Wow!! The book of Matthew is full of tons of great scripture.
I was thinking how Jesus told the disciples we all needed to become like little children. I was thinking about my boys (18mo and almost 3). They have such an innocent faith in the Lord. They do not question or doubt, but believe what they are told. Fortunately, we will give them the tools they need to defend their faith, but that is a topic for another day. I can't help but wonder if that is what He meant when He said to be like little children.
I have really noticed this pattern of forgiveness Jesus teaches about. We really have NO right to hold grudges or be angry. It is imperative we constantly remind ourselves all we have been forgiven. I am ashamed to think how long I have held on to some anger towards my husband knowing how much I have been forgiven.
Marriage. Jesus is clear. Unless you divorce your spouse for marital unfaithfulness you are an adulterer. We are NOT allowed to leave a marriage when we are unhappy or we feel unloved, or we don't feel like our needs are being met. There is no "we grew apart" excuse if you are a believer in the Word of God. I find myself continually frustrated with professing believers who are not doing everything in their power to save their marriage.
"Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." Matthew 19:21-22
We say we long for sanctification in Christ, but do we strive for perfection. Lord help me give all I have to follow you.
"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife[q] or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
There are those who truly leave everything to serve Jesus with their entire lives. It is important we pray for our missionaries and pray God would reveal to us how we can contribute to those who leave their families and land to go forth and preach the gospel to the nations. I'm convinced they will be first in heaven.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Matthew 15-17
"For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornicators, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” Matthew 15:19-20
I have had some pretty ugly things come out of my mouth, defiling things to be sure. It is a daily battle for me to think before I speak. God tells me in His Word this is a heart issue. Even the evil thoughts we do not say come out of our heart. I find when I am in His Word my heart is better and less likely to defile me before man and God. We must remain steadfast in what we put in our minds. We must think on things above and not on earthly things.
Jesus heals more and feeds more and I am left in awe of His provision, not only the examples set forth in His Word, but by the miraculous ways He has provided for myself, my family and other believers I know and love.
"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26
What do we give in exchange for our souls? Fornication, adultery, drunkenness are just a few ways I see the world around me giving up their souls for instant gratification and temporary fulfillment.
The account of the Transfiguration of Jesus was in today's reading. I have to say Matthew 17:10-13 is probably the most confusing scripture to me. I really have to do a little more reading into this area of scripture.
And my last thoughts for the day are wishing I had the faith of a mustard seed. The disciples were trying to cast the demon out. They even asked why they couldn't do it. It was like they didn't know their faith was lacking. What if I don't know my faith is lacking. Lord please reveal to me if and when it is.
I have had some pretty ugly things come out of my mouth, defiling things to be sure. It is a daily battle for me to think before I speak. God tells me in His Word this is a heart issue. Even the evil thoughts we do not say come out of our heart. I find when I am in His Word my heart is better and less likely to defile me before man and God. We must remain steadfast in what we put in our minds. We must think on things above and not on earthly things.
Jesus heals more and feeds more and I am left in awe of His provision, not only the examples set forth in His Word, but by the miraculous ways He has provided for myself, my family and other believers I know and love.
"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26
What do we give in exchange for our souls? Fornication, adultery, drunkenness are just a few ways I see the world around me giving up their souls for instant gratification and temporary fulfillment.
The account of the Transfiguration of Jesus was in today's reading. I have to say Matthew 17:10-13 is probably the most confusing scripture to me. I really have to do a little more reading into this area of scripture.
And my last thoughts for the day are wishing I had the faith of a mustard seed. The disciples were trying to cast the demon out. They even asked why they couldn't do it. It was like they didn't know their faith was lacking. What if I don't know my faith is lacking. Lord please reveal to me if and when it is.
Matthew 13-14
Yesterday was a lovely day for reading. Not only did I get to read Matthew 13-14, but later I had an opportunity to go back and over the reading and take notes on some areas of interest. It was a lovely time of gleaning and review. Unfortunately the day got away from me after the fact and I never had a chance to post.
The parable of the sower is so famous, but as I read it again and Jesus interpretation I found myself intrigued by the words. I wondered if enough of us, as professing believers, even considered that we might be seeds among thorns being choked out by the cares of the world and its riches. We often as Christians make cliche comments about being "not of this world" but how caught up are we really in the cares and riches of the world when we really do a serious evaluation.
Then there was of course the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. Have we given up everything to seek after the Kingdom of Heaven. When I honestly ask myself this question, I must sadly answer no. It doesn't often feel like I've given up anything. My life is full of abundance. I must ask myself where I am lacking and fervently pray the Lord would reveal such things to me.
Sadly in chapter 14 we are given the account of the death of John the Baptist. We are given yet another example of how a woman of the world can negatively effect the choices men make. Be there helpers ladies. Do not influence the men in your life to sin or follow after the desires of the world. Be very careful to not be deceived in this area.
But the reading closed with miracles. The first account of Jesus feeding the multitudes and of course the even arguably more famous account of Jesus walking on water. Why did Peter doubt with Jesus right there in front of him? Why do we?
The parable of the sower is so famous, but as I read it again and Jesus interpretation I found myself intrigued by the words. I wondered if enough of us, as professing believers, even considered that we might be seeds among thorns being choked out by the cares of the world and its riches. We often as Christians make cliche comments about being "not of this world" but how caught up are we really in the cares and riches of the world when we really do a serious evaluation.
Then there was of course the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. Have we given up everything to seek after the Kingdom of Heaven. When I honestly ask myself this question, I must sadly answer no. It doesn't often feel like I've given up anything. My life is full of abundance. I must ask myself where I am lacking and fervently pray the Lord would reveal such things to me.
Sadly in chapter 14 we are given the account of the death of John the Baptist. We are given yet another example of how a woman of the world can negatively effect the choices men make. Be there helpers ladies. Do not influence the men in your life to sin or follow after the desires of the world. Be very careful to not be deceived in this area.
But the reading closed with miracles. The first account of Jesus feeding the multitudes and of course the even arguably more famous account of Jesus walking on water. Why did Peter doubt with Jesus right there in front of him? Why do we?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Matthew 11-12
Today was a wonderful day, but I didn't get to start it in the Word. I read the first part of Matthew 11 last night and finished off the 2 chapters tonight reading my boys the Word before they went to bed.
Today I was reminded that Jesus asks us to come to Him. He tells us we will only know the Father through Him. There was the tough reminder: if we are not for Jesus then we are against Him.
I was convicted in the area of my words...
"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
May the words I choose to speak show the character of a woman after God's own heart. Tonight I pray for this.
Then of course how could I not comment on the scripture at the end of chapter 12 where Jesus tells us that his mother, brothers and sisters are those who do the will of His Father in heaven. Doing God's will came up in yesterdays scriptures too. We must remember how important it is to be in the will of God. We must not take for granted our choices.
God write Your Word on my heart. Let me be disciplined enough to set aside time daily in your Word. Help me to make you ALWAYS my first priority. Thank you for your abundance of blessing in my life. You truly deserve all the glory. I am so unworthy.
Today I was reminded that Jesus asks us to come to Him. He tells us we will only know the Father through Him. There was the tough reminder: if we are not for Jesus then we are against Him.
I was convicted in the area of my words...
"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
May the words I choose to speak show the character of a woman after God's own heart. Tonight I pray for this.
Then of course how could I not comment on the scripture at the end of chapter 12 where Jesus tells us that his mother, brothers and sisters are those who do the will of His Father in heaven. Doing God's will came up in yesterdays scriptures too. We must remember how important it is to be in the will of God. We must not take for granted our choices.
God write Your Word on my heart. Let me be disciplined enough to set aside time daily in your Word. Help me to make you ALWAYS my first priority. Thank you for your abundance of blessing in my life. You truly deserve all the glory. I am so unworthy.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day 1-4
When you get behind in a task like reading the Bible in one year, it is generally said not to try to catch up, but to start on the day you should be on. This is advice I generally adhere to however this morning I was blessed to have a significant amount of time in bed while my husband watched the boys. I sat with my beautiful 4 week old Josie and read 10 chapters of God's glorious Word. It was such a rare blessing to sit for so long and enjoy so much reading.
Matthew 1-10 is filled with some of the most amazing verses in all of scripture. The genealogy of Jesus, John the Baptist, Jesus' baptism and Jesus being tested in the wilderness, not to mention the Sermon on the Mount, full of so many beautiful scriptures we as Christians choose to live by, were just a few of the passages I was blessed to read through today in one sitting.
Thank you Lord for Your beautiful Word. Thank you for a godly husband who sacrificed the things he wanted to do this morning so that I could be immersed in the scriptures. You are so faithful to meet our needs. Fill me with all I need to be obedient to You. Let me be one who does the will of my Father in heaven so that I may enter the kingdom of heaven. May I not be one who says "Lord, Lord" and hears the words " I never knew you" from the Savior of the world.
Matthew 1-10 is filled with some of the most amazing verses in all of scripture. The genealogy of Jesus, John the Baptist, Jesus' baptism and Jesus being tested in the wilderness, not to mention the Sermon on the Mount, full of so many beautiful scriptures we as Christians choose to live by, were just a few of the passages I was blessed to read through today in one sitting.
Thank you Lord for Your beautiful Word. Thank you for a godly husband who sacrificed the things he wanted to do this morning so that I could be immersed in the scriptures. You are so faithful to meet our needs. Fill me with all I need to be obedient to You. Let me be one who does the will of my Father in heaven so that I may enter the kingdom of heaven. May I not be one who says "Lord, Lord" and hears the words " I never knew you" from the Savior of the world.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Bible in a Year
This is me formally making a commitment to read through the Bible this year. I currently have 3 kids under the age of three and we haven't finished unpacking our new house yet. There will be no excuses from me. Time is precious and my desire is to make reading God's Word not only a priority, but a commitment.
I have never read the Bible in its entirety. I have started reading through the Bible in one year several times, but never completely the task. This year will be different and I'm seeking your accountability. If you would like accountability then this is the blog for you.
After looking at a few different plans I have decided to read the New Testament first and then the Old Testament. There are several different reading plans to choose from. This link has several versions of the Bible and several reading plans to choose from.
Pick one and lets get started!!!!
http://www.ewordtoday.com/year/
I have never read the Bible in its entirety. I have started reading through the Bible in one year several times, but never completely the task. This year will be different and I'm seeking your accountability. If you would like accountability then this is the blog for you.
After looking at a few different plans I have decided to read the New Testament first and then the Old Testament. There are several different reading plans to choose from. This link has several versions of the Bible and several reading plans to choose from.
Pick one and lets get started!!!!
http://www.ewordtoday.com/year/
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Love Dare Day 36
I am committing to read my Bible every day. I do stay pretty faithful to this already. It is so important. Get in the Word!!
We will be heading out of town tomorrow and will not have cell service so I will have to finish my journaling on paper.
Finish strong ladies.
It has been a pleasure to share in my strengths and weaknesses with you. You will all remain in my prayer these next few days!!!!
We will be heading out of town tomorrow and will not have cell service so I will have to finish my journaling on paper.
Finish strong ladies.
It has been a pleasure to share in my strengths and weaknesses with you. You will all remain in my prayer these next few days!!!!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Love Dare Day 35
Wise counsel has been a huge part of my life since I started serving the Lord with my whole heart. Because I had such poor counsel for so long I am very careful who I seek counsel from and I’m always checking what people say against the Word of God. This is so crucial in our faith and in our marriage.
We have couples we love and respect in the Lord whom we seek counsel from when we are looking for counsel. We also have great couples who love Christ and hold us accountable to who we are supposed to be in Christ and individuals and as husbands and wives. It is difficult at times to be transparent with people, but it is so necessary if we are to have true accountability amongst other believers.
Lord please help us to surround ourselves with wise counsel. Give us the strength to guard our marriages from negative influences. Thank you Father for giving us Your Word with all its wisdom and knowledge. Let us always seek first after you and your counsel and then from the wise ones around us. Give us discernment and wisdom Lord. Amen.
We have couples we love and respect in the Lord whom we seek counsel from when we are looking for counsel. We also have great couples who love Christ and hold us accountable to who we are supposed to be in Christ and individuals and as husbands and wives. It is difficult at times to be transparent with people, but it is so necessary if we are to have true accountability amongst other believers.
Lord please help us to surround ourselves with wise counsel. Give us the strength to guard our marriages from negative influences. Thank you Father for giving us Your Word with all its wisdom and knowledge. Let us always seek first after you and your counsel and then from the wise ones around us. Give us discernment and wisdom Lord. Amen.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Love Dare Day 34
This morning my husband came home after being gone for 3 days. We had a great 15 minutes or so and then he made a couple of comments that really got under my skin. I quickly went into a very crabby mood. When I was getting ready in the bathroom (in just my bra and undies) Amos came in and was rubbing my belly and being very affectionate and sweet. I pushed his hands off. I’m so disappointed in myself all over again as I share this with you. My husband responded with love. He very sweetly said a couple calming things and then said we were going to pray. As we stood there praying ( I didn’t shake my mood as quickly as I wish I could tell you I did) I thought to myself “thank you Jesus for a man who chooses to serve you”. We ate breakfast and I thanked my husband for exampling such great Christian character. As I’m sure you well know, it is often very difficult to do or say something nice when someone is being ugly to you. But my husband chose to love me and seek God in the midst of my ugliness. I was humbled.
Thank you Jesus for every little action our husbands do to show their good Christian character. For those of our husbands who are not Christians Lord I pray we would recognize good choices they are making too. Let us be encouragers of our husbands. Let us be the kind of helpers you use to gently guide our men into becoming the men you desire them to be. Let us never discourage our husbands in their faith. May we always rejoice in their efforts and triumphs to be men of God!!!
Thank you Jesus for every little action our husbands do to show their good Christian character. For those of our husbands who are not Christians Lord I pray we would recognize good choices they are making too. Let us be encouragers of our husbands. Let us be the kind of helpers you use to gently guide our men into becoming the men you desire them to be. Let us never discourage our husbands in their faith. May we always rejoice in their efforts and triumphs to be men of God!!!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Love Dare Day 33
Men and women really are so different it’s almost difficult to comprehend sometimes how we manage to live together at all. God had purpose and design in our differences and we don’t appreciate what those purposes are often enough. We live in a culture that had emasculated men to a point they don’t even feel like leading is acceptable. It is time we celebrate the differences between men and women, not just in theory, but in real life in our marriages.
I really do desire the opinion of my husband, though I don't always act like it. Many of us have unfortunately shot our husbands opinions down so many times they are hesitant to even share their thoughts with us. This is an important area needing resolution in marriages today, especially our own.
Since my husband is STILL at work (day 3) I’m going to send him an email this morning telling him how much I appreciate his opinion. He needs to know I appreciate him as a counterpart and don’t expect him to be just like me.
I really do desire the opinion of my husband, though I don't always act like it. Many of us have unfortunately shot our husbands opinions down so many times they are hesitant to even share their thoughts with us. This is an important area needing resolution in marriages today, especially our own.
Since my husband is STILL at work (day 3) I’m going to send him an email this morning telling him how much I appreciate his opinion. He needs to know I appreciate him as a counterpart and don’t expect him to be just like me.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Love Dare Day 32
I can’t believe my husband is working on the sex day of the love dare. This is such a bummer.
Intimacy in a marriage is so important. It breaks my heart when I hear about women who withhold sex from their husbands not understanding how destructive the consequences can be. What this means that I think women don’t understand sometimes is “have sex with your husband when he wants you to”. Sometimes you will have sex when you don’t want to. I know this is a shocking concept, but we are told our bodies belong to our husbands. Yes we are also told theirs belongs to us, but like all other biblical concepts we are to focus on how to serve.
I happen to be a person who feels most love when there is physical affection involved. I can honestly say that when my husband and I have gone a few day s without being intimate it really affects me negatively. This may not be the way you are in your marriage, but it might give you insight to the way your husband feels. Remember ladies men a generally very visual and they often have sexual desires women do not. It is your responsibility to meet those needs for your husband, in the biblical confines of keeping your marriage bed pure of course.
The other amazing thing to me about God, marriage and sex is He truly does bless you in this area when you seek Him on it. You can pray about sex, your insecurities and even your drive or lack of if it doesn’t correlate with your husbands. God desires this part of your marriage to be lovely too!!!
So go get some sex from your husband’s today!!! Focus on what a blessing it is to meet the needs of your spouse!!!
Intimacy in a marriage is so important. It breaks my heart when I hear about women who withhold sex from their husbands not understanding how destructive the consequences can be. What this means that I think women don’t understand sometimes is “have sex with your husband when he wants you to”. Sometimes you will have sex when you don’t want to. I know this is a shocking concept, but we are told our bodies belong to our husbands. Yes we are also told theirs belongs to us, but like all other biblical concepts we are to focus on how to serve.
I happen to be a person who feels most love when there is physical affection involved. I can honestly say that when my husband and I have gone a few day s without being intimate it really affects me negatively. This may not be the way you are in your marriage, but it might give you insight to the way your husband feels. Remember ladies men a generally very visual and they often have sexual desires women do not. It is your responsibility to meet those needs for your husband, in the biblical confines of keeping your marriage bed pure of course.
The other amazing thing to me about God, marriage and sex is He truly does bless you in this area when you seek Him on it. You can pray about sex, your insecurities and even your drive or lack of if it doesn’t correlate with your husbands. God desires this part of your marriage to be lovely too!!!
So go get some sex from your husband’s today!!! Focus on what a blessing it is to meet the needs of your spouse!!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Love Dare Day 31
Leaving and cleaving...this is more difficult for women, I think. Amos and I have been pretty good about this in our marriage. We both lived on our own for sometime before we got married. We had a more difficult time overcoming how set in our ways we'd become living on our own. I do have a mom who can be a little invasive at times. My husband must always come first. I make sure never to go to my mom with anything negative to say about my husband. I know many women who still struggle with making their mothers or families their priority. It is never good for the marriage.
I pray we will all cleave to our husbands. May God reveal to us any "leaving" issues that might be contributing to a lack of oneness in our marriages.
I pray we will all cleave to our husbands. May God reveal to us any "leaving" issues that might be contributing to a lack of oneness in our marriages.
Love Dare Day 30
I really thought and prayed about this. Right now in our marriage we have no points of division. There have been major life aspects we have disagreed on over the few years we have been married, but God has always brought us to the same page, which he easily does when you are both focused on His will for your life. We are now on the same page about finances. (we should have all our debt paid off, with the exception of our home) by the beginning of next year. We are on the same page about the raising and education of our children. Praise God He really does keep us on the same page or get us on the same page quickly.
I can think of one time in our marriage where we had a SERIOUS difference of opinion. I couldn't even speak to my husband I was so sad. I remained steadfast in prayer and my husband sought council. God aligned our hearts for His will. He always does!! It is His desire that we are of one accord, the two become one and all that jazz. :)
I can think of one time in our marriage where we had a SERIOUS difference of opinion. I couldn't even speak to my husband I was so sad. I remained steadfast in prayer and my husband sought council. God aligned our hearts for His will. He always does!! It is His desire that we are of one accord, the two become one and all that jazz. :)
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Love Dare Day 29
God has done so much for me in my life. This alone should be motivation enough to love my husband. I always thought when I met my husband he would adore me. He would think I was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen and he would not be able to picture his life without me. This was really not the case. My husband loved my relationship with Jesus and at first this was a real blow to my ego. He didn’t marry “the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen”. I don’t even think he married someone he “absolutely adored”. My husband knew God had a plan for us and he decided to follow what he believed was the Lord’s will for his life. This is not to say I don’t believe my husband loves me or didn’t when we were married, but it is not the love I imagined I would start my married life with. We were not the people we would have picked for ourselves, but God knew better.
The few pages written today about love’s motivation really sent me into a reality check. We love because of Christ’s love for us. We can’t let our husband’s reactions, behavior, or attitude be our motivation especially if we are trying to be the godly wives God has called us to be.
Often times I find myself in this place in my marriage where I feel like there is no benefit or reward for all I do. The lack of appreciation for the accomplishments you manage when you have small children is astounding.
Christ will be my motivation. I commit to let Christ be the reason I love my husband. I will no longer look to my husband for motivation for me to love him, but I will look to Jesus, the One who healed my heart, to be not only my encourager but my reason for loving my spouse.
The few pages written today about love’s motivation really sent me into a reality check. We love because of Christ’s love for us. We can’t let our husband’s reactions, behavior, or attitude be our motivation especially if we are trying to be the godly wives God has called us to be.
Often times I find myself in this place in my marriage where I feel like there is no benefit or reward for all I do. The lack of appreciation for the accomplishments you manage when you have small children is astounding.
Christ will be my motivation. I commit to let Christ be the reason I love my husband. I will no longer look to my husband for motivation for me to love him, but I will look to Jesus, the One who healed my heart, to be not only my encourager but my reason for loving my spouse.
Love Dare Day 28
I don’t know that a “need” for my husband actually got met yesterday. He did need to go test drive a motor home we are taking on vacation and I watched our friend’s 8 month old son and our 2 boys while they went out. I talked to my husband about life being difficult and how I really wanted to do a better job at looking to meet his needs and help him get things done he wants to get done. He was really grateful and told me he would really like to do the same for me. It was a very encouraging conversation. Then before bed when we prayed, we prayed God would help us be more selfless. When he thanked God for me and all I do I was overwhelmed with gratitude.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Love Dare Day 27
Unrealistic expectations sure do breed disappointment. Today’s reading was a lovely reminder of how we are to encourage and not to “expect”. As you probably know by now my husband is a firefighter. This gives him a very unique schedule. Because when he goes to work he goes for at least 24 hours at a time often times when he comes home I have very unrealistic expectations for you. I expect him to help me with the kids and spend all his time with us as a family. That is the great benefit of him having the schedule he does right? Well shame on me for being so selfish. I need to remember my husband has things around the house he wants to get done and he need to relax in whatever form is relaxing to him and not to me. I am fortunate enough to have a husband who is a very hard worker and who likes to stay busy and on task. I need to encourage him with what a great job he is doing keeping up with the yard and the pool and all the things around the house needing fixing or updating. I need to encourage him for spending time with us as a family. We are so blessed to have so much time together and I often ruin everything with my bad attitude from disappointment because of unrealistic expectations. My husband really is a dream and I don’t know how I would manage anything without him.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Love Dare Day 26
I woke up today in a good amount of pain. I suppose my back has decided it doesn’t want to carry the weight of me around anymore. You’d think with all my pregnancies in the last few years, my back would get used to the flux. I laid in bed reading the word’s “today is going to be hard” and I thought, boy don’t I know it. So as God has me already in a very humble state today. (I find I’m not able to pick up my kids without wanting to cry from the pain of it) I am hoping He will choose to reveal areas to me I really need to seek forgiveness for. I am also praying specifically He would show me areas my husband is looking for me to seek forgiveness from him in. I have high hopes for today to be a great day of sanctification for me. Perhaps God has be feeling so bad (I’m fighting a cold and bad headache) so that I will remain in a humble state and REALLY seek Him out today.
Pray for me as I will be praying for you.
Pray for me as I will be praying for you.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Love Dare Day 25
Forgiveness…
We forgive not because the guilty party deserves it, but because Jesus requires it of us. How can we, who have been forgiven so much hold grudges against our spouse. I do not harbor any long term unforgiveness for my husband, but I do often struggle with forgiving unkind words or actions as quickly as I should.
I remember my mother in law was talking to me about my future husband once and we were talking about some things in his past. She told me I would have to learn to forgive him for those things. I remember feeling a bit shocked. How could events or actions on the part of my husband that happened before he knew me warrant my forgiveness? If you haven’t always been a Christian, which neither my husband nor I have, then you know sometimes there are consequences for sin that far outlast the actions. I do sometimes find myself remembering past actions I thought I had forgiven and need to be given up to God again.
Forgiveness can be a continual process where we have to repeatedly make effort not to harbor ill feelings. I find it really helps to pray in moments of bitterness or unforgiveness. God gives us the capacity to forgive. He requires it of us. Don’t let unforgiveness stunt your growth with God. Forgive as He forgave you BECAUSE He forgave you!!!
We forgive not because the guilty party deserves it, but because Jesus requires it of us. How can we, who have been forgiven so much hold grudges against our spouse. I do not harbor any long term unforgiveness for my husband, but I do often struggle with forgiving unkind words or actions as quickly as I should.
I remember my mother in law was talking to me about my future husband once and we were talking about some things in his past. She told me I would have to learn to forgive him for those things. I remember feeling a bit shocked. How could events or actions on the part of my husband that happened before he knew me warrant my forgiveness? If you haven’t always been a Christian, which neither my husband nor I have, then you know sometimes there are consequences for sin that far outlast the actions. I do sometimes find myself remembering past actions I thought I had forgiven and need to be given up to God again.
Forgiveness can be a continual process where we have to repeatedly make effort not to harbor ill feelings. I find it really helps to pray in moments of bitterness or unforgiveness. God gives us the capacity to forgive. He requires it of us. Don’t let unforgiveness stunt your growth with God. Forgive as He forgave you BECAUSE He forgave you!!!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Love Dare Days 23 & 24
Addictions and Lust....
These are areas in my life I’ve already assessed. When I sat down to evaluate again I really couldn’t think of anything to fall into either of these categories. I have already been warned about harmful influences and unhealthy relationships. The shame and parasites aspects were a little newer ideas to me, neither I found in my life.
I did take a moment or two to laugh at the definition of parasite the book gave. Anything that leaches to you or your partner and sucks the life out of your marriage; our kids came to mind. It made me laugh at the energy they seem to take from us at times. As I type now I guess I’m realizing it’s important to make sure even the blessings in our lives don’t have negative effects on our marriage.
I really enjoyed the part to women reminding us not too carried away by magazines, movies, or novels setting unrealistic expectations for our husbands. I would also like to add music to the list of possible contributing factors. The unrealistic, romantic notion of love saturating our media today wants us to believe we are not getting enough romance. I have been caught up in lusting over romance before. I have thought “I already know how my story ends. My romance is over and now I’m in the part of the movie they don’t really show, the real life stuff”. I know what my wedding was like. I know I ended up with the hero not the villain (by the grace of God). It’s not that I’ve ever been disappointed in my life, but its knowing the “how I came to know my husband and who he is part” that I know I’m never going to get back. For me movies and music were large contributing factors because they focused so much on romance and broken hearts. What is there to look forward to after such things, not that I’d go back and relive a broken heart for anything in the world.
I share these issues in case you are still in this place. God has blessed us with husbands. They are to be cherished and appreciated. We are not to set unrealistic expectations on them nor are we to always desire more fulfilling relationships. Our relationship with the Lord should fulfill us. When it is not, we really need to check our lives, hearts and minds and see where we are lacking in our relationship with Him.
These are areas in my life I’ve already assessed. When I sat down to evaluate again I really couldn’t think of anything to fall into either of these categories. I have already been warned about harmful influences and unhealthy relationships. The shame and parasites aspects were a little newer ideas to me, neither I found in my life.
I did take a moment or two to laugh at the definition of parasite the book gave. Anything that leaches to you or your partner and sucks the life out of your marriage; our kids came to mind. It made me laugh at the energy they seem to take from us at times. As I type now I guess I’m realizing it’s important to make sure even the blessings in our lives don’t have negative effects on our marriage.
I really enjoyed the part to women reminding us not too carried away by magazines, movies, or novels setting unrealistic expectations for our husbands. I would also like to add music to the list of possible contributing factors. The unrealistic, romantic notion of love saturating our media today wants us to believe we are not getting enough romance. I have been caught up in lusting over romance before. I have thought “I already know how my story ends. My romance is over and now I’m in the part of the movie they don’t really show, the real life stuff”. I know what my wedding was like. I know I ended up with the hero not the villain (by the grace of God). It’s not that I’ve ever been disappointed in my life, but its knowing the “how I came to know my husband and who he is part” that I know I’m never going to get back. For me movies and music were large contributing factors because they focused so much on romance and broken hearts. What is there to look forward to after such things, not that I’d go back and relive a broken heart for anything in the world.
I share these issues in case you are still in this place. God has blessed us with husbands. They are to be cherished and appreciated. We are not to set unrealistic expectations on them nor are we to always desire more fulfilling relationships. Our relationship with the Lord should fulfill us. When it is not, we really need to check our lives, hearts and minds and see where we are lacking in our relationship with Him.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Love Dare Day 22
Love is an action. I remember when the light bulb went on and the realization of this concept became part of who I was. I understood the kind of woman and wife I was to become and it frightened me. I had previously been carried away with the ideas of romantic love being what lasted a lifetime. Without Jesus I could never be the kind of wife who shows unconditional love to my husband continually. Even the concept of unconditional love has been skewed in our society today.
Last night a few ladies, myself included, got together and watched Fireproof. We had all seen it before, but for me it was different watching it in the middle of doing the Love Dare. I was so encouraged. My husband and I had an ugly fight before we parted ways for the evening . I started out the evening crabby with my husband and his words and crabby with this Love Dare business. By the end of the night I was humbled into how selfish I had STILL been being. Just because I took on this 40 day challenge does not give me the right to think I am doing SO much for my marriage. I am doing what is expected of me in the eyes of our Lord and some days I can barely do the bare minimum.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that today’s reading came at the perfect time for me. I needed to be reminded it is my job to love my husband regardless of his reaction to me. I choose to show love even if I feel my needs are not being met. I choose to show love even when I’m tired, even when I don’t understand and remember God will give me the strength I need to accomplish all this. I do it for the Lord. I do it because I long to be the woman, wife and mom He has called me to be. In the words of dear friend “this is a higher calling.” And it truly is.
May you all live up to the calling God has put upon your life with joy and peace in your heart.
Last night a few ladies, myself included, got together and watched Fireproof. We had all seen it before, but for me it was different watching it in the middle of doing the Love Dare. I was so encouraged. My husband and I had an ugly fight before we parted ways for the evening . I started out the evening crabby with my husband and his words and crabby with this Love Dare business. By the end of the night I was humbled into how selfish I had STILL been being. Just because I took on this 40 day challenge does not give me the right to think I am doing SO much for my marriage. I am doing what is expected of me in the eyes of our Lord and some days I can barely do the bare minimum.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that today’s reading came at the perfect time for me. I needed to be reminded it is my job to love my husband regardless of his reaction to me. I choose to show love even if I feel my needs are not being met. I choose to show love even when I’m tired, even when I don’t understand and remember God will give me the strength I need to accomplish all this. I do it for the Lord. I do it because I long to be the woman, wife and mom He has called me to be. In the words of dear friend “this is a higher calling.” And it truly is.
May you all live up to the calling God has put upon your life with joy and peace in your heart.
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