Loving, Laughing, and Listening During the Holiday Season

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I have a very special friend named Sharon Sparling and we have been prayer partners for 32 years. When our children were small we prayed every day over the phone at 9am. Then when I moved to Fox Island and it was long distance we called on Mondays and Fridays. Now since both our husbands are retired and they travel much, we catch each other when we can. But at least twice a year around our birthdays we get together for a long lunch, face to face and really catch up.

I thought of how very much that is sometimes like our relationhip with the Lord. We talk often to each other but often just as if we were talking long distance and had to make it as brief as possible. But how wonderful it would be to just have a day to spend with the Lord, loving Him, and listening to Him, and reminisce over how faithful He has been in the past and the miracles of the present.

I thought of Revelation 2:3-5 in relation to the Christmas season. It says, “I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then from what you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first.”

Often in regard to the Christmas season, we are holding up, and enduring but are we “loving, laughing, and listening” with the joy and TOTAL abandonment He would have us do?

John 10:10 says: “I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly.”

Sometimes we get a little mixed up and think it says:

I CAME… that you might have a nervous breakdown celebrating my birth.

Why is it that ONLY women seem to experience this? Children love Christmas and men seem to float through it enjoying it all. Perhaps we are adding some burdens to Christmas that God didn’t intend us to carry. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light”. If it gets heavy, then it is our additions that make it “not easy to carry”.

I CAME…. that you might run up huge bills on your charge accounts in December and try to pay them off all year.

Is there an easier way for you to handle gift exchanges? Have you considered giving less expensive gifts or not so many to family and friends? Have you considered drawing names with your larger family or among the children in your family? Could you stop some gift exchanges that have become a tradition but have lost their original purpose? Perhaps others are thinking the same things and would be grateful for you to the FIRST to bring it up. What about joining a “Christmas Club”? That is a really old fashioned idea, but comes as a great blessing the 1st of November and helps you stay within a certain amount for spending.

I CAME…. that you might gorge yourself on goodies all December and go on a crash diet in January.

Do we use the holidays to eat and gorge on things we wouldn’t eat all year and get “sugar blue” afterward? Could we use moderation even in this area ALSO remembering that self-control is a fruit of the spirit?

I CAME…. that you might drive your family crazy and make yourself a nervous wreck- making the most beautiful gifts and wrapping the most gorgeous packages and decorating the house in the most beautiful way.

We tell our children “your eyes are bigger than your stomach” but sometimes aren’t our eyes bigger than our time? As we see holiday magazines and drool over the wonderful food and decorations and go to bazars and think “Oh, I could make that for $2.00”. And go shopping and think, “I could make that dress for my daughter for $10.00 or that one for myself for $20”. And we begin a night and day sewing and baking and making craft crusade that drives our family crazy. Try to remember it is great to make things, but don’t do it in December. Reserve that time for celebrating with your family and enjoying the holidays.

I CAME….that you might be so busy in December that you have no time to Love or Laugh or Listen. I Timonthy 5:8 says “If anyone does not provide for his relatives for his relatives and especially for his own family, he has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Do we sometimes feel that the “end does justify the means” and it doesn’t matter how cross we are with our own family- how many feelings we hurt- how many “leave me alones” we say, JUST SO on Christmas Eve or say everything is perfect. Your house is beautiful and your are all prepared and you smile as you say Merry Christmas to your guests and they are made welcome.

Could this have anything to do with what James is talking about in James 1:7-8 about being double minded? “For the person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord.”

I CAME…. That you might collapse in January recovering from shooting pains in your neck and back and arms because of lack of sleep, overwork and tension- to recover completely in time to start all over again next December.

Is there a better way? Does Jesus have a better plan?

Let us look at how they celebrate the first Christmas.

What did the angels do?

Luke 2:13 tells us- They praised God, saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”

We too can praise God and give Him glory and bring peace to our family and neighbors and make him well pleased. He is pleased when there is peace.

I shall strive for Peace for Christmas.

Psalms 133:1 “Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

How did the Shepherds celebrate?

  1. They listened. Luke 2:8-12 They heard the good news. Oh, that I might listen and really hear.
  2. They went and found Jesus. Luke 2:15-16. Oh, that I might find Him in simplicity.
  3. They shared what they had seen Luke 2:17. Oh, might I share the good news with those who haven’t heard- that they might begin to wonder, and perhaps start on their own search of finding him.

What did the Wise Men do?

They saw the star and followed it and rejoice exceedingly. Matt 2:9-10. Oh, that I  might see the Star of David and that I might rejoice exceedingly and follow the Start of David. Revelation 22:16 “I Jesus have sent my angel to you with the testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.”

We often see them saying “Wise men still seek Him.” Let us continue to seek Him with all our heart. II Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually.”

Matt 6:33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be yours as well.”

Make a list of the things “you” want to do and then SEEK the Lord and ask his advice.

Are we sometimes like blind pharisees that we are so wrapped up in tradition that we miss Jesus.

What did Mary so?

  1. She was obedient to what was asked of her. Luke 1:38. Oh, that I might be obedient to God and do what He is asking me to do this Christmas season. First listening to get that direction and then moving on it.
  2. She pondered all these things in her heart. Luke 2:19. Oh, that I might take time to ponder. To think of what His birth really meant- to me- to the world- that I might make those quiet moments in which to ponder and restore my soul.

What did Joseph do?

He was obedient and did what the Lord told him, not full of understanding but bewildered and fearful, but he did obey.

Oh, Lord might I obey- even when I am bewildered and fearful. Might I obey this Christmas season and not be fearful- knowing that you are in control.

MAY YOU BUILD MANY HAPPY MEMORIES THIS CHRISTMAS.

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO HAVE A HAPPY CHILDHOOD. If you wish you could have done this as child, or always wanted to do that—DO IT NOW. Become as a little child and enjoy all the little things you wished you had as a child. Matthew 18:3 “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.”

BE RECKLESS AND ABANDON IN YOUR LOVE AND JOY AND DONT JUST ENDURE.

Do something JUST FOR JOY.

Put a candle or a sprig of holly on your table and give your kids a special hug.

Jump on the davenport or turn a somersault on the lawn. Have some fun.

Have a special date with your husband.

Don’t let this season be a time of “I’ll be glad when its over”. Enjoy each moment.

LOVE the Lord- your family- the people the Lord puts on your heart.

LAUGH- at yourself- with your children and family and rejoice in the Lord.

LISTEN – to your children- to your husband and to others, but mostly to God. Take time to listen.

MAY THIS BE THE MOST GLORY FILLED- CHRIST CENTERED CHRISTMAS OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!

 

 

Finding the Hidden Jewels of Christmas

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The first jewel is the PEARL OF GREAT PRICE – Jesus.

Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who on finding one pearls of great value went and sold all that he has and bought it.”

The second jewel is the SAPPHIRE

James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom let him ask God, who gives to all men (and women) generously and without reproaching, and it will be given to him.”

Oh, do women need wisdom during the Christmas season. So many decisions to make – so many people to TRY and keep happy.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Young Mamas – This is a time to make traditions

Mama-in-laws – This is also a time to break traditions

But young mamas remember also that the way you treat your parents especially during this holiday time is the example you are setting for your children and the way they will treat you when you are a grandma.

The third is a BASKET OF JEWELS – The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

Don’t give up the Fruit of the Spirit for the Fruit of your Labors.

For the Following:

The most beautifully decorated house

Magnificent outdoor Lights

Hand made gifts for many

All kinds of baking

All uniquely wrapped gifts

Beautiful Christmas tree

Friends for dinner

The special day planned perfectly!!

Have we given up the Fruit of the Spirit and become:

Critical

Angry

Restless

Impatient

Unkind – especially to those in our home.

Selfish – thinking of what WE desire for a perfect Christmas.

Unfaithful – to basic principals of our faith, in order to celebrate Jesus’s birth

Intense

Uncontrolled – with our credit card, our temper or our eating.

In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” He did not say “He came” to make us a nervous wreck in December trying to celebrate his birth.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said some wonderful words, that I think can be especially meaningful for women during the Christmas holiday. “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Is your burden heavy? Especially right now during these days before Christmas? If so, perhaps you are carrying more than Jesus would have you carry. Maybe some of that burden is of your own doing not his? If so, take him at his word and “Come to Him” and find rest for your souls. Don’t let the cares of the world, the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. (Mark 4:19)

The last jewel I shall call a DIAMOND.

Our “diamond” can be found in Psalm 62: 5-6 “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.”

And it is to help us in “unfulfilled expectations”. Hidden deep in the Christmas story is a message to help us with this. Sometimes our life is not as we expected it would be:

My husband has faults I never saw before marriage.

Married life just isn’t what I dreamed as a child.

I thought children were a reward from the Lord, sometimes mine feel like a punishment.

I studied years to have this position job wise, and now it seems empty.

I had such a happy marriage and never expected to be a widow so young.

I thought the senior years were supposed to be ‘golden’. Mine aren’t, I don’t have enough money to travel and am lonely.

How can the Christmas story help us with these expectations? What did the Jews expect? They expected a King who would execute justice and righteousness in the land. The reality was a baby born in the manger.

They expected a King to deliver them from Roman rule. The reality was that Jesus came to deliver them from their sins.

What did Mary expect? A messiah, but not to be the mother of the Messiah.

Can we be like Mary and say, “For with God nothing is impossible.” Luke 1:37 and verse 38, “let it be according to your word.”

Can we believe the words also of Elizabeth in Luke 1:45, “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

If you have found the Pearl of Great Price then you claim Romans 8:28 with assurance. “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.”

If you don’t know the ‘Pearl of Great Price’ you can be praying this simple prayer. If you do, this will be the most joyous Christmas you have ever experienced!

References to explain this: Romans 3:23-24, Romans 5:8-9, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13, John 1:12, 1John 1:9, Isaiah 61:10

Hidden Lessons From Christmas

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What hidden lessons can we learn from Christmas? Our expectations are often different from God’s, just like it was with the Jews prior to Jesus’ birth.

The Expectation: The Jews expected a King. Mary expected a Messiah.

Both represent power. But the reality was that Jesus was born in manger. Luke 2:11 & 12 “For to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you; you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

The Reality: Jesus came to deliver the Jews from their sins. God used Mary to bring forth the Messiah.

How can we apply this to our lives? Do you have certain expectations for…. your husband? kids? home? lifestyle? job? ect…

The reality of these expectations is often different than what we had planned. What can we lean from Christmas to help us with the reality of our expectations? Are we sometimes disappointed as the Jews were disappointed? What did the Jews do? Who came to know the truth?

Some looked for God’s plan in the midst of disappointment. They didn’t look just at the outward circumstances but BELIEVED GOD. They focused on the hidden jewel in the manger stall. They found power and purpose in that little baby. When the reality of your expectations doesn’t look at all as you dreamed- When your husband has flaws you haven’t seen before… When your children disappoint you…. When your physical home will not be featured in a magazine. What can you do?

Look beyond the circumstances. Look for the hidden jewel.

Psalm 127:3 says “Sons and daughters are a heritage from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb a reward.”

Can we respond like Mary in belief when there are times those children do not seem like a reward but more like punishment? When my first child, Becky, was born I knew nothing about being a mother. I was raised an only child and had never been around babies. Also, I was given no training prior to her birth as to what to expect. When she arrived, she had severe colic, volatile vomiting, and slept very little. She would sleep for 45 minutes and then cry most of the day. I remember crying out to the Lord, “What have I every done to deserve this?” Then as this baby grew into a beautiful girl, inside and out, she became a child who loved the Lord. And then she began being my great helper and helped me raise the other children. She was a great example for the other kids to follow and I cried out to the Lord “What have I ever done to deserve such a child as this?” That was truly a great lesson to me that God only gives us good gifts.

May we each learn from the hidden lessons of Christmas, some truth that will help us with the expectations of our life. May we find the hidden jewel in all of our circumstances.

Teaching Children Through Christmas

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(Based on a tape from Barbara Cook)

What concept of Christmas are your children growing up with? We need to talk with our children about the events of Christmas and at a much deeper level than Santa and the reindeer. This is what Deut. 6:6-7 says

“And these words which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”

We are told to talk about God’s word at ALL times, to teach our children while they are doing other things. This is just what we can do at Christmas, teach them the Christmas story as we are going about the normal activities of Christmas.

Christmas Cards: Cards can be a great way to teach children. As they arrive talk to the children about them. Why are those men riding on those funny animals? Why are those men lying on the ground looking up into the sky? Even a 2 or 3 year old can soon tell the Christmas story by being allowed to play with the cards and sort them as to the angels, shepherds, wise men, manger scenes, etc.

Advent Wreath: A great way to prepare your family and children for the Christmas season. Light one candle the first Sunday in Advent and then 2, 3, and 4 each succeeding Sunday in Advent, lighting the center on Christmas Eve or Day. Advent Calendars can also be fun and a teaching tool for children.

Christmas Tree: The tree can be a beautiful symbol of the changeless beauty of our God. We choose an evergreen tree as a picture of the faithfulness of God. It is green and lovely no matter what the weather brings. So our God is faithful, trustworthy- no matter what the situation in our lives. Read Hebrews 13:8 when you bring in the tree. Also Matthew 28:20 and Romans 8:38-39

Decorating the Tree: Why do we decorate the tree? It is because we are happy Jesus was born. Lights, tinsel, and bright things all represent joy. Read verses about Joy: John 15:11, Matthew 25:21, and Romans 14:17.

Christmas Carols: Sing them as a family, talk about what they mean, or use them during family devotional time. The Brynestad family had a great time as a family singing carols in the car. I remember when the Tobiasons lived in Puyallup and we would go there for Christmas eve, we would sing continuously the half hour drive. Starting with one child and then each would have to start another song, until we had to stop because no one could thing of a song. But by then we had arrived.

Wrapping Gifts: Great time to talk about the joy of giving to others and God’s gift to us- Jesus. Great opportunity to read John 3:16 and talk to the children about giving Christ as a gift- themselves. Wonderful time to lead a child to Jesus at whatever age they are ready to respond.

Angel and Star: As you put the angel or star on top of the tree talk about what it would have been like to have heard all those angels singing as they appeared to the shepherds. And just to think we will be able to hear and see them in heaven ourselves someday. Talk about the star that guided the shepherds to Jesus.

Nativity Scene: Wonderful way to teach the story of Jesus. It is better if it isn’t a costly scene so the children can move the people around and really pretend they are there.

As children ask questions- don’t make reckless guesses. Look up the scripture, use a concordance if necessary. Show them how to use it. Children need to know the difference between legend and historical fact.

Contentment

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From Webster’ Dictionary: Contentment – Having the desires limited to that which one has.

Synonym: Satisfied – State of being content.

Let’s look at what the bible has to say about contentment.

Phil 4:11-13

“Not that I complain of want, for I have learned , in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me.”

Luke 3:14

“Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, AND BE CONTENT WITH YOUR WAGES.’”

Heb 13:5-6

“Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never fail you nor forsake you.’ Hence we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?’”

1Tim 6:6-12

“There is great gain in GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT; for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world; but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that same have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of witnesses.”

vs. 17-19

“As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be haughty, nor set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God who richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous, thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.”

2 Cor 12:10

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Let’s look at each verse and share what it means to you and what practical application you get from each.

I shared the story of Sam and Bjorn and the little tractor with our envy lesson but I think it is appropriate also with contentment. We had been watching Sam while Cindy and John were away for a weekend. He had been with us two days when Bjorn came out to visit. Bjorn began riding the toy tractor. Thereupon Sam came in and said that Bjorn wouldn’t share. I told Sam that he had been here for two days and not even gotten on the tractor. Why did he now all of the sudden want to ride it so badly.

This is so true with children, but isn’t it also with us. Perhaps we never wanted a certain thing, but when our friend has it, or we see how beautiful something is in her house, we suddenly must have it.

Was this not the problem Eve had in the very beginning of the fall from grace. Read Gen 3:1-6. It seems that Eve really hadn’t thought about eating the fruit of the forbidden tree until Satan talked to her about not being able to have it. Then she SAW that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the EYES, and she TOOK the fruit and ATE some and then gave some to her husband. Isn’t that a progression of the way we are led from contentment also?

Something we must remember – We can drive envy and jealousy from our lives, hearts and minds, but then there is a void which must be filled with contentment – or envy and jealousy can easily return.

Sometimes we must take drastic measures to ensure contentment in our lives. I think Matt 18:7-9 gives us some thoughts to consider. “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the man by whom the temptation comes! And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.”

How can we apply this in a practical way? If our feet causes us to walk into a bank and rob it or if our hands reach out to steal from others or if our eyes cause us to lust and pursue that feeling, it is better to be maimed and crippled and blind and not be able to do those things, rather than to be able to do them and be thrown into hell.

How can these drastic measures be applied to being content? If the mall is too much of a temptation for us. And we are not content when we see all the things that would be nice in our homes or in our closets, then it is better to not go to the mall, unless absolutely necessary. And then to pray before going and only buy the specific things you have on your list. Perhaps you will need to shop by mail and catalogs and such.

Maybe you can’t resist nurseries this time of year. Perhaps you will have to stay away if you go beyond your specified budget. [Editors Note: This made me smile for if anyone knew my Grandma Rosy personally would remember that nurseries and flowers were a weakness for her:)]

This principle could hold true for whatever it is that draws you away from contentment. You might have to stop doing some very innocent thing if it brings you into trouble.

What are some things you can think of in this line?

May we pray that the Lord will fill our lives with contentment, as wives, mothers, homemakers and whatever we are involved in whether it is outside or in the home.

May we learn how to experience Godliness with Contentment.

Encouraging Verses

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Date: January 29th, 2010

Psalms 41:1-3 “Blessed is he who considers the poor! The Lord delivers him in the day of trouble; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; thou dost not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness thou healest all his infirmities.”

Pslams 44:5-8 “Through thee we push down our foes; through thy name we tread down our assailants. For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our foes, and hast put to confusion those who hate us… and we will give thanks to thy name forever.”

Psalms 34:7 “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who hear Him, and rescues them.”

Isaiah 43:1-3 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; (or when the waters pass through you) and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

Words from Kristi Harkson in an email dated November 26, 2007

“I wanted to tell you something that I hope will encourage you. A few weeks ago, right after Becky emailed me the news of your illness, I had this experience…. I woke up in the middle of the night precisely at 2:30am… After looking at the clock I said “Is there someone who want me to pray for Lord?” Immediately I heard him say “Rosie!” I thought it was strange because i have never called you Rosie before.. but apparently He calls you Rosie! I got down on my knees next to my bed and prayed. It made me realize how close you are to God’s heart that He would make me up to pray for you! He is a loving, personal, caring God, isn’t He? We will continue praying for you!”

II Corinthians 2:14 “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. God we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing…”

Matthew 19:26 “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Psalms 3:14-4 “O Lord how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of me there is no help from him in God. But thou, O Lord, art a shield about , my glory and the lifter of my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 “Eagle Verses”

…The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary, his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths  shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

Psalms 103:1-5 “Blessed the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his beliefs, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy; who satisfies you with goods as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalms 3:3-4 “But though, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill.”

Malachi 3:16 “Then those who feared the Lord spoke with me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill.”

Isaiah 60:1 “Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”

Isaiah 61:1-3 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant those who mourn in Zion, to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit, that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”

Psalms 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.”

Psalms 146:5, 9a “Happy is he whose help is in God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”….”The Lord watches over the sojourners”

II Corinthians 2:14-15 “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance  of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”

Psalms 69:1-3 “Save, O God! For the waves have come up to my neck. I sink in the deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deeps waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.”

Psalms 40:1-3 “I wanted patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust int he Lord.”

Psalms 138:3 “You answer me and encourage me by giving me the strength I need.”

Habakkuk 2:3 “For still the vision awaits its time; it hastens to the end– it will not life. It it seems slow, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not delay.”

Psalms 23

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me besides still waters;

HE RESTORES MY SOUL.

He leads me in paths of righteousness, for his names’s sake.

Even Though I walk through the valley of the SHADOW of death,

I fear no evil; for thou art with me;

Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anoint my

head with oil, my cup overflows,

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Psalms 143:8 “Let me hear in the morning of thy steadfast love, for in thee I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go for to thee I lift up my soul.”

Isaiah 50:4 “The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him that is weary. Morning by morning he wakens, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.”

Psalms 20:4-5 “May he grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!”

Psalms 20:1 “The Lord answer you in the day of the trouble! The name of the God of Jacob protect you!”

Psalms 18:28 “Yes, thou dost light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.”

Psalms 3:3-4 “But thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cry aloud to the Lord and he answers me from his holy hill.”

Job 22:21-22 & 28 “Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay upon his words in your heart….. (28) You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.”

Ecc 3:1 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

II Samuel 22:33-34 “This God is my strong refuge and has made my way safe. He made my feet like hinds feet and set me secure on the heights.”

Mark 13:11 “And then they bring you to trial and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say; but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 21:13-15 “This will be a tie for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

Jeremiah 1:7-8 “But the Lord said to me, Do not say, I am only a youth; for to all to whom I send you you shall go, and whatever I command you you shall speak. Be not afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.”

Matthew 10:19-20 “When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victories right hand.”

Isaiah 41:13 “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you'”.

Psalms 61:1-3 “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to thee, when my heart is faint. Lead thou me to the rock that is higher than I, for thou art my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in thy tent forever. Oh, to be safe under the shelter of thy wings.”

Psalms 91:14-16 “Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.

Isaiah 43:18-19 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do not perceive it. I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the dessert.”

II Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you….. So we do not lose heart. Though our momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Psalms 121:7-8 “The Lord will keep you from all harm, he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.”

II Cor. 1:3-5 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we ma be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trails, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing.”

Jeremiah 31:25-26 “For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish. Thereupon I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me.”

Psalms 34:17-19 “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears; and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

Isaiah 55:12 “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song before you!”

Psalms 139:5 “You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessings on my head”

Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Psalms 105:4-5 “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually! Remember the wonderful works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.”

 

 

 

Husbands (Part Two)

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I shall be talking about “Encouraging the Spiritual Growth of our Husbands.” I think we hear more about encouraging women who are married to unbelieving husbands. But I am going to start with talking about the woman married to a strong Christian husband.

Just as we know there are problems that come with poverty and problems that come with riches – just different types of problems- so it is being married to a strong Christian husband or a non-Christian husband. The woman married to a strong Christian man must face and deal with certain issues just the same as the woman married to a non-Christian husband.

I remember Robbie, a Young Life leader whom we loved very dearly and who was praying for a Christian husband. She finally married a Christian man and has been happily married for over 20 years. But I remember a statement she made when she was first married. She said, “I prayed for a Christian man – now what do I do with him?”

Perhaps a young woman dreams of marrying a Christian man – but one who works 9 to 5 and is home every evening, helping with the children and with whom she has long talks each evening by the fire.

But more often than not, the Christian man, especially one involved in a Christian ministry of some kind, is just as passionate or more so about his work, than the young executive trying to climb the corporate ladder.

More people are ‘needing’ him because he is able to help them.

He is often ‘in front’ of people more, open to sometimes embarrassing a shy wife.

We have been involved with Young Life in many various aspects over the years, and have seen the lives of wonderful godly men, who were doing great things for the Lord, fall apart as their marriage turned to shambles and their children turned away from God. Many times because daddy just wasn’t there. He was so busy meeting the needs of other people’s children and other families that his own were neglected.

I can’t believe this is God’s plan for those in ministry and service of any kind to the Lord. But it takes much wisdom and courage for these men to do all they feel they should in their ministry and all they should be as fathers and husbands.

I am including a quote from Dr. Dobson in answer to the question, “What has been your greatest challenge as a father? What did you learn from it?”

“I certainly made my share of mistakes as a father. Like millions of other men of my era, I often had a tough time balancing the pressure of my profession with the needs of my family. Not that I ever became an ‘absentee father’, but I did struggle at times to be accessible as I should have been.”…..“My father, who always served as a beacon in dark times, saw what was happening to me and wrote a letter that was to change my life. First he congratulated me on my success, but then he warned that all the success in the world would not compensate if I failed at home. He reminded me that the only way to build their faith was to model it personally and then to stay on my knees in prayer. That couldn’t be done if I invested every resource in my profession. I have never forgotten that profound advice.”

There are many things we can learn from the story in 2 Samuel 6:12-23 in regard to our lesson on being married to a strong Christian man. The story is about Michal, married to a very strong man of God, King David.

Perhaps we can look at Michal’s behavior towards her husband in the same way we read the stories about the Bernstein Bears, and see some examples of how NOT to behave as a godly wife.

What can we learn from Michal’s mistakes? And what were her mistakes?

  1. She threw cold water on her husband’s service to God.

  2. She did not share in his joy.

  3. She stood on the side lines despising him, not encouraging him or worshipping with him.

  4. She thought he was a little too enthusiastic and a little fanatical about his religious business.

  5. She was embarrassed by his behavior. So certain he had made a fool of himself.

  6. She gave him much constructive criticism.

  7. She thought it her duty to straighten David out. Polish him up a bit abd make him a more proper person. (She didn’t stop to think that maybe God liked him that way)

  8. She didn’t allow David to share his joy with his family abd her sarcasm was a slap in his face.

  9. Verse 23 implies their marriage relationship fell apart or else was an answer from God.

What God is doing in your husband is a serious thing and not to be taken lightly. Do not judge the work of God in his life – support it.

Allow your husband to rejoice in the wife of his youth. Proverbs 5:18,19 “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely hind, a graceful doe. Let her affection fill you at all times with delight, be infatuated always with her love.”

May we be the wives God would have us be, so that we can encourage our husbands to be all that God would have them be.

Husbands (Part One)

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My teaching is based on Titus 2:3-5 and this is what verses 3 & 4 say:

“Bid the older women likewise to be reverent in their behavior, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good, and SO TRAIN the young women to love their husbands and children…”

Those very words seem to tell us that real life and marriage isn’t exactly like the fairy tales say, “They married and lived happily ever after”. No, in real life it takes hard work and relying on the Lord and the direction he gives us for marriage in his word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us how we are to receive this training. “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction AND FOR TRAINING in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete for every good work.”

What is the good work we are talking about here?

Loving husbands

Raising godly children

Being the heart of a warm, godly and loving home

I passed out some sheets that had words on them by Sharon Ries that were very important. [Editors Note: these words not included] By believing and putting this truth to practice you free yourself up to just love your husband. That truth is that your husband, Christian or non-Christian, cannot meet your deepest needs. Only Jesus can do that. Don’t expect that from him.

In one of Dr. Dobson’s monthly newsletters a question was asked, and the answer to that question ties in with the truth we just stated. “What do you consider to be THE greatest threat to the stability of families today?”

His answer:“It would be a phenomenon that every marriage counselor deals with regularly. The scenario involves a vulnerable woman who depends on her husband to meet her emotional needs and a workaholic man who has little time for family responsibilities. Year after year she reaches for him and finds he is not there. She nags, complains, cries and attacks him for his failures – to no avail. He is carrying the load of three men in his business or profession and can’t figure out how to keep that enterprise going while providing what his wife needs. As time goes by, she becomes increasingly angry, which drives him even further into his workday world. He is respected and successful there. And thereafter he is even less accessible to her. Then one day, to her husband’s shock, this woman reaches a breaking point and either leaves him for someone else or files for divorce. It is a decision she may live to regret and one that often devastates her children – although by then the marriage is long gone. It was such a preventable disaster, but one that thousands of other families will be victimized by in the coming months.”

I shall read out loud also a portion called “Expectations” from Ruth Bell Graham’s book Its My Turn.

“By not laying heavy expectations on your husband you also free him up – to be a husband, father, and grandfather – who is “playful” and who can help build memories. It is a chain reaction when we do our job as the wives God intended us to be.”

As I first prepared this lesson years ago the ink ran out in my Word Processor. I put in a new cartridge and it still wouldn’t work. I tried and tried and finally put in another cartridge that I had on hand. It still wouldn’t work. I became very frustrated and finally thought of saying, “When all else fails read the instructions.” I did read them and it said to clean the new cartridge head when replacing it. I did that and it worked. It made me think of this lesson. For it is the same principal with husbands. I would hate for you to throw one away, get another one and it doesn’t work because you are not following the instructions. God gave us a plan and instructions as wives and it is found in His Word, our precious Holy Bible.

Every Christian woman wants to be married to a strong Christian man.

  1. Mature in his relationship with God

  2. Who leads the family in love for the Lord

  3. Has love for his church

But much of his spiritual growth depends upon his wife – part of what it means to be ‘one’ person.

Our attitudes, emotions, weaknesses and strengths affect our mates, as though they were their own. Many women work against the very goal they want.

We need to be aware of what builds up and what tears down a man’s relationship with God.

Don’t fall into the trap that Eve did. Her husband lost power because of his wife’s influence.

Casting Our Burdens on the Lord

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These are some thoughts given to me on Thursday morning December 8, 1994.

Thinking about my missionary friend, Alma Hagen, and her illustration of actually putting out your open hand, palm side up, in a gesture of giving our burden, desire, fears, anxieties…. to the Lord, and not grasping onto it with our clenched fist.

Thinking of Romans 13:14 “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”

Give it to Jesus– Not only the bad things in your life, but also the obsessive desires for good things. Even these can rob us of peace. Give it ALL to Jesus on an open palm. “Whatever Lord, Your will.. You know Lord my desires, my hopes, but is your plan better?”

Isaiah 55:8,9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

God may it be: Your plan for how my marriage should be…. Your plan for how my children should be….. Your plan for how my life should be… Your plan for how my house should be…

1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him, for he cares about you.”

Psalms 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved” (We might be moved from our physical house or our neighborhood, but never moved from the closeness to God).

Think about fishing. Are we like fisherman, throwing out our burden to the Lord, and then reeling it back in? Just cast it and leave it! The definition of cast: to throw with a quick motion and sudden release.

Let us quickly with sudden release- cast our burdens on the Lord and then experience the peace that passes all understanding.

What About Tithing?

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Thoughts from Rosemary: 6:20am Monday February 9, 1986

I’ve been feelings strongly for a couple weeks to have a lesson on tithing or at least sheets to pass out for you to read. This morning as I sat down for devotions the thought keeps coming to prepare some papers to pass out. I feel as though I should start with some thoughts from Haggai before verses on tithing.

Memories come flooding back to the first time I was led to Haggai and I have it noted in my Bible, September 24th 1970. I can remember asking the Lord that morning, “What should I read this morning?”, and the thought kept coming back to me, “Read Haggai”. Read Haggai? I don’t know anything about Haggai and wondered, “Why Haggai?” But thought… “ok, ok, I’ll read Haggai”. At the time I didn’t know exactly what the Lord was trying to tell me through Haggai, but this is what I did notice and it made a deep impression on me. In Haggai 1:15 it says, “on the 24th day of the month”.

  • 2:10 says “consider from this day onward, from the 24th day of the 9th month”
  • 2:18 says “consider from this day onward, from the 24th day of the 9th month”
  • 2:20 says “The word  of the Lord came a second time to Haggai on the 24th day of the month”

As I read, I had to go look at the calendar, yes, this was the 24th day of the 9th month, September 24th, 1970. I was excited and knew the Lord has something in this little book He wanted to bring to my attention to, but I was not sure what it was. There was so much there regarding putting the Lord first, in all areas, but especially in our finances. Through the years I know I have forgotten these lessons at times, but the Lord will again bring them to mind, as he has been doing lately. So now I want to share with you thoughts to bless you and your family from the little book of Haggai and other verses related to tithing.

Haggai 1:5 “Now therefore, thus says the Lord of Hosts. Consider how you have fared. You have sown much and harvested little. You eat but you never have enough. You drink but you never have your fill. You clothes yourselves but no one is warm. And he who earned wages, earns wages to put them into a bag with holes. (Do you ever get that feeling?)

Do you every feel that when the check comes in and you pay the bills nothing is left? As if it has run through your fingers, or been put into a bag with holes in it?

WHY? verse 1:9 gives the answer: “You have looked for much and lo it came to little and when you brought it home, I blew it away, Why? says the Lord of Hosts. Because of my house that lies in the ruins, while you busy yourselves each with his own house.”

The House of God can mean much more than just our own church facility. What about God’s house and work on the mission field, in our community, and in our nation?

Some other verses on tithing:

  • Lev: 27:32- The tenth shall be holy unto the Lord
  • Malachi 3:8- Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you will say, how have we robbed you, in your tithes and offerings
  • Genesis 28:22- of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee
  • Luke 18:12- I gives tithes of all that I possess
  • Malachi 3:10- Bring the full titles of the storehouse that there may be food in my house and thereby put me to the test says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. I will rebuke the devourer for you so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear says the Lord of Hosts

Put God to the test…TITHE… and see if He is not faithful to His word, AS WE ARE FAITHFUL UNTO HIM.

 

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