A woman speaks out loud about her marriage saying, her husband "is at odds with her. He does not help her with what she aspires to do. He never compliments her." She goes on and on as a very unhappily married woman. She states, how she does not understand how a Christian man can be so into God but not into loving her. When asked if she goes to church with him her response is “every now and then, I’ll go because it’s really nothing there for me.” Or is it?
Many view marriage as a certificate that binds two people together. However, it is a public covenant between two people with God. As the economy is experiencing its many earth quakes some people will divorce for financial reasons and then you will have many that join for assuming financial security. Nonetheless, the list of marrying another can be enduring but until the couple starts to properly live out marriage in the terms of a covenant relationship they will not get the fulfillment of being married.
To be married in covenant with God is to obey the hierarchy which God created. It is to be in submission to what the Lord has to say about marriage. When visiting the scripture we see the importance of the wife aligning with the Lord about marriage. In addition, you will discover how honoring the wife will answer the prayers of the husband.
“Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered”(1Peter3:6-7).
Are you thinking your spouse is the reason your relationship is sour? Maybe your relationship is experiencing a mud slide at this time. Perhaps your relationship has lightning every now and then. How is your marriage today? Have you wondered when will I get to the benefits of marriage? When will the happy days begin?
The unhappy married woman was able to dissect the issues she had with her husband but she could not come to terms with what was her role in the down fall of her marriage. This woman did not understand to get to her husband; she would need to follow him to church. Not because every once in a while she felt like going. Not because every once in a while they were going to be singing her favorite song but because winning the heart of her husband could be found in the house of the Lord.
Don’t be fooled by the storms in your relationship, for they could be used to bring you closer or distract you from bringing unity in your relationship. Pray to God to help you honor your spouse. Ask God to bring your relationship with your spouse closer to Him so you may grow happily married. Seek the Father about your marriage and then it shall be altered.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The Source
Saturday when I woke up, the family starts cleaning. My two year old wanted to eat but I told him “no you have to wait until we finish cleaning.” He kept hinting that he wanted breakfast and I continued cleaning. Eventually, he joined in the cleaning as everyone else. I thought it was interesting because he never asked anyone else for food, only me.
As I thought more, I considered my daughter whom went out with her friends Friday evening. I supplied her money; in case she needed something but when she got home, she said she wanted food. All of my children look to me to get them food.
My daughter showed me she could strategically think of what to spend her money on. She returned home with the money and an appetite. When we finished cleaning I then prepared breakfast for the family and my two year old was most excited looking for the next thing to get into.
My children reminded me an important lesson; we should always go to the main source for our necessities. This is how God wants His children to rely on Him. He wants us to ask, wait, join in the working, wait and then He will supply what is needed. For He is God alone, He is the source of all needs, all blessings, all strength, all vitality, "God said to Moses: I AM WHO AM,"(Exodus 3:14).
Today you might be seeking for something. You might be asking, but who are you asking? You might be waiting, but how are you waiting? You might be working, but who are you working for? This is a time in our life to recognize who the source is. Don't look to money as the source for it is "Better to be a poor person who has integrity than to be rich and double-dealing,"(Proverbs 28:6). Don't consider someone else or thing as the healer in your broken life for "He is the healer of the brokenhearted. He is the one who bandages the wounds," (Psalm 147:3).
Consider God alone as the source. Pray to God that you recognize Him as the source. Call upon the Lord to calm you in your race. Ask Him to forgive you for looking to another, for seeking something else as the source. For He is faithfull and just.
As I thought more, I considered my daughter whom went out with her friends Friday evening. I supplied her money; in case she needed something but when she got home, she said she wanted food. All of my children look to me to get them food.
My daughter showed me she could strategically think of what to spend her money on. She returned home with the money and an appetite. When we finished cleaning I then prepared breakfast for the family and my two year old was most excited looking for the next thing to get into.
My children reminded me an important lesson; we should always go to the main source for our necessities. This is how God wants His children to rely on Him. He wants us to ask, wait, join in the working, wait and then He will supply what is needed. For He is God alone, He is the source of all needs, all blessings, all strength, all vitality, "God said to Moses: I AM WHO AM,"(Exodus 3:14).
Today you might be seeking for something. You might be asking, but who are you asking? You might be waiting, but how are you waiting? You might be working, but who are you working for? This is a time in our life to recognize who the source is. Don't look to money as the source for it is "Better to be a poor person who has integrity than to be rich and double-dealing,"(Proverbs 28:6). Don't consider someone else or thing as the healer in your broken life for "He is the healer of the brokenhearted. He is the one who bandages the wounds," (Psalm 147:3).
Consider God alone as the source. Pray to God that you recognize Him as the source. Call upon the Lord to calm you in your race. Ask Him to forgive you for looking to another, for seeking something else as the source. For He is faithfull and just.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Change Come
A couple was married for over 10 years and the husband often told his wife, “I saved you from all the hell you were going through. When you married me girl, I saved your life.” The wife glances at him and roles her eyes mumbling of his arrogance.
Five years past and he is asking the Lord, “When is she going to change? He pleads to the Lord of how willing he is to go to work and provide for the family, how he goes to church every Sunday, how he is a deacon and sings in the church choir praising God but still no change.” However, the Lord is looking at him asking when will you change?
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her; to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word” (Ephesians 25-26).
The husband is instructed to love his wife just as Christ loved the church and gave his self up for the church. This scripture is saying love your wife so much that you would die. Jesus is our savior because He was willing to die.
The husband that boasts about how he saved his wife when she married him is not incorrect; he is looked upon as a savoir. However, his actions are not Christ like. Jesus did not rise and tell the people “if it had not been for me you would not be in heaven with my Father.” He did not tease the people and say “I am the savior so you better acknowledge me that way.” He gave them choice even after he sacrificed himself, because of love.
The husband is also instructed to cleanse her by the washing with water through the word. This is saying in order to get a change in your wife your words have to be raindrops of the word to her.
Some men are wishing their wife would change. Perhaps they want their wife to communicate more, respect them more or care for them more. The thought of her changing consumes their mind but as the husband the thought of you changing is far from your thoughts.
Don’t focus on when will she change, look deeper in the word as of the steps for your request to be granted. Ask God to help you die of your self. Pray to God that you sacrifice something in your life so your mate knows you are sincere. Ask Him to help you evaluate yourself for a change to come. Call upon the Lord to help you embrace your place as being pastor in your home. So your wife may present herself “as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless”
(Ephesians 5:27).
Five years past and he is asking the Lord, “When is she going to change? He pleads to the Lord of how willing he is to go to work and provide for the family, how he goes to church every Sunday, how he is a deacon and sings in the church choir praising God but still no change.” However, the Lord is looking at him asking when will you change?
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her; to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word” (Ephesians 25-26).
The husband is instructed to love his wife just as Christ loved the church and gave his self up for the church. This scripture is saying love your wife so much that you would die. Jesus is our savior because He was willing to die.
The husband that boasts about how he saved his wife when she married him is not incorrect; he is looked upon as a savoir. However, his actions are not Christ like. Jesus did not rise and tell the people “if it had not been for me you would not be in heaven with my Father.” He did not tease the people and say “I am the savior so you better acknowledge me that way.” He gave them choice even after he sacrificed himself, because of love.
The husband is also instructed to cleanse her by the washing with water through the word. This is saying in order to get a change in your wife your words have to be raindrops of the word to her.
Some men are wishing their wife would change. Perhaps they want their wife to communicate more, respect them more or care for them more. The thought of her changing consumes their mind but as the husband the thought of you changing is far from your thoughts.
Don’t focus on when will she change, look deeper in the word as of the steps for your request to be granted. Ask God to help you die of your self. Pray to God that you sacrifice something in your life so your mate knows you are sincere. Ask Him to help you evaluate yourself for a change to come. Call upon the Lord to help you embrace your place as being pastor in your home. So your wife may present herself “as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless”
(Ephesians 5:27).
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Lord Give
Last night I was in prayer about raising money for the “I Made It conference”. I have one sponsor and many people to serve. I don’t have much time before January and I just needed to hear from the Lord what to do next.
A friend emailed me this morning offering to be a sponsor. I felt odd because she was already helping me from another aspect. She gave me advice and I told her I wanted the event to be free so people can give freely. She understood and as I was emailing her back I realized I was stopping her from being a blessing to me by not freely accepting her sponsorship. I stopped in my tracks and apologized for it was as if I was telling "God no thanks, I will get it another way."
As I have been going through my growing pains; I have had to be willing to obey. I have not always felt like doing all the things in order to get this conference together but I would pray to God help me be willing to want to push forward.
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land” (Isaiah 1:19).
I recall God talking to Moses, the Lord said “tell the children to pick what they will give as a special contribution. “You must accept whatever contribution each person freely gives. This is the kind of contribution you will accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze” (Exodus 25:1-3-7).
God was specific to Moses he says to him, tell them to give a special contribution such as gold, silver and bronze. He directs Moses to accept what they give and to accept theses exact contributions.
My friend was already helping in one way but I believe God was saying to me this is what you specifically asked for and receive it.
Today my friends we are asking God and saying, “No God I want it another way.” Don’t make the mistake I almost made. I would like to ask each of you to make a contribution of $25 or more. If all you can give is $5 it will gladly be accepted. I pray that your contribution is something that you are willing to freely give. If you are going to hold grudges about it talk to the Lord a little bit longer.
If you are asking the Lord for something and need direction, pray that you are willing to obey. Ask God to give you a heart to exist for Him and be willing to do the work. For after being in the wilderness the Lord “brought Israel out with silver and gold, and no one among his tribes stumbled” (Psalm105:37). No one was feeble or sick every one was healed, because they gave.
A friend emailed me this morning offering to be a sponsor. I felt odd because she was already helping me from another aspect. She gave me advice and I told her I wanted the event to be free so people can give freely. She understood and as I was emailing her back I realized I was stopping her from being a blessing to me by not freely accepting her sponsorship. I stopped in my tracks and apologized for it was as if I was telling "God no thanks, I will get it another way."
As I have been going through my growing pains; I have had to be willing to obey. I have not always felt like doing all the things in order to get this conference together but I would pray to God help me be willing to want to push forward.
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land” (Isaiah 1:19).
I recall God talking to Moses, the Lord said “tell the children to pick what they will give as a special contribution. “You must accept whatever contribution each person freely gives. This is the kind of contribution you will accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze” (Exodus 25:1-3-7).
God was specific to Moses he says to him, tell them to give a special contribution such as gold, silver and bronze. He directs Moses to accept what they give and to accept theses exact contributions.
My friend was already helping in one way but I believe God was saying to me this is what you specifically asked for and receive it.
Today my friends we are asking God and saying, “No God I want it another way.” Don’t make the mistake I almost made. I would like to ask each of you to make a contribution of $25 or more. If all you can give is $5 it will gladly be accepted. I pray that your contribution is something that you are willing to freely give. If you are going to hold grudges about it talk to the Lord a little bit longer.
If you are asking the Lord for something and need direction, pray that you are willing to obey. Ask God to give you a heart to exist for Him and be willing to do the work. For after being in the wilderness the Lord “brought Israel out with silver and gold, and no one among his tribes stumbled” (Psalm105:37). No one was feeble or sick every one was healed, because they gave.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
God In Me
Things in my life have been very unusual. I have a conference right around the corner and the publishing of my book is almost exactly a month away and every distraction has arrived at my front door, some are even trying to come in my room.
I told my husband, I needed God the other day. As I continued with more distraction popping up I realized, I had the power to not allow such distractions use me as a puppet on a string. I decided I must press on and allow the God in me to move about.
This process I am going through is a growing phase. When I was younger in my faith I would not rely on the God in me to move. In fact, I questioned if I could press on. I got irritated and told myself “I need to rest; this is straining me too much.” However, today I am rearranging things in my life. I am not looking for 12 hours of sleep, I am content with 6.
As I study the scripture “leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1). It is clear to me that I must press on and continue to grow and allow the God in me to push me through and knock the distractions out the way.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).
Paul is saying carry out your salvation. Salvation is victory over sin. Stop rebelling against what the Lord has told you to do and move in the direction He is charging you to go.
He is not going to tell me to go the same way as you but the conduct and manner that we go is the same. Our experiences are different but goal is the same, glorifying His name. As you are going through growing pains know that you will have some challenges but it is up to you to grow up.
Allow a change in your life today. The year is ending, don’t you desire a change. Ask God to point you in the direction He wants you to go and help you follow. Pray to God to give you strength and allow the God in you to take over.
I told my husband, I needed God the other day. As I continued with more distraction popping up I realized, I had the power to not allow such distractions use me as a puppet on a string. I decided I must press on and allow the God in me to move about.
This process I am going through is a growing phase. When I was younger in my faith I would not rely on the God in me to move. In fact, I questioned if I could press on. I got irritated and told myself “I need to rest; this is straining me too much.” However, today I am rearranging things in my life. I am not looking for 12 hours of sleep, I am content with 6.
As I study the scripture “leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1). It is clear to me that I must press on and continue to grow and allow the God in me to push me through and knock the distractions out the way.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).
Paul is saying carry out your salvation. Salvation is victory over sin. Stop rebelling against what the Lord has told you to do and move in the direction He is charging you to go.
He is not going to tell me to go the same way as you but the conduct and manner that we go is the same. Our experiences are different but goal is the same, glorifying His name. As you are going through growing pains know that you will have some challenges but it is up to you to grow up.
Allow a change in your life today. The year is ending, don’t you desire a change. Ask God to point you in the direction He wants you to go and help you follow. Pray to God to give you strength and allow the God in you to take over.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Best Deal
The holidays are very exciting times. People pull out their best recipes, family makes travel arrangements, children write their Christmas wish list and adults go out to grant the little one’s wishes.
It is great to give gifts but at what cost? A security guard was recently killed, as a group of people rushed to get some items that were on sale.
“Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought to be…?” (2 Peter 3:11).
When I was little I always wanted toys but I remember being told it is a season for celebrating the birth of Jesus. I’d ask, “If we are celebrating Jesus’ birthday, why are we getting gifts? On my birthday, we don’t issue gifts to other people.” It was the most puzzling thing for me to comprehend.
As I consider those that have been killed or harmed for possessions it deeply hurts me. Jesus did not die for a possession, so why are people being killed for things?
My mind continues thinking of the scripture, “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12).
People set aside money for the holidays for things. Many plan a party to be just right but few plan for the party of the coming of God.
What are you anticipating this holiday season? A special gift, a vacation, the perfect turkey. Are you moving money or creating debt for something on sale? Have you been planning, how to give the gift of Jesus?
Don’t fall for the cheap schemes because times are hard. Consider the most elegant priceless gift of all. For your wish list ask God to grant you an opportunity to share Christ with others. Pray to God to channel your attention away from possessions. For sharing the gift of Jesus is, the best deal.
It is great to give gifts but at what cost? A security guard was recently killed, as a group of people rushed to get some items that were on sale.
“Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought to be…?” (2 Peter 3:11).
When I was little I always wanted toys but I remember being told it is a season for celebrating the birth of Jesus. I’d ask, “If we are celebrating Jesus’ birthday, why are we getting gifts? On my birthday, we don’t issue gifts to other people.” It was the most puzzling thing for me to comprehend.
As I consider those that have been killed or harmed for possessions it deeply hurts me. Jesus did not die for a possession, so why are people being killed for things?
My mind continues thinking of the scripture, “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12).
People set aside money for the holidays for things. Many plan a party to be just right but few plan for the party of the coming of God.
What are you anticipating this holiday season? A special gift, a vacation, the perfect turkey. Are you moving money or creating debt for something on sale? Have you been planning, how to give the gift of Jesus?
Don’t fall for the cheap schemes because times are hard. Consider the most elegant priceless gift of all. For your wish list ask God to grant you an opportunity to share Christ with others. Pray to God to channel your attention away from possessions. For sharing the gift of Jesus is, the best deal.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Stir It Up
When I was a teenager the only thing I loved writing was poetry. I entered contest and found much pleasure in writing. As an adult I have come to understand more of my gift of writing and as I learn more; it as if it is growing more and more like a person from birth.
This past week as my daughter was persistent about me coming along to help her compose a book. I found myself writing a few children stories. It was fun and a great way to spend time with each other.
As I was thinking this morning I contemplated more on the scripture from Paul advising Timothy to stir up his gift.
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6).
When we stir up something it is blended, roused, or mixed with other things. It is defined as to cause an especially slight movement or change of position of: to disturb the quiet of: agitate: to rouse to activity. The more I thought of what was going on with me with the stirring of this gift it made more and more sense.
With each gift there is another level to your gift. Some are granted many gifts soem few yet if we are dormant to the one we are to lead with, how can we agitate our gift to the flowing of others? Have you felt like maybe you should do something else? What are you being charged to do?
Don’t be afraid to leap out because it seems impossible. Mark Twain said, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear -- not absence of fear.” Pray to God to give you courage to stir up your gift. Ask the Lord to deliver your state of mind from being afraid so you may have mastery over fear. For God has given us spirit of “power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
This past week as my daughter was persistent about me coming along to help her compose a book. I found myself writing a few children stories. It was fun and a great way to spend time with each other.
As I was thinking this morning I contemplated more on the scripture from Paul advising Timothy to stir up his gift.
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6).
When we stir up something it is blended, roused, or mixed with other things. It is defined as to cause an especially slight movement or change of position of: to disturb the quiet of: agitate: to rouse to activity. The more I thought of what was going on with me with the stirring of this gift it made more and more sense.
With each gift there is another level to your gift. Some are granted many gifts soem few yet if we are dormant to the one we are to lead with, how can we agitate our gift to the flowing of others? Have you felt like maybe you should do something else? What are you being charged to do?
Don’t be afraid to leap out because it seems impossible. Mark Twain said, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear -- not absence of fear.” Pray to God to give you courage to stir up your gift. Ask the Lord to deliver your state of mind from being afraid so you may have mastery over fear. For God has given us spirit of “power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
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