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

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A Spiritual "Tug-O-War"

It's Sunday Morning Again... Can You Relate?

It’s Sunday morning again.  You get into your car and drive to church – again – alone.

I attend a couple’s class at our church.  I used to be in a women’s Bible study group years ago, but since I have been attending my current church, my husband has attended services on occasion with me. He is comfortable with our pastor and is familiar with some couples that we knew from another congregation.  I say all that to say this: Then why do I feel so out of place in church?

When our son was young, or when he was older still living at home, it seemed easier to go to church and not get distracted by couples sitting in the pews.  Now that we are empty-nesters – it seems that I have become increasingly more aware of the fact that we are not worshiping together.  We’re not even sitting in church together – much less worshiping together.  I struggle with wandering and sometimes inappropriate thoughts.

In II Corinthians 10:4-6 Paul tells us, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

 To my husband’s credit – he does attend services with me on occasion.  He has joined me in attending a class social or couples dinner outing – albeit reluctantly.  He just doesn’t have a desire to fellowship with believers or be in a church setting.  I have stopped trying to play Spiritual Shrink or Holy Ghost Investigator when it comes to “why?”

Truth be known, it was somewhat easier for me in years past when I attended a women’s only Bible study because we supported each other in prayer, in fellowship and in mentoring.  It was more comfortable to be surrounded by other women who didn’t have spousal spiritual support.  Now I find myself feeling like a fish out of water, or you could say – out of “living water”.

I often feel like a salmon, swimming furiously upstream – trying to leap over the rapids of “happily married couples” and the rocks of “you can be happy too!” mentality in my quest to reach safety.  I know in my mind and heart that God loves me and I press into Him all the more when I feel discouraged.  But there are times during the church service when I struggle to keep my focus on the preacher’s message – and simply look around at all the “couples” in church.  Please, tell me I’m not alone…

Back to II Corinthians 10:  in a spiritual sense - I shake my head and gather my thoughts once again. I sit and re-evaluate what’s going on in my mind and feelings, and give it over to God. 

I take time to thank God for my salvation and thank Him for such a good man He gave to me 30 years ago for a husband – though I didn’t come to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior until 7 years into this marriage.  

 I regain my focus as I tune-in to my pastor’s sermon and re-adjust my thinking to align once again with what God’s Word tells me about my situation at home.

I recall to my mind I Peter 3:1-4, and how it is my “inner” woman that will attract my husband to Jesus Christ.  The years of seeking to know God better, attending church, working on my Bible studies, praying, helping others and living out my faith – that is what is drawing him closer to the Savior.  My Spirit woman will draw him nearer to the God who created him for fellowship. 

I consider what I Corinthians 7:13-14 has to say concerning the unbelieving spouse, and how they are sanctified by the believing spouse. If the unbeliever desires to stay in the marriage, the believer is obligated to dwell with them in love and devotion – as unto the Lord.

This verse in I Samuel speaks to me regarding the above scenario: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (vs. 22).  The Lord spoke to my heart that my obedience to Him in loving and being devoted to my husband – regardless if he is a believer or not – is better than my “sacrifice” of living in an unequally-yoked marriage.  

 I do not have the right to play the victim and feel sorry for myself.  I do not have the right to hold it against him.  I must love him with the love of Christ and let God move in his heart and mind.  I must concentrate on my obedience to what God has for me to do as a godly wife and helpmeet.  I must keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and not on my circumstances or feelings.

(Here is an excerpt from  MISSION POSSIBLE  Chapter 6 - In the Meantime, Serve)

Beware, that while you are busy serving and waiting, often the enemy will delight in torturing you with thoughts of defeat. You’ll be sitting in church, watching the other couples and think, “Lord, what about them?” “They’ve got each other, Lord…” “When is it going to be my turn?”

 And the Lord would answer me, “What is that to you? You follow me.” The Apostle Peter questioned the Lord about John and Jesus told him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow me” (John 21:21-22). We need to have an attitude of gratitude and not question God’s authority and sovereignty. We are human and we will have days when we’re discouraged and down, but we must encourage ourselves in the Lord as David did in Psalm 42:11, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” If we never had anything else to praise God for except our salvation, we should be a most grateful people!

This past Sunday was no different than many previous Sundays, except for the fact that I caught myself doing exactly what I mentioned earlier in this article.  But this time I looked around and said to myself, “It sure will be great to sit here with my husband, Lord, and worship You together. So glad You’re working in his life and heart.” 

What a relief it is to give it all to HIM…

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

It's Sunday Morning Again... Can You Relate?

Autumn is Here - The Harvest is Ripe

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and winter and summer, and day and night, shall not cease.  (Genesis 8:22)

In the New Testament, Jesus related the harvest to those He taught, healed, and ministered to.  He was moved with compassion for them, equating them to sheep without a shepherd. He told the disciples and others who followed Him that there was a need for workers in the Kingdom of God - to labor for a harvest of souls.  He says the same thing to us today:

In Matthew 9:37-38 He declared, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” 

And in John 4:35 He said, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”

A little history about harvesting - 

In agriculture, the harvest is the process of gathering mature crops from the fields.   Reaping is the cutting of grain for harvest, typically using a scythe, sickle, or reaper.   The harvest marks the end of the growing season, or the growing cycle for a particular crop,

The end of the summer ushers in the beginning of fall, a time marked by crops and their harvest.  For the Hebrew people, as for those in any agricultural district today, the harvest was a most important season (Gen 8:22; 45:6).  The three principal feasts of the Jews corresponded to the three harvest seasons (Ex 23:16; 34:21,22).  They were: 

1.  The feast of the Passover in April at the time of the barley harvest (Ruth 1:22). 

2.  The feast of Pentecost (7 weeks later) at the wheat harvest (Ex 34:22). 

3.  The feast of Tabernacles at the end of the year (October) during the fruit harvest.   

The Feast of Pentecost was a harvest festival through which the people expressed thanksgiving to God for the grain harvest and other crops (Numbers 28).  The feast was also known as the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Firstfruits.

Many precise laws were instituted regarding the harvest. Gleaning was forbidden (Lev 19:9; 23:22; Deut 24:19).  And the first-fruits were required to be presented to Yahweh (Lev 23:10).

In present day Israel, the harvest festival is celebrated in the form of the Succoth; Succoth has historical roots which date back to the time when the Hebrews traveled to Israel (Canaan) and set up living booths along the way. A booth was known as a succah and people ate and worshiped in this space; farmers also lived in a succah at harvest time and gave thanks for the harvest.  Today, the Succoth festival lasts for seven days, in September/October, and it is still traditional to build a shelter where families gather to give thanks, share meals and live together for the time of the Succoth festival.  A simple succah is built from tree branches, flowers and fruits and decorated with gold and blue material, leaving one side open. The Succoth is also known as the Jewish Harvest Festival.

 

Sowing and reaping is an eternal principle. 

Jesus taught that the one who sowed and the one who received wages for reaping, together rejoiced over the harvest.  He revealed this truth to His disciples after the encounter with the Samaritan woman by the well telling them, “For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’  I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors” (John 4:37-38). 

The Apostle Paul encourages us to continue in our efforts of sowing into God’s Kingdom.  In Galatians 6 he states, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.  For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.  And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Revelation 14:14-15 tells us, “And I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, ‘Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe."

The prophet Jeremiah proclaimed this in response to his heartache over the nation of Israel’s unrepentant hearts: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!”  (Jeremiah 8:20)

Lord Jesus, harvest our hearts for Your work in the fields of a lost world.  

As we continue to stand in the gap for our unsaved spouses, may we also continue to sow in the Spirit using prayer, the Word of God, and our good deeds to plant in the garden of their souls. 

Do you want to display a bounty of spiritual fruit to your mate?  Then begin preparing the soil of your heart to receive the Godly tools necessary to plant those tiny seeds and nurture them as they sprout.

In order to reap a harvest of ripe, juicy, attractive fruit – we need to sow the seeds of those fruits: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.

The harvest in our marriage will be the unity in the Spirit that we have always longed for...

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

  Refrain:

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves;
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

 Bringing in the Sheaves by  Knowles Shaw, 1874   (Psalm 126:5-6)

 

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

Autumn is Here - The Harvest is Ripe

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)

How Will You Spend Easter Sunday? Do You Dread The Prospect?

What do you do when your spouse doesn't share your passion for Jesus?  Do you attend church alone with the kids?  How do you make Easter Sunday special for your family when everyone is not on board?

My husband has agreed to go to our early church service this Easter Sunday.  He hasn't attended church with me for a couple of months now.  That is in part due to some minor surgery he had earlier in the year, and a nasty cold a few weeks back.  At least he is willing to celebrate with me one of the most important events on the Christian calendar:  Resurrection Sunday!  However, it was not always so.

I can remember getting our son ready for Sunday School and church services many times - not knowing if Daddy would be coming with us.  I met the Lord Jesus in my mid-thirties, and our son was about 3 yrs. old in April of 1989.  There were many Sundays when we would go to church alone.  That was okay with me because I had met the King of Kings.   I made a personal decision that I would make the effort to attend church services and introduce my child at a young age to Jesus Christ.

This year our son and family are visiting during the week before Easter.  His wife's family has a reunion every Easter Sunday at the beach after church and has an egg hunt for the little ones.  They cook-out and enjoy the sand and surf while catching up with each other's family.

On some Easter Sundays we have a home-cooked meal with our parents and loved ones.  Other times we attend church and go out for Brunch afterwards.  Each year is different - especially now that our son is grown and living in another state. 

While the little ones are still at home - it's fun making your own family traditions and special memories.  When our son was young he attended a Christian grade school, and he often made crafts with an emphasis on Easter.  They recited Scripture from the gospels and learned about Jesus and the resurrection.  They sang songs centered around our risen Savior and the cross of Christ. 

One year I made a "Resurrection Egg Basket".  It consisted of a basket with brightly colored plastic eggs - each one containing a symbol of the life and death of Jesus.  The eggs were numbered, starting with "1".  They contained one or more tiny trinkets along with Bible verses.  The object is to tell the Easter Story as you open the eggs and read the Scripture corresponding to each item. One egg had a miniature loaf of bread in it.  One egg had a fish.  One egg had a piece of purple velvet and a small twisted piece of vine with thorns.  Another had a nail in it.  I put a small silk Easter lilly in an egg.  Another egg had a tiny cross, and one had a large stone.  The last egg was empty.  You can get creative and think of your own special touches.  I used that Resurrection Easter Basket year after year - and he enjoyed opening the eggs and discovering the treasures each time!

How do you keep the Easter season special and meaningful for your family?  What traditions do you have from growing up that you intend to continue with your own children?  Even if your spouse chooses not to celebrate Easter with you - you can have influence in your home that will last a lifetime.  Begin now shaping a legacy that will be passed on from one generation to another.  Easter is a wonderful time to discuss "new life" and why the Resurrection is important to us as believers. 

Begin now by praying for your spouse to have "eyes to see" and "ears to hear" the true message of Easter.  Here is an example to follow: 

Dear Lord, I lift up my (husband/wife) to you now.  I humbly ask that during this Resurrection season You would open the eyes of their heart that they may see who You truly are.  Thank You Lord that whenever they turn to You, the veil will be taken away and they will behold Your majesty.  Cause them to know the hope of Your calling and the riches of Your glory.  Thank You Lord you will save them, not on the basis of their deeds, but according to Your mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.  Lord, Your Word declares that You will be found by those who do not seek You, and You will be manifest to those who do not ask for You.  Thank You Lord that they will know Your love which surpasses all knowledge, that they may be filled up to all the fullness of God.  We thank You Lord that You are not slack concerning Your promise... but are longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  In Jesus Name we pray,   Amen.

(Ref:  Colossians 1; Ephesians 1; Titus 3; Romans 10; Ephesians 3; II Peter 3)

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

How Will You Spend Easter Sunday? Do You Dread The Prospect?

When The Going Gets Tough - Eat Angel Food Cake And Rest!

When was the last time you were ready to scream, “I can’t take it anymore!”?  You’ve come to the end of your rope and you can’t even hang onto the threads! If one more person tugs at you and needs a moment of your time, you’re going to walk right out of that door and not come back!

Okay… well, maybe it’s not that bad – but it’s getting there! We’ve all had times when we’ve decided we just can’t handle one more thing on our plate, or one more demand on us. There comes a time when we have to stop and evaluate our very existence! Why are we here? We don’t really need to be so melodramatic, we just have to put it all in perspective.

We are often the most venerable when we’re physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.  You may be in a high risk group such as a new mom, a student, a high-level career professional, a nurse, a public servant, or a retailer. The list is endless, but in reality – we’re all “at risk” for being worn out at some time or another.

Often, during our time of stress, we are also a target for Satan’s temptations and snares. He loves to attack the weak, the sick and the defenseless. As a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, our adversary preys on those who are exhausted and venerable. Just as a lion in the wild isolates his victim, so does the enemy of our souls. We need to be vigilant and resist him, steadfast in the faith (I Peter 5:8-9).

In the Gospels, Jesus was tempted by Satan when He was hungry, tired and isolated. He had human limitations even though He was the incarnate God. He rebuked Satan by quoting Scripture. We can do the same by exclaiming, “It is written…”  Using our sword of the Sprit effectively is our greatest weapon against the father of lies.

One of the best examples in the Bible of spiritual and emotional exhaustion is the prophet Elijah. 

In I Kings chapters 17 thru 19, we see Elijah about to have a monumental showdown on Mount Carmel with over eight hundred false prophets of Baal and Asherah that served at thte pleasure of King Ahab's evil wife, Queen Jezebel.

Elijah set up an elaborate altar surrounded by a trench, offered a sacrifice on it, but put no fire under it, saying, “Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord, and the God who answer by fire, He is God.” After hours of coaxing and mocking them, at the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prayed aloud for God to vindicate him. Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice including the wood, stones, and water. The people acknowledged the Lord God and they seized and executed the false prophets. That did it! Jezebel took it personally and wanted her revenge against Elijah.

When the going gets tough –run for your life!  Elijah must have forgotten all about the miraculous success on Mt. Carmel. How many times do we forget what the Lord has done for us?  Chapter 19 verse 4 tells us he went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and sat down under a broom tree. There he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” Verse 5 says that as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him to “Arise and eat.” By his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. The Scripture says that he ate and drank, and lay down again.

This scenario repeated itself for a second time, and we are told he went in the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights as far as Mt. Horeb. It was here in a crag on Mt. Horeb that God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice. Elijah had attended his own pity party, and God in His mercy came to his rescue. In the end God restored Elijah to his rightful place as prophet, directed him to anoint Elisha to take his place, and reinforced his fortitude by reminding him that there were still seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed down to Baal.

God is still in the business of comforting his saints.  He sends us provisions when we are weary. Often all that is needed to help us through the crisis is a good hot meal, and a good night’s sleep. As the manna rained down from heaven, so shall your sustenance be. Psalm 78:23-25 tells us, “Yet He [God] had commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven, had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them of the bread of heaven. Men ate angels’ food; He sent them food to the full.”  Elijah had his own brand of angel food cake and rest.

The Bread of Life Himself will fill your hunger, 

and His Living Water will quench your thirst 

(John 6:22; John 7:37-38).

Resting in the Lord gives you a renewed vigor and stamina. Meditate on His Goodness. Read Psalm 23 and picture yourself in a lush, green pasture, following your Shepherd as He makes His way to a fresh, cool brook. Psalm 37:3 says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness." Verse 7 says, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him…”  In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus invites us to “Come, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

It is said that Susannah Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, often pulled her outer skirt over her head to find peace and a stillness when her offspring were little. As a mother of over a dozen children, she resorted to whatever means was necessary to rest in the Lord, even if it was for but a moment.



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 

When The Going Gets Tough - Eat Angel Food Cake And Rest!

You Have To Work At It To Make It All Worthwhile

WORK - The word itself conjures up sweat, effort, and time.


Webster in part defines work as: sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result.


Wow! I’m tired just thinking about that definition of work. But seriously, marriage is hard work!

So what exactly is our objective or desired result? According to God’s Word it is unity, honor, edification, submission to authority, spiritual fruit-bearing and unconditional love (I Peter, Ephesians, and I Corinthians).

Often when we enter marriage we come with pre-conceived ideas about what it should look like. We have high expectations. We come dragging in our over-stuffed baggage. We just aren’t realistic about what a healthy God-patterned marriage should look like. If you are in an unequally-yoked marriage, it can be devastating if you don’t grasp the biblical teaching concerning your role as God’s marital representative in that particular situation.

Back to the basics we go. First, there needs to be unity in the marriage. This can be difficult if only one spouse loves and serves the Lord. You must be in unity with Christ first, and then you can unify with your spouse in the areas of your marriage that don’t contradict God’s Word. Be at peace with everyone as much as depends on you (Romans 12:18). Paul addressed the first-century church no different than he would today: submit to one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-3 says, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”


Submission is such a misunderstood word in the church, especially for women. Godly submission is taught in the book of Ephesians and in the book of Romans, and its premise is demonstrated throughout the Bible. Christ is the Head (of the Church) and ideally the husband is submitted to His authority. The wife is to be submitted to her husband in the Lord. We all submit to some form of authority in our lives. We begin submitting to our parents, then teachers, law-enforcement, government, employers, church leaders, and more. Submission is best illustrated in John chapter 17 as Jesus prayed for Himself and submitted to His Father’s Will.

Also, we will exhibit spiritual fruit-bearing, worthy of the Lord when we dig our roots deep into God’s Word and cultivate the soil of our hearts with His Spirit. Galatians Chapter 5 tells us to “walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” When we live a Spirit-filled life, we will display the fruits of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit-bearing should set us apart from those living in the world system. As Christians, we should display behavior that is God honoring and exemplifies Christ’s qualities that drew so many people to Him.

Finally, loving your spouse isn’t a feeling – it’s a commitment to do what is right. God loved us “while we were yet sinners” and died for us (Romans 5:8). We must love our spouses as Christ loves us without pre-conditions or a “litmus test” to see if they are worthy of our affections or not. Love is the greatest of all virtues and does not fail. I Corinthians chapter 13 tells us, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Love is something that we purpose in our heart to do for a lifetime to our marriage partner, regardless of what society tells us in movies, TV shows, or in the public square. We are obligated to flesh out the love God has for us to our spouse in a tangible way – day by day.

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 Have To Work At It To Make It All Worthwhile

A Sure Foundation - Moving Ahead in the New Year

As the New Year approaches, it would be a good time to talk about spiritual “foundations” and what that means for the Christian.

A foundation is a prepared base or support for a structure to be built on. In days of old, when a new building in town was to be constructed, a foundation stone was laid with great fanfare, often in a public ceremony. Many times during a ground-breaking ceremony, a local dignitary would symbolically put a shovel into the dirt and pose for a picture to commemorate the event.

The foundation is the most important part of any building. The materials and work on a slab foundation is literally “set in stone”, and has no room for errors. In this type of foundation wooden forms are built which then hold the poured concrete. A footing trench is dug around the perimeter to provide added thickness along the end of the slab. These edges are stress prone and the weakest point of the foundation. Usually sand or gravel is spread below where the concrete is poured. This technique prevents the slab from sinking under the weight of the concrete. A vapor barrier is usually installed above the sand or gravel, and wire mesh is placed in the center of the slab with rebar (steel rods) in the footing areas to add rigidity and prevent cracking.

The following 1st stanza and refrain from this famous hymn passionately conveys this spiritual truth…

The Solid Rock - by Edward Mote (c.1834)

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

Scripture tells us that JESUS is the “Chief Cornerstone” of our faith. Isaiah 28:16-17 says, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily. Also I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plummet…” Peter quotes both Isaiah and the Psalms in I Peter 2:6-7. He states, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will be no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”

In Matthew 21, Jesus tells the parable of the Landowner while He was teaching in the temple. He was speaking to the Chief priests and Pharisees. He then quoted Psalm 118:22-23 and said, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Christ Himself is the Cornerstone of the Church – and was dismissed by the Jews. He came first to the lost sheep of Israel, only to be rejected, mocked and executed by those who heard His message in that day.

In Acts 4, Peter is preaching to the Sanhedrin, quoting familiar scriptures from Isaiah. He then says, “Nor is there salvation is any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” His audience marveled at his and John’s preaching, noting that they were uneducated and untrained, but yet spoke with great power and boldness.

The Apostle Paul takes time in Corinth to teach on the concept of the right foundation. In I Corinthians 3:9-14 Paul explains the importance of a sure and righteous foundation: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now, if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.”  Paul also stressed to his readers that if their work was destroyed by fire, they themselves would be saved, though refined by the flames. Either way – we must be sure our faith and works are built on the solid foundational truths of Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

The New Year is quickly approaching. This is the point of it all: You need a firm foundation to move ahead as a Christian to effectively reach a lost and perishing world. For some, this Christmas was the beginning of a long and fruitful Christian life. For others, a recommitment to Christ is what is needed. Paul knew and preached that salvation was by faith, through grace alone. He knew that justification was through a belief on Jesus, the Son of God. He taught us to “count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus… that we might know Him and the power of His resurrection.”

The New Year brings opportunity for a renewed “God Purpose” – a fine-tuning of our Christian basics. We need to be sure we have a solid biblical foundation to launch out from in 2011.

Here are a few things we need to inspect with regards to our own foundation:

~ Discipleship opportunities and Bible Study
~ Decision making, obedience and submission to God’s leading
~ Discernment, wisdom and stewardship
~ Fellowship, outreach and ministry
~ Charity, hospitality and good works

If Jesus came to do a foundation inspection, would you pass the test?

 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

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A Sure Foundation - Moving Ahead in the New Year

Transformed by the Transfiguration of Christ

When you read the three accounts of Christ’s transfiguration on the mount (Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9) you come away with a sense of what a tremendous life-changing event it truly was for Peter, James and John. Days earlier Peter had proclaimed who Jesus was when the Lord posed the question to the disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” They said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” It was Peter who declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered him by confirming that “flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”

So what happened that day when Jesus and his inner circle of disciples headed up Mt. Hermon? It was one of the highest peaks in the mountain range that bordered much of the promised land that Moses gazed upon in Joshua 13. We know that Mt. Hermon is mentioned in one of the Songs of Ascent (Psalm 133) that yearly pilgrims sang on their way to Jerusalem. This was a sacred mountain, one that was revered and held special significance to devout Jews. Luke tells us Jesus took them up the mountain to pray. These same three disciples would accompany Him to the Garden of Gethsemane soon afterwards. Our Lord was preparing them for the dark days ahead of which He revealed to them prior to this event. Peter even attempted to prevent what Jesus Himself prophesied regarding His suffering and pending death in Jerusalem. Now, approximately six days later, here they were with Jesus, watching something that would transform them for the rest of their lives.

The transfiguration was a demonstration of the glory of Christ’s human life. Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. He was the Son of God & the Son of Man. He was the glorified humanity, not the glory of deity. Christ deliberately limited His omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience in Himself.  It was all to show the magnificence of His humanity. The account of His transfiguration is stunning. Matthew 17:2 states, “and [He] was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Mark 9:3 says, “His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. Luke 9:29 tells us, “And as He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. God gave those disciples a glimpse of His Son’s glory! Jesus was in conversation with Moses and Elijah – one representing the Law, the other representing the Prophets. Jesus stated in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” The dialog centered most likely on His pending death and resurrection.

Peter, James and John would never be the same again. James was the first of the disciples to be martyred for Christ by Herod. Peter was the evangelist to the Gentiles and became a pillar of the church. He learned, by the Holy Spirit’s power, to tame the tongue that so often got him into trouble while Jesus was here on earth. Peter was so overcome with a mixture of fear and exhilaration that he blurted out, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” His exuberance was no doubt based on the fact that if it is good now (on earth), just think how good it will be in heaven! The disciples recognized at this moment that the Son of God was more than the Jesus they knew as a teacher, a rabbi, reformer and leader – He was the express Glory of God in the flesh. The Messiah. John was the youngest of the disciples, and ultimately was the last living witness of His glory. John never forgot how precious the Lord Jesus was to him and even omitted his own name from his epistles and gospel, because of his great love for his savior. Both Peter and John testified to being eye-witnesses to His Glory in their writings.

As they stood on the mount in awe, the luminous cloud spread and overshadowed them, filling them with a sense of terror. God Almighty spoke saying, “This is My Beloved Son: hear Him!” There was no time for comprehension as they fell on their faces in awestruck worship. Then we see Jesus as He lovingly and tenderly touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” The three lifted up their eyes and beheld only Jesus.

This pivotal event was the catalyst for these disciples to live with extraordinary abandon in the face of extreme persecution. They would serve Christ and build His church with their own blood, sweat and tears. The transfiguration gave them, and all saints to come, the assurance that Jesus was the God Man come to earth as a ransom for many.

How does the transfiguration transform us? It declares Jesus King of Kings and Lord of Lords as He appeared in all of His power and glory. It gives us faith in the power Jesus has over death and the grave. It empowers us as it did for three disciples to proclaim how great our Savior i, and change the world one life at a time.

Transformed by the Transfiguration of Christ