Exercise Profits Nothing – At Least Not The Way You Think…

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There’s just no way to avoid it.  It blares loudly on the TV, broadcasts over the radio, and pops up repeatedly on the internet.  

Everywhere you turn there are gadgets to help you get fit and trim, companies trying to sell you another exercise or diet plan, and various programs extolling the virtues of the latest workout routine.

I was listening to a pastor’s message on the Christian radio station in my area, and heard a familiar verse that some have used in a humorous way. But as I listened to his sermon, I began to hear and understand it in a whole new light.

I Timothy 4:8 says, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”

Another translation puts it this way:  "...physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things ..."

A brisk walk lowers blood pressure, lessens your cholesterol, and reduces stress on the body. Engaging in some form of regular physical exercise will generally add years to your lifespan. Exercise helps to reduce harmful chemicals in our bodies, and provides a form of abreaction (letting off steam), helps to build up stamina, counteracts the biochemical effects of stress, and reduces the risk of psychological illness.

As Christians, we house the Holy Spirit, and our temple needs to be strong and fit.  Health and fitness are godly goals when they are balanced with common sense and right priority. 

In biblical times, physical exercise was not touted as necessary because people living in that time period generally walked everywhere and performed manual labor on a routine basis. Their diet consisted primarily of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, sheep & goat dairy products and fish.

However, exercise can become a means to an end that can mimic idol worship if it is not properly monitored.

Verse 7 prefaces the previous passage in I Timothy 4 with the following, “…and exercise yourself rather to godliness.”

Spiritually speaking, when we exercise godliness through prayer, bible study, and self-control, we keep our spiritual man healthy. But what good is it if we take care of the physical body, but neglect our spiritual man and coddle our sinful nature?

The eternal value mentioned in verse 8 is the promise of the life that is to come. Paul makes it clear that whatever we are doing for the here and now is indeed profitable – even commendable, but that which is to come, is of greater value and lasting. Taking care of the spirit man, which is incorruptible and lives forever, is far more important than maintaining a corruptible body that will slowly decay in this world.

Matthew Henry explains the passage this way in his Commentary:  “Those who would be godly must exercise themselves unto godliness; it requires a constant exercise…The encouragement which we have to proceed in the ways of godliness is evident. Will the profit balance the loss? Here is another of Paul’s faithful sayings, worthy of all acceptation – that all our labours and losses in the service of God will be abundantly recompenced, so that though we lose for Christ we shall not lose by him."

Exercise is not my god, nor do I place my fate in its hands.  Sure, I still go to body-pump and cycle classes at the local YMCA. I faithfully walk my two dogs every morning for almost an hour. I make it a point to stay active, eat right, and get a good night’s sleep. But for me, keeping my Spirit woman healthy and fit is a higher, God-ordained priority.

What has God spoken to you about your spiritual workout lately?  Do you need a "mini boot camp" to whip yourself into shape - or would a long-term maintenance plan be the best thing for your spiritual well being?

Share with me your successes or failures as we strive to stay in top spiritual shape...

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.

Exercise Profits Nothing – At Least Not The Way You Think…

Can You Hear His Heartbeat?

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”   (John 13:23-25)

Can you imagine hearing the Lord’s heartbeat?  Jesus was fully man and fully God.  His heart beat like any other man’s – pumping at a resting beat as He reclined at dinner.  On that memorable night John no doubt reflected back on all he had seen, heard and felt in those short three years with the Messiah. Do you suppose John actually heard the heartbeat of his Savior?  I’d like to think so…

John was thought to be the youngest disciple of the twelve.  He and James were known as the “sons of thunder”.   John was juvenile and impetuous when he first met Jesus. Later on he would be one of the three disciples that Jesus referred to as His inner circle.  John had a unique relationship with Jesus and wrote some of the most intimate passages in Scripture.  He was cherished by the Creator of the universe with a depth of love that could not be adequately measured or put into words.  He never got over that feeling of unconditional love.

John was present at some of the key moments in Jesus' life:

~ he saw Jesus bring Jairus' daughter back to life

~ he watched the miracle feeding of thousands in the hills of Galilee

~ he saw whatever it was that mysteriously happened at the Transfiguration

~ he was with Jesus during their last supper in the upper room

~ he witnessed the resurrection of Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus

~ he was present when the soldiers came for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

~ he stood near the foot of the cross as Jesus died in horrifying agony

~ he outran Peter to enter the tomb of Jesus on the third day after His death

In response, Jesus entrusted his young friend with the care of His mother Mary.

What do we do when we’re overwhelmed with life?  How do we deal with our broken hearts and dreams? If you could physically lean against your Lord – placing your head on His chest in sorrow - could you hear His heartbeat?  

That heartbeat reminds us of His eternal care and comfort.  As a baby reacts to his mother's heartbeat when placed upon her breast, we too are enveloped in His love and eternal security.

When...

You just lost a loved one in a tragic accident.  You never had an opportunity to say “good-bye”.   You’re angry and hurt.  You just wanted to tell them you loved them.  It just isn’t fair – you miss them so much. “Why now, Lord?”   Lean on Him.  Rest in His love.   

Your spouse just told you they didn’t love you anymore.  They want “out” of the marriage.  You didn’t even see it coming – you were blind-sighted.  You though everything was okay.  What happened to the vows you took years earlier?    Lean on Him.  Rest in His faithfulness. 

Your son or daughter just phoned you from jail.  Your heart begins to ache and you’ve got a lump in your throat.  You thought the conversation you had just the other day would make a difference.  Now what do you do?   Lean on Him.  Rest in His sovereignty.

The doctor just called you and needs you to come in for further testing.  Your routine check-up seemed to go just fine, but now you’re worried.  Maybe the results got mixed up with someone else, right?   Lean on Him.  Rest in His mercy.

There will be times when you’ll have to deal with tragedy or heartbreak alone.  Others won’t be able to comfort you or change the outcome.  That is when you need to press into your faith and call out to your Savior.  Lean on Him. Rest in His compassion.

Be still - Lean on Him and listen… can you hear His heartbeat?

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. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Can You Hear His Heartbeat?

Retirement - Days of Joy or Woe is Me?

The countdown has begun... "Only 183 more days to go!" my husband said to me the last year of his long government career.  That was in the summer of 2008.  He literally had an electronic "countdown gadget" on his desk and it drove everyone in the office crazy.  Retirement was just around the corner - and he couldn't wait!

Proverbs 20:29 says, “…the splendor of old men is their gray head.”

He had talked about when to retire for a couple of years.  He had worked over 35 years in with the US Government and about 25 years with the US Naval Reserves.  Now he was officially ready to put on the “I’m Retired and Loving It” hat.  Yes – he had worked long and hard and now he was ready to reap the rewards of retirement.

But I was secretly dreading what was coming.  Why?

I admit it.  I liked having my private devotional  time  to meet with the Lord.  I liked having my coffee and watching the morning news uninterrupted before jumping into the rest of my day.  I was accustomed to the quiet and peacefulness in our home while everyone else was gone. Okay – I was selfish!

This is a lighthearted look at what we have encountered in the last two years since he retired:

A Man’s Castle

Every king needs a place of rest, solitude and retreat from the world’s demands.  Being retired has given my husband more time in his castle.  That has caused me to re-inspect the castle’s overall appearance and appeal.  First, I wanted to deal with that dungeon of “same old, same old”.  We were entering a new phase of our life as empty-nesters, and we needed to connect again on a personal level.  Next, I needed to make sure the rooms were light and airy – not stuffy and dark.  That makes for better energy levels and a happy countenance.  The moat surrounding our castle needed to keep away unwanted visitors, predators and opposing forces.  Finally, the castle required regular maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. God spoke to my heart about the need to prioritize, and prefer my husband.   

Ecclesiastes 12:6 says, “Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.”

Aches, Pains and Doctor Visits

My husband started off his retirement with a total knee replacement. Ouch!  The surgery went well, but afterward there were minor issues.  While on our first vacation since retirement, he was still having problems months after the operation.  Then it was a back issue and more doctor visits.  A kidney stone followed that, and this year he had cataract surgery on both eyes.  Wow – everything at once!  I know all of these medical procedures have left him feeling somewhat depressed – but I keep telling him he’s getting better!  He’s like that bionic man – getting parts replaced one by one!  God has had me praying for his physical well-being while praying for his spiritual health.

Psalm 92:13-14 declares, “Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.”

Home Improvements – Here We Come!

All I heard about during his last year of work was, “We’re going to clean out that garage so we can get both cars inside when I’m retired!”  There is a lengthy “honey do list” of little projects that got pushed back while he was still working full-time.  I have always enjoyed helping out in the yard, so the thought of jumping onto the John Deere was fun for me.  I’ve helped lay down sod, cleaned out the gutters, helped string up Christmas lights, pruned and fertilized shrubs and trees, helped change the oil in our cars, etc.  When I readily offer to help – that’s one of those “love languages” that men enjoy hearing.

Colossians 3:23 states, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord and no to men…”

 Let’s Go on a “Man Date"

This is probably one of the most important areas we struggle with when our husbands retire.  We have to be spiritually and emotionally sensitive to their needs – and that includes “going and doing”.  They often want us to accompany them on that quick trip to Home Depot or Lowes, stroll around Wal-Mart, or just take a drive to Costco to see what’s new.  Mine likes to “window shop” at Best Buy or take a ride to the Outlet Mall.  They want to spend time with us - just being with us, and doing nothing in particular.  I’ve learned that if I say “no” and not show any interest, he gets his feelings hurt.  God has given me spiritual discernment in order to listen and respond in a God honoring way to his requests.  I have learned to show interest and a willingness to go with him – all in hopes of cementing our relationship for years to come.  I might not really want to go – but I recognize it’s his way of showing me he wants to spend time with me.

Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

What Hobbies and Interests?

My husband is not a sports junkie.  He doesn’t golf or play tennis.  He doesn’t go to car shows every weekend or go fishing regularly.  He just likes to be home – with me.  While I find that flattering, I really need some “alone time” for myself.  However, I do enjoy watching college football and Nascar.  We have enjoyed going on a few trips since retirement.  He loves to get on his laptop and search for cruises to far off destinations.  However, my husband is not connected with a group of men in any way socially.  God is challenging me to help him discover a new hobby or interest, without pestering him or badgering him about it.  One project I believe he might enjoy being involved with locally as a Navy veteran is the Wounded Warrior Project.  Another might be Habitat For Humanity, and an opportunity to use his home improvement skills.  Whatever I do – I can’t push him into anything.  God has to place a desire on his heart to get serious about donating his time and talent to benefit others.

Job 12:12 declares, “Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding.”

Grandpa and Nail Polish

When our granddaughter was born two years ago, we were elated.  We were at the hospital on that memorable day and my husband was so proud.  That little girl would turn his world upside down!  Our son and family live several hours away in another state, but when we get together – she is a beacon of joy to us all.  One day I found a cute used Little Tikes vanity table and bench with all the accessories at my neighbor’s garage sale.  Our granddaughter just loved it.  One of the things she likes to do (since her mommy paints hers) is to come and pretend to paint our nails.  Grandpa has been a willing participant for awhile now.  He patiently lets her “paint” his finger nails and toe nails with her little plastic bottle of nail polish, and then she gently “blows” on them.  It’s so funny to watch.  It is all my husband can do to keep from laughing out loud.  She takes her task so seriously!

Proverbs 17:6 states, “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.”

God was showing me that it wasn’t about my agenda, but about His. I desperately needed an attitude adjustment.  My priorities needed to change and my schedule needed to be more flexible.  I've heard a saying that sums it up rather well:  “People take precedence over plans.”  I try to put that into practice now that we’re together day after day.  Do I do everything right all the time?  Nope – but I ask God to make me more sensitive to his needs and how we can “mesh” our lives together in order to glorify Him.

As a helpmeet, I need to do what I can to bolster his self-confidence, honor his hard work and devotion, and praise his commitment to “us”.  I bring glory to God when I willingly turn my life over to Him to direct as He pleases.  My spiritual ears need to be unstopped, my spiritual eyes need be opened, and my heart needs to be tendered as we continue to journey through the golden years of retirement.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  (Psalm 51:10)

 Share with me some of your Retirement Moments or best Retirement Advice.

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. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Retirement - Days of Joy or Woe is Me?

Where Should We Go? Need Answers?

How often do you verbalize an intense need to find the answers when something goes wrong in your relationships?  Is anyone listening?  Do you cry out in frustration – looking at the ceiling – hoping you will be heard?  Why do we do that?

In the New Testament, the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all have their own rendition of Jesus preaching to the multitudes and feeding thousands.  Matthew, Mark and John record Christ walking on the water and stilling the storm. While those two events are miraculous and nature defying, I find the passage regarding Peter’s confession to be especially riveting.  In Matthew 16:15-17 Jesus asks His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?”  Peter then answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  To which Jesus replies, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”

In chapter 6 of John’s gospel we read that in the days following the feeding of the masses on the hills of Judea, many of them sought out Jesus and found Him on the other side of the sea.  They remembered seeing the disciples boarding a boat and sailing across the sea – but they never saw Jesus with them.  When they found Him they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?”

There were still many people who wanted to see Jesus rule as their King. They were desperate for change and longed for the day when Israel was no longer under Roman rule.  But Jesus knew they followed Him because they ate of the loaves and were filled, not because they saw the miracles.  They even discussed with Him the fact that their forefathers ate manna in the desert. Jesus then said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

Jesus told them, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”  Jesus most likely had hundreds of followers, many of whom left John the Baptist and followed after Him. However, scores of His disciples took offense with His words and John 6:66 tells us, “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.”

The next passage in verses 67-69 is perhaps one of my all-time favorites.  Jesus asks the twelve disciples, “Do you also want to go away?”  Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”  He then stated that they had come to believe that He was indeed the Christ, the Son of the living God. 

Every time I read that passage I feel the same way…  To Whom shall we go?  You alone – JESUS – have the words of eternal life.  Psalm 73:25-26 says this: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon the earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Now back to the initial question:  Why do we look somewhere else other than Jesus when we have a crisis or a specific need or a secret longing?   Our culture would tell us to go see a “chick flick” and feel better about our circumstances.   It might beckon us to watch Dr. Phil or a self-help show to ease our pain.  We can always pick up the latest copy of People or another gossip magazine to feel better about our broken friendships or failing marriage.  Just turn up that radio, iPod, or home theater to drown out our anxiety and depression. 

But what should we really do when we come to the end of ourselves and our own resources?  Popular Christian author and speaker Joyce Meyer says, “Go to the Throne instead of the phone!”  Seek the One who has the answers for life’s turmoil and quandaries. Jesus Himself said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

We should go to Him Who satisfies the hunger that no earthly sustenance can fill.  He is the Word made flesh. He will fill you with His love and preserve you with His Spirit.  He is your perfect serving and portion.

Jesus is your daily bread.  He is the Manna come down from heaven. Feast on His goodness and mercy.  Devour His Word and hide it in your heart. Consume His wisdom and understanding. Partake of His knowledge and apply it to your life.  Drink in His love and quench your parched soul with His grace.  What else would you need to survive besides bread and water?

Where should we go?  Straight to Jesus – He is all you need…

 photos courtesy of The Gospel According to Matthew (1994)

 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. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Where Should We Go? Need Answers?

Temptation Got the Best of You? (Summer Rerun)

It was just after Jesus was baptized that He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness area of Galilee.  

He fasted forty days and forty nights. Matthew's text tells us Jesus was hungry.  The Son of God had a natural human reaction to His human frailty - hunger pangs. Then the devil came to Him with a temptation: "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."  Jesus quoted scripture from the Torah (Deuteronomy 8:3) to rebuke him.  The Word Himself spoke the words that pierced hell and caused demons to flee.

Two more times the devil brought temptations to Jesus, each one more tempting than the first. This form of testing appealed to Jesus' sovereignty, authority and diety. If only the Son of God would use His influence and power to benefit Himself.  Satan did his best to thwart the plans His Father had ordained for His Son - but to no avail.  The devil departed in humility and defeat.

We have the example of our Lord when we are tempted and at the mercy of the devil. 

When we are in the wilderness of unforgiveness or the desert of rejection - we can use the same weapon to defeat the tempter. God's Word is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6), and we must wield it in confidence! We all face temptation, and it generally comes when we are tired, hungry or angry. 



We love to bash Eve for succumbing to temptation – but don’t we all struggle with it?

Satan does not tempt us in generalities.  He is far too clever for that.  He likes to pick out something specific to hone in on.  Take discontentment, for example.  He will tell you that you deserve so much more, or maybe something better. He often zooms in on that one particular thing you don’t have.  He just aimed his poison dart at your “pride” and you fell for it.  What happened to that shield of faith you were supposed to hold up for protection?

The enemy of our soul delights in focusing his deception on our desires or needs that haven’t been met.  He picks the time and place of our temptation and sends us an engraved invitation, hoping we’ll reply quickly.  He knows when we’re tired, hungry, upset, depressed, lonely or sick that we’ll be more venerable to his deceit.  He patiently waits for us to let down our guard.  God’s Word tells us to “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Satan loves to create doubt regarding God’s love for us.   

He did the same with Eve and this is what he told her: “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every three of the garden’?”  He simply twisted the truth and got her to question God’s goodness and character.  We must be careful not to fall for the same trick.  

 God may have given you a personal promise or verse to cling to regarding your mate.  You may be waiting for God to do something special in your family, job situation, or with your children.  Don’t let the father of lies trick you into believing his falsehoods.  He wants to destroy your trust in God and your confidence in Who He is.

We know from I John 2:16, “that all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father, but is of the world.”  Satan is the ruler of this age and our physical world. He has been influencing the practice of sin since the beginning - starting with Eve.  We must watch for signs of envy and jealousy as we evaluate our circumstances.  We must focus on God’s sovereignty and His wisdom.  We cannot lean unto our own understanding in matters pertaining to “the fairness of life”.  We must believe God and His Word, and leave the results in His hands.  

God's Word is full of examples of those who have been tempted

- Sampson was tempted into a dangerous relationship with Delilah that compromised his God given strength and destiny.
 - King Saul was tempted into disobeying the Lord regarding His specific commandments during wartime.
- King David was tempted to commit adultery, murder and deception with regards to Uriah and his wife Bathsheba.
- Judas was tempted by the chief priest and elders to "sell out" the Lord Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
- Ananias and Sapphira were tempted to lie to Peter about their "love gift" to the church.
- Peter was tempted to betray Jesus after His arrest and prompt transport to the high priest's house. 

In Genesis 39 Joseph was tempted...

But he knew enough to "flee temptation".  Though Potiphar's wife continually propositioned him, Joseph cried out in protest "...how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" 

In the New Testament Paul tells us, "There is no temptation that has overtaken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it." (I Corinthians 10:13)

Temptation is around every turn, and in every decision.   

You can be tempted to take matters into your own hands - at your own peril of course!  We must surrender our desires and plans to be denied, changed, or granted as God sees fit.  Weariness can often cause us to want to "play God" in situations that are moving too slow or not down a path we deem appropriate to solve our problem.  That is where we must rely on God's wise counsel and Divine plan. If through a broken heart He can bring His purposes to fruition, then thank Him for breaking your heart. 

You may come to a point in your marriage when you were sure you heard from God about something, and then you didn’t see any evidence of God working it out.   

I was tempted to contemplate divorce not long after my conversion to Christ, but God plainly spoke to my spirit that it was not an option for me.  God promised me a new husband with the “same man”!   I Corinthians 7:14, 16 says, “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?” 

  

You must stay strong and focused on Jesus.  Use His Word to diffuse all temptation - As Jesus said, “It is written…”  So be it!  Amen!

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. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

 

Temptation Got the Best of You? (Summer Rerun)

You've Got Mail !

Don’t you wish God would just send you an e-mail and keep you current on what He’s up to?  Perhaps He could instant message us when we’ve over-reacted to our spouse’s ugly reply. Maybe He can have a Priority Mail envelope appear at our front door with an answer we’ve been seeking. Being married means having to practice “conflict resolution” on a regular basis. As a Christian married to a non-Christian we need our communication line wide open to God. Remember hearing your computer’s audible alert “You’ve got mail!”? Well, God has His own way of getting our attention in this tech savvy world of ours…

For years current pollsters like George Gallup and George Barna have revealed through their polling data that Christian marriages fare little better than marriages at large. The divorce rate is nearly identical. Biblical teaching and preaching on marriage is readily available from well known pastors and ministries. Many of them provide easy access to sermons and programming on their websites, MP-3 podcasts, radio programs and TV shows. Marriages are under attack. It’s not a matter of “if”, but “when”.

All of this “advice” is great – however, the best resource for marital woes is still directly from God’s Word. You must search the Scriptures and allow God to speak to you one on one. I like to think of it as “checking my God-mail”. By taking the time to stop and look at my “Inbox” – I allow the Holy Spirit to remind me of an action, thought or word that I need to reflect upon in order to respond appropriately.

I might have been overly critical with my husband on an issue that was emotionally charged for me. No matter; you must let the Holy Spirit speak to you about your behavior, actions and heart motives. The health of your marriage depends on your ability to “delete the spam” and open the important God-messages that He sends your way. Practice extending grace to your mate. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Sometimes we complain to the Lord about our spouse. We grumble about their behavior or general demeanor. Let’s be clear here – we’re not responsible for their actions. Jesus told Peter in John 21:22, “If I will that he [John] remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” In other words, don’t worry yourself about what Jesus is going to do or not do for that person… you follow Him and what He has destined for your life. Let God work in you to resolve your issues regarding your mate. You’re a “work in progress” that God will complete according to His divine wisdom and sovereignty. Commitment to your mate and vows is critical to overcoming adversity at home. You have to purpose to work through problems and extend grace liberally.

Pastor Greg Laurie, on his radio show A New Beginning, said this regarding marital strife and minding your own business: “Read your own mail.”  He was preaching on the state of marriage within the Church and how the enemy delights in our willingness to “play the Jr. Holy Spirit” [my words] when it comes to pointing out your mate’s sin. We all get caught-up in recognizing sin in another person's behavior. We focus on our own hurt, pain and betrayal. We keep our gaze on our feelings instead of God’s character and His ability to alter our thinking and circumstances. Jesus clearly reminds me to “remove the plank from my own eye, so I can then clearly see to remove the speck from my brother’s eye.”

The Bible portrays godly marriage as a representation of Christ and His Church. Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” God’s love is the foundation of a couple’s marriage – even when only one spouse puts that concept into practice. John 3:16 is the love gesture given for both marriage partners and the tie that binds the heavenly seal over your marital covenant. Your commitment to Christ sanctifies your marriage in the eyes of God. I Corinthians 7:14 states, “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband…”

Next time you sit at your computer or grab your iphone, just remember - God might be vying for your attention. Listen for the Spirit's alert subtly announcing “You’ve Got Mail !”

 

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. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

You've Got Mail !

Guest Author Lorilyn Roberts & her book Children of Dreams

Children of Dreams and the God of Hope

by Lorilyn Roberts

When I took the introductory class for my Masters in Creative Writing, one of the books I had to read was Writing for Story by Jon Franklin. The fourth chapter in the book, “Stalking the True Short Story,” was based on two famous stories he wrote, one of which was his Pulitzer Prize-winning entry, “Mrs. Kelly’s Monster.”

Because everybody would love to win a Pulitzer Prize, his comments are worth noting. To quote Jon Franklin on page 81: “One of the best ways to teach positive lessons while entertaining at the same time is to write stories about how people successfully cope with the world, endure, and even sometimes win.”

I have thought a lot about that. Much of what I report as a television captioner is mundane news to a world that hardly blinks an eye at the everyday, run-of-the-mill, shoot ‘em up, rob-him blind, dope-addicted, shoddy moral, or over-spending bureaucratic figure news story which people scoff and ignore if it doesn’t affect them directly.

In contrast, Jon Franklin dug deep for the motivations, the conflicts, the resolutions, and the redemptive endings in his books and articles. In the same vein, when I wrote Children of Dreams, I wanted to share a part of me that no one else knew. I risked being venerable, revealing traits and values that I knew some would not understand. I am not perfect, and did I really want to reveal my failures, confess by doubts, and admit my flaws?

Our lives, particularly if we are memoir authors, must be real or we will come across every bit like the superficial news stories that I alluded to above—irrelevant to the reader. Too much of our time is lived at a frenzied pace with quick posts on Facebook and Twitter, or text messages written in code, risking little, and only recognizable enough to make us feel we have value in the world of cyberspace.

If you have been forsaken by your family, hurt by others, stuck in a job you hate, gone through a divorce, experienced major health issues, sacrificed your own lost dreams, or struggled in your Christian walk, I share unabashedly with profound honesty how God helped me through these tragedies. This is the “true story” within the story in Children of Dreams. There is no superficiality—only raw emotion and truth. I had to get permission from my kids and family. There are still open wounds that God will have to heal. There was a price to pay and I am still dealing with it now. Do I regret it? No. I know God will eventually redeem all which is broken.

The typical reader, much like a typical reporter, will see Children of Dreams as another adoption story; give it a cursory glance, and move on. The sensate reader, who reads for deeper meaning, will experience God’s profound love and redemptive hope, knowing without any doubt, God is the fulfiller of dreams.

My desire is that the reader will be stirred—emotionally renewed and batteries charged, believing if God can do the impossible for me, he can do the same for him. God can heal infected wounds, redeem broken dreams, and convince the skeptic to believe in miracles. None of us should live as though we have no hope, and Children of Dreams is a testimony to God’s grace, reassuring the reader that where there is God, there is always hope.

Lorilyn grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and currently lives in Gainesville, Florida, with her two daughters, four cats, and two dogs.  She is pursuing her Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Perelandra College.

Lorilyn is a media professional, providing broadcast captioning for television, but makes time to pursue her passion for creative writing.

She has homeschooled her daughters for the past fifteen years. 

Lorilyn has published two books, The Donkey and the King and Children of Dreams; is president of the Gainesville, Florida, Word Weavers Chapter; and the founder of the John 316 Marketing Network.

Lorilyn's personal website can be found at http://lorilynroberts.com and you can follow her blog at http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/#%21/llwroberts . You can check out her Facebook fan page where she shares writing tips at http://on.fb.me/mqTpZs.

To learn more about the John 316 Marketing Network, visit http://www.john316mn.blogspot.com/.

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. 

http://www.godmissionpossible.com/

Guest Author Lorilyn Roberts & her book Children of Dreams