The Abigail Syndrome

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

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

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

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

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

Here is a little history lesson on Abigail and David:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Abigail Syndrome

Triple Threat - Trials, Troubles and Tribulation

James 1:2-4  is familiar to most of us as the passage on “testing our faith". 

 This is what James had to say: “My brethren, count [consider] it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect [mature] and complete, lacking nothing.”

In order for us to become mature in our faith, we must remain under the testing. It is in this position that we come forth [as gold] as described by Job in chapter 23. 

Many times we question God’s sovereignty as we verbalize the familiar:  “Why is this happening to me?”  “I don’t need this!”  “Not now, God!” or “I just can’t take anymore!”  

But isn’t that just human nature? Who hasn’t cried out to God in pain and utter disbelief?

Webster’s Dictionary defines the three “T’s” this way:

Trial – a test of faith, patience, or stamina by suffering or tribulation; a source of vexation (irritation) or annoyance.

Trouble – to agitate mentally or spiritually; to disturb.

Tribulation – distress or suffering as a result of oppression or persecution.

I Peter 1:7-9 says, “…Though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ… receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.”   

Two brief character studies in God’s Word gives us a glimpse of suffering while under trials, troubles and tribulation:

Job ~ Everyone has heard of Job. Even non-believers know that to go through a “Job experience” is to endure an awful trial or trouble. We often hear the expression: “He has the patience of Job!” 

Remember the passage in James 1 (above)? There is a process we must go through as we are tested. Sometimes we hear comments like, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”  Job 1:1 tells us, “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” 

Job exemplifies the enormity of undeserved calamity in his testimony. Not only did Job loose his children, servants, livestock, and livelihood, but he was struck with painful boils and suffered the shame associated with his trials & tribulations. However, he never let Satan provoke him to curse God, although he cursed the day he was born. He conducted himself like a man under affliction, yet maintained his dignity in his grief. Job questioned God and received a private lesson in humility and in God's sovereignty. Eventually, God restored all that Job had lost, increasing his earthly holdings – including his lineage. For Job, the latter was greater than the former.

Paul ~ Saul (Paul) was dramatically converted by the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus as he was carrying letters of destruction for those who were of the Way [followers of Jesus] to put them to death in Jerusalem. When Jesus selected Ananias to minister to Paul after his vision, He said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”  

After that time many attempts were made to kill Paul by the Jews (Acts 10:23), the Hellenists (Acts 10:29), and with Barnabas in Antioch where they were threatened, persecuted and expelled. II Corinthians 11 enumerates for us Paul’s many trials and troubles including being stoned, beaten, shipwrecked, lashed, and left for dead. There was sharp contention between him and Barnabas while on their missionary journeys that split up the pair, resulting in Paul and Silas teaming up to minister to the Gentiles. 

At the end of his life, while in prison, Paul addresses Timothy in his two epistles. As he encouraged the young pastor, Paul remained steadfast in his faith and mission, while acknowledging that all forsook him, save the Lord Jesus. Paul endured the constant pressure of a lifetime of trials, troubles, & tribulations, and yet he saw God’s purpose and sovereignty in all of it. Paul’s victory was this: “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear” (II Timothy 4:17). 

In the end, we come forth:  precious, valuable and exquisite – a true treasure of God, for His Glory!
 

A diamond must fall under the chisel in order to become a precious stone, and gold is never refined unless it remains in the fire.  

God never leaves the metal in the crucible longer than what is necessary for the burning away of the dross.  He will do the same on our behalf.

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:13-14)

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

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

Triple Threat - Trials, Troubles and Tribulation

FAITH - 4 Things to Consider

FAITH - in Hebrew it is Emun, and in Greek it is Pistis.

Faith is both active and passive. In the Old Testament it confirmed a steadfast belief and trustworthiness in who God was and in His promises.

In Habakkuk 2:4 the prophet gave this Hebrew commandment to the children of Israel: v'tzaddik be'emunato yich'yeh. 

The passage above declares, "But the just shall live by his faith."  Literally it means, "the righteous, by his faithfulness - shall live."

In the New Testament faith embraces trust in the person of Jesus Christ, the truth of His teaching, and the redemptive work He accomplished on the cross.

The Apostle Paul taught us "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (confidence) of things not seen." Verse 3 declares, "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." 

The world's definition of faith is more of a hope or belief that something exists. It is an intellectual ascent.  Biblical faith rests in our belief in God's sovereignty and in His faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:13). We put our faith (trust) in Him as our Lord and Savior. We also display our faith in our obedience.

We find favor with God when we have faith in Him. Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

John J. Parsons explains the concept of faith and works in James 2:14-18 this way:

"Faith and works," then, might be seen as two sides of the same coin. Our behavior will reveal what we really believe; and what we really believe will become manifest in our behavior... If you struggle with sin in a certain area, then that becomes an invitation to examine yourself to see where your commitment really lies.

So how does faith impact us in our day to day walk with God? Why does doubt creep into our thinking? Where does this leave us while we wait on God's timing? What causes us to shy away from believing that what He promised will come to fruition? Here are four things to help bolster your faith:

1.  Faith is inherently progressive. It evolves and matures during our spiritual walk.  As we exercise our faith muscles -we strengthen our ability to trust in His faithfulness. Understanding this process helps us to develop perseverance. "The strengthening of faith comes through staying with it in the hour of trial." -Catherine Marshall

2.  Faith is often tested. God's Word gives us the tools we need to resist the devil and his schemes. Doubt arises first in the mind and fleshes out in our actions. We must "bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..." (2 Corinthians 10:5)  Jude warns us with regards to false teachers to "build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20). Paul admonishes us to be "rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith..." (Colossians 2:7).

3.  Faith increases by way of remembrance. Using a journal helps you to recall instances of God's blessings and faithfulness. Recording what the Spirit reveals during prayer time preserves an important timeline in your spiritual growth. Put your feelings and thoughts into words. Jot down relevant scriptures that encourage you. Remember, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

4.  Faith is boundless. Nothing can wrestle away our faith. It is not limited by time, age, wealth, health, or circumstance. Because nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39), faith cannot be denied. It is limitless. It is resolute. It is reliable. Faith is solely in Him... Amen.

The Apostle Peter tells us to be watchful and expect attacks from the devil (I Peter 5:8). To this end we must "resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world" (I Peter 5:9).

I must confess that I have dropped the ball here at times... Like Gideon, I wanted to throw out a fleece or two for confirmation and affirmation. I fail miserably in my faith walk on occasion. But this I know - I only need to have faith as a mustard seed for it to grow into something amazing. Lord, help me to have radical faith in your faithfulness!

Faith hears the inaudible, sees the invisible, believes the incredible, 

and receives the impossible.  ~Anonymous

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.

FAITH - 4 Things to Consider

Do you need a makeover?

Have you been toying with the idea of sprucing up a room in your home?  Many of us find ourselves watching HGTV more than we might want to admit.


There is something appealing about doing a touch-up here and there... applying a new coat of paint... hanging new artwork... adding a new accent piece of furniture...  You get the idea.

In the vast sea of indie published books you need a cover that will stand out and grab a potential reader's attention.  Since many books, both traditional paperbacks and ebooks are purchased online, buyers are visually lured to your cover by its overall design, color palate, and the subliminal message it portrays.

I have been a member of the Christian Small Publisher's Association (CSPA) since 2009.  During that time I have benefited from CSPA's publishing community and their creativity, marketing, and vast knowledge of the book industry in general.  Sarah Bolme wrote a great article featuring my book called  Does Your Book Have an Expiration Date? 

This year was the year to do an extreme makeover on my book  Mission Possible  both inside and out. In conjunction with the book revision I also revamped my website  God Mission Possible .

Lisa Hainline of Lionsgate Christian Book Cover Design did a remarkable job of capturing the essence of my book's appeal and its spiritual message in a design that draws the reader in close.  Steven Plumber of SP Book Design  did the interior layout and design both for the paperback and ebook.  You can view a sample of my new revised book  HERE .


If you have a published book that has been on the shelf for more than 5 years, consider revamping your cover for a fresh look and new appeal to a younger and visually alert audience.  I'm glad I did...

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.

Do you need a makeover?

The Biggest Loser Isn't Always Better

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Forgiveness is a difficult concept to embrace. It calls for the release of resentment. It pardons an offense. It gives up its claim for retaliation. It grants relief from a debt owed.

So why do we struggle so much with forgiveness? One obvious reason is that we don't want to relinquish our control over an emotion that makes us venerable. 

During your marriage you will have decisions to make regarding forgiveness. Some will be easy. Others will not be so easy. They can range from trust issues to belittling comments, from embarrassment to indifference. Reasons for extending forgiveness are as varied and diversified as the human beings they represent. There are times we extend forgiveness at the drop of a hat. Then again, we might choose to hold onto hurt feelings and withhold forgiveness as some manipulative maneuver to gain control. 

Here is a link to a Blog post I wrote concerning criticism  Check Your Eye - I See a Speck

We know the world has it's own definition, but what does God's Word say about forgiveness?

Following the model prayer in Matthew 6, Jesus said this, "For if you forgive men this trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Paul writes the following in Colossians 3:12-14 regarding your new creation in Christ: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection."

Lastly, in Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus teaches Peter and the rest of the disciples about forgiveness in the parable of the unjust servant and his master. Not only did Jesus tell Peter that he should forgive others up to seventy times seven (indefinitely) - but that He would judge each of them who does not forgive from his heart anyone who had trespassed against his brother.

A wise man once said this:  "He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass."

Remember to "take every thought captive, unto the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5). Pray and ask God to realign your will with His. Ask Him to do a refining work in you. Forgiveness is a choice that you must exercise - both in the spiritual and natural realms. God will do miracles in your marriage when you learn to forgive as Christ forgave you, and as you model the grace and humility embodied in a Christ follower.

Here is a link to a post I wrote on putting on your armor  Are You Properly Dressed for Battle?

"I can forgive, but I cannot forget," is only another way of saying, "I will not forgive."  ~Anonymous

In Matthew 10:39 Jesus said, "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."  Losing your claim to your own sense of justification will bring freedom and release from the prison of unforgiveness. 

Ultimately, you are the loser  if you do not deal with an unforgiving spirit. You must "give up" your right to your own feelings and place them in the loving and capable hands of the Lord. He will prepare your heart for the gift of forgiveness and will enable you to extend it to others...

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 Biggest Loser Isn't Always Better

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?

Easter - The Promised Light Eternal

I AM the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.  (John 8:12)

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.   (John 1:4-5)


Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. (Mark 16:2)  

That morning must have been preceded by a very long night. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna, and Salome (along with the other women) had witnessed Jesus' body being wrapped and laid in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus just prior to the Sabbath.

As they approached the tomb with the prepared burial spices, they stood in stunned silence. The large stone had been rolled away.  Who could have done such a thing?  They went inside and found the body was gone.  Perplexed, they were startled by two men who stood nearby in shining garments. Seeing that they were afraid, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!"  (Luke 24:5-6)

Easter is a celebratory time for Christians worldwide.  The resurrection of the Lord Jesus is the greatest pivotal event in history.  The gateway from death to eternal life was opened for everyone who believes in and accepts Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah.

This Easter spend time reflecting on what His life, death, burial and resurrection means to you personally. 

May we ~

Rejoice in the Lamb's Blood

Marvel at the Father's acceptance 

Glory in our Eternal home 

Please enjoy my other Easter posts from prior years...

The Cross is Passing You By

Empty Tomb to Full Heart

One of my all-time favorite worship songs to enjoy...

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.

Easter - The Promised Light Eternal

Love isn't just for Valentine's Day...

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo

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 13:4-8 is one of the most quoted Scripture passages in the Bible - especially during wedding ceremonies.

I began to think about 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 parents, their care, and my involvement as their primary care-giver.  Am I using my "acts of service" Love Language  to help them?  How are they viewing it?

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo

If you're not familiar with my current situation in caring for my aging parents, my previous posts  Christmas - Keeping It Real  and  Moving Forward  will give you some background material. There are many decisions to be made in the near future concerning my parents that must be bathed in prayer and Godly wisdom.

Honoring my mother and father is my duty as a follower of Christ. That includes how I act and react to their ever-changing circumstances.

Here is my personal application of I Corinthians 13 to my recent interactions with my parents...

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.  Elderly parents don't like to have their schedules, daily routines, or personal "ways of doing things" changed.  Be careful not to over-inflate your ego regarding your care-giving or how much time you are spending on their behalf.  Don't be so full of yourself that you overlook their true needs and desires.  Simple loving actions mean the world to those who have limited mobility or can no longer come and go as they please.

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

     ~ Applying my Fruits of the Spirit are essential when ministering to my parents.  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 them.  I have to take my thoughts captive (II Corinthians 10:5) and redirect my wayward mindset. 

... 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 this time of turmoil and difficulty - God's love conquers all.

... 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.  I may bear the brunt of yelling or others' frustrations, but 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)  

Love never fails (vs 8)

     ~  My love for my parents needs to be unconditional - as God's love is for us.  Agape love is 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)

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 

 In the end, all I know is that my "acts of service" are just what my parents need right now.  I was out last week with their two little dogs, and I remember talking with the Lord while we walked.  I said, "Lord, thank you that I still have my parents and can minister to them through your strength."  "Thank you Lord that You are my loving motivator and You order my steps as I walk this path laid before me."

I encourage you to look deep within as you serve others 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.

Love isn't just for Valentine's Day...

Are You A Good Arm Wrestler?

Image credit www.123rf.com - stock photo

(This is a Summer Rerun - Best of Posts)

The definition of wrestling is this:  to contend by grappling with and striving to trip or throw an opponent down or off balance; to combat an opposing tendency or force (wrestling with his conscience); to engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate.

I was listening to a Christian radio program while driving home the other day, and I started thinking about how often I struggle with things I cannot control. 

How many times do I argue with God’s sovereign decisions and exert my pride in the form of suggesting a “better way” for Him to move in a particular situation? 

Am I alone here? Do you wrestle with God on occasion? 

Many of us know the story of Jacob in Genesis chapter 32. Jacob was returning to his homeland in Canaan with his two wives, Rachel and Leah. On the way, he sent messengers to his brother Esau to appease him. Remember, this is the brother he cheated out of his birthright. His servants told him that Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men. Jacob was distressed and divided his people, flocks and herd into two companies. He begged God to intervene and protect him from harm. He reminded God of His promise to bless him and make his descendants innumerable.

During the night, he took his two wives, his servants, and his sons and crossed over the river Jabbok. Genesis 32:24 says, “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man [Jesus] wrestled with him until the breaking of day.” Jacob had struggled and held his ground – keeping the Angel at bay. His faith was not shaken, nor did he relent in the heat of the heavenly engagement. Hosea 12:4 declares, “Yes, he [Jacob] struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke to us- That is, the Lord God of hosts. The Lord is His memorial.” That very day Jacob saw God face to face. He wanted God’s blessing, but God let him “struggle” that he might truly see who he was in the sight of Almighty God. 

Jacob had been a deceiver and a scoundrel much of his life. God asked him, “What is your name?   It was a rhetorical question… Jacob knew who he was. God was causing Jacob to be off balance – that he might dig deep into the recesses of his soul and take inventory of his life up to that point. However, though Jacob persevered, he could not gain and maintain a superior position. During the struggle the Angel of the Lord touched him, placing his hip out of socket, and giving Jacob a limp for the rest of his natural life as a remembrance. 

This supernatural encounter also gave him confidence for the difficult days ahead. Jacob had to face the harsh reality regarding his estranged brother and the reception he would soon receive. God now presented him with a new name – Israel – which literally means “Prince with God”. Jacob named the place of his struggle Peniel, which means “I have seen God face to face and my life is preserved.”

Sometimes God allows us to struggle with Him in prayer, and we are often crippled for our own good. 

Spiritually speaking, our view of ourselves and our problems need to be bent and dislocated in order for our struggling to cease. Our pride and bad judgment can cause us to live a life that distorts what God has planned for us. He desires for us to “walk a different way” after we have wrestled with Him and He has prevailed.


Submitting to God’s plans often involves grappling with our own ideas and remedies. 

This is evidenced in the lives of some of the Bible’s great heroes. Abraham’s faith was tested when he had a dialogue with God about the wickedness in Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18). Moses pleaded with God on behalf of Israel when they began worshiping a golden calf and foreign gods (Exodus 32). We read about Elijah and his struggle with depression. After God miraculously displayed His power on Mount Carmel, Elijah withdrew into the desert to die. While hiding in a cave, and wailing “woe is me”, God revealed Himself to Elijah in a small, still voice (I Kings 19.) 

Prayer often represents the anguish of the soul in the presence of God. 

Wrestling with God in prayer exerts tremendous energy and positioning. Ultimately, as we bend our will to His, we allow Him to “pin us to the mat” of our struggles and claim victory in His Name. In Colossians 4:2 the Apostle Paul admonishes the church to “continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving”, and in Colossians 4:12 he tells them that Epaphras, one of their fellow servants “always labors fervently for them in prayer”.

The bottom line is this:  prayer and petitioning God is often engaging and deliberate. It’s emotionally draining and often exhausting. It’s exhilarating and soul-satisfying as we wrestle with a Holy God who sees our frailties and embraces our humble efforts to gain His Blessing.


What a mighty God we serve… 

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 A Good Arm Wrestler?