author:
Van Walton, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member, Director of Hispanic Ministries
source: Crosswalk
Key Verse:
Psalm 23:5, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” (NKJV)
Devotion:
The storm raged all night, traveling closer to shore with each passing moment. Waves roared and reached higher than normal. In the morning, although the beach was strewn with chairs, umbrellas, ice chests, and beach toys, the sun rose on a relatively calm shore, except for the busy birds. While rain and wind had created havoc during the night, the tempest had deposited a gift. The surging tide brought with it delicacies from the bottom of the ocean
– a feast for the birds living along the edge of the sea.
An obvious sand bar had been created by the recent surge in the sea and, in fascination, I watched as it became a banquet table of sorts. As the powerful waves rushed toward shore, they covered the sand bar. When the water retreated, a buffet table of seafood invited the birds to come and dine on the early morning meal that God and the storm had provided.
I couldn’t help but consider my own life and the storms that have threatened to tear me apart. Yet, those very storms have left behind riches that feed me for a lifetime.
Are you emerging from a storm? Have you found God’s bountiful provision within the raging winds? Have you noticed the good left behind after floods subsided?
As a child, I could hardly fathom the first storm mentioned in the Bible. I asked over and over again, “Why?” Today I believe I know. The storm that Noah endured cleansed, offered a new beginning, disciplined, and taught mighty lessons. Its purpose, according to Scripture, was to cleanse the earth of wickedness. (Genesis 6:5) and create a new start. God protected Noah, a righteous man, and his family from the flood and returned him to a new beginning once the waters disappeared.
Do you need cleansing from your past, a new beginning? The Bible says there is a new morning and gladness in it. Praise God for His new mercies, every morning.
My Prayer for Today:
Mighty and powerful Creator, Help me to use the storms in my life as an opportunity to approach Your banquet table, finding morsels that will sustain me as a result of Your generous hand. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Application Steps:
God allows ‘storms’ to enter our lives for a purpose. Rather than resist the chaos, rest in the cleansing, and cling to Him.
Reflection Points:
Consider your most recent storm. Describe it. How did God use it to bring you closer to Him?
Is it possible that the storms in your life can be used to teach you how to reach out to those who are experiencing their own personal tempests?
Learn from Paul, how to endure storms. Read 2 Corinthians 11 and 12 and be inspired by his total trust in God.
Power Verses:
Psalm 36: 5-9, “Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike…You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your rivers of delight...” (NLT)
Lamentations 3:22-23, “Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (NIV)
2 Corinthians 12:10, “Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (NLT)
Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (KJV)
Saturday, October 21, 2006
4 WIVES
source: Elizabeth Beck
thank you helpmeet!
Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives.
He loved the 4th wife the most and adored her with rich robes and treated
her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.
He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.
He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind,
considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he
could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.
The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!
One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of
his luxurious life and wondered, I now have four wives with me, but when
I die, I'll be all alone."
Thus, he asked the 4th wife , "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No way!", replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word.
Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.
The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No!", replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!"
His heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me.
When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.
Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go."
The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as
she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King
said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:
Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good,
it will leave us when we die.
Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth.
When we die, it will all go to others.
Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.
And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us where ever we go.
Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day:
Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.
Pass this on to someone you care about - I just did.
Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect.
It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections
thank you helpmeet!
Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives.
He loved the 4th wife the most and adored her with rich robes and treated
her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.
He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.
He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind,
considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he
could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.
The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!
One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of
his luxurious life and wondered, I now have four wives with me, but when
I die, I'll be all alone."
Thus, he asked the 4th wife , "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No way!", replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word.
Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.
The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No!", replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!"
His heart sank and turned cold.
He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me.
When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.
Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go."
The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as
she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King
said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:
Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good,
it will leave us when we die.
Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth.
When we die, it will all go to others.
Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.
And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us where ever we go.
Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day:
Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.
Pass this on to someone you care about - I just did.
Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect.
It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections
“And They Were Amazed”
author:
Glynnis Whitwer, Senior Editor – “P31 Woman Magazine,” Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member source:
Crosswalk
Key Verse:
Matthew 13:54, “Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. ‘Where did this man get this
wisdom and these miraculous powers?’ they asked.” (NIV)
Devotion:
When was the last time something truly amazed you? I’ve been amazed lately at the price of gas, at the size of my clothes, and at a teenager’s driving
as he cuts me off in traffic. Perhaps it’s more appropriate to say I’ve been shocked and disgusted rather than amazed.
True amazement, the kind that’s mixed with surprise and awe, is a rare emotion. First-time parents experience amazement when their baby starts to
crawl. That quickly turns to fear as their precious one crawls toward an electrical outlet, but for a moment they are amazed.
Maybe advances in technology have dulled our capacity for amazement. A television screen the size of a whale barely elicits a “wow.” A thousand
songs in a matchbox-sized container isn’t enough. More! More! We want more!
Maybe a lack of integrity has dimmed amazement at our leaders, or maybe the press has simply revealed weaknesses that were always there. Nature
still has the power to amaze, but lines of tourists and scattered trash can sour our experience. People, places, things. Is there anything left to incite
amazement?
Flash back two thousand years. A humble man teaches to a gathered crowd, and they were amazed. He drives out a demon, and a mute man speaks
and everyone was amazed (Matt. 9:33). He heals the crippled, a lame man walks and a blind man sees (Matt.15:31). He tells the people to pay their
taxes, and they are amazed (Matt. 22:21). He calms the storm and completely amazes His friends (Mark 6:51). Basically, Jesus was amazing.
Today, Jesus is still amazing, and miracles are still being done in His Name. Jesus Himself made it clear that He hoped His disciples would continue
what He started. In John 14:12Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things
than these, because I am going to the Father.”
Scripture tells us in light of the amazing things Jesus said and did, people praised God (Luke 5:25-26). Yet, in spite of the potential for people to be
drawn to God by the amazing things they hear and see today, we allow religion to become routine and we keep Jesus tucked away in a history book.
As believers, we are called to portray to the world a God who is truly amazing. May our mouths speak God’s truth in a gracious and compelling way.
May our lives model the excitement of walking daily with God. And may miracles still be performed in the Name of Jesus.
Let’s amaze the world by telling them about a God who still has the power to amaze!
My Prayer for Today:
Precious Lord, You are amazing in all Your ways. You are clothed in majesty and worthy of all our praise. Thank you for the record of Jesus’ life and for
His promise that we can do greater things. Help my unbelief. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Think of one amazing thing God has done in your life. Commit to telling at least one person about it.
Reflection Points:
Read Matthew 13:53-58. Jesus is in His hometown. Although the people are amazed, they also experience another reaction. What is it?
Why do those who know us best have a hard time accepting truth from us?
What hindered Jesus’ performance of miracles?
Why do we sometimes miss how amazing God really is?
How can you change your life so that others see more of the amazing things of God through you?
Power Verses:
Habakkuk 1:5, “Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if
you were told.” (NIV)
Hebrews 12:28-29, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with
reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’" (NIV)
Mark 6:50-51, “Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind
died down. They were completely amazed …” (NIV)
Luke 4:22, “Allspoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips.”Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.” (NIV)
Luke 5:25-26, “Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave
praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’" (NIV)
Glynnis Whitwer, Senior Editor – “P31 Woman Magazine,” Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member source:
Crosswalk
Key Verse:
Matthew 13:54, “Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. ‘Where did this man get this
wisdom and these miraculous powers?’ they asked.” (NIV)
Devotion:
When was the last time something truly amazed you? I’ve been amazed lately at the price of gas, at the size of my clothes, and at a teenager’s driving
as he cuts me off in traffic. Perhaps it’s more appropriate to say I’ve been shocked and disgusted rather than amazed.
True amazement, the kind that’s mixed with surprise and awe, is a rare emotion. First-time parents experience amazement when their baby starts to
crawl. That quickly turns to fear as their precious one crawls toward an electrical outlet, but for a moment they are amazed.
Maybe advances in technology have dulled our capacity for amazement. A television screen the size of a whale barely elicits a “wow.” A thousand
songs in a matchbox-sized container isn’t enough. More! More! We want more!
Maybe a lack of integrity has dimmed amazement at our leaders, or maybe the press has simply revealed weaknesses that were always there. Nature
still has the power to amaze, but lines of tourists and scattered trash can sour our experience. People, places, things. Is there anything left to incite
amazement?
Flash back two thousand years. A humble man teaches to a gathered crowd, and they were amazed. He drives out a demon, and a mute man speaks
and everyone was amazed (Matt. 9:33). He heals the crippled, a lame man walks and a blind man sees (Matt.15:31). He tells the people to pay their
taxes, and they are amazed (Matt. 22:21). He calms the storm and completely amazes His friends (Mark 6:51). Basically, Jesus was amazing.
Today, Jesus is still amazing, and miracles are still being done in His Name. Jesus Himself made it clear that He hoped His disciples would continue
what He started. In John 14:12Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things
than these, because I am going to the Father.”
Scripture tells us in light of the amazing things Jesus said and did, people praised God (Luke 5:25-26). Yet, in spite of the potential for people to be
drawn to God by the amazing things they hear and see today, we allow religion to become routine and we keep Jesus tucked away in a history book.
As believers, we are called to portray to the world a God who is truly amazing. May our mouths speak God’s truth in a gracious and compelling way.
May our lives model the excitement of walking daily with God. And may miracles still be performed in the Name of Jesus.
Let’s amaze the world by telling them about a God who still has the power to amaze!
My Prayer for Today:
Precious Lord, You are amazing in all Your ways. You are clothed in majesty and worthy of all our praise. Thank you for the record of Jesus’ life and for
His promise that we can do greater things. Help my unbelief. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Think of one amazing thing God has done in your life. Commit to telling at least one person about it.
Reflection Points:
Read Matthew 13:53-58. Jesus is in His hometown. Although the people are amazed, they also experience another reaction. What is it?
Why do those who know us best have a hard time accepting truth from us?
What hindered Jesus’ performance of miracles?
Why do we sometimes miss how amazing God really is?
How can you change your life so that others see more of the amazing things of God through you?
Power Verses:
Habakkuk 1:5, “Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if
you were told.” (NIV)
Hebrews 12:28-29, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with
reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’" (NIV)
Mark 6:50-51, “Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind
died down. They were completely amazed …” (NIV)
Luke 4:22, “Allspoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips.”Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.” (NIV)
Luke 5:25-26, “Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave
praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.’" (NIV)
The Power of Choice
source: Thrive! Now
THRiVE! Now article authored by Valencia Harvey
It seems that there is an expected time frame in which God expects us
to bear fruit. Of all of God's magnificent creation, only humans have
the power of choice... the power of decision... the power of free
will. God has placed gifts and talents on the inside of us, all
vehicles that are designed to bring increase and success. If after
three or four years you fail to see significant fruit in a particular
endeavor, isn't it time to re-evaluate?
It's hard for us as women to abandon something into which we have
lovingly invested ourselves. Many times we stay in relationships and
careers that are producing no fruit because we keep telling ourselves,
"Wait. Next year it will be better."
But shouldn't all that time and nurture go toward something that will
produce great fruit and blessing?
I think we have to get over the fear of failure and chock up our
experience as a valuable learning opportunity. We have to be willing
to set up checkpoints along the way for assessment and re-evaluation.
I heard a minister once say in reference to discovering the destiny
God has for you life to "follow favor and follow the path of favor."
In other words, you may be going down a road where there is great
favor, and then after a period of time there is resistance. It almost
feels as if you are dragging your feet through mud. Your passion and
energy are gone and you practically dread doing what you once couldn't
get enough of. This is a checkpoint. It is possible that your path has
changed, that your favor has shifted in another direction. Go with the
new direction.
Always remember that God works with your passions not against them. He
uses the noble desires that He has placed in your heart to fuel you as
you go along your way. You know, during my season of "wheel spinning"
I noticed that the favor I once enjoyed had begun to ebb. What were
once open doors where now foreboding walls daring me to oppose them.
And my passion was gone. As I contemplated on that reoccurring dream
and sought for understanding, I discovered that the vehicle was
symbolic of my life's work. And in my current environment that work
had come to a screeching halt. My path of favor was changing. Would I
be courageous and make the shift or would I continue to feverishly
tread water?
I finally did the unthinkable. I left the nest I thought was so
familiar and comfortable and opted to launch out into the deep. What
about you? Is God gently trying to redirect your focus to something
much more fulfilling? What projects and assignments have run their
course, and what new adventure is the Lord calling you to explore?
Remember words of the renowned poet, Robert Frost, "Two roads diverged
in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made
all the difference."
THRiVE! Now article authored by Valencia Harvey
It seems that there is an expected time frame in which God expects us
to bear fruit. Of all of God's magnificent creation, only humans have
the power of choice... the power of decision... the power of free
will. God has placed gifts and talents on the inside of us, all
vehicles that are designed to bring increase and success. If after
three or four years you fail to see significant fruit in a particular
endeavor, isn't it time to re-evaluate?
It's hard for us as women to abandon something into which we have
lovingly invested ourselves. Many times we stay in relationships and
careers that are producing no fruit because we keep telling ourselves,
"Wait. Next year it will be better."
But shouldn't all that time and nurture go toward something that will
produce great fruit and blessing?
I think we have to get over the fear of failure and chock up our
experience as a valuable learning opportunity. We have to be willing
to set up checkpoints along the way for assessment and re-evaluation.
I heard a minister once say in reference to discovering the destiny
God has for you life to "follow favor and follow the path of favor."
In other words, you may be going down a road where there is great
favor, and then after a period of time there is resistance. It almost
feels as if you are dragging your feet through mud. Your passion and
energy are gone and you practically dread doing what you once couldn't
get enough of. This is a checkpoint. It is possible that your path has
changed, that your favor has shifted in another direction. Go with the
new direction.
Always remember that God works with your passions not against them. He
uses the noble desires that He has placed in your heart to fuel you as
you go along your way. You know, during my season of "wheel spinning"
I noticed that the favor I once enjoyed had begun to ebb. What were
once open doors where now foreboding walls daring me to oppose them.
And my passion was gone. As I contemplated on that reoccurring dream
and sought for understanding, I discovered that the vehicle was
symbolic of my life's work. And in my current environment that work
had come to a screeching halt. My path of favor was changing. Would I
be courageous and make the shift or would I continue to feverishly
tread water?
I finally did the unthinkable. I left the nest I thought was so
familiar and comfortable and opted to launch out into the deep. What
about you? Is God gently trying to redirect your focus to something
much more fulfilling? What projects and assignments have run their
course, and what new adventure is the Lord calling you to explore?
Remember words of the renowned poet, Robert Frost, "Two roads diverged
in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made
all the difference."
Two Eritrean Christians Tortured to Death
Two Eritrean Christians Tortured to Death
Special to Compass Direct News
source: Christianity Today
Arrested at worship service with 10 others; Christian singer sent back to prison.
LOS ANGELES - Eritrean security police tortured two Christians to death yesterday, two days after arresting them for holding a religious service in a private home south of Asmara.
The deaths came just after officials detained a U.S. citizen and re-imprisoned a popular Christian singer who was hospitalized as a result of spending 29 months in a metal shipping container.
Immanuel Andegergesh, 23, and Kibrom Firemichel, 30, died from torture wounds and severe dehydration in a military camp outside the town of Adi-Quala, eyewitnesses told Compass.
The military buried the two unmarried men yesterday in the southern Eritrean town near the Ethiopian border, where they had been performing their military service.
Andegergesh and Firemichel were arrested on Sunday (October 15), along with 10 other Christians, while attending a worship service in the home of Teklezgi Asgerdom.
The three women and seven men, all members of the evangelical Rema Church, were kept in military confinement, along with Andegergesh and Firemichel, and subjected to “furious mistreatment,” one source said.
The fate of the 10 other Christians remains unknown.
Singer Returned to DetentionEarlier this month, Eritrean authorities returned popular Christian singer Helen Berhane to military detention after she spent three days in Asmara’s Halibet Hospital for medical treatment.
Berhane’s leg was seriously damaged as a result of beatings she received while imprisoned in a metal shipping container since her arrest in May 2004.
Sources told Compass that Berhane, a member of the Kidane Mehrete Fellowship (previously misreported as the Rema Church), has been transferred back to Mai-Serwa Military Camp and now is able to walk with the help of a cane.
The government has continued its campaign against Christian workers, jailing a U.S. citizen earlier this month.
Evangelical Aregahaje Woldeselasie and his assistant, a married man identified only as Mushie, have been held in Asmara’s Police Station 5 since their arrest on October 4.
An Eritrean-born U.S. citizen in his early 60s, Woldeselasie has been working with Nehemiah Ministry International in Eritrea since 1991, providing leadership training to new congregations.
At the time of his arrest, Woldeselasie’s wife and two children were in the United States.
Schools TargetedIn its apparent campaign to bring all religious groups under its control, the government of Eritrea has recently focused its efforts on schools run by religious groups.
On October 10, the Ministry of Education ordered the Finnish Mission School to turn over its administration and assets to the government.
Founded by the Finnish Mission 15 years ago, “it was one of the private schools in Eritrea where students were taught the fear of the Lord,” a Christian source commented.
Sources have told Compass that the main reason the government took control of the school was that they did not like its Christian character.
The Ministry of Education has also demanded that the Alumni Arabic School, a private Muslim institution, be made into a public institution. Formerly known as the Jalia Arabic School, Alumni taught Arabic and Quran courses to the children of Eritrea’s Muslim community.
In addition, the government has pressured the Evangelical [Lutheran] Church of Eritrea (ECE) to close down Asmara’s Anglican elementary school.
Eritrea had placed the Anglican congregation under the government-registered ECE control after ordering the city’s Anglican priest, the Rev. Nelson Fernandez, out of the country in October 2005.
Since then, rumors have circulated that the government would close down the elementary school, which was mainly attended by the children of foreign workers associated with the church.
Along with the decision to close the school, Eritrea’s Department of Religious Affairs has also ordered an elderly church warden to immediately vacate her home, located on church premises.
Since May 2002, the Eritrean government has banned all independent religious groups not under the umbrella of the Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran or Muslim faiths. All independent Protestant churches have been denied legal registration and outlawed.
Everyone caught worshipping outside these government-sanctioned institutions – even in small handfuls in private homes – is arrested, tortured or subjected to severe pressures to deny their religious beliefs.
Even leaders of the four historically recognized groups are experiencing harsh government restrictions. Ignoring church canons, local lay authorities removed the ordained patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church from his ecclesiastical position in August 2005. Patriarch Abune Antonios has been held under house arrest ever since.
Recently confirmed statistics indicate that at least 1,918 Eritrean citizens are jailed solely for their religious beliefs, without any access to judicial process.
For the third year in a row, the U.S. State Department named Eritrea a “Country of Particular Concern” in its annual religious freedom report last month, designating it one of the worst violators of religious freedom in the world.
Copyright 2006 Compass Direct News
Special to Compass Direct News
source: Christianity Today
Arrested at worship service with 10 others; Christian singer sent back to prison.
LOS ANGELES - Eritrean security police tortured two Christians to death yesterday, two days after arresting them for holding a religious service in a private home south of Asmara.
The deaths came just after officials detained a U.S. citizen and re-imprisoned a popular Christian singer who was hospitalized as a result of spending 29 months in a metal shipping container.
Immanuel Andegergesh, 23, and Kibrom Firemichel, 30, died from torture wounds and severe dehydration in a military camp outside the town of Adi-Quala, eyewitnesses told Compass.
The military buried the two unmarried men yesterday in the southern Eritrean town near the Ethiopian border, where they had been performing their military service.
Andegergesh and Firemichel were arrested on Sunday (October 15), along with 10 other Christians, while attending a worship service in the home of Teklezgi Asgerdom.
The three women and seven men, all members of the evangelical Rema Church, were kept in military confinement, along with Andegergesh and Firemichel, and subjected to “furious mistreatment,” one source said.
The fate of the 10 other Christians remains unknown.
Singer Returned to DetentionEarlier this month, Eritrean authorities returned popular Christian singer Helen Berhane to military detention after she spent three days in Asmara’s Halibet Hospital for medical treatment.
Berhane’s leg was seriously damaged as a result of beatings she received while imprisoned in a metal shipping container since her arrest in May 2004.
Sources told Compass that Berhane, a member of the Kidane Mehrete Fellowship (previously misreported as the Rema Church), has been transferred back to Mai-Serwa Military Camp and now is able to walk with the help of a cane.
The government has continued its campaign against Christian workers, jailing a U.S. citizen earlier this month.
Evangelical Aregahaje Woldeselasie and his assistant, a married man identified only as Mushie, have been held in Asmara’s Police Station 5 since their arrest on October 4.
An Eritrean-born U.S. citizen in his early 60s, Woldeselasie has been working with Nehemiah Ministry International in Eritrea since 1991, providing leadership training to new congregations.
At the time of his arrest, Woldeselasie’s wife and two children were in the United States.
Schools TargetedIn its apparent campaign to bring all religious groups under its control, the government of Eritrea has recently focused its efforts on schools run by religious groups.
On October 10, the Ministry of Education ordered the Finnish Mission School to turn over its administration and assets to the government.
Founded by the Finnish Mission 15 years ago, “it was one of the private schools in Eritrea where students were taught the fear of the Lord,” a Christian source commented.
Sources have told Compass that the main reason the government took control of the school was that they did not like its Christian character.
The Ministry of Education has also demanded that the Alumni Arabic School, a private Muslim institution, be made into a public institution. Formerly known as the Jalia Arabic School, Alumni taught Arabic and Quran courses to the children of Eritrea’s Muslim community.
In addition, the government has pressured the Evangelical [Lutheran] Church of Eritrea (ECE) to close down Asmara’s Anglican elementary school.
Eritrea had placed the Anglican congregation under the government-registered ECE control after ordering the city’s Anglican priest, the Rev. Nelson Fernandez, out of the country in October 2005.
Since then, rumors have circulated that the government would close down the elementary school, which was mainly attended by the children of foreign workers associated with the church.
Along with the decision to close the school, Eritrea’s Department of Religious Affairs has also ordered an elderly church warden to immediately vacate her home, located on church premises.
Since May 2002, the Eritrean government has banned all independent religious groups not under the umbrella of the Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran or Muslim faiths. All independent Protestant churches have been denied legal registration and outlawed.
Everyone caught worshipping outside these government-sanctioned institutions – even in small handfuls in private homes – is arrested, tortured or subjected to severe pressures to deny their religious beliefs.
Even leaders of the four historically recognized groups are experiencing harsh government restrictions. Ignoring church canons, local lay authorities removed the ordained patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church from his ecclesiastical position in August 2005. Patriarch Abune Antonios has been held under house arrest ever since.
Recently confirmed statistics indicate that at least 1,918 Eritrean citizens are jailed solely for their religious beliefs, without any access to judicial process.
For the third year in a row, the U.S. State Department named Eritrea a “Country of Particular Concern” in its annual religious freedom report last month, designating it one of the worst violators of religious freedom in the world.
Copyright 2006 Compass Direct News
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Devotional: A Powerhouse of Protection
Devotional
source: EWC
A Powerhouse of Protection
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tonguethat shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This isthe heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness isof me, saith the Lord."(Isaiah 54:17)
No weapon formed against you shall prosper. Isn't that great news!Isn't it good to know that no sickness, no circumstance, no problemthat rises against you can successfully bring you down?
Some years ago, one of our friends was facing a lawsuit. He and Iprayed together according to this scripture and agreed it was thefinal word in the situation, not the allegations against him. We stoodin faith, believing that lawsuit had to fail.
Sure enough, when my friend went to court, they just couldn't beathim. He didn't win that case because of his keen and witty lawyers. Hewon because he was innocent and because he had believed that powerfulpromise of God.
Follow his example. When the devil attacks you in some area of yourlife, don't sit around crying and begging God to save you. Open upyour Bible to Isaiah 54:17 instead. Remind yourself of what God haspromised you. Use that promise to strengthen you against sin and everyother evil work the devil would like to use to keep you bound.
Then establish yourself on it through prayer. Say, "Lord, I refuse tobe afraid of this weapon the devil has brought against me because Iknow that according to Your Word, it cannot prosper. I trust You toprotect me, and I thank You for it now. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
"Don't let the powerhouse of God's protection go to waste. Put it towork in your life. It is your rightful heritage as a servant of theLord.
Scripture Study: Isaiah 54:10-17
Kenneth Copeland Ministries Fort Worth, TX 76192-0001
source: EWC
A Powerhouse of Protection
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tonguethat shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This isthe heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness isof me, saith the Lord."(Isaiah 54:17)
No weapon formed against you shall prosper. Isn't that great news!Isn't it good to know that no sickness, no circumstance, no problemthat rises against you can successfully bring you down?
Some years ago, one of our friends was facing a lawsuit. He and Iprayed together according to this scripture and agreed it was thefinal word in the situation, not the allegations against him. We stoodin faith, believing that lawsuit had to fail.
Sure enough, when my friend went to court, they just couldn't beathim. He didn't win that case because of his keen and witty lawyers. Hewon because he was innocent and because he had believed that powerfulpromise of God.
Follow his example. When the devil attacks you in some area of yourlife, don't sit around crying and begging God to save you. Open upyour Bible to Isaiah 54:17 instead. Remind yourself of what God haspromised you. Use that promise to strengthen you against sin and everyother evil work the devil would like to use to keep you bound.
Then establish yourself on it through prayer. Say, "Lord, I refuse tobe afraid of this weapon the devil has brought against me because Iknow that according to Your Word, it cannot prosper. I trust You toprotect me, and I thank You for it now. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
"Don't let the powerhouse of God's protection go to waste. Put it towork in your life. It is your rightful heritage as a servant of theLord.
Scripture Study: Isaiah 54:10-17
Kenneth Copeland Ministries Fort Worth, TX 76192-0001
Devotional: Working for the Lord
author: Charles Stanley
source: crosswalk
Charles testimony:
When I was a boy, I used to get up at 5 AM to deliver newspapers. It
was always pitch black outside. Sometimes it would be very cold,
raining, or even snowing heavily. I remember lying in my comfortable
bed and telling God how much I dreaded going outside. I didn't want to
get wet. I didn't want to be cold. Worse yet, I was afraid of the
dark!
Yet God worked in my heart to help me see the situation differently. I
began to say, ?I'm not delivering these newspapers for my customers.
I'm doing it for Jesus. He's going to receive this paper.?
Suddenly my attitude turned around. I would get started no matter what
the time or weather! In my own childish way, I had stumbled on the
secret of success in the Christian life, the key to fruitful service:
Whatever you are doing, do it as if you are doing it for the Lord.
===
In the sixth chapter of Ephesians, Paul tells us ?With good will
render service, as to the Lord, and not to men...? In Colossians 3:23,
he says it again: ?Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the
Lord rather than for men...?
In other words, it doesn't matter if you are leading a corporation or
mopping its floors-you are called to serve God in and through
everything you do. Once you adopt this attitude, once you learn to
focus on Whom you are serving instead of what you are doing, amazing
changes will happen:
The quality of your work will improve.
After all, now you are not working for an earthly boss, but for your
Father in heaven.
You will be protected from discouragement.
It does not matter whether or not you've been complimented or thanked
for your work-because you already know how much He approves of you and
loves you.
You will grow in self-esteem.
We all have a need to feel competent, important and worthy. God always
rewards us for our service with a sense of satisfaction and belonging
we will not find any other way.
You will not be afraid to fail. In fact, when we serve God we cannot
fail because true service is not something we do for God, but rather
something God does through us.
In First Thessalonians 5:24, Paul says, Faithful is He who calls you,
and He also will bring it to pass. God assumes full responsibility for
enabling us to carry out the work He's called us to do, whatever that
may be!
source: crosswalk
Charles testimony:
When I was a boy, I used to get up at 5 AM to deliver newspapers. It
was always pitch black outside. Sometimes it would be very cold,
raining, or even snowing heavily. I remember lying in my comfortable
bed and telling God how much I dreaded going outside. I didn't want to
get wet. I didn't want to be cold. Worse yet, I was afraid of the
dark!
Yet God worked in my heart to help me see the situation differently. I
began to say, ?I'm not delivering these newspapers for my customers.
I'm doing it for Jesus. He's going to receive this paper.?
Suddenly my attitude turned around. I would get started no matter what
the time or weather! In my own childish way, I had stumbled on the
secret of success in the Christian life, the key to fruitful service:
Whatever you are doing, do it as if you are doing it for the Lord.
===
In the sixth chapter of Ephesians, Paul tells us ?With good will
render service, as to the Lord, and not to men...? In Colossians 3:23,
he says it again: ?Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the
Lord rather than for men...?
In other words, it doesn't matter if you are leading a corporation or
mopping its floors-you are called to serve God in and through
everything you do. Once you adopt this attitude, once you learn to
focus on Whom you are serving instead of what you are doing, amazing
changes will happen:
The quality of your work will improve.
After all, now you are not working for an earthly boss, but for your
Father in heaven.
You will be protected from discouragement.
It does not matter whether or not you've been complimented or thanked
for your work-because you already know how much He approves of you and
loves you.
You will grow in self-esteem.
We all have a need to feel competent, important and worthy. God always
rewards us for our service with a sense of satisfaction and belonging
we will not find any other way.
You will not be afraid to fail. In fact, when we serve God we cannot
fail because true service is not something we do for God, but rather
something God does through us.
In First Thessalonians 5:24, Paul says, Faithful is He who calls you,
and He also will bring it to pass. God assumes full responsibility for
enabling us to carry out the work He's called us to do, whatever that
may be!
Story / Illustration: Life is the Coffee
author: author unknown
source: posted by helpmeet Dawn Judd
Thanks Dawn!
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and
returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups -
porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive,
and some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress."
"Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, it's just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups.and then began eyeing each other's cups."
"Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, houses, cars,
things, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."
God brews the coffee, not the cups . . . enjoy your coffee.
"Being happy :) doesn't mean everything's perfect, It means you've
decided to see beyond the imperfections"
Live in peace and peace will live in you.
source: posted by helpmeet Dawn Judd
Thanks Dawn!
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and
returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups -
porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive,
and some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress."
"Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, it's just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups.and then began eyeing each other's cups."
"Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, houses, cars,
things, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."
God brews the coffee, not the cups . . . enjoy your coffee.
"Being happy :) doesn't mean everything's perfect, It means you've
decided to see beyond the imperfections"
Live in peace and peace will live in you.
Start Your Homeschool Year Supported
Start Your Homeschool Year Supported
Cindy Short and Sue Welch
source: LifeWay
As you start this school year, you might feel like you can't do it
alone -- and you're probably right. But the good news is that you
don't have to go it alone.
We remind you here that there is more than enough support available
to you to successfully see you through the year.
"The joy of the Lord will be your strength." Relax and have a good
time learning with your children this year!
Don't try to tough it out all alone. Line up your support team now
for smoother sailing; don't wait until it's too late.
Look to the Lord as Your First and Best Support
Others may let you down or fail to fulfill your needs, but not God.
Go to Him first for the support you need.
"My soul, wait thou only upon God;
for my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation:
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory:
the rock of my strength,
and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in him at all times; ye people,
pour out your heart before him:
God is a refuge for us."
(Psalms 62:5-8)
1. The Lord Is Always There 24/7.
You don't have to wait for next month's support group meeting or
until someone else is available to help you. You can call on the
Lord at any time, day or night. His invitations and promises to you
assure that you will never become a burden to Him.
"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
2. The Lord Is All-Knowing and All-Wise.
The Lord knows exactly what you are going through and how you feel.
He knows precisely what your family needs, both now and in the
future. He is willing to share this wisdom with you; all you have
to do is ask.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." (James 1:5-6a)
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched
with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need."
(Hebrews 4:15-16)
3. The Lord Is Loving and Kind.
The Lord loves you and your family with unfathomable, pure, and
unfailing love.
"Behold, what manner of love the Father
hath bestowed upon us,
that we should be called the sons of God." (I John 3:1)
"Casting all your care upon him;
for he careth for you." (I Peter 5:7)
He will give you what is best in His time and in His way.
This is where our trust in Him must be implicit.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God)."
(Hebrews 11:6)
"And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God." (Romans 8:28)
How To Avail Yourself of the Lord's Wonderful Support
Sadly enough, we all too often fail to receive the gracious gifts of
our Lord for various reasons.
• We get into the habit of trying to meet our own needs,
forgetting to turn to the Lord.
• The physical world can seem more real to us than the unseen
spiritual world.
We can correct this habit and misperception and find our Lord's aid
and fellowship in the following ways:
1. Spend time daily in reading, studying, memorizing,
and meditating on God's Word.
Morning, noon, and night is not too much.
• Morning - Have your private time with the Lord.
• Noon - Read, study, or memorize Scripture in your school time or
at the lunch table.
• Evening - Have family Bible reading at the table or before bed
with Dad.
It is in His written revelation to us that we meet the Lord and He
speaks to us.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
Restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure,
Making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
Rejoicing the heart
Psalms 19:7-8a
2. Fill your life with good Christian music.
Music is a powerful influence in our lives. Both the words and the
style of the old hymns of the faith carry a message that honors the
Lord and reminds you of Him and His attributes.
Although constant background music can be distracting and lose its
impact, there are many times during the day that listening to, or
singing, Christian songs can turn your thoughts to the Lord.
You might want to lead your children in a chorus or hymn each time
you read from God's Word.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
(Colossians 3:16)
3. Talk to the Lord frequently throughout the day.
It might be hard to visualize the Lord beside you all day long, but
if you engage in conversational prayer with Him throughout the day,
you will be reminded of, and comforted by, His presence.
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
Look for Support at Home
Your family comprises a support group for you, your husband, and
your children. Here is how you can give and receive support right
at home.
1. Start with Yourself
Set Realistic Expectations
God does not ask us to do more than we are able. It is up to us to
make sure we don't load ourselves down with extra projects of our
own devising that he did not intend.
• Don't get carried away with extra-curricular activities; you
need to be home to home school!
• If you are overwhelmed already, consider some of our suggestions
for efficient school schedules in our Back-to-Home-School Checklist.
http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/newsletter129.cfm
• Cut back and slow down until you can manage your goals. It
is better to do a little well and then add more back in as
you can.
Maintain Your Health
We must also be good stewards of the resources He has given us,
including our own health. We are not free to indulge in excesses,
but must eat, work, and rest in ways that preserve our ability to
accomplish His purposes. We all know the basic rules:
• Eat healthily; drop extra pounds.
• Drink enough water.
• Exercise regularly, but reasonably. A daily walk with your
family promotes family unity as well as physical health.
• Deal with stress and problems God's way, don't let them build up.
• Take time to relax and enjoy your family.
• Get your full amount of sleep every night.
You cannot get enough support from others to make up for a disregard
of the laws of cause and effect that God has ordained.
2. Don't Overlook Your Spouse
Maintaining a loving relationship with your spouse will naturally be
a great support to you. And remember, you are his support system
too.
While your spouse is your closest human support and should be kept
aware of your thoughts and feelings, problems and struggles, he
should not feel that he is solely responsible to "fix" everything.
Let him know that you have other resources, and discuss options
together with the confidence you gain from trusting the Lord.
It might help to obtain a book and show it to your husband to
reassure him of the validity and benefits of home schooling.
Your spouse may need some practical suggestions for ways to support
you.
• Perhaps you only need 15 or 20 minutes at the end of each day to
debrief each other and pray about any situations that have arisen.
• Agree on standards for your children's behavior and a system for
their consistent discipline.
• Plan times to relax together.
3. Look to Your Family
Home schoolers recognize the value of the family unit. Let it
support you. Enlist the help and support of your children.
Grandparents or other relatives may offer support as well.
Your family will need help in knowing how to support you.
• You may need to tell your children, "I really love you and love
teaching you, but I need a little extra help in keeping up with the
chores. A word of encouragement or a hug would sure come in handy
too!"
• Be sure you model support and encouragement in the way you
interact with your family at all times.
• Family members can, and should, be each others' best friends and
supporters. Talk to your children about helping each other in this
way. A focus on the positive can replace problems.
Look for Support from Other People
1. Look to Good Friends
Just one faithful, sympathetic, and praying friend can offer a
tremendous amount of support. This informal "support group" can
meet on the phone whenever the need or opportunity arises or once a
week at a specified time.
Caution: Don't let this good friend take the place of the Lord or
your spouse.
When like-minded home-school families spend time together, they
provide needed support and encouragement for the whole family.
2. Consider Mentoring
Veteran home educators should consider what they have to offer
beginners. New home schoolers can look for veteran home educators
to mentor them. A regular time together or an occasional phone call
can make a big difference!
A local support group may be able to help you find a mentor.
3. Look to a Support Group
Support Groups may consist of only two families, or they may be
large and offer many functions and activities.
Involvement with your local Christian home-school group can provide
encouragement, fellowship, educational opportunities, field trips,
academic training and information, solutions to your problems, and
answers for your questions.
Cautions
• Don't become overwhelmed by trying to participate in all the
activities offered by your support group.
• Look for a group that will support your family's standards.
4. Look to Your Local Church
The fellowship and teaching of your local church provides important
support for your spiritual life.
An ideal home-school support group might also be formed within your
church if fellow members are home schooling. It is an added blessing
to have a pastor who encourages you in your home-school efforts.
"And let us consider one another
to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
-----------------------------
Veteran homeschool sisters, Cindy Short and Sue Welch edit a free e-
mail newsletter. Sign up at http://www.teachinghome.com.
See 164 archived issues at http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/
Copyright 2006 The Teaching Home
Cindy Short and Sue Welch
source: LifeWay
As you start this school year, you might feel like you can't do it
alone -- and you're probably right. But the good news is that you
don't have to go it alone.
We remind you here that there is more than enough support available
to you to successfully see you through the year.
"The joy of the Lord will be your strength." Relax and have a good
time learning with your children this year!
Don't try to tough it out all alone. Line up your support team now
for smoother sailing; don't wait until it's too late.
Look to the Lord as Your First and Best Support
Others may let you down or fail to fulfill your needs, but not God.
Go to Him first for the support you need.
"My soul, wait thou only upon God;
for my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation:
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory:
the rock of my strength,
and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in him at all times; ye people,
pour out your heart before him:
God is a refuge for us."
(Psalms 62:5-8)
1. The Lord Is Always There 24/7.
You don't have to wait for next month's support group meeting or
until someone else is available to help you. You can call on the
Lord at any time, day or night. His invitations and promises to you
assure that you will never become a burden to Him.
"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
2. The Lord Is All-Knowing and All-Wise.
The Lord knows exactly what you are going through and how you feel.
He knows precisely what your family needs, both now and in the
future. He is willing to share this wisdom with you; all you have
to do is ask.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." (James 1:5-6a)
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched
with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need."
(Hebrews 4:15-16)
3. The Lord Is Loving and Kind.
The Lord loves you and your family with unfathomable, pure, and
unfailing love.
"Behold, what manner of love the Father
hath bestowed upon us,
that we should be called the sons of God." (I John 3:1)
"Casting all your care upon him;
for he careth for you." (I Peter 5:7)
He will give you what is best in His time and in His way.
This is where our trust in Him must be implicit.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God)."
(Hebrews 11:6)
"And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God." (Romans 8:28)
How To Avail Yourself of the Lord's Wonderful Support
Sadly enough, we all too often fail to receive the gracious gifts of
our Lord for various reasons.
• We get into the habit of trying to meet our own needs,
forgetting to turn to the Lord.
• The physical world can seem more real to us than the unseen
spiritual world.
We can correct this habit and misperception and find our Lord's aid
and fellowship in the following ways:
1. Spend time daily in reading, studying, memorizing,
and meditating on God's Word.
Morning, noon, and night is not too much.
• Morning - Have your private time with the Lord.
• Noon - Read, study, or memorize Scripture in your school time or
at the lunch table.
• Evening - Have family Bible reading at the table or before bed
with Dad.
It is in His written revelation to us that we meet the Lord and He
speaks to us.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
Restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure,
Making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
Rejoicing the heart
Psalms 19:7-8a
2. Fill your life with good Christian music.
Music is a powerful influence in our lives. Both the words and the
style of the old hymns of the faith carry a message that honors the
Lord and reminds you of Him and His attributes.
Although constant background music can be distracting and lose its
impact, there are many times during the day that listening to, or
singing, Christian songs can turn your thoughts to the Lord.
You might want to lead your children in a chorus or hymn each time
you read from God's Word.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
(Colossians 3:16)
3. Talk to the Lord frequently throughout the day.
It might be hard to visualize the Lord beside you all day long, but
if you engage in conversational prayer with Him throughout the day,
you will be reminded of, and comforted by, His presence.
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
Look for Support at Home
Your family comprises a support group for you, your husband, and
your children. Here is how you can give and receive support right
at home.
1. Start with Yourself
Set Realistic Expectations
God does not ask us to do more than we are able. It is up to us to
make sure we don't load ourselves down with extra projects of our
own devising that he did not intend.
• Don't get carried away with extra-curricular activities; you
need to be home to home school!
• If you are overwhelmed already, consider some of our suggestions
for efficient school schedules in our Back-to-Home-School Checklist.
http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/newsletter129.cfm
• Cut back and slow down until you can manage your goals. It
is better to do a little well and then add more back in as
you can.
Maintain Your Health
We must also be good stewards of the resources He has given us,
including our own health. We are not free to indulge in excesses,
but must eat, work, and rest in ways that preserve our ability to
accomplish His purposes. We all know the basic rules:
• Eat healthily; drop extra pounds.
• Drink enough water.
• Exercise regularly, but reasonably. A daily walk with your
family promotes family unity as well as physical health.
• Deal with stress and problems God's way, don't let them build up.
• Take time to relax and enjoy your family.
• Get your full amount of sleep every night.
You cannot get enough support from others to make up for a disregard
of the laws of cause and effect that God has ordained.
2. Don't Overlook Your Spouse
Maintaining a loving relationship with your spouse will naturally be
a great support to you. And remember, you are his support system
too.
While your spouse is your closest human support and should be kept
aware of your thoughts and feelings, problems and struggles, he
should not feel that he is solely responsible to "fix" everything.
Let him know that you have other resources, and discuss options
together with the confidence you gain from trusting the Lord.
It might help to obtain a book and show it to your husband to
reassure him of the validity and benefits of home schooling.
Your spouse may need some practical suggestions for ways to support
you.
• Perhaps you only need 15 or 20 minutes at the end of each day to
debrief each other and pray about any situations that have arisen.
• Agree on standards for your children's behavior and a system for
their consistent discipline.
• Plan times to relax together.
3. Look to Your Family
Home schoolers recognize the value of the family unit. Let it
support you. Enlist the help and support of your children.
Grandparents or other relatives may offer support as well.
Your family will need help in knowing how to support you.
• You may need to tell your children, "I really love you and love
teaching you, but I need a little extra help in keeping up with the
chores. A word of encouragement or a hug would sure come in handy
too!"
• Be sure you model support and encouragement in the way you
interact with your family at all times.
• Family members can, and should, be each others' best friends and
supporters. Talk to your children about helping each other in this
way. A focus on the positive can replace problems.
Look for Support from Other People
1. Look to Good Friends
Just one faithful, sympathetic, and praying friend can offer a
tremendous amount of support. This informal "support group" can
meet on the phone whenever the need or opportunity arises or once a
week at a specified time.
Caution: Don't let this good friend take the place of the Lord or
your spouse.
When like-minded home-school families spend time together, they
provide needed support and encouragement for the whole family.
2. Consider Mentoring
Veteran home educators should consider what they have to offer
beginners. New home schoolers can look for veteran home educators
to mentor them. A regular time together or an occasional phone call
can make a big difference!
A local support group may be able to help you find a mentor.
3. Look to a Support Group
Support Groups may consist of only two families, or they may be
large and offer many functions and activities.
Involvement with your local Christian home-school group can provide
encouragement, fellowship, educational opportunities, field trips,
academic training and information, solutions to your problems, and
answers for your questions.
Cautions
• Don't become overwhelmed by trying to participate in all the
activities offered by your support group.
• Look for a group that will support your family's standards.
4. Look to Your Local Church
The fellowship and teaching of your local church provides important
support for your spiritual life.
An ideal home-school support group might also be formed within your
church if fellow members are home schooling. It is an added blessing
to have a pastor who encourages you in your home-school efforts.
"And let us consider one another
to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
-----------------------------
Veteran homeschool sisters, Cindy Short and Sue Welch edit a free e-
mail newsletter. Sign up at http://www.teachinghome.com.
See 164 archived issues at http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/
Copyright 2006 The Teaching Home
Is Your Love for Your Spouse Conditional?
for personal/ministry resource
by Crosswalk
Is Your Love for Your Spouse Conditional?
Dr. Gary and Barbara Rosberg
America's Family Coaches
Have you ever found yourself irritated with your spouse – not liking
him or her very much – even though you know you love your spouse? Most
of us have had those days! It's perfectly normal. No two people can
live together for any length of time without once in awhile rubbing
each other the wrong way.
What's important is how you handle these kinds of times. If you let
those feelings of hurt or disappointment take over – your marriage
will suffer. You will create a rift in your relationship. So you have
to make a choice. You have to decide to love. You may not feel loving,
but if you decide to love, the feelings will follow.
You have to learn to demonstrate unconditional love to your spouse.
Unconditional love is necessary for a strong marriage. Are you
practicing unconditional love in your marriage? Here are some
questions to consider:
• Have you accepted your spouse's failures or weaknesses?
• Do you support your spouse, or do you see his or her weaknesses as
projects to fix?
• Are you afraid to be honest because your spouse might not accept you?
There is a huge difference between unconditional love and conditional
love. Conditional love blames a person, expects things in return, and
asks for more. Unconditional love accepts the person, expects nothing
in return and sacrifices.
Conditional love says:
• "I will love you only if…"
• "I don't know if I can handle the tough times. If things get too bad
I'm outta here."
• "I might not be able to forgive you if you tell me…"
Unconditional love says:
• "I will love you even if…"
• "I will stay with you no matter what. I will always love you, even
in the tough times."
• "I know I'll still love you if you tell me…"
Your spouse isn't perfect and you are the one person who sees all his
or her faults and fears. What do you do with what you know about your
spouse?
• Do you tease your spouse with hurtful words?
• Worse, do you tease your spouse with hurtful words in front of others?
• Do you put your spouse down?
• Do you withhold your love until your spouse corrects certain faults?
If you answered "yes" to a majority of these questions, you are loving
conditionally and creating a huge fault line that can at any moment
open up and become a large chasm between you. Conditional love creates
a marriage in which each spouse is more concerned with getting his or
her own way, instead of showing their spouse grace and love.
Your response and connection to your spouse are crucial to the health
of your marriage and family. Your expression of unconditional love and
acceptance is the force that will hold you together in the midst of
the testing times in your marriage. Your standing with each other in
the painful times as well as the good times is one of the primary
elements of a great marriage.
If you love each other conditionally, you'll end up living like two
immature children – each trying to get your own way and resenting the
other person when you don't. You may still be married, but you'll miss
out on the joy of a great marriage. Also, husbands and wives who don't
get unconditional love in their marriage may look for it somewhere
else. And while they're looking for that unconditional love – they're
pulling away from their spouse.
Learning unconditional love is worth it, but it's not easy. Giving
your spouse the security of your unwavering love requires grace,
patience, affirmation of the good things, encouragement, respect and
time. Even when you don't feel like showing love, do it anyway. You
need it; your spouse needs it; your marriage needs it.
Here are some tips on how to keep your dream marriage alive.
• Talk through the issues. Communicate freely with each other and keep
no inappropriate secrets.
• Love each other deeply, without strings. Forgive your spouse when
you are wronged and seek forgiveness when you offend.
• Begin each day by asking, "What can I do for you?" Eagerly seek to
discover and meet each other's needs.
• Hang tough. Pray without ceasing. Instead of caving in to difficult
circumstances, face and conquer them.
• Focus on Christ, and love your spouse. Consciously guard yourselves
against threats and temptations that could pull your marriage apart.
• Pray together daily. Stay close. Work at maintaining emotional,
physical and spiritual closeness.
• Keep the chemistry with your spouse alive. Be committed to keeping
your relationship fresh.
Keeping your marriage strong, vibrant and fresh isn't always easy. But
if you put in the time and effort, you'll discover how truly amazing
your marriage can be.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portions of this article were adapted from "The Great Marriage Q&A
Book," Copyright 2006 by Dr. Gary and Barbara Rosberg, all rights
reserved. Published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.,www.tyndale.com.
To order this resource or to find our more about Dr. Gary and Barb –
Your Marriage Coaches, visit www.drgaryandbarb.com or call
1-888-608-COACH.
Married over 30 years, the parents of two adult daughters and four
grandchildren, Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg, your marriage coaches, have
a unique blend of insight and wisdom that touch people of all ages.
Together with Gary's 25,000 hours of counseling experience and
Barbara's gift of encouragement and biblical teaching, they are
equipping thousands of families across the nation through their
interactive daily radio program, conferences, and marriage and family
resources.
by Crosswalk
Is Your Love for Your Spouse Conditional?
Dr. Gary and Barbara Rosberg
America's Family Coaches
Have you ever found yourself irritated with your spouse – not liking
him or her very much – even though you know you love your spouse? Most
of us have had those days! It's perfectly normal. No two people can
live together for any length of time without once in awhile rubbing
each other the wrong way.
What's important is how you handle these kinds of times. If you let
those feelings of hurt or disappointment take over – your marriage
will suffer. You will create a rift in your relationship. So you have
to make a choice. You have to decide to love. You may not feel loving,
but if you decide to love, the feelings will follow.
You have to learn to demonstrate unconditional love to your spouse.
Unconditional love is necessary for a strong marriage. Are you
practicing unconditional love in your marriage? Here are some
questions to consider:
• Have you accepted your spouse's failures or weaknesses?
• Do you support your spouse, or do you see his or her weaknesses as
projects to fix?
• Are you afraid to be honest because your spouse might not accept you?
There is a huge difference between unconditional love and conditional
love. Conditional love blames a person, expects things in return, and
asks for more. Unconditional love accepts the person, expects nothing
in return and sacrifices.
Conditional love says:
• "I will love you only if…"
• "I don't know if I can handle the tough times. If things get too bad
I'm outta here."
• "I might not be able to forgive you if you tell me…"
Unconditional love says:
• "I will love you even if…"
• "I will stay with you no matter what. I will always love you, even
in the tough times."
• "I know I'll still love you if you tell me…"
Your spouse isn't perfect and you are the one person who sees all his
or her faults and fears. What do you do with what you know about your
spouse?
• Do you tease your spouse with hurtful words?
• Worse, do you tease your spouse with hurtful words in front of others?
• Do you put your spouse down?
• Do you withhold your love until your spouse corrects certain faults?
If you answered "yes" to a majority of these questions, you are loving
conditionally and creating a huge fault line that can at any moment
open up and become a large chasm between you. Conditional love creates
a marriage in which each spouse is more concerned with getting his or
her own way, instead of showing their spouse grace and love.
Your response and connection to your spouse are crucial to the health
of your marriage and family. Your expression of unconditional love and
acceptance is the force that will hold you together in the midst of
the testing times in your marriage. Your standing with each other in
the painful times as well as the good times is one of the primary
elements of a great marriage.
If you love each other conditionally, you'll end up living like two
immature children – each trying to get your own way and resenting the
other person when you don't. You may still be married, but you'll miss
out on the joy of a great marriage. Also, husbands and wives who don't
get unconditional love in their marriage may look for it somewhere
else. And while they're looking for that unconditional love – they're
pulling away from their spouse.
Learning unconditional love is worth it, but it's not easy. Giving
your spouse the security of your unwavering love requires grace,
patience, affirmation of the good things, encouragement, respect and
time. Even when you don't feel like showing love, do it anyway. You
need it; your spouse needs it; your marriage needs it.
Here are some tips on how to keep your dream marriage alive.
• Talk through the issues. Communicate freely with each other and keep
no inappropriate secrets.
• Love each other deeply, without strings. Forgive your spouse when
you are wronged and seek forgiveness when you offend.
• Begin each day by asking, "What can I do for you?" Eagerly seek to
discover and meet each other's needs.
• Hang tough. Pray without ceasing. Instead of caving in to difficult
circumstances, face and conquer them.
• Focus on Christ, and love your spouse. Consciously guard yourselves
against threats and temptations that could pull your marriage apart.
• Pray together daily. Stay close. Work at maintaining emotional,
physical and spiritual closeness.
• Keep the chemistry with your spouse alive. Be committed to keeping
your relationship fresh.
Keeping your marriage strong, vibrant and fresh isn't always easy. But
if you put in the time and effort, you'll discover how truly amazing
your marriage can be.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portions of this article were adapted from "The Great Marriage Q&A
Book," Copyright 2006 by Dr. Gary and Barbara Rosberg, all rights
reserved. Published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.,www.tyndale.com.
To order this resource or to find our more about Dr. Gary and Barb –
Your Marriage Coaches, visit www.drgaryandbarb.com or call
1-888-608-COACH.
Married over 30 years, the parents of two adult daughters and four
grandchildren, Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg, your marriage coaches, have
a unique blend of insight and wisdom that touch people of all ages.
Together with Gary's 25,000 hours of counseling experience and
Barbara's gift of encouragement and biblical teaching, they are
equipping thousands of families across the nation through their
interactive daily radio program, conferences, and marriage and family
resources.
Story / Illustration :Clay Balls
author unknown
posted by: helpmeet Sue Pollock
Thanks Sue!
A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone! Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!
It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look good outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy but we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.
There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth. May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
posted by: helpmeet Sue Pollock
Thanks Sue!
A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone! Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!
It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look good outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy but we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.
There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth. May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Develop Your Mind for God
Author: Whitney Hopler
Source: Crosswalk.com
The following is a report on the practical applications of James
Emery White's new book, A Mind for God, (IVP Books, 2006).
In today's world, a myriad of views clamor for your attention, while
popular culture distracts you with mindless entertainment. It's a
challenge to develop your intellect and use it to think biblically
about the world – but it's vital to do so. If you don't, you'll be
taken captive by competing worldviews and fail to make the truth
heard above the chaos.
So make it a priority to develop your mind for God. Here's how:
* Recognize that ideas have consequences. Know that ideas have great
power to influence people. Come to understand ideas that are
prevalent in the world and challenge biblical truth, such as: moral
relativism (which claims that moral values are a matter of personal
opinion or private judgment instead of something grounded in
objective truth), autonomous individualism (which claims that moral
authority rests with individuals alone, with no higher moral
authority to guide or determine choices), narcissistic hedonism
(which claims that personal pleasure and fulfillment are what
matters most), and reductive naturalism (which claims that anything
that can't be examined in a physically tangible, scientific manner
is unknowable and meaningless). Ask God to show you how these
worldviews commonplace in secular culture have affected your own
thinking. Then use your understanding of these perspectives to
engage the world for Christ, seeking to help meet people's unmet
needs. Consider how you might begin to live in ways that could
intersect with their deepest longings and questions.
* Read with a purpose. Don't read simply to entertain yourself;
instead, seek to expand your mind through your reading. Schedule
time regularly to read and seriously study the Bible. Select a wide
variety of books to read that represent thoughtful literature and
help prepare you to understand and engage the world's ideas. Be sure
to read Christian books, but don't limit yourself to those alone.
Recognize that God's truth can be found in some secular books, as
well, and that those that contain opposing worldviews can help you
understand the need for dialogue and redemption. Include some old,
classic books on your reading list, because doing so is like
engaging in a conversation with some of the noblest people of
history and benefiting from their ideas and experiences. Don't be
intimidated by writing styles that demand more effort to understand
than others; know that exercising your mind is worth it.
* Go beyond information to wisdom. As you encounter the vast amounts
of information available to you through the media, don't just soak
it in without thinking about it. Instead, ask God to help you
analyze and interpret the information well and grow wiser from what
you learn. Ask yourself questions such as, "What's right?", "What's
wrong?", "What's reputable?", "What is without merit?", "What does
this mean?", "How does this relate to God's purposes?" and "What
should my response be?".
* View learning as a lifelong process. Recognize that learning is
something you should constantly be doing throughout your life. No
matter how old you are or how long ago you graduated from formal
schooling, see yourself as a student and devote yourself to learning
as much as you can. Build biblical literacy (understanding God's
Word well), historical literacy (understanding the significance of
historical events, especially as they show God at work in ages
past), and theological literacy (understanding biblical answers to
life's great questions, and why they matter to you today). Pursue
continuing education opportunities through community colleges,
churches' educational ministries, seminaries, the Internet,
universities' distance learning programs, libraries, mentoring
programs, book discussion groups, etc.
* Learn how to think well. Carve out time regularly for reflection
in silence and solitude, prayer, and Scripture reading so you can
learn how to think wisely. As you ponder your thoughts, ask the Holy
Spirit to renew your mind and help you separate fact from fiction
and what is true from what is merely clever. Take time to consider
our culture's messages, and how they're aiming to make you feel.
Engage those messages by asking yourself tough questions about them
and how you should respond. Don't compartmentalize your life;
instead, integrate your worldview into every aspect of your life so
you think about every subject in light of your faith.
* Develop disciplines. Know that, to cultivate your mind well, you
must do it intentionally and often counter-culturally. Don't let
life's urgent activities crowd out what's most important in your
life. Decide that you will make it a priority to develop your
intellect, no matter what your current circumstances. Schedule time
to read four days a week, for about 30 minutes a day, in a place
that's as free of chaos and interruptions as possible – and guard
your reading time. Sign up for a class that meets regularly, or
schedule regular time to study something that interests you. Use
your downtime (time spent waiting in line, in traffic, etc.) to
learn by reading, writing, or listening. Every day, enjoy some quiet
time reading the Bible, praying, and perhaps journaling as well.
Periodically, get away for a retreat (either on a trip, or simply a
walk in your yard or local park) to reflect and pray.
* Be able to answer, "So what?" Understand that the deepest question
the world has about Christianity is, "So what?" Decide that you will
use your intellect to help answer that question for people who are
seeking the truth. Don't simply explore ideas and arguments for your
own sake; instead, prepare yourself to defend the faith, present
reasons to believe, and motivate people to consider why the Bible's
message is important and should matter to them. Ask God to give you
courage to use your mind to reach other minds for Christ.
..............
Adapted from A Mind for God, copyright 2006 by James Emery White.
Published by IVP Books, an imprint of InterVarsity Press, Downers
Grove, Ill., www.ivpress.com.
James Emery White is the president of Gordon-Conwell Theological
Seminary, with campuses in South Hamilton (Massachusetts), Boston,
Charlotte and Jacksonville. He holds M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees in
theology, history and biblical studies. He is the author of 12
books, including Embracing the Mysterious God, Serious Times and
The Prayer God Longs For.
Source: Crosswalk.com
The following is a report on the practical applications of James
Emery White's new book, A Mind for God, (IVP Books, 2006).
In today's world, a myriad of views clamor for your attention, while
popular culture distracts you with mindless entertainment. It's a
challenge to develop your intellect and use it to think biblically
about the world – but it's vital to do so. If you don't, you'll be
taken captive by competing worldviews and fail to make the truth
heard above the chaos.
So make it a priority to develop your mind for God. Here's how:
* Recognize that ideas have consequences. Know that ideas have great
power to influence people. Come to understand ideas that are
prevalent in the world and challenge biblical truth, such as: moral
relativism (which claims that moral values are a matter of personal
opinion or private judgment instead of something grounded in
objective truth), autonomous individualism (which claims that moral
authority rests with individuals alone, with no higher moral
authority to guide or determine choices), narcissistic hedonism
(which claims that personal pleasure and fulfillment are what
matters most), and reductive naturalism (which claims that anything
that can't be examined in a physically tangible, scientific manner
is unknowable and meaningless). Ask God to show you how these
worldviews commonplace in secular culture have affected your own
thinking. Then use your understanding of these perspectives to
engage the world for Christ, seeking to help meet people's unmet
needs. Consider how you might begin to live in ways that could
intersect with their deepest longings and questions.
* Read with a purpose. Don't read simply to entertain yourself;
instead, seek to expand your mind through your reading. Schedule
time regularly to read and seriously study the Bible. Select a wide
variety of books to read that represent thoughtful literature and
help prepare you to understand and engage the world's ideas. Be sure
to read Christian books, but don't limit yourself to those alone.
Recognize that God's truth can be found in some secular books, as
well, and that those that contain opposing worldviews can help you
understand the need for dialogue and redemption. Include some old,
classic books on your reading list, because doing so is like
engaging in a conversation with some of the noblest people of
history and benefiting from their ideas and experiences. Don't be
intimidated by writing styles that demand more effort to understand
than others; know that exercising your mind is worth it.
* Go beyond information to wisdom. As you encounter the vast amounts
of information available to you through the media, don't just soak
it in without thinking about it. Instead, ask God to help you
analyze and interpret the information well and grow wiser from what
you learn. Ask yourself questions such as, "What's right?", "What's
wrong?", "What's reputable?", "What is without merit?", "What does
this mean?", "How does this relate to God's purposes?" and "What
should my response be?".
* View learning as a lifelong process. Recognize that learning is
something you should constantly be doing throughout your life. No
matter how old you are or how long ago you graduated from formal
schooling, see yourself as a student and devote yourself to learning
as much as you can. Build biblical literacy (understanding God's
Word well), historical literacy (understanding the significance of
historical events, especially as they show God at work in ages
past), and theological literacy (understanding biblical answers to
life's great questions, and why they matter to you today). Pursue
continuing education opportunities through community colleges,
churches' educational ministries, seminaries, the Internet,
universities' distance learning programs, libraries, mentoring
programs, book discussion groups, etc.
* Learn how to think well. Carve out time regularly for reflection
in silence and solitude, prayer, and Scripture reading so you can
learn how to think wisely. As you ponder your thoughts, ask the Holy
Spirit to renew your mind and help you separate fact from fiction
and what is true from what is merely clever. Take time to consider
our culture's messages, and how they're aiming to make you feel.
Engage those messages by asking yourself tough questions about them
and how you should respond. Don't compartmentalize your life;
instead, integrate your worldview into every aspect of your life so
you think about every subject in light of your faith.
* Develop disciplines. Know that, to cultivate your mind well, you
must do it intentionally and often counter-culturally. Don't let
life's urgent activities crowd out what's most important in your
life. Decide that you will make it a priority to develop your
intellect, no matter what your current circumstances. Schedule time
to read four days a week, for about 30 minutes a day, in a place
that's as free of chaos and interruptions as possible – and guard
your reading time. Sign up for a class that meets regularly, or
schedule regular time to study something that interests you. Use
your downtime (time spent waiting in line, in traffic, etc.) to
learn by reading, writing, or listening. Every day, enjoy some quiet
time reading the Bible, praying, and perhaps journaling as well.
Periodically, get away for a retreat (either on a trip, or simply a
walk in your yard or local park) to reflect and pray.
* Be able to answer, "So what?" Understand that the deepest question
the world has about Christianity is, "So what?" Decide that you will
use your intellect to help answer that question for people who are
seeking the truth. Don't simply explore ideas and arguments for your
own sake; instead, prepare yourself to defend the faith, present
reasons to believe, and motivate people to consider why the Bible's
message is important and should matter to them. Ask God to give you
courage to use your mind to reach other minds for Christ.
..............
Adapted from A Mind for God, copyright 2006 by James Emery White.
Published by IVP Books, an imprint of InterVarsity Press, Downers
Grove, Ill., www.ivpress.com.
James Emery White is the president of Gordon-Conwell Theological
Seminary, with campuses in South Hamilton (Massachusetts), Boston,
Charlotte and Jacksonville. He holds M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees in
theology, history and biblical studies. He is the author of 12
books, including Embracing the Mysterious God, Serious Times and
The Prayer God Longs For.
Mother's Need for Guiltless Solitude
hi pastor's wife, here's an article by Mary M. Byers.
my sincere apologies,i forgot to note the source
I clearly remember the day that The Mother Load overwhelmed me, and I sought refuge in our walk-in closet. I was sleep-deprived, exhausted, and surrounded by crying, needy children. My four-year-old had missed the toilet, wetting herself and the floor. My two-year-old had dumped his cereal, complete with milk. The kitchen was strewn with undone dishes from breakfast, the family room was littered with toys from the toy box, the phone was ringing, our pet birds were chirping, and the dryer was buzzing. My mind was swirling with sound, and I couldn’t hear myself think. What I needed was a moment of solitude before I exploded into a thousand pieces.
And so I did the only thing I could think of: I hid in the closet.
On that particular day, it was just what I needed. Three minutes to calm my nerves, take a deep breath, reassure myself that I was a good mother (even though I was, at the moment, hiding from my children), and gain my composure so that I could face the rest of the day. The bad thing was that it was only 9:00 a.m. when I took cover.
If you’re the mother of young children, I know that you, too, have sought refuge from your children. It’s okay; you can admit it. You may not have actually shut yourself in a closet, but I’m sure there have been times you’ve wanted to.
Mothering is an intense, around-the-clock job. Being physically and emotionally available to other humans—often with no concern for your own needs—is tough work. But the tough work is made easier when we can find, or make, small pockets of time in order to reconnect with ourselves, organize our daily work, plan for the future, and communicate intimately with the God who created us.
Do you need solitude? Here are some possible indicators:
• You lose your temper more quickly and are more frustrated with your children than usual.
• You cannot think clearly.
• You’re disorganized, unable to find things you need, and are forgetful.
• You feel disconnected from yourself, your family, and your Creator.
• You feel overwhelmed.
Although I’ve craved solitude almost every day since becoming a mother, I didn’t discover its true power until lately. One night my kids asked me to join them in a game of Hide and Seek. I told my daughter to cover her eyes and count to ten while my son and I hid. He went to my room and I went to his and hid in the closet. (I seem to spend a lot of time in closets, don’t I?) Minutes passed. Then more minutes passed. I relaxed and started enjoying the solitude in the closet. As I sat amidst the clothes and the shoes, I marveled that in my hiding spot there were no clothes to fold, no sandwiches to prepare, no school parties to organize, no appointments to keep and no groceries to put away.
I closed my eyes and leaned back against the smooth closet wall. More minutes passed and I used the time to reassess how I had spent my day and to make a mental "To Do" list for the next day. When that was done, I began to pray, thanking God for kids and closets and the unexpected solitude I’d found.
More time passed. I couldn’t imagine why my kids hadn’t found me yet. Then I heard my husband’s voice. "Honey, are you up here?" he asked. I whispered back, "Are the kids still looking for me?" My husband followed the sound of my voice to my son’s room and entered just as I slid the closet door open a crack. When he saw me, he doubled over with laughter. "What’s so funny?" I asked, feeling a foolish staring at him from the depths of the closet. He was laughing so hard he couldn’t answer. Finally, when the laughter subsided, he confided that the kids had stopped looking for me long ago and were now involved in a game of "Farm Families" in our bedroom.
As I climbed out of my hiding spot, I realized that I had just experienced solitude in the truest sense. The dictionary defines it as "the state of being alone or remote from others; isolation." In the closet, I was truly isolated. The moments alone gave me the opportunity to be a human "being" rather than a human "doing," as I usually am. Instead of furiously working, I was "busy" sitting still.
My minutes in the closet helped me discover what solitude is all about. It’s really about the beauty of silence and how it touches our soul. It is in our quiet times that we are most able to concentrate on what’s important, and in so doing, we are able to simplify life, regain our focus, and gather the energy necessary to continue along life’s path. Now, when I’m alone, I try to practice the art of simply existing for at least five minutes. It’s difficult. But spending time doing nothing often produces great results: ideas flow, thanksgiving wells up in my soul, peace settles in, energy is restored. And more than anything, I reconnect with the deep sense of purpose that encouraged me to become a mother in the first place.
I used to feel guilty and selfish when I set aside time for myself, but the more I mother, the more I realize that one of a mother’s greatest needs is time to rest and refuel in order to be able to keep on giving of herself. When I’m depleted, it’s difficult to find the means to assist and respond to my children and their varied needs. But when I’m well-rested and rejuvenated, I find it much easier to embrace the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
More importantly, I find it easier to pass these same fruits along to my children.
Adapted from The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for your Family by Mary M. Byers; copyright 2004 by the author. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR; Used by permission.
my sincere apologies,i forgot to note the source
I clearly remember the day that The Mother Load overwhelmed me, and I sought refuge in our walk-in closet. I was sleep-deprived, exhausted, and surrounded by crying, needy children. My four-year-old had missed the toilet, wetting herself and the floor. My two-year-old had dumped his cereal, complete with milk. The kitchen was strewn with undone dishes from breakfast, the family room was littered with toys from the toy box, the phone was ringing, our pet birds were chirping, and the dryer was buzzing. My mind was swirling with sound, and I couldn’t hear myself think. What I needed was a moment of solitude before I exploded into a thousand pieces.
And so I did the only thing I could think of: I hid in the closet.
On that particular day, it was just what I needed. Three minutes to calm my nerves, take a deep breath, reassure myself that I was a good mother (even though I was, at the moment, hiding from my children), and gain my composure so that I could face the rest of the day. The bad thing was that it was only 9:00 a.m. when I took cover.
If you’re the mother of young children, I know that you, too, have sought refuge from your children. It’s okay; you can admit it. You may not have actually shut yourself in a closet, but I’m sure there have been times you’ve wanted to.
Mothering is an intense, around-the-clock job. Being physically and emotionally available to other humans—often with no concern for your own needs—is tough work. But the tough work is made easier when we can find, or make, small pockets of time in order to reconnect with ourselves, organize our daily work, plan for the future, and communicate intimately with the God who created us.
Do you need solitude? Here are some possible indicators:
• You lose your temper more quickly and are more frustrated with your children than usual.
• You cannot think clearly.
• You’re disorganized, unable to find things you need, and are forgetful.
• You feel disconnected from yourself, your family, and your Creator.
• You feel overwhelmed.
Although I’ve craved solitude almost every day since becoming a mother, I didn’t discover its true power until lately. One night my kids asked me to join them in a game of Hide and Seek. I told my daughter to cover her eyes and count to ten while my son and I hid. He went to my room and I went to his and hid in the closet. (I seem to spend a lot of time in closets, don’t I?) Minutes passed. Then more minutes passed. I relaxed and started enjoying the solitude in the closet. As I sat amidst the clothes and the shoes, I marveled that in my hiding spot there were no clothes to fold, no sandwiches to prepare, no school parties to organize, no appointments to keep and no groceries to put away.
I closed my eyes and leaned back against the smooth closet wall. More minutes passed and I used the time to reassess how I had spent my day and to make a mental "To Do" list for the next day. When that was done, I began to pray, thanking God for kids and closets and the unexpected solitude I’d found.
More time passed. I couldn’t imagine why my kids hadn’t found me yet. Then I heard my husband’s voice. "Honey, are you up here?" he asked. I whispered back, "Are the kids still looking for me?" My husband followed the sound of my voice to my son’s room and entered just as I slid the closet door open a crack. When he saw me, he doubled over with laughter. "What’s so funny?" I asked, feeling a foolish staring at him from the depths of the closet. He was laughing so hard he couldn’t answer. Finally, when the laughter subsided, he confided that the kids had stopped looking for me long ago and were now involved in a game of "Farm Families" in our bedroom.
As I climbed out of my hiding spot, I realized that I had just experienced solitude in the truest sense. The dictionary defines it as "the state of being alone or remote from others; isolation." In the closet, I was truly isolated. The moments alone gave me the opportunity to be a human "being" rather than a human "doing," as I usually am. Instead of furiously working, I was "busy" sitting still.
My minutes in the closet helped me discover what solitude is all about. It’s really about the beauty of silence and how it touches our soul. It is in our quiet times that we are most able to concentrate on what’s important, and in so doing, we are able to simplify life, regain our focus, and gather the energy necessary to continue along life’s path. Now, when I’m alone, I try to practice the art of simply existing for at least five minutes. It’s difficult. But spending time doing nothing often produces great results: ideas flow, thanksgiving wells up in my soul, peace settles in, energy is restored. And more than anything, I reconnect with the deep sense of purpose that encouraged me to become a mother in the first place.
I used to feel guilty and selfish when I set aside time for myself, but the more I mother, the more I realize that one of a mother’s greatest needs is time to rest and refuel in order to be able to keep on giving of herself. When I’m depleted, it’s difficult to find the means to assist and respond to my children and their varied needs. But when I’m well-rested and rejuvenated, I find it much easier to embrace the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
More importantly, I find it easier to pass these same fruits along to my children.
Adapted from The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for your Family by Mary M. Byers; copyright 2004 by the author. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR; Used by permission.
Feed Your Face: 10 Foods for Better Skin
Feed Your Face: 10 Foods for Better Skin
You Are What You Eat
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Source: Life Script
Wouldn’t it be great if the food you ate made you more beautiful? Well it can – if you’re eating the right stuff, that is. You can’t just shove junk food in your face and expect to have radiant skin. But if you swap those cheese puffs for a cup of cottage cheese, you just might get glowing results. Read on for 10 yummy foods that’ll fill your belly AND nourish your skin. Plus: Take our quiz to find out if you’re skin care savvy…
At some point, you have to realize that what shows on the outside is a reflection of what’s on the inside. A dull, dry complexion is a blinking neon sign that you’re not eating right. Lucky for you, you can put your best face forward with a better diet.
Face Food #1: Avocadoes
You had to know we couldn’t talk about face foods without mentioning the avocado. This creamy, green fruit is abundant in essential oils and b-complex vitamins that nourish your skin inside and out. Niacin (vitamin B3) is especially important for skin health, and is found in abundance in avocadoes. As an anti-inflammatory, niacin soothes irritated skin and can calm down red, blotchy skin. One avocado has 3.8 mg niacin – 27% of your daily need.
Blend half an avocado with yogurt and frozen berries to make a tasty morning smoothie. The creamy, nutty flavor will make you seriously question why you’ve been using bananas as a thickener all these years. Plus: Keep reading for a great avocado face mask recipe that will solve your dry skin problems instantly.
Face Food #2: Mangoes
Mangoes have more than 80% of your daily requirements for vitamin A, which is why they’re such a great face food. Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin cells, which is why you’ll have a dry, flaky complexion if you’re deficient in this nutrient. As an antioxidant, vitamin A also fights free radical damage that can prematurely age the skin. And with less than 70 calories per serving, this succulent fruit is the perfect pick for your figure as well as your face.
Face Food #3: Almonds
Not only is it a great shape for your eyes, almonds are also great food for your complexion. With 150% of your daily need for vitamin E, it’s no wonder that getting a bit nutty is good for you. The rich oils in vitamin E moisturize dry skin, while the antioxidants protect against skin damage and premature aging of facial tissue.
Face Food #4: Cottage Cheese
Dairy isn’t just good for your bones, it’s great for your face, too. But it’s the selenium in cottage cheese, not the calcium, that has us really going wild for these creamy curds. Selenium, a mineral, teams up with vitamin E as a powerful free-radical fighting antioxidant. Plus, it’s been touted to protect against skin cancer and even fight dandruff.
Face Food #5: Acerola Cherries
Your average cherry doesn’t supply a significant amount of vitamin C, but don’t tell that to this particular cherry. One single Acerola cherry supplies 100% of your daily allowance for vitamin C, which is great news for your skin. As an antioxidant, vitamin C fights skin damage and wrinkles. It also plays a central role in the production of collagen, the structural protein in your skin. Ain’t life just a bowl of cherries?
Face Food #6: Oysters
Whether they’re an aphrodisiac or not, oysters are certainly in love with your skin. As a rich source of zinc, oysters may help fight acne. Since zinc plays a role in sebum production, a deficiency may contribute to acne problems. Not only can getting enough zinc in your diet help clear up acne, it can also help boost elastin production with the help of vitamin C.
Face Food #7: Baked Potatoes
Unlike the greasy French fry, a plump, steaming baked potato is actually good for your skin. One baked potato (with the skin) supplies 75% of your daily recommendation for copper. This mineral works hand-in-hand with vitamin C and zinc to produce the elastin fibers that support skin structure. Too little copper in your diet can reduce your skin’s ability to heal and cause it to become rigid and lifeless.
Face Food #8: Mushrooms
This fungi isn’t only great for shish kebabs and stir fries, it’s also rich in riboflavin, a B vitamin that’s vital to your skin. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is involved in tissue maintenance and repair, but actually goes beyond basic skin care to improve skin blemishes caused by rosacea. This vitamin is so important for skin repair that the body will use up large amounts after sustaining a burn or wound, or undergoing surgery.
Face Food #9: Flaxseed Oil
It’s no secret that Omega-3s are great for your skin, but did you know that flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of this essential fatty acid? That’s great news if you’re not a fish-lover. Just one teaspoon of flaxseed oil per day provides 2.5 grams of Omega-3s, which in turn hydrate the skin. Essential fatty acids are also beneficial for diluting sebum and unclogging pores that can otherwise lead to acne.
Face Food #10: Wheat Germ
Don’t let the “germ” scare you – it’s actually just the embryo within a grain of wheat, meaning it’s very nutritious. Wheat germ is a good source of biotin, a B vitamin that is crucial to skin health. Biotin is so important that even a mild deficiency can actually cause dermatitis, a skin condition characterized by itchy, scaly skin. Sprinkle wheat germ on yogurt for a tasty way to get more biotin in your diet.
Slather it on!
Not only can eating all of these foods nourish healthier skin from the inside out, some make for great facial masks, too.
Try this avocado mask to instantly moisturize your skin:
Mash one whole avocado.
Add 1 tsp flaxseed oil and 1 tsp honey.
Mix together until smooth and creamy.
Apply to face and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse clean with warm water.
Take care of your skin by eating right and having fun with your food. Also be sure to drink plenty of water and exercise daily to flush out toxins, and don’t put toxins right back in your body! Smoking damages healthy skin and makes it more prone to wrinkles and an ashen, gray color – not pretty. And, finally, always wear sunscreen, especially on your face, whether it’s clearly sunny out, or cloudy and gray. Buy a face moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15 to protect your face or wear a hat that provides shade.
You Are What You Eat
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Source: Life Script
Wouldn’t it be great if the food you ate made you more beautiful? Well it can – if you’re eating the right stuff, that is. You can’t just shove junk food in your face and expect to have radiant skin. But if you swap those cheese puffs for a cup of cottage cheese, you just might get glowing results. Read on for 10 yummy foods that’ll fill your belly AND nourish your skin. Plus: Take our quiz to find out if you’re skin care savvy…
At some point, you have to realize that what shows on the outside is a reflection of what’s on the inside. A dull, dry complexion is a blinking neon sign that you’re not eating right. Lucky for you, you can put your best face forward with a better diet.
Face Food #1: Avocadoes
You had to know we couldn’t talk about face foods without mentioning the avocado. This creamy, green fruit is abundant in essential oils and b-complex vitamins that nourish your skin inside and out. Niacin (vitamin B3) is especially important for skin health, and is found in abundance in avocadoes. As an anti-inflammatory, niacin soothes irritated skin and can calm down red, blotchy skin. One avocado has 3.8 mg niacin – 27% of your daily need.
Blend half an avocado with yogurt and frozen berries to make a tasty morning smoothie. The creamy, nutty flavor will make you seriously question why you’ve been using bananas as a thickener all these years. Plus: Keep reading for a great avocado face mask recipe that will solve your dry skin problems instantly.
Face Food #2: Mangoes
Mangoes have more than 80% of your daily requirements for vitamin A, which is why they’re such a great face food. Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin cells, which is why you’ll have a dry, flaky complexion if you’re deficient in this nutrient. As an antioxidant, vitamin A also fights free radical damage that can prematurely age the skin. And with less than 70 calories per serving, this succulent fruit is the perfect pick for your figure as well as your face.
Face Food #3: Almonds
Not only is it a great shape for your eyes, almonds are also great food for your complexion. With 150% of your daily need for vitamin E, it’s no wonder that getting a bit nutty is good for you. The rich oils in vitamin E moisturize dry skin, while the antioxidants protect against skin damage and premature aging of facial tissue.
Face Food #4: Cottage Cheese
Dairy isn’t just good for your bones, it’s great for your face, too. But it’s the selenium in cottage cheese, not the calcium, that has us really going wild for these creamy curds. Selenium, a mineral, teams up with vitamin E as a powerful free-radical fighting antioxidant. Plus, it’s been touted to protect against skin cancer and even fight dandruff.
Face Food #5: Acerola Cherries
Your average cherry doesn’t supply a significant amount of vitamin C, but don’t tell that to this particular cherry. One single Acerola cherry supplies 100% of your daily allowance for vitamin C, which is great news for your skin. As an antioxidant, vitamin C fights skin damage and wrinkles. It also plays a central role in the production of collagen, the structural protein in your skin. Ain’t life just a bowl of cherries?
Face Food #6: Oysters
Whether they’re an aphrodisiac or not, oysters are certainly in love with your skin. As a rich source of zinc, oysters may help fight acne. Since zinc plays a role in sebum production, a deficiency may contribute to acne problems. Not only can getting enough zinc in your diet help clear up acne, it can also help boost elastin production with the help of vitamin C.
Face Food #7: Baked Potatoes
Unlike the greasy French fry, a plump, steaming baked potato is actually good for your skin. One baked potato (with the skin) supplies 75% of your daily recommendation for copper. This mineral works hand-in-hand with vitamin C and zinc to produce the elastin fibers that support skin structure. Too little copper in your diet can reduce your skin’s ability to heal and cause it to become rigid and lifeless.
Face Food #8: Mushrooms
This fungi isn’t only great for shish kebabs and stir fries, it’s also rich in riboflavin, a B vitamin that’s vital to your skin. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is involved in tissue maintenance and repair, but actually goes beyond basic skin care to improve skin blemishes caused by rosacea. This vitamin is so important for skin repair that the body will use up large amounts after sustaining a burn or wound, or undergoing surgery.
Face Food #9: Flaxseed Oil
It’s no secret that Omega-3s are great for your skin, but did you know that flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of this essential fatty acid? That’s great news if you’re not a fish-lover. Just one teaspoon of flaxseed oil per day provides 2.5 grams of Omega-3s, which in turn hydrate the skin. Essential fatty acids are also beneficial for diluting sebum and unclogging pores that can otherwise lead to acne.
Face Food #10: Wheat Germ
Don’t let the “germ” scare you – it’s actually just the embryo within a grain of wheat, meaning it’s very nutritious. Wheat germ is a good source of biotin, a B vitamin that is crucial to skin health. Biotin is so important that even a mild deficiency can actually cause dermatitis, a skin condition characterized by itchy, scaly skin. Sprinkle wheat germ on yogurt for a tasty way to get more biotin in your diet.
Slather it on!
Not only can eating all of these foods nourish healthier skin from the inside out, some make for great facial masks, too.
Try this avocado mask to instantly moisturize your skin:
Mash one whole avocado.
Add 1 tsp flaxseed oil and 1 tsp honey.
Mix together until smooth and creamy.
Apply to face and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse clean with warm water.
Take care of your skin by eating right and having fun with your food. Also be sure to drink plenty of water and exercise daily to flush out toxins, and don’t put toxins right back in your body! Smoking damages healthy skin and makes it more prone to wrinkles and an ashen, gray color – not pretty. And, finally, always wear sunscreen, especially on your face, whether it’s clearly sunny out, or cloudy and gray. Buy a face moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15 to protect your face or wear a hat that provides shade.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Five promises essential to a great marriage
for personal/ministry resource
by Manda Gibson
source: Rick Warren's Ministry ToolBox
I Promise small group curriculum Looking for a small group curriculum that can help the marriages of your church? Look no further! This new Purpose Driven curriculum focuses on the
five promises that can revolutionize a marriage. For more information about the I Promise curriculum,
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (PD) — Relationship expert Gary Smalley used to wonder why marriages are so difficult. "Why did God put a man and a woman together?" he asked.
Then 10 years ago, his son and researchers at the Smalley Relationship Center set out to eradicate divorce in America. Though they didn't end divorce, they discovered what Smalley believes is the single greatest factor for building a successful marriage: security.
All people need satisfying relationships, Smalley said. "The more we're connected in a loving relationship, the healthier we are on all levels. That's a natural, God-given desire that people have everywhere."
People only stay connected in meaningful, loving relationships when they feel secure, he said. "Most of my books in the past were all about skills and ways to better connect, but what I never understood is that you can use skills all day long, but if you don't have security, nothing works."
Security means feeling safe (that you won't be criticized or condemned), feeling honored (that your mate values who you are and wants to understand you), and having commitment (that you will stay together for life).
"You can have all the candlelight dinners and romantic sunsets on the beach in Hawaii that you want, but if you don't feel safe, none of that matters," he said.
Security is achieved when a couple keeps five promises, Smalley said.
Promise 1: I promise to conform my beliefs to God's truthWhat your mate does or says doesn't determine your happiness, Smalley said. Happiness is the result of the beliefs you have in your own heart.
"As I hide God's Word in my heart, that develops my own beliefs," he said. "My beliefs determine my feelings, my thoughts, my words, and my
actions."
For 38 years, Smalley tried to change his wife's exercise habits. His efforts always resulted in arguments. Three years ago, he stopped trying to change
his wife. Now he spends his time working to change his own heart by memorizing Scriptures that help him live according to God's truth. He no longer feels the need to criticize, judge, or blame other people.
"The first promise is so powerful that it gets the husband and wife's focus off of changing their mate and onto changing themselves," he said. "Instead
of noticing the speck in my wife's eye, I want to notice the log in my eye."
Promise 2: I promise to be filled by GodPromising to be filled by God means you establish God as the only source of life and stop trying to make your spouse fill God's role, Smalley said.
He says people should do five things every day to be filled by God:
Crave God with your whole heart.
Be grateful that God sent Jesus.
Allow the Holy Spirit to give you love, life, and fulfillment.
Accept every trial as a gift of God, a trophy conforming you into his image.
Recognize you're a server of people, not a user of people.
Promise 3: I promise to find God's best in every trial"With all the trials I'm going to face, I can boast, be thrilled," Smalley said. "It gives me patience, endurance, more of his character."
Years ago, Smalley worked for a well-known Christian leader. "He used to hurt my feelings all the time," Smalley said. "He's my number-one trophy.
God used him to break me and mold me into his image."
Smalley says that most mates try to change the characteristics they find irritating in the other. "That's the worst thing you can do," Smalley said. "What
you want to do is thank your mate in creative ways – flowers, gifts, whatever you can. You say, ‘I'm so grateful for you because God's using you to make me more like him.'"
Promise 4: I promise to listen and communicate with loveA spouse's goal in every marital disagreement should be to help the other person win. "If you help your mate win while they help you win, then you stay in harmony. Your mate's not your enemy. They're on your team," Smalley said.
Instead of looking at disagreements as negative conversations, view them as doorways to intimacy, he suggested.
Promise 5: I promise to serve you all the days of my life"When you're a servant of your mate and you lay down your life for your mate, it's pretty easy for them to respond," Smalley said. "I've never met a woman anywhere in the world who wouldn't submit to a man who has already laid down his life for her and her well-being."
In order to serve your spouse, you need to discover what they need, Smalley said. "Meet those needs where you can," he said. "Where you can't, God promises to meet all their needs anyway."
A small group curriculumSmalley leads couples through the five promises in a new Purpose Driven small group curriculum – I Promise: How 5 Commitments Determine the
Destiny of Your Marriage – and the book, I Promise, released by Integrity Publishers.
"Five years after the average couple divorces, they wish they wouldn't have," Smalley said. "They didn't know that they actually could have worked this out.
"That's why this is such a powerful, important project that I've worked on. It's the essence of 40 years of ministry put into one curriculum and one book."
Ultimately, Smalley says, marriage is about two people becoming godly, not about them being happy, although happiness results from a healthy marriage. "The more we are like him, the safer our mate is going to feel. The safer they feel, the more naturally we become best friends."
by Manda Gibson
source: Rick Warren's Ministry ToolBox
I Promise small group curriculum Looking for a small group curriculum that can help the marriages of your church? Look no further! This new Purpose Driven curriculum focuses on the
five promises that can revolutionize a marriage. For more information about the I Promise curriculum,
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (PD) — Relationship expert Gary Smalley used to wonder why marriages are so difficult. "Why did God put a man and a woman together?" he asked.
Then 10 years ago, his son and researchers at the Smalley Relationship Center set out to eradicate divorce in America. Though they didn't end divorce, they discovered what Smalley believes is the single greatest factor for building a successful marriage: security.
All people need satisfying relationships, Smalley said. "The more we're connected in a loving relationship, the healthier we are on all levels. That's a natural, God-given desire that people have everywhere."
People only stay connected in meaningful, loving relationships when they feel secure, he said. "Most of my books in the past were all about skills and ways to better connect, but what I never understood is that you can use skills all day long, but if you don't have security, nothing works."
Security means feeling safe (that you won't be criticized or condemned), feeling honored (that your mate values who you are and wants to understand you), and having commitment (that you will stay together for life).
"You can have all the candlelight dinners and romantic sunsets on the beach in Hawaii that you want, but if you don't feel safe, none of that matters," he said.
Security is achieved when a couple keeps five promises, Smalley said.
Promise 1: I promise to conform my beliefs to God's truthWhat your mate does or says doesn't determine your happiness, Smalley said. Happiness is the result of the beliefs you have in your own heart.
"As I hide God's Word in my heart, that develops my own beliefs," he said. "My beliefs determine my feelings, my thoughts, my words, and my
actions."
For 38 years, Smalley tried to change his wife's exercise habits. His efforts always resulted in arguments. Three years ago, he stopped trying to change
his wife. Now he spends his time working to change his own heart by memorizing Scriptures that help him live according to God's truth. He no longer feels the need to criticize, judge, or blame other people.
"The first promise is so powerful that it gets the husband and wife's focus off of changing their mate and onto changing themselves," he said. "Instead
of noticing the speck in my wife's eye, I want to notice the log in my eye."
Promise 2: I promise to be filled by GodPromising to be filled by God means you establish God as the only source of life and stop trying to make your spouse fill God's role, Smalley said.
He says people should do five things every day to be filled by God:
Crave God with your whole heart.
Be grateful that God sent Jesus.
Allow the Holy Spirit to give you love, life, and fulfillment.
Accept every trial as a gift of God, a trophy conforming you into his image.
Recognize you're a server of people, not a user of people.
Promise 3: I promise to find God's best in every trial"With all the trials I'm going to face, I can boast, be thrilled," Smalley said. "It gives me patience, endurance, more of his character."
Years ago, Smalley worked for a well-known Christian leader. "He used to hurt my feelings all the time," Smalley said. "He's my number-one trophy.
God used him to break me and mold me into his image."
Smalley says that most mates try to change the characteristics they find irritating in the other. "That's the worst thing you can do," Smalley said. "What
you want to do is thank your mate in creative ways – flowers, gifts, whatever you can. You say, ‘I'm so grateful for you because God's using you to make me more like him.'"
Promise 4: I promise to listen and communicate with loveA spouse's goal in every marital disagreement should be to help the other person win. "If you help your mate win while they help you win, then you stay in harmony. Your mate's not your enemy. They're on your team," Smalley said.
Instead of looking at disagreements as negative conversations, view them as doorways to intimacy, he suggested.
Promise 5: I promise to serve you all the days of my life"When you're a servant of your mate and you lay down your life for your mate, it's pretty easy for them to respond," Smalley said. "I've never met a woman anywhere in the world who wouldn't submit to a man who has already laid down his life for her and her well-being."
In order to serve your spouse, you need to discover what they need, Smalley said. "Meet those needs where you can," he said. "Where you can't, God promises to meet all their needs anyway."
A small group curriculumSmalley leads couples through the five promises in a new Purpose Driven small group curriculum – I Promise: How 5 Commitments Determine the
Destiny of Your Marriage – and the book, I Promise, released by Integrity Publishers.
"Five years after the average couple divorces, they wish they wouldn't have," Smalley said. "They didn't know that they actually could have worked this out.
"That's why this is such a powerful, important project that I've worked on. It's the essence of 40 years of ministry put into one curriculum and one book."
Ultimately, Smalley says, marriage is about two people becoming godly, not about them being happy, although happiness results from a healthy marriage. "The more we are like him, the safer our mate is going to feel. The safer they feel, the more naturally we become best friends."
36 CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS
author/source unknown
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what
may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even
if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say NO to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will
compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too
many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over
time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out
what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do
anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary
purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key
buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an
enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of
life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems
in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a
good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they
can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that
you've never been grateful for before.
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what
may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even
if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say NO to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will
compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too
many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over
time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out
what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do
anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary
purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key
buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an
enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of
life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems
in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a
good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they
can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that
you've never been grateful for before.
5 Things to Do When Your Buttons Are Pushed
Written by Joy Emery
Source: LifeWay
In every area of ministry you will find perpetual whiners and people drainers. While one might want to believe that we are insulated in the Body of
Christ and immune to people irritants – sometimes quite the opposite is true. Since we are in the Body of Christ, we tend to expect better conduct and
sometimes forget that we are all sinners saved by grace. Sometimes because our expectations are high, we end up frustrated with people who push
us to our limits.
Because you are in a role that requires you to interact with people, meet others’ needs and hear others’ opinions and stories, you must learn how to
deal with difficult people and manage your frustration.
People Who Push Our Buttons
Perpetual Whiners – The perpetual whiner will always have something to complain about. The best prescription for a whiner is to say, “I really
appreciate your input. Why don’t you write down your suggestions for me so we can consider your ideas for next year.” Whiners can then get it all off
their chests or choose to just let it go when they are required to expend energy on their own complaints.
Story Tellers – You see her coming and you want to run. You just don’t have time to hear another story. Greet her and then be honest about your time
constraints. If the person needs your encouragement, you can call her later. Then call her and end the call when you need to.
Gossip Spreaders – You find someone eager to share neighborly news. Instead of hearing the entire story, end the conversation by saying, “I don’t
need to know all the details, I have enough information to know to pray for her.” Or just let the person know that you don’t feel comfortable talking
unless the other party is present to defend herself or to tell her side of the story. Offering to get both parties together to clarify the information is
usually enough to stop the gossip.
What to Do When the Button Is Pushed
Because you are in a position to minister to folks, you can’t write off the ones you just don’t get along with or the ones who drive you nuts.
Here are five things to remember to deal with these difficult people:
Address the person’s real life need.
What causes the woman to need to gossip and share more information than needed? Can the complainer be used to better your ministry? Does she have a need to be more involved?
Talk directly with the woman and share your concern.
Be honest and don’t skirt the issues. Take another woman with you if you think you will need the support.
Refuse to act ungodly.
The biggest mistake you could make is say things you might regret later. Choose your words carefully and don’t share your frustration with others in the form of gossip.
Remember that the woman is worthy of ministry in God’s eyes.
While we may want to ignore the person or mark her off the friend list, God can and will work in all things.
Ask God to intervene and give you the insight you need to know how to handle the person and how to release the tension you might feel regarding the situation.
God has called you to minister to all types of people. Don’t let personality differences and difficult people keep you drained and ineffective. Invite others who have more ministry experience to help you know how to respond and thank God for allowing you to grow through difficult experiences and gain new perspectives to help others in the future.
Joy Every is a former education minister. She lives with her husband and three children in Mt Juliet, Tennessee and helps start new Sunday School
classes at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church.
Source: LifeWay
In every area of ministry you will find perpetual whiners and people drainers. While one might want to believe that we are insulated in the Body of
Christ and immune to people irritants – sometimes quite the opposite is true. Since we are in the Body of Christ, we tend to expect better conduct and
sometimes forget that we are all sinners saved by grace. Sometimes because our expectations are high, we end up frustrated with people who push
us to our limits.
Because you are in a role that requires you to interact with people, meet others’ needs and hear others’ opinions and stories, you must learn how to
deal with difficult people and manage your frustration.
People Who Push Our Buttons
Perpetual Whiners – The perpetual whiner will always have something to complain about. The best prescription for a whiner is to say, “I really
appreciate your input. Why don’t you write down your suggestions for me so we can consider your ideas for next year.” Whiners can then get it all off
their chests or choose to just let it go when they are required to expend energy on their own complaints.
Story Tellers – You see her coming and you want to run. You just don’t have time to hear another story. Greet her and then be honest about your time
constraints. If the person needs your encouragement, you can call her later. Then call her and end the call when you need to.
Gossip Spreaders – You find someone eager to share neighborly news. Instead of hearing the entire story, end the conversation by saying, “I don’t
need to know all the details, I have enough information to know to pray for her.” Or just let the person know that you don’t feel comfortable talking
unless the other party is present to defend herself or to tell her side of the story. Offering to get both parties together to clarify the information is
usually enough to stop the gossip.
What to Do When the Button Is Pushed
Because you are in a position to minister to folks, you can’t write off the ones you just don’t get along with or the ones who drive you nuts.
Here are five things to remember to deal with these difficult people:
Address the person’s real life need.
What causes the woman to need to gossip and share more information than needed? Can the complainer be used to better your ministry? Does she have a need to be more involved?
Talk directly with the woman and share your concern.
Be honest and don’t skirt the issues. Take another woman with you if you think you will need the support.
Refuse to act ungodly.
The biggest mistake you could make is say things you might regret later. Choose your words carefully and don’t share your frustration with others in the form of gossip.
Remember that the woman is worthy of ministry in God’s eyes.
While we may want to ignore the person or mark her off the friend list, God can and will work in all things.
Ask God to intervene and give you the insight you need to know how to handle the person and how to release the tension you might feel regarding the situation.
God has called you to minister to all types of people. Don’t let personality differences and difficult people keep you drained and ineffective. Invite others who have more ministry experience to help you know how to respond and thank God for allowing you to grow through difficult experiences and gain new perspectives to help others in the future.
Joy Every is a former education minister. She lives with her husband and three children in Mt Juliet, Tennessee and helps start new Sunday School
classes at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church.
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