If God Sent You a Valentine...

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentines didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840's by Esther A. Howland. (courtesy Wikipedia)

If God were to send you a Valentine what would it look like?

That is not a difficult question to answer if you are a Christian, for He has already given you one...  God's Word is His Valentine to you and me.  Not just any Valentine - but one that transcends our ability to grasp it's full impact.  God's Love Letter is given to us for all time and for all circumstances.  It is not limited to a special holiday.

God's requirement for us as His beloved is that we make Him our "first love" - wholly committed to Him. Our heart represents our core being.  Loving God with our whole heart means our affections must be focused foremost and fully on Him first. Only then can we love others with the love He loves us...

Love is the highest form of affection.  Agape love is the highest form of love according to God's Word. In your spiritually uneven marriage God wants to love your spouse through you, and that means even when you don't feel like it. 

It is the volition of your will that will direct your emotional response. Decide now that you will show your love by your actions.  Remember your vows:  to love and cherish, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health...  Loving your husband needs to be unconditional and intentional.

When I write these posts I can honestly say I am reinforcing my own need to hear this.  I write and read these blog articles for my own admonishment and encouragement! I too struggle with emotions and the up and down feelings that accompany any marriage - especially when you are spiritually mismatched.  There is often a disconnect - a drifting apart that occurs with regards to spiritual intimacy.

This Valentine's Day do something special for your mate. .Sure - give them candy hearts and a card. Make them their favorite meal and spend quality time together.  Then give them something unexpected..

Give them a look in the eye honest thank-you for all that you have been through together. Men desire - no, men need our respect and love. Tell them that you’d marry them all over again – that they are just what God designed for you! Reinforce that through your marriage, children, family issues, parents' deaths, surgeries, illnesses, moves, remodels, and lots of other LIFE events, that you are totally committed to them!

What has touched my heart more than anything else over the years has been a consistent hand-written note in every Valentine card I receive from my husband, telling me that he loves me, and thanking God for me. This is a gesture of love coming from a man who has yet to make Jesus Christ the Lord of his life. How blessed I am!

In the book of Ephesians Chapter 5 commands us to walk in love towards one another. The Apostle Paul is teaching on submitting to one another in the fear of God. Husbands are admonished to love their wives just as Christ loves the church. Wives are taught to respect their husbands. 

This portion of Scripture is not just for Christian marriages - but for all marriages. Our submission to Christ in our marriage is key to pleasing Him and our spouse.  You can visit a previous post I wrote on the subject of submission HERE .

Give your husband a Valentine straight from God's heart... give him love abounding from a grateful heart established in God's Word - full of peace and grace!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

 If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

If God Sent You a Valentine...

Transformation in the New Year

Have you been waiting for your spouse to come to knowledge of Jesus Christ that will transform his life? 

Sometimes that personal revelation takes awhile...  You can read about Thomas in John 20:19-29. I firmly believe in divine appointments. Thomas was not in the room when Jesus met with the disciples on the evening He arose from the grave. Did you ever wonder why Thomas wasn't present with them?

Remember, this was the same Thomas that asked Jesus in John 14:5, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way"? Jesus then told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me". "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him".

Isn't it interesting that we also often don't recognize the Lord. We know through scripture that Thomas knew Him, but he did not believe that the other disciples saw Him that night in the upper room. In John 20:14 Thomas insisted, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe".

He was basically giving himself an ultimatum! Proof is often needed, even demanded by the natural man. But Thomas was a spiritual man, one who knew the Lord intimately - face to face. What hampered his ability to "see without proof" what he already knew in his heart? Or did he really believe what he had been told?

John 20:26 says, "And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" Do you think Thomas had peace after the other disciples told him he missed seeing Jesus?

In verse 27 we read, "Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." Jesus turned toward Thomas and personally addressed him. Isn't that just like our loving Lord, to meet us at our weakest point with His immeasurable grace and mercy?

Your spouse also needs to have a transforming meeting with Jesus - face to face. His doubts and fears can be overcome when Jesus dialogues with him on his level, just like Thomas!

Seek God while He may be found and reach out to Him for salvation and understanding.  He is waiting with open arms. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."

This is a great quote from Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest:

"The experience of salvation means that in your actual life things are really altered, you no longer look at things as you used to; your desires are new, old things have lost their power. If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the alteration manifest in your actual life and reasoning, and when the crisis comes you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful difference there is in you. There is no possibility of imagining that you did it. It is this complete and amazing alteration that is the evidence that you are a saved soul."

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new. II Corinthians 5:17

There are many people sitting in church who are not spiritually reborn. They do not understand the concept of being "a new creation in Christ." They think God welcomes them with open arms because He "loves everyone."  Here is a post I wrote awhile ago on the difference between religion (works) and a real relationship with Jesus Christ (g

                                                                  Click below:

RELATIONSHIP not RELIGION

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Transformation in the New Year

The Abigail Syndrome

When I became a Christian at the age of 33 yrs. old, I had already been married for seven years to my present husband. Neither of us went to church or were interested in the things of God.

As time went by, I began to grow more and more unsettled. I was a new creature in Christ.  I had new interests and desires.  I was growing in the Lord and was still an immature Christian who had much to learn. I became irritated with my husband when he didn't want to attend church with me. I even began thinking about what it would be like to be married to a Christian. Maybe I needed a new husband.

Living in an unequally-yoked marriage is difficult and lonely. You might not recognize the phrase "unequally-yoked". In marriage it refers to a husband and wife who are both non Christians. I have a  FAQ's  section on my website that addresses the issue.

Thank God He soon convicted me and stopped my flawed thinking before it was too late. He was revealing to me an idea I hadn't thought of. God could do the impossible. He could reach my husband for Christ and change his heart. He alone could draw him into a relationship and regenerate his very soul. I would get a new husband with the same man!

“For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife… For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband?”  (I Corinthians 7: 14, 16)

Here is a little history lesson on Abigail and David:

After King David had commanded several successful military campaigns, he mercifully spared King Saul’s life in a cave in the region of En Gedi. David then journeyed into the wilderness of Paran following Samuel’s death and burial. Samuel had, under God’s direction, chosen and anointed David as the future King of Israel.

By this time David had already taken Saul’s daughter Michal as his wife; a gift from the King to David for a crushing defeat of the Philistines in exchange for his bride’s dowry, as vengeance on the King’s enemies. David and his men were in the wilderness when he heard that a man in Carmel named Nabel, whose sheep were being sheared, might have provisions for him and his young warriors (I Samuel 21-24).

Below is an excerpt from my book MISSION POSSIBLE  
Chapter 4   “The Abigail Syndrome”

Mission Possible is a book for women who are unequally-yoked in marriage. 

Using God's Word, it offers the reader hope and encouragement, 
while applying Biblical truths.

The traditional story of “Abigail” in I Samuel 25 is a familiar one. Abigail was married to Nabal, a man of means who treated her and everyone else like dirt. Though Nabal was descended from Caleb, he shared none of his virtues.  When King David heard that her husband Nabal reviled his men, he was ready to kill him and his household. Abigail went out to meet David with humility and gifts. David highly praised Abigail’s courage and advice. Nabal soon died upon hearing what took place after his drunken binge. Abigail became David’s wife when he proposed after learning of Nabal’s fate. Abigail would now reside with the King in a “fairy tale” ending.

Not so fast… Don’t be “caught up” in the Abigail syndrome. I believe God has a New Testament application for those of us who stand in the gap for our unbelieving husbands. Let’s look at what this passage does not represent: 

   We don’t pray that our husbands will “drop dead” so we can marry a believer as that would not be in God’s perfect will for us. Neither do we hope he’ll die from a heart attack to “pay him back” for his evil ways. God has a better plan. I believe this would be the God honoring scenario for the wife who believes for her husband’s salvation.

   Abigail was a woman of good understanding. (I Samuel 25:3). Godly wisdom and understanding promote knowing God’s will. Isaiah 11:2 is a picture of the Holy Spirit for us today:  “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon [us], the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” We must be in tune with what God would have us do with regards to our mate. Daily prayer and being in God’sWord helps us to know God’s will.

   Interestingly, when David sent his men to ask favor and provision from Nabal, he was indifferent and inquired: “Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse?…Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat … and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?” (I Samuel 25:10-11). Likewise, your husband, just as Nabal, doesn’t know the King yet.

   Often times it is difficult to tithe, attend every church service, or be at every Bible study or function because your husband doesn’t see a need for you to participate or share you with God. Be patient. He must see your commitment and desire to be with God’s people and in God’s presence.

   Nabal was a self-made man who was very prideful and greedy. Reading Jesus’ parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-20, we see similarities.  Nabal was not thankful for anything, nor recognized God’s hand of provision at all. Your husband may be “rich and full of worldly things.” His equating “good things & provision” to GOD are foreign. Only GOD can change his heart and priorities as you pray for his spiritual enlightenment (Ephesians 1:18). Pray for God to woo him by His Spirit into a curiosity and awareness of the things of God. 

 Unlike King David who planned to wipe out Nabal’s lineage, God has compassion and mercy on our spouses. He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9). God wills that your spouse join you in “holy union.” The apostle Paul states in I Corinthians 7:14, 16 “for the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife …for how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband?” 

   When Abigail heard what Nabal had done, she quickly prepared an offering for King David. Our offering brought to our King is a humble heart, a willing & submissive spirit, and unwavering obedience. We intercede on our husband’s behalf by meeting the King of Kings.

   King David praised Abigail for her good sense and devotion:  “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and blessed are you , because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed… unless you had hastened and come to meet me, surely by morning light no males would have been left to Nabal” (I Samuel 25:32-34). David would have wiped out Nabal’s name but it was God’s desire to “promote a Godly lineage.” Abigail’s actions and attitude spared Nabal but Nabal didn’t recognize her sacrifice. Our sacrifice on our spouse’s behalf is unwavering faith and persistent prayers offered up to the Throne of Grace. GOD always takes notice of devotion!

 God cherishes the soul we carry to Him in love when it’s “one flesh” we seek.

You can visit my website  HERE  for information on
ordering a copy of  MISSION POSSIBLE.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

The Abigail Syndrome

MISSION POSSIBLE - Resource for those in a Spiritually Uneven Marriage

“For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy…For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband whether you will save your wife?”   

(I Corinthians 7:14, 16)

Living in an unequally-yoked marriage is a challenge at best...  It is a real-life dilemma that requires great patience, understanding, and perseverance.

MISSION POSSIBLE  was written to encourage and enlighten women (and men) who are living in  a spiritually uneven marriage. The book is in an easy-to-read format with Bible study questions at the end of each chapter for enrichment and personal reflection.

I wanted to re-introduce this valuable resource to those who might not have heard about it before. I am determined to continue to spread the word to women who need help and hope in this vital area of ministry. Below is an intro to my book  MISSION POSSIBLE.

Women, are you in an unequally-yoked marriage?  Are you tired of attending church alone? Do you yearn for a relationship with your husband that’s spiritually satisfying?  You can influence your home for Christ even within a spiritually mismatched marriage.

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to stand in the gap for your mate’s soul. This small book is a powerful tool for any woman who is married to a man who does not share her passion for Jesus. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.

  

Everyone has at least ONE friend who needs this book! In Mission Possible you will:

-- Discover how to believe with radical faith for your spouse’s salvation.

-- Learn the secret to “staying the course” while you wait for your promise.

-- Find out why many women don’t like to share their “secret sorrow”.

-- Overcome your own fears and doubts about your husband’s future with God.

-- Join other women in the knowledge that God has a perfect plan of unity for you

   and your spouse.

MISSION POSSIBLE  was awarded the 2010 Gold Seal Best Book in the Christian Non-Fiction category on Readers Favorite. 

You can purchase MISSION POSSIBLE on Amazon (paperback and Kindle) or on Smashwords as an e-book in a variety of formats for popular e-Readers.

I have also had my Website completely revamped and redesigned for optimal viewing on all devices including desktops, tablets and mobile devices.  Please check it out and share with others who need hope and help in their spiritually mismatched marriage. 

Visit  Godmissionpossible  or  Spirituallyunevenmarriage   to view the website.  

I especially love the  Social Media Wall.  Let me know what you think!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

MISSION POSSIBLE - Resource for those in a Spiritually Uneven Marriage

New Year Resolution - Leave the Past Where It Is

The New Year is here!  A chance to START OVER and begin anew!  

The Apostle Paul states in Philippians verse 13-14, “but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 

In order to move forward - we must remain unencumbered. No baggage allowed!   

There’s a familiar saying we’ll hear over and over again in the next week: “I’m making a New Year’s resolution to …” Well, I’ve decided to say, “I’m making a New Life resolution.”

The world view of resolutions run the gamut from diets and exercise, to spending and vices, manners and tempers, to everything in-between. As a Christian, I’m going to focus on “life style” resolutions that revolve around Christ and His example. Sure, we all have plenty of other things to work on, including those mentioned above. However, Jesus wants us to exhibit His qualities and attributes as we walk in this world. Our light needs to shine a bit brighter, and our salt needs to retain more saltiness as the days grow dimmer and more sinful (Matthew 5:13-16).

King David expressed his sentiments regarding the Lord’s leading. (Psalm 141:3-4) “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing…” (Psalm 143:8) “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.”

I want to resolve to walk in the path God has for me, and to guard my mouth and heart. I need God’s eye upon me, and His gentle hand of correction as I journey through this life. I rely more upon Him now than I did as a new believer. Year by year, I recognize His new mercies and faithfulness towards me. I am amazed at His forbearance with me as I fall short of His standard. Praise God there is no condemnation, but only love and encouragement through His Word.

The Apostle Paul instructs us to know Christ in an intimate way. That intimacy caused him to “press on and lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:10-12) We have a revelation from Christ that brings a fresh, spiritual comprehension, which in turn gives us apprehension to live out our Christianity with boldness. Our confidence cannot be in our flesh, but in the power of God. Look to Him with the expectation of what He can do in us and through us.

Isaiah called Israel to not dwell on the past - but to move forward towards God's promises of deliverance and a future of hope: "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

What a great lesson for the New Year and our “New Life” resolution. Look forward, not backwards. Keep your eye on Jesus and the heavenly goal. Pattern your new ideas and habits on what the Word teaches. Model yourself after your Maker and Master. Fix your gaze upon Jesus…He’s all you need to walk in the newness of life.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.   Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

New Year Resolution - Leave the Past Where It Is

Motherhood - 3 things we can learn from Scripture

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to take a look at how God’s Word views motherhood. 

Maybe it’s because I am a grandmother that I view these biblical portraits more personally. Watching my daughter-in-law with my new grandson brings back so many memories of my son as an infant.

The Holy Scripture attributes motherly qualities to God in many passages. The ancient prophets often used metaphors of mothers to portray God’s fidelity and love. Isaiah describes God as a loving mother who had carried Israel from their infancy. Isaiah 66:13 states, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”  As Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, claiming that the prophets were killed for exposing evil, He exclaimed, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” Our Lord displayed moments of great emotion and tenderness, which were often compared to a devoted mother’s love.

So what does Biblical motherhood look like? Here are 3 things we can learn from Scripture:

1.  God is the one who defined motherhood

Genesis chapters 3 and 4 introduce us to Eve, the first mother. Adam called her name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living. She conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” Cain worked in the fields and tilled the earth which yielded crops of which he presented his sacrifice to the Lord God. She then bore Abel, the son who was loving and responsible, tending the flocks in the meadows. After Cain killed Abel in a jealous rage over what appeared to him to be God’s favoritism, Cain was banished by God for shedding his brother’s blood, never to return to his family.

Adam and Eve then conceived Seth, whose lineage began to “call on the name of the Lord” (Gen. 5).  We can only imagine how Eve must have heard the Lord God’s words ringing in her ears, “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children.” That sorrow and pain were evidenced in the heartbreak Eve experienced as the first mother on earth, mourning one son who was dead, and the other who was never to be seen again. But, in God’s great mercy, their third son, Seth, would provide the path to mankind’s salvation over generations which culminated in the Lord Jesus Himself (Luke 3).

2.  God is the one who defended motherhood

In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, born to him in Egypt. She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses. Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of the Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child. She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River. As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently. Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly instruction and loving example to that little Hebrew child. Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s palace?

3.  God is the one who revered motherhood

In the gospels of Matthew and Luke we see details of young Mary’s introduction to the angel Gabriel and his startling revelation about her heaven ordained pregnancy. The angel had come vested with a divine commission – “You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.” As Mary questioned the angel about the particulars of conception, the angel answered that the body of Jesus would be created by an act of Divine power, and that the Holy One who would be born would be called the Son of God. She displayed complete resignation and surrender of her heart to God.

After Jesus was born, we can imagine many nights nursing the baby and pondering all that lay ahead for the special Child. When she and Joseph journeyed to Jerusalem, obeying Jewish law for her purification, they offered two turtle doves and later presented Jesus to the priest for his blessing. Mary and Joseph marveled as Simeon proclaimed the baby “the salvation of Israel”, and Anna, the prophetess confirmed his prophetic words. But Mary also heard Simeon proclaim, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against, (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 

In the years to come, Mary would indeed suffer the pangs of sorrow as her heart was pierced, even at the Lord’s excruciating death.  But what comfort she heard coming from her Son, even at death’s door, giving instruction to John regarding her care! What love and devotion to her in that moment! (John 19:25-27)

There are times we wonder if what we are doing is really having any impact on our children. 

Sometimes we imagine that we fall woefully short of the mandate we have to nurture and train up our sons and daughters in the ways of the Lord. Do not despair - you have a greater sphere of influence than you might think. Here is a past post on this very subject:

Mom - you DO have influence

We will certainly experience joy, sorrow, pride, grief, and all other range of emotions during our God ordained roles as mothers and caregivers of our children. Thank God for motherhood. We are the better for it!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  
Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Motherhood - 3 things we can learn from Scripture

A King, A Donkey and A Praise Team

"Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"  (Zechariah 9:9)

The two disciples thought they heard Jesus correctly: "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you; you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them.' and immediately he will send them."

As they approached the village, they looked at each other with that look... the one they've used before - as if to say, "are you thinking what I'm thinking?"  As they turned onto the street, Jesus spoke of, sure enough, there was the colt - tied up outside by the door, just as He said.  As they begun to untie the colt, the owners approached them and said, "Why are you loosing the colt?" 

They both chimed in at the same time, saying, "The Lord has need of him."  They held their collective breath until the owner finally nodded in their direction.  They carefully led the animal down the dusty, uneven path out to where the Lord was.  First one, and then the other laid their garments on the beast as a befitting gesture to the Lord.  He mounted the compliant colt and rode slowly towards Jerusalem.

Many onlookers began spreading their garments on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the palm trees that shaded the crowd from the glaring sun.  By now a great multitude had gathered; some following from behind and some went ahead of Jesus, crying out, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

The King of Kings was entering the Holy City on a lowly donkey...  There was no white stallion or blazing chariot for this royal ruler.  No - this was a servant King who chose to humble Himself and give the glory to His Father.  As his disciples began to rejoice with the people, praising in loud voices for all of the mighty works they had witnessed, there were those who were less than impressed.

Some of the Pharisees called out to Him from the crowd saying, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."  Their rising discomfort had more to do with their self-righteous attitudes and pious indignity than it did with genuine concern.  Jesus then said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."

[Key passages shared are Matthew 21:1-10 , Mark 11:1-10 , Luke 19:28-40 , John 13:12-15]

The donkey headed down the crowed bumpy street undaunted. The city was bustling with travelers from all walks of life. The busy markets and roaming beasts emitted their own share of scents. But on this day the Rose of Sharon rode towards Jerusalem to fulfill His destiny...

There is a sweet fragrance that rises to the Father as our prayers, praises and testimonies make their way to Him.  As the Apostle Paul so eloquently states in II Corinthians 2:14-15 , "But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere. For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing..."  (The Message)

Today there are still many who do not recognize His Deity. 

They marvel at His works and embrace His teachings.  They acknowledge His wisdom and admire his morals, but there are still observers who ask, "Who is this Jesus?" 

During this Easter season think about what you believe and how you might share it with others. Do you have a special Scripture reference? What is your answer for the hope that lies within you? 

(I Peter 3:15-16)

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

A King, A Donkey and A Praise Team

Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say...

Who do you confide in when you are at the end of your rope?  Do you bottle everything up inside, or do you reach for your cell phone?  

Do your close friends know every detail of your fledgling relationship? 


Don't dishonor God by revealing things that would be unflattering or misconstrued by others regarding your marriage. Gossip is destructive and slander is evil - especially when it damages your spouse.

Here's a post I wrote a few years ago about this very thing:

Don't Trash Your Marriage

On occasion I have things run through my mind that are like a "powder keg" waiting to blow. My husband might be doing something seemingly harmless like watching a TV program - but it is affecting my spirit in a negative way. It is often offensive in nature (bleeping every other word) or violent content that grieves me when I hear it or see it.  Sometimes I just have to go into another room and collect my thoughts before I say something I'll regret.

II Corinthians 10:5 says this, "... casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

There is no doubt that I generally "bring every thought" kicking and screaming to obey the nature of Christ. Flesh wars against the spirit. The tug-o-war is real. The evil one wants to create an atmosphere of defeat, discouragement and doubt. His desire is for you to exhibit distain and disgust towards your mate.  He wants to unravel any victory or alliance that would bring God glory.

Galatians 5:22-23 is one of the greatest New Testament passages written by Paul that contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. In my humble opinion self-control is paramount to overcoming an adverse and abrasive nature.

Our words carry an immeasurable weight with our spouses. We can bless them with uplifting positive speech or we can curse them with careless negative talk. Jesus Christ Himself said, "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."  You can't disguise how you really feel.

"...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34)

Ask God to help you with your temper, your criticism, and your negativity. Pray for your fruits of the Spirit to be evident to your mate. Immerse yourself in Scripture and meditate on passages that reinforce edifying speech.  Here is a post I wrote on the Fruit of the Spirit:

Fruitful or Barren?

What do you struggle with most in your unequally-yoked marriage? Do your words get you into trouble? Do you fall into the trap of bad-mouthing your spouse? How do you effectively battle this issue in your home?

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say...

Five Things We Can Learn From the Resurrection Aftermath

Resurrection Sunday has come and gone. Christians world-wide celebrated the fact that Jesus’ power was on full display as He overcame death.

In the natural realm, what would the empty tomb represent?  "Empty" denotes void, barren, forsaken, depleted, and lacking. 

The disciples had just witnessed a level of devastation and grief they most likely never knew before. They were confused, lost, and scared....

For some, emptiness represents unfulfilled dreams, dashed hopes, and unmet expectations.  

Do you have an empty place in your life that requires a miracle?  Is your marriage on the verge of a collapse?  Is your child wayward and faltering in the world?  Do you struggle with acute physical pain and limitations?  Jesus can minister to you in whatever circumstances you face in life.

Here are five things we can learn from those closest to Jesus after the resurrection...  (John 20, 21; Luke 24; Mark 16)

1.  Our expectations are not always met.

When Mary approached Jesus' tomb she wasn’t expecting it to be empty. She had come with the other women bearing spices in order to anoint Jesus' body. The thought of a bodily resurrection had not crossed her mind - not yet of course.

2.  We generally don’t like surprises. 

We like things to stay relatively calm and predictable. Mary had already had her world turned upside down. Now she was fretting over the fact that her Lord was missing.

      3.  We often don’t recognize what is right in front of us.

Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener. Her grief and pain clouded her perception. It wasn't until Jesus called out her name that she realized it was indeed Him. She didn't expect to receive that level of personal tenderness and compassion in her fragile state.

4.  We have an inherent propensity to doubt.

Thomas was missing in action when Jesus presented Himself to the disciples. We don't know why he wasn't there - but he wasn't buying any part of their story. He put conditions on his belief and lacked faith in their eyewitness account. He was in effect saying, "prove it!".

       5.  We frequently go back to old habits.

Peter had been in that empty tomb. He knew Jesus was raised from the dead. He saw Jesus when they had assembled in prayer and He showed Himself to them. Days later, Peter was feeling somewhat dejected and told the others he was going fishing. They also went with him, and after fishing all night, caught nothing... just as it was when Jesus found him on the shores of Lake Gennesaret.

So what does all of this have to do with us?  Well... everything. 

We often struggle when we forget that Jesus is alive and still in control.  How can we be so ignorant of those facts when His Word is replete with encouragement and hope?

The examples above end in victory for each one of them. They all became overcomers through the power and person of Jesus Christ. He will do the same for you.

Here is another post from the past to encourage you:   Turn Your Devastation Into Regeneration

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Five Things We Can Learn From the Resurrection Aftermath