Patience

1 Timothy 1:16 (New International Version)

¹⁶But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Peace

“There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.” Proverbs 12:20 NIV.

 

Love

“ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘love your neighbour as yourself’.  Matthew 22:37-39. NIV

 

 

J.O.Y.

“Be Joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV.

J. - Jesus

O - Others

Y - Yourself.

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Head covering again!

This morning I got an e-mail with this lovely little video about head covering and why this person thinks we should do it!

I don't cover my head at Church at the moment except when breaking bread. I have never fully made my mind up on this issue but the arguments for covering at every Church service are really stacking up and I feel more moved to doing so after watching this video.

I am not saying everyone should do so but I just enjoyed reading the scripture in this wee video and the music! So have a watch and tell me what you think!

Spiritual attacks

I have never been sure what to think of the idea of Satan at work within us and against us however, lately this has been quite apparent in our lives here.

My husband is very sure that he is being attacked in some way and myself also. The result of an attack of the mind by the devil in our lives appears in many ways.

Resentment, criticism, negativity, pride (as if we know it all!!!! lol), division, self doubt, paranoia and so on and on!!

Tonight we nipped it in the bud. It is a horrible feeling to be under attack and fully aware of it but to feel yourself slipping away and allowing the devil to get a hold of your mind.

These are the verses that I read tonight which helped immensely;

1 Corinthians 3

"Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly- mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?". verses 1-3. NIV.

Ephesians 4

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. " verses 29 - 32. NIV.

Submission is not easy!

Lately I am finding that submission is not at all easy! It is easy for me to quote scripture and talk about how I want to follow this but in reality it is hard.

All is fine and well if there is something I am not wanting to participate in or a decision I am unhappy with in our household and I get my way. I can act a little spoilt at times and use my feminine wiles to have my hubby change his mind. (totally wrong I know and something I am working on!).

However, when there is something my husband is really not happy to do, or a decision he doesn't agree with and I am tugging the other way then I find myself rebelling even more!!

I think I know best, try to convince, offer compelling arguments and sometimes go in the huff (wrong I know and another thing I am working on!!). Why would he not be right? How can I be a good submissive wife when I am doubting his decision and even if it is wrong, not supporting him in this???

So whether right or wrong I should be obedient towards my husband and what he ultimately decides is best for our family and lives. He does allow me to have an opinion of course and quite often takes this on board and even changes his mind. After all wives and husbands are commanded the following;

"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Saviour. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands,love your wives , just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself asaradiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." (Ephesians 5:22-28 NIV, emphasis mine).

I don't think real biblical submission means that I should try to convince and put my own selfish motives above his. I think that I should be obedient even when I think my husband maybe is wrong (of course that may just be my opinion and ultimately he could be very right!).

Small talk.

Last night Jacob and I sat on the sofa together and read a few pages of his little bible.  While discussing the little questions at the end of each section, Jacob asked why we need to tell others about Jesus.  So I went on to explain about what Jesus commanded us to do.  He then said that if you don’t believe in Jesus then you will go to hell.  He also mentioned a few people who have not had their hearts opened yet to Jesus. 

 

This really hit me hard listening to my wee boy being so factual about it.  He has spoken of heaven before and how he is going there one day but never really about the other side of the coin.  From this short but meaningful conversation I felt an urge about the following;

• the absolute necessity and urgency to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone.  People need salvation now as we just don’t know the minute of when our lives may end or when the Lord may return.

• the total harsh reality of what is at stake here.  When I was living steeped in sin I never thought about where I was headed.  Now as a Christian I am utterly thankful to God for Jesus and forgiveness.  Last night my little boy heightened my awareness of the need to not be afraid and to share about Jesus.  I find it very difficult to tell others and pray God gives me opportunities and the words to use and even Jacob said he would find it hard telling his school friends what he believes. 

 

The conversation served to be a sobering reminder of all that is at stake and how we need to use the strength God gives us to talk to people about the wonderful gift available to them.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

Lately I have been really wanting Jesus to come again and quickly.  I am tired of this life.  I am tired of struggling, fighting children, monotony, just getting by.  I find it hard to be joyful in all my circumstances.  I want to have more of the attitude Paul had but I am just not very good at it. 

The Bible talks about how we should be joyful but on the other hand how we suffer.  I would gladly leave this world and all it has to offer behind.  I dislike trying to live in the world and not be of it.  It is just too hard! 

 

Today I am praying for God to show me the way.  I know the truths of the Bible and all that God has promised us.  I pray for clear direction on what my husband and I should be doing with our lives. 

John 3:16

^{For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. NLT.}

Back from Sunday school camp 2010.  Our last year at this wonderful house.  Next year?? Who knows?  Only God  knows what He has in store for us! 

Jeremiah 29:11 (New Living Translation)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.