As Becometh Saints – Part Two

In the striving to achieve any goal there always comes a point when we question ourselves, “How badly do you want this?” We all reach a point where exertion becomes necessary in order to conform to all we had hoped would be.

Truly nothing just happens. We are faced with a choice to strive or to merely survive. I ask you, dear lady, how badly do you want to see well-mannered children in your home? Then dig into the Word and study the character of Christ and see the pattern you will use in training your son or daughter. How badly do you want that vibrant relationship with God? Then you must covet your time alone with the Master and record what you learn in your private sessions with Him realizing that the God of the Universe is instructing you. You must dig deeply into the well of wisdom as if you sought for silver and gold.

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Lay Down the Tracks

Do you remember that time

Life brought a sudden collision?

When you were startled, without warning,

To a point of decision?

Stand By Your Man, Part Two

Last month we began to look at ways that you as a wife can help your husband succeed in the ministry. We looked at pleasing him and not possessing him. We want to continue with that theme this issue and look at another area in which you as a wife can help your husband.

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When God Has Another Plan

It was Corrie ten Boom that said, “God has no problems, only plans.” How wise for us to remember, as His much-loved children, that what we perceive as problems, pains, trials, and temptations, are merely God rearranging events to fit His plan, orchestrating lessons for us in the school of faith.

As Becometh Saints – Part One

“Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.” -Life’s Little Instruction Book

I have this quote in my Bible as it struck me to be a great truth. “You reap what you sow, you get what you grow.” Or, said a bit more eloquently, “God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Happiness doesn’t just happen, it takes a choice. A well-mannered child or young adult doesn’t just happen; it takes great pains and careful attention to details. A fruitful life doesn’t just happen; it takes planning, discipline and great daily efforts.

Forbidden Doors

‘Tis faith – to break free from the shackles of sin –

Those life-binding habits that once held you in –

To close tight the doors of those miserable ways

And choose ne’er again enter those doors all your days.

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Stand By Your Man

Every man that has been called into full-time Christian service needs 3 things if he is going to be successful in that ministry: a vital relationship with the Lord, a conclusive call to the ministry, and a joyous and satisfying marriage. Therefore, as his wife, your husband is your biggest ministry. You are his wife. You do yourself a magnificent favor when you get your focus off of yourself, and instead do all you can to multiply your husband’s fulfillment in ministry. Here are some pointers on how to help your husband who is in the ministry.

Striving

“It’s God’s job to set the course, it’s our job to run it.”

“And the child (Jesus) grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40) The phrase, “waxed strong in spirit”, according to Strong’s Concordance, refers to “the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of anyone.” Curious, isn’t it…a disposition or influence that will fill and govern me? I know of just two influences that wish to govern me: good (God) and evil (anti-God). So the question needs be asked, how does one “wax strong” spiritually?

This is Our Day

It’s time to stand, my brethren,

Lift up your swords and fight!

Join hands with one another

And live for what is right!

Expectations, Pt 3

So how do we handle expectations? There are definitely some wrong ways to handle them. A wife may passively comply with what is expected of her, trying to meet everyone’s expectations, no matter how unrealistic. But underneath, that woman will have an inner rage that shows up in her relationship with her husband and her children, and in her relationships at church. She is a ticking time bomb.

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In Waiting I Learn

The wind shakes my windows
Startles my focus
Makes my heart shiver…

Dry Places

“Dry places” in these verses refer to specific locations without water. How interesting it is to me that the unclean spirit seeks out such places to abide. How can fruit come from such a place? I am reminded of the Parable of the Sower. Some seed came to rest on the stony ground, a dry place indeed. That seed was gladly received, but found no place to root there; and so withered and died. Seed cannot grow in such a place. We will look in vain for fruit in a barren place.

The Next Right Thing

“For we have no might…neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.”

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Expectations, Part 2

We started looking in the last issue at the subject of expectations. This month we want to continue with that subject, and consider where expectations come from.

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One Book

John, the disciple that leaned upon our Saviour’s breast, the one so privileged with having received the heavenly vision recorded in Revelation, closes his gospel account with this melodious and intriguing sentence. John was a witness to the Creator’s dealings with mankind as that great One walked in feet of clay, when the constraints of time and physical being clothed His eternal being.

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Expectations: A Blessing or a Curse

I have spoken to many pastor’s wives all over the country, and there is a common problem that comes up often. This problem can basically be defined as expectations—what others expect of you compared to what you realistically can do and be.

A Life Changed By God

She lived a simple life. She wasn’t flamboyant; she wasn’t boisterous. She loved a good man, and their modest plans for a life together filled her waking moments. She had a happy past, a joyful present and a bright future.

And then her life was turned upside down.

Resting

A holy hush falls o’er my heart,
The snow is falling outside, muffling the world.

The glow of the dancing flame lights my room

And kindles a warm rush of thankfulness within my soul.

The Coin

The tales ran wild ‘round the roaring campfire.
After a long day of labor, the young men were tired.

Their wages in hard, they were happy – at ease.
They would soon return home to their families.

I’ve a story to share that will make you all laugh
Spoke up one of the youths with a sack on his lap.