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

Time for Change - New Year, New YOU

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 …”

Some of the more popular Top 10 Resolutions that we make are:

   ~ Spend more time with family and friends
 ~ Commit to a new diet and eating choices

~ Give more to charity – time and money

~ Begin a new fitness routine

~ Learn something new

~ Get out of debt

~ Get organized

The best time to start a new habit is NOW!

I just love the New Year and what opportunities it brings. I say, “Time for a change - change is good!"

Isaiah 43:18-19 says this: “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.”

It's never too late to start over...

The enemy wants to you think that where you've been and what you've done dictates where you're going. But that is "flawed thinking"! God's grace enables us to begin again. It dares us to take a chance on something new and exciting.

As Christians, we are new creatures in Christ. We have a new beginning. We can establish new habits that are godly and useful. We can find new inspiration and a fresh new revelation as we read and study God’s Word. Who doesn’t like a clean slate – a new chance to have a "do over"!

There are four steps to accomplishment: First, plan purposefully; second, prepare prayerfully; third, proceed positively; and fourth, pursue persistently.  (Anonymous)


The Apostle Paul instructs us to know Christ in a new intimate way. That kind of 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). Through God's Word we have a revelation that brings a fresh, spiritual comprehension, which in turn acts as the catalyst to enable us to live out our Christianity with boldness and faith.

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. As Paul states in 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.”

Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.  -Ronald E. Osborn

In the book of Revelation, John tells us that those worshipping before the throne of the Lamb will sing a new song. In his vision he gazed upon a new heaven and a new earth.

What a great lesson for the New Year! We have “New Life” resolutions! 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 is all you need to walk in the newness of life.

The vision to see, the faith to believe, and the will to do will take you anywhere you want to go... (Anonymous)

Frances Ridley Havergal wrote the hymn Another Year Is Dawning in 1860 as a celebration of New Year’s Eve and looking forward in faith to God’s blessings. What a beautiful tribute to what a new year can hold in store for us…

Another Year Is Dawning

Another year is dawning:

Dear Father, let it be,

In working or in waiting,

Another year with Thee;

Another year of progress,

Another year of praise,

Another year of proving

Thy presence all the days.

 Another year of mercies

Of faithfulness and grace;

Another year of gladness

In the shining of Thy face;

Another year of leaning

Upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting,

Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service,

Of witness for Thy love;

Another year of training

For holier work above.

Another year is dawning:

Dear Father, let it be,

On earth or else in heaven,

Another year for Thee.

Here’s to a new year full of hope and anticipation in what God has in store for us!

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

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.

Time for Change - New Year, New YOU

Left Behind or Forward March?

With the premier of the new movie LEFT BEHIND - I was again feeling a bit uneasy. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then most likely you have family members who aren't. This is especially difficult if you have a spouse who doesn't yet profess the name of Jesus as Savior.

I asked my husband if he would like to see the much anticipated movie at the theater near us next week. His mother had read many of the books years ago and enjoyed them from a "fiction" standpoint. I don't recall that he ever read one himself.  However, he just might go see this movie with me out of nothing more than obligation and sheer curiosity.

He did surprise me this summer when he came home with the DVD  SON OF GOD .  He said we could watch it together. I couldn't believe my ears. I had watched the entire mini series on the History Channel when it originally aired and he had often watched portions with me.  He never discussed them, but continued watching nonetheless.

God is always working behind the scenes.  In my book MISSION POSSIBLE, I mention the fact that your spouse will unknowingly be drawn "to the things of God in you" - completely unaware of God's sovereignty in all circumstances. Our "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23) all serve to point your spouse (unaware) to God. They will notice the difference, but not be able to pin-point when it happened or why.

So - as time marches on I continue to hold onto the hope that he will indeed ask Jesus into his heart.  I and many others have "planted seed", another will "water" and God will "bring the increase." My husband's salvation is nearer now that it has ever been.

If you are married to someone who doesn't yet know the Lord, or you are not really sure about their salvation - my previous post A Bona Fide Convert  will give you something to think about.

Only God knows the condition of their heart. Only He knows what it will take to soften it and move mightily in their particular situation. Our duty is to pray and live out our life as a testimony of God's goodness and grace in action.

Are you waiting for your miracle? Do you tire at the thought of attending church alone or longing for a true spiritual leader in your home? Put your faith in God's faithfulness and His promises.


"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."  (II Peter 3:9)

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.

Left Behind or Forward March?

Christmas – What Gift Do You Bring Him?

If you are in a spiritually uneven marriage, the holiday season can be stressful and uncertain. 

However, the Prince of Peace wants you to focus on Him.  Jesus desires your love, devotion and obedience.  But we also have to recognize His Deity, as did the wise men of old.

  

The customary Christmas story in Matthew chapter 2 is set in the hill country of Judea, about five miles southwest of Jerusalem in the area surrounding the town of Bethlehem.   

Micah 5:2 refers to Bethlehem as “…little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

Matthew 2:1-2 records details of the magi’s visit from the East to pay homage to the newborn King as follows:  Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Traditionally we celebrate the magi’s worship of our Lord – otherwise known as Epiphany – in January, but I wanted to highlight it during this season of giving.  The three gifts offered represent Jesus Christ as our King, Priest and Prophet.  Scripture references are Daniel 9:24-27, Deuteronomy 18:15, and Psalm 110:4.  

Some church historians, particularly in the West, have named the three magi in Scripture as: Melchior, a king of Arabia who most likely was the oldest of the kings; Balthasar, a king from Saba (present day Yemen); and Caspar, a king from Tarsus (present day southern Turkey).

Their unusual and highly valued presents were Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.  Gold was a gift befitting a king. In the book of Exodus, the tabernacle in which God Himself dwelt housed various items which were either crafted from solid gold or overlaid in gold.  Gold itself is symbolic of royalty and wealth, and is representative of heaven’s grandeur on the streets of gold mentioned in the book of Revelation. 

Frankincense was a chief ingredient in the incense which was to be burned continually in the tabernacle.  In the book of Revelation the prayers of the saints are rising to God’s throne as burning incense. 

Myrrh was a chief ingredient in the anointing oil used in ceremonial rituals to dedicate kings and prophets to the Lord’s service. It was also used in the burial process along with other herbs and spices to preserve the body as mentioned in John 19:39.

Matthew 2:11 states, “And when they (magi) had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

You say, “What can I bring Jesus?”  I’m not royalty… I’ve not traveled thousands of miles to see Him… I don’t have an extravagant gift to hand Him.  Ah – but you do. His desire is to have your heart this Christmas season…

We often sing the more popular stanzas in Christmas hymns and omit the others.  Read the entire hymn below to get a deeper glimpse into the wonderful sentiments of the author.

We Three Kings of Orient Are

We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar,

Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again,

King forever, ceasing never,  Over us all to reign.

Frankincense to offer have I; Incense owns a Deity nigh;

Prayer and praising all men raising, Worship Him, God on high.

Myrrh is mine: its bitter perfume, Breathes a life of gathering gloom:

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and sacrifice;

Alleluia, Alleluia!  Sounds through the earth and skies.

~ John Henry Hopkins, Jr.  (1820-1891)

 

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 Spiritually Uneven Marriage

Christmas – What Gift Do You Bring Him?