Overwhelmed

The Lord is with us when we feel overwhelmed.  We can rest in Him and His way, even though it doesn't make sense.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. [Psalm 142:3]

Lighting Our Way

Today, I read the familiar Psalm 119:105:  Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  

I always have related that Scripture to being a guide for the choices that we make, when we aren't sure which path to take in life.  However, the light of God's word also can brighten our inner person when we are in emotional darkness.  The Psalms in particular can bring great comfort.


TV~ (Today's Verse)
This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me. [Psalm 119:50]

Emmanuel - God With Us!

Our Lord and Saviour draweth nigh.  O come, let us adore Him.

O come, Thou Wisdom, from on high,

and order all things far and nigh;

to us the path of knowledge show,

and teach us in her ways to go.

 

 

TV~  (Today's Verse)

... Put no high value on your wisdom: let the fear of the Lord
be before you, and keep yourself from evil: ...  [Proverbs 3:7]

The Strength of My Heart

Christmas has a way of marking the years.  We think of the season present, and of past seasons with remembrance.  Some years, our hearts are filled with happiness.  Other years, we are wrought with grief, pain and even strife.

Wherever you find yourself this Christmastide, I pray that your heart will be cloaked with the Love of Christ.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.  My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.…

Cheer Us by Your Drawing Nigh

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Vs. 6 - Encouraging if the holidays seem gloomy....

Oh, come, our Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by your drawing nigh,
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Vs. 7 - Encouraging if there is family conflict...

Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Oh, bid our sad divisions cease,
And be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

TV~  (Today's Verse)
Whatever prayer or supplication is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing his own affliction and his own pain, and spreading his hands toward this house, then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men, that they may fear You, to walk in Your ways as long as they live in the land which You have given to our fathers.… [II Chronicles 6:29-31]

Trusting

Lean not on your own understanding.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Proverbs 3:5b, 5a

Seeing this verse transposed helps me to live it.  Trusting is hard because our own eyes don't see how situations can work out for good.  Trusting God means that we believe that he is BIG and will work everything together for good.

The Power of Love

A friend's Christmas card included this quote by Gandalf, taken from The Hobbit movie:  

"Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”

These small deeds demonstrate the power of love within a family.  They are what make the home a safe haven from the world.   

TV~ (Today's Verse)
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [I Peter 4:8]

Acting Right When Your Spouse is Wrong

She was feeling overwhelmed with all she had to do - work responsibilities, family responsibilites, the constant housework.  She complained to her husband that he didn't help enough.  Instead of being defensive and angry, he said, "Okay, how can I help you?" 

She hesitated a minute and then said, "You can do the grocery shopping, cook dinner and do the dishes for the next week." 

He did it for her.  The menu was hot dogs, frozen chicken nuggets, frozen pizza (twice) and other similar entrees.  But he did it and it was a beautiful act of love.

Her book is entitled,  How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong, by Leslie Vernick.





TV~  (Today's Verse)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. [Romans 12:21]

Thorns

"The ministry of thorns has often been a greater ministry to man than the ministry of thrones.  -Streams in the Desert, p. 362

Adversity and persecution are effective means of turning us to God.  Prosperity, ease and approval often result in a gradual drifting away from the Lord.

Going through adversity?  Your God is BIG, cling to Him.  Enjoying prosperity?  Ask God to bind you to Him, so you will not wander.  "I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead..."   (http://www.prayerfoundation.org/st_patricks_breastplate_prayer.htm)

TV~  (Today's Verse)

 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. 
[Ezekiel 34:16]

Confusion

Tonight, I was involved in a lengthy conversation in which confusion seemed to reign.  We were talking in circles with someone who professed to have a relationship with God, yet the conversation was not solid.  I felt that we were more on shifting sand than the rock of Christ.

The scripture that kept coming to mind was from James 3:16: For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

TV~ (Today's Verse)
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock... [Matthew 7:24]

Leaving

There are different ways in which loved ones leave us:

In Body - Their physical presence can be gone either by moving away or ultimately, through death.  Sometimes they initiate this departure, but quite often it is determined by outside forces.

In Spirit - They can go to a far-away-land spiritually, where no longer is there a mutual love and seeking of the Lord together.  Satan is active in this process, as he tries to steal, kill and destroy anything that is beautiful in the Lord.

In Soul/Emotions - They can remove their "emotional capital" from us by disengaging in the relationship and looking elsewhere for emotional fulfillment.

For those of us left behind, let us never despair over the loss.  May we press forward in faith, love and friendship. 

TV~ (Today's Verse)
The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. [Job 1:21]

Advent = Arrival

The word "advent" comes from the Latin word adventus, which means arrival.  The Advent season marks the beginning of the church calendar each year.  It is a four-week period of anticipation and preparation as we reflect upon Christ coming to earth. 

I was with a group of women this week, who were lamenting about the challenges of focusing on Christ's birth during the busy Christmas season.  They do not attend churches that recognize the Advent season.  I encouraged them to look online to get some daily readings during Advent, as it might help them in their desire to focus on the reason for the season.

We currently are in the second week of Advent.  Here is a link to daily Advent readings.  Enjoy.

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/

TV~  (Today's Verse)
The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. [Matthew 4:16]

Trust in the Lord

This is a favorite song of mine, from a kids' CD - Go to the Ant by Judy Rogers.  If....

"You feel alone and disappointed 'cause your life's not like you wanted...."

then, watch this: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSSW5ef3wNg

TV~ (Today's Verse)
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]

Ten Words to Stay Married

I'm sorry.  Please forgive me.   To be said when there is a conflict.  We can ask God to show us what we are doing wrong in the situation and ask forgivenesss, even if the much greater fault seems to be on the other person's side.

Thank you.  We can recognize the things that our spouse does, not taking anything for granted.  We can say thank you at least once a day.

I love you.  This can't be said too often.  It's possible to say this even without warm feelings.  Love is shown through actions that benefit the other person.

Is God Good?

When difficult situations arise, it is easy to think that God is not good.  However, Jesus encountered difficult situations while on earth.  In His ultimate trial, he willingly submitted to God's will.  He is our example.

Afflictions cannot injure when blended with submission.  God will use the hard times to produce good things.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds... [James 1:2]

Through it All

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair. (2 Corinthians 4:8)


One of our cars was totalled today.  Thankfully, the driver is okay.

TV~
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. [Romans 15:4]

Rising Early

A successful business man that I know says, "Nothing good happens after ten o'clock at night."

In keeping with this is the old adage, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise."

Getting up early is not possible unless one gets to bed early...


TV~  (Today's Verse)
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. [Mark 1:35]

When You Don't Know What to Do

1. Don't worry.
2. Pray for wisdom.
3. Seek Godly counsel.
4. Pray again for wisdom.
5. Make the best decision you can, in keeping with scriptural principles.
6. Trust God for the future.
7.  Keep praying.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [James 1:5]

A Big Blow-up

She wrote, "There was a big blow-up last night..." 

What to do if there is a big blow-up? 

1.  Step away and find time to pray and wait on the Lord.
2.  Ask Him to give you His heart for your spouse.
3.  Ask Him to show you how you are contributing to the conflict.
4.  If you are fearful, ask Him to show you what is causing the fear and ask for His perfect love to cast out   that fear.
5.  When the time is right, go and ask forgiveness for what you did to contribute to the conflict.

TV~ (Today's Verse)

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [James 3:17]

Tenderness, Compassion, Sympathy and Tolerance

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these." 

- George Washington Carver

My experience is that one has to live many years before becoming fully capable of tenderness, compassion, sympathy and tolerance.  Even then, it is only Christ in us that produces these qualities.

TV~ (Today's Verse) 

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.  [Luke 10:34]

The Great Litany

Today is the first Sunday of the church year, the first Sunday of Advent.  Advent means "the coming" and is a time of expectant waiting for the entrance of our Savior into the world. 

On this first Sunday of Advent, the Great Litany is recited.  This lengthy responsive prayer was compiled in the 1500s from a combination of litanies by Thomas Cranmer, St. John Crysostom and Martin Luther.

It is worth reading and praying.  When sung responsively in church, it feels holy and powerful.

http://www.bcponline.org/GreatLitany/Litany2.html

TV~  (Today's Verse)
Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer...  [Psalm 17:1]

Third Order Carmelite

I never knew there could be lay-person nuns.  The iconographer that I met the other evening is a "Third Order Carmelite."  This appears to be a way to dedicate one's normal, every-day life to prayer and pursuit of God, but within an organized order.

"Lay Carmelites, filled with the spirit of the Order, seek to live their own vocation by silently listening to the Word of God (Lectio Divina). According to the constant tradition of Carmel, they will especially cultivate prayer in all its forms...
 

In the midst of their normal family lives, in the work place, in their social commitments and relationships with other people, Carmelite Third Order members seek out the hidden image of God. They try to live in the spirit of the Beatitudes, humbly and consistently exercising the virtues of honesty, justice, sincerity, courtesy and fortitude, without which no Christian or human life is possible."   (http://ocarm.org/en/content/ocarm/third-order)

TV~  (Today's Verse)
Take the... sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

One by One

The friar stood before his students that day to give a lecture on offering thanks to God.  He said but a few words, "Count your blessings.....one by one."  Then he turned and walked out, leaving his students there to contemplate his words and await his return.  It was two hours later that the friar returned. 

Even two hours is not enough time to count all the blessings that God has given us.  Yet, I wonder if I'd have been able to fill the full two hours with an item-by-item list of my blessings.  I must admit that, even on this day of thanks, there are tears being shed for things that seem absent or undeserved.

TV~ (Today's Verse)
Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. [Psalm 116:7]

Visiting an Iconographer

The other evening, I visited the beautiful home of an iconographer.  Decorated creatively and furnished arts-and-crafts style, the home exuded a sense of peace and spirituality.

The woman who lives there spends much of her time "writing" icons.  Apparently one does not paint an icon, one "writes" an icon because it is a story of the gospel and is thought of as a passage into heaven.  Icons came about before the general population could read and thus were ways for the populous to seek God.  The idea of an icon is that rather than focusing on the image itself, you look "through" it to become closer to the Lord. 

Before any project is begun, the iconographer prays and often fasts for a period of time.  She uses gold leaf on some of her pieces, as that is a symbol of divinity.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
[Psalm 27:4]

The Greatest Power

Q:  What is the greatest of all God's powers?

A:  The power to forgive sins.  This brings a person from death to life.


TV~  (Todays' Verse)
"Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, and walk '? "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins "-- then He said to the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your bed and go home." And he got up and went home.… [Matthew 9:6]

Walking in the Dark

Please give credit to the author, it you happen to know him or her...

I do not ask my cross to understand, my way to see
Better in darkness just to feel thy hand, and follow thee.

TV~  (Today's Verse)

They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone.… 
[Psalm 91:11]

More and More Like Jesus

"I want to be more and more like Jesus.  I want to be more and more like Him."  I'm listening to a sweet, but very strong-willed five-year-old sing that right now, at the top of his lungs.  Out of the mouths of babes....

Lord, we want to be more and more like You.  May your grace be sufficient  today, your power made perfect in our ever-present weakness.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. [John 13:14]

Stuff or Speak?

One way to deal with loss or grief is by "stuffing it," that is pushing those painful feelings aside and continuing on.  The problem with this method is that eventually those feelings come out in one way or another, perhaps causing unhealthy behavior.  The scriptures tell us to speak the truth in love.  That is a more healthy way to handle the situations that rock our boat.  In the end, we will be in a more stable, godly place.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. [Ephesians 4:15]

Wearing Scripture

I have a pendant around my neck.  It is made of sparkly yellow yarn, golden construction paper and brightly-colored plastic jewels.  Made in a child's Sunday School class, there is a scripture printed on it:   "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear."  Feelings of fear keep plaguing me.  Every time the fear comes, I clasp the child's pendant and mentally review the verse.  It is helping.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" [Hebrews 13:6]

The Heart

King David was a man after God's own heart.  God has a heart.  Perhaps that is why the word heart is found so often throughout the Bible. 

TV~  (Today's Verse)
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.  [Psalm 28:7]

Christ Everywhere

The following prayer keeps coming to mind in recent days.  It is attributed to St. Patrick and is part of a longer prayer, entitled: St. Patrick's Breastplate.

If we pray this and attribute this to ourselves, it truly is like a breastplate.  It protects us from temptation, from the evil one and from our own evil desires.

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

TV~ (Today's Verse)
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [Colossians 1:17]

Part of God's Family

I spent last evening at a surprise birthday party.  There were 80 people present.  The "birthday girl" has been married for 40 years, has no children, both her parents are deceased and she has few blood relatives.   At one point in the evening, she came over to speak with me and we discussed all the people present.  The majority were from her church.  "They are my family,"  she said, with tears in her eyes. 

The scriptures call us children of God and refers to our fellow believers as brothers and sisters in Christ.

TV~ (Today's Verse)
But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

I Will, by God's Help

At one point, during the Anglican baptismal service, those in the congregation renew their baptismal vows.  The celebrant asks questions about faith, fellowship, resisting evil, witnessing and serving.  In each case, the people answer:  "I will, by God's help."

Celebrant   Wilt thou continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowhip, in the breaking of bread, and in
                     prayers?

People        I will, by God's help.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all men. [Acts 2:47]

Explanation for Trials??

A good coach knows his athletes and pushes each one, individually, just short of their utmost limit.  This makes them strong and prepared for what lies ahead.  God is the same way.

"God knows our strength, and He measures it to the last inch; and a trial was never given to any man that was greater than that man's strength, through God, to bear it.  It is His trust in you that explains the trials of life, however bitter they may be." ~Streams in the Desert  

TV~   (Today's Verse)
 God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.  [I Corinthians 10:13]

Only in the Presence of Light

Following the Lamb

They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. (Revelation 14:4)

I asked a 12-year-old today what it means to follow Jesus wherever he goes.  His response,       "If the Lamb goes up a hard hill, we go up a hard hill."  This reminded me of Much-Afraid, the protagonist in the Christian classic Hinds' Feet on High Places.

          “O Shepherd. You said you would make my feet like hinds' feet and set me upon

           High Places".

          "Well", he answered "the only way to develop hinds' feet is to go by the paths which

            the hinds use."   -Hannah Hurnard, Hinds' Feet on High Places 

TV~ (Today's Verse)
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children... [Ephesians 5:2]

A Different Way of Living

I spoke with someone today who said that Bach had 32 children.  I drew the conclusion that Bach must have been promiscuous and said, "I thought he was Christian."  This person commented, "Maybe he was, but what difference does it make?"

A brief investigation showed me that Bach had 20 children, seven with his first wife and 13 with his second wife. History does not point to Bach being promiscuous.  I hope and pray that our Christian faith causes us to live markedly different lives, based on wholesome values.  (Not perfect, and struggling, we press on toward the goal for which Christ has called us heavenward.)

"When he was 48, Johann Sebastian Bach acquired a copy of Luther's three-volume translation of the Bible. He pored over it as if it were a long-lost treasure...  Near 1 Chronicles 25 (a listing of Davidic musicians) he wrote, "This chapter is the true foundation of all God-pleasing music." At 2 Chronicles 5:13 (which speaks of temple musicians praising God), he noted, "At a reverent performance of music, God is always at hand with his gracious presence."  (Christian History.net)

TV~ (Today's verse)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
[Romans 12:2]

Two Teens and a Baby

I learned recently of a beautiful baby born to an unmarried teenage couple.  No longer together, they now share the custody of their child, each taking the baby every other week.  The dad awakes at 5:30 a.m. daily for a landscaping job.  The mom is cleaning houses. Their responsibilities limit their job and education options.

There once was a younger son who left home.  He wanted to be "free."  It was fun for a while, until his money ran out and he became a farm hand, feeding the pigs.

The best part of the story....
When the younger son decided to return home, physically and spiritually, he was welcomed with open arms.

TV~
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. [Proverbs 14:12]

Stuck in the Muck

There are seasons in which we become stuck.  It is horrible.  We may be stuck in anger, or unforgivenss, or grief, or.....
If we are unable to climb out, we can cry out and ask God to rescue us.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

The Downward Spiral of Temptation

Here are the five steps downward: 

1.  We are drawn away by our own evil desires.
2.  Our desire conceives.
3.  Our desire gives birth to sin.
4.  Sin becomes full-grown.
5.  Sin brings forth death.  (Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy.)

TV~  (Today's Verse)
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 

The Truth Within

In our relativistic society, truth can be a shifting term.  However, we are assured that if the Holy Spirit is within us, we have the spirit of truth.

TV~  (Today's Verse)

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. [John 8:32]

Remembering Evelyn

My pastor recently spoke of a saintly woman he once knew who had worked as a nurse to the impoverished in rural Canada.  He had the privilege of being by her bedside at the time of her passing on into glory.  She kept repeating the same scripture, over and over.  Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.  (Psalm 103:1)

Oh that we all would be able to praise God even unto our dying breath.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
 [Psalm 146:2]

Little Bits of Encouragement

There's a church in my town that has a sign offering a short, encouraging word each time I drive by... 

There's an egg company that prints the gospel on all of its egg cartons...

Today I opened up a math lesson CD, and a Bible verse was the first window that popped up.  It encouraged me and is the verse for today.

TV~ (Today's Verse)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. [Isaiah 41:10]

A Daily Purpose

Those of us, who've reached middle age and beyond, would agree that life is full of hardship. In fact, some days are so hard that the goal becomes merely getting through to the end of the day.  Day in day out, week in week out, year in year out.  The shallow goals that may satisfy us when we are young grow dim with the years.  We realize that it is living for God and creating loving relationships which matter most.

Ask God each day to show you how to bless another person who also is part of  the daily struggle that is part of the  human condition.

TV~ (Today's Verse)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.  [Mark 12:30,31]

Saints Ignored

Someone recently gave me a book entitled, "50 People Every Christian Should Know: Learning from Spiritual Giants of the Faith," by Baptist theologian Warren W. Wiersbe.   Many of those 50 names are people I recognize and know to be worthy of respect.  Yet nobody mentioned in the book lived prior to the 19th century.  What about all those spiritual giants who lived before 1800? 

I wonder if the earlier spiritual giants are ignored because they were Catholic. (All Christians were Catholic prior to 1517.)   Protestant authors focus only on the Protestants, thus missing out on much of the rich heritage of faith that brought us from the time of Christ into the present.

TV~ (Today's Verse)
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.… [Hebrews 11:37]

God's Response to Consulting a Medium

October 31, 2013

So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the word of the LORD which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it and did not inquire of the LORD.

Fighting for our Children

As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. (Exodus 17:11)

The years of young adulthood can be scary for parents as they watch their beloved children make relationship and career decisions that have huge implications for their futures.  Keeping communication open with our children is critical during this time.  So is prayer.  As Moses held up his hands to keep winning the war, so must we continously pray to win the battle that is raging against our children.  

TV~
That our sons may grow up as the young plants, and that our daughters may be as the polished corners of the temple.  [Psalm 144:12]

150 Beads

In the twelfth century, religious orders recited together the 150 Psalms as a way to mark the hours of the day and the days of the week. Most of the laity were illiterate and wanted to share in this practice, so praying on a string of 150 beads or knots began as a parallel to praying the Psalms substituting instead 150 repititions of the Lord's prayer.  Eventually the Hail Mary was added to the recitations. 

Rosary use continues today as that once designed for the illiterate. Since the fifteenth century, the beads have been divided into 15 "decades, " with a mystery of an event in the life of Jesus assigned to each decade. This, too,  was to help the illiterate meditate on stories in the Bible.

Today, however, few people are illiterate.  We can read the Bible and we can read the Psalms.  I would love to see rosary praying be restored to the original format of the monks, as that of reciting the Psalms regularly.

TV~
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  [James 5:13]

How to Become a Diamond

On the shores of the Delaware Bay in southern New Jersey, one can find small stones known as "Cape May Diamonds."  These "diamonds" are different from the expensive, sparkling, precious stones found in engagement rings. 

They are small pieces of quartz crystal that begin their lives truly “in-the-rough” in the upper reaches of the Delaware River.  They journey more than 200 miles over thousands of years and their sharp edges are smoothed as they are propelled along the river bottom. Eventually the stones come to rest on the shores of the Delaware Bay.1

Our journey is 80+ years, if we are strong.  As we are propelled along in this life, let us allow our sharp edges to be smoothed, thus turning us into "diamonds."

The grandest character is grown in hardship. ~ Streams in the Desert

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Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.  [Psalm 90:10]



1. New Jersey Monthly, May 5, 2009

Fine Wine

I visited two wineries yesterday.  The wines of the older, more established winery were much more flavorful and enjoyable.  Their grape vines were more mature, established and the winemakers more experienced in their art.

Tending grape vines, I understand, is quite labor-intensive.  One has to work diligently to fight disease and blight.  However, over the years, the hard work pays off.

Keep tending the vines in your life - those of your marriage, children, good friends and family.  This hard work also will pay off with time, resulting in a flavorful, mature result.

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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [Galatians 6:9]

Little Lamb

The Lamb

By William Blake

Little Lamb who made thee 

         Dost thou know who made thee 

Gave thee life & bid thee feed. 

By the stream & o'er the mead;

Gave thee clothing of delight,

Softest clothing wooly bright;

Gave thee such a tender voice,

Making all the vales rejoice! 

         Little Lamb who made thee 

         Dost thou know who made thee 

         Little Lamb I'll tell thee,

         Little Lamb I'll tell thee!

He is called by thy name,

For he calls himself a Lamb: 

He is meek & he is mild, 

He became a little child: 

I a child & thou a lamb, 

We are called by his name.

         Little Lamb God bless thee. 

         Little Lamb God bless thee.

 

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 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.  John 1:29

Wisdom vs. Wisdom

Earth's Wisdom:
Source:  Not from above, earthly, sensual, demonic
Results:  Envy, self-seeking, selfish ambition, confusion, every evil thing
 
True Wisdom:
Source:  God
Results:  Given to us in abundance, if we ask for it.  Yields peace, gentleness, mercy, good fruit, no show of favoritism, no hypocrisy.

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For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness."  [I Corinthians 3:19]

Byproduct of Grief

 Anyone who has suffered grief understands the twisting inner pain that keeps one awake at night.  However, a beautiful byproduct of this horrific pain can be kindness.  In acute suffering, the griever often has no desire to inflict emotional pain upon another human being.

" And so I learned about grief, and about the absence and emptiness that for a long time make grief unforgettable. We went on, the three of us remaining, as we had to do…

A sort of heartbreaking kindness grew.....  grew among us all. It was a kindness of doing whatever we could think of that might help or comfort one another. But it was a kindness too of forbearance, of not speaking, of not reminding...  That kindness kept us alive, I think, but it was a hardship too.”  (Wendell Berry, as quoted in Hannah Coulter)

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He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief... [Isaiah 53:3a]

Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

From the three directives of I Thessalonians 5:16-18 that were mentioned yesterday....

Rejoicing always has to do with attitude as well as action.  Both praying without ceasing and giving thanks for all things are actions that can be done regardless of attitude. 

If we try to rejoice, but don't have the ability to do it, we can pray that God will enable us to rejoice and then we can give thanks for answered prayer whether we see an immediate answer or not.

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Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. [Isaiah 65:24]

3 Directives

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.… (I Thessalonians 5:17-19)

Which of the above do you find the hardest?  For me, it is "rejoice always."  However, this is God's will, in Christ Jesus.  And, we are promised:  If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (I John 5:14)

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For when I am weak, then I am strong. [2 Corinthians 12:10] 
 

How to Love a Rose Bush

Every person is like a rose bush, beautiful and special - yet thorny.  We handle some people without getting too many pricks and pokes, appreciating their unique beauty.  Others we learn to avoid due to the bleeding that comes from regular contact.  Some rose bushes that we avoid also are overgrown with poison ivy. Avoiding the poison ivy rose bush would seem to be a no-brainer. 

God loves each rose bush and wants us to love the others as ourselves... even the ones we have learned to avoid. I have no desire to love certain ones of these.  Deep inside is the fear of yet more damage being inflicted upon me.

The prayer:  Lord, give me YOUR love for this person.  Every part of me wants to run, but You can place the strength, ability and even the desire to love this most undesirable person.

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"If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." 
[I Corinthians 13:2b]

Our Great Hope

 From Community Bible Study materials:

What great hope does James offer to encourage and exhort the believers to be patient?

He tells believers to be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.  The great day of the LORD is near-- near and coming quickly. (Zephaniah 1:14)

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He which testifieth these things saith, "Surely I come quickly."  Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.  [Revelation 22:20]

Let Nothing Disturb You....

Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila~

Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing frighten you.
All things pass.
God does not change.
Patience achieves everything.
Whoever has God lacks nothing.
God alone suffices.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours; no hands but yours; no feet but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look out on the world.
Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good.
Yours are the hands with which He is to bless His people.
  

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God has chosen to make known... the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. [Colossians 1:27] 

New Eyes for My Spouse

A friend of mine lived in an impossible marriage.  She was given permission, by her pastor, to divorce her husband.  In spite of this, she tenaciously perservered within the seeminly doomed marriage.  Today, her situation has stabilized and her marriage is much better, even happy.

Here is a prayer that she said made a big difference. "Lord, give me Your love for my husband.  Help me to see him through Your eyes." 

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...To know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  [Ephesians 3:19]

New Eyes

Many of my friends are becoming empty nesters.  They now have time to travel, pursue personal goals and relax after many years of raising children.  I, too, have spent many years raising children, but the empty nest is years away.   I want to travel, pursue personal goals and relax, but I can't.

In the phonics book belonging to my five-year-old are various short, encouraging maxims.  Here is what I read today:  "The real voyage of discovery consists not of seeking NEW LANDSCAPES, but of having NEW EYES."

Lord, give me new eyes as I look at life today.

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My eyes anticipate the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word...  Revive me, O Lord, according to Your ordinances.  [Psalm 119:148, 149]

Carpe Diem

  Why seize the day?

You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14)

You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. (Psalm 39:5)

No one knows what is coming-- who can tell someone else what will happen after them? (Ecclesiastes 10:14)

Even a small step in the right direction is better than no movement at all..

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Behold, now is the day of salvation.  [2 Corinthians 6:2]

47

There is a painting at church of Jesus on the cross, with his mother Mary there at the foot.  Mary has gray hair.  If she gave birth to Jesus, say at age 17, then she would have been 47.  Yes, her hair most likely would have been gray. 

I had a season of significant grief at age 47.  It allowed me to appreciate Mary's great love for her Savior Son and to realize her agony of heart as she watched him suffer and faced her own future without him.

Every difficult road we travel broadens our level of compassion for the suffering of others.

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But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. [Lamentations3:3]

Sticking it Out

Day in, day out.  His mercies are new EVERY morning.  A day leads to a week, which leads to a month, to a year, to five years, and so on.   The highest mountain in the whole world is still climbed by taking only one small step at a time, and keeping on going....

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And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. [I Corinthians 10:13]

Betrayal

Jesus knew the meaning of betrayal.

For it is not an open enemy that hath done me this dishonor, for then I could have borne it;
Neither was it mine adversary that did magnify himself against me; for then I would have hid myself from him;

But it was even thou, my companion, my guide, and mine own familiar friend.  We took sweet counsel together, and walked in the house of God as friends. (Psalm 55:12-15)

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O cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall nourish thee, and shall not suffer the righteous to fall forever.  [Psalm 55:23]

A Way God Reaches Out

There is a consistent way, over the years, that God has shown me that He KNOWS and is real.  When going through a time of great duress, a scripture will be dropped in front of me that, due to its perfect timing, is clearly from God.

Now is one of those times.  And there, in my morning prayer reading for October 9 was, " God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she not be removed;  God shall help her, and that right early."  (Psalm 46:5)  This verse was one "given" to me by the Lord several years ago.

Then, just today, for October 10, was the Olive Tree chosen verse. "As for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of the Lord.  My trust is in the tender mercy of God for ever and ever."  (Psalm 52:9)

Thank you, Lord.


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I will alway give thanks unto thee for that thou hast done; and I will hope in thy Name, for thy saints like it well. [Psalm 53:10]

Three Times

The number three so often is used by God, who is a three-in-one God. 

Interesting that in Psalm 42 and 43, the following words are repeated, in essence, three times:

Why art thou so vexed, O my soul?  and why art thou so disquieted within me?
O put thy trust in God; for I will yet thank him, which is the help of my countenance and my God.

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Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...
[Proverbs 3:5]

Humbled

Today I am eating humble pie, after yesterday's post.  I had a conversation with someone who is facing deep emotional pain, due to a situation similar to my own.

What did I do?  I was a gloss-overer!  I told her the great things about her situation.  It didn't help her.  Upon leaving the room, I realized what I had done.  Why did I respond to her that way?  When I examined my deep inner feelings, I realized that I also was being a judger.  In my opinion, her situation, although similar in nature to mine, was actually much much easier than my own due to its logistics.  Deep inside I was thinking, "It could be worse.  Be thankful."

Forgive me, grieving lady.  I pray sweet moments of comfort for you.

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I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 
[Romans 7:15]

Knife-turner or Comforter?

There are seasons of life when we face deep emotional pain.  It feels like we are walking around with an open, bleeding wound.  The response of others to our personal pain can greatly help, or not.  Here is a list of typical responses:

~  Glaze-overer :  Trying to be helpful, but not understanding.  "Look on the bright side...."
~  Judger :  Thinking that we aren't handling the situation as best as we ought. "Things could be so much worse.  You should be thankful."
~  Distancer :  Avoiding contact due to the difficulty of what we are going though.
~  Knife-turner :  Responding in a way with words and/or actions that greatly increases our pain, hence turning the knife in our wound.
~  Comforter :  Compassionately responding to our pain with words and actions that spread a healing balm on our emotional wound.

As I read the above and think of my recent season of great pain, I can see a particular face in each category. Yesterday, I encountered the knife-turner. This verse in today's sermon addressed my strong feelings against this person:

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Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. [Matthew 18:21,22]

I will, by God's help.

Roots of a Quarrel

Here is a list of what causes strife in relationships, based on James 4:2.

1.  Our personal desires for pleasure
2.  Lust for things we don't have
3.  Coveting and not getting what we want

Lord, have mercy.  Kyrie eleison.

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You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. [Micah 7:19]

Coming up Roses

There are two rose bushes on my hill that have become overgrown with weedy vines.  Last week, I spent an hour pulling the vines off one of the rose bushes.  It was a tangled mess, during which a thorn pierced my thumb.  Two days later, ten beautiful pink roses bloomed from that freed rose bush.  They are still in bloom today.

What kind of beautiful flowers might be waiting to bloom in our lives, if only we could get rid of the tangled mess of sin?  Sometimes we need assistance to removing the vines.

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...
[Hebrews 12:1]

Uncertainty

Through all the twists and turns of life, we know not what lies around the corner.  But we know the One who knows.  He will never leave us nor forsake us. 

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Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. [I Peter 5:7]

Why Cleanse the Thoughts of Our Hearts?

Yesterday, I mentioned a phrase that is prayed every week at my church, "Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit...."

There is a second part to that prayer.  It says, "...that we may worthily magnify thy holy name through Christ our Lord.  Amen."

There is a reason why God will cleanse the thoughts of our hearts.  It is so we will be qualified to amplify and build up the name of God.  All this can only be done because of Christ's saving work on the cross.

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O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. [Psalm 34:3]

Cleanse the Thoughts of Our Hearts

Found myself awake at 4 a.m., feeling afraid.  No, I'm not afraid of the dark.  These are grown-up fears; fears of what the future may hold for loved ones, fears of growing old, fear of the pain of grief.

I sought the Lord and the following phrase, which is said every week by our priest, came to my mind:  "Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit..."

That verb, cleanse, usually makes me think of sins of impurity.  However, I realized that I needed to be cleansed of my fears. 

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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 righteous right hand. [Isaiah 41:10]

Absolute Refusal

They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.  (2 Thessalonians 2:10)

I happened to read the above scripture this morning, and was struck by the strength of the words, "refused to love the truth."  The word 'refuse' sounds so deliberate and definite.  I often see people who aren't walking in God's way as those who are missing the truth.  But this verse talks about actual refusal....


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Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
 [Galatians 6:7]

The Five-Minute Prayer Method

Take an honest tally of your actual time spent in concentrated prayer each day. Is it fewer than 15 minutes?  Is it fewer than five?

Now,
1. Take a timer or your smart phone.
2. Set the timer for five minutes.
3. Decide four things you are going to pray for.
4. Start the timer.
5. For the first minute, thank God for anything and everything.
6. For the second minute, pray for the first thing on your list.
7. The third minute, pray for the second thing, and so on until the five minutes is up.

Daniel prayed three times per day.  Try this five-minute method three times per day and you will have spent 15 minutes in concentrated prayer!  Try it once a day, and you still can look for God's answers.

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...In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 
[Philippians 4:6]

Praying in the Moment

Last week, I found myself with a rare 90 minutes of free time - no immediate responsibilites required by home or family.  I was not at home and took a moment to ponder the various options regarding how to use this precious time. 

Then, I remembered to pray, asking the Lord  what would be His best use of my time.  Into my mind popped the idea of visiting a woman I know who lives in a nearby nursing home.  She is in her fifties, has multiple sclerosis and has been institutionalized for many, many years.

So, I stopped by and visited Sally.  What if I hadn't prayed and hadn't had the idea to visit Sally?  I would have been able to cross something else off of the endless list, something that had no eternal value.

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Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. [Psalm 86:11]

Dead or Alive?

The book of James tells us, "Faith without works is dead."  When a human body is dead, it is cold, unresponsive, immovable and eventually turns to dust. 

If we say we have faith, but do not practice good deeds, our faith is not a living faith.  It is unresponsive, stiff and in a short time will be virtually invisible.

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Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [Matthew 7:17]

Before Thy Throne, O God, We Kneel

Here are Verses 3, 4 from yesterday's post.  My favorite part is "O God, be with us in the flame."    Those "fierce fires" that we find the most trying are exactly what purify our inmost spirits.

For sins of heedless word and deed,
for pride ambitions to succeed,
for crafty trade and subtle snare
to catch the simple unaware,
for lives bereft of purpose high,
forgive, forgive, O Lord, we cry.

Let the fierce fires which burn and try,
our inmost spirits purify:
consume the ill; purge out the shame;
O God, be with us in the flame;
a newborn people may we rise,
more pure, more true, more nobly wise.

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Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
[Isaiah 48:10]

From Sins Which Make the Heart Grow Cold

On Sunday, we sang a hymn unfamiliar to me.  Sung to the Russian tune of St. Petersburg, the phrase which caught my attention was "from sins which make the heart grow cold."

Which sins make the heart grow cold?  Perhaps it is those in which we continue, despite conviction that they are wrong.  Lord, keep us in Your way.

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And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. [Matthew 24:12]

Before Thy Throne, O God, We Kneel

1 Before thy throne, O God, we kneel:
give us a conscience quick to feel,
a ready mind to understand
the meaning of thy chastening hand;
whate'er the pain and shame may be,
bring us, O Father, nearer thee.


2 Search out our hearts and make us true;
help us to give to all their due.
From love of pleasure, lust of gold,
from sins which make the heart grow cold,
wean us and train us with thy rod;
teach us to know our faults, O God.

Fact-Faith-Feeling

Let's apply the Fact-Faith-Feeling train to evaluating a potential spouse.  What are the facts about this person? 

- Does he profess sincere faith in Christand is he pursuing God?
- Has he been trained in the "way he should go" by diligent, Christian parents?
- How does he use his time, money, energy and space?
- Does he demonstrate the fruits of the spirit?
- What do my parents think about this person as a life partner for me?

Pray in faith to the Lord for wisdom about whether or not to consider this person.

Evaluate my feelings: why do I see this person as a perceived treasure?  (Don't define feelings here as a racing heart, sweaty palms, and trembling lips.)

Just as important, what facts do my parents see about this person?  When they are praying in faith, what are their impressions?  And, do they perceive this person as a treasure or a threat to my well-being in life?

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Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you.  [Galatians 5: 19-21]

Paciencia y Fe

Went to the theater tonight and saw, In the Heights, a Broadway Tony Award-winning Best Musical about a hispanic community in a section of New York City

The matriarch of the community, Abuela Claudia, sings a song entitled Paciencia y Fe - Patience and Faith.  As the years go by, and things turn out differently from what we may have hoped or dreamed, we hold onto our faith, which brings forth the fruit of the spirit - patience.  It is a sweet fruit that takes years to grow.

Disappointed?  Don't give up on life, God or the people who may be letting you down.          Paciencia  y Fe.


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Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. [James 1:3]

Laying a Good Foundation

Most parents would agree that there is a degree of wisdom in arranged marriages.  Parents decide upon a spouse of similar background, culture and faith, with a thorough knowledge of the family from which the chosen one comes.

Arranged marriages are not the norm in America.  Jim Bob Duggar screened all potential suitors for his daughter, Jessa, who is currently in a courtship relationship with a young man from her church.  I think this is ideal for the happiness of the daughter, but even this is not the norm in America.

For those parents who are living the norm, our children enter into relationships and we meet their suitors once a romantic relationship has already begun.  No matter how we feel about this person, we must choose our words, actions and attitudes carefully.  This person could possibly be part of our lives for many years and we want to lay a foundation of kindness, love and care, all the while laying down our expected standards. 

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For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
[2 Timothy 3:2-5]

Prayer:  Lord, protect my children from choosing such as these.  Amen.  (So be it!)

Teaching on Marriage

But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I.  But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.  
[I Corinthians 7:9]

One Unwavering Criterion

The pastor that officiated at their wedding later said, that of all the couples with whom he had provided premarital counseling, they were the most likely to have a successful marriage.

Both were degreed professionals who had their act together.  He held a position of respect in the military.

She was eight months pregnant with their second child when he left her for another woman.  They had been married for eleven years. 

Within marriage, we never can assume that we are "safe."  Before anything else, we must be seeking the kingdom of God.  We must be ever-vigilant to do the hard work of staying close emotionally and physically to our spouse.  As we ask God for wisdom and help, it will be given to us.

We cannot predict whether a marriage will be successful or not.  However, the one unwavering criterion for getting married must be that each individual professes a sincere faith in Christ.


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Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.  [Matthew 22:37,38]

Sanctification Through Marriage

We think our child isn't ready for marriage.  It's too big a responsibility.  She isn't mature enough for marriage.  She hasn't finished her schooling.  She doesn't do what is expected of her at home; how will she ever maintain her own home?

In a marriage, there are expectations that our spouse places upon us and personal standards that we place on ourselves. We may strive much harder and work more diligently than we ever did while living under our parents' roof.  Sometimes, those very immaturities that we want to see corrected prior to marriage only will be corrected through marriage.

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They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. [Hebrews 12:10]

Obey vs. Honor, Part 2

It was one month later, March.   Her beau had arrived from a faraway land, to propose to her.  Once they married, he would take her far, far away.

She asked me to meet her for coffee.  "Do you have any reservations about him as a person?" she asked me.  He loved God and he loved my daughter.  They wanted to get married.  I had to admit to her that he seemed like a good man, but that she had to understand how painful it was for me to see her go.

She was 20 years old.  We thought we would have more time with her.  We thought she would marry someone from this country.  We thought....  it would be different. 

They got married that summer.

She didn't do what I wanted her to do.  I had hoped, for many reasons, that she would wait longer.   She didn't do what I wanted her to do, but she honored me.

My granddaughter was born six days ago.

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For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  [Isaiah 55:9]

Obey vs. Honor

She was 20 years old and in love with someone that she'd spent 19 days with, at most.  Yes, they'd been Skyping and e-mailing for a year or more, but enough to know if they wanted to marry each other?  They were sure.

She asked to speak with us, her parents.  It was February. "We're thinking about getting married this summer."  She was very respectful.  We outlined four reasons why we didn't think it was a good idea. 

Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (Ephesians 6:1) 

She was longer a child.  That changed overnight legally, when she turned 18.  Her position was the same in our hearts, though.  She was our little girl whom we loved and adored.   Was it right for us to say, "You MAY NOT get married this summer"?

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Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), So that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth...  [Ephesians 6:1.2]

Go, and Sin No More

A woman was caught in adultery.  (What about the man she was with, I would like to know?)

Sinless Jesus didn't accuse or condemn.  He first rebuked her self-righteous accusers.  Then He said, in essence, "I don't accuse you.  But go and sin no more."

If a couple is "caught" in fornication, what would Jesus say?  Perhaps he would say, "I don't accuse you.  But go and sin no more. "  How, exactly, does this couple "Go and sin no more?"

I see two options for them:

1. Live separately and no longer be intimately involved.  They could try dating again - not easy once the relationship has already been established on a deeper level.  Still, it is an option that is within God's circle of blessing.

2. Get married and bring into wholesomeness the relationship that they have chosen. Also an option that is within God's circle of blessing, if they are both believers.

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If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them. 
[James 4:17]

Guidance for the Future

Yesterday, I was reminded that God promises to give wisdom to those who ask for it.  As we think about our life situation and seek guidance for decisions big and small, we can go to the Lord.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt... (James 1:6)

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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 I will not be put to shame.  [Isaiah 50:7]

Joy Follows Pain

During the most intense, painful travail of childbirth, the mother thinks, "I can't do this."  Yet, she is left with no choice, but to continue on until the birth takes place.  Then comes the wonder, the joy, the relief and the intense feeling of love.

There are other emotionally painful times that we must see through to the end, and not give up.  If we say, "I can't do this," and walk away, then we will miss God's beautiful outcome. 

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Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. [Psalm 30:5]

In the Same Foxhole

Shortly after we were married, my husband and I went to a marriage conference sponsored by Family Life Today.  Although the overall experience was not positive for me (no fault of the sponsoring organization), there was a pair of sketches that made an impression on me.

The first sketch was of two foxholes, opposite each other.  The wife was in one foxhole, pointing her weapon at the other foxhole.  Her husband was in the other foxhole, pointing his weapon right back at hers.

The second sketch was of one foxhole, with both husband and wife working together as a team, pointing their weapons outward towards the world.

Rather than pointing weapons at our spouse and blaming him/her for situations, let us work together to create an emotionally safe place within the home and point our weapons outward towards the influences that work against a healthy, happy marriage.

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Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: [Ecclesiastes 4:9]

When We Can't See the Way

The Israelites wandered for 40 years due to their unbelief.  Sometimes I feel like I'm wandering.  Am I living in unbelief?  Lord, I believe. Help thou my unbelief. (Mark 9:24)

Oh, God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way

With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way

                             ~Donald James Moen

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Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  [Ps. 119:105]