers). It's also good to remember that Luke is known for his more detailed writing than any of the other gospel writers. Hope that makes sense. :)
Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 6 ~ The Good Gift Giver
February 6, 2014 ·
Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 6 ~ The Good Gift Giver
I've never been very good at gift-giving, especially for adults. With my children it's pretty simple; they each have their unique interests, and I'm with them all day and know what they enjoy. I try to remember things that adults say they like, or want, but either I forget by Christmas, or the person is notorious for buying what they want before I get the chance.
God isn't like that. He knows how to give good gifts to his children. In fact, he knows what you need before you do and before you ask him. He also knows what you would want and what you would like before you were even born. He plans your life with the desires of your heart in his mind. He uses your desires to fulfill his plan, and bring glory to himself, at the same time. Only our One True God would care about our wants and desires, as well as our needs, and at the same time, weave our lives intricately around those things.
Other gods deceive us and don't truly deliver. Many of the things people worship like pleasure, money, sex, food, beauty, power....they all make us feel good at first....but afterward we are left hollow, searching for more, or harming ourselves or others. None of the things I mentioned are bad things, but if they are not brought under the Lordship of Christ, they will leave us feeling like a brick, because we haven't submitted our will and life to God. Only when we submit, do the things we like and enjoy, take their proper place, and enable us to enjoy them fully, in their rightful place. When we learn to enjoy the 'Gift Giver' first, then we appreciate and enjoy His gifts, more. If you worship your husband, you will eventually expect him to deliver what only Christ can deliver for you. As time goes on, your husband will disappoint you, but most of all, you will end up hurting him. He is a good thing. He was given to you by God, but if you worship him and put him above God, you will want him to be God for you. He can't be. You must learn to enjoy God as He is. Just as He is....which is infinitely more than you could ever imagine. Taste and see that The Lord is good.
Something I have found that happens when we submit our lives to Christ and bring all areas of our lives under his Lordship, is that he fine-tunes our desires and turns what was, in the beginning a basic desire, into a glorious gift (to ourselves and to others). We all have the basic desire for sex. When we bring that under the Lordship of Christ, sex becomes more beautiful, your spouse becomes your standard of beauty, and your union becomes pure. Sex becomes a gift that you give rather than one you selfishly take from your spouse or others. As you learn to enjoy giving that gift, it makes it more enjoyable for yourself at the same time.
If you enjoy or are good at writing, art, photography, hobbies, etc, and you have brought these giftings under submission, perhaps your gift will reach others for Christ. God can use any gift for His glory. On the contrary, any gift can be used to further Satan's kingdom. If you let any area of your life further Satan's kingdom, you will eventually not enjoy the things you were born to enjoy....the things God meant for you to enjoy. You will ruin them.
So choose this day, who you will serve. Figure out what idols are enslaving you, before it's too late. Learn to let God reign, even in the small things. Use your fine-tuned, submitted gifts, to bless your spouse and others. Use them for God's glory, and watch Him use them in his ultimate plan for your life. Become a good gift giver, because you've learned to love the real gift giver with all of your heart, soul, and mind. <3
•So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. (Matthew 7:11 NLT)
•So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. (Matthew 6:8 NASB)
•You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalms 16:11 NASB)
•Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 9:9 NASB)
•He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the Lord. (Proverbs 18:22 NASB)
•O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalms 34:8 NASB)
http://youtu.be/BGkmPeVpBbI
Valentines Day All Month ~Day 7 ~ Laughs and Smiles, Giggles and Guffaws
Rachelle Phipps
February 7, 2014 ·
Valentines Day All Month ~Day 7 ~ Laughs and Smiles, Giggles and Guffaws
*I wasn't feeling well, when I wrote this yesterday, so it's pretty lighthearted and very 'me-ish'! *
Just as I am not very good at giving gifts...at least to adults, anyway...I'm also not very funny and am kind of a boring person. I like dry humor like what you'd find on Napoleon Dynamite or with Brant Hanson from Air 1. I like puns, irony, hyperbole, and sarcasm, too. :). My husband likes these things as well, but he is so much better at remembering funny stories, telling them without forgetting parts, and being generally, more humorous. He is a very fun person and definitely not serious like I am. But we balance each other out very well. If it wasn't for me he'd never get anything done, would lose everything, and wouldn't remember to pay his bills. If it wasn't for him, I'd be a recluse, staying home reading and writing in my journal, and not spending much money. My checkbook would always be perfectly balanced, the budget would never get "ruined", and if I didn't have kids I'd be extremely happy going to church on Sunday, some retail therapy on Thursday and nothing else! :) Very boring, indeed. My husband has always supported me in breaking out of illusiveness, but it hasn't been an easy road. I didn't mention that I love Big Foot? Lol! ;)
Our old church really helped me to use my gifts, or at least pushed me out of my comfort zone, and it made me a more confident person. I still lack funniness, unless I've had too much to drink, and then I am said to be pretty funny and will quote passages of scripture or witness to people, or tell them all about the Song of Solomon. :)
God makes all of us different and he especially makes husbands and wives to compliment each other. So I am who I am. I will probably never be much fun, but if I was, I wouldn't compliment my husband very well. We'd never get anything important done and we'd be completely broke. :)
However, just as God makes each of us different, he also calls us ALL to obey the same things. So, a funny, exciting, exuberant person, still must steward his money well and be a person of honor and moral integrity. A boring, organized person, still must bring cheer to others. They still must bring joy to others. They still must be "out in the world" being lights for Christ. Paul himself even said that he would be one way for one group of people, and another way for another group of people, to make Christ appealing to whoever he met. He wasn't being dishonest or two-faced. He was simply being social, accommodating, and flexible, but was vigilant against sin, wherever he went.
Laughter, smiling, outward joy, and cheerfulness are all healthy and needed in marriage. I'm so thankful that my husband is a very happy person. He constantly makes me laugh out loud. I, however, can be very much like Martin Luther or Charles Spurgeon, prone to depression, or at least being unsocial.
Where do you find yourself? Are you the naturally happy one or the naturally melancholy one? If you're like me, maybe you need to focus more on de-stressing, so you can smile more, being more lighthearted, and letting some things go. There are a few things you can do.
•I've slowly been able to develop my sense of humor, so if I can do it, I know you can too! Joining funny pages on Facebook has helped me to de-compress and laugh!
•Timothy was in the stressful position of pastoring a church at a young age. Paul told him to drink some wine, to help his stomach. I can really relate. When I get stressed out, my stomach starts to hurt, too. A little wine (if you don't have problems with addiction) could be very beneficial to you and your marriage, just as it was likely beneficial for Timothy.
•Games have also helped me to be more fun. A rowdy round of Shanghai or Pit is my favorite!
•Putting together a puzzle with my kids or husband helps me to let things go and converse more.
• I use my cooking skills to make life more fun for my kids, especially during holidays and birthdays, when I let them help make their favorite dinner, and keep the suspense up in regards to their birthday cake and gifts.
•A slow adoption of advent activities over the last three years has made Christmas delightful and memorable, instead of stressful. •Letting the cleaning or organization go a little and putting a smile on my face when casserole dishes and mixing bowls almost fall out of the cabinet when I open it, helps a lot. It's the proof that I let my children help! :)
•Letting the kids clean has been an opportunity for me to grow spiritually. It still irks me sometimes when something isn't done right, but there's LOTS of times that I let it go! That's such a miracle and is only from God. :)
•Learn to laugh through your spouse's quirks and not take their differences so seriously. Learn to joke around with your spouse and be playful! When bad things happen don't let them get you down but instead try to laugh or at least find the good in them. After me mentioning all this, however, I think my marriage would be a lot better if I could let the "top of his dresser" go! Lol! I still haven't mastered that. :). At least I can laugh about it now!
If you are like me, pay closer attention to bible passages that speak of cheerfulness, joy, laughter, and sweet words! I pray you can thank God for who you are as an individual, can learn to identify your special giftings and use them, and can fully know your identity in Christ, but I also pray that you learn to develop other areas in your life that might need attention! <3
Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. (Ecclesiastes 9:7 NASB)
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:13 NIV)
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 NIV)
I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. (Ecclesiastes 3:12 NIV)
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24 NIV)
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV)
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. (Proverbs 31:25 NIV)
Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 8 ~ Irreconcilably Different?
Valentines Day All Month ~ Day 8 ~ Irreconcilably Different?
You marry three people, they say: the person you think they are, the person they really are, and the person they become because they married you. That is so opposite of what we think when we are young and in love. We think about the common interests we have. We think about how compatible we are. We overlook things we shouldn't overlook. We don't even see red flags. It's like we are color-blind. But maybe that's how God plans it, when he writes stories. God can work around it, and makes something beautiful from the messiness of two people who become one flesh. I think he can make something beautiful from two people who are vastly different (or become vastly different as time goes on), and realize a little late, that they are incompatible. My husband and I are as incompatible as water and oil. Trust me; we took the compatibility tests. I think most couples are this way for awhile, even if it's just for a season. No differences are really irreconcilable, and if you believe so, you are not trusting God to make the changes in you and in your spouse, to put you on the same page, together. The book of Ephesians has the best description of how God breaks down barriers and differences in people and unites them. Chapter two in Ephesians can give a struggling marriage much hope for unity and new life, and it is a passage much marked and cherished in my Bible.
"Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands- remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:11-22 NASB)
So you see, two people who are different (and will be until they die) can become unified in purpose, through Christ, building upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets and held up by the Cornerstone, Christ Jesus.
If there is an unequal yoking, it may take time, trial, and much prayer and patience on your part, for your spouse to come to the Lord, in repentance.
If there is much pain from the past, scripture says that the Lord is the Great Physician. Scripture also says that there is a time for everything...a time to mourn and weep, included. Eventually, God makes all things beautiful in his perfect timing, and we must believe that.
If there is much shame from the past, scripture says that we are new creations in Christ and that there is no condemnation in Him. Every thought must be taken captive to the obedience of Christ and serious steps taken to avoid the pitfalls of whatever sin has caused the shame.
There is a time to tear down and there is a time to rebuild, and sometimes marriages which have what seems to be irreconcilable differences, must go through a process of tearing down walls, barriers, and sin which have creeped into the relationship. Small cracks which happened so slowly that they were unnoticeable, oftentimes give Satan a foothold. When this happens, many marriages have to start over and rebuild from the, hopefully, new and solid foundation of Christ alone and whatever "good" is left in the marriage. In repentance and rest, and quietness of soul and in trust, there is oftentimes salvation for the marriage (Isaiah 30:15). If one spouse is stiff-necked and unrepentant, even then it is not hopeless, and I would say to you, to keep pressing on. Nothing is irreconcilable with God. And unless there is danger in the marriage relationship, or continual behaviors which are repeated with no remorse or repentance, than I would suggest to you, to remove the word divorce from your vocabulary....for nothing is impossible with God!
http://youtu.be/bpphtclh7Ko
You marry three people, they say: the person you think they are, the person they really are, and the person they become because they married you. That is so opposite of what we think when we are young and in love. We think about the common interests we have. We think about how compatible we are. We overlook things we shouldn't overlook. We don't even see red flags. It's like we are color-blind. But maybe that's how God plans it, when he writes stories. God can work around it, and makes something beautiful from the messiness of two people who become one flesh. I think he can make something beautiful from two people who are vastly different (or become vastly different as time goes on), and realize a little late, that they are incompatible. My husband and I are as incompatible as water and oil. Trust me; we took the compatibility tests. I think most couples are this way for awhile, even if it's just for a season. No differences are really irreconcilable, and if you believe so, you are not trusting God to make the changes in you and in your spouse, to put you on the same page, together. The book of Ephesians has the best description of how God breaks down barriers and differences in people and unites them. Chapter two in Ephesians can give a struggling marriage much hope for unity and new life, and it is a passage much marked and cherished in my Bible.
"Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands- remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:11-22 NASB)
So you see, two people who are different (and will be until they die) can become unified in purpose, through Christ, building upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets and held up by the Cornerstone, Christ Jesus.
If there is an unequal yoking, it may take time, trial, and much prayer and patience on your part, for your spouse to come to the Lord, in repentance.
If there is much pain from the past, scripture says that the Lord is the Great Physician. Scripture also says that there is a time for everything...a time to mourn and weep, included. Eventually, God makes all things beautiful in his perfect timing, and we must believe that.
If there is much shame from the past, scripture says that we are new creations in Christ and that there is no condemnation in Him. Every thought must be taken captive to the obedience of Christ and serious steps taken to avoid the pitfalls of whatever sin has caused the shame.
There is a time to tear down and there is a time to rebuild, and sometimes marriages which have what seems to be irreconcilable differences, must go through a process of tearing down walls, barriers, and sin which have creeped into the relationship. Small cracks which happened so slowly that they were unnoticeable, oftentimes give Satan a foothold. When this happens, many marriages have to start over and rebuild from the, hopefully, new and solid foundation of Christ alone and whatever "good" is left in the marriage. In repentance and rest, and quietness of soul and in trust, there is oftentimes salvation for the marriage (Isaiah 30:15). If one spouse is stiff-necked and unrepentant, even then it is not hopeless, and I would say to you, to keep pressing on. Nothing is irreconcilable with God. And unless there is danger in the marriage relationship, or continual behaviors which are repeated with no remorse or repentance, than I would suggest to you, to remove the word divorce from your vocabulary....for nothing is impossible with God!
http://youtu.be/bpphtclh7Ko
Valentines Day 11: Common Interests and Being Mentioned Together...or Mentioned Apart.
Valentines Day 11: Common Interests and Being Mentioned Together...or Mentioned Apart.
February 11, 2014 at 7:21am
In May 1982, two babies were born. A little boy weighing 8lb 4oz was born into a soldier's family on the 5th, and a little girl weighing 8lb 1oz was born into a soldier's family on the 24th. They were born across the country from each other but born into one family: the United States Army. Eventually, they went to school together, became friends later because of a common interest in horses, found out their dads worked together in the same unit, and as they grew up they discovered many other common interests between them. Many have changed since then, but not all. They both work really hard and enjoy working. One works hard supporting his country, going to war whenever he is asked, and returning stateside where he works equally hard and does his work exceedingly well. The other works hard supporting her country by supporting and encouraging her soldier; not complaining about their duty station, not complaining about long hours, and the many schools, and the other TDY's. She doesn't freak out about his deployments, or ruin his career with her selfish desires. Her husband trusts her and the decisions she makes while he is gone. She seeks to make his stress, less, by not putting her stress on him, but putting it on God. He can focus on his job because he's not focused on stress at home. This is what makes an army husband and wife, a GOOD TEAM! The army has been in their blood since birth. It's obviously a common interest but even more-so, it is the avenue by which God is weaving a crazy tapestry of trial and triumph, pain and joy, making mistakes and learning, knowing apathy and by it, knowing passion, seeing weakness and being made strong, breaking and being healed, and knowing about God and knowing God....a story which could be over but is still being written. Glory.
I wonder if Priscilla and Aquila (Acts chapter 18) have a tapestry anything like mine and James? I wonder what their life together was like, before Christ? Did you ever stop to wonder how they became the most dynamic duo in scripture? People don't just start out like that. They grow into it. I wonder what their testimony is. I wonder what mistakes they made. I can't wait to meet them in heaven.
***rabbit trail ahead***
I understands exactly how you could "spend eternity in heaven".... Meeting all the glorious people of scripture, hearing their stories, asking them my questions, seeing each and every tapestry right before my eyes, worshipping God through what he did in millions and billions of other people's tapestries. If you think worshipping God in heaven will get old, I'm not sure you have the right idea of how you will be worshipping him. Worship isn't just singing and bowing down. Worshipping God is praising him when you see your whole tapestry in front of you and you see exactly why things happened like they did. Worshipping God is praising him when Priscilla and Aquila show you their tapestry and tell you what God did to develop them into the best husband and wife team of the Bible. Worshipping God is asking to be introduced to Noah's wife and finally finding out what her name is and praising God for leaving her as a mysterious example to us, in how to be an excellent wife. Worshipping God is hearing and marveling as Job tells us the story of each of his tears and exactly why each one fell. If you think the stories of the bible get old and boring, you are missing out on so much that God has for you. If you aren't in love with the Word of God, if reading it isn't like sitting at a four course meal, if you don't long for God's Word, and you don't wonder about things in it, maybe your spiritual life isn't what God could make it if you approached His Word like a little child. <3
***Rabbit trail finished***
Did you know that Priscilla and Aquila were always mentioned together? You never see one or the other named in scripture, alone. It's always, "Priscilla and Aquila did this"...or, "Aquila and Priscilla did that". What an amazing concept, not seen anywhere else in the Bible. What if when God tells our story in heaven, he says, "and James and Rachelle did this and James and Rachelle did that and James and Rachelle went here and then they went there and I was with them the whole time....and this is why they went there and this is why that happened and this was all for my glory and all because James and Rachelle didn't give up and they trusted in me".
Priscilla and Aquila risked their very lives for Paul (Romans 16:3-5). They came together in their strengths and common interests (both Jews, both Tentmakers, both hospitable, both helping each other to run the church that was in their home (l Corinthians 16:19), both concerned for Paul, and both effective in ministry, especially with Apollos) and served God together to form a united team.
I pray that marriages, especially my own, would capitalize on common interests for the Glory of God, and that husbands and wives would be "mentioned together" and not "mentioned apart". I pray that God would be allowed to capitalize on their strengths and common interests, and that husbands and wives would have open, willing, pliable and teachable hearts and hands, so that the message of Christ is not hindered. And I pray that one day, in heaven, your tapestry will be rolled out in front of you and other curious believers, and it will read just like Priscilla and Aquila's, with you and your spouse's names always together!
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. "(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB)
http://youtu.be/WnDTDLOM0rY
Valentines Day 12 ~ The Mysterious Lady and the Patient Man
Valentines Day 12: The Mysterious Lady and The Patient Man
*Disclsimer: this devotional contains some dramatization*
She isn't named in scripture. She's one of the only women in scripture who is part of a huge story and isn't named. She and her husband's story take up four whole chapters in Genesis...Genesis 5:28-9:29...the story of Noah and the flood. Remember I mentioned in day two that some people's stories are so special that maybe only their name is recorded in scripture? Their special story is reserved for "storytime" in heaven, and we are left to wonder. Noah's wife's story must be extra special, then, because we aren't even given her name, or any details about her. The only thing we know about her was that she was Noah's wife and she was one of the only 8 people saved from the worldwide flood. Or is it?
It's really not. She was a mother to three sons, who were righteous, hard-working, faithful men. Answers in Genesis, says that the maximum years it took to build the ark was 75 years. For possibly 75 YEARS, Shem, Ham, and Japheth worked faithfully alongside their father building an ark...an ark that was nowhere near water....an ark that likely caused much ridicule from others. And yet, they built, and God saved them and their wives. Noah's wife HELPED RAISE STRONG, COMMITTED SONS!
Noah was the only one to find favor with God. Scripture says he walked with God and was righteous. He is in Hebrews 11, because he was full of faith in God. He very likely led his wife and sons well. Noah's wife was "led". Let's put it this way: Noah's wife allowed herself to be led. She was probably submissive and respectful. While other wives likely be-rated and teased her for "following her crazy husband", she respectfully obeyed him! She didn't leave, so it shows that she also trusted her husband, and that takes respect. Noah's wife was RESPECTFUL AND SUBMISSIVE!
Noah's wife likely gathered food and preserved it for the time they would be in the ark, helped bring tools and nails for Noah, and she very likely brought her husband water and his meals every day for 75 years, while he built the ark. She helped him build a humongous ship. The path from their house to the ship was likely worn into ruts! Noah's wife was HELPFUL, THOUGHTFUL, and STRONG! She was his perfect helpmate.
Only the 8 people who God initially said could be saved in the ark, were saved. This means that for 75 years, Noah and his family probably begged and pleaded for people to listen to them, and no one did. On the flip side, for 75 years, people likely ridiculed, teased, and spoke badly of Noah's family, persecuting them with their words. Imagine Noah's wife, working in her garden and being approached by other women, and being told such things as this, "Why are you wasting your time? How can you follow your weird husband's ideas? Don't you think you could use your talents in a better way? What if the flood never comes, won't you feel like an idiot? ...you ARE an idiot!" Noah's wife KNEW HER IDENTITY, and showed FORTITUDE, and strength of CHARACTER. She was full of DETERMINATION and PERSEVERANCE.
Three other women were saved in the ark. Surprisingly, (but actually NOT surprisingly) their names are not listed either. They were much younger than Noah's wife. I can imagine them all in the garden together and Noah's wife saying, "Girls, don't listen to them...we are following our husband's lead and we are trusting God. Don't let anything they say, cause you to take your eyes off The Lord. We are going to work hard and we will learn many lessons through this. It will be worth it." Think a little deeper...these three women had parents...they had sisters and brothers...they had friends. They all DIED in the flood. Without Noah's wife, those women would have likely caved under the pressure of their families and friends. Noah's wife was a ROLE-MODEL, a MENTOR, a GODLY OLDER WOMAN!!
Imagine the day that the flood started coming. First a little rain. No big deal. But by the second or third day there are hundreds of people who are getting concerned. God has shut the door of the ark. Inside, four women huddle up. Four men are there with them. The men look at each other as they hold their sobbing wives. Outside people are pounding on the door. Some of them are the families of the three women. Some of them are friends of the eight people in the ark. The women are crying, but they know they cannot open the door. The people must die because of their choices. As the tears and sobbing begin to subside, an elderly man and woman are the ones who guide and comfort the other 6 people. They allow everyone to grieve. They set their chins, and keep their eyes on God. They pray. And in time, those 6 people realize the wisdom of Noah and his wife. Noah's wife COULD CONTROL HER EMOTIONS AND WAS LOOKED UP TO AS A TEACHER. SHE WAS LIKELY RESPECTED BY ALL.
The 8 people spend over 190 days in the ark (some bible believing scientists say it's possible that they were in the ark for a total of 370 days). They shovel manure out of a back window. They feed and water animals (these are just my thoughts and I could be wrong, as God could have supernaturally cared for all of them in miraculous ways ---no feeding and watering and manure shoveling, necessary). They make meals in a smelly boat. They get irritated with each other. They get "ark fever". With time they learn to live with one another in peace. Noah's wife NEVER STOPPED GROWING. She never stopped LEARNING.
But all this, however great it makes Noah's wife look, isn't all I want to share. Noah's wife wasn't perfect, just like each of us aren't perfect. Think of some things she may have struggled with. Maybe she struggled with doubt, great fear, and likely weariness, exhaustion, and impatience. "How long is this boat going to take...how many more meals must I bring for these men...how many more snide remarks must I hear from other women....? I'm going crazy....Lord, please help me!!"
But there was this man. A good man. A righteous man. A man who walked with God. And lucky for Noah's wife, she got the blessing of being married to him. If Noah's wife showed any of the qualities I listed above, Noah showed them in greater measure. If there's a man in scripture that I would label as a "husband who sanctified his wife, and cleansed her with the washing of water (no pun intended!) with the Word, and presented his wife spotless and blameless (Ephesians 5:25-33) it would be Noah. No woman could have done what Noah's wife did, without a man like Noah must have been. But his greatest quality, I believe, is shown when the flood waters started receding. It is the quality I believe, that nurtured and cultivated the greatness of Noah's wife. Noah opened the window and sent out a raven and dove. There was nowhere for the dove to land so she came back (the raven never came back into the ark. He continually flew back and forth, likely resting on the ark---there is likely much symbolism with the raven and dove but I don't have time to research it). Noah WAITED seven days, then sent her out again. Then Noah WAITED seven more days and sent her out again. And this was after WAITING 40 days and nights while the earth flooded and 150 more days while the water stayed on the earth (and could have possible waited a total of 370). If it had been me, I would have been opening the window daily, and very impatiently! Noah was patient and I believe this is why his wife became excellent.
Carefully, precisely, accurately, and patiently, Noah spent 75 years of his life building a boat, perfectly. Patiently, he oversaw the work of his three sons. Patiently, he encouraged his wife to keep going EVERY. GRUELING. DAY. for 75 long years. Quietly, calmly, faithfully Noah led a family in a boat for many, many days. Patiently, Noah told them, "we will wait seven more days and then open the window...occupy your minds, find something to do, and stop complaining". And then one day, 8 weary survivors stepped out onto dry land, alive....but also wiser, with many life lessons under their belts.
Noah walked with God. Noah BUILT with God. Noah BUILT not only a boat, but a family, a legacy, an example for us, and he sanctified his wife. She was excellent because of him. He was excellent because of her. He was patient with her and led her rightly. She helped him, supported him, encouraged him, fed him. At the end of the day, maybe he hauled and heated her some bath water. Maybe at the end of the day she massaged his weary muscles.
http://youtu.be/i6X71sXagUY
Valentines Day 13 ~ Apple Trees and Lilies
Valentines Day 13 ~ Apple Trees and Lilies.
February 13, 2014 at 7:21am
In a farming community about 60 miles from Jerusalem, a young, low-class, peasant woman tended a vineyard that belonged to King Solomon. The king saw her and couldn't get her out of his mind. He disguised himself as a shepherd and returned to the vineyard to win her love. Eventually, this young king revealed his true identity and brought the young Shulammite to Jerusalem, to be his wife. It's such a tender story and it's likely true that this low-class woman was not Solomon's first or only wife (as indicated in Song of Solomon 6:8-9), but she was his one true love.
The first thing you notice when you read the Song of Solomon is that this woman was very insecure in her beauty. Her skin was dark from working out in the sun, while women of Jerusalem had light, delicate skin. She claims that she "had neglected her own vineyard", which indicates that she thought she could be more attractive if she had the time. She likely didn't have the time or resources to make herself as attractive as the other women she knew and saw. She even likens herself to a Rose of Sharon and a Lily of the Valleys, very common flowers of Israel, indicating that she felt she wasn't anything special. The young king is quick with a response saying that she is like a lily among thorns, to indicate that he thought she was extraordinary. From the very beginning, she as well, is quick to distinguish how special Solomon is by saying that he is like an apple tree among a forest of ordinary trees. As the Song of Solomon progresses, you see the king build this insecure woman up, until her confidence oozes from every verse of this exquisite and provocative book of the Bible. It's a beautiful story and God includes it in scripture because marriage, sex, and standards of beauty are important to him. It is also an allegory of how the Lord views us, his Bride. There is much spiritual symbolism, which I don't have the time to go into.
Standards of beauty are not what they should be, today. A pendulum swings either too far to the left or the right. In the past, the standard of beauty was thinness. Recently, the standard of beauty has dismissed thin women, calling them a range of horrible bad names as well as stating that they are unhealthy. The standard of beauty now, is you must have a lot of curves and thickness, or you are not a real woman. There's no in between. There's no break for the naturally thin woman who is healthy, and no break for the naturally heavier woman who is trying to stay healthy. This standard of beauty also affects men. Some men are tall and thin, some are short and heavier, some are more muscular. Hollywood is very clear on what makes a man sexy. He must be tall, dark, muscular, and highly sexual. Virtuous men and women are not considered valuable, anymore, by today's secular society.
Today, sin is prevalent, accepted, tolerated, and even encouraged and glorified. But, even Solomon himself stated, "There is nothing new under the sun." The very same sins that affect us today, are the same sins of biblical times. Solomon's downfall was, in essence, a loss of his previous standard of beauty, which resulted in lust and idolatry. The young Shulammite woman, his perfect one, his dove, was no longer enough for him. He formed alliances with foreign nations by marrying foreign women. The alliances gave him power but even that power wasn't enough. The foreign women pulled him into idolatry, which weakened his once strong relationship with God, until his loyalty to God was obsolete. It can happen to anyone, even the wisest man who ever lived. The man who asked for wisdom above all else....the man who wrote over 3000 proverbs, including one which states, "to rejoice in the wife of your youth, and be satisfied with her only" (proverbs 5:16-19), and warned us over and over about committing adultery, even giving us the consequences of it....committed spiritual adultery, and likely physical adultery, as well. It cost Solomon his relationship with God, probably the relationship he had with the Shulammite (if she was in fact, a real person), and it cost him the slow collapse of his kingdom. But before we go dismissing this king, as good-for-nothing, a disgrace, or a failure, let's remember that some time elapsed between the time he wrote the Song of Solomon and Proverbs and the time that he wrote the beautiful book of Ecclesiastes; one of my favorite books of the Bible. Solomon didn't go to the grave still sinning, still worshipping idols, still seeking power, and obsessing over women. When everything around him started collapsing and he was left with the consequences of his actions, a repentant attitude began to take root in his heart. A sadness began to overtake him. A book of the Bible that holds many lessons for us was written. Something beautiful came from the ashes of his life of vain pursuit. The melancholy tone of Ecclesiastes, lends to his feelings of repentance, humility, and gratefulness to God. He couldn't escape the consequences of his actions, but he could warn others, and that is what makes this king very endearing to me. At the end of his life, he reflected on all that he had done and said all of it was meaningless, without a relationship with, and fear of God, and an obedience to his commands.
Solomon's sin started with discontentment, selfishness, and a covetous attitude. In Ecclesiastes, you can almost hear the sadness when he states, "Enjoy life with the woman whom you love, all the days of your fleeting life" (Eccl 9:9). It's almost as if he regrets not being able to do just that. He regrets not being able to enjoy that one woman he loved and letting her set his standard of beauty. I think she was the Shulammite, but by this time, it was too late for him to make it right. He wrote Ecclesiates out of the bitterness of his heart, so people would seek true happiness in God first, for he knew that in doing so, all other things would naturally fall into place!
Please set your spouse as your standard of beauty. Let no one or no thing be more beautiful than her or him, except God himself. If you haven't done this in the past, and you are still breathing, you can still heed the advice all through Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, and you can take lessons in how to build your spouse up, from the Song of Solomon. You have time. Solomon didn't.
Tell your wife she is beautiful, this Valentines Day and everyday after. Tell your husband he is handsome, this Valentines Day and everyday after. Let nothing come between you two.
~ •~•~•~•~•~•~
If you have been wounded and your self-esteem crushed, and you see no way out of the mindset you have about yourself or how others view you, the first place to start is to discover what God's Word says about you. If you don't have a solid foundation about how God sees you, there will be no launching pad, to later see yourself accurately. There are many verses where you can start, like Psalm 139, and First Peter chapter 3. If no one has helped you to rightly view yourself, but instead they have hindered you, forgiveness is in order, but mostly I would suggest to you, to let God set your standard. He created you and loves you and sees you as his perfectly beautiful creation!! <3
This woman overcame being viewed as the ugliest woman in the world. As I watched this, she became more and more beautiful to me, and I'll always love this video!
http://youtu.be/R0OV92Yyl20
Dove Beauty Sketches, another video I love to watch now and again:
http://youtu.be/litXW91UauE
Just for fun:
http://youtu.be/oartIE7rKuM
Sobering song from Natalie Grant, that shows what happens when a woman becomes wounded, but how God can heal it:
http://youtu.be/i6RezoHKni0
The truth:
http://youtu.be/p9PjrtcHJPo
Valentines Day 15 ~ Extra Portions
February 15, 2014 ·
Day 15: Extra Portions
*I wrote this devotion with husbands in mind, but every part can be applied to wives, as well*
When I think of some of the wonderful husbands of the Bible, the one who comes to mind first, is usually Elkanah. There are many other good husbands in the Bible, like Boaz (see Day 2), Hosea (to be featured on Day 28), Noah (see Day 12), both Josephs, and a few others, but Elkanah has always stood out to me. I don't know his size but his name makes me think of a gentle giant. He was also a man who seemed to have impeccable integrity; always fulfilling his vows, and bringing the yearly sacrifice. What hits me the most though, every time I read First Samuel chapters 1 and 2, is his obvious love and care for Hannah. He is always gentle with her, especially in his speech. It's very endearing and sweet! I love that God gave us this story of Hannah and included Elkanah so often, in it. It gives us an intimate view into their life and marriage that is absent in some of the other stories in the Bible, of married couples. The intimate life of Noah and his wife, for example, is very silent. The dialog that is recorded in Hannah and Elkanah's story is very brief (it's really only in verses 1:8 and 1:22-23), but it's very revealing. The other information given about Hannah and Elkanah, give much evidence of their sweet and loving relationship.
As we read their story, we see several statements made about Elkanah, or statements of things he said.
#1: He was generous to Peninnah, but he was exceedingly generous and gave double portions to Hannah
#2: He loved Hannah, even though God had closed her womb (a disgrace in those times).
#3: Verse 1:8 shows his obvious care and earnest concern for Hannah, as he asks her questions about her physical and emotional health.
#4: He cares about Hannah's precise wishes (verse 1:23), and wants her to be happy
#5: Elkanah and Hannah made decisions together and did things together, as stated in 1:19, 23, 25, and 2:19.
Only to a woman whom a man truly loves will he give more than is required of him. This man goes the extra mile for the woman he truly loves. He gives double portions of his time, money, dedication, help, etc. Elkanah did this for Hannah.
A man who truly loves a woman sees beyond her faults, her blemishes, her physical limitations, or her "weak" areas. He loves her as she is. Elkanah loved Hannah even though she was barren and could not give him a son.
A man who truly loves a woman and wants to show her that he does, asks the hard questions with honest concern, and deals with her answers patiently and with grace. Elkanah didn't berate Hannah for her depression and her physical and mental limitations. He was simply there for her and didn't try to fix it. In his statement, "Aren't I better to you, than ten sons?", it reveals that he wasn't trying to "fix" her. He was simply offering his presence to her. Sometimes that's all that's needed for a depressed person who lives in insecurity....true presence.
Not many men in biblical times cared much for "their wives wishes" but Elkanah did. He wanted to please Hannah and make her happy. A man who truly loves a woman, wants to do all in his power to meet her needs and help her to be happy. True happiness is only from The Lord, but the caring love of a man who wants to meet a woman's needs goes a long way for her earthly happiness and security.
Decisions in every detail of life, should be made together. No secret purchases, no secret life, no secret activities. Complete honesty and accountability is a cornerstone in the marriage relationship, and without it, the marriage is a prison, a scary place, a place where fear lives. It's not a relationship anymore; it's a tyranny. Elkanah made decisions with his wife and it is evident that Hannah went with him on a lot of his journeys. They did things together; not on their own.
Husbands and wives, give extra portions of your gentleness, care, concern, provision, acceptance, honesty and integrity to each other, as Elkanah and Hannah did. Blessings!
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