God's call

Is it right ... What is God's will? or is it What is God's will for my life?
In Henry Blackaby's book "Experiencing God," Blackaby says the correct question is what is God's will. It makes sense once you think about it. As God's children, IF we focus on Him, obey His commandments, study and meditate on His word, follow His lead and direction, we will come to know what is right for each of us. It's the following and obeying that stumps us. As humans, we generally think we know it all or at least a good share of it all. As we get into His word and hear what God is saying to us and then apply it to our lives, we learn we really don't know very much at all.

Blessing our Husbands

Blessing Our Husbands

by Rachel Weaver

I pray that you will read through this in its entirety and that it will be a blessing to you.

It would be a great way to start the new year off! Credits are listed at the bottom.

Ways that a wife can bless her husband taken from ideas given by a group of husbands.

1. Pray for your husband daily, not just casually ("God Bless Hubby") but for specific areas of need and blessing.
2. Thank God for your husband's strengths, for the growth you see, and for the kindnesses that he shows you and the needs he meets in your life.
3. Meditate often (at least once a week) on the Scriptures that teach your responsibilities and position in the home.
4. Listen to him. Try to really hear what he is saying when he communicates with you.
5. When he seems perplexed and troubled, do not pressure him. Support him by prayer, your presence, and words of encouragement.
6. Be ready to share your observations and insights in a meek spirit, but openly and honestly, when he asks you. You can be his best counselor. You can anchor him when he needs it most.
7. Encourage him. Do not nag him, or boss him. Do not argue with him even if you are sure he is wrong. He may have something in mind that you are not aware of or do not understand. Ask his counsel and advice.
8. Only say up building and affirming things about your husband to others. Do not criticize him even in a joking manner. Very rarely should you find yourself sharing anything about his faults or failings, and then only with someone who is truly in a position to help.
9. Bless your husband in public. Do not apologize for his background, weaknesses or failures. This will build up your reverence for him and help establish the trust that you should both have for each other.
10. If your husband has failed, entreat him in meekness, don't exaggerate the issue or berate him.
11. Let him know that you want him to be your leader not only by what you say but by what you do. You get that message across by the way you respond to the leadership he does give you.
12. Seek to please your husband even when he does not spell out what he wants you to do. Try to determine what his heart's desire is and do it as fully as possible.
13. Teach your children to honor him, respect him, and bless him. You do this best by your own example.
14. Depend on him. Be very sensitive to areas in which he wants you to act independently. Do not run away with this responsibility. Handle it carefully. If in question, choose dependence not independence.
15. Seek opportunities to serve your husband in love. Find ways to show him that he is your "lord."
16. Be ready to make changes in your day or schedule to accommodate his needs or desires, especially if you run a home business and he needs you or the children to serve in some capacity.
17. When you need to make an appeal, prepare carefully. Choose your words wisely. Choose the time well so that you can have his attention and time to explain yourself. That way you can be sure that he understands you. When he is weary, at the end of a long day is not a good time to communicate weighty matters.
18. Always let your husband have the last word, the deciding vote, the majority rule.
19. Don't say "I told you so."
20. Show appreciation for the way he provides for you.
21. Let your husband know that you love his attention to you and his singleness of heart for you. Bask in this attention and help him relate discreetly to other women especially by letting him know what makes women respond.
22. Reserve yourself, your beauty, and your charm for him. Maintain true modesty and reserve while relating to other men.

There are many, many ways to bless your husband that were not even touched here. These are just a few of the ways some husbands discussed that would make them feel honored.

Women tend to think of kisses, hugs, notes in lunch boxes and a meal spent together alone. I am sure that our men appreciate all of those things. But as I typed this list that husbands had made, I was extremely impressed with their need for support and encouragement.

They need and want a visible show of this. It is born out in our everyday life in the way we walk and talk, and in the way we respond to their leadership, plans, and desires.

I think that many times we ladies are blind to how much contriving and planning we do to get our own way. Perhaps not consciously, but non-the-less we often tend to get what we really desire. We think we just make good valid appeals. These appeals are in order sometimes, but where is your heart? Is it where your husband can safely rest or are you always pushing the limit?

Are you always going to bat for your young people and helping your husband to see why this or that is such a good idea? No doubt you do have good ideas that need to be shared, sometimes.

But I am fully persuaded that I, all too often, am really blind to my husband's true desires. Let us pray for each other and meditate on how we can be women whose husbands can safely trust in. Let us be supporters, encouragers and blessers.

Let us affirm our husbands and be there for them. I think it is especially important as our families grow up and husbands need to make boundaries and guidelines for our young people. Often these guidelines are hard to make and even harder to implement. Let us back our husbands up and help them in their sincere desire to guide our families right.

We can make their job infinitely easier and thus build a relationship of trust that deepens through the years, rather than ones that erodes as our young people grow in maturity. What a valuable legacy to pass on to posterity! Can he trust you to stand by him?

The Remnant Vol 1 No 7 September/October 1995

This tribute was forwarded to me three years ago. Someone else had found it years earlier with the note of a link that was no longer valid: mosquitonet.com/~kcalla).

A little Bible humor

Q. What do they call pastors in Germany?
A. German Shepherds.

Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. God drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.

Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson. He brought the house down.

Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.

Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.

Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan. The banks were always overflowing.

Q. Who is the greatest baby sitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David. He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep.

Q. Which Bible character had no parents?
A. Joshua, son of Nun.

Q. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark?
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck.

P.S. Did you know it's wrong for the woman to make coffee? Yup, it's in the Bible:
"Hebrews."

Darkness ... don't get caught up in it

This week's Sunday school lesson, Sexual Purity Matters, uses Scripture verses from Genesis 2: 18-25, Proverbs 5: 1-23 and Romans 13: 11-14, of which Romans was especially intriguing to me. It says: (11) "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. (12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light. (13) Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in licentiousness and lewdness, not in strife and envy. (14) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."
Verse 11 says to me to not wait. Don't get caught up in the world, doing worldly things. Be about your Father's business, always pay attention to your spiritual life.
The second half of verse 12 has to do with ridding yourself of deeds/works of darkness and putting on the armor of light. The devil/Satan is darkness, Jesus is light.
Ephesians 5: 11 says "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them."
I know what many of the deeds of darkness are, and after spending most of Friday updating the cult section on the Window To Christian Ministries Web site: windowtochristianministriesiniowa.com/cults.html , I am more informed.
Unfruitful works/deeds include, but are not limited to:
revelry, drunkenness, licentiousness, lewedness, strife, envy, fornication, foolish talking, coarse jesting, satanic/occult worship, witchcraft, human sacrifice, psychics, fortune tellers, ouiji boards, crystal ball, tarot cards, tea leaf and palm reading, astrology, horoscopes, numerology.

If ... what would you do?

Romans 13:11 says "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed."

Questions to consider:

• If you truly believed that Christ would return tomorrow, what would you do differently in your life today?
• Why aren't you doing that now?
• What is preventing you from following through?

What would I do differently? Share Christ more openly, more frequently.

Why aren't I? Fear of rejection, fear of failure.

What is preventing me from following through? That same fear.

It seems strange doesn't it. If God be with me who can be against me? God is with me. He is always with me. Ask and the door will be opened. Jesus will enter in. He will abide with you. He does abide with me. Since I have Jesus, what have I to fear? Why do we allow our fears to get the best of us. Why is it so hard to just go and do?

It's "QUOTE"able

Do you have a favorite saying, thought, inspiration? Send them my way and I'll add them to "It's A Quote" on the Window to Christian Ministries Web site. If its attributable to someone please indicate their name.

Purse strings

Proverbs 13:7 ..... "There is one who makes himself (pretends to be) rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself (pretends to be) poor, yet has great riches." Sometimes you can be rich and have money and untold treasures, but not be blessed. Sometimes you can be without money and all it holds, and be blessed beyond measure. Who is holding your purse strings? You or God?

Winter

Winter is back. We had it all during December, long before the official first day on Dec. 21. Then January came along and for the most part, temperatures were closer to normal and the snow had disappeared. But this week there were reports of snow coming this weekend, and what do you know, the TV guys had it right this time! First it was just a light coating, but by early evening, it looked like yuck! Well it didn't really look like that, I don't know what yuck looks like. It was kind of pretty. Its just that the mere thought of having to drag my boots out again made me think "yuck" -- the yards, the sidewalks, the streets were covered and I bet it was slippery too. I didn't venture out though to chance a quick encounter with the ground. Tomorrow will be soon enough, what with grocery shopping and other errands to do. The joys of winter are about as bad as the joys of changing health insurance providers. Oh if only January wasn't such a long month. How we look forward to February. In February we have Valentine's Day. Now that's a nice thought. My husband and I met the week before Valentine's Day a few years ago. That's even a nicer thought. Have a nice rest of January. ...

Why?

In today's newspaper, The Gazette, was an article about the Olivet Neighborhood Mission in northwest Cedar Rapids being burglarized. This is a wonderful ministry and I have frequently participated in its charity work by providing clothing and other items to give to those more needy than I. In this article however, it was noted $2,500 in damage was caused to the mission. Two dollars ($2.00) , a bag of handmade mittens and hats and a computer were taken. Why? I do not understand the reasoning of someone who would do this. Everything in the mission is given away. Who would do such a thing ... someone who has no sense of compassion? Why do some people think the only way to get something is to BREAK IN -- BREAK UP -- BREAK OPEN ... and TAKE? Ah ha, compassion. That's a character word. This person of one or more must have no character, no integrity. No, that's no true. They do have character. But not integrity. Not honest, not kind, no self-control, no courtesy, no self-discipline. But who am I to judge? I shouldn't. Sometimes I do anyway. But I shouldn't. That's God's beat. I hope whoever did this will hear their conscience saying "this was not good. you need to make amends." Maybe they'll hear. But will they listen? I can only hope they do.

More on character

There's always something to be gleaned from the Book of Proverbs, something new everytime we delve into it. Today its Proverbs 4, verses 23-27. Yesterday it was Proverbs 6, verses 17-19. Both deal with what the Lord doesn't like -- disunity, discord among our brethren -- and how to guard yourself against it.

Who are you? I mean who are you really? Not what do you do as in occupation or hobbies, not what you look like as in color of skin or size or shape.

The Lord knows who we are. He knows what's going on in our innermost being. He knows all. We should know who we are as well. We should know better than anyone else outside of God.

I decided to check out character / integrity on the internet and found lots of links relating to it. Some are:

• Integrity Matters - Character Education Videos for Children http://www.integrity-matters.com/home.html
• Character That Counts http://characterthatcounts.gospelcom.net/
• Short Bible Study on Character Integrity http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Bible/Integrity.htm

Our character has to do with:

• respect
• trustworthiness
• responsibility
• honesty
• loyalty
• reliability
• generosity
• kindness
• self-control
• perseverance
• accountability
• compassion
• courtesy
• conduct
• confidence
• dependability
• determination
• endurance
• ethics
• friendliness
• manners
• morals
• patience
• self-discipline
• self-respect
• sportsmanship
• temper
• temptation
• tolerance
• truthfulness
• values
• virtue

Character

What kind of character are you anyway? I've often heard that terminology used of another when we're not sure what one is up to, what they're saying about themselves. According to God's word our character reflects what is inside our hearts ... it is revealed through our behavior ... what we say, how we say it, what we do, how we act, what we think, how we portray it. Boy, sometimes you'd think you'd have to walk on eggshells. Sometimes I feel that way with other people. What I think and mean and how it comes out of my mouth isn't always the same. Others hear a different tone of voice. But God always knows what is going on. He knows us from the inside out, whereas our fellow humans only know us from outside appearances. Its those appearances that get us into trouble. We need to be more in tune to God's desires and will for us so our character is readily apparent no matter where we are and/or with whom.

These Scripture verses (paraphrased) show the importance of our heart and character. Read them yourself.

Jeremiah 17:9 - The heart is more deceitful than all else and wicked.
1 Samuel 16:7 - Others look at outward appearance; God looks at the heart.
Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God.
Philippians 4:7 - The peace of God will guard your heart ... through Christ.
Hebrews 4:12 - The word of God judges ... the thoughts and the heart.

Cults

I found this very informational and intriguing site, called the New Zealand Cult Site, founded in 1999 by Ian Mander. Information I have on Cults is pale in comparison. If you are interested in what not to "cultivate," click on Cults.co.nz

Looking for something different

Are you looking for something different? A new job, a new career, a new relationship, a new house, a new car, a new attitude, a new church home? An article published this past summer in Today's Christian Woman talks about A New Church Home . It presents five questions to consider when looking for a place to belong. Check it out.

Interruptions

People come into our lives and leave. Everywhere, anytime. It's just the way it is. We can all learn something from these interruptions in our lives. And the friendships we forge can remain as well. Sometimes friendships whither like a weeping willow, but often times, if we work at it, the friendships of many seasons (or even short duration) remain and are strengthened.
Moving away, moving on, doesn't mean our friendships have to do the same. We just have to work at staying in touch, by phone, email, letter, a visit.

Life

All life is important. Sometimes you'd think animal life was more important than human life, but it isn't. It shouldn't be. Human life .... it begins with conception, it ends with death. And there again, sometimes there are those who believe its okay to end life right after conception. None of us have the right or the authority to end a life. We didn't create that life. You may think differently, afterall X and Y got together and Z was the result. But God created all life and therefore, only God has the authority to end life. I have no more authority than you do to determine when another human being's life should end. Whatever state of affairs we are in ... as a babe in the womb, a newborn, a child, a teen-ager, college-age, midddle-age, retired, old, sick, well, weak, strong, rich, poor ... no matter what, we are of value to Jesus/God. All life is important. God said so. Who are we to argue with our creator?

There is a season

I read from the New King James version of the Bible. Sometimes if I want to get a different slant on something, I go to Heartlight's SearchGodsWord Web site.

Today I read Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. Verse 1 says "To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:" In the easy-to-read version, that same verse says "There is a right time for everything. And everything on earth will happen at the right time."

God determines the time, but the time is not all the same for each individual. If you're married, then often you have to wait for God's timing to come to both of you and then act on it. Sometimes these actions upset others, but you can't let that interfere with what the Lord has instructed you to do or not do.

The phrase 'wait on the Lord' brought me to Isaiah 40:31: "But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."

Pursue, persevere

Pursue God's Kingdom and our needs will be met. Where is God's kingdom? You're in it, right here on earth. We should not be afraid, yet we are. Big time fear strikes me practically every pay day. Sometimes the bigger the pay check the bigger the fear. Always, I pay God first. Always, without fail, without questioning whether I should or shouldn't. There is no reason to think about it. That is one of the Lord's commands and that is one area my husband and I never fail to obey. Yet the fear factor remains. I remain diligent. I study the Bible, I think about what it says to me personally. I strive to do the Lord's will. I, of course, do not always succeed. Events have a way of making me feel depressed and despondent. This is not good. Events come and go, but we shouldn't give up or give in. Satan does not need to have the upper hand. I will only become more depressed and despondent, giving in to eating excessive sweets, giving in to Satan's power. No! Satan will not become my master. Pursue God's Kingdom above all else and the Lord will take care of you.

Scripture verse for today: Luke 12:34 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Trust God to meet your needs

That's easier to say than actually do. We want to believe God will meet our every need, yet our human nature often gets the best of us and we tend to believe He can only do it with help from us. Thinking about that now that it's in print, it looks ridiculous. God needing our help? Come on. God created the world, He created us. Why would He need our help?! He doesn't. Yet we do not yet believe that. If we did, then there would be no worry, no fear, no anxiety.

Doesn't it say somewhere in the Bible that God helps those who help themselves? Maybe not. It doesn't. Look for yourself, don't take my word for it. I think this is where we get the idea that we need to help God help us. What we need to do, I believe, is look to God for everything, not to our fellow beings, not to ourselves, to fulfill our needs. We need to read His word daily, study on His word daily, pray daily. Seek out the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Follow the Lord's instructions always and in all ways and it will come to pass.

Jehovah-Jireh The Lord will provide.

New year, new beginnings

It's Jan. 2, 2006. A new year, new beginnings, new memories, new sadnesses. It's been a couple of weeks since I last wrote, partly because of the Christmas season and all that it involves, but also because of deaths in the family.

Death always comes. It's a given. With life, there is death. God said it would be so. God never said it would be easy, and of course, it isn't.

My husband's dad died Dec. 21, 2005. Services were held Christmas Eve morning. It was beautiful and he is now in heaven, without pain or suffering, with his beloved wife and other family and friends, and without a doubt, with Jesus. He is definitely in a better place.

We had our annual Christmas Open House on Dec. 17. We knew it would be different because my father-in-law would not be able to come. It was the first time in probably 10 years. I missed him ... I will miss him more as this year of 2006 evolves.

Many others have lost loved ones and many are dealing with other traumatic events as I write. Some of us will deal with it by not dealing with it ... won't think about it, or will eat or drink to excess. Some will move on, move away. Some will decide to end their lives.

God wants us to deal with our pain. God / Jesus wants us to look to Him, pray our needs to Him. That's hard to do sometimes. Sometimes our pain causes us to be angry, to become withdrawn, to argue with our spouses.

We are de-decorating our house. It's not near as much fun as decorating. It's more depressing. It's necessary though.

Today's Scripture from Luke 12:15: And He (Jesus) said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."