Last time I posted I commented that I wanted to become more diligent about memorizing the Word of God.
I'm putting that desire into practice this week (and prayerfully for many, many weeks after!).
This morning I got out my copy of Polished Cornerstones by Doorposts. Other times I have focused my memory work on what the kids were doing or whatever a Bible study I was working through suggested but this time I wanted verses that applied to my calling as a godly woman. I knew that Polished Cornerstones would have relevant verses by subject, so that is where I started. I found a whole section called "A Woman Who Memorizes God's Word" so I decided that is where I would start.
Chuck Swindoll writes in Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life:
"I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture...No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified."
I also believe that God uses the Holy Spirit to recall for us verses that we have memorized when we need them.....if they aren't there how can we recall them????
So, I'm choosing to arm myself with the Holy Word of God.
Here are the verses that are suggested for this section and I am going to try to get them committed to memory this week.
Psalm 119:105
Psalm 119:30
Psalm 19:8
Deuteronomy 6:6
Psalm 119:9-16
If you are looking to begin some scripture memorization, those verses are a good place to start.
See you soon :)
Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scripture. Show all posts
Monday, October 14, 2013
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Speech - Psalm 19:14, Psalm 141:3
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
***This study was mainly for me. I don't want others to think I am pointing fingers. I NEEDED to read this and hear this and know that it was true. I am sharing in the hopes that it will bless others.***
Words are powerful. Not just spoken words, but words written, blogged, twittered and sang. As I consider my words:
Are they always honest? kind? encouraging?
Am I using words to express the love of Jesus to those around me?
Should I practice silence?
Does this HAVE to be said?
What are the consequences if I DO or DON'T speak?
Does love guide my words?
Those are the tough questions that I am contemplating this morning. I can say that I started several years ago to monitor my speech (I'm NOT perfect though!!!!!) so I do have a tendence to think twice before I speak. I also have written many letters this year, only to throw them away a few days later. I think that it is good to write out your feelings in a letter, set it aside for a day or so and then decide if it should be mailed. Once I actually mailed a letter (several years ago) but since then they usually get thrown away.
The thing to remember is that words - no matter the delivery method - can't ever be taken back. Yes, sometimes things NEED to be said. Frequently, the words I want to say won't make any positive difference in the situation. If they won't impact the situation in a positive way, why take a chance that they will make a negative impact?
Yes, sometimes bottling things up will make a situation explosive. Share your feelings with a trusted friend (removed from the difficult situation). Write in a journal (oh the journals I have filled!). Write a letter to the person and then throw it away (I don't suggest email, it is way to easy to push send). Someone suggested to me that I write out all the things I want to say, give them to God and bury them somewhere - or watch them burn in a fire. All those hurt feelings and anger can be taken away by Him if we let Him anyway.
So, today, I urge you to reflect on your words. Let God guide you daily so that everything that you (or I!!!!!!) say will glorify Him.
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
***This study was mainly for me. I don't want others to think I am pointing fingers. I NEEDED to read this and hear this and know that it was true. I am sharing in the hopes that it will bless others.***
Words are powerful. Not just spoken words, but words written, blogged, twittered and sang. As I consider my words:
Are they always honest? kind? encouraging?
Am I using words to express the love of Jesus to those around me?
Should I practice silence?
Does this HAVE to be said?
What are the consequences if I DO or DON'T speak?
Does love guide my words?
Those are the tough questions that I am contemplating this morning. I can say that I started several years ago to monitor my speech (I'm NOT perfect though!!!!!) so I do have a tendence to think twice before I speak. I also have written many letters this year, only to throw them away a few days later. I think that it is good to write out your feelings in a letter, set it aside for a day or so and then decide if it should be mailed. Once I actually mailed a letter (several years ago) but since then they usually get thrown away.
The thing to remember is that words - no matter the delivery method - can't ever be taken back. Yes, sometimes things NEED to be said. Frequently, the words I want to say won't make any positive difference in the situation. If they won't impact the situation in a positive way, why take a chance that they will make a negative impact?
Yes, sometimes bottling things up will make a situation explosive. Share your feelings with a trusted friend (removed from the difficult situation). Write in a journal (oh the journals I have filled!). Write a letter to the person and then throw it away (I don't suggest email, it is way to easy to push send). Someone suggested to me that I write out all the things I want to say, give them to God and bury them somewhere - or watch them burn in a fire. All those hurt feelings and anger can be taken away by Him if we let Him anyway.
So, today, I urge you to reflect on your words. Let God guide you daily so that everything that you (or I!!!!!!) say will glorify Him.
Monday, July 25, 2011
God is Always There
During the past (almost) year, we have done a lot of leaning on our friends. Although we weren't terribly private people before, my wonderful husband and I prefered to be the one to do the supporting, rather than being the ones supported. Things change (in an instant) though and I can honestly say that I now know what it is like to be on the receiving end of unconditional love and support. We have been blessed beyond measure and even farther beyond what we will ever deserve.
With that said, our friends have their own lives. Their own families. Their own chores, errands, plans and dreams. While our world felt like it had fallen apart and stopped altogether, their lives were ticking along nicely. In reality, as much as I might have wanted them to, they couldn't all sit here day after day and hold my hand.
All the earthly support in the world can't be there 24/7. So when fear strikes in the middle of the night, after a particularly hard day (the 3rd one this week) or when you know all are busy and don't want to be a bother.....who do you lean on? If you are a Christian, the easy answer is God. And that is true. But when you are at the bottom of the pit, to scared to look out or even think about climbing out, calling on God doesn't always seem helpful.
God is there. He wants to comfort you. He wants you to lean in His arms and be carried by His strength. Here are some suggestions for things that you can do from the bottom of the pit to feel close to your Father.
* read the Psalms
I am on my 3rd read-through of Psalms this year. Every time I have been encouraged and lifted up by selections that I just didn't notice the time before. The Psalms were written by people at the bottom of the pit, they speak the words that you can't and help you explain the emotions that are smothering you.
* pray
Even if it is my favorite "God, I don't know what to do now" prayer. He hears and you will feel closer just by talking to Him. Pour your heart out and then just sit in silence and listen. God says the most wonderful things to me when I just listen.
* be grateful
I know that it is hard to be grateful when you are sitting alone in the bottom of the pit, but you CAN find at least one thing a day to be grateful for. Last fall, around Thanksgiving, I purposed to think of at least 3 things every day that I was thankful for and to openly thank God for those things. My children picked up on it (I was using prayer time at meals for this) and I think it did all of us good to remember the blessings that God gives us. Is the sun shining? Be thankful for that. Are there flowers you can see/smell? Be thankful for the beauty that God has provided. Did the cat just have 11 kittens in the bottom drawer of your dresser? Be thankful for a sweet reminder of God's creation (and a newspaper ad that can give them all away!).
* remember others
While sitting at the bottom of the pit, it is lonely. In our situation we were all in the pit together, but we each still felt very alone. I found it humbling to pray for the needs of others. If you don't know of any others who have needs, watch the news for 5 minutes. Read the newspaper and pray for the families of those listed in the obituary section. No matter how terrible your situation, you have God with you, there are others in this world that don't. How hopeless must their situations be?
* make plans to get out of the pit
Let's face it, the pit isn't a fun place to be and you can't stay there forever. So NOW is a fantastic time to plan your escape. Get a notebook and ask God to show you His plans for you. You might get a teeny tiny glimpse. Work with that. Jot down your hopes and dreams for your future. Seek out the advice of those wonderful friends and bounce ideas off of them. Pray for your dreams. If you feel God leading you in one specific direction, make plans to take a step that way. As long as you are open to God's leading along the way you can't go wrong. If you feel that you hit a wall, or have a setback, don't give up! Reevaluate and start again. (I speak from experience here. Norman and I are not ones to sit back and wallow in our pity. We've been trying many avenues to better our situation. So far, they have all been dead ends. We are to the last option. It seemed drastic, but the way seems clear to us. So we go forward, knowing that we didn't arrive at this choice lightly, we have exhausted all other options and that God is with us, no matter what.)
* sing
I don't care if you can carry a tune, or not, sing. I think that just the process of singing frees your mind to praise God. Process the words to your favorite hymn. Listen to God's promises of mercy and grace and let them wash over you. I promise that if you aren't on your way out of the pit, you will be heading that way soon enough.
* banish Satan
Just the last few weeks, when I feel fear creeping up on me, I have been rebuking Satan. Fear is not from God, it is from Satan, trying to get a handle on you. I refuse to let Satan, and fear, rule my life anymore. I give my problems, concerns and fears to God and I let Him keep them. I don't take them back. They aren't mine anymore. God is far more capable of handling them than I am.
That pit of fear, loneliness and despair is a terrible place to be. I wish that I could say you will never end up there again. I can't. But you don't have to stay there. If you are reading this, you are alive. Life is worth living. Whatever you have lost, a loved one, financial security, relationships, job.......you have your life. Live it with joy. Joy in knowing that God is there no matter what happens. Joy in the small things like flowers and kittens. Joy in helping those who have found themselves in the pit (who would be more qualified than someone who has been there???). All problems can't be solved, but we can go on living without the solution. I encourage you to say a pray, pick up your Bible and purpose today to start living again.
With that said, our friends have their own lives. Their own families. Their own chores, errands, plans and dreams. While our world felt like it had fallen apart and stopped altogether, their lives were ticking along nicely. In reality, as much as I might have wanted them to, they couldn't all sit here day after day and hold my hand.
All the earthly support in the world can't be there 24/7. So when fear strikes in the middle of the night, after a particularly hard day (the 3rd one this week) or when you know all are busy and don't want to be a bother.....who do you lean on? If you are a Christian, the easy answer is God. And that is true. But when you are at the bottom of the pit, to scared to look out or even think about climbing out, calling on God doesn't always seem helpful.
God is there. He wants to comfort you. He wants you to lean in His arms and be carried by His strength. Here are some suggestions for things that you can do from the bottom of the pit to feel close to your Father.
* read the Psalms
I am on my 3rd read-through of Psalms this year. Every time I have been encouraged and lifted up by selections that I just didn't notice the time before. The Psalms were written by people at the bottom of the pit, they speak the words that you can't and help you explain the emotions that are smothering you.
* pray
Even if it is my favorite "God, I don't know what to do now" prayer. He hears and you will feel closer just by talking to Him. Pour your heart out and then just sit in silence and listen. God says the most wonderful things to me when I just listen.
* be grateful
I know that it is hard to be grateful when you are sitting alone in the bottom of the pit, but you CAN find at least one thing a day to be grateful for. Last fall, around Thanksgiving, I purposed to think of at least 3 things every day that I was thankful for and to openly thank God for those things. My children picked up on it (I was using prayer time at meals for this) and I think it did all of us good to remember the blessings that God gives us. Is the sun shining? Be thankful for that. Are there flowers you can see/smell? Be thankful for the beauty that God has provided. Did the cat just have 11 kittens in the bottom drawer of your dresser? Be thankful for a sweet reminder of God's creation (and a newspaper ad that can give them all away!).
* remember others
While sitting at the bottom of the pit, it is lonely. In our situation we were all in the pit together, but we each still felt very alone. I found it humbling to pray for the needs of others. If you don't know of any others who have needs, watch the news for 5 minutes. Read the newspaper and pray for the families of those listed in the obituary section. No matter how terrible your situation, you have God with you, there are others in this world that don't. How hopeless must their situations be?
* make plans to get out of the pit
Let's face it, the pit isn't a fun place to be and you can't stay there forever. So NOW is a fantastic time to plan your escape. Get a notebook and ask God to show you His plans for you. You might get a teeny tiny glimpse. Work with that. Jot down your hopes and dreams for your future. Seek out the advice of those wonderful friends and bounce ideas off of them. Pray for your dreams. If you feel God leading you in one specific direction, make plans to take a step that way. As long as you are open to God's leading along the way you can't go wrong. If you feel that you hit a wall, or have a setback, don't give up! Reevaluate and start again. (I speak from experience here. Norman and I are not ones to sit back and wallow in our pity. We've been trying many avenues to better our situation. So far, they have all been dead ends. We are to the last option. It seemed drastic, but the way seems clear to us. So we go forward, knowing that we didn't arrive at this choice lightly, we have exhausted all other options and that God is with us, no matter what.)
* sing
I don't care if you can carry a tune, or not, sing. I think that just the process of singing frees your mind to praise God. Process the words to your favorite hymn. Listen to God's promises of mercy and grace and let them wash over you. I promise that if you aren't on your way out of the pit, you will be heading that way soon enough.
* banish Satan
Just the last few weeks, when I feel fear creeping up on me, I have been rebuking Satan. Fear is not from God, it is from Satan, trying to get a handle on you. I refuse to let Satan, and fear, rule my life anymore. I give my problems, concerns and fears to God and I let Him keep them. I don't take them back. They aren't mine anymore. God is far more capable of handling them than I am.
That pit of fear, loneliness and despair is a terrible place to be. I wish that I could say you will never end up there again. I can't. But you don't have to stay there. If you are reading this, you are alive. Life is worth living. Whatever you have lost, a loved one, financial security, relationships, job.......you have your life. Live it with joy. Joy in knowing that God is there no matter what happens. Joy in the small things like flowers and kittens. Joy in helping those who have found themselves in the pit (who would be more qualified than someone who has been there???). All problems can't be solved, but we can go on living without the solution. I encourage you to say a pray, pick up your Bible and purpose today to start living again.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Psalm 119: 46-52, Job 2:10
Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
The proud have me in great derision,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.
I remembered Your judgements of old, O Lord,
And have comforted myself.
God's word is comforting
God's word is salvation - by teaching of Jesus
God's word gives home - through the stories of others
God's word shows God's mercy and faithfulness
But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
God is good ALL the time. No matter my problem or situation He is ALWAYS there.
God's promises are true.
God didn't promise an easy life. He did promise salvation and a home in Heaven for those who will accept Him.
The goal in my life should always be Heaven.
***This was yesterday's study. It really hit home. God doesn't cause pain in this world but He also doesn't always stop it. That is hard for me to swallow. However, just because God doesn't stop the pain or the terrible situation or the effects of a terrible situation, doesn't mean that He isn't there, helping, leading and blessing along the way. Today's reading was Psalm 119:65-72. I probably won't comment on it here as it ended up very personal for me. I am learning much about pain and affliction. And I'm leaning on my Saviour!***
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
The proud have me in great derision,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.
I remembered Your judgements of old, O Lord,
And have comforted myself.
God's word is comforting
God's word is salvation - by teaching of Jesus
God's word gives home - through the stories of others
God's word shows God's mercy and faithfulness
But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
God is good ALL the time. No matter my problem or situation He is ALWAYS there.
God's promises are true.
God didn't promise an easy life. He did promise salvation and a home in Heaven for those who will accept Him.
The goal in my life should always be Heaven.
***This was yesterday's study. It really hit home. God doesn't cause pain in this world but He also doesn't always stop it. That is hard for me to swallow. However, just because God doesn't stop the pain or the terrible situation or the effects of a terrible situation, doesn't mean that He isn't there, helping, leading and blessing along the way. Today's reading was Psalm 119:65-72. I probably won't comment on it here as it ended up very personal for me. I am learning much about pain and affliction. And I'm leaning on my Saviour!***
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Psalm 119: 15-16
I will meditate on Your precepts,
And Contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word
(NKJV)
Meditate? Contemplate? My definition of those words is "to ponder, consider, think about at great length" So, don't just read and go on. Work it over in your mind and heart (for a day? a week? a month?) and consider personal application.
Is this passage an example for me?
Should I do something? (James 1:22) (we've been discussing this in Sunday School as well!)
I am soooo glad that I came upon these verses in Psalm today while I was reading. These fit in exactly with the information about Bible study that I was talking about in Lorrie's 5 R's bundle. The 2 questions above are the ones that I am going to ask myself about each passage I study. From today's study I took away the following points:
1. meditate
2. contemplate
3. take delight in the word of God
4. memorize
I also started a prayer journal with my Bible study notes. I am so excited about this. I will share some tidbits here along the way :) Also, I've been working at reading through the Bible in a year. I got behind in the program I was using through Motivated Moms, so I am reading 3 chapters a day from 2 different books....right now I just started Esther and am most of the way through Psalms. I'm adding a sidebar with where I am reading if anyone is interested. Please, please feel free to share here or on your blog what God has been saying to you! Leave me a link as I would love to read and share in your excitement as well :)
And Contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word
(NKJV)
Meditate? Contemplate? My definition of those words is "to ponder, consider, think about at great length" So, don't just read and go on. Work it over in your mind and heart (for a day? a week? a month?) and consider personal application.
Is this passage an example for me?
Should I do something? (James 1:22) (we've been discussing this in Sunday School as well!)
I am soooo glad that I came upon these verses in Psalm today while I was reading. These fit in exactly with the information about Bible study that I was talking about in Lorrie's 5 R's bundle. The 2 questions above are the ones that I am going to ask myself about each passage I study. From today's study I took away the following points:
1. meditate
2. contemplate
3. take delight in the word of God
4. memorize
I also started a prayer journal with my Bible study notes. I am so excited about this. I will share some tidbits here along the way :) Also, I've been working at reading through the Bible in a year. I got behind in the program I was using through Motivated Moms, so I am reading 3 chapters a day from 2 different books....right now I just started Esther and am most of the way through Psalms. I'm adding a sidebar with where I am reading if anyone is interested. Please, please feel free to share here or on your blog what God has been saying to you! Leave me a link as I would love to read and share in your excitement as well :)
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
A Note from Psalm
Psalm 27 (NAS)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, the stumbled and fell.
Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.
One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple.
For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.
And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me.
When Thou didst say, "Seek My face, : my heart said to Thee, "Thy face, O Lord, I shall seek."
Do not hide Thy face from me, Do not turn Thy servant away in anger; Thou hast been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation!
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the Lord will take me up.
Teach me Thy way, O Lord, And lead me in a level path, Because of my foes.
Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.
***I am waiting God. Show me!
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, the stumbled and fell.
Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.
One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple.
For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.
And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me; And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me.
When Thou didst say, "Seek My face, : my heart said to Thee, "Thy face, O Lord, I shall seek."
Do not hide Thy face from me, Do not turn Thy servant away in anger; Thou hast been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation!
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the Lord will take me up.
Teach me Thy way, O Lord, And lead me in a level path, Because of my foes.
Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence.
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.
***I am waiting God. Show me!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Website Links for Submission Post
I am sorry that I forgot to add these at the end of my post on Biblical submission. These are some of the sites that helped to encourage me to seek the Bible and God's will with regard to submission in my marriage. I hope that they will also encourage you!
www.titus2.com
www.yoursacredcalling.blospot.com
www.keepingthehome.com
www.biblicalwomanhoodonline.com
Also, here are some book titles that I have also found useful:
The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
Created to be His HelpMeet by Deb Pearl
www.titus2.com
www.yoursacredcalling.blospot.com
www.keepingthehome.com
www.biblicalwomanhoodonline.com
Also, here are some book titles that I have also found useful:
The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
Created to be His HelpMeet by Deb Pearl
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Submission
I have encountered many women lately who I believe are in rebellion toward their husbands. This makes me so sad, as I was that woman 6 years ago. The difference in my life and in my marriage today is so remarkable that I want to shout it from the rooftops. However, I am frequently met with criticism and doubt. Many women don't want to believe that following their husband will help to make him a better husband. But ladies....it DOES!
Seven years ago my 2nd son was born. My husband and I barely co-existed together. I despised him.....he had a terrible work ethic and was frequently out of work, refused to help around the house, etc. After the birth of my 2nd son I was fired from work and decided to stay at home with my boys. My husband agreed at least temporarily. He started a new job (the 3rd in 12 months) about 3 month later and had to do 6 weeks of training away from home. Then he was working 3 hours from home and was only able to come home 2 days a week. I had plenty of time to think about our relationship.
At the counsel of several godly women from many different sites I learned about biblical submission. At first I didn't want to believe that God wanted me to submit to my husband. He wasn't even a Christian. He made wrong decisions every day! I just knew that if I left any major decision up to him that we would be in the poor house. What good would that be for our family???? I decided (because, of course, I know better than God!) that I would submit in the small things. Token submission. That way I could feel good about obeying God's command without actually giving up control.
My husband took the little bit of leeway I gave him and ran with it. He became responsible! He started expecting that I follow his lead. Now mind you, he had no idea what I was doing (and as far as I know he still doesn't). He just began taking control of our family. At first, I fought him some and we argued a lot. I felt justified in saying that this submission thing just wasn't working. We didn't fight this much before so why should I put my family in the middle of one constant fight about EVERYTHING??? Finally I got tired of fighting and just let it go. Everything. Almost instantly our marriage improved 110%. And my husband changed some more.
My husband has held that same job all these years. He diligently goes to work and fullfills all his responsibilities there. He became a better father. He takes pride in spending time with his family rather than out with the "guys". His whole outlook on life has changed. Is he perfect? Absolutely not, but then again, neither am I. Every once in a while I feel the old me rise up and want to fight about something (usually trivial) just to get my way. God is gracious in letting me take one day at a time.
Many women I meet assure me that they should be allowed to make decisions in their marriage just as much as their husbands are. I agree. I voice my opinion (and most the time my husband asks for it) on almost everything of importance. I make many decisions in areas that my husband doesn't want to deal with. He has delegated that responsibility to me. If I have questions about anything, I take it to him and he has the final say in the matter.
I hope and pray that my boys see their dad taking the lead in our family and understand that this is the way that God made families to operate. Our family has been so blessed because I took the first very difficult step and submitted....wholeheatedly!
The most important part of a wife's biblical submission is her attitude. If you begrudgingly submit, then you might as well not. Submission needs to be done with a meek spirit, a smile on your face and joy in your heart. I ask God every day to give me that joy and if I feel that I am missing it then that is a prime indicator of my need to spend more time with Him.
I pray that you will also seek God's word and consider submitting to your husband. Submitting to God's will for your life will always lead to bountiful blessings!
Seven years ago my 2nd son was born. My husband and I barely co-existed together. I despised him.....he had a terrible work ethic and was frequently out of work, refused to help around the house, etc. After the birth of my 2nd son I was fired from work and decided to stay at home with my boys. My husband agreed at least temporarily. He started a new job (the 3rd in 12 months) about 3 month later and had to do 6 weeks of training away from home. Then he was working 3 hours from home and was only able to come home 2 days a week. I had plenty of time to think about our relationship.
At the counsel of several godly women from many different sites I learned about biblical submission. At first I didn't want to believe that God wanted me to submit to my husband. He wasn't even a Christian. He made wrong decisions every day! I just knew that if I left any major decision up to him that we would be in the poor house. What good would that be for our family???? I decided (because, of course, I know better than God!) that I would submit in the small things. Token submission. That way I could feel good about obeying God's command without actually giving up control.
My husband took the little bit of leeway I gave him and ran with it. He became responsible! He started expecting that I follow his lead. Now mind you, he had no idea what I was doing (and as far as I know he still doesn't). He just began taking control of our family. At first, I fought him some and we argued a lot. I felt justified in saying that this submission thing just wasn't working. We didn't fight this much before so why should I put my family in the middle of one constant fight about EVERYTHING??? Finally I got tired of fighting and just let it go. Everything. Almost instantly our marriage improved 110%. And my husband changed some more.
My husband has held that same job all these years. He diligently goes to work and fullfills all his responsibilities there. He became a better father. He takes pride in spending time with his family rather than out with the "guys". His whole outlook on life has changed. Is he perfect? Absolutely not, but then again, neither am I. Every once in a while I feel the old me rise up and want to fight about something (usually trivial) just to get my way. God is gracious in letting me take one day at a time.
Many women I meet assure me that they should be allowed to make decisions in their marriage just as much as their husbands are. I agree. I voice my opinion (and most the time my husband asks for it) on almost everything of importance. I make many decisions in areas that my husband doesn't want to deal with. He has delegated that responsibility to me. If I have questions about anything, I take it to him and he has the final say in the matter.
I hope and pray that my boys see their dad taking the lead in our family and understand that this is the way that God made families to operate. Our family has been so blessed because I took the first very difficult step and submitted....wholeheatedly!
The most important part of a wife's biblical submission is her attitude. If you begrudgingly submit, then you might as well not. Submission needs to be done with a meek spirit, a smile on your face and joy in your heart. I ask God every day to give me that joy and if I feel that I am missing it then that is a prime indicator of my need to spend more time with Him.
I pray that you will also seek God's word and consider submitting to your husband. Submitting to God's will for your life will always lead to bountiful blessings!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Searching for the truth
Have you ever been searching for something that you can't quite put your finger on, but you are in desperate need to find it? That is how I have been feeling for the last couple of weeks. I thought that I had found some of the anwers when I began my in-depth Bible study of laziness the other day. I was/am learning and growing in the Lord and seeking His will in my life. That is good and worthy, but the learning and growing in the Lord just seems to keep me searching and seeking for more answers.
I am desiring greatly to understand how God wants me to be modest, chaste.....more ladylike in my actions, speech and life. I want to know how this should play out in my life. Should my dress be obviously feminine (as in only dresses/skirts)? How can I do this without being labled legalistic? Are my strong desires to do something indication of a conviction or just my emotions leading the way? And how do I KNOW????
Don't you wish that the Bible came in list form.....you should do this, and this, and this.....here are the guidelines for this, and this, and this.....?? I am confused by the conflicting opinions of people who have studied the Bible in depth and have come to 2 different conclusions......how is that completely possible??? If women are to look distinctively like women then why is this not preached from every pulpit in the country.......?? Are the guidelines of the past thousand years enough to make something feminine when this country has strayed from those norms for the last hundred (mainly the last 50) years?
I have seen so may women lately that I believe are dressing femininly for the Lord. I applaud their efforts and then feel guilty because I have read the scriptures on this and even though I agree with how it reads.......I don't do anything about it. I don't conform my life to the way that I am interpreting the scriptures...........
Why?? Because I don't want to be labeled a "religious fanatic". I don't want people to argue with me about legalism. I want people to see me as a discreet, chaste, modest women....God-fearing in thoughts and behavior. Is there a way to live out my convictions (which I believe my thoughts are becoming) without people judging? I don't want to judge anyone else.....I would never want to do that......and I fear of being judged myself. Is that feeling alone wrong?
Please, if anyone who reads this has any thoughts for me or answers to my questions.....I would love to search the scriptures in a specific direction. I have read most of the "typical" modest dressing verses and would love a new insight......A fresh look at this subject. Also, please pray for me if you feel led.....that I would take my convictions and make them part of my walk with God. Please pray that He will show me the way.
Thank you!
Carie
I am desiring greatly to understand how God wants me to be modest, chaste.....more ladylike in my actions, speech and life. I want to know how this should play out in my life. Should my dress be obviously feminine (as in only dresses/skirts)? How can I do this without being labled legalistic? Are my strong desires to do something indication of a conviction or just my emotions leading the way? And how do I KNOW????
Don't you wish that the Bible came in list form.....you should do this, and this, and this.....here are the guidelines for this, and this, and this.....?? I am confused by the conflicting opinions of people who have studied the Bible in depth and have come to 2 different conclusions......how is that completely possible??? If women are to look distinctively like women then why is this not preached from every pulpit in the country.......?? Are the guidelines of the past thousand years enough to make something feminine when this country has strayed from those norms for the last hundred (mainly the last 50) years?
I have seen so may women lately that I believe are dressing femininly for the Lord. I applaud their efforts and then feel guilty because I have read the scriptures on this and even though I agree with how it reads.......I don't do anything about it. I don't conform my life to the way that I am interpreting the scriptures...........
Why?? Because I don't want to be labeled a "religious fanatic". I don't want people to argue with me about legalism. I want people to see me as a discreet, chaste, modest women....God-fearing in thoughts and behavior. Is there a way to live out my convictions (which I believe my thoughts are becoming) without people judging? I don't want to judge anyone else.....I would never want to do that......and I fear of being judged myself. Is that feeling alone wrong?
Please, if anyone who reads this has any thoughts for me or answers to my questions.....I would love to search the scriptures in a specific direction. I have read most of the "typical" modest dressing verses and would love a new insight......A fresh look at this subject. Also, please pray for me if you feel led.....that I would take my convictions and make them part of my walk with God. Please pray that He will show me the way.
Thank you!
Carie
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