A Spiritual "Tug-O-War"

Do you feel as though you are in a spiritual tug-o-war? 

When you are living in an unequally-yoked marriage, there will be times when you feel as though you are being pulled in two different directions...

Do you struggle as I do with everyday occurrences that remind you of a scene in "Clash of the Titans"?  This epic story of good versus evil is found in many books, movies and fairy tales. So how does that correlate to a spiritually mismatched marriage?  

The Apostle Paul appeals to believers in II Corinthians 6:14 as follows: "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?"  His main focus was on everyday life choices including friendships, commerce and social activities. Christians are supposed to be separated unto the Lord to maintain a witness to an unsaved world.

However, he also lays out Godly principles in I Corinthians 7:10-16 regarding believers married to non-believers. He sums up with this: "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?" 

Just remember this... ... He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (I John 4:4). 

First and foremost we must maintain our connection with Jesus Christ and feed our spiritual man [woman]. The world contends for our attention. This quote from C.H. Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" says it all:  "It is the incessant turmoil of the world, the constant attraction of earthly things, that takes the soul away from Christ".

Be sure that you make time to charge your spiritual battery. You need to stay in fellowship with Jesus in order to live a Christ-centered life at home. Here is one of my Blog posts from the past that explains what I mean:  Exercise Profits Nothing

Next, don't view your spouse as the enemy. Remember they don't yet know the Lord as you do. They are spiritually "dead" to the things of God. In my book MISSION POSSIBLE - Chapter 2 The "Abigail Syndrome", I explain it this way:

"The world does make man like stone and cold to the things of God. Pray for your husband as in Ezekiel 36:26: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."  His spiritual death needs to be recognized by his flesh. When your husband dies to himself, it will be so God can raise him up with "resurrection power" to be the Godly priest of your home [God] intended!"  Copyright © Deborah McCarragher and God Mission Possible, 2010-2015 

Lastly, dwell with your mate in harmony as much as is possible. When my husband wants to watch something on TV that "grates" on my spirit, I just go upstairs to my office and watch something else. Having a heated discussion on what he wants to watch versus what I want to watch only leads to further division. We watch plenty of TV together - so I've learned to choose my battles carefully. 

Do what you can to live in peace. Give and take. Hold your tongue. Defer to your spouse's choices when practical and wait for an appropriate time to discuss your concerns. I wrote a Blog post on this subject here: Can't We All Just Get Along?

If you think you're going to "blow a gasket" - go for a walk. Step into another room and say an SOS prayer. Make provision for quality time for yourself. That way you'll be less likely to react in a dishonorable way.

Don't let the "tug-o-war" become a win or lose scenario. You can win by letting God have His way in your life and peace 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.

A Spiritual "Tug-O-War"

Are You Properly Dressed for Battle? Your Marriage Depends on it...

Do you find yourself battling your mate more often in the spiritual realm at home?  Are you being attacked by Satan in your spiritually mismatched marriage?

We all struggle with our thought life, but do you find yourself increasingly agitated around your spouse?

There are forces of darkness that are permeating your home and influencing your mate in a negative way. TV, movies, video games, the internet and other social media are gateways for negative spiritual advances.

As a child of the Living God - we will have times when evil spirits infiltrate our spaces and create a "tug of war" between God's Kingdom and the kingdom of darkness.  We must be aware of this fact in order to battle it effectively using God's weapons of warfare.

As believers - we are commanded to take up our spiritual armor and stand for righteousness! 

The Bible is replete with examples of taking up arms against the forces of evil.  Oftentimes the children of the Most High fought battle after battle as the underdogs - but they dutifully donned the right battle gear for the fight.

In biblical days the Israelites primarily had two types of armor they wore depending upon the battle at hand:  Light armor consisted of a sling, bow and quiver. Heavy armor included a large shield, helmet and spear (or sword).

Our spiritual armor for today's battles are both offensive and defensive in nature. It should be noted that there is no formal protection from a rear attack, confirming the assertion that we never retreat with the Lord. Isaiah 52:12 states, “For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”

“The whole armor of God” conveys the message of a heavily-armed soldier. Paul describes in Ephesians 6:10-17 the various pieces of spiritual armor the believer should wear. He states in verse 10 and 11, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Paul most likely thought of the heavily armored Roman guards as he penned his description of our battle gear. Of course, his concern was the spiritual battle the followers of Christ would encounter as they were persecuted for their faith. He understood the importance of praying and relying on God’s strength in times of trail.  He knew that Satan desired the destruction of the early church. Peter also wrote about evil and spiritual battles. I Peter 5:8 tells us to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

The belt (girdle) was worn around the waist and held the sword in place as it hung ready for battle. Truth is our belt and it wraps around our very being, keeping us steady, sure, and grounded for God’s use. His Truth is His Word, and we must walk in it purposefully. Jesus is Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Truth sets us free from the bondage of sin and deception (John 8:32).

The breastplate covered the life-giving organs including the heart and lungs. The righteousness of Christ must be our covering. Our heart is the center of our emotions. We are to be strong and courageous, which involves the will. A soldier can be well armed, and yet venerable to destruction if he is timid or faint of heart. No physical covering can protect him from spiritual harm unless he is stout of heart and resolute. I Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

The sandals (greaves) covered the feet & shins, and prevented injury from sharp sticks and gall-traps. Spiritually speaking, the shoes carry the good news of the gospel and take us steadily on our way to the cross. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news…who proclaims salvation.” We should step mindfully towards the world with the gospel of Christ in our journey with God.

The shield is invaluable as a defensive weapon. Ephesians verse 16 tells us that “above all take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” It is the most important piece of armor we possess in order to combat the enemy effectively. King David equates God Himself to a shield, as he found solace in His Presence. Psalm 18:2 tells us, “My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” And again in Psalm 91:4, “His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” 

Our shield of faith enables us to stand firmly without fear or worry concerning our destiny. We have but one thing to do, and that is to stand, therefore, and observe God’s sovereign action on our behalf. This is one piece of armor that needs to be “well worn” – pitted and dented from scores of lethal arrows repeatedly assaulting our person. The enemy of God’s children never ceases to war against us, and so we must keep our shield up, strong and steady.

The helmet was worn to protect the head from physical harm. We must wear our spiritual helmet and have “the mind of Christ” as we clash with the enemy. The mind is the battlefield where we must “cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5). I Thessalonians 5:8 declares we should, “put on…as a helmet the hope of salvation."  As believers our salvation assures us of the hope we have in Him.

The sword is the first weapon mentioned in the Bible. Genesis 3:24 describes, “a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Revelation 1:16 states, “He [Jesus] had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining it its strength.”

In Hebrews 4:12, the Apostle Paul tells us, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The sword in our arsenal of weapons is razor-sharp and makes a clean, swift cut. God’s Word penetrates and stabs at the evil intended for our harm. It disarms the enemy with one quick blow, severing its demonic head. Our Lord Jesus always used the Word when speaking to Satan. The gospels record the dialog in Matthew, Mark and Luke as Jesus repeated the phrase, “It is written…” Be sure to use your sword often and with deadly precision.

In II Corinthians 10:3-4 Paul writes, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” God’s arsenal of weapons is powerful and decisive. James says to, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

 Remember, it is God who goes before you in battle. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).

Be sure your armor is effective:

Inspect it often. 

Adjust it properly. 

Wear it always.

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. 

Are You Properly Dressed for Battle? Your Marriage Depends on it...

Independence Day – Freedom is Yours!

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a celebrated federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. On July 2, 1776 legal separation of the American colonies from the kingdom of Great Britain occurred, declaring freedom from their tyrannical rule. Afterwards, the Second Continental Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4th. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches, ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the United States of America’s history, government, and traditions.

In the 1996 science fiction film “Independence Day”, starring Will Smith & Jeff Goldblum, a hostile alien force invades earth. The doomsday film holds the record for one of the highest worldwide grossing films of all-time, and was at the forefront of the large-scale disaster film and science fiction resurgences of the mid-to-late-1990's. Being attacked ruthlessly by an unknown assailant brought out the best in earth’s defenses, as the movie’s heroes led the attack in rather unconventional ways. Of course, the earth (good guys) won in the end. 

The earth today is also under attack from a hideous enemy whose only mission is to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). Our Hero, Jesus, has already prevailed against this formidable foe. He has secured our freedom by His great sacrifice, that we might be released from death’s grip.  Our Hero has overcome death, hell and the grave!

Good news, we (God’s children) win in the end! God’s Word declares victory in Christ over every evil on Judgment Day. He has bought us with His precious blood and guaranteed our eternal liberation from death and destruction. Jesus is our Independence Day – now and forever.

Galatians 5:1  -  Three translations

   It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)
   Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (KJV)
   It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (NAS)

Scriptures on freedom and liberty:

Speaking to Jewish believers, Jesus said, “Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.“  (John 8:36)


[Jesus] Himself will proclaim liberty to the captives, and open the prison [doors] to those who are bound. (Isaiah 61:1)


"The Lord will let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke." (Isaiah 58:6)


James states in Chapter 1 verse 25, “but he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."



"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (II Corinthians 3:17)  We are free to be “re-made” – changed into a new creature in Christ.


"For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:20-21).

Freedom isn't free - it cost Jesus everything... 
Paul writes, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8), "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

Happy Independence Day!

Independence Day – Freedom is Yours!

Guest Blogger Kathryn Sneed

Kathryn is 23 years old, a military wife, and a Christian.  She has been married to her wonderful husband Jonathan, who is in the United States Air Force, for about a year and half now. Her husband will have been in the Air Force for two years in July, and they are stationed in Georgia. They are expecting their first baby, a boy in June and are very excited to see what the Lord has for them as a family!

Kathryn's Blog "Singing in the Rain" features posts about military life, baby and new parent topics, as well as everyday struggles and triumphs.  Kathryn is participating in the "Wives of Faith" Blog carnival and has many links on her site relating to military family life.

Kathryn's Guest Post -        Overcoming Worry & Fear

I subscribe to several blogs by email and today I read a really great post that made me think about some things! The post was called, Breaking Free from Worry and Fear by Jocelyn Green author of the book, Faith Deployed. In her post, Jocelyn discusses how military wives share the recurring theme of fear and worry in their lives, as they watch their husbands deploy. She gives several tips for overcoming fear and worry and also quotes several other military wives.

How true it is, the worry and fear military wives go through either every day or most days. I remember when my husband, Jon told me he was going to join the Air Force. I was terrified! I knew nothing about the military or the military life, and all I could think about was him deploying. I will admit it, I cried. I cried the night he told me his decision. I was so confused as to where I would fit in and what would happen. At the time we were not married yet, and we were a month away from becoming engaged. My husband has not even deployed yet, and I am still a bit scared for him to go. I cannot even imagine what it is like for the wives who have been through it 2-3 times already!

Fear and worry have always been a problem in my life. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fearful of the unknown. I worried about bad things happening, I have even had anxiety/panic attacks because of it. Sad, I know. Even more sad knowing I have a Saviour who is there to help me any time of the day and wants me to come to him, but I don't. It is something I have struggled with and am determined to overcome. I am getting better each day with God's help!

In her post, Jocelyn Green lists several verses about fear and worry and several quotes that really spoke to me. One verse is, I Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." God cares about every little thing in our lives. He does not want us to worry or fear, because He is in control. When worrying about deployments, here are a few things to think about:  

“Whether they are at home or abroad, God’s plan for us is already written, we cannot do anything to change it!”  -National Guard wife Mary Whitlock

How true that is! Knowing that we cannot change what will happen should help you not to worry. Remembering it is in God's hands and knowing that He already knows the outcome.

"There comes a point in every military wifes’ life when she is going to have to answer the question- Is God enough? Big enough to deal with the fear of death? Big enough to take care of her and her babies, should the unthinkable happen?"   -Air Force wife Ellie Kay

This is so true, and really made me think. I should not even have to ask the question, "Is God big enough?" Because to get to that point I have already answered my question by asking. If we have to ask then we do not believe it to be true. We may want to, but we still may have that fear in the back of our minds. We have to determine to let go and tell God, "You are big enough. Big enough to take care of my problems, big enough to take care of my fears and worries, and big enough to take care of my husband."

It really makes you think doesn't it? What are some ways you deal with fear and worry? Everyone has fears, whether you are a military wife or not. Just determine that you will overcome them with God's help in your life!

                               You can visit Kathryn's Blog "Singing in the Rain"  at 

            http://singing-in-the-rain24.blogspot.com/

~Kathryn   

I am an Avon Representative, call me to get a catalog, or go online to place an order!
http://kathrynsneed.avonrepresentative.com/

Guest Blogger Kathryn Sneed