Stoned And Left For Dead, But Ready To Rise Back Up

(In going through my draft files this afternoon I found this document. Not much has changed...in fact, if anything, I'd say things have heated up and intensified here and in the world at large...since I first drafted it in April of 2011, so I believe I'll go ahead and just share it as is...unedited, unfinished and all...)

How often does it happen? The Lord lays a message on the heart, the message is delivered, and, immediately, a stone is cast…then another…and another. My husband, John, and I have been in ministry for nearly 16 years now and early on we learned just how hard, how fast, and how far those stones could be, were, and are thrown, and how quickly people can turn against you when they don’t like the message.

As those of you who know me best know the past six years have been extremely difficult for me. For those of you who don’t know me at all, I’ll just say that 2005 brought life-changing situations that shook my world to its foundation and it has, literally, taken the whole of the past six years for me to find my footing, but praise the Lord! I am finally finding it! Hallelujah!

This morning I was praying about some things and I asked the Lord how I should proceed in a certain area. Did He really want me to step back into the arena? Wasn’t I supposed to just shake the dust off and move on like I’ve been trying desperately to do?

Here is where He took me in His precious Holy Word…

Acts 14:18-22 – “And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people that they had not done sacrifice unto them. And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch. Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

Wow! Okay…so…what did that have to do with anything?

Well, the first thing I needed to find out is what ‘sayings’ had scarce restrained the people? Where were they being said? And why?

In backing up, just a bit (Acts 14:8-17), I discovered that Paul and Barnabas were preaching in the city of Lystra and, after witnessing the healing of a man who had been crippled and unable to walk since birth, the people lifted up their voices professing Paul and Barnabas to be gods. They called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul, Mercurius, and the priest of Jupiter brought provision into the city where they were planning to do sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas with the people. When Paul and Barnabas heard of it, they rent their clothes and ran in among the people crying out and asking why they would do such a thing. They explained to them that they were just men like themselves. They pleaded with them to turn away from their pagan beliefs and turn, instead, unto the living God which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all things in them…and they proceeded to share the love of God for them with them.

THESE were the sayings that had scarce restrained the people from doing sacrifice and they had no more been said when in come these Jews from Antioch and Iconium and they were the ones that persuaded the people of Lystra to stone Paul, carry him out of the city, and leave him for dead.

So, what happened next? Did Paul just lie there and die? No! Verse 20 says, “…as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up…” (This verse reminded me of the handful of friends and family members who have remained faithful and supportive of us through all our crazy ups and downs. We are so very thankful for them!)

Okay…so…what did Paul do next? Did he get up and get as far away from the people who had treated him so badly? People who had stoned him and left him for dead?  No! Verse 20 also tells us that he “…came back into the city: and the next day he departed…”

Paul not only went back into Lystra, but he spent the night there! The next day he and Barnabas left and went to Derbe. When they were done preaching in Derbe they went back to Lystra AGAIN…and to Iconium and to Antioch…the two cities where the Jews that persuaded the people to stone them in the first place came from!!!

Ohmygoodness! After six years of floundering does God really want me to get back up and step back into the arena? Yes, I believe He does. If I do, will He protect me? Maybe. Maybe not!

In New Testament times God did not always protect His servants from harm, nor does He promise to always protect His servants from harm today. The kingdom of God often

advances at great cost to God’s servants and, as Acts 14:22 reminds us, “…we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

We are living in a hostile world and, if you watch the evening news, you are aware of the fact that it’s getting more and more hostile by the day. As Christians, we must stand firm and engage in spiritual warfare against sin and satanic power. In doing so we can expect trouble. Only the lukewarm and compromising “believer” will find peace and comfort from the world, and the present evil world and false believers will remain adversaries to the gospel of Christ until the Lord Himself overthrows the world’s evil system and Jesus reigns supreme.

Do we carry on? Of course we do! But as we do so I pray, “Maranantha! Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Until then, give us the strength and endurance needed to carry forth the work that You’ve given us to do…whatever arena You have called us to!”

Betrayal and Your Friend Judas

Betrayal! The very word cuts to the heart! That's because most of us have felt the sting, and struggled through the aftermath, of being betrayed by someone close to us...and it hurts! Oftentimes these 'betrayers' are referred to as 'a Judas."


According to the dictionary a 'Judas' is described as "someone who betrays under the guise of friendship; a double-crosser, double-dealer, traitor, or two-timer; a person who says one thing and does another."


Over the course of a lifetime, most everyone will have to deal with at least one Judas in their life.

David had one...


"Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lift up his heel against me" (Psalm 41:9). 

"For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company" (Psalm 55:12-14).

Jesus had one (in fact, He had the one that made the name famous!)...

"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him [Jesus] unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him" (Matthew 26:14-16).

"And while he [Jesus] yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. And Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:47-48).


And we have them...friends, acquaintances, maybe even family members...who greet us with a kiss, but secretly work behind our backs to tear us down and destroy us.

How do we deal with them?

In my 'Woman Thou Art Loosed' Bible, Pastor T. D. Jakes says that we need those Judas's in our lives! Need them??? Is he kidding???

In one of his 'Gospel Pearls' T. D. Jakes says, "Every child of God desperately needs a "Judas" to carry out certain aspects of divine providence in her life. Sometimes your friends can cause you the most pain, but through their betrayal, God's will can be executed."

He further expounds on the subject in the following article...

YOUR FRIEND JUDAS

(Luke 22:47)


Judas was no mistake. He was handpicked and set aside. His role was crucial to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. No one helped Jesus reach his goal like Judas. Considering the part he played, though, you'd probably rather have a friend like John, whose character and personality traits won Jesus' heart. Or you might prefer a Peter, bold and brassy and ready to fight anyone and everyone who threatened his beloved Master. Peter even challenged Jesus Himself, rebuking Him for His determination to die for mankind. The truth of the matter is, Jesus could have accomplished His purpose without either Peter or John; but without Judas, He would never have reached the hope of His calling. 


God can bless you through the worst of relationships. Learn to accept even the painful or negative ones. The time, effort, and tears invested will not be wasted, because God knows how to turn adversity into opportunity. In short, the bleeding trail of broken hearts and wounded relationships will lead you to the richness of God's purpose.


Periodically, you may hear a knock at the door. It is the knock of your old friend Judas, whose cold kiss and calloused heart will usher you into the will of God. To be sure, these betrayals will call forth bloody tears and nail you to a cruel cross. Nevertheless, the kiss of betrayal can never abort the precious promises of God. The challenge is to sit at the table with Judas on one side and John on the other and being distinctly aware of each one's identity and agenda, treat one no differently from the other!


If you have been betrayed or wounded by someone you brought too close, please forgive him or her. That person was really a blessing -- a friend in disguise. Persecution strengthens you. Trials and trauma build perseverance. You will only be better when you cease to be bitter.


So leave my Judas alone. I need him in my life. He is my mysterious friend, the one who helps without even knowing it. His assaults send me to my knees and cause me to lean on Jesus -- my ultimate Friend.


Wow! That's something to think about...isn't it? Have you ever thought of the Judas in your life as a blessing? Well...she is! Perhaps it's time to take a new look at your old friend, Judas, and just see what kind of opportunity Jesus is bringing to you through her!

Princess Kate A Keeper Of The Home? And Feminism Dead?

I ran across a couple of interesting articles this afternoon, quite by accident really, and, while I doubt that either of them were written with a Biblical worldview in mind, both of them made my heart leap with joy. I couldn't help but think about the possibilities of the world to come for girls who are young now, and for those who haven't even arrived on the world scene yet.

I couldn't help but think, "Is this a sign that the pendulum on feminism truly is swinging back towards good, old-fashioned values...to a time when women realized where their true strength and power lay, and they were content to play out their God-given role as wife, mother, and keeper-of-the-home? Will the families of the future be able to deliberately make a choice for the wife be a keeper of the home without being made to feel inferior by their working peers and be ridiculed for it?"

Here are a couple of excerpts, along with a link where you can read both articles in full...

Excerpt #1 From the Anne of Green Gables Blog

"In addition to the normal (rather, abnormal) amount of media attention showered upon Kate Middleton throughout her courtship and marriage to Prince William, it seems the latest topic of discussion revolves around her choice to stay home and manage their small rented cottage in Wales while William continues his career as a RAF search and rescue pilot.

Just recently, I heard a radio commentator relate this story of Kate deciding to be a housewife for the time being, by saying, “Hello, 1960 called…”.  Not too long ago (and still today in some circles) women were criticized for their decision to pursue a career instead of a family or to do both.  Now, tides have turned and what has typically been considered a worthy path in life – to provide a home for your loved ones – is being criticized and deemed unimportant.

Yes, it is true that with Kate’s new status and educational background she could yield a position in a career of her choosing.  But just because a person can do something, does it mean they necessarily should?"


To read the full article CLICK HERE.

Excerpt #2 from The Belfast Telegraph 

"A recent report by the eminent LSE sociologist Catherine Kakim suggests that feminism is dead and most women now want to marry a rich husband and stay at home.

This sparked a huge media debate with Grazia magazine asking its readers to choose between ambition and “man-bition”.

With equality of opportunity for women so hard fought for, the pendulum now seems to have swung so far in the opposite direction that even though we now have the luxury of choice; there is something of a stigma attached to those women opting to look after hubby and home."

To read the full article CLICK HERE.

So, after reading both articles, what do you think? What do you think of Princess Kate's decision to keep house? And do you think that the pendulum on feminism truly is swinging back the other way? Feel free to share your comments.

O That I Had Wings Like A Dove

'Child With Dove' by Jean-Baptiste Greuze (1725-1805)

"...O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away, and be at rest" (Psalm 55:6).

Have you ever felt like this? 

When we are oppressed by evil people and/or spiritual enemies, or when trouble in the world around us brings us fear, anguish, and overwhelming anxiety, all too often we may wish to find a way of escape from our present troubles. This past week has been such a time for me.

This past week has been one of the worst weeks on record all the way around. Not only has it been incredibly long, but it has been full of battles on every front and I am weary. However, despite the fact that battles (especially spiritual battles) rage on all fronts, I am fully aware that escape from such situations is impossible. The real solution can be found only by seeking refuge in God. 

 "As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, 

and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear 

my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was 

against me: or there were many with me" (Psalm 55:16-18).

As did David, you and I are at liberty to call upon God at any time...evening, morning, and noon...as we cast our burdens upon Him and look to Him to sustain us.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). 

Have a beautiful and blessed week ahead!

All My Love,

~Rebecca

Which Side Of The Fence Will You Be On?

(The following is a reprint of an article that I put out nearly a decade ago in October of 2001. It was timely then, but is even more so now.)

"What a month September was...with the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C. and all! We wish to extend our sincere condolences to any of you receiving this newsletter who have lost family members or friends in this heinous act of violence on American soil. Our thoughts and prayers have been...and will remain...with you. In light of these attacks...I would like to re-run the body of a newsletter that I wrote and put out in September of 1998. Looking back I found it to be particularly interesting. Here it is...

“...This month, in light of the events that are taking place in the world around us, I would like to admonish my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, to sit up and take notice! Time is growing very short and we must get serious people! America, as well as the rest of the world, is entering a period that Jesus speaks about in Luke 21:25-26. He says, “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (The Amplified Bible says, “...upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity [without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn]...”) Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”

Right now the world is experiencing trouble as never before...hurricanes, floods, fires, drugs, violence, crime, hunger, war, economic crisis, countries collapsing before our very eyes...and no one really has an answer as to how to fix it. If that isn’t “...distress of nations, with perplexity...”, I don’t know what is. In all of the madness going on in our world, America appears to be doing well...but looks can be deceiving!

Throughout Bible history, there is a pattern. Whenever a nation turned away from God, He sent them warnings through prophets. If the people didn’t respond, God often sent violent storms and drastic weather changes and plagues to wake them up. If they didn’t work, God sent them one final message...He inundated them with prosperity. It was a last, great mercy call!

Consider the days of Noah. God determined to judge Noah’s society because of its growing wickedness. But first he sent Noah to warn them of coming judgment. In his great mercy, God blessed that society with 120 years of wonderful prosperity. Luke 17:26-28 says, “...in the days of Noah...they did eat, they drank, they married...they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded...” The people feasted, celebrated, had plenty of work, traded their goods. Business was booming! Yet the whole time, a cloud of destruction was gathering overhead...and Noah continued to deliver his prophetic warnings. The people ignored old Noah. They went right on living the good life! They didn’t have time for some religious nut issuing warnings of coming judgment. They could only see good times ahead! And their booming prosperity lasted up to the very day of the flood.

Consider the days of Lot. Sodom and Gomorrah enjoyed the same booming economy as Noah’s society. Yet, Ezekiel writes, “This was the iniquity of...Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness...neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty...” (Ezekiel 16:49-50). These people had an abundance of provision...they were prosperous, with plenty of leisure time on their hands...yet they ignored the poor! The people of Sodom and Gomorrah didn’t realize it, but their abundant prosperity was God’s final mercy call to them. Suddenly, overnight, the good times ended and calamity struck. Within 24-hours...the whole society was destroyed!

There are many other examples in the Bible of prosperity being God’s final mercy call...the days of King Josiah (2 Kings 22:11-17, 23:26-27; Jeremiah 25:3-11). What about Jeremiah 44? Overnight, Judah’s good days turned into a hellish nightmare...overpowering armies flooding into Jerusalem, burning the temple and reducing the city to rubble. Yet, in all of this the people, acknowledging God’s prosperity in the past, opted to rebel and remain in their wickedness.

In Revelation 18 the Bible predicts a graphic sense of a prosperous society falling under judgment in a single hour. This society is called Babylon. Although Scripture doesn’t make it clear who this Babylon will be, many theologians have tried to predict who it will be. The Bible describes it this way: “...the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies [luxuries]...How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously...for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen...and shall see no sorrow” (Revelation 18:3, 7). Whoever this Babylon is, its unparalleled prosperity is struck with a sudden economic collapse, and all is lost overnight. Could this “Babylon” be America?

Folks, I don’t know who this Babylon is, and I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that God can not go against His Word. As a nation, America is in trouble! Our country gets wealthier and wealthier, while federal courts are doing everything in their power to outlaw even the mention of God’s name in public. Judges are banning the symbols of faith at every turn--crosses, manger scenes, prayer in schools. There is even a movement to remove the phrase “In God We Trust” from our coins! We continue to allow the murder of millions of unborn children through abortion, while we march in protest against the killing of whales and rabbits! There are over 100 million television sets and some 100,000 movie theaters in America today--and most are serving as conduits for pornography! Even Disney movies are cashing in on R-rated movies! Most of their films promote cursing and the occult, and it has become popular to curse, mock, and ridicule Christ! These are just a few signs of our nation’s moral decay. Judgment on America is surely on its way...and it sounds scary!

But...there is hope! For God’s children, He has provided a way to have perfect peace in that time of panic! Scripture says that God will keep all who trust Him “...in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3). If you are in tune to the voice of God, determine in your heart right now to make a commitment to Him, that no matter what happens, you will seek Him in all that you do...no matter what the future holds. Keep in mind, in each of the situations mentioned earlier, God provided an avenue of safety for those that were truly His own. He promises us that he will “...never leave” us “nor forsake” us (Hebrews 12:5). When ominous news begins to send shock waves of fear across our land, we won’t be able to avoid the normal feelings of human anxiety, yet at the same time, God will put within us the resources needed to take immediate control of every fearful thought and bring it into obedience to the truth of Christ Jesus. His Spirit will fill us with His perfect peace!”

Well, folks...that was the September 1998 newsletter. That ominous news that sends shock waves of fear across our land is here...and I believe it will continue in the days ahead. So...what do we do now? Well...the following is a list of the things that I feel are most important at this time:

#1-Pray. This is the most effective weapon that we have as Christians.

#2-Get into the Word. Build up your faith by spending time in quiet fellowship with God allowing Him to fill you with the peace that passes all understanding.

#3-Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and direction. Ask Him how He would have you to prepare for the coming storm and the days ahead. Follow His leading and put your faith into action.

#4-Ask the Lord to use this time in our nation's history for His glory and to bring ministry opportunities into your path. Ask Him to show you how you can minister to the needs of others, as well as spread the gospel. Ask Him to give you the right words to speak at the right time.

#5-Pray for our President. Pray that the spirit of Josiah would fall upon him and that he would call our nation to repentance.

Folks...I only have one more thing to say and then I’ll stop...and some of you reading this aren‘t going to like it...but in the future...we Christians are going to have to stick together. It’s time to get serious! Get out of your dogma and religiosity! Get out of your little clicks and denominational heresies! Get into the truth of the Word and GET WITH IT! There isn’t any time left to fool around! The day is coming very quickly that you are going to have to make a decision and get off the fence one way or another. We can no longer afford to go around with one foot in the church and one foot in the world. It’s time to make a choice! When judgment comes...which side of the fence will YOU be on?"

Life Is LIke A Teacup

A friend of mine posted a line out of one of her recent posts on Facebook this morning, and it reminded me of an article that I wrote a long ago...one that I think I'll share again with you here today. In her post on Facebook, Darlene Schact of Time-Warp Wife said:

"I don’t know the mind of God, but I do know that our cups can't be filled until

they are empty of all this world has to offer." ~Darlene Schact  

 How true that is! Which brings me to today's re-post of...

"Life Is Like A Teacup"

 

 Teacups...

They come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Some are short and fat, some are tall and slender, some are stout and strong, while still others are very fragile and delicate. But every one is different...unique...and useful...made to serve a purpose.

Just as teacups are different, so is what goes in them! Some cups hold tea, while others hold coffee, hot cider, juice, or just plain ol' water. It's all a matter of personal choice and preference.

Another choice we make when filling our cup is how full to fill it. Some cups have "just a smidgen" in the bottom, while others are "comfortably full." Still others are "full to the brim" and "overflowing."

How much like people's lives and life itself this sounds as we study out and think about teacups and what goes in them!

Like teacups, people come in all sizes, shapes, and colors...yet each one is different...unique...and useful...made to fulfill a divine purpose.

Just as unique as what goes into a teacup, so, too, is what goes into a person's life. Different events and happenings all aid to our individual uniqueness. While many of these events and happenings are part of God's divine course for our individual lives, a lot of these events and happenings are made as a result of our own choosing. Each of us make choices every day that will effect our lives...forever!

Some of these choices are big, major decisions that leave a definite mark on our personal history and time-line, but...by far...most of the decisions that we make are small, day-to-day decisions...decisions made as minute-by-minute we work through the day at hand. Decisions that for the most part are forgotten as quickly as they are made, but in some small way, as small decision upon small decision is made, they will effect our life...forever changing it's course...in one way or another.

What kind of decisions are you making minute-by-minute? What do those choices reflect about what's really going on inside of you? Are you making decisions that glorify the Lord? Are you constantly striving to live daily for Him? Are the decisions you make aiding in and adding to your spiritual growth? Or are the decisions that you are making in day-to-day life leading you, one small step at a time, further and further away from the Lord? If so, it's never too late to change the course that your life is taking.

Also, just as we must decide what to fill our lives with, we must choose how full to fill them. Is your life shallow and, for the most part, empty? Perhaps it is "comfortably full?" Perhaps you are one of those people who are careful not to step outside the comfort zone that you, in fact, have set up for yourself. Or are you adventuresome and willing to step outside of your comfort zone...fully lending yourself to the Lord so He can accomplish His goals and His agendas through you, as well as, lead you into a life that`s "full to the brim" and "running over?"

Whatever the case...I challenge you...the next time that you fill your cup...with whatever it is that you enjoy drinking...reflect back over your life. Think about the things that have been talked about here. Compare your life to a teacup. What kind of cup would you be? What would be in that cup? And how full would it be if your life were suddenly transformed into a teacup? Are you willing to pour out your life as a drink offering unto the Lord...so that He, in turn, can re-fill you with His love and compassion for people? Are you ready to put yourself in position to receive all that He has for you as He fills you with an unquenchable zest for life?

In John 10:10 Jesus tells us that He came that we "might have life" and that we might "have it more abundantly." Are you willing to step back, re-evaluate and let Him fill you and your life "up to the brim" and "running over?" Boy! I sure am! I am to the point that I want less of me and more...more...more of Him. How about you? 

~Rebecca (2001)

 

Thinking About Martha And Mary

After running across the link to '31 Days To Clean - Having A Martha House The Mary Way' and posting about it this morning I got to thinking about Martha and Mary.

Luke 10:38-42 tells us the story of these two sisters of Lazarus (the same Lazarus of whom Jesus would eventually raise from the dead - see John 11:1-44). The passage tells us that, as Jesus was passing through a certain village, Martha welcomed Him into her home. While Martha was busy cooking and serving dinner, we find that Mary had slipped out of her sister's kitchen and was sitting at the Master's feet...listening intently to every word He said. After a time Martha interrupted Jesus...complaining...wanting to know if He didn't care that Mary had left her to do all the work  alone. Jesus answered Martha this way:

"...Martha, Martha, thou art careful [worried] and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 38:41-42)

As I thought about these two women...these two friends of Jesus...I couldn't help but wonder...

Am I more like Martha? What type of person was she? Or am I more like Mary? What type of person was she? What heart-qualities made the two sisters so different from one another? If Jesus came to my house would He have to gently rebuke me as He did Martha? Or would He commend me as He did Mary? Which of these two sister's qualities would I rather possess? What qualities do I need to cultivate in my life in order to achieve that goal? 

I pose these same questions to you.  

While you think about that, and while it's not the one I wanted to share with you (when I find that one I will post it), here is a 'Martha and Mary' poem for you to enjoy...

Martha Hands—Mary Heart

I must have the hands of Martha,
Hands that scrub and cook and sew—
I can have the heart of Mary
While I do these things, you know.

Though my hands are in the dishpan,
This soul of mine can soar
And in thoughts sublime and lofty
Go right up to heaven’s door.

I must cook, oh endless dinners,
For my dear ones have to eat;
But my soul need not be cooking—
It can sit at Jesus’ feet!

Help me, God while doing duties
Against which my soul rebels,
But meekly still to peel potatoes,
But not grovel in the shells.

Grant me, God, mid things prosaic
Ere to choose the better part;
Grant that while I must be Martha
I may have the Mary heart.

---Author Unknown

15 Years Ago Today

15 years ago today we moved to Liberal, Missouri. Sometimes it seems like we just arrived; at other times it seems like we've been here our entire lives.

We haven't been, of course. John and I both grew up in the Kansas City suburb area...he in Oak Grove; me in Grain Valley. After we married we got a house in Blue Springs and that is where we lived until coming here. It was in that house that our home-education adventure began with our five-older children (I can't believe we've been at this for 22+ years now!) and it was while living in that house that our youngest son was born. We came here when he was just 9-months-old.

The Lord first planted the idea of moving to Liberal many years before we actually did so. It was amazing how many people we met and were in contact with that had ties to Liberal long before we had ever even seen the community...two pastor friends, a family that we attended church with, and, eventually, some of our own family members moved up from Arkansas...and what town did they land in? "Some little town in southwest Missouri by the name of Liberal." What??? There it was again! (It was when we were invited to a wedding some time later that we were finally introduced to the town in person for the first time). But the idea of moving there? That didn't happen until a year or so later.

It was in the summer of 1990 that John first mentioned the idea of moving to Liberal someday. For what? He didn't know. It was in 1992 that the Lord really began dealing with both of us. Over the next three years we stayed in the Word and did the work of the Lord wherever and however He opened doors...we passed out tracts, taught Sunday school, my husband served on the church board, and I had a card and letter ministry.

As time went on the Lord really began to deal with my husband about starting a ministry in Liberal, and by the spring of 1995 we knew that's where we were headed. It took us about a year to get everything ready, and during that time the Lord, literally, put us through a five-month preparation crash-course.

Due to high taxes and everything building up around them, my parents and their next-door neighbors had been toying with the idea of moving out Jackson County for years. When they knew for certain that we were going to do this, they decided that now was the time. They, too, were moving.  My mom is gone now, but she and my dad have always been very supportive of our decision to come here and of John's ministry. In fact, they came on ahead of us and had been here several months when we arrived. The neighbor man passed away before the move was made, but his widow came with us when we came (our family is the only 'family' that she has). She is still with us today and lives across the street from my dad.

Anyway, as of today we've been here 15 years. In many ways, especially spiritually and financially, these 15 years have been the hardest, and continue to be the hardest, that we've ever had, but, in many other ways, they have been wonderful! We've been blessed with so many good friends and experiences along the way, and our family has increased by leaps and bounds (two sons-in-law, three daughters-in-law, and nine grandchildren with a tenth on the way)...and, let me tell you...there's nothing like life on the tall-grass prairie! Beautiful sunsets, a sea of grasses dotted with thousands of prairie wildflowers, meadowlarks, prairie chickens, and scissor-tailed flycatchers, prairie crayfish, and a hundred or more head of bison at Prairie State Park. This is, indeed, a unique ecosystem that few people on God's green earth get to enjoy on a daily basis, and it is one of the things I love most about living here.

Well, once again, my post is getting away from me. My intention was to pay simple acknowledgement of our 15th-year-in-Liberal anniversary. As with everything else I'm getting off into three different directions at once, so I will close by saying...

"Thank You, Lord! Thank You for being with us...for leading us into, and bringing us through...these past 15 years. Bless all those who have been a part of this adventure with us. Grant us mercy and grace, as well as peace, wisdom, and direction in the days ahead. In Jesus' name...Amen!"

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are not..." 

(1 Corinthians 1:26-27).

"God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called." ~Unknown

In The Midst Of Trials and Tribulations

The past few week have been very difficult financially, as well as in many other ways. It seems that everything that could go wrong has, and every bit of what we have managed to save since the beginning of the year is now gone...most of it going to vehicle repair and medical bills. In the flesh I have run the gamut of emotions...fear, doubt, insecurity, etc...but, in spirit, I can do nothing but rejoice!

On one hand...yes..we're broke (again), but, praise God! Through His divine wisdom and leading, and our willingness to listen and obey, the needed funds were there when we needed them for all that we've had to do, which, over the past few weeks, has been to virtually replace the entire front end in our van...brakes, rotors, tie-rod ends, new tires, alignment, and the last thing to go...we picked up a new axle yesterday, and the bent one is scheduled to be replaced Monday morning. Praise the Lord!

On top of all this my husband has been battling dental issues and the amount of work that needs to be done is to the tune of several thousand dollars...cash (his insurance won't pay anything on dental). While, at this point, we don't know where the money will come from for all that yet needs to be done, we do know that the Lord God will provide for us just as He always has.

What's amazing is...in the midst of our own trials and tribulation, God has repeatedly provided opportunity after opportunity for us to be a blessing to and help others along the way. Praise the name of the Lord!

A few things that I'm learning along the way...and I've been learning these things along the way for a long time... is...when going through trials and tribulations...it is best to put your faith in God and do the following...

1) Stay in the Word and stand on God's promises.

Whether we like what it says or not, God's Word is His will. It's the 'owner's manual' and His plan for us is clear. Other people? Television and radio talk show hosts? Mediums? Your best friend who only cares enough about you to tell you what you want to hear? No! The Bible is the only place that we will truly find all of the answers to life's problems. God created us and He wants what's best for us. 

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" 

(Matthew 7:13-14)

2) Pray over, and petition, the Lord specifically for each and every need. At the same time, keep in mind that there is a difference between needs and wants. Keep in mind, too, that God's plan (and timing) often differs from our own.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

3) Surround yourself with good, godly, and positive people who truly care about you...people who are willing to come along side and, whether it be spiritually, physically, mentally, or emotionally, give you a helping hand up when needed. People who care enough about you to tell you the truth, not just whatever happens to flip off the end of their tongue at any given moment.!

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" 

(Proverbs 27:17).

I, naturally, tend to be a pessimistic person and I have to fight my dark, negative side 24 hours a day 7 days week. And it's hard! I may not be able to get away from myself, but choosing to be around other people who tend to gravitate toward negativity is a whole other matter!

While it may not always be able to be avoided, we can deliberately choose to stay away from situations and people that have a tendency to pull us down. Their negative attitudes...their griping, complaining, never having a good thing to say about (and not being able to get along with) anybody, has a tendency to will rub off on us. Because of the force that is behind, and driving, these people they will, not only pull us down, but they will do their best to keep us there.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, agazinst the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" 

(Ephesians 6:12).

You know what they say..."Misery loves company." The Bible says...

"But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed ye be not consumed one of another" 

(Galatians 5:15).

Let's avoid 'bite and devour' situations at all costs!

Well, this turned out to be much more than I intended it to be, so I will go ahead and close for now. I pray that each and every one of you have a beautiful and blessed weekend! And may God's richest blessings be yours...today and always!

With Love,
~Rebecca

Another "Little House on the Prairie" Laundry Day

Laundry Hung In The Early Morning

I know we've had this "Little House on the Prairie"/laundry discussion before, but having grown up on Laura Ingalls Wilder books and, now, after living on the tall-grass prairie, not all that far from where Laura Ingalls Wilder lived during her "Little House on the Prairie" time, I can't help it. There are just certain things that trigger a thought, or a quote, from one of Laura's books, and this was just such a morning.

When I went out to hang my towels, the morning sun was streaming in deep angles from the eastern sky spilling out across the lawn. Naturally, I was bare-footed and the grass was wet and cold as I made my way to the clothesline. Immediately, thoughts raced through my head..."dew", "wet", "chill", "grass", "clothes", "dry"..."Laura"!

My mind was filled with swirling thoughts of the Ingalls family living their lives on the prairie...Pa bringing water up from the creek for Ma to wash the family's clothes in, Ma washing the clothes in the tub and laying them out on the grasses to dry, Laura and Mary running barefoot through the prairie grasses...taking simple pleasure in God's magnificent creation...a meadowlark flitting up from the grasses in front of them , the song of the little yellow-breasted "Dickie-bird", the beautiful prairie flowers (Indian paintbrush, birds-foot violet, and prairie phlox are in bloom right now) and the jackrabbits with their long ears flopping as they bounded away over the blowing grasses.

How many of those simple pleasures I've experienced myself over the years since moving to the tall-grass prairies of Missouri!

After hanging out my laundry, I came in and looked these quotes up from a couple of Laura's books...



"In the mornings they ran through the dewy, chill grass that wet their feet and dabbled the hems of their dresses. They liked to splash their bare feet through the grass all strung with dewdrops..." ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder from On The Banks Of Plum Creek



"How beautiful the prairie was in the spring! The blue cornflowers waved in the wind, meadowlarks flew singing up into the sky, and the dew sparkled on the grass. How cheerful it made everyone feel!"  ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder from Little House on the Prairie

Now, as the sun moves higher and the soft prairie winds begin to blow, it's time for me to get on with my day. I pray God's best over each and every one of you. I pray that each of you have a beautiful and a blessed day!

All My Love,
~Rebecca 

Laundry Later In The Morning

In Times Of Spiritual Adversity

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 

(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

I come to you this morning with much on my heart and mind. So much, in fact, that I don't even know where to begin...and that's the problem in most areas of my life right now...I'm so overwhelmed with so much that I want and need to do that I don't know where to begin, so I don't begin at all! I feel that I honestly don't accomplish anything!

I think...I plan...I want to do...I need to do...but it's like I'm paralyzed in practically every area of life. I have so much that I want to share with you all, but, most of the time...especially when I sit down to write...I spin my wheels and come up with nothing but drivel. But this has not always been the case...

Several years ago I was asked to take over a wonderful online ministry, which I did, and it lasted for years. It was a beautiful season of coming together and sharing with other women who had a real heart for the things of the Lord. From there one thing led to another and, eventually, I was asked to be a regular contributor to a Christian women's publication (Making It Home magazine) until, unfortunately, it folded. About six years ago, through a series of events that were beyond my control, everything came to screeching halt in my personal life and, since then, it's been like pulling eyed-teeth to get two thoughts together in coherent fashion and get them down on paper or in type.

This morning, as I read the above verses, it struck me...to comfort others who are going through tribulation...that is what I most desire to do! But that is the very thing that I've seemed to have lost the ability to do. Somehow, in the midst of all my own trials and tribulations I have lost my way and I am now the one who has become needy. Instead of being the one who is there to lend a helping hand to one who needs it, or to offer a word in season to one who is hurting, I am now the one who always seems to be falling apart and am the one needing the helping hand...which is fine...we all go through those times of being the one in need...that is what gives others the opportunity to come along side and receive a blessing...but there's a difference between getting down and needing a helping hand up and getting down and staying there.  

"For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again..."

(Proverbs 24:16)

God doesn't guarantee us trouble-free lives, but when adversity and setbacks occur in our lives, we should be able to bounce back up due to the fact that God Himself is the One lifting us up and out of them, but, oftentimes, as more and more things begin to pile up, too many times we begin to drown in our sorrows...and that is where I've been.

Is it God's fault? No...it's mine. Instead of keeping my eyes on Jesus and continually turning to Him, I have allowed the enemy of my soul to come in and whisper his lies to me. I've pulled away from the One who can sustain me, and, in doing so, like Peter, I have begun to sink beneath the waves of distraction, discouragement, and depression.

Well, no more! As of today, I stop listening to the lies of the enemy and I, once again, set my face like a flint and move forward in victory. I will no longer allow the enemy of my soul to make me believe that my best days are behind me and that I no longer have anything to offer anyone. As of today I will do and share whatever the Lord lays on my heart to do and share with whoever cares to receive and/or hear whatever it is that I have to share. I refuse to allow Satan to have victory over my soul!

"For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed."

(Isaiah 50:7)

The Valley Of Baca

This story is for anyone who is experiencing trouble in their life right now...

 

Psalm 84:5 and 6 says, "Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools."

 

Baca means "weeping." There is a massive valley in northern Israel on the direct route south to Jerusalem. In Bible days, the valley was heavy with mulberry trees. Pilgrims who came down from the north country for the Passover feasts had to pass through the valley. The pilgrims would stop to rest in the heat of the day and would often spend the night there and sleep beneath those same mulberry trees for refuge in case it would rain.

 

You see, the mulberry tree, whenever one of its twigs or leaves is wounded by man or wind, exudes from the wound drops of thick saplike tears on the underside. Thus, the valley once dense with mulberry trees became known  as the valley of Baca...the valley of weeping.

 

Isn't that a beautiful picture? A hidden treasure from God's Word!

 

Now, the valley of Baca in Psalms 84:6 can also be used in a figurative way. It presents an image of human life in this world...our troubles and sorrows. All believers go through the valley of Baca on their journey toward heaven.

 

But in order to have a valley there must be mountains on both sides. Christians will have their mountaintop experiences while passing through this world, but at times they will find themselves loaded with heartaches, trials, troubles, and burdens that will take them down into the valley of Baca where they will shed tears of sorrow and grief.

 

But, remember the part of that verse that says, "...Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well...?" The Lord is saying that His children won't stay in the valley. They will get through the valley. And beyond the valley lies another mountaintop.

 

(Originally written and posted on the Proverbs 31 Woman 2 (Yahoo Group) March 3, 2002)

 

My Desire For Curb Appeal by Darlene Schact

If you've ever watched HGTV, listed a home for sale or worked in a real estate office, you've heard the term "curb appeal." Curb appeal offers potential buyers a good first impression. It signals pride of ownership before they step through the door. It offers the impression that the interior is well kept. It tells visitors that you care about the space in which you live.

It's a well known fact to all of us that curb appeal can boost the beauty--and value--of our homes. In fact we had a friend who went as far as mowing the neighbors' lawns on each side of his house just so they also looked well kept, and incidentally he got an amazing price for his home.

I miss the days when detail intensified the beauty of architecture--when homes lining the streets were different one from another. When brass door handles, ornate mail slots and chiming door bells were the first things to welcome one home. And when ornate window panes framed each beam of sunlight that crept into a room until it found rest.

I live in a home, that I've taken special care to add character to. One particular hobby has been designing our front yard with over-sized flower gardens and a cobblestone deck. Blue Adirondack chairs with striped pillows are a welcome sign to our guests, while a large floral wreath draws them toward our red door. I spend hours on end planting my flowers, carrying stone, and pulling the weeds that threaten my plants--all this in hopes that I've welcomed my family and friends.

Of equal importance to me, however, is the welcome I offer my husband each day. From the moment he steps through the door, I want our house to feel like a home. I want life inside that door to be a haven of comfort and rest. And I want my husband to know I'm his help-meet.

When Daddy comes home, the children know that all activity ceases and quality attention is given to him. This curb appeal not only boosts the beauty of our relationship, it signals the pride of ownership that we share, and tells him that he's valued in our home.

Life can be busy and dinner time can be especially hectic, but with just a little effort on our part we can make a lasting impression. I know that even five extra minutes of my time can make the difference, and set the stage for a great evening. It's the little things that count.

1. We have all chores done before he walks in the door, and try to have things like the dishwasher and vacuum turned off.
2. I make sure that the television and stereos are turned off so that the house is peaceful.
3. If the kids are excited about something, I encourage them to wait about 15 minutes before they share their news.
4. I try to have dinner prepared before he arrives. For me it's not always cooked, but the preparation is usually done.
5. When I have problems to deal with, I wait until after dinner to spring it on him. I know that he's always happier when his tummy is full.
6. I always greet him at the door with open arms, a kiss, and a warm embrace.
7. I make an effort to look at him when he is speaking so that he has my full attention.
8. I close my computer if I'm on it, and if I'm chatting on the phone I'll try to end the conversation and call her back later.

Since curb appeal is the first thing they see when they walk through the door, home-improvement is something all time-warp wives should consider. It's not a difficult task by any means, and the end result is well worth the investment we make.

Darlene Schacht is an ordinary mom, living an extraordinary life, because of who she is through Jesus Christ. As help-meet to her husband Michael, she guides and nurtures their four children, leading them toward a deeper walk of faith.

Her work has been published in anthologies by Thomas Nelson, Tyndale Publishing and Adams Media. As well she has co-authored a book with actress Candace Cameron Bure called, “Reshaping it All: Motivation for Spiritual and Physical Fitness.”

You can find her blogging at Time-Warp Wife where she empowers wives to joyfully serve.

Good TUESDAY Morning - 2/22/11

It's hard to believe that it's only been a year since our son-in-law's father, Fred, passed away. So many things have happened since then. My husband and I have lost three very special, very close uncles, a grandchild has been born to us, another is in heaven, we have had ups and downs, gains and losses, joys and sorrows. Through it all God has been there. During the times of sorrow His love has sustained us. During the times of joy His presence has moved us to even greater depths of love and appreciation for those He has put in our lives and bound us to in His infinite wisdom.

So often, especially in times of trial and testing, we question the Lord. We ask, "Why is this happening to me?" "Why is this happening in our family?" Over and over again we question the Lord, doubting His promises and even His very presence in our lives.

But, you know, it is through these hard times that we grow. It is in these 'hard times' that we go running into the arms of our Heavenly Father and they move us ever closer to Him. It is in these 'hard times' that we seek Him out and commune deeply with Him, because it is in these hard times that no one else can ever truly know and understand what we are going through deep down in our hearts and spirits. God can because He is our creator and we are created in His image. God, and God alone, knows us better than anybody on this face of this earth ever could or will.

If you are going through hard times right now...physically, financially, spiritually...if your marriage is in trouble, or if you have suffered loss and are having a hard time healing...keep this thought in mind...

God knows what you're going through...and He cares!


"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11). 

If you are questioning God and His infinite wisdom concerning the place you find yourself in today, consider these words of the Psalmist...

"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word" (Psalm 119:67).

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn they statutes" (Psalm 119:71).


"I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me" (Psalm 119:75).

Instead of asking negative questions that lead to self-pity and the undermining of our faith in God, why not try a new thing? Why not ask positive questions of the Lord?

"Lord, what are you trying to show me in this situation?" "What are you saying to me, Lord?" "What are trying to tell me through these current circumstances?"

Then...take time to listen to His answer.

"Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, What hath the Lord answered? and, What hath the Lord spoken?" (Jeremiah 23:35)

Life Is Like A Teacup

Teacups...

They come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Some are short
and fat, some are tall and slender, some are stout and strong, while still others are very fragile and delicate. But every one is different...unique...and useful...made to serve a purpose.

Just as teacups are different, so is what goes in them. Some cups hold tea, while others hold coffee, hot cider, juice, or just plain ol' water. It's all a matter of personal choice and preference.

Another choice we make when filling our cup is how full to fill it. Some cups have "just a smidgen" in the bottom, while others are "comfortably full." Still others are "full to the brim" and "overflowing."

How much like people's lives and life itself this sounds as we study out and think about teacups and what goes in them!

Like teacups, people come in all sizes, shapes, and colors...yet each one is different...unique...and useful...made to fulfill a divine purpose.

Just as unique as what goes into a teacup, so, too, is what goes into a person's life. Different events and happenings all aid to our individual uniqueness. While many of these events and happenings are part of God's divine course for our individual lives, a lot of these events and happenings are made as a result of our own choosing. Each of us make choices every day that will effect our lives...forever!

Some of these choices are big, major decisions that leave a definite mark on our personal history and time-line, but...by far...most of the decisions that we make are small, day-to-day decisions...decisions made as minute-by-minute we work through the day at hand. Decisions that for the most part are forgotten as quickly as they are made, but in some small way, as small decision upon small decision is made, they will effect our life...forever changing it's course in one way or another.

What kind of decisions are you making minute-by-minute? What do those choices reflect about what's really going on inside of you? Are you making decisions that glorify the Lord? Are you constantly striving to live daily for Him? Are the decisions you make aiding in and adding to your spiritual growth? Or are the decisions that you are making in day-to-day life leading you, one small step at a time, further and further away from the Lord? If so, it's never too late to change the course that your life is taking.

Also, just as we must decide what to fill our lives with, we must choose how full to fill them. Is your life shallow and, for the most part, empty? Perhaps it is "comfortably full?" Perhaps you are one of those people who are careful not to step outside the comfort zone that you, in fact, have set up for yourself. Or are you adventuresome and willing to step outside of your comfort zone...fully lending yourself to the Lord so He can accomplish His goals and His agendas through you, as well as, lead you into a life that`s "full to the brim" and "running over?"

Whatever the case...I challenge you...the next time that you fill your cup with...whatever it is that you enjoy drinking...reflect back over your life. Think about the things that have been talked about here. Compare your life to a teacup. 

What kind of cup would you be? What would be in that cup? And how full would it be if your life were suddenly transformed into a teacup? 

Are you willing to pour out your life as a drink offering unto the Lord...so that He, in turn, can re-fill you with His love and compassion for people? Are you ready to put yourself in position to receive all that He has for you as He fills you with an unquenchable zest for life?

In John 10:10 Jesus tells us that He came that we "might have life" and that we might "have it more abundantly." Are you willing to step back, re-evaluate and let Him fill you and your life "up to the brim" and "running over?" Boy! I sure am! I am to the point that I want less of me and more...more...more of Him. How about you? 

~Rebecca Knox 2001

A Call To Holiness

It is just amazing to see the things that God is doing in our day and time! One of the things that we believe the Lord is doing today, is calling His people to walk in holiness before Him.

1 Peter 1:13-16 tells us, "...gird up the loins of your mind, be sober...As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he [God] which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, BE YE HOLY; FOR I AM HOLY."

Now...an honest evaluation reveals to us, that not all is well today with twenty-first century Christianity. There are trends that should alarm us, even among the so-call fundamental groups. One of these trends is the loss of holiness...the absence of a Bible-based, God-honoring expression in the daily lives of many professing believers in Christ. True Christianity is not just all talk...it is a way of life.

The word "conversation," as it is used in 1 Peter 1:15 means "behavior." As Christians, our calling in Christ Jesus is to be a distinctive people, set apart for God...pure in every area of life. Jesus came to "...save his people from [not in] their sins." (Matthew 1:21) Romans 6:22 says, "But now being made free from sin [through Christ], and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and in the end everlasting life." Hebrews 12:14 tells us, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Notice that the hope of eternal life and holy living are synonymous.

People who claim to be Christians cannot give their hearts to the Lord, call themselves sanctified, and just go on living the way that they did before they got saved!

Holiness, or sanctification, is both instant and progressive. It is instant upon our repentance toward God, upon faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for His saving, cleansing power, and through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our heart and life. Holiness is progressive as we pursue Christian growth and obedience to all the revealed will of God through Bible study and prayer.

Holiness begins in the heart and works its way out, affecting the thoughts, talk, action, dress, and lifestyle of the person who allows the Spirit of Christ to rule. The result is a powerful testimony of God's saving grace.

But today, mainstream Christianity has exchanged piety for pleasure, conscience for convenience, and modesty for moral looseness. The devil has deceived people into believing that they can somehow do their own thing, (whether it be being involved in a homosexual relationship, engaged in sex outside of marriage, participating in drug addiction or the use of alcohol, being involved in pornography, or any other sin against God) and still be in the center of God's will and under His blessing. The truth is...those who do their own thing are not holy. They are disobeying God and living in sin.

It seems that becoming a Christian has been reduced to a respectable social event rather than the radical, life changing, death-to-life experience that the Bible teaches. Being a member of a church and "talking" Jesus, Bible, and the Holy Spirit all day long does not make a person holy. If a person's lifestyle hasn't changed, it is because their heart has not been changed. Yet many people today believe that they can live however they choose and still be heaven bound.

Romans 8:13 says, "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify [cut off or put to death] the deeds of the body, ye shall live." There is security in Christ if and when we meet Bible conditions.

Is it possible for people to be made holy? Of course it is! The Bible teaches that holiness is God's will for all of us! Titus 211-12 says, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world..."

Jesus Christ came to both pardon and cleanse the sinner. To be cleansed means to be sanctified and made holy. The holy person has not lost his ability to sin, but it is his desire and will not to sin.

In conclusion, we believe that God is still calling His children to be a separated, holy people in this wicked world in which we live. We join the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:1, when he says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."

Authority and Submission In Marriage

The passion that comes when a man and woman know they are right for one another can only remain strong and continue to grow if they have a proper understanding of what submission and authority are. With the circulation of feminist ideas in the Church and so many abuses of "male dominance," most women, even some of the most zealous believers, flinch at the mention of the word submission.

The Bible is clear that the husband is the head of the home and the wife is to submit to him. Ephesians 5:22 says, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." What exactly does this mean? Does it mean that a woman is inferior to her husband? Does it mean that her whole life and uniqueness are to be swallowed up in his life? The popular perception of a husband’s authority as head of the home is one of absolute dictatorship without intelligent reason or compassion attached to it. The result is the "macho man" who can have his cake and eat it, too. But the popular perceptions are not based on God’s Word! The Word of God commands the husband to love his wife aggressively and sacrificially.

Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." While the husband does have final authority in the home, he serves those he leads. Jesus set the precedent when He washed the disciples’ feet and declared that the highest in command is the one who is the greatest servant.

EQUALITY

Although the husband is head of the home, he is not superior to his wife. Although the wife submits to his final word, she is not inferior to her husband. They are equals. God has ordained that the principle of submission and authority works only when both those in authority and those in submission recognize the principle of equality. They stand as equals in God’s sight. Submission without equality is slavery.

I Corinthians 11:8-9 says, "For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man." Because the woman was taken from the man, the husband has authority over the wife. But the part of the woman that was constructed from the man was her body...not her spirit. Her spirit was breathed by God into the body of Adam as a separate entity from Adam’s spirit, and she was complete when she was in him. It was not necessary for Eve to communicate with God through Adam.

A husband is in authority over his wife and is the head of his marriage in all things pertaining to natural matters, but in her spiritual life, a wife is directly responsible to the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:28 tells us that, "There is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

If the wife is to be a strong Christian witness to her husband, whether he has accepted Christ or not, she should make this her attitude: Let your life in God be the foundation for all that you do for your husband, not a conflict. As a wife and mother you should never habitually neglect your responsibilities to your husband and your family in order to read your Bible, listen to tapes, and attend special meetings. This can produce a resentment toward God in your loved ones and can give Satan an entrance into your home and your marriage, thus causing family disunity, marital breakdown, separation, and, in the worst cases, divorce. Your time in study and prayer should bring balance to your activities and increase your desire to serve others. Draw your strength and wisdom from the Holy Spirit and Scripture in order to be the best wife and mother that you can be. By doing this, your family will appreciate and respect your faith.

When the husband and wife understand what it means to be in Christ, their equality in Him is clearly established. They have no insecurity about their importance or uniqueness, which is derived solely from God. They have nothing to prove to anybody. As a result, authority and submission in the natural things of marriage come easily.

SUBMISSION IS AN ATTITUDE

There is a false teaching that is commonly taught in many churches today, that submission means that a wife is to obey their husband even to the point of violating God’s Word. Supposedly, her submission will win him to the Lord. God never requires His children to sin to prove their submissive attitude to Him or to any man!

All false definitions of submission can be put away with the scriptural knowledge and understanding that there is a difference between submission and obedience. Submission is an attitude; obedience is a deed. You should always submit to those in authority over you, although you may not always obey them. If someone in authority asks you to do something contrary to the Word of God, you should submissively decline. Whenever obedience to those in authority would violate God’s Word, a believer must respectfully refuse. This is not the right to rebel against authorities, but God declares that in order to avoid sinning against Him, you may submissively refuse to obey them. Acts 5:29 says, "We ought to obey God rather than men."

In essence, submission is humility. Humility, or being humble, is not putting ourselves down, but simply putting others first. If Eve had humbly consulted Adam and the Lord first, she would not have been deceived in the Garden of Eden. Because she acted independently of them, she believed the lies of the devil and all mankind has suffered. Many Christian women today are in the same boat. They run from house to house, meeting to meeting, and church to church and are deceived into believing that they are glorifying God with all of their "spiritual activity." The fact is, they are not obeying the Lord and His Word at all! Scripture is very clear on the role of women. Titus 2:2-5 says that both men and women are to "be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience." It goes on to say that women are to "be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not give to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, THAT THE WORD OF GOD BE NOT BLASPHEMED."

 

What kind of witnesses do some of these women make? In running from place to place and, in most cases, running their mouths as well, who suffers? Them? Their husbands? Their children? Their homes? YES! But most of all...the Word of God...Jesus.

I encourage you today...take a look at the position that God has placed you in. As a husband, do you abuse your God given authority? Do you love your wife and give yourself for her, as Christ did the Church? As a wife, do you love your husband? Do you have a submissive attitude toward him? Are you in a position to teach your daughters how to love their husbands and children? Are you discreet? Chaste? A keeper of the home? Let’s not allow the Word of God to be blasphemed on our account. Do not allow yourself to be deceived any longer! Get into the Word! Study to see what God expects from you. His Word is "...the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8) God instituted the family, and with it, the chain of command. The role of men and women have not changed. No matter what our opinion is, God’s way is always the best way. By operating within the structure that He created and ordered, we can achieve His best for ourselves, our family, and our home.

---by Rebecca Knox © 2001