5 Things to do While You Wait on God...

Waiting... It's not our favorite thing to do.

When you give your life to the Lord, you want everyone else in your household and family to do the same - at least that is how I felt.

I was the first one in my family to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in a public setting.  My mother has a deep faith and belief in God, but I never really comprehended what that meant growing up.  My father wasn't interested in church attendance or the things of God. My sister is still resistant to God and religion in general.

When my husband and I married, we were both unbelievers. Seven years later I had a powerful conversion experience that had real consequences. There were immediate changes in my behavior, thoughts and heart. I wrote a blog post about how to tell if the experience is real or not:  A Bona Fide Convert

So - what came next?  WAITING...

Here is an excerpt from my book  MISSION POSSIBLE  -  Chapter 6  "In the Meantime - Serve"
     

During your time of "waiting on the Lord" (Psalm 27:14), you must be courageous. This is not a time for whimpering and whining. This is a time to dig in and serve - and a time to dig trenches and fortify your position in Christ regarding your mate. The enemy is stealthy and clever in distraction regarding your mission. He will try to divert your energy and resources into other areas that might be good, but not GOD's best! Be careful with too many church activities and over commitment. Remember, your spouse does not understand your need to serve the kingdom purposes. They just don't understand it. Balance is crucial when it comes to home, church, and work. Pray that God will prepare your husband's heart and give you that understanding and favor regarding your "God assignments".

5 Things to do While You Wait on God...

1.    Pray for your spouse -
      
        Praying for your spouse is powerful and helps you to see their spiritual darkness as God sees it. One of the Scriptures I pray for my husband is Ephesians 1:17-19 , "...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power."

Another one is Romans 10:20 , "But Isaiah is very bold and says: 'I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me."

2.    Sow seeds for a harvest -

        Go ahead and plant seed.  Share the basics of the Gospel in a loving, sensitive way.  The worst thing you can do is to "preach to them" and point out glaring faults in a legalistic way.  Unless they have had their heart regenerated - it won't make any sense to them.  Remember, they are spiritually blind. I Corinthians 2:14 says "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

3.    Remember it is God who draws them -

        You are not "Holy Spirit Jr." - so don't try so hard to make it happen. God is the one who initiates the wooing of their spirit man. Hosea 11:4 says, "I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them." Jesus says in John 6:44, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..."

4.    Live as a witness -

        In order to be a witness, you have to emulate Jesus' characteristics and desire what he desires. The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 are the attributes we should be displaying if we are living a life hid in Christ Jesus. He says this in John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

5.    Have patience and perseverance -

         Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Our faith in God and hope in His Word give us the strength and endurance we need to "keep on keeping on".  God's perfect plan may be an immediate salvation experience or it may be years away. Either way - wouldn't you rejoice in your mate's conversion - even if that meant waiting for the right time, place, and situation? Don't give up... God is moving in the background and arranging things we don't even know about yet.  

Jesus tells us in Luke 18:-8, "Then the Lord said, 'Hear what the unjust judge said, And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"


Waiting on the Lord can renew your strength and fortify your hope. Rest in Him as you wait...

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.

5 Things to do While You Wait on God...

What Does a Spiritual Mom Look Like?

We all have a sphere of influence.  It might be at home, at work, or in our neighborhood. 

As Christian women, we often encounter people and situations that beckon us to interact as Godly examples and mentors.

The Apostle Paul was writing to Titus (his true son in the faith) to remind him to appoint elders (overseers) in every town. The growing church needed leadership and direction. It needed mature believers to mentor and train-up fellow believers in their day to day walk with God.

How does that apply to us - women of faith - Moms, Grandmothers, Aunts, Sisters, and Wives...

Titus 2:3-5 says this: "...They [older women] are to teach what is good, so they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, kind, and submissive to their husbands, so that God's message will not be slandered."



Part of the charge to women in particular is to love their husbands and be submissive to them, so that God's message and His name would not be slandered.  Submission is a word that many women run from - but that is not necessary.  Find out why in a blog post I wrote about submission here:

Oh No... Not the "S" Word

For those of us who have children and grandchildren, being MOM to our adult kids never really ends.Our influence might evolve and morph into more of a "support" role. If you are like most Moms, you still give unsolicited advice and occasionally do one of those irritating Mom things. However, our adult children are no less needy and deserving of our time, energy and wisdom than when they were young. Now, more than ever, we need to mentor them and guide them into greater spiritual truth. They will make their own choices and live with those consequences. We are to pray for them and their walk with God.

If you are a mature Christian - both in years and experience - you have something to offer younger women! 

Not every woman will teach Sunday School or lead a Bible study at church, but you can reach a new generation with the powerful message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. How can you be involved in mentoring a young woman?  What practical steps can you take?

You can devote your time, energy and encouragement to her. You can be available to talk and offer Biblical counsel. You can offer assistance with child care, errands, and life skills. You can meet for Bible study, devotions, and prayer time. The list is endless... be creative!

My former daughter-in-law recently gave her life to Jesus and was baptized with my granddaughter. She is truly a new creation in Christ. This was a young lady that had absolutely no interest in living a Christian lifestyle when she met and married our son (who was not walking with the Lord). Growing up, she had been raised in church and attended a Catholic school - but as many young people do - she wandered away from God's truth.

I now have the honor and privilege of being a mentor and a spiritual Mom to her. It has been exhilarating and exhausting - all at the same time. Our emotions peak and fall like a ride on a roller-coaster at times, but I know deep in my heart God can get us through it together. We are family, and we always will be...

For those of you who are in an unequally-yoked marriage and still have young children living in your home - here is the link to a wonderful resource by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller titled:

Not Alone: Trusting God to Help You Raise Godly Kids in a Spiritually Mismatched Home

On a personal side note - since my Dad passed away two years ago, my mother and I make it a point to meet for dinner every Thursday night after she gets her hair done.  She still drives (for now) and relishes her liberty. I'm so thankful we can enjoy each other's company and can be a spiritual support for each other.

Enjoy your Mom if you still have her. Thank God for His Word and Biblical pattern for being a spiritual Mom to someone special in your life.

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.

What Does a Spiritual Mom Look Like?

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...

The True Definition of Love...

Love begins when a person feels another person's needs to be as important as his own.    

~ Henry S. Sullivan

Love is a peculiar thing... it can often be a fleeting emotion or a stirring euphoria.  

Love is a verb - often encompassing the notion of cherishing or holding dear the object of your affection.

I Corinthians 13:4-13  is one of the most quoted Scripture passages in the Bible - especially during wedding ceremonies.

I began to think about the Apostle Paul's reminder to those in Corinth (and to us as well) to use our spiritual gifts in love.

In Gary Chapman's book  The 5 Love Languages  he lists number 4 as "acts of service". That brought me to a place of self-reflection with regards to my spiritually mismatched marriage.

Am I using my "acts of service" Love Language  with my spouse?  

How is he viewing it?

Here is my personal application of I Corinthians 13:4-8; 13  in my own unequally-yoked marriage:

1.       Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up (vs 4)

     ~  I am learning to have patience in the little things.  My husband is now fully retired, and that means he's home nearly all day every day. Be careful not to over-inflate your ego regarding your own “Christian” position. Don't be so full of yourself that you overlook their needs and desires.  Simple loving actions mean the world to your spouse – especially for us after being together for over 30+ years.  Familiarity can breed contempt, and you need to remind yourself that every day is a new day to show forth the love of Christ to your spouse.

2.       ... does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; (vs 5)

     ~ Applying my Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are essential when ministering to my spouse.  It is easy to get overwhelmed and lose your temper.  I often pray an SOS prayer for God to help me with my replies (words) and my body language (actions) so as not to offend him.  I have to take my thoughts captive (II Corinthians 10:5) and redirect my wayward mindset.  I must resist being prideful and rude.

3.       ... does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; (vs 6)

     ~  I continually ask God to forgive me when I knowingly sin. If I say I do not sin, I deceive myself (I John 1:8-9).  I rejoice in the truth that God's love prevails and that His Sovereign will reigns. No matter what I face during times of turmoil and difficulty - God's love conquers all.

4.       ... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things 
(vs 7)

     ~  There is nothing that I cannot do with God's help.  Though I may bear the brunt of yelling or others' frustrations, I can treat them with respect and dignity.  I may be tired and discouraged, but I can extend grace and kindness. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) 

5.       Love never fails (vs 8)

     ~  My love for my husband needs to be unconditional - as is God's love for us.  When I am distraught and overwhelmed - my help comes from the Lord.  Agape love is a picture of Jesus living out through us in our actions and words.  We are an extension of Jesus' hands and feet.  "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

6.       And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (vs 13)

    ~  In the end, all I know is that my "acts of service" are just what my husband needs right now.  Your marriage may be in a different phase than ours.  You may be a newlywed or have a young family. Have faith that God will enable you to love your spouse as He intended.

Here is a link to one of my past blog posts for Valentine’s Day 

that talks about showing “love” to those closest to us.   

    The Love Boat - Don't Miss It...

Finally, oftentimes I walk and pray and pour my heart out to God.  One day not long ago I said, "Lord, thank you that I have a good husband, a responsible provider, and a man that loves his family. Thank you Lord that You are my motivation and my help. You order my steps as I walk this path laid before me."

I encourage you to look deep within as you serve your spouse and use God's gifts to bring Him glory...

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.

The True Definition of Love...

The Potter, the Clay and the Outcome...

       clay            lump             speed           

            whirling               pressure         

impression          shaping           carve      
           
         band             stop              glaze             

                fire           rest            use

Is this a picture of your spiritual life?  Has the Master Potter spent considerable time and effort on your vessel?  Do you know for what purpose you were created? 

Wikipedia has this definition:  Pottery is made by forming clay into objects of a required shape and heating them to high temperatures in a kiln or oven to induce reactions that lead to permanent changes including increasing their strength and setting their shape. 

Wow - did you just grasp what that said?  Christ is forming us [clay] into objects of a certain shape and purpose [of His choosing] and heating us to induce reactions [purifying us] that lead to permanent change [new creation] in order to increase our strength and permanent use [for His Glory].

Our Potter determines what material, what shape, what purpose, and what prominence we have in His Kingdom.  We are clay formed from the dust of this world into a vessel of honor for our Potter’s honor and glory.  Ephesians 2:10 declare, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”

In his devotional My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers says this concerning our vision of what our reality should be according to our own inclination:

     “We always have visions, before a thing is made real…God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way… Let Him put you on His wheel and whirl you as He likes, and as sure as God is God and you are you, you will turn out exactly in accordance with the vision. Don’t lose heart in the process.”

Chapter 18 in the book of Jeremiah contains the famous passage of the potter and the clay.  Jeremiah was lamenting and admonishing Israel about their grievous sin and idolatry.  He stood in the gates of Jerusalem proclaiming God’s words of warning to a stiff-necked people.  During this time the Lord spoke to Jeremiah and said, “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.”  

When Jeremiah visited his house he observed him making something at the wheel.  Jeremiah says in verses 4-6, “And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter, so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?’ says the Lord. ‘Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel?’”

This  pottery “factory” in Palestine (mentioned in Jeremiah 18) was in the Valley of Hinnom near the Potsherd Gate and near the tower of the furnaces or pottery kilns (Nehemiah 3:11; 12:38).   Potter’s clay was made by “weathering” the dry native clay-dust or the wet stream-bank clay before treading it by foot for use in making cooking vessels and water pots.  Often the clay was hand-kneaded several hours in order to remove all of the air bubbles before working with it on the wheel.  After it dried to a leathery consistency, the vessel would be returned to the wheel for turning, cutting and paring off excess clay.  It was then beautified with a variety of tools and techniques before having a “slip” coat for color or sheen.  Finally, it was “fired” by heating it in an open fire or in a kiln and later removed for cooling.

In our marriages we must remember that our Potter created us to be unique.  His process differs from one vessel to another. He knows just how to make us so we will fit into our particular family unit.  Our clay may have been tread on for a longer period of time. Our kneading might have lasted a little longer than someone else.  We may possess a different color or texture than the next vessel.  We might have been whirled and whirled and stretched longer and harder.  Maybe we were beveled or poked or intricately cut more than the others. Finally – just when we thought we couldn’t take one more second in that intense heat – we are removed. Now we wait… and wait… and wait as we sit and cool. Our Potter knows best.

God formed Adam from the “dust” in Genesis 2:7, and we are likened to the potter’s creation as found in Job 10:8-9, “Your hands have made me and fashioned me, an intricate unity; Yet You would destroy me. Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay.”  And in Isaiah 29:16 we read of God’s reply to him saying, “Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; for shall the thing made say of Him who made it, ‘He did not make me?’ Or shall the thing formed say of Him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding?’”

Paul makes a similar plea to the Romans in Chapter 9:20-21.  He states, “But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to Him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’  Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?” Who are we to complain or self-determine with what or how we will serve Him?

I have finally given up trying to analyze how I was formed and how I will be used. I am coming to peace with myself and my Potter. There are times when I simply don’t grasp His methods or timing.  But this I know: as He was with the three Hebrew youth in the fiery furnace, so will the Lord be with you (Daniel 3:25).

Below is one of my favorite worship songs of all time - The Potter’s Hand by Darlene Zschech of Hillsong.  One of the repeated lyrics is, “Take me; mold me; use me; fill me. I give my life to the Potter’s Hand.”

“Click on Play” and let it minister to you as you continue to browse online or work on your computer. It’s a magnificent outpouring of our love to the Master Potter…

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.

The Potter, the Clay and the Outcome...

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"

Is Your Testimony - Open Mouth and Insert Foot?

Yep - I had to bite my tongue... again.

Never return evil for evil or insult for insult... but on the contrary blessing - praying for their welfare, happiness and protection, and truly pitying and loving them. For know to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing (from God) - obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection. (I Peter 3:9 AMP)

I suppose I'm the only one that routinely visits this scenario. I'm having to once again swallow my pride, humble myself and return a kind word in exchange for a gruff remark.

"Did he get up on the wrong side of the bed again?" I ask myself.  Why do I feel that any little thing sets him off like a firecracker? Lord, I'm tired of getting my feelings hurt and my ego bruised again. Why must I always be the one to back down and extend grace?

Yes - I'm being melodramatic here for a reason.  First of all, when we continuously refer to ourselves and our feelings as we complain to the Lord, we are in effect answering in the rhetorical because we already know what the answer is.  We are Christians and we don't act like the world. We are to act like Christ.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  (Proverbs 15:1)

Here is a brief excerpt from my book  MISSION POSSIBLE   

Chapter 6   In The Meantime - Serve

I Peter 5:7 says, [in humility] "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." Sometimes we have many concerns and burdens to cast upon Him. There are days we must ask God to forgive us for an attitude that is less than honorable. When my husband hurt me with a comment or action, I would find myself saying to God, "Forgive him, Lord, for he knows not what he does."  

We cannot afford to hold a grudge and give place to the devil. We must be peacemakers.  Matthew 5:9 says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."  Love is the "bond of perfection" and you must "let the peace of God rule in your hearts..." (Colossians 3:14-15). We need to remind ourselves that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).  Your husband is not the enemy - Satan is!    © 2010-2015

I was listening to a sermon the other day via a pod cast by a well-known pastor. He was teaching on the subject of repentance with reference to the crowds that surrounded Peter as he was preaching during Pentacost. His boldness had dramatically increased after the Holy Spirit had empowered him and the other disciples. The Apostle Peter confronted them with the death of the promised Messiah and their own sin (Acts 2:36-41).

Paul writes to the Corinthians telling them that he rejoiced in the fact that their sorrow led them to a true repentance that in turn led to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).  I began to see with my spiritual eyes that godly sorrow in me would produce true repentance - not just "lip service" to the Lord.  My actions needed to align themselves with what I was "saying I would change." Christians have to repent too! 

I needed to turn from my former ways of coping with the difficulties in my marriage to a more Godly response that was born from a pure heart's motive.

Thankfully Jesus is a God of second chances. He knows our frailties. He sees our innermost struggles. If we ask Him for strength, perseverance, and wisdom He will oblige us in our request. Purpose to submit yourself to His plans and His ways. Remember, taking on His yoke is easier than trying to do it all by yourself (Matthew 11:29-30).

Speaking of submission - always view it from the perspective of submitting to Jesus. That will help you as your spouse's helpmeet to do what is required by the Lord to preserve harmony and a safety zone within your marriage.  Here is a link to one of my popular posts about submission:  Oh No - Not the S Word .

So tell me - what is your greatest stumbling block in your spiritually mismatched marriage?  Do you cry out to the Lord in frustration?  Have you seen a rise in spiritual tension in your home?

Stay on your knees... that just might be a sign of a pending breakthrough in the heavenlies...

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.

Is Your Testimony - Open Mouth and Insert Foot?

Eyes Wide Open

My dear friend's daughter is fighting the battle of her life. While walking and praying for her, I felt the Lord lay on my heart the chorus from the song
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth 

will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

As I journeyed further in my prayer walk I began to see with my mind's eye what that meant:

Turn your eyes  is a specific directive - one that dictates effort and deliberateness. We must redirect our full attention to Jesus, expecting His loving and gracious response.

Look full in His wonderful face  denotes an intense pondering of Jesus and His majestic character. It has been said that as angelic beings encircle the Throne in heaven they behold another facet of His glory each time they go by. An infinite array of bewilderment and awe settles upon each gaze.

The things of earth will grow dim  as we focus on heaven's glory. Our eyes are extremely sensitive to light. As we move from darkness into His illumination - we behold the brightness of His countenance. Conversely, as the light diminishes and we strain to see clearly - earth's allure fades and dims.

We have a unique opportunity as His children (if we are willing) to "be still, and know He is God." (Psalm 46:10)  I am preaching to myself here. One of the hardest things I face is stilling my mind and pausing to take in the Lord's loving kindness and grace extended to me.

Are you in a spiritual battle - unsure of your strength and resolve?  Do you face a monumental difficulty in your marriage?  Is there a loved one far from God's fold and living in rebellion?

"Then go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place." (Matthew 6:6) Steal away with the lover of your soul.  Hence you can say, "My eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."  (Isaiah 6:5)

As you meet privately with Jesus - keep your eyes wide open and your heart tender. When you gaze into His loving face be sure to recall what a great price was paid for your redemption. Praise Him for His gift of salvation.  Rejoice in a day of  celebration when we will behold Him as He truly is...

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.

Eyes Wide Open

Calling All Mothers...

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo

Famous Quotes:

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." 
-Abraham Lincoln 

 "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." 

-George Washington 

 "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." 
-Author Unknown 

Suzanna Wesley had seventeen children, but is said to have given each of them one day of special attention and training per month. Both John and brother Charles Wesley viewed their mother as a vital source of inspiration and encouragement for their ministries. They are the founders of the Methodist church. Susanna prayed this powerful prayer on behalf of her family...

A PRAYER OF SUSANNA WESLEY

You, O Lord, have called us to watch and pray.
Therefore, whatever may be the sin against which we pray,
make us careful to watch against it,
and so have reason to expect that our prayers will be answered.
In order to perform this duty aright,
grant us grace to preserve a sober, equal temper,
and sincerity to pray for your assistance. Amen.

How many Moms have worn out knees and prayer journals full of petitions on behalf of their kids?  How many of us have purchased books like The New Strong Willed Child by James Dobson, or The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartin?  Let’s face it – we all need help; one way or another!

One of my favorite examples in Scripture of motherhood is in I Samuel 1:1-28. We see Elkanah, an Ephraimite who had two wives.  Peninnah had given him children, but Hannah was barren. Peninnah ridiculed her every year when they journeyed to Shiloh to worship and offer their sacrifices to God. 

Hannah cried out to the Lord in anguish and prayed for a son to dedicate to His service. God heard her petitions and granted her wish. After the child was weaned, plans were made to take him to Shiloh to leave with Eli the priest. 

When Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord, it must have been difficult for her to hold him and gaze into his little face, knowing that she would leave him in Eli's care to serve the Lord in the temple. What mother could possibly make such a promise?  

We see from the text that Hannah referred to her son's lifelong commitment to God in this way: "Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD."  This same Samuel would one day anoint the future King of Israel. Throughout his life David would be consecrated, confronted and consoled by the godly prophet Samuel.

Today Mothers Day is celebrated in many countries including the United States, United Kingdom, India, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Mexico, Canada, China, Japan and Belgium. People take the day as an opportunity to pay tribute to their mothers and thank them for all their love and support. The day has become one of the busiest during the year according to the phone companies. There is also a tradition of giving flowers, cards and other gifts to mothers on the Mothers Day.  

You might also enjoy this past Mother's Day post:

 How Would You Rate Yourself As A Mom?

A Mother's Love 
There are times when only a Mother's love
Can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappoints
And calm all of our fears. 
There are times when only a Mother's love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we've dreamed about
Quite suddenly is real. 
There are times when only a Mother's faith
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us the confidence
We need from day to day. 
For a Mother's heart and a Mother's faith
And a Mother's steadfast love
Were fashioned by the Angels
And sent from God above. 
Author Unknown 

Happy Mothers Day! 

Enjoy your special day... Spend time with your Mom.  Enjoy your children and grandchildren. Leave a legacy that God can use for His glory!

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.

Calling All Mothers...