Preachers At Home

THE CHRISTAIN MOTHER By John Abbot- 1833. Part Four

2012-02-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

THE CHRISTIAN MOTHER
by John Abbott, 1833, Worcester, Mass. Published by the American Tract Society

Read: Part One

Read: Part Two

Read: Part Three

Part Four:

The Mother's RESPONSIBILITY
"Be an example . . . in speech, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

I once knew a mother who had an only son. She loved him most ardently, and could not bear to deny him any indulgence. He, of course, soon learned to rule his mother. At the death of his father, the poor woman was left at the mercy of this vile boy. She had neglected her duty when he was young, and now his ungovernable passions had become too strong for her control. Self- willed, turbulent, and revengeful, he was his mother's bitterest curse. His fits of rage at times amounted almost to madness. One day, infuriated with his mother, he set fire to her house, and it was burned to the ground, with all its contents, and she was left in the extremest state of poverty. He was imprisoned as an incendiary, and, in his cell, he became a maniac, if he was not such before, and madly dug out his own eyes. He now lies in perpetual darkness, confined by the stone walls and grated bars of his dungeon, an infuriated madman.
O how hard it must be for a mother, after all her pain, and anxiety, and watchings, to find her son a demoniac spirit, instead of a guardian and friend!
You have watched over your child, through all the months of its helpless infancy. You have denied yourself, that you might give it comfort. When it has been sick, you have been unmindful of your own weariness, and your own weakness, and through many nights you have watched at its cradle, administering to all its needs. When it has smiled, you have felt a joy which none but a parent can feel, and have pressed your much loved treasure to your bosom, praying that its future years of obedience and affection might be your ample reward. And now, how dreadful a requital, for that child to grow up to hate and abuse you; to leave you friendless, in sickness and in poverty; to squander all his earnings in haunts of iniquity and degradation!
How entirely is your earthly happiness at the disposal of your child! His character is now, in an important sense, in your hands, and you are to form it for good or for evil. If you are consistent in your government, and faithful in the discharge of your duties, your child will probably through life revere you, and be the stay and solace of your declining years. If, on the other hand, you cannot summon resolution to punish your child when disobedient; if you do not curb his passions; if you do not bring him to entire and willing subjection to your authority; you must expect that he will be your curse. In all probability, he will despise you for your weakness. Unaccustomed to restraints at home, he will break away from all restraints, and make you wretched by his life, and disgraceful in his death.
But few parents think of this as they ought. They are not conscious of the tremendous consequences dependent upon the efficient and decisive government of their children. Thousands of parents now stand in our land like oaks blighted and scathed by lightnings and storms. Thousands have had every hope wrecked, every prospect darkened, and have become the victims of the most agonizing and heart-rending disappointment, solely in consequence of the misconduct of their children. And yet thousands of others are going on in the same way, preparing to experience the same suffering, and are apparently unconscious of their danger.
It is true that there are many mothers who feel their responsibilities perhaps as deeply as it is best they should feel them. But there are many others—even of Christian mothers—who seem to forget that their children will ever be less under their control than they are while young. And they are training them up, by indecision and indulgence, soon to tyrannize over their parents with a rod of iron—and to pierce their hearts with many sorrows!
If you are unfaithful to your child when he is young, he will be unfaithful to you when he is old. If you indulge him in all his foolish and unreasonable wishes when he is a child, when he becomes a man he will indulge himself; he will gratify every desire of his heart; and your sufferings will be rendered the more poignant by the reflection that it was your own unfaithfulness which has caused your ruin. If you would be the happy mother of a happy child, give your attention, and your efforts, and your prayers, to the great duty of training him up for God and heaven.

So Ends This Chapter: The Mother's RESPONSIBILITY

I will soon post the next chapter: The Mother's Authority

Please pray and consider these teachings, so true and deep.

THE CHRISTAIN MOTHER By John Abbot- 1833. Part Three

2012-02-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

THE CHRISTIAN MOTHER
by John Abbott, 1833, Worcester, Mass. Published by the American Tract Society

Read: Part One

Read: Part Two

Part: Three:

The Mother's RESPONSIBILITY
"Be an example . . . in speech, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

It is a great trial to have children undutiful when young; but it is a tenfold greater affliction to have a child grow up to maturity in disobedience, and become a dissolute and abandoned man. How many parents have passed days of sorrow and nights of sleeplessness in consequence of the misconduct of their offspring! How many have had their hearts broken, and their gray hairs brought down with sorrow to the grave, solely in consequence of their own neglect to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord! Your future happiness is in the hands of your children. They may throw gloom over all your prospects, embitter every enjoyment, and make you so miserable, that your only prospect of relief will be in death.
That little girl whom you now cuddle upon your knee, and who plays, so full of enjoyment, upon your floor, has entered a world where temptations are thick around. What is to enable her to resist these temptations, but established principles of piety? And where is she to obtain these principles, but from a mother's instructions and example? If, through your neglect now, she should hereafter yield herself to temptation and sin, what must become of your peace of mind? O mother! little are you aware of the wretchedness with which your beloved daughter may hereafter overwhelm you!
Many illustrations of the most affecting nature might be here introduced. It would be easy to appeal to a vast number of living sufferers, in attestation of the woe which the sin of the child has occasioned. You may go, not only in imagination, but in reality, to the darkened chamber, where the mother sits weeping, and refusing to be comforted, for a daughter is lost to virtue and to heaven. Still, no person can imagine how overwhelming the agony which must prey upon a mother thus dishonored and broken-hearted. This is a sorrow which can only be understood by one who has tasted its bitterness and felt its weight. We may go to the house of piety and prayer, and find the father and mother with countenances emaciated with suffering; not a smile plays upon their features, and the mournful accents of their voice tell how deeply seated is their sorrow. Shall we inquire into the cause of this heart- rending grief? The mother would only reply with tears and sobs. The father would summon all his fortitude, and say, "my daughter"—and say no more. The anguish of his spirit would prevent the farther utterance of his grief.
Is this exaggeration? No! Let your lovely daughter, now your pride and joy, be abandoned to infamy, be an outcast from society, and you must feel what language cannot express.
This is a dreadful subject; but it is one which the mother must feel and understand. There are facts which might here be introduced, sufficient to make every parent tremble. We might lead you to the dwelling of the clergyman, and tell you that a daughter's sin has shattered the mother, and sent paleness to the cheek, and trembling to the frame, and agony to the heart of the aged father. We might carry you to the parlor of the rich man, and show you all the elegance and the opulence with which he is surrounded; and yet he would tell you that he was one of the most unhappy of the sons of affliction, and that he would gladly give all his treasures if he could purchase back a daughter's virtue; that he could gladly lie down to die, if he could thus blot out the remembrance of a daughter's infamy.
No matter what your situation in life may be, that little child, now so innocent, whose playful endearments and happy laugh awaken such thrilling emotions in your heart, may cause you years of most unalleviated misery!
And mother! look at that drunken vagrant, staggering by your door. Listen to his horrid imprecations, as bloated and ragged he passes along. That wretch has a mother. Perhaps, widowed and in poverty, she needs the comfort and support of an affectionate son. You have a son. You may soon be a widow.
If your son is dissolute, you are doubly widowed; you are worse, infinitely worse than childless. You cannot now endure even the thought that your son will ever be thus abandoned. How dreadful then must be the experience of the reality!

Continue to read: Part Four

THE CHRISTIAN MOTHER by John Abbot- 1833 Part Two

2012-02-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

THE CHRISTIAN MOTHER
by John Abbott, 1833, Worcester, Mass. Published by the American Tract Society

Read: Part One

Part Two:
The Mother's RESPONSIBILITY
"Be an example . . . in speech, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

. . . A pious and faithful mother may have a dissolute child. He may break away from all restraints, and God may leave him to "eat the fruit of his own devices." The parent, thus afflicted and broken-hearted, can only bow before the sovereignty of her Maker, who says, "be still, and know that I am God." The consciousness, however, of having done one's duty, divests this affliction of much of its bitterness. And beside, such cases are rare.
Profligate children are generally the offspring of parents who have neglected the moral and religious education of their family. Some parents are themselves profligate, and thus not only allow their children to grow up unrestrained, but by their example lure them to sin. But there are others, who are very upright, and virtuous, and even pious themselves, who do, nevertheless, neglect the moral culture of their children; and as a consequence, they grow up in disobedience and sin. It matters but little what the cause is which leads to this neglect. The neglect itself will ordinarily be followed by disobedience and self-will.
Hence the reason that children of eminent men, both in church and state, are not unfrequently the disgrace of their parents. If the mother is unaccustomed to govern her children, if she looks to the father to enforce obedience, and to control; when he is absent, all family government is absent, and the children are left to run wild—to learn lessons of disobedience; to practise arts of deception; to build, upon the foundation of contempt for a mother, a character of insubordination and iniquity. But if the children are under the efficient government of a judicious mother, the reverse of this is almost invariably the case. And since, in nearly every instance, the early years of life are entrusted to a mother's care, it follows that maternal influence, more than any thing else, forms the future character.
The history of John Newton is often mentioned as a proof of the deep and lasting impression which a mother may produce upon the mind of her child. He had a pious mother. She often retired to her closet, and placing her hand upon his youthful head, implored God's blessing upon her boy. These prayers and instructions sunk deep into his heart. He could not but revere that mother. He could not but feel that there was a holiness in such a character, demanding reverence and love. He could not tear from his heart, in after life, the impressions then produced. Though he became a wicked wanderer, though he forsook friends and home, and every virtue; the remembrance of a mother's prayers, like a guardian angel, followed him wherever he went. He mingled in the most evil and disgraceful scenes of a sailor's life, and while surrounded with guilty associates, in midnight revelry, he would fancy he felt the soft hand of his mother upon his head, pleading with God to forgive and bless her boy. He went to the coast of Africa, and became even more degraded than the savages upon her dreary shores. But the soft hand of his mother was still upon his head, and the fervent prayers of his mother still thrilled in his heart. And this influence, after the lapse of many guilty years, brought back the prodigal, a penitent and a child of God; elevated him to be one of the brightest ornaments of the Christian church, and to guide many sons and daughters to glory. What a forcible comment is this upon the power of maternal influence! And what
encouragement does this present to every mother to be faithful in her efforts to train up her child for God! Had Mrs. Newton neglected her duty, had she even been as remiss as many Christian mothers, her son, to all human view, might have continued in sin, and been an outcast from heaven. It was through the influence of the mother that the son was saved. Newton became afterward a most successful preacher of the Gospel, and every soul which he was instrumental in saving, as he sings the song of redeeming mercy, will, through eternity, bless God that Newton had such a mother.
The influence thus exerted upon the mind, in early childhood, may, for many years, be apparently lost. When a son leaves home, and enters upon the busy world, many are the temptations which come crowding upon him. If he leaves home without established principles of religion and self-control, he will most assuredly fall before these temptations. He may indeed fall, even after all a mother has done, or can do; and he may become deeply involved in guilt.
But he may apparently forget every lesson he learnt at home, while the influence of a mother's instructions, and a mother's prayers, is yet working powerfully and effectually in his heart. He will think of a mother's tears, when remorse keeps him awake at midnight, or when danger threatens him with speedy arraignment at the bar of God. The thoughts of the sacredness of home will often throw bitterness into his cup of guilty pleasure, and compel him to sigh for the virtue and the peace he has forsaken. Even though far away, in abodes of infamy, degraded and abandoned, he must occasionally think of a broken-hearted mother. Thus may he, after many years, perhaps long after she has gone down to the grave, be led, by the remembrance of her virtues, to forsake his sins.
A short time since, a gentleman, in one of our most populous cities, was going to attend a seaman's meeting in the mariner's chapel. Directly opposite the chapel there was a sailor's boarding house. In the door-way sat a hardy, weather-beaten sailor, with arms folded, and puffing a cigar, watching the people as they gradually assembled for the meeting. The gentleman walked up to him and said, "Well, my friend, won't you go with us to meeting?"
"No!" said the sailor, bluntly. The gentleman, who, from the appearance of the man, was prepared for a repulse, mildly replied, "You look, my friend, as though you had seen hard days; have you a mother?" The sailor raised his head, looked earnestly in the gentleman's face, and made no reply.
The gentleman continued—"Suppose your mother were here now, what advice would she give you?" The tears rushed into the eyes of the poor sailor; he tried for a moment to conceal them, but could not; and, hastily brushing them away with the back of his rough hand, rose and said, with a voice almost inarticulate through emotion, "I'll go to the meeting." He crossed the street, entered the door of the chapel, and took his seat with the assembled congregation.
What afterward became of the man is not known. It is however almost certain that he must have had a mother who had given him good instruction; and when the gentleman appealed to her, hardened as the sailor was, his heart melted. It is by no means improbable that this interview may have checked this man in his sins, and led him to Christ. At any event, it shows the strength of maternal influence. It shows that years of wandering and of sin cannot erase from the heart the impression which a mother's instructions and a mother's prayers have left there.

Continue To Read: Part Three

THE CHRISTIAN MOTHER By John Abbot- 1833

2012-02-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

Dearest Mothers,

I had in my mind to post the writing's of John Abbot to "thoughts to Consider" at the bottom of this blog... BUT! I am so moved by his writings I've changed my mind and will section his writings in a series of blog posts.

They will be sectioned in parts; Part one... two etc . . .
God bless you as you read and consider the seriousness of your job as a mother.

THE CHRISTIAN MOTHER
by John Abbott, 1833, Worcester, Mass. Published by the American Tract Society

Part One:
The Mother's RESPONSIBILITY
"Be an example . . . in speech, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
A few years ago, some gentlemen who were associated in preparing for the ministry, felt interested in ascertaining what proportion of their number had pious mothers. They were greatly surprised and delighted in finding that out of one hundred and twenty students, over a hundred had been borne by a mother's prayers, and directed by a mother's counsels, to the Savior. Though some of these had broken away from all the restraints of home, and like the prodigal, had wandered in sin and sorrow, yet they could not forget the impressions of childhood, and were eventually brought to the Savior, to be a mother's joy and blessing. Many interesting facts have, within a few years, drawn the attention of Christians to this subject.
The efforts which a mother makes for the improvement of her child in knowledge and virtue, are necessarily retired and unobtrusive. The world knows nothing of them; and hence the world has been slow to perceive how powerful and extensive is this secret and silent influence. But circumstances are now directing the eyes of the community to the nursery, and the truth is daily coming more distinctly before the public, that the influence which is exerted upon the mind during the first eight or ten years of existence, in a great degree guides the destinies of that mind for time and eternity! And as the mother is the guardian and guide of the early years of life, from her goes the most powerful influence in the formation of the character of man. And why should it not be so? What impressions can be more strong, and more lasting, than those received upon the mind in the freshness and the susceptibility of youth? What instructor can gain greater confidence and respect than a mother? And where can there be delight in acquiring knowledge, if not when the little flock cluster around a mother's knee to hear of God and heaven?
"A good boy generally makes a good man." Said the mother of Washington,
"George was always a good boy." Here we see one secret of his greatness. George Washington had a mother who made him a good boy, and instilled into his heart those principles which raised him to be the benefactor of his country, and one of the brightest ornaments of the world. The mother of Washington is entitled to a nation's gratitude. She taught her boy the principles of obedience, and moral courage, and virtue. She, in a great measure, formed the character of the hero, and the statesman. It was by her own fire-side that she taught her playful boy to govern himself; and thus was he prepared for the brilliant career of usefulness which he afterward pursued. We are indebted to God for the gift of Washington; but we are no less indebted to him for the gift of his inestimable mother. Had she been a weak, and indulgent, and unfaithful parent, the unchecked energies of Washington might have elevated him to the throne of a tyrant; or youthful disobedience might have prepared the way for a life of crime and a dishonored grave....

Byron had a mother just the reverse of lady Washington; and the character of the mother was transferred to the son. We cannot wonder then at his character and conduct, for we see them to be the almost necessary consequence of the education he received, and the scenes witnessed in his mother's parlor. She would at one time allow him to disobey with impunity; and at another time, she would fly into a rage and beat him. She thus taught him to defy all authority, human and divine; to indulge, without restraint, in sin; to give himself up to the power of every maddening passion. It was the mother of Byron who laid the foundation of his pre-eminence in guilt. She taught him to plunge into that sea of profligacy and wretchedness, upon whose agitated waves he was tossed for life. If the crimes of the poet deserve the execration of the world—the world cannot forget that it was the mother who fostered in his youthful heart those passions which made the son a curse to his fellow-men.
There are, it is true, innumerable causes incessantly operating in the formation of character. A mother's influence is by no means the only influence which is exerted. Still it may be the most powerful; for, with God's ordinary blessing, it may form in the youthful mind the habits, and implant the principles, to which other influences are to give permanency and vigor.

Continue to read: Part two

Anne Dutton's Letters on Spiritual Subjects (1692-1765)

2011-12-31T12:48:00.000-08:00

Anne Dutton's Letters on Spiritual Subjects

Dear Sir,
I am glad you can say, concerning the work of the ministry, "My God would have me go, and go I must." And though you think yourself to be the weakest and vilest of all the Lord's people, and the least and most unworthy of all His ministers, and that you are not fit to preach the gospel, yet, since the Lord spoke by His blessed word to your heart, and persuaded you that it was His mind you should engage in this great work, fear not, for out of weakness you shall be made strong. Your iniquity your great High Priest has caused to pass from you, and He has clothed you with change of clothing—with the glorious robe of His righteousness—having taken off your own filthy garments; and a fair mitre will be set upon your head, or put a fresh beauty and glory upon you in your work, as you are therein made a priest unto God by the Lamb's blood.

And, remember, that the Lord is a Sovereign, and that He may take the least and last, the most unfit and unworthy of all, to send about this great work, the more to exalt the infinite freedom of His boundless grace, to display its exceeding riches, to His endless praise, by men and angels, and to exclude all creature-boasting—that no flesh should glory in His presence. Say, therefore, with your once-rejoicing Lord, "I thank You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them unto babes; even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight."

And when God sends the most weak and unfit instruments to do great work, He does not leave them to their own weakness and unfitness, but abundantly supplies all their needs, according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ—Himself the great, all-wise, and almighty agent, takes them into His own hand, and effectually works by them to answer His great designs. The servants of Christ in the ministry do not "go to war at their own expense;" they do not, should not, go to that great work in 'their own little strength', but abide in Christ by faith for the continual supplies of His Holy Spirit, to fit them for, and carry them through, all their appointed service, to the glory of God, the good of souls, and their own present and eternal bliss. Fear not, therefore, for the Lord who sent you will certainly be with you, and you shall save Israel and smite her enemies, clad with Jehovah's might.

All supplies of sin-pardoning, sin-subduing, all-assisting, and all-persevering grace are from Him, and unto His glory.

That you may be thus endued with power from on high, is my hearty desire.
Anne Dutton (1692-1765)

THAT INCREDIBLE CHRISTIAN - - - - By A.W. Tozer

2011-12-25T07:17:00.000-08:00

THAT INCREDIBLE CHRISTIAN - - - - By A.W. Toz

The current effort of so many religious leaders to harmonize Christianity with science, philosophy and every natural and reasonable thing is, I believe, the result of failure to understand Christianity and, judging from what I have heard and read, failure to understand science and philosophy as well.

At the heart of the Christian system lies the cross of Christ with its divine paradox. The power of Christianity appears in its antipathy toward, never in its agreement with, the ways of fallen men. The truth of the cross is revealed in its contradictions. The witness of the church is most effective when she declares rather than explains, for the gospel is addressed not to reason but to faith. What can be proved requires no faith to accept. Faith rests upon the character of God, not upon the demonstrations of laboratory or logic.

The cross stands in bold opposition to the natural man. Its philosophy runs contrary to the processes of the unregenerate mind, so that Paul could say bluntly that the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness. To try to find a common ground between the message of the cross and man's fallen reason is to try the impossible, and if persisted in must result in an impaired reason, a meaningless cross and a powerless Christianity.

But let us bring the whole matter down from the uplands of theory and simply observe the true Christian as he puts into practice the teachings of Christ and His apostles. Note the contradictions:

The Christian believes that in Christ he has died, yet he is more alive than before and he fully expects to live forever. He walks on earth while seated in heaven and though born on earth he finds that after his conversion he is not at home here. Like the nighthawk, which in the air is the essence of grace and beauty but on the ground is awkward and ugly, so the Christian appears at his best in the heavenly places but does not fit well into the ways of the very society into which he was born.

The Christian soon learns that if he would be victorious as a son of heaven among men on earth he must not follow the common pattern of mankind, but rather the contrary. That he may be safe he puts himself in jeopardy; he loses his life to save it and is in danger of losing it if he attempts to preserve it. He goes down to get up. If he refuses to go down he is already down, but when he starts down he is on his way up.

He is strongest when he is weakest and weakest when he is strong. Though poor he has the power to make others rich, but when he becomes rich his ability to enrich others vanishes. He has most after he has given most away and has least when he possesses most.

He may be and often is highest when he feels lowest and most sinless when he is most conscious of sin. He is wisest when he knows that he knows not and knows least when he has acquired the greatest amount of knowledge. He sometimes does most by doing nothing and goes furthest when standing still. In heaviness he manages to rejoice and keeps his heart glad even in sorrow.

The paradoxical character of the Christian is revealed constantly. For instance, he believes that he is saved now, nevertheless he expects to be saved later and looks forward joyfully to future salvation. He fears God but is not afraid of Him. In God's presence he feels overwhelmed and undone, yet there is nowhere he would rather be than in that presence. He knows that he has been cleansed from his sin, yet he is painfully conscious that in his flesh dwells no good thing.

He loves supremely One whom he has never seen, and though himself poor and lowly he talks familiarly with One who is King of all kings and Lord of all lords, and is aware of no incongruity in so doing. He feels that he is in his own right altogether less than nothing, yet he believes without question that he is the apple of God's eye and that for him the Eternal Son became flesh and died on the cross of shame.

The Christian is a citizen of heaven and to that sacred citizenship he acknowledges first allegiance; yet he may love his earthly country with that intensity of devotion that caused John Knox to pray "O God, give me Scotland or I die."

He cheerfully expects before long to enter that bright world above, but he is in no hurry to leave this world and is quite willing to await the summons of his Heavenly Father. And he is unable to understand why the critical unbeliever should condemn him for this; it all seems so natural and right in the circumstances that he sees nothing inconsistent about it.

The cross-carrying Christian, furthermore, is both a confirmed pessimist and an optimist the like of which is to be found nowhere else on earth.

When he looks at the cross he is a pessimist, for he knows that the same judgment that fell on the Lord of glory condemns in that one act all nature and all the world of men. He rejects every human hope out of Christ because he knows that man's noblest effort is only dust building on dust.

Yet he is calmly, restfully optimistic. If the cross condemns the world the resurrection of Christ guarantees the ultimate triumph of good throughout the universe. Through Christ all will be well at last and the Christian waits the consummation. Incredible Christian!

http://www.awtozerclassics.com/articles/article/4938678/86406.htm

Dearest Mothers,Teach Your Children to Pray And Trust Jesus!

2011-12-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength." Corrie Ten Boom

I found this video on YouTube and love the message!

Because of my plans to start a series on prayer I thought this video would be a good
introduction.

With love in our Lord Jesus Christ,
Sarah

DEAR SHEPHERD OF THY PEOPLE, HEAR

2011-11-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Shepherd of Thy people, hear;
Thy presence now display;
As Thou hast given a place for prayer,
So give us hearts to pray.

O Lord, our languid souls inspire,
For here, we trust, thou art!
Send down a coal of heav’nly fire,
To warm each waiting heart.

Show us some token of Thy love,
Our fainting hope to raise;
And pour Thy blessings from above,
That we may render praise.

Within these walls let holy peace
And love and concord dwell;
Here give the troubled conscience ease,
The wounded spirit heal.

The feeling heart, the melting eye,
The humble mind bestow;
And shine upon us from on high,
To make our graces grow!

May we in faith receive Thy Word,
In faith present our prayers;
And, in the presence of our Lord,
Unbosom all our cares.

And may the Gospel’s joyful sound
Enforced by mighty grace,
Awaken many sinners round,
To come and fill the place.

Words: John Newton, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779). In Newton’s original version, the first stanza was the one beginning, “O Lord, our languid souls inspire.”

To hear the music for this Hymn:

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/d/e/dearshep.htm

"She shall be called women, because she was taken out of man.". Genesis 2: 21-23

2011-11-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

My Husband and I with Our Daughter and Her Husband with little Grace.
Marriage is a True Blessing From God.

And Adam said, this is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called women, because she was taken out of man. Genesis 2: 21-23

Though now existing apart from him, with a personality of her own, she is restored by marriage to a mystical re-union with him. The rib, which was taken out of his side, is replaced by the living form which is the compliment of himself, so that he "who loveth his wife loveth himself." And as "no man ever hated his own flesh," so in "nourishing and cherishing her." he simply "loves his own body".

There is a depth of tenderness in this, which just floods the heart with blessed sympathies. It is love itself which puts the crown of headship upon man; who, in the splendor of this majesty, folds within himself the gentle counterpart of his own being, who wreathes the garland around his brow. She is henceforth one with him in a mystical unity, holier and closer then that which was broken when the flesh ever cleft the side.

Taken from: "The Family" by: B.M. Palmer and J.W. Alexander. Published in 1847

The Answer To Anger And Resentment-Liberty Through Jesus Christ!

2011-10-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Dearest Ones,

I am sensing an urgency in writing about this subject, since it just recently came upon me and God gave such victory I want to share!
Only because of Jesus Christ my Lord I'm not given to anger and resentment, He has freed me from that bondage!

Where would any of us be without Jesus? Even David the Psalmist expresses his sorrow:

For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah (Psalms 143:3-6)

We do have an enemy of our soul who will not stop trying to hurt God's people. He's called "The old serpent" in Revelations 12:9. A serpent or snake is very subtle in the attack of a victim, sly and sneaky creeps up and waits for his prey to jump on. So likewise our enemy waits for an open door to leap on us to subtly whisper lies into our thoughts, to break us down by telling us lies about ourselves or other people. Ephesians 4:27 tells us not to give place for the devil, which means we need to recognize this foe when we are attacked and not be ignorant of the devils devices, 2 Corinthians 2:11... And in the verses preceding verse 11 lies the answer to these subtle attacks when we are roused to be angry at someone, to be bitter, to be hurt, to be in a rage: FORGIVENESS! "But to whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for what I also have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, for your sakes have I forgiven it in the presence of Christ; that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:10-11)

As a godly wife and mother you may come to realize that in-fact you are a servant of God to your husband and children. We often sacrifice our own comforts and desires so our family will have things better, healthier and happier. Yes, the Proverbs states it clearly that the wise women builds her home. (Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands. (Proverbs 14:1) There is a wonderful fulfillment in the roll of wife and mother, nothing can compare to the liberty and joy we experience as we learn to obey God in our commission from Him.

There is another side to this sacrifice though- Sometimes it may seem we are not appreciated and it may seem that our Husband and children take us for granted. A Husband and children may demand more than we think we can give. In such cases we can easily get frustrated and get discouraged or depressed. This is why we as wives and mothers MUST evaluate daily WHY we DO what we DO! If you are a true child of God through Jesus Christ the Lord than you are doing everything For Him and so look to HIM for the strength and wisdom to accomplish your tasks for Him and His glory. Keep Him in your mind and eye-front and you will be victorious!
But if we forget and somehow open a door for the enemy.. not deliberately at all but because of our sin and weakness it does happen, and subtly the enemy puts a seed of thought of resentment into our minds, (Usually about our own husband) not realizing the seed growing over time until suddenly we find ourselves very angry to the point of great frustration, rage and even hatred. What a dreadful state to find oneself in!
What is the answer? What if we believe our resentment and anger is justified? What if we have others agreeing with us and even feeding our rage? Here lies two choices: Be a wise women or be a foolish women.

Be a wise women: GO! LOOK AT THE CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST! He died for you. He bore your sin on cross, HE shed His blood for you. He forgave you of all your sins. Your sins against Him are far greater, far more wretched and ugly than any sin anyone has ever done against you at any time. Repent of your anger, plead the blood of Jesus over you and FORGIVE the offenses of your husband or another person you are angry with. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15) This is very sobering to realize. BE wise!
What if you want to forgive but your emotions are still angry and resentful? The answer lies in obedience to God, tell God you forgive, ask Him to help you to feel love and forgiveness. What we don't often realize the problems often come because we have forgotten to pray for our husband or the other person. Every time you have a critical thought against your husband, pray for him. Pray that he will love the Lord, read the Bible, hunger and thirst for righteousness, pray that he will love you and be a wise and good husband and father. Pray more and often for him, and pray that you will love him more and be the right kind of helpmeet that he needs. The wrong feelings will vanish away and suddenly you will feel the true liberty that forgiveness offers.

A foolish women tears her own household down with her hands. What bitterness and sorrow! Many divorces come from the proud and unforgiving wife who hardens her heart against the truth and refuses to obey God.

May God bless you in your walk with Him dear godly daughters,
In His love,
Sarah

Dearest Mothers "Greater Joy Have I None"

2011-10-16T00:50:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mothers,

Myself with my gospel children, Michael, Patrick and Leah with 6 month old baby Grace and a dear brother/son in Jesus, Peter went to an event in Northern Wisconsin to preach the Gospel to a few thousand people, a couple of weekends ago.
What a blessing I have! My own children with a zeal for the Truth and a great desire to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to people everywhere!

Glory to God!

Here are a few pictures of the troops before and after the event.

Mom/Nana and her gospel children and grandchild

The whole gospel army- with Peter a beloved brother/son in the Lord Jesus Christ

Married One year and 5 months love each other deeply but Jesus First!

Uncle Michael With Baby Grace Who Thinks He's Great Fun!

Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
(3 John 1:4)

Dearest Mother's,There Is A Famine In The Land

2011-09-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

"Behold, the days are coming," declares the Lord GOD, "when I will send a famine on the land-- not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the LORD, but they shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)

Famine and Drought Of The Word Of God.

Dearest Mothers,

Can you imagine what it would be like for a person to be wandering in a desert looking for water to satisfy his unquenchable thirst? I think it would be agonizing and extremely frightening to think of the reality, without that life saving water death is certain.

But let's think of this person again, wandering and staggering sometimes even falling... when suddenly at the next turn, a fresh deep pond of spring water! The thirsty one looks on in amazement and says, "Oh I heard about this water, but it's not exactly what I wanted, I want something a little more exciting and thrilling something more to my liking. I don't really think this water will satisfy my needs." So instead of drinking he goes on, passing it by, to his death.

It is utterly foolish to pass by a life giving source, especially if it is the ONLY source of life!
Yet, dear mothers, that is what most people are doing. God warns us of the dearth that is coming, and is now come. It is a dearth for the Word of God. Oh one might refute or argue and say there are more Bibles today then in all the history of mankind... this is probably true, which makes this warning far more serious. It is a willing ignorance of the Word of God. People everywhere are choosing man's word over God's Word. Please consider this warning as a loving plea to battle for the truth of God's Word and the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ask GOD to show you and teach you what He says, and forsake the false teaching of man, the humanists call their teaching the way of acceptance and love, when in truth it is the way of perversion and death.

I would like to shout this over the house tops! Mothers! Teach your children the Word of God!!! Drink of the deep clear living Water, let your children drink deeply as well... it is rejuvenating, it gives life and substance to us. Nothing else can satisfy, nothing else can sustain life, nothing else is worthy. The Gospel, The Living Word is what you and I need for life now and for all eternity.

Here is a very, very good explanation of Amos:11-12 from John Gill's commentary:

Now, to be deprived of hearing the Gospel is a spiritual famine, for that is food, bread, meat, milk, honey, yea, a feast; it is food that is savoury, wholesome, nourishing, satisfying, strengthening, and comforting; and when this is took away a famine ensues, as when a church state is dissolved, ministers are ordered to preach no more in such a place, or are scattered by persecution, or removed by death, and none raised up in their stead; or when error prevails, to the suppressing of truth: all which is done, or suffered to be done, for indifference to the word of God, unfruitfulness under it, and contempt of it, and, opposition to it; which is a dreadful case, when such a famine is; for the glory, riches, and light of a nation, are gone; bread for their souls is no more; and the means of conversion, knowledge, comfort, &c. cease; and people in course must die, for lack of these things; see Isa_3:1.

...for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. (Jeremiah 2:13)

O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame; those who turn away from you shall be written in the earth, for they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living water.

(Jeremiah 17:13)

Let us be serious about our spiritual walk with Jesus Christ. let us forsake the silly foolish attractions that satan means to use against us to keep us from reading the Word of God and from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. Drink of the fountain of LIFE

Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
(John 4:13-14)

Dearest Mothers, Meandering Is An Awful Way Of Life.

2011-08-31T05:39:00.000-07:00

What an awful life for those who have not
fixed their goal on knowing Jesus Christ the Lord!

Meandering: To move aimlessly and idly without fixed direction: vagabonds meandering through life.

Have you ever tried to walk in a straight line across a field? The only way to walk straight across would be to fix your eyes on a post or object and not look away. To look away from the object would cause you to meander from the goal. Had you no fixed point you would meander across, there is not any way you could go straight.

A compass has a fixed point, North. If it had no fixed point it would be useless to the lost person in the woods or wilderness, or for whom one would locate the way they intend to go.

God has given us a fixed point in life so we can live without meandering and confusion. He has given HIMSELF as a fixed point to set our eyes on.

Here are some examples in Scripture to shew you what I mean:

And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment. (Matthew 22:37)

If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.(Colossians 3:1-4)

I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:14)

Dearest Mothers,

Teach you children to fix their thought and mind on Jesus Christ the Lord. Teach them to love Him and worship Him with all their heart.

Teach your children their need to be saved from their sin. Teach of their deceitful and wicked hearts: (The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) Teach them that it is only through Jesus Christ they may be saved.

Here are your options In LIFE: The World or Jesus Christ the Lord. . . There is NO Middle ground!

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
(1 John 2:15-17)

What will you teach your children? What will they become because of your teaching? Meanders, double minded, or people of faith in Jesus Christ with strength, who understand and fix their minds and eyes on the Most High God our Lord Jesus Christ?
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing, yea, I will sing praises. (Psalms 57:7)

Pray for wisdom from God to teach you how to raise your children for Him. Keep in His Word, submit to Him, obey Him... He will surely help you.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.(James 1:5-8)

Fix your mind on the eternal things! Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. (Colossians 3:2)

I pray for you dear Mothers.
In His love,
Sarah

How My Grandchildren Saved My Life. A Spiritual Lesson.

2011-07-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

I noticed the current was a bit stronger from heavy rain-fall.

I was familiar with the lay-out of the rocks and current..(So I thought.)

Dearest Mothers,

Have you ever had an opportunity to swim with water falls near you, or even play in the falls? Well where we live in Wisconsin there is a beautiful National Park that has a flowing river with several types of water falls.
We have lived near this area for many years now and have played in the flowing river under the larger and smaller water falls many times. It is a marvelous place to swim!
This past week, on Monday, July 18, I took two of my grandchildren, 12 and almost 11 years old, to this park for a swim. We made our way to the favorite swimming spot. There are three layers of falls there, we like the last and second layers... the last layer has small falls that are so fun to splash and swim in... then there is the second layer, you have to climb up and over the rocks to get to it. The day we were there I noticed the currant was a bit stronger due to heavier rain fall recently. Yet, I had been there many times over, I was very familiar with the rock lay-out and the current, (At least so I thought.). My 12 year old grandson jumped over a current to a rock and encouraged his sister and I to follow his example. I thought it wasn't needful to jump over since I had been through the current there before... so I just stepped into it. Ops! What happened next I will never forget, it makes me feel weak even as I tell you about it... The current was Much Stronger then I had anticipated, I began to be swept away by it into some very large rocks and the smaller falls! I reached for the rock my grandson was on only it was slippery, but he very quickly reached out and grabbed my arm! My granddaughter on the other side reached her leg out and supported my leg from moving out under me. I have never felt so helpless and weak, the currant was much stronger than I and it was pulling me backwards. I made a weak "help" when it seems my grandson came to life, with strength beyond his years he began to pull me up onto the rock, I did my best to help the effort until somehow I found myself safe on the rock! We went on to the second layer of falls from there, crossing only where there was not a current and had a fabulous time playing there.
On our way home I mentioned to them both how God gave them strength to help me, and thanked them many times. I told their Mother, Uncle, friends and neighbors... the look in my grandsons eyes was priceless when I would conclude," They saved my life."

It was really my fault for getting into that situation. I was not careful enough knowing the currents were stronger, I should have been more cautious. My mistake was that I leaned on the familiar, I had been there before with the current strong, not realizing it was much stronger than I had ever experienced.

I have been thinking about the spiritual lessons to learn from this experience. I'm still feeling shaky inside from it realizing how quickly our lives can be snuffed out from a foolish and silly decision to lean on the familiar.

There are many spiritual lessons I can apply to this. Perhaps you can think of some too, if so please feel free to share them with us in a comment...
One lesson that stands out to me the most is that in my spiritual walk, I need to live soberly, and in godly fear...

You Mothers who love the Lord Jesus, please be careful. Keep close to Jesus Christ. Is there any familiar thing you are leaning on that many not be pleasing to God... These things can lead to a deadly current.. Yes Jesus our Lord can pull you out at your cry of help... but it is better to walk in fear and trembling making sure you are doing what God leads you to do by His Spirit through prayer and His Word. Do you not know troublesome times are coming? Ask God to prepare you for what is ahead. Seek Jesus, seek Him to teach you His way... You are safe in Him as you let Him lead you. Seek the Lord Jesus Christ, dear Mothers.

God bless you as you strive to know our Lord Jesus Christ better... thus doing we become more careful, sweeter and gentler as a wife and mother!

Let's keep praising Jesus! Let us walk carefully looking to Him for direction!
In His love,
Sarah

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
(Psalms 2:11)

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
(Philippians 2:12)

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
(Proverbs 3:5-8)

Listen to this sermon by Paul Washer: "The Crushing Of Christ" It may be a sermon you are not familiar with.... Take the time and listen!

Mothers, Are We Losing The Rich Old Hymns To Sing Songs?

2011-07-08T22:05:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mothers,

Oh I have been praying and thinking of so many things to share with you! I find as I'm busy with my prayer walks very often something will come to mind and I'd like to run to the computer and type it out immediately. However, it so often happens during my prayer walks and I don't want to leave that sweet time I'm having with my Lord Jesus, it's just too wonderful of a time! Remember the song: " I Come to The Garden Alone?" Well the last verse says; "I'd stay in the garden with Him though the night around me be falling, But He bides me go; through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling"... the great chorus continues; " And He walks with me and HE talks with me and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share and we tarry there, none other has ever known."

Actually, dear mothers, I am so blessed to have had a mother that taught me old Hymns as I was growing up. Where ever I am, (or go) Hymns pop up into my mind and I can sing many of the verses. Oh what a comfort they are to me!

When the Lord Jesus saved me 21 years ago and began to teach me much needed lessons, He brought those old Hymns to my memory. I began to teach them to my youngest children as my mother had taught them to me. Now that they are grown they know about as many as I do which may be a comfort to them someday.

My mother left me a legacy of old hymn knowledge, I love old hymns.

Much can be said about hymns that glorify God... The words of most of the old hymns are DEEP. The words of most of the old hymns have great substance!
The music put to them are usually pleasant and easily sung. When singing them one can express great depths of praise to God.

I know that there are many newer songs that Christians really enjoy and delight to sing. But there is a problem that is very evident and happening to many, many Christian families and their children... they are losing the meaningful and deep hymns.
I don't know if that bothers you, but it does me. The new songs can be glorifying to God and allot of fun to sing.. they can stir feelings of excitement and emotion to a person but what about the words? If you will take a truthful look at the words of those songs you will discover repetition, repetition, repetition and honestly, why?

In the old Hymns often times there is repetition of the chorus, but the verses are deep and obviously given by God through His Spirit...

See the words of this beautiful Hymn:

Jesus Thy Blood and Righteousness
By: Nicolaus Von Zinzidorf 1739

Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
’Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head.

Bold shall I stand in Thy great day;
For who aught to my charge shall lay?
Fully absolved through these I am
From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.

The holy, meek, unspotted Lamb,
Who from the Father’s bosom came,
Who died for me, e’en me to atone,
Now for my Lord and God I own.

Lord, I believe Thy precious blood,
Which, at the mercy seat of God,
Forever doth for sinners plead,
For me, e’en for my soul, was shed.

When from the dust of death I rise
To claim my mansion in the skies,
Ev’n then this shall be all my plea,
Jesus hath lived, hath died, for me.

Jesus, the endless praise to Thee,
Whose boundless mercy hath for me—
For me a full atonement made,
An everlasting ransom paid.

O let the dead now hear Thy voice;
Now bid Thy banished ones rejoice;
Their beauty this, their glorious dress,
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness.

To hear the song go here and play the midi file:
http://www.biblestudycharts.com/SH_Jesus_Thy_Blood.html

Dear sweet mothers, here is a challenge for you.. teach your children the old hymns!

Start with this one, learn it and teach it! you will be doing your children a great kindness. This hymns is deep and involved, but not too hard to learn. Your children will really love it in days ahead.

Just one more thing... the hymns just might not appeal to you nor your family. If you feed your children candy and sweets all the time they won't feel like eating the good nutritional foods. The newer praise songs are more like the sweets.. the Hymns nutritional! Take the time, feed on some good soul rich food!

I hope to post more Hymns for a challenge for you to learn...
Let me know how you are doing!

In our Saviors love,

Sarah

To Women---A Message For You Who Are Weary Of Sin.

2011-05-11T09:59:00.002-07:00

Here is a message to you that I pray will speak to your heart and minds. It is an earnest plea for you all to know the Savior in truth. Time is short, eternity is forever.

If you already know the way of salvation and are a child of God, please pray and proclaim this message to other women:

If you are longing to be free from sin- look to the Lamb of God! Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the World! He came to earth, yes He came earth to redeem you, free you when He died at Calvary. He, Jesus Christ, knew no sin-- He is sinless, He is perfect-- HE NEVER sinned, but you have sinned. All have sinned and cannot reach God's glory-- WE fall short of His glory. Jesus Christ, who never sinned, became sin for us on the cross- for you, for me. He suffered on the cross bearing your sin, God the Father poured out His anger and wrath upon Jesus. Jesus Christ took your punishment on the cross, took your hell. He took what you and I deserve, He took it all for you on His body on the wooden cross. His suffering was so incredibly great that none of us can even begin to understand what HE suffered for us. He suffered until God the Father was satisfied that is was sufficient. Justice was given. Our just and holy God poured just punishment on Jesus as HE took our sin on His body on that wooden cross. OUR punishment is what He took, our griefs and sorrows. He was chastised for us... He is the Lamb- the Sacrifice Lamb-- He laid down His life for us as a sacrifice for our sin. Jesus Christ shed His blood and died. The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, takes away the sin of the World.

Now we can be saved! Saved from God's fearsome wrath! BUT He cannot save you if you do not believe in Him, nor are ashamed of your sins to repent of them. Jesus commands that all people repent of their sins and believe the GOOD NEWS of salvation!

Jesus Christ died for us on the cross.. He is God in the flesh- no man took His life from Him- He laid down His life for us willingly as a sin sacrifice for you and me.-He arose from the dead! The grave could not hold Him He is alive forever more! He arose from the dead! Up from the grave He arose! With a mighty triumph over His foes- He arose the victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with His saints to reign! Hallelujah Christ arose!

Are you longing to be free? Jesus said ,"Come unto me." ... "Come unto me and I will give you rest."... "Come unto me all you who are weary and oppressed" .. "Come unto me and I will give you rest." Are you weary? Are you heavy laden? Are you sore distressed? Jesus said, "Come unto me and I will give you rest."

Have you any room for Jesus? He bore your load of sin-- sinner, will you turn to Him? Do you have room for pleasure- room for business- But no room for the one who bore your load of sin? No place that He can enter in the heart for which He died?

The chiefest of sinners Jesus Christ will save if he will turn to JESUS and Believe. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved! Confess with your mouth that Jesus is God-confess HE died for you- you deserve hell but He took it for you- repent- believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved!

Jesus Christ wants to redeem you Oh sinner- He wants to save you!

BUT how can He save you if you do not believe in Him? How can He save you if you take for granted His sacrifice for you on the cross?-If you do not care? If you trample under foot His blood?

Can you be saved if you simply say a prayer and then go your way and continue to sin and not care? Can He save you if you refuse to admit you are a sinner? Can He save you if you blaspheme His holy name by proclaiming to be a Christian yet live just as wickedly as those who do not profess to be a Christian?

Jesus Christ said, " You must be born again." He told us He would send His Comforter- His Spirit, even the Holy Spirit! Those who have faith and believe in Jesus are children of God, His Spirit comes to dwell in the heart of those Who believe, they become "Born again." Born now of the Spirit of God. The believer becomes the temple of the living God!
One who is a true Christian has the Spirit of God dwelling in them. God's Word says that they become a new creature, old things are passed away and behold all things are become new!
True Christians cannot continue to live in willful sin because the Spirit of God grieves within for the sin. They feel the grief and are truly repentant and sorry for sin they have done. A person that God saves changes from not caring to caring--from blindness of sin to sight of sin. Life style changes as God shows them their sins. That person becomes free from sin as God gives him power and strength to not sin as they live daily in faith and trust in Him!

Jesus said. "No man can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other or he will love the one and hate the other." " You cannot serve God and mammon."
Mammon represents love for the World, the flesh and anything that becomes more important to you then God.
If you love to get drunk, commit fornication or adultery, or are sexually impure, are a homosexual, or love to plunge into pleasures of this World, If you steel, hate, lie or use God's Name in vain, love anything above God, you are a servant of satan. Satan is your master- - If you continue in this way until you die, you will perish in hell fire.

Jesus came to set you free! He came to set the captive free!

You cannot save yourself. All your good works are as filthy rags before God. NO! There is not any one who is righteous, no not one! No one is good, no one is sinless-- Except for Jesus Christ! You cannot save yourself.

Do not think the good you have done can out-weigh the bad you have done. When you die and stand before God the Judge what will say? "I've done allot of good, I'm not as bad as other people.". . . God makes it clear that your good works cannot save you. God says your sins have separated you from God. How many sins does it take to separate us from God? ONE SIN! But you and I have sinned many times-- sin is disobedience to God. His law gives us an idea of sin and reveals to us what sin is. God says, "You shall not lie" ... HE continues to tell us not to steel, not to commit adultery, not to covet, not to murder, not to take God's Name in vain. He says to honor your Father and Mother, He says to love Him and worship Him above anything or any other. Jesus said to look on someone with lust is equal to committing adultery or fornication. He said if you hate someone in your heart it is equal to murder. You and I have disobeyed God...that is called sin.

The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin-- for those who believe in Him and repent of their sin. He is our only hope--- Jesus Christ the Lord.

Jesus said He is the way and the truth and the life, no man can come unto the Father but by Him. He is the only Name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved...

Do you understand this?

The fool has said in his heart, "there is no God." Oh do not be a fool! God has some very serious things to say about fools-- they have no wisdom, shame shall be the promotion of fools.

There is not any hope for you if you refuse Jesus Christ the Lord. Desolation, distress and anguish will come to those who hate knowledge and who do not choose the fear of the Lord.
Receive God's Word! Apply His Word to your heart to to understand. Find the knowledge of God, He keeps the paths of judgement and preserves the way of His people. Do not walk in darkness and delight in the forwardness of the wicked. These are paths of the dead, the dead who have not any life in them. Do not forsake mercy and truth. Trust in Jesus Christ the Lord.. fear God!
Turn from your sinful ways and Be wise now! You will never regret it! You will find rich blessings and know the Lord Jesus Christ. Peace, life and truth, joy eternal that cannot be compared to anything earthly.

Once I was foolish and sinned ruled my heart. My life and living were not pleasing to God, I was an enemy of God. I was proud and self righteous. But Jesus found me! Found me as a lost sheep astray from the sheep fold. He opened my understanding, He let me see--

"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."(Isaiah 53:4-6)

My iniquity- my sin was placed upon Jesus Christ. He shed His blood for me. How can I turn my back on such a Savior? I believed in my heart and repented of my sin now I am free from the slavery to sin and satan.

Oh come to the Lord Jesus Christ! He said, "Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." Do not turn your back on such a Savior! No! Turn your back on your sinful life! Turn from your pride-- turn from your own works/efforts for salvation. Turn from eternal death, darkness and damnation and come to Eternal Life and Light!

You are in darkness and you do not even know it. You are sin sick and you do not even realize it. You are a slave to satan and you so not even understand that.
Turn from the old sinful way, repent!- Turn to Jesus Christ! Let Him give you freedom and true Life and Truth!

Jesus said, "I have come to give you life and life more abundant" This is new life! Freedom to not sin! Liberty from bondage of sin.

O He freed me! Oh the pure joy of knowing Jesus. I love His name, Jesus Christ the Lord. He died for me to set me free! What joy and comfort He gives, rest to the weary, peace and joy. Jesus is all the world to me. Jesus is the Rock in a storm, we can hide in Him. He is a shelter in the time of storm. Jesus is a shade by day and defense by night, He is our helper, our safe haven, our safe retreat. Do you know Him?

Jesus Christ the Lord is the Rock in a weary land. Come to Jesus. Come safe to the Rock that is higher then you are. Run to Him! Seek Him! Ask Him to save you. Beg Him for understanding and faith in Him.

Jesus said:
Ask and keep on asking ..

Seek and keep on seeking..

Knock and keep on knocking...

For everyone who asks receives, and He who seeks shall find, to him who knocks the door shall be opened.

Do you want to know Him but don't know how? If you are truly desiring to be saved and in your heart you know what God says is true and want Jesus to save you... Do this... Ask Him! Go to Him and let Him know. Ask Him for understanding and faith in Jesus Christ. Repent of your sins! Let Him know you understand how sinful you are and want Him to save you. Ask Jesus Christ the Lord to wash your sins away with His blood and save you. I cannot tell you how to pray but only point you to the cross and say, talk to Jesus. Please read your Bible if you have one, start in the gospel of John and ask God to talk to you. If you don't have one ask me and I'll send one to you. If you desire to contact me, leave a comment, I will keep it private and contact you back.

God bless you who are His!
In His love forever,
Sarah

"O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" 18 verses, by Charles Wesley

2011-04-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing (see v.7)
by Charles Wesley

Glory to God, and praise and love
Be ever, ever given,
By saints below and saints above,
The church in earth and heaven.

On this glad day the glorious Sun
Of Righteousness arose;
On my benighted soul He shone
And filled it with repose.

Sudden expired the legal strife,
’Twas then I ceased to grieve;
My second, real, living life
I then began to live.

Then with my heart I first believed,
Believed with faith divine,
Power with the Holy Ghost received
To call the Savior mine.

I felt my Lord’s atoning blood
Close to my soul applied;
Me, me He loved, the Son of God,
For me, for me He died!

I found and owned His promise true,
Ascertained of my part,
My pardon passed in heaven I knew
When written on my heart.

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great (orig. dear) Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! The name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
‘Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.

He speaks, and, listening to his voice,
New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
The humble poor believe.

Hear Him, ye deaf, His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

Look unto Him, ye nations, own
Your God, ye fallen race;
Look, and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

See all your sins on Jesus laid:
The Lamb of God was slain,
His soul was once an offering made
For every soul of man.

Harlots and publicans and thieves
In holy triumph join!
Saved is the sinner that believes
From crimes as great as mine.

Murderers and all ye hellish crew
Ye sons of lust and pride,
Believe the Savior died for you;
For me the Savior died.

Awake from guilty nature’s sleep,
And Christ shall give you light,
Cast all your sins into the deep,
And wash the Æthiop white.

With me, your chief, ye then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,

Christian Parents That Actually Love and Cherish Their Little Ones!

2011-03-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mothers,

I am so blessed to know some Christian parents that actually love and cherish their little ones. The godly love shows in the character of their children, the brightness of their faces and the peace in their spirit. Their children are being trained in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Jesus.

There is something different about these children from children of most other christian families.

I'd like to expound on this a bit for the joy and excitement I have seeing this family!

The parents love the Lord Jesus Christ and have committed themselves to Him. It is obvious that they obey God in His Word. Here are a few verses that I can testify they follow:

1. Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain utterances: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (2Ti 2:15-16)

2. In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is an opponent may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. (Tit 2:7-8)

3. And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Eph 6:4)

4. Therefore shall you lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And you shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them upon the door posts of your house, and upon your gates: That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD swore unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth. (Deu 11:18-21)

There are many other Scriptures I could place here... They take their walk in the Lord Jesus soberly and seriously.

What does God think of a family that obey Him?
God is well pleased with such a family, showing favor with rich blessings and grace upon them.

Great peace have they who love your law: and nothing shall offend them. LORD, I have hoped for your salvation, and done your commandments. My soul has kept your testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. I have kept your precepts and your testimonies: for all my ways are before you. [Tau] Let my cry come near before you, O LORD: give me understanding according to your word. Let my supplication come before you: deliver me according to your word. My lips shall utter praise, when you have taught me your statutes. My tongue shall speak of your word: for all your commandments are righteousness. Let your hand help me; for I have chosen your precepts. I have longed for your salvation, O LORD; and your law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise you; and let your judgments help me. (Psa 119:165-175)

What does the world think of a family that actually obey God?

The natural man does not understand such a family....
A family that does not watch movies, avoids TV., does not leave their children to play alone with other children, separates themselves from worldly activity. A family that does not entertain their children with worldly games and videos.

Since therefore Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life will suffice us to have done the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in licentiousness, lusts, excess of wine, reveling, carousing, and abominable idolatries: In which they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of dissipation, speaking evil of you:(1Pe 4:1-4)

The parents in this family are nurturing their children with the things of the Lord. Jesus Christ is the exciting subject of each hour. Jesus is exalted and honored and the children are very excited about Bible stories and songs. The children dance and jump to the praises of Jesus Christ. They have not been corrupted with worldly excitement and pleasure but are learning the rich and true treasures of God. And they see the fulfillment and peace He gives to those who love Him.

Mothers, this is a beautiful picture. Every time I see this family my heart rejoices! The children honor Jesus Christ and have a heart for evangelism. Yes, at very early ages, (even at around one year old) they are loving the Lord Jesus and have respect for their parents. Let me tell you, they are a delight to be around!

A Christian mother has a great responsibility before God to raise her children for Him. This is no game dear mothers, it is a very serious and difficult yet rewarding job.

The mother of the family I am talking about has given up her own fleshly desires. She is seeking the Lord Jesus for direction and help which He is abundantly pouring out upon her. This mother is careful to honor her husband and submit herself to him, being an example of obedience to God that her children can see. This mother feels the weight of the responsibility to raise her children for Him and dedicates her hours and days to this task. She is a wise women and builds her home on the solid Rock of Jesus Christ.(Every wise woman builds her house: but the foolish plucks it down with her hands.Pro 14:1)
This mother prays for her children and teaches them to pray for others and needs that arise. She is praying for her husband, financial needs, spiritual protection and help, everything that comes up in daily living and finding God to be very faithful. This mother rises up in the morning praying that she might have wisdom to train her children for Jesus, and prays for their salvation.

I love to talk to this godly mother. I love to hear how God shows her fun and interesting ways to teach her precious children the things of God in every day experiences. While sitting at the table eating, playing together, reading, taking walks or drives, what ever the case may be, God shows her something she can say to them about Him. Praise God for this! Her children are being so blessed by their Mother as she invests her time into their learning and growing for the glory of God!

It grieves me to hear mothers say they would like to be ministering to others outside the home someway. Your children are your ministry right now... Be faithful and maybe in a few years ahead God will be able to use you because you were faithful to the task HE has given you NOW!

Pray for wisdom dear mothers, God is able to provide it and He will if you seek Him with your whole heart. Love your children, invest your time and days in training them for Him!

................................

I do realize there are some mothers who feel they need to go off to work for financial reasons and can't be home, or single mothers who would love to be home. I am going to say something to you that might seem impossible... but with God all things are possible.. Pray that God will show you a way to stay home and raise your children for Him. It's that important and our God is that powerful.
I am talking to women who truly belong to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Do not limit God in your thoughts. Here is what God has told older women to say to you who are younger:

"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (Tit 2:4-5)

Did you notice He said,"keepers at home"? "AT" is exactly what is said here. This is not a popular message in our culture these days. The reason it is not popular is because satan has deceived many women into thinking they can be independent of any control from men. These feminist women criticize, ridicule, degrade and scorn any women that willing submits herself to her husband. This lie from satan is the same lie that he gave Eve in the Garden of Eden, and the very opposite of what God commanded women: "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." (Gen 3:16)
The feminist spirit is prevalent in our world and it is a rebellious spirit against our God. Please pray and seek the Lord to reveal any feminist spirit that might be in you and repent of it. Ask God to change your attitude and give you His perspective and wisdom. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1Pe 5:6-8)

To the single mothers I make a plea to you to understand that God is able to provide for you too if you will trust in Him. This message may seem ridiculous to some but God is very able to take care of you and provide. Read this story of a widow with two sons, our God can provide and will if you but ask Him:
"Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbors, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest." (2Ki 4:1-7)

Happy are you, O Israel: who is like unto you, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, and who is the sword of your excellency! and your enemies shall submit unto you; and you shall tread upon their high places.
(Deu 33:29)

"Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us." Dear Mothers, Do Your Children Hear His Voice?

2011-01-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

Dearest Mothers,

Please teach your children to listen to the Lord Jesus. His sheep hear His voice and follow Him!

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never ever perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."(John 10:27-28)

"Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us"

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.

Words: Attributed to Dorothy A. Thrupp, 1836.
Music: Bradbury, William B. Bradbury, 1859
To listen: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/l/slaslus.htm

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us. Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
(Psalm 80:1-3)

Mothers, Teach Your Children To Think About Jesus All The Time !

2011-01-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

Dearest Mothers,
Life is so short! I remember an old saying, "One life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last."

One life will soon be past.. Have you thought about that very much?

One day your children will be grown and leave home.

One day you may find yourself looking into a mirror and thinking, I was once young.

One day you may wonder where the time went and how you spent your years.

One day you will die and face your Creator...

One life will soon be past.

"Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them"... before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. . . The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." (Ecc 12:1-7,13,14)

Remember God, our Creator!

It seems to me many, many people have forgotten their Creator, in fact it seems they would like to avoid remembering Him all together. A person can forget God and ignore His promptings to think about Him or seek Him by keeping busy with numerous activities. For most people it is more comfortable to play a game, watch a video, do crafts, be "busy" on the computer, do sports, go shopping, visit friends, go to church and church activities, etc... But remember our Creator? Do you doubt this? What is it we women talk about when visiting with a friend, in a group meeting/gathering, at home with our children, or with our husband? Is it about our Creator Jesus Christ? Is He prominent in our conversations?

How can we expect our children to think about Jesus Christ the Lord and love Him if we don't? Our children are watching and learning from us.

If we say,"Oh I do remember God every day! I talk to Him and read the Bible almost everyday. I love Him!" But as the old saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words." How does your daily living show that you love Jesus and remember Him?

Think about a young girl newly engaged and in love. Her mind is on the young man she is going to marry and wants to talk to him and of him all the time. It does not take very long to learn what is important to a person. If the Lord Jesus is in your mind all the time, you are going to want to talk about Him.

We say we love Jesus and to obey Him is important to us. We sing, "He is everything to me." But please, please take a serious look at what you are communicating to your children. Does Jesus Christ the Lord saturate your day? Do you talk about Him in your daily activities and living ? Do your children know that life should be centered around Him in work, play, meals, sleep, and in all things we do?

Are you reminding your children daily that He is their Creator and we owe everything to Him, even our breath? It is not possible to talk about Jesus Christ the Lord too much!

We need to obey God in training our children properly for Him. Get away from the Worldly ideas of teaching your children through entertainment, empty books and recordings that forsake the truth about God. They deny any knowledge of God and actually produce an anti-God spirit. Even things that might seem cute or harmless can be wrong if they are replacing the things of God.

Teach them God's way! Remember your Creator! Point them to Him daily and continually! Please read this scripture carefully and pray for wisdom in training your children for Him.:

"You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth." (Deuteronomy 11:18-21)

Our children need to learn the truth about God. He is most important in every aspect of life. Nothing compares to Jesus Christ and knowing Him. All else pales in value and excitement. Why waste time in things that are perishing when we can invest our lives in eternal things! Teach these eternal things to your children!

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2Co 4:18)

HE knows our thoughts...

"O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether"...
(Psalm 139:1-4)

Mothers..........get serious about raising your children for Jesus,

One life will soon be past.
Only what is done for Christ will last!

Mothers, Teach The Bible and The Things of God Diligently To Your Children

2011-01-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

Dearest Mothers,

Are you a godly mother that wants her children to grow up knowing whom they can go to in life's distress and trials?

Do you want to point your children to the only One who can save them and deliver them from, the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life?

If you are that kind of mother then I plead with you to take the Word of God seriously and apply it to your life and in training your children for Him.

How? Follow God, not man. Follow God's word and His teachings. To sum it up, Obey GOD!

Let's take a look at the Word of GOD to see how important this is.

Firstly look at Psalms 78:

"I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God". (Psa 78:2-8)

We have the Bible to tell us the things of old, "Dark sayings from old."(Here dark means "deep". )

"Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come."(1Co 10:11)
We have the Old Testament and the stories so rich in the power of God for an example to us. (Did you catch that? EXAMPLE TO US.)

Read Wonderful Bible stories to your children. Please avoid the cartoon type character Bible stories, these may impress the child with a feeling of pretending, they simply are not serious. The Word of God and Bible stories should be received with great respect and gravity of mind. An excellent Bible story book for children that I have found is, "The Bible in Picture For Little Eyes." by Kennith Taylor. The older publication is best, which might be found on a used book site.

Do not hide the things of God from your children! Tell the children of how God moved and proved Himself faithful to the Children of GOD in the Bible. Tell them of examples in your own life and others the powerful working of GOD. Speak to them often about it! Read wonderful Missionary stories of how God worked and moved through their lives.

"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children-- (Deu 4:9)
"tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."

We should tell them:
"so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God". (Psa 78:2-8)

Oh precious mothers! Please ask God to help you to get a hold of this understanding! IT IS POSSIBLE to teach your children the way of the Lord in this day and age. YES! God would never instruct you to do something that was not reachable. In Him you can do it!

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deu 6:5-9)

Oh I'm so earnest for you!

"For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."(1Th 5:5-6)

Be sober dear mothers! Follow GOD diligently!

A suggested site that is good for Bible Story Lessons and helpful in teaching children:
http://bibledrivethru.blogspot.com/

Do Your Children Know That Only Jesus Can Satisfy their Soul?

2010-12-31T17:17:00.000-08:00

Dearest Mothers,

Now that Christmas is over and the gifts are all given,
Are you finding that your children are satisfied?
Are they happy now?
Or
Are they looking for more gifts and more things?

Gifts and things can never satisfy,
Nor bring happiness to the soul.
There will always be a desire for something else.

Jesus Christ the Lord is the ONLY ONE who can satisfy.
We must teach this to our children!

Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul

The world may try to satisfy
That longing in your soul.
You may search the wide world over
But you'll be just as before.
You'll never find true satisfaction
Until you've found the Lord,
For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

CHORUS:
Only Jesus can satisfy your soul.
Yes, only He can change your heart
And make you whole.
He'll give you peace you never knew,
Sweet joy and love and Heaven, too.
For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

If you could have the fame and fortune,
All the wealth you could attain.
Yet, you have not Christ within,
Your living here would be in vain.
There'll come a time when death will find you,
Riches cannot help you then.
So, come to Jesus, only He can satisfy.

CHORUS:
Only Jesus can satisfy your soul:
Yes, only He can change your heart
And make you whole.
He'll give you peace you never knew,
Sweet joy and love and Heaven, too.
Only Jesus can satisfy your soul.
Yes, only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

Lanny Wolfe

Do Your Children Praise Jesus Christ On Christmas Morning?

2010-12-20T05:10:00.000-08:00

Caption says,"I am so glad Jesus came to Earth
to die for me so I can get these nice gifts."

Dearest Mothers,

I hear this all the time now, "Christmas will be here soon!" "I can't believe Christmas is in one week!"
Yes, everyone is excited and scurrying around to prepare for a day to celebrate. Celebrate? What?
Some are actually thinking about the Lord Jesus and celebrate His coming to earth..but how many are actually doing that?
Not many, not many at all, in fact very few actually are thinking about the birth of the Lord Jesus.

How many children wake up Christmas morning and think, "Oh praise GOD, we are celebrating the Lord Jesus' birth today!"
Well if you are honest with yourself to face the truth, you will have to agree with me that for most people Christmas really isn't a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, but a celebration of gifts and family get-together.

Some families might slip in a Bible reading in the morning, before they open presents. But when the children open their presents do they say, "Oh thank you Lord Jesus, I'm so glad you came to earth to die for me to save me from hell and destruction!"??? But what do they normally do... LOOK FOR MORE GIFTS!

I am not against families getting together and showering each other with gifts and love, that is wonderful! But when it is done in such a fashion that actually tramples under foot the things that are holy, I object! Making the things of God that are holy a common thing is wrong. The children cannot discern the holy from the profane if the parents can't.

If Christmas affords an opportunity to proclaim to the World that Jesus Christ came to earth to save sinners, great! But wait a minute, how often do you hear this? In Church? And wait a minute again, aren't we suppose to be proclaiming the gospel story..ALL THE TIME?

Please be careful about what you make Christmas into, there are dangerous traps that come with the hoopla of Christmas.
Some would like to say it's a "Holy day" but what is holy about it? Does God call it holy?

What are we doing to our children when we tell them that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ when all they discover are gifts showered on them? What do you think goes into those small and tender minds? "Christmas-Jesus' birthday-gifts-ME!".
Oh yes, some parents try to turn the tide and teach their children to give to others, but at the same time they are being given gifts too. It goes in a circle.

I know not everyone celebrates Christmas like it's a "Give me, what can I get" day... but again please be careful. How are your children being influenced?

Consider searching the roots and customs of Christmas. . . it might surprise you.

I Want The Best For My Child

2010-10-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

The Best For my Child?
Time, Love, Prayer and Obedience to God!

I want the best for my child. The very best for him is to teach him the way of the Lord Jesus Christ. The very best for him is having Parents that will listen and obey God in their living and in training him. God has made it very clear how to raise a child, there is no need for confusion. Obey God, do what He says in His Word. The Lord says: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."(Mat 6:33) That is clear instruction isn't it? In everything that arises in life and also at the beginning of each day, seek God, call upon the Lord Jesus Christ, repent of any known sin. Jesus will give help and strength if you ask Him. Meditate upon His Word, pray often to Him. Ask Him to show you any selfish areas in your life that need to "die". Dieing to self is an important part of being an obedient child of God. Jesus gives clear instruction about dieing and denying self:

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"(Luke 9:23-25)

These are just two verses that give clear instruction to us and of course the Bible is filled with instructions and guidance for us. Why not teach these things to my children? They are capable of learning and understanding. I don't want to limit my growing child's mind with simple silly entertaining activities for tools of learning, but rather with the sincere milk of the Word of God!

The Lord Jesus Christ brought me to faith in Him and repentance of my sins, washed my sins away with His shed blood and saved me. He gave me faith in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. He saved my soul from the wrath of God that I deserve. He gave me His Holy Spirit and I am His forever. His yoke is easy and His burden is light, I am His servant. I gladly and happily serve Him with the joy He gave me, my joy is full, it is His joy!
It is because I am His that I desire godliness and righteousness for my children. I desire them to be saved and be godly. Therefore, I want to do right and raise them according to God's Word. Through the guidance of His Spirit, following His Word, I learn how to raise my child. God has given guidelines in His Word with His standards and instructions to follow. He has given to us a type of 'How to' book, He is very clear and forthwith about this subject. I know to trust the Author of this book, He is all knowing, all wise, and perfect, so I take what He says very seriously and desire to follow and obey Him.

I'd like to go through a few verses of this wonderful guide Book and talk about them. Here are some of my thoughts I'd like to share:

My children are given to me by God to raise them for Him. My husband and I are responsible in their training to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, (Eph 6:4) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Admonition, means: "mild rebuke or warning" in the Greek. It also means "calling attention to".

The verse begins with: "Fathers provoke not your children to to wrath." I believe God addresses the Fathers first because the weight of the responsibility falls on the fathers. Yet, I believe that mothers are also required to follow the same instruction. I am an older women teaching younger women, so it is the mothers I am talking to.

Let's look at ways parents can, "provoke a child to wrath":

Not showing my child respect:

Your child is a person created by God and given to you to train for Him. Keep in mind that children have not yet learned to hide their true nature which sometimes is very ugly. The sobering thing is, we see ourselves, our own nature in them. When we detect an ugly nature in our child it can make us angry, especially if we see ourselves in them. What ever way we respond to them, to correct or discipline, it should be with respect and love for the child.

To be respectful does not mean to ignore or softly chasten a child that is acting in disobedience, for that is not respectful to them at all! Respecting my child means that I love my child enough to be his friend and instruct him with biblical discipline.(Pro 27:6) " Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. " My child is in need of training, what if I hugged him and kissed him when he was naughty? What if I gave him a small rebuke, a little pat on the bottom and a gentle, "No". Am I being a faithful friend to this child whom I love and adore? Think about this, am I a friend or an enemy to my own child?

Oh mothers! Train your dear children the biblical way! If my child is naughty, I will take him to a place away from the rest of the children, make him sit with me and ask him what he did that was naughty. If he is too young to answer, I will tell him, but if not, I will ask him questions until he admits to me that he was naughty. Then after the confession of the disobedience I will ask him again if God has something to say about it, and let him answer, or explain to him what God says. Since he has disobeyed God first: "Children obey your parents in the Lord" (Eph 6:1) I point out to him that disobeying God is very, very bad. Next I will tell my child that God has also given Mommies a command to spank him if he is naughty, I need to obey God too. Here are some scriptures from Proverbs about spanking:

"He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him betimes,(early)."Proverbs 13:24 , "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.",22:15 "Withhold not correction from the child: for if you beat him with a rod he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod And deliver his soul from hell." 23:13+14,"The rod and correction give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."29:15

When I spank my child using a thin rod, I have him bend over and tell him the number of spanks he is about to be given, say three or more. If he holds still he gets three spanks on his bottom, if he does not hold still more will be added. If the spanking was not given with a good "sting" the child will probably get angry and not sorry. It is very important he knows that a spanking hurts, it's something he does not want to happen again. After the spanking I let him cry a few minutes then ask him if he is sorry for disobeying God and Mommy? If he affirms this, I ask him if he would like to tell God about it to ask for forgiveness. If he is very young I'll help him pray. After him, I pray and give a hug and kiss for comfort, then have my child go directly to anyone he offended to ask for forgiveness.

Yes it takes time, it's not easy. It is very well invested time! The need to spank will come much less frequently as it instills in the child a respect and understanding of the responsibility he has to God in obedience. A well trained child is a delight to be around!

Another aspect of provoking a child to wrath concerns the other sibling. If a mother sees her child being disrespectful to his sibling and does not properly, biblically discipline him,( or allows him to "get by" with it), it will cause deep resentment in the heart of the sibling and a feeling of anger and dis-respect toward the mother. I must also mention that the naughty child will have a sense of dis-respect toward the mother as well and a feeling of insecurity because in his heart of hearts, he does not want to "get away" with being naughty. If I do not biblically train my child, I am cheating my child out of wisdom and knowledge and the fear of the Lord. I am allowing him to be foolish, I am willing for him to go to hell,(Prov. 23:13+14) I am causing my child to feel insecure and angry at me.

Do I love my child enough to chasten him? Better yet, do I love and fear God enough? God says a rod, God says start early, God says do not with-hold it, God says it will give him wisdom and could work to help save him from hell. Do I believe God? If I obey God and follow His commands and rules He is faithful to work in the heart of my child to bring forth an understanding of and fear of God. That is something I long for and want for my child.
You can go to a web search and find out all different aspects and ideas concerning spanking a child. There are some very harsh and angry reactions on this subject. No matter what the outcry might be from those who have their own experiences or ideas, no matter how they might twist and reason, I believe God. Yes, I believe God, He is trust worthy and His guidelines are faultless.

When I take time to discipline my child and do it biblically, I am showing him respect and love.

There are so many other ways of showing respect, they all take time, but well invested time. Here are a few ideas:

Build a friendship with him or her: Reading to him, (especially the Bible and Bible stories), playing games, showing love and affection, looking at him and at his eyes while listening to him when he talks to me, or when I talk to him. Teach him to help me in my house work, or give him responsibilities and show gratitude at his efforts. There are so many ways to build a friendship, which is another way to say, "win his heart!" Biblical discipline will also help you win his heart, because it shows God's love for him. Children feel blessed and happy after a biblical spanking. The discipline cleanses their conscience, assures them of your love and care for them.
It is so very important to incorporate the Lord Jesus in all your activities through-out the day.
Talk of Him, ask God to show you creative ideas how to bring Him into every subject. Point them to Him always.

How much does God want you to talk about Him to your children?

"You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates," (Deu 11:18-20)

Dear sweet mothers, I have done this, not perfectly, but a great deal. Oh, there are no words to express the flood of joy that filled my heart as I spoke of Jesus and His wonderful love, incorporating Him into activities, school work, cleaning, playing, walking, gardening and a multitude of other things. Now I talk of Him to everyone! He's the One I want to talk about! My days are full of joy and excitement because of Jesus! Why would I want to go back to plain and boring worldly things? Knowing Jesus Christ in true fellowship with Him is life indeed!

A Mother Can Provoke Her Child To Wrath By Her Disrespect To Her Husband:

Oh mothers! Your children are watching you! What kind of example have you set before them?

Am I respectful to my husband? Do I reverence him in all things?

Ephesians 5:22"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." "Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything," ... .."Wives, likewise be submissive to your own husbands..."

Your children are watching you! If I am dis-respectful to my husband in any way, and do not honor him, but then turn and expect my children to honor me, my children can easily be provoked to anger. If they see me talking behind his back, or disregarding things he has asked me to do, how am I setting an example to my children of honor and obedience?

How important is it to God for you to honor your husband?

"Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything," ... .."Wives, likewise be submissive to your own husbands... Ephesians 5:23+24"

Let us fear God and obey Him!

The Story of How God Blessed My Daughter With A Godly Husband.

2010-08-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

I cannot but rejoice for what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for my dear daughter Leah. It is an amazing story and I know that many of you have been waiting for this post. I have been anxious to share!

This will be a long post, but it is a wonderful story of how God brought two godly young people together in His way and timing:

It Began:

Last year, 2009, Leah and Michael were considering whether or not they should go to the OSA missions trip that was being held in LasVegas. Michael really wanted to go, Leah was not too interested, but was willing to go if God made a way for them. They had gone to an OSA mission trip 2 years before in Alabama and had been greatly blessed meeting people truly on fire for the Lord Jesus Christ. These are people who, like us, do all they can to reach the lost with the gospel... as well as expose the horrors of abortion and plead for unborn children lives. They decided to pray for the funds and not say anything to anyone about it. They had been reading George Mueller's testimony of God's provisions, and were impressed to only seek God and not man for the funds. The very next day a dear friend walked up to them and offered flight and motel expenses for the trip if they wanted to go!

Mick,(my husband), and I could see it was clearly God's will for them to go and prayed for His will to be done. One day while walking and praying about the trip I asked God again why He wanted them to go when I heard Him speak to my heart. He told me Leah was going to meet her husband while on the missions trip. I didn't expect something like that, but I had such a peace in my heart that it just made me thank Him. I shared this with Mick, but not with anyone else. We both just wondered and resigned it to God and prayed for His will.

Michael and Leah went on the trip and came back being greatly blessed and excited about the opportunities they had been given. Leah didn't say she had met anyone, so it seemed I was wrong about hearing from the Lord. A few days after they came back, Leah told me she had forgotten something that had happened in LasVegas. As Leah and Michael were walking toward a group of people whom were part of OSA, she noticed a young man she had not yet met. As her eyes fell on this young man she heard the Lord Jesus say in her heart, "There is your husband." Leah was so shocked at what she heard and tried to shake it away. Leah is not the type of girl who looks for guys, she has always been very sensitive to keeping herself for the man God has for her. Leah decided to ask Michael to introduce her to this young man, they had a quick hand shake and that was all there was!

When I heard the story from Leah, I got very excited. Leah told the story to Mick and in just a few hours he had them get ready for another missions trip with "Missionaries to the pre-Born" which was being held in Detroit MI. where they thought the young man would also attend. I am sure the Lord moved Mick, we have been careful to look to the Lord for direction in any decision made for Leah and Michael. We felt confident in His leading now. On that trip, the young man was not there. However, during the time in Detroit, Leah and Michael met many wonderful young people on fire for the Lord Jesus. They wanted to keep in touch with them and Face Book seemed to be the most popular way so they made their own accounts. After a few weeks Michael had a friend request from someone he didn't know, but seemed familiar. Leah and Michael both realized at about the same time it was, the young man, and his name was Patrick. Soon afterward Patrick requested Leah to be his friend. Mick and I were very cautious about the whole Face Book thing. If the Lord had not made it so clear to us this young man could very well be the man He had chosen for Leah, we would not have been open to her chatting with him AT ALL! We watched both Leah and Michael's interaction with Patrick. As we checked out Patrick's wall and info, we noticed all his posts and comments were very godly and Biblical. We watched and read all the chats, Patrick was very respectful and kept them wholesome with good questions and answers. As time went on we could see he was not only loving Jesus but also very like-minded as we.

Soon Patrick was contacting Michael through phone calls. I talked with him too and was encouraged by his respectfulness. His conversation always pointed to Jesus and the Bible. Then Patrick asked to come for a visit in December. We live in Northern Wisconsin, snow and cold is a huge factor that time of year. We told him he was welcomed, but just the day before he was to arrive a winter storm hit here and he had to cancel. . .

...............................................

Leah's side of the story:

About 2 years ago Leah met a dear couple who are missionaries to Mexico. Leah had been looking for direction from the Lord for her life, she was already 20 years old, she had expected to have met her husband by now. But God was doing a wonderful work in her heart, and she became settled into willingness to not ever get married if the Lord should so will. Please read Leah's post on marriage and get an idea of her thoughts on the subject of marriage at that time.

Leah prayed about whether He would have her as a missionary. She started learning Spanish, and looked into a language school in Mexico. The school teaches Spanish to prospective missionaries as they live in the culture and around the people. While seeking the Lord about it Leah heard the Lord tell her to go learn the Language in Mexico, and then get out and go back home. Leah planned to go January 2010 if the Lord opened the doors for it.

Leah occupied herself at home with work and helping me around the house. We are involved in Pro-Life and gospel work which is also a large part of our lives each week. Leah served her family, sewing Daddy's patches on his work pants, cooking, cleaning, gardening and canning many different types of fruits and tomatoes. Time passed and Leah kept seeking the Lord Jesus, praying about Mexico, and keeping a servants heart. Leah has always blessed me and as she grew older she blessed me not only as a wonderful serving daughter, but also as a dear sister and friend in our Lord Jesus. We shared some wonderful joyful times together with fellowship in our Lord Jesus. I know it was Jesus who gave her the patience to wait on Him and to have such a loving attitude, even when times were difficult.

I hope you take some time and read this post by Leah in her blog, Glorious Hope. It will give you a good idea of her heart for the Lord Jesus: Marriage.
Also to learn more about the trip to LasVegas read this: in Leah's blog. You will see what I mean about her, she was loving Jesus then and she is loving Him now.

..................................................

Patrick's side of the story:

Patrick had committed himself to purity and godliness even as a young teen. He kept his eyes and heart for the Lord. At 15 he began to pray for the women God would someday have him marry. He learned to work hard and kept his mind on wholesome and godly things. He kept involved in Pro-life and gospel work which were and are an important to Patrick and his family, going weekly to plead for unborn children and give the gospel at abortion clinics. He worked at various secular jobs and learned what it means to be persecuted for his faith in the Lord Jesus.
Several years ago he noticed there was some property for sale near his parents home. One day as he passed by the property he heard the Lord tell him to buy it. The land would be for him and his own family one day. He obeyed and began and started to improve the property. By the time Patrick turned 23 he felt ready for marriage, and wondered if a girl he and his family had become acquainted with was the right one and he was given permission by her father to court her. He soon realized she was not the right one and was thankful he had not given his heart to her, not even holding her hand. Patrick prayed for direction. As he turned 26 he wondered about another girl he had met through a Ministry group. The friendship with her was very long distant and he prayed continually for direction. About this time Patrick learned OSA was having a Missions out reach in Las Vegas, he was not very interested in going but prayed about it. A friend of his family wanted Patrick to go with him and offered to pay for the trip entirely. Still Patrick was doubtful if he could go because of his job. Amazingly Patrick was given the time off from work with no difficulty, so he realized the Lord wanted him to go.

While at OSA in LasVegas a young man named Michael him came up to meet him, then Michael introduced his sister Leah to him. Patrick was uneasy,wondering, who was this girl and what did she want? He politely shook her hand and then turned and left very quickly, it seemed to him that Leah was chasing him.

When Patrick returned home he remembered Leah and told his family about a girl named Leah that was chasing him at OSA. Patrick wanted to keep himself for the girl God had for him to marry, he didn't want anything to do with a girl who would chase him!
Patrick still wondered if the girl he was keeping a long distance friendship with was the one for him. She was going to be at "Missionaries to the Pre-Born" tour in Detroit MI. and he wanted to go, but things didn't work out with his job. Patrick had a Face Book account and kept in touch with people through it, including his long distant friend who he wondered about. One day he noticed Michael and Leah on Face Book and became "friends". Some where in this frame, the Lord showed Patrick the other girl was not for him. He felt so weary of looking for the right one, so he just threw everything before the Lord and asked Him to show him, he wasn't going to look anymore.

As weeks and months passed Patrick began to notice Leah. He noticed her godliness and love for Jesus. He noticed her respect and clarity in her thoughts and reasoning's. Suddenly he understood, the Lord wanted Leah to be his wife, he felt very sure of it. In Patrick's own words on a chat he said, "Then I started finding myself comparing girls I thought I might be interested in and Leah and still didn't think of it until the Lord just really spoke to me and I asked him could it be you are trying to tell me she is the one? and it was then that the Lord really started guiding me and reminding me of things he had revealed to me during this process that revealed that about Nov. I think end of Oct."

Here are some of the things the Lord reminded Patrick of:

God had told him several years ago he was going to take his wife to Mexico, learn the language and get out.

God had put it into his heart to have 12 children to raise for God.

Once when Patrick had become very sick he dreamed he was married and his wife brought him some food. In his dream his wife looked like Leah.

There were a few other things that made Patrick understand that Leah was the one...

.................................................................

Getting back to January of 2010:

Leah kept looking for an opening to go to Mexico, but the door never opened. Now, Patrick decided to re-schedule his visit to Northern Wisconsin. He finally arrived at our home after a very long 14+ hour drive. We all instantly loved Patrick. His love for the Lord Jesus was obvious to us. He and Mick really, "hit it off" and the 3 days Patrick stayed was a joy. Patrick showed great respect to Mick and I, he was kind to Michael and was very respectful to Leah, hardly looking at her. (He told us later how hard it was not to stare at her, let alone just look at her.) , Patrick was very cautious to keep from showing interest in Leah. The second night here, Mick and Patrick sat in the kitchen talking until after 2:00 a.m. At this time Patrick asked Mick if he could court Leah. Mick told him to wait and we would pray about it. He also told him not to say a word to Leah about it. Patrick respected the request and when he had left Leah still had no idea that he was even interested in her. Leah however felt a tug in her heart so she fasted and prayed with a aching heart for several days afterward. Leah kept looking to the Lord, it was her desire to keep her focus on Him and not on Patrick.

Nearly 2 weeks later Mick had a talk with Leah about Patrick, and Mexico. He revealed to her Patrick wanted to court her, and even take her to Mexico some time after they were married. The look on Leah's face was priceless, she was so happy! Mick called Patrick and let him know he could court her. We learned after talking to Mick, Patrick went out to his property and rejoiced in the Lord and unto the Lord for a good long time, thanking Him.

And so. . . began the courtship which lasted for 4 months, and they were married May 29, 2010. During the courtship and Betrothal, with all the visits, phone calls, chats, they remained pure in their relationship. Both had committed to not kissing nor holding hands until they were married. The wedding was beautiful, God honoring and a great blessing. It is such a joy to see two godly young people brought together by God.

This is my account and testimony of Leah's blessing from the Lord. Leah waited on the Lord for many years, she was sure He was going to have her married at 18, but God knew she was not yet ready for Patrick, nor Patrick for her. It is and was all God's timing, which was perfect. They both have been greatly rewarded for their patience and purity. Now we feel as if the heavens have been opened upon us and blessings are being poured on us, Patrick and Leah have announced, they are with child! Blessings and praise to God forever!

Pictures of the Happy Couple

2010-08-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

Patrick Visited in January 2010
Leah, Michael and Patrick at the snow trails for snow shoeing

April 2010... Things happened fast! Mick is giving Leah to Patrick for Betrothal.
We knew this was the will of our God!

April 2010, Leah turned 21 a few days after she was betrothed to Patrick.

April 2010 Patrick and Leah very happy!

May 29, 2010! Father and Mother walk Leah down the Isle.

Patrick and Leah exchange vows.

Patrick and Leah, hold hands for the first time and are very happy!

A joyful time!

Michael talking to the newly weds.

Long a waited affection.

What a joyous time!

Patrick and Leah now with child!
Praise our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ!

My Youngest Daughter Was Married This Weekend! What a Joyous Time!

2010-06-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

I have not written in this blog for some time now... but there is a reason!
My youngest daughter was married this past weekend, May 29, 2010.Oh what a joyous occasion! The man she married, godly, loving Jesus very much, never gave his heart to another, never kissed nor held hands. Patrick was the man we had prayed for all these years for Leah.
Leah, same as Patrick, both waited on the Lord for their perfect mate, and God brought it forth!

I am anxious to tell this story but haven't yet the time. Soon, I hope, I should be able to sit down and write it all out. What a wonderful testimony it is and I don't want anyone to miss it!
I couldn't wait to place some pictures of the bride and groom and I hope to place more later of the actual wedding but for now... here are some!

Leah getting ready with allot of help!

Brides Maids

Picture Time Before the Wedding

Patrick and Leah, A Very Happy Couple!

Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory,
and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and
in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art
exalted as head above all.
-- 1 Chronicles 29:11

FATHER, I KNOW THAT ALL MY LIFE

2010-02-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

FATHER, I KNOW THAT ALL MY LIFE

Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,
And the changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see;
But I ask Thee for a present mind
Intent on pleasing Thee.

I ask Thee for a thoughtful love,
Through constant watching wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles,
And to wipe the weeping eyes;
And a heart at leisure from itself,
To soothe and sympathize.

I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child,
And guided where I go.

Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoe’er estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate;
And a work of lowly love to do
For the Lord on Whom I wait.

So I ask Thee for daily strength,
To none that ask denied,
And a mind to blend with outward life
While keeping at Thy side;
Content to fill a little space,
If Thou be glorified.

And if some things I do not ask
In my cup of blessing be,
I would have my spirit filled the more
With grateful love to Thee,
More careful, not to serve Thee much,
But to please Thee perfectly.

There are briers besetting every path
That call for patient care;
There is a cross in every lot,
And an earnest need for prayer;
But a lowly heart that leans on Thee
Is happy anywhere.

In a service which Thy will appoints
There are no bonds for me;
For my inmost heart is taught “the truth”
That makes Thy children “free.”
And a life of self renouncing love
Is a life of liberty.

~Anna L. Waring

Are Your Children Obedient and Happy? Part 5-Disorders In Children

2009-12-30T08:48:00.000-08:00

Are Your Children Obedient and Happy?
Part 1
Part 2

Part 3
Part 4

Oh mothers! Let us be godly and refuse the worldly perspective that is being offered by the "Experts" that claim to know the answers to our child's problems.

Let me ask you, how can they know? Who are these people that lift themselves up above the parents and claim to know better? They may be highly educated in the worldly philosophies of child psychology and development, but do they live a godly life? Do they hide the word of God in their hearts? Have they raised godly children? Are they experts in His eyes? Are they mixing the ways of the world with the precepts of the Creator, corrupting and confusing?

The sad, sad thing about this is that too many parents have abandoned their jobs as parents and have turned to pleasures and entertainment for themselves. The resulting conditions from that behavior are confused and disobedient children, many with disorders. The parents are incapable of helping them because they have abandoned them in their hearts. Since this has happened, the Community, State and Government have been obliged to step in and "help"... thus we have labels of disorders. Many are true disorders, since the child has been raised in a disorderly way. Thus the "Experts" have risen up and proclaimed to know better than the parents... in some cases they may know better, but not in a godly way.

I am alarmed at the multitude of parents who claim to be true Christians and say they know the Lord. Their children reflect the reality of what the parents truly are, revealed by their child training and lifestyle. Children mirror their parents.

Fathers and mothers who want godliness in their children, must first be godly. A godly example is vital for your children.

Let us remember that God is merciful and just, He is very compassionate to us. If we have failed in raising our children for Him, there is still hope when we seek Him and pray for mercy on our children. If your children are still young and exhibiting disorders, I would like to give you some examples of disorders and possible help for them from Scripture.

Here is an example of a disorder called:

( From: Medline Plus)...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder:

"kids misbehave some times, but behavior disorders go beyond mischief and rebellion. With behavior disorders, your child or teen has a pattern of hostile, aggressive or disruptive behaviors for more than 6 months."

Warning signs can include:

Harming or threatening themselves, other people or pets
Damaging or destroying property
Lying or stealing
Not doing well in school, skipping school
Early smoking, drinking or drug use
Early sexual activity
Frequent tantrums and arguments
Consistent hostility towards authority figures

How sad! A disorder that shows human nature unrestrained and untrained! What has happened to these children? An accurate assessment of this "Disorder" is, Leniency-- these children have had a strong will since birth and the parents have not trained nor disciplined them according to God's Word. The parents have shown great leniency to them and allowed them to: misbehave at times, harm others, damage property, lie and steal, not work, eat what they want, watch movies and T.V. that have sex and/or violent scenes, allowed arguments and tantrums, and have been a bad example of respect for authority. It is very clear in God's Word that we reap what we sow... if children are given free range to do what they feel like, it will always lead to sin and sorrow for them and their parents.

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. (Proverbs 29:15)

"Parents, in educating their children, must consider, 1. The benefit of due correction. They must not only tell their children what is good and evil, but they must chide them, and correct them too, if need be, when they either neglect that which is good or do that which is evil. If a reproof will serve without the rod, it is well, but the rod must never be used without a rational and grave reproof; and then, though it may be a present uneasiness both to the father and to the child, yet it will give wisdom. Vexatio dat intellectum - Vexation sharpens the intellect. The child will take warning, and so will get wisdom"-Matthew Henry

"but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame; a child that has the reins thrown upon his neck, is under no restraint of parents, but suffered to take his own way, is left to do his own will and pleasure; he does those things which his parents are ashamed of, one as well as another; though the mother is only mentioned, being generally most fond and indulgent, and most criminal in suffering children to have their own wills and ways; and so has the greater share in the shame that follows on such indulgences."- John Gill

"Left to himself - The condition of one who has been pampered and indulged. The mother who yields weakly is as guilty of abandoning the child she spoils, as if she cast him forth; and for her evil neglect, there shall fall upon her the righteous punishment of shame and ignominy."- Barnes

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. (Proverbs 22:15)

"Pro 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child.... That is, sin, the greatest of all folly; this is naturally in the heart of man; it is in the heart of a child, it is in him from his infancy; it is bound in his heart, it is rooted and riveted in him, being conceived in sin, and shaped in iniquity; it is what cleaves close to him, and he has a strong affection for and desire after: the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth (Gen_8:21); so that he is not easily brought off of sin, or becomes wise...

but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him; the rod used by parents, for the correction of sin and folly, is a means of making children wise, and of restraining the folly that is bound up in them; and of reclaiming them from those sinful ways, which the folly of their hearts leads them to, and so in some measure of driving it far from them."- John Gill

Another Disorder is:

(From:National Institute of Mental Health)...
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD:

"Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety."

Signs & Symptoms:

"People with OCD may be plagued by persistent, unwelcome thoughts or images, or by the urgent need to engage in certain rituals. They may be obsessed with germs or dirt, and wash their hands over and over. They may be filled with doubt and feel the need to check things repeatedly"

How sad! What would make a child behave like that? If the child is exposed to things that are very wicked, such as immoral movies, T.V. , and books, perverted people, music of the world, witch-craft, the occult, and unrestrained play with children involved with such things... it would be of NO surprise that a child would have a disorder like this.

We as parents are responsible before God to be sure our children are not exposed to wicked things. Children have very tender minds, if they are exposed to evil things their minds are not able to bear, they will behave in extreme ways. This is a disorder that has been created by the parents or those in authority over this child.

Mothers, Fear God! ... He will hold us accountable in how we train up our children!

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

"Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go,.... As Abraham trained up his children, and those born in his house, in the way of the Lord, in the paths of justice and judgment; which are the ways in which they should go, and which will be to their profit and advantage; see Gen_14:14; and which is the duty of parents and masters in all ages, and under the present Gospel dispensation, even to bring such who are under their care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, Eph_6:4; by praying with them and for them, by bringing them under the means of grace, the ministry of the word, by instructing them in the principles of religion, teaching them their duty to God and man, and setting them good examples of a holy life and conversation; and this is to be done according to their capacity, and as they are able to understand and receive the instructions given them: "according to the mouth of his way", as it may be literally rendered; as soon as he is able to speak or go, even from his infancy; or as children are fed by little bits, or a little at a time, as their mouths can receive it."-John Gill

Prov.22:6 ...even when he is old he will not depart from it.

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live sensibly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:11-14)

Dear mothers, if you teach your children diligently the way of God and the way he should go... He will not depart from it!

Another disorder is called:

(From: Children's Hospital Boston)...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

"The following are the most common symptoms of GAD in children and adolescents. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include":

many worries about things before they happen
many worries about friends, school, or activities
constant thoughts and fears about safety of self and/or safety of parents
refusing to go to school
frequent stomach aches, headaches, or other physical complaints
muscle aches or tension
sleep disturbance
excessive worry about sleeping away from home
clingy behavior with family members
feeling as though there is a lump in the throat
fatigue
lack of concentration
being easily startled
irritability
inability to relax

It is very sad indeed to be a parent of a child that won't trust you. This is learned behavior, that comes from some experience or incident that causes fear and lack of trust. It can also come from parents that are very busy, and do not take time with their children, or they keep the children too busy. Children need quiet times to think and learn, to be still. Too much business in the home can cause this disorder in children. The child that has this disorder has not been taught to trust in God, nor to turn to Him in all things. Not only does a child like this need to be taught to trust the Lord but this child needs to learn the fear of the Lord!

The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. (Proverbs 19:23)

"Pro 19:23 The fear of the Lord leads to life,.... "Godliness", of which the fear of the Lord is a principal part, has "the promise of this life and that to come", 1Ti_4:8, the fear of God is the beginning of a spiritual life; and it leads to eternal life, as Gersom observes, and is connected with it; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; with his lot and portion in this life; with the good things of it he has, being content therewith and "godliness with contentment is great gain", 1Ti_6:6, such a man has enough; he has all things in a spiritual sense; he is full of the blessings of goodness; he is blessed with all spiritual blessings; his mouth is satisfied, and his mind is filled with good things; and so he rests and abides night after night, and day after day; he shall not be visited with evil; nothing shall hurt him; all his afflictions, his worst things, his evil ones: work together for his good; and they shall never separate from the love of God, nor anything that befalls him in this life, Rom_8:28; see Psa_91:10."- John Gill

There are other disorders that I would like to address, and will have to do that in next post.

God bless you dear mothers that are diligently raising your children for Jesus Christ our God!

Are Your Children Obedient and Happy? Part 4-Be Still Before God

2009-11-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

Mother's, Be Still Before God, Listen and Learn From Him

Please see Are Your Children Obedient and Happy?
Part 1
Part 2

Part 3

In the last post of this series I have spent a great deal of time addressing the attitude of mothers in obedience to Authority. The godly wife's first priority in obedience is to God and then to her husband.
(For the single mother, her first priority in obedience is to God, then perhaps she can find a pastor or an elder to place herself under... this is a touchy area for many single mothers, but I would encourage them to place themselves under some-kind of authority in the body of Christ. This would be a matter of prayer and seeking God for direction. I do believe it is prudent to do since we as women need strong direction and support in many areas of decisions to be made.)

For the godly mother, her attitude in obedience to God and to her husband is crucial for training the children to be obedient to authority. If you have not read part 3 in this series, please do!

I have been grieved. Our youth in America are being destroyed by the evil mentality of false teaching, being corrupted. Parents are deceived, so many, many have looked to the ideals of man for direction in training their children. Parents themselves have been raised with the ideals of man and know nothing else. What are the ideals of man? Among a few: To raise a child with high self esteem, a drive to achieve a good life with a proud heart and sensitive not to offend others. I'm sure you can add to this list... it could fill this blog!

The ideals of man are opposite of what God desires for us.. (For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. (1 Corinthians 3:19) Man's ideals are about man and what is good for man. God's plan for us is to bring glory to Himself... it's not about us nor our happiness, but there is no true happiness without God!

The people of God should not be conformed to this world and it's ideals.( And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2)
The people of God should reject the advice of the ungodly in training of children since the ungodly are at enmity with God and cannot understand the mind of God, because they do not have the Spirit of God. (Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1 Corinthians2:12)
The people of God should look to God in training their children. God's Holy Word has all the answers for us and instructs us in training our children. (I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide you with my eye. Psalms 32:8)
The people of God should take the job of training their children for God very seriously. (Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6)

Oh mothers! Please! we must set priorities straight! We must stop placing friends, activities, television, movies, our own comforts, and many other things in front of raising our children for God! Yes there are social pressures that seem to demand your involvement in activities outside of the home, but are these pressures from God or man? Have we created these pressures by taking too much on and saying, "yes" to too many things when asked to do them?

The best thing for us to do is to be still before God and let Him direct our path. For those who feel that their life is in a mad whirl wind, Be Still before GOD. (Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10)
Dear, dear mothers, if you feel you are too busy to be still before God, and cannot find time with Him... in reading His Word, praying and seeking His face, asking Him-to direct your path, and quietly listening for Him to speak to your heart, then dear heart... You are too busy! This is not good and not of God. Remember that we have an arch enemy that wants to snatch you away from God and as a result deprive your children of rich blessings, since you cannot train them for God. Think and pray, ask God to help you to have the time, and perhaps remove certain activities from your life.

I have so many things to say on this subject. I too must keep my priorities straight!

For now... May our sweet Lord Jesus Christ direct you and help you in training your children for HIM!

In the next post I plan to write about: " So Called, Disorders of Children"

Trials Of Affliction ...C.H. Spurgeon - 1834-1892

2009-11-02T07:09:00.000-08:00

"We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." --Acts 14:22

God's people have their trials. It was never designed by God, when he chose his people, that they should be an untried people. They were chosen in the furnace of affliction; they were never chosen to worldly peace and earthly joy. Freedom from sickness and the pains of mortality was never promised them; but when their Lord drew up the charter of privileges, he included chastisements amongst the things to which they should inevitably be heirs. Trials are a part of our lot; they were predestinated for us in Christ's last legacy. So surely as the stars are fashioned by his hands, and their orbits fixed by him, so surely are our trials allotted to us: he has ordained their season and their place, their intensity and the effect they shall have upon us. Good men must never expect to escape troubles; if they do, they will be disappointed, for none of their predecessors have been without them. Mark the patience of Job; remember Abraham, for he had his trials, and by his faith under them, he became the "Father of the faithful." Note well the biographies of all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and you shall discover none of those whom God made vessels of mercy, who were not made to pass through the fire of affliction. It is ordained of old that the cross of trouble should be engraved on every vessel of mercy, as the royal mark whereby the King's vessels of honour are distinguished. But although tribulation is thus the path of God's children, they have the comfort of knowing that their Master has traversed it before them; they have his presence and sympathy to cheer them, his grace to support them, and his example to teach them how to endure; and when they reach "the kingdom", it will more than make amends for the "much tribulation" through which they passed to enter it.

C.H. Spurgeon - 1834-1892

Are Your Children Obedient and Happy? Part 3-Attitude of Mother

2009-10-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

What Kind of Attitude In Obedience To God Do We Have?
Please see part 1- Introduction

In the last post on this series: "Are Your Children Obedient and Happy? Part 2-Divine Order)" I talked about Divine Order. God clearly shows us through His divine order how we should set our priorities.

As a godly women, wife and mother, our priorities in obedience are first to God, and then to our own husbands. I would like to talk more about attitude in obedience. This is something we will always need to examine in our hearts, and perhaps always struggle with, but with God's help we will improve as we learn to trust Him.

Our attitude in obedience to God is important. God resists the proud. If our attitude toward obedience to God is wrong, it is always, always, because of pride in our hearts. "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:6-7)

We might say, "I want to obey God in everything, I want to serve Him with all my heart." That is good, but when the test of this comes, do you truly follow and obey? Our God tells wives to submit to their own husbands, this is the divine order, How well are we obeying God in this?

What if your husband tells you not to buy processed sweets and candy? You love sweets and candy, and so do your children, what can you do?
I had this happen, it was difficult to say the least. I struggled when I was at the grocery store as we passed the candy counters. Before, I use to pick up a candy bar or some chocolate and eat what I wanted and shared it, but now if I did this I would be.... gulp... disobeying God! Yes, since we have a divine order, God says,"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands." To buy that candy would mean disobeying my husband's wishes, and above that disobeying God!
If I said in my heart, "How ridiculous, he just wants to control me in everything, I don't have to listen to him in something so silly." What would I be doing? Would I be acting like a "daughter of Eve?" .... Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes,....

Would it be pride? Yes! Why? Read the rest of the account in Genesis 6.... and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, ...

Eve wanted to be wise like God, she did what she felt like doing.
What about taking the candy off the the counter, buying it and eating it, despite my husbands wishes, how is this pride?
Doing so would be a direct disobedience to God, It is pride that makes me callous and non-thinking. I take the candy, I eat the candy.... I think I know better than God.
Maybe I'm not thinking in my heart, "I know better." but I have an attitude of willfulness, it is my attitude that spurs my rebellion. It is the attitude of the heart that our God is seeing.
This is rebellion, I am deceived... what is more frightening is that the next time I have an opportunity to obey, it will be harder to do so. The more we disobey God and ignore His promptings, the harder our hearts become and spiritually deaf we become.

Well, I am speaking out of experience here. Yes, after a struggle and a determination that I was going to obey my husband in this, I gave in and ate that candy. I was rebellious and my children knew it. Several things happened from a seemingly small thing; my children had less respect for authority, and I became very sick. I knew that the sickness was directly connected with my disobedience and it humbled me to a huge degree. The Lord taught me through that experience that obedience to Him in the seemingly smallest matters is very important to Him. I did confess my sin to God, to my husband and to my children. This experience caused me to feel sober about obeying my husband in the smallest matters. Undesirable consequences are the results of disobedience. My relationship with God depends on my obedience to Him... it is extremely important.

(And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.) (Hebrews 12:5-8)

(Those who are the true followers of God know that I am not talking about "Legalism" here. I am talking to those who are already saved through faith in Jesus Christ our God. Those who have been washed with His blood and believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead. Those who are saved from the wrath of God that was on them because of their sin. Those who know that Jesus took God's punishment and wrath on himself for their sin on the cross and shed his blood and died. Those who believe on Him in their hearts and have repented of their sins. Who have been saved and have become a new creature in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We are freed from the bondage of sin and given liberty not to sin! Praise God!!!)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

We have lessons to learn! We have so MUCH to learn! Are we teachable?

Mothers, your attitude will rub off onto your children. If you are obeying your husband but resent him while you are doing it, your children will see through you and they will feel the same about authority.

There are times when we want to have a good attitude, but find that a wrong attitude suddenly appears when we are not expecting it. If this happens we need to stop and ask ourselves, "Why?"
Examine your heart before God. Ask God to reveal to you why you are irritable, or angry. Ask Him to reveal the pride of your heart, (Yes, pride is always, always, behind a bad attitude! ). Be teachable, if God will show you areas of wrong attitudes of your heart... repent of them and ask Him to help you have His perspective in your thinking. We need to ask Him for a humble and quiet spirit.:

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (James 4:8-10)

Dear Mothers, we have been given a very serious and eternal job in raising our children for God. This is not a time to play or be, "flippant". Oh take this task before you seriously, a responsibly before God, it is He to whom you will have to answer. Be serious about your own relationship with Jesus Christ. Seek Him with all your heart, and let Him mold and shape you for His glory.

To conclude my story about sweets and processed sugars.. I learned of other healthy alternatives for sugar... and it started our family onto much healthier eating! Praise God!

To be continued... in part 4

Are Your Children Learning About Purity Before Marriage?

2009-10-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.tobeonevideo.com/

When we raise our children, teaching them to love the Lord Jesus Christ, and to serve Him. When we see the work of God in their lives to bring them to belief in Him, and repentance of sin... all with the heart. ( &10) When we see godliness and love for God in our children, wanting to be holy and separated from the lust and sin of the world. It is cause for us to rejoice greatly and praise God, lifting up hands of thanksgiving to Him for answering prayer and doing such a great work in hearts of the ones that are so very dear to us. When they have grown and they start wondering if God would have them marry, we long for God to guide in this step of life so vital for all eternity, and pray earnestly about it with fear and trembling.

Recently our family watched a video called "To Be One" . It is about three different couples who share their story of how God brought them together for marriage. The video is about keeping pure, accountable, and respectful of authority during courtship. These couples were brought to a place of great blessings and surprise as God worked to bring them to the place of marriage.

Our family was blessed by this video. We rarely watch videos this one is very special and helpful. I would recommend it to godly families that are looking to God for direction for their young people.

Watch the trailer for this video here:

"This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.":

Giving thanks always for all things unto God, even the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she respect her husband.

(Ephesians 5:20-33)

The Influence On Childen From Parents Example.

2009-10-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

"Instruction, and advice, and commands will profit little, unless they are backed up by the pattern of your own life. Your children will never believe you are earnest, and really wish them to obey you, as long as your own actions contradict your counsel. Archbishop Tillotson made a wise remark when he said, "To give children good instruction, and a bad example, is but beckoning to them with the head to show them the way to heaven, while we take them by the hand and lead them to hell."

We little know the force and power of example. No one of us can live to himself in this world; we are always influencing those around us, in one way or another, either for good or for evil, either for God or for sin.--- They see our ways, they mark our conduct, they observe our behavior, and what they see us practice, that they may fairly suppose we think right. And never, I believe, does example tell so powerfully as it does in the case of parents and children.

Fathers and mothers, do not forget that children learn more by the eye than they do by the ear. No school will make such deep marks on the character as home. The best of schoolmasters will not imprint on their minds as much as they will pick up at your fireside. Imitation is a far stronger principle with children than memory. What they see has a much stronger effect on their minds than what they are told.

Take care, then, what you do before a child. It is a true proverb, "Who sins before a child, sins double." (OR What parents allow in moderation, children will do in excess. (added from "preachers at home") ) Strive rather to be a living epistle of Christ, such as your families can read, and that plainly too. Be an example of reverence for the Word of God, reverence in prayer, reverence for means of grace, reverence for the Lord's day.----Be an example in words, in temper, in diligence, in temperance, in faith, in charity, in kindness, in humility. Think not your children will practice what they do not see you do. You are their model picture, and they will copy what you are. Your reasoning and your lecturing, your wise commands, and your good advice; all this they may not understand, but they can understand your life.

Children are very quick observers; very quick in seeing through some kinds of hypocrisy, very quick in finding out what you really think and feel, very quick in adopting all your ways and opinions. You will often find as the father, so is the son.

Remember the word that the conqueror Ceasar always used to his soldiers in a battle. He did not say "Go forward," but "Come." So it must be with you in training your children. They will seldom learn habits which they see you despise, or walk in paths in which you do not walk yourself. He that preaches to his children what he does not practice, is working a work that never goes forward. It is like the fabled web of Penelope of old, who wove all day, and unwove all night. Even so, the parent who tries to train without setting a good example is building with one hand, and pulling down with the other."

"The Duties Of Parents" by J.C. Ryle (XIV pages 31 and 32.)

Having Been Away For Awhile

2009-10-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

Having been away for awhile due to illness I have missed posting here for a couple of months.
During my time of convalescence, the Lord spoke to me about weakness and faith in Him. His strength is made perfect in weakness: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9) I have found in greater depth that God is so very faithful. Those who are His are kept by His power... we cannot keep ourselves, we are far too weak. We cannot make ourselves strong, but He will be our strength if we come to Him in faith and rely on Him. To resign ourselves to His perfect will, to submit ourselves in obedience to Him, to rest and lean on Him is a wonderful and peaceful place to be!
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Dear Mothers, are you resting in Him? Do you know the peace that passes all understanding?

Our children need to see us falling on our knees in prayer, or just speaking out prayer, imploring our God for help and thanking Him for every trial. They need to see the peace of God in their mothers, assured by Him that He is in control. This will make a very worthy and wonderful impact on them. The life we live before them is an example to them... how should they act or live in times of trial? Go to man? Or Go to God?
Oh let us be true and holy women of God... no compromise, no pretending... just true children of the living God, obeying His Word, doing what He says, and let them know Jesus Christ is your strength. We are needy and helpless without Jesus Christ our Lord.

May our sweet Savior bless you today as you raise your children for Him.

I hope to post more soon... Let us keep praising God always!

Are Your Children Obedient and Happy? Part 2- Divine Order

2009-08-09T10:28:00.001-07:00

Have you seen an Obedient, Happy Child?
See part 1-Introduction

This is part 2 of : "Are Your Children Obedient and Happy?"

Mother's, it is worth our while to take a good look into our own hearts to see if we have the right attitude about our obedience to God. God has made a "Divine order" for us to follow.

Really, it is very simply laid out for us, so that we are without excuse.

Here is the Divine order:

Fear, Love, Serve and Obey God First:

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command you this day for your good?"(Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words, which I command you this day, shall be in your heart:
(Deuteronomy 6:5-6)

Husbands Are The Head Of The Wife:

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3)

"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; " (Ephesians 5:23-25)

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
(Colossians 3:19)

Wives Are To Submit Themselves To Their Own Husband:

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
(1 Corinthians 11:3)

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
(Ephesians 5:22)

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fitting in the Lord.
(Colossians 3:18)

Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conduct of the wives;
(1 Peter 3:1)

Children Are To Obey Their Parents:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth. (Ephesians 6:1-3)

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
(Colossians 3:20)

God has given us a Divine Order to follow, Are we following?

Adam and Eve were given a divine order to follow:

Man Was Given Dominion Over The Earth:

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth...(Genesis 1:27-30)

God Forbid Them To Eat Of The Tree Of The Knowledge Of Good And Evil:

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat thereof you shall surely die.
(Genesis 2:16-17)

Dear Mothers! Who first ate of this tree? Who gave the fruit to her husband? The wife, Eve!

Let me ask you this... was Eve willful? What does God's Word say? :

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
(Genesis 3:6)

Eve listened to the temptation of the serpent (satan). Here she followed her fleshly desires:

"The steps of the transgression, not steps upward, but downward towards the pit - steps that take hold on hell.":

Matthew Henry gives an excellent commentary of this passage:

1. "She saw. She should have turned away her eyes from beholding vanity; but she enters into temptation, by looking with pleasure on the forbidden fruit. ..... Let the fear of God be always to us for a covering of the eyes."

2. She took. It was her own act and deed. The devil did not take it, and put it into her mouth, whether she would or no; but she herself took it. Satan may tempt, but he cannot force; may persuade us to cast ourselves down, but he cannot cast us down, Mat_4:6. Eve's taking was stealing, like Achan's taking the accursed thing, taking that to which she had no right. Surely she took it with a trembling hand.

3. She did eat. Perhaps she did not intend, when she looked, to take, nor, when she took, to eat; but this was the result. Note, The way of sin is downhill; a man cannot stop himself when he will. The beginning o it is as the breaking forth of water, to which it is hard to say, “Hitherto thou shalt come and no further.” Therefore it is our wisdom to suppress the first emotions of sin, and to leave it off before it be meddled with.

4. She gave also to her husband with her. It is probable that he was not with her when she was tempted (surely, if he had, he would have interposed to prevent the sin), but came to her when she had eaten, and was prevailed upon by her to eat likewise; for it is easier to learn that which is bad than to teach that which is good. She gave it to him, persuading him with the same arguments that the serpent had used with her, adding this to all the rest, that she herself had eaten of it, and found it so far from being deadly that it was extremely pleasant and grateful. Stolen waters are sweet. She gave it to him, under colour of kindness - she would not eat these delicious morsels alone; but really it was the greatest unkindness she could do him. Or perhaps she gave it to him that, if it should prove hurtful, he might share with her in the misery, which indeed looks strangely unkind, and yet may, without difficulty, be supposed to enter into the heart of one that had eaten forbidden fruit. Note, Those that have themselves done ill are commonly willing to draw in others to do the same. As was the devil, so was Eve, no sooner a sinner than a tempter.

5. He did eat, overcome by his wife's importunity. It is needless to ask, “What would have been the consequence if Eve only had transgressed?” The wisdom of God, we are sure, would have decided the difficulty, according to equity; but, alas! the case was not so; Adam also did eat. “And what great harm if he did?” say the corrupt and carnal reasonings of a vain mind. What harm! Why, this act involved disbelief of God's word, together with confidence in the devil's, discontent with his present state, pride in his own merits, and ambition of the honour which comes not from God, envy at God's perfections, and indulgence of the appetites of the body. In neglecting the tree of life of which he was allowed to eat, and eating of the tree of knowledge which was forbidden, he plainly showed a contempt of the favours God had bestowed on him, and a preference given to those God did not see fit for him. He would be both his own carver and his own master, would have what he pleased and do what he pleased: his sin was, in one word, disobedience (Rom_5:19), disobedience to a plain, easy, and express command, which probably he knew to be a command of trial. He sinned against great knowledge, against many mercies, against light and love, the clearest light and the dearest love that ever sinner sinned against. He had no corrupt nature within him to betray him; but had a freedom of will, not enslaved, and was in his full strength, not weakened or impaired. He turned aside quickly. Some think he fell the very day on which he was made; but I see not how to reconcile this with God's pronouncing all very good in the close of the day. Others suppose he fell on the sabbath day: the better day the worse deed. However, it is certain that he kept his integrity but a very little while: being in honour, he continued not. But the greatest aggravation of his sin was that he involved all his posterity in sin and ruin by it. God having told him that his race should replenish the earth, surely he could not but know that he stood as a public person, and that his disobedience would be fatal to all his seed; and, if so, it was certainly both the greatest treachery and the greatest cruelty that ever was. The human nature being lodged entirely in our first parents, henceforward it could not but be transmitted from them under an attainder of guilt, a stain of dishonor, and an hereditary disease of sin and corruption. And can we say, then, that Adam's sin had but little harm in it?

Here we read from Matthew Henry's commentary how dreadful and wicked taking the fruit and disobeying God was!

But so often in life there may be sins that we do that we might turn our own eyes from or will not face. However, the consequences of those sins might be greater than we can imagine. How do those sins effect our children?

You may wonder what all this has to do with having an obedient and happy child:

Having a truly obedient and happy child must begin in the heart of the parents. I am an older women teaching younger women how to love their husbands and children... so I am addressing the mothers in my writings and encouraging them to examine their own hearts. Please do not point to your husband and say, "Well what about him?" Please point to yourself and say, "What about me?" For the Bible clearly states: "Every wise woman builds her house: but the foolish plucks it down with her hands." (Proverbs 14:1)
The enemy of our souls does not want us to realize how much our obedience to God, or disobedience to God will effect our children for their entire lives.

Mothers, please begin now and examine your own hearts to see if you are in the faith and know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior. If you do, then now examine your own hearts and ask God to reveal any sin that you might not want to admit to, or that you are turning your eyes away from. Get your heart right with your Savior!

To be continued in part 3- Attitude of Mother

Are Your Children Obedient And Happy? Part 1- Introduction

2009-07-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

A beautiful sight to behold is an obedient and happy child. Have you seen one?

Better still is to have your own child obedient and happy and let me say, they are a delight to be around!

Things that I would like to write on this subject are so vast that it will take several parts to cover. So.... this is Part One on: "Are Your Children Obedient and Happy?"

There is a reason the title of this post puts obedient before happy, for without obedience, there is no happiness.

Why is it very important that children obey their parents?

The most obvious answer to this question is that God commands it! Here are just a few verses to remind us of this fact:

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3)

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. (Colossians 3:20)

"Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known." (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)

We as mothers aught to look very carefully at these Scriptures and consider that obedience to God is extremely important, there are consequences to both sides of obedience.

"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. "(Jeremiah 7:23)

"Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." (Exodus 20:12)

God has commanded children to obey their parents. This is a COMMAND!

Oh godly mothers let us think about this very soberly!
We won't allow our children to do anything that is physically harmful to them, like put their fingers in a electrical plug, or run into the street, or play with a sharp object, get near the oven, etc.. Yet what if they delay to come when called, or talk back, scream for something they want, won't eat the food set before them, grumble and whine when they don't like something, etc...? How harmful is that for them? God warns the children to honor and obey their parents SO:

"That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."

"A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God"

"Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people."

His warning continues: "And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God".....

So, how harmful is it to our dear children if they are not taught to obey their parents? According to God's Word it is very, very bad and harmful for them. Do we believe what God says? If so, let us act like it!

God commands parents to teach their children to obey and gives warning to us!

from the Geneva Bible :
The rodde (rod) and correction giue wisdome (give wisdom): but a childe (child) set a libertie,(liberty) maketh his mother ashamed. (Proverbs 29:15)

King James Bible:
"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." (Proverbs 29:15)

"Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell". (Proverbs 23:13-14)

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him".
(Proverbs 22:15)

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
(Proverbs 22:6)

Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
(Ecclesiastes 4:13)

We must take the instruction from God in raising children very seriously! If we should go our own way, do our own thing in raising our children and ignore these warnings, there will be a life time of eternal consequences, not only for our children and grandchildren but also for us. We do reap what we sow and as a garden that is not "tended to" becomes dominated with weeds, so children not "tended to" becomes dominated with sin and evil. This mother knows the bitter anguish and sorrow that is hers as a consequence from this. "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." (Proverbs 29:15) Though now I do praise Him for saving me and teaching me truth, I still have sorrow for the past sins I committed against my older children before I was saved. (Yet God is faithful and answering prayer for them. We are clay in the Potters hands)

I have heard many mothers complain that they love their child too much to spank them. They try their own methods of discipline which often leaves a child extremely frustrated and angry. God has given us clear instruction to use a rod... spank! A rod is a rod... not a club, but a thin piece of wood or something that will not cause physical injury. A spank with a rod should "smart" and sting. The child should know that he has been spanked by the aftermath stinging sensation on his bottom! But I plan to get more into this in one of the post on this series.

Mothers, getting back to the idea of loving your child too much to spank them, or correct them, I have a few things to say. Is that true love? I have heard mothers say, "I want my child to like me." So they coddle the child and try to reason with them as if they are adults, Is that true love? What kind of love do we love our children with? There are many types of love, how are we loving our children? A godly mother who wants to obey God and discipline her children according to His Word needs to ask God to give her Agape love for her children. Agape love is God's love. Agape love:

" entails the decision to proactively seek someone's well-being. Since it is not a knee jerk reaction nor just a responsive feeling to how I've been treated, agape is capable of acting in a hostile environment where there are no warm fuzzy feelings. For example, Jesus' teaching that we should agape our enemies is intended to show the boundless nature of the Christian commitment toward seeking another's well-being. Luke 6:35 The New Testament is full of examples and teachings illustrating the nature of agape as well as teaching designed to train the disciple's heart to be shaped by agape. A few examples illustrating the active nature of agape include: • Knowing that sinful man would kill His Son, but also knowing that without Jesus we were doomed, God loved (agape) us by sending his Son. John 3:16 • Those who love (agape) Jesus will do what Jesus taught. John 14:15,23 • If a person has material resources and the love (agape) of God within him, his heart will take care of his brother who is in need. 1 John 3:17 • Just as Christ through love (agape) acted on behalf of the church, so too the Christian husband is to be motivated by love (agape) to act on behalf of his wife. Ephesians 5:25-29"
taken from: http://www.sjchurchofchrist.org/agape.shtml

"A Short Handbook on Love"

I do not think we can comprehend the depths of God's love! The true people of God have the Spirit of God and He gives us the fruits of His Spirit which includes love, that is, His love. We must love our children with His love...and then we can discipline them with godly wisdom.

Facets of His love are deep and have no limit!

Take a look at this cut ruby, the depth and beauty is just amazing! Looking at this we have a visual of depth reflecting the underlying symmetry of the crystal structure. The deep symmetry of God's love is way beyond our understanding! We need to love our children with this perspective.. a deep and precious facet of God's love is discipline.

"And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." (Hebrews 12:5-8)

To be continued... part 2 of: "Are Your Children Obedient and Happy?"

Mothers, Are We Preachers At Home?

2009-07-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

Be A Preacher At Home Dear godly Mothers, Our Children Will Benefit Greatly!

Yesterday, June 30, 2009, I was with my 21 year old daughter, sitting in the parked car while we waited for my son to finish his piano lesson. We had decided to wait at the park and read the Bible out-loud to each other since we are learning the power of the spoken Word of God.
While sitting we observed 3 boys who had just arrived at the park, they must have been about 13, 12 and 11 years of age. It was a wet and soggy day so the park was empty, except for the boys. Leah was reading to me and I watched those boys as they balanced and ran on a large fountain rim, then pulled out some picnic tables and jumped on them. As I watched I heard a "still small voice" say, "go talk to them about me".. I mused.. "ummm what, ummm really?" "Go talk to them about me, it will effect them for their entire lives." I looked at Leah and told her that God the Lord just told me to go give those boys the gospel, "so let's pray"... I felt ashamed for being so slow to obey, and got out of the car, with Bible in hand walked over to them.

"Hi there! Hey have you got ten minutes to talk about something?" The oldest boy, who had pierced rings on either side of his lower lip asked,"What about?", (I answer)......."The Bible." He jerked back as if hit, "No! I don't believe in God."........ "Don't believe in God? How can this be? just look at the grass and trees, nature and all He has created, How can you not believe in Him?" The youngest boy wanting to please the older chimed in that he didn't believe either. Eric, who must be about 12 yrs. took the gospel tract that the others refused and stood still with interest in what I had to say, so I began to show him scriptures in the Bible. Genesis and John is where God lead me and explained about creation and how God made man from the dust of the earth, also about sin and what Jesus did for us on the cross. Eric admitted his sin and I asked him what he has done about that sin, since God cannot have sin in heaven nor can He look upon sin. I pointed him to Jesus on the cross and His sacrifice, taking our sin upon himself, becoming sin for us and about his need to believe in Jesus and repent of his sin. I told him that Jesus Christ is God and that He arose from the dead and is alive forever more. During the whole time I was talking to Eric the other two boys tried all they could to interrupt me. They kept pulling on Eric and trying to get him to leave saying, "Why listen to her, you have better things to do with your time." I asked them, "Why do you hate God? Why don't you want to listen to the Bible, are you afraid to hear God's Word?" They were both very nervous when I read the Bible to Eric, the youngest ran over to me, grabbed my Bible and tried to pull it out of my hands, but God had given me a good grip on it and he couldn't, I said, "Young sir, this is my Bible." I asked him what he would do with it? he answered, "I'd burn it." The older boy took the tract away from Eric and pretended to rip it apart. I gave Eric another tract and told him to put it in his pocket right away or they would take that too, and he listened to me. The two boys took up pine cones and threw them at me trying to stop me from talking. I encouraged him to read the tract and look up the scriptures from it in his Bible and pray for God to show him the truth. Eric thanked me for talking to him, and I left. (Please pray for this child and the other boys.)

Mothers! With great earnestness, teach your children the Word of God! Eric was different than the other two boys... why? I don't know the answer, but here is a clue, he told me he had a Bible at home and had heard something about God, he knew a little bit about what I told him. The other two boys made me think of two demons running around trying to keep Eric from learning about God, (Leah, who was watching, praying, and reading the Bible out-loud in the car) told me that they looked like two demons to her.

This whole affair sobers* me so much! We as mothers must be keepers at home and preachers at home... love Jesus Christ the Lord, learn about Him, draw close to Him, obey, reverence, fear and honor Him, He is God, Creator of heaven and earth! *As we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. We will be more like Jesus, He will lead us in the way we should go! *Our children will benefit as we seek God, they will learn to do the same as we set the example in our words and living till our very lives are "preachers at home". Let us be sober! The lives of our children are at stake.. Who will they be like?

*Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:8-10)

*Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. (James 4:8)

*and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates.
(Deuteronomy 6:7-9)

Are Your Children Thankful For Their Food?

2009-06-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Are Your Children Thankful?

How important is it for our children to eat their food without grumbling or complaining?

Should I force my child to eat food I know is good for him?

These are questions mother's with young children face daily. Oh mothers, God has the answers for us!

It is very important for children to understand that grumbling and complaining about food is wrong and against *God Himself ! Our children should learn this concept while they are very young. The example we set for our children is the most powerful way we can teach them.

Are we showing a thankful attitude for food we are about to eat? We must be very careful to do so! If we teach our children that all our food comes from God, talk about how He created each thing, where the food came from, how it grew, etc... than we can impress them with the Sovereignty of God, the Creator of all. By explaining the divine and wonderful way of nature and how He designed the food to grow, we can instill into young minds the wonder and greatness of our God.

For an example, when peeling an orange I would say, "Oh look children how God made such a pretty color and preserved this orange in a neat little package, without it the orange would shrivel up to a dry ball. Look at those individual slices God made for us, and it's very juicy so He put a nice skin around each piece. Oh it tastes so sweet and good, it's full of vitamins that are good for you too. Isn't our God so kind and thoughtful to do that for us? Oh and God made the orange you are about to eat just for you alone! Let's thank Him, shall we?" This brings the reality of God into young minds, they see, feel and taste something they understand is from God, and they can thank Him with understanding. Lessons like this can be repeated, children love repetition and learn best through repetition.

During a meal is a great time to talk about how kind God is. Mothers, we have a grave responsibility before a Holy God to train our dear children to appreciate what He gives us. We must show gratitude to Him for all the food we have. If we complain about food, so will our children, example is incredibly important here. Be sober about this job, and also find joy as blessings are poured down from heaven as we obey God in training our children for Him. Mothers rule in the kitchen, so-to-speak, we build the home as we submit to God and our husband, much of our attitude about food is reflected from us to our family.

Once we have impressed our children in a positive way about food and the Creator of it all, we can take the next step of expecting our children to eat what is set before them. If a child from the time they begin to eat table food is expected to eat what is given him, then there is no conflict at the dinner table. Mothers, please pray for God to give you wisdom how to teach them this... some will not let their small child eat until the next meal, others will refuse them treats until they eat it. There are creative ways to get the message across to them. Each child is so different and what works for one might not work for another. God will show you how and what to do for your own small child. The point is, do teach them, it's good training. There is no need to force a child to eat what is good for them, if they are given only food that is good for them, that is what they will eat.

Grumbling should never be tolerated at the dinner table. For older children that have not learned this, it's time to start teaching them now! Don't wait! If we have failed in this area and confess this to God, He will forgive. Go forward in this battle of attitude about food, and ask God to guide you to teach your children to be thankful.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain....And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

*"And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt: And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD. And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings. And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God." ...(Exodus 16:2-12)

We as mothers need to understand how food affects our children. It's easy to give food that tastes good to our children and expect them to eat it, but what are the ingredients in that food?

Our health has allot to do with what we eat. Our children are very affected by the wrong kinds of foods. We need to be careful to give them foods which will cause an appetite for what is natural and good for them. Our tastes buds can be "trained" to like or dislike certain kinds of foods. Train up a child in the way he should go in his good food habits as well! "Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it."(Proverbs 22:6)

I hope you will take some time to look at these sites that explain why High Fructose Corn Syrup is something we should AVOID in our diets. It might surprise you to learn about the mercury in it, and how obesity began in the U.S. after the food industry began to use it.

http://www.highfructosecornsyrup.org/2009/02/sweetening-of-american-children-turns.html

http://www.safbaby.com/foods-targeted-for-our-kids-contain-high-fructose-corn-syrup-and-mercury

http://parentingsolved.typepad.com/parenting_solved/2008/11/is-high-fructose-corn-syrup-unhealthy-for-children.html

http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/highfructose.html

http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/111801/sugar_is_the_new_heroin/

Please take some time to learn about Hydrogenated oils and how they effect the body:

http://www.treelight.com/health/nutrition/PartiallyHydrogenatedOils.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/012427.html

http://hubpages.com/hub/The-WHOLE-story-of-partially-hydrogenated-oils---manufacture--reason-for-inclusion-in-foods--effects-on-body--and

We as Mothers are responsible to God for what we feed our families. We must live soberly and carefully, with foods that will be healthy for them. The diet we feed our children will have consequences, good or bad, for their entire lives.

Are Your Children Learning To Live A Holy and Sanctified Life?

2009-06-03T22:39:00.001-07:00

Are Your Children Learning To Live A Holy and Sanctified Life?

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.
(Leviticus 20:26)

The Lord Jesus Christ is everything to me in every way, in this life and the life which is to come. I delight to do His will! ( I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Psalms 40:8) Obedience and submission to God is not a legalistic thing when it is done out of pure fear and adoration of God . The prompting of His Spirit, the moving of God in the heart helps us and makes us want to obey Him. Our children will see the example of love and obedience to God and want to follow. We have liberty in Christ Jesus, liberty not to sin! "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)

I will never forget a conversation I had with a professing believer as we were watching our children at play, I said, "Oh I want my children to be godly!" She replied, "I want my children to go to heaven." Oh dear mother please beware! "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."(Titus 1:15-16) Of course we want our children to go to heaven and it is a work of God that can save them. A holy and sanctified life in our Lord Jesus Christ is what He wants for His own, our children need to be taught what a holy life unto the Lord is.

With great zeal I wanted my young children to live a holy and sanctified life unto our Lord Jesus Christ, and I wondered, what does a holy life look like? There was a great deal of worldliness in the people of the church we were going to at the time, I was newly saved and wondered if there was something wrong with me, since the worldliness bothered me so much. We were home schooling our children and were involved in a "Christian" home school group but again, worldliness there too. One day a new family came to visit the group but only came once. If the only reason for that family visiting was for me to see what godliness looked like, then God fulfilled His purpose. The children in this family glowed and showed the light of the Lord Jesus Christ in their faces and talk, right then I knew, we were missing holiness in our family. (Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17) That day I began to pray, "I want what that family has, please show us what we are missing." God was gracious to us and began a work in our lives that brought forth what I had prayed for.

I had so longed to be with other Christians, to be part of the fellowship at the church we were going to at the time. We were involved in the Awana program and worked in Vacation Bible School or anything that included fellowship. The only problem was, every time we left the activity, I felt heavy and sad inside, it didn't feel like we really belonged there but I thought there was something wrong in my own heart. One day my Husband's truck broke down for good and we were down to one vehicle, which meant no extra activity for us outside the home! My world was crashing in! We lived in the country and 30 minutes away from Church, all we could do was to go to church on Sunday, so now what? Oh how good God is !!!! Here is where many wonderful lessons of holy living began for us.

I found myself home and secluded with my 3 and 4 year old children, but this precious time in our lives was necessary for learning the secret of priority in obedience to God. Instead of looking for others to supply my need for fellowship, I learned to look to the Lord Jesus Christ and found that He is my comforter and dearest friend, He told me to be still, (Be still, and know that I am God...Psalms 46:10) As I grew in fellowship with Jesus, through prayer and reading His Word, He spoke to my heart that my children needed Him as well.

The first and most important thing God showed us was, we were listening to music that was not honoring to Him. Because it was called "Christian" music on a Christian radio station, I thought it was alright. However, we learned that this music is very seducing and deceptive, it causes emotions to rise internally which makes us more in tune with our physical bodies. I wanted to teach my children the difference between the holy things and the profane things, but the beat that is used behind the nice words actually harmed my children which manifested through their attitudes. When we stopped listening to this (addictive) music, my children were far more peaceful! My now grown daughter Leah, wrote an important post on the subject of music, to see it go to: "Music, God's Call To Holiness". Leaving the music that we loved took submission and obedience to God, but He blessed us richly.

After the music issue was resolved I had greater spiritual freedom to teach my children. We learned about prayer; see: Are Your Children Learning To Pray? It is very possible to teach your very young children to sit quietly while you pray, and listen to you. Just yesterday we were praying at a friends home with her 2 and 4 year old children, they were sitting and listening for almost 2 hours of our praying and were happy and sweet during the whole time. This is good training, Mothers.

God taught us to put on the Armor Of God, see: Are Your Children Putting On the Whole Armor Of God Daily?

We taught our children the Word of God, see: Are Your Children Filled With God's Holy Word?
Parents, teach your very young children to memorize the word of God!

It took Time, Work and Commitment, see: Are Your Children a Delight To Be Around?

Oh let us live a holy and sanctified life unto the Lord Jesus Christ! Our children will then learn what it means to be holy unto God!

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.
(Leviticus 20:26)

Let us teach our children godliness!

Keep the altar of private prayer burning

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The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.”Leviticus 6:13

With my last post addressing, "All Prayer" I thought it fitting to place this post concerning prayer, by Charles Spurgeon. It blessed me very much, and I pray it will bless you as well:

Keep the altar of private prayer burning. This is the very life of all piety. The sanctuary and family altars borrow their fires here, therefore let this burn well. Secret devotion is the very essence, evidence, and barometer, of vital and experimental religion.
Burn here the fat of your sacrifices. Let your closet seasons be, if possible, regular, frequent, and undisturbed. Effectual prayer availeth much. Have you nothing to pray for? Let us suggest the Church, the ministry, your own soul, your children, your relations, your neighbours, your country, and the cause of God and truth throughout the world. Let us examine ourselves on this important matter. Do we engage with lukewarmness in private devotion? Is the fire of devotion burning dimly in our hearts? Do the chariot wheels drag heavily? If so, let us be alarmed at this sign of decay. Let us go with weeping, and ask for the Spirit of grace and of supplications. Let us set apart special seasons for extraordinary prayer. For if this fire should be smothered beneath the ashes of a worldly conformity, it will dim the fire on the family altar, and lessen our influence both in the Church and in the world.
The text will also apply to the altar of the heart. This is a golden altar indeed. God loves to see the hearts of his people glowing towards himself. Let us give to God our hearts, all blazing with love, and seek his grace, that the fire may never be quenched; for it will not burn if the Lord does not keep it burning. Many foes will attempt to extinguish it; but if the unseen hand behind the wall pour thereon the sacred oil, it will blaze higher and higher. Let us use texts of Scripture as fuel for our heart’s fire, they are live coals; let us attend sermons, but above all, let us be much alone with Jesus.

C.H. Spurgeon - 1834-1892

Are Your Children Putting On The Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 7- All Prayer

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Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thus with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
(Ephesians 6:18)

Please see: Introduction

Part 1- Girdle of Truth

Part 2- Breastplate of Righteousness

Part 3- Preperation of the Gospel of Peace

Part 4- Shield of Faith

Part 5- Helmet of Salvation

Part 6- Sword of the Spirit

PART 7 - All Prayer

Here we are at the final Part in the Series: Putting on the Whole Armor of God. This is Part 7- All Prayer. I have already addressed the subject of prayer in a previous blog, "Are Your Children Learning to Pray?" But I would like to add just a few more points about this.

Are you praying daily and continually? Are you teaching your children to do so?
We are in a fierce spiritual battle, the spiritual armor is needed! An essential part of the armor is prayer.

Prayer is work! Are we aware of the importance of prayer in the spiritual battle that we are in?

Here is a link from BibleHelp.org that has a great encouragement for prayer:

http://www.biblehelp.org/unsung.htm ---- please take some time to read this, I think it will help and encourage you.

Here is something taken from a section of the link I just posted, it is a wonderful thought that puts a good prospective on the battle we are in concerning prayer:

"Satan understands the power of prayer, and I believe he is fighting fiercely to reduce its impact. An obvious military strategy is to concentrate attacks on the targets, which are the greatest threats. For example, in war, primary targets are radar installations, ammunition depots and weapons factories. Limited military resources are not used on non-strategic targets such as the officers’ dining hall (although many soldiers would probably welcome the relief from military food). It is my conviction that Satan knows the biggest spiritual battles are won or lost because of our prayers. Therefore, why would Satan not try to blind our eyes to the need and urgency of prayer?"
(Section 7: The Incredible Power of Prayer) Copyright © Michael Bronson 1997, 1999, and 2000 BibleHelp.org

In conclusion to this series I would like to say, My Husband and I have been blessed by God in that we have been very sober in raising our two youngest children. We have felt the weight of responsibility before God to seek Him in raising godly children that would have a passion for the Lord Jesus Christ and a desire to serve Him. Putting on the whole armor of God has been a huge part of that training. I have spent a great deal of time on this blog in communicating how we went about training our children to understand the concept of the spiritual battle we are in and the wonderful defense we have against the evil spiritual foe. My youngest daughter, Leah and youngest son, Michael have benefited from this training. They are adults now, and are serving the Lord with all their hearts with great fervor and passion for the Lord Jesus Christ. Even before they were adults, at the ages of 16 and 15 they were involved in Pro-Life/Gospel work with my husband and I. They would not have been able to stand the horrible attacks from the wicked if they had not learned how to put on the armor of God and stand in this evil day. They stand because they are saved people of God through the Lord Jesus Christ and they obey Scripture that says to be equipped with His armor.

God has instructed us to train up our children in the way that they should go. Oh mothers! Do you want children with a passion for God? Train them! Pray for them! Pray with them! Teach them God's Word! Protect them! Let God do the rest!

Let us teach our children to put on the whole armor of God daily!

Are Your Children Putting On the Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 6-The Sword of The Spirit.

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Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
(Ephesians 6:10-17)

Please see:

Introduction

Part 1- Truth

Part 2-The Breastplate of Righteousness

Part 3- The Gospel of Peace

Part 4- The Shield of Faith

Part 5- The Helmet of Salvation

Part 6- Taking up the Sword of The Spirit Which is the Word of God:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD. (Psalms 149:5-9)

The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit which we are to take up! From the Word of God we learn the great benefits of knowing and learning the Word of God and how to use it as a Spiritual Sword!

Here are a few points that tell us how the Bible is a Spiritual Sword:

We are blessed if we meditate on His Word... He promises that those who meditate on His Word day and night will be prosperous and useful to God!

Blessed is the man that walked not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalms 1:1-3)

We have victory over the enemy if we look unto the Lord and His Word and wait on Him:

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. (Micah 7:7-8)

The Lord will fight for us with His Sword:

See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever. If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. (Deuteronomy 32:39-41

He guides us in the right path as we live this life, as we keep reading His Word:

Psa 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

His Word helps us not to sin:

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:11) Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (Psalms 119:9)

Have you read Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan? We discovered "Little Pilgrims Progress" when my children were yet small, it has been one of our favorite books to read and learn from.
Pilgrims Progress is written in allegory to teach spiritual lessons. To learn more about Pilgrims Progress and John Bunyan go here..also go here.

This section taken from Part 2 of Pilgrims Progress gives a wonderful allegory for using the Sword of the Spirit :

Valiant-For-Truth

Then they went on; and just at the place where LITTLE-FAITH formerly was robbed, there stood a man with his sword drawn, and his face all bloody. Then said Mr. GREAT-HEART, "What art thou?" The man made answer, saying, "I am one whose name is VALIANT-FOR-TRUTH. I am a pilgrim, and am going to the Celestial City. Now as I was in my way, there three men did beset me, and propounded unto me these three things:

1. Whether I would become one of them?

2. Or go back from whence I came?

3. Or die upon the place? To the first I answered, I had been a true man a long season; and therefore it could not be expected that I now should cast in my lot with thieves.

"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:"
~ Proverbs 1:10-14 ~

Then they demanded what I would say to the second. So I told them that the place from whence I came, had I not found incommodity there, I had not forsaken it at all; but finding it altogether unsuitable to me, and very unprofitable for me, I forsook it for this way. Then they asked me what I said to the third; and I told them my life cost more dear far, than that I should lightly give it away. Besides, you have nothing to do thus to put things to my choice; wherefore at your peril be it if you meddle. Then these three, to wit, WILD-HEAD, INCONSIDERATE, and PRAGMATIC, drew upon me; and I also drew upon them.

"So we fell to it, one against three, for the space of above three hours. They have left upon me, as you see, some of the marks of their valour; and have also carried away with them some of mine. They are but just now gone. I suppose they might, as the saying is, hear your horse dash; and so they betook them to flight."

Great-heart. But here were great odds, three against one!

Valiant. "'Tis true; but little and more are nothing to him that has the truth on his side. 'Though a host should encamp against me,' said one, 'my heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident,' etc.

"Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident."
~ Psalms 27:3 ~

Besides," said he, "I have read in some records, that one man has fought an army; and how many did Samson slay with the jawbone of an ass?"

Great-heart. Then said the guide, "Why did you not cry out, that some might have come in for your succour."

Valiant. So I did, to my King,--who I knew could hear, and afford invisible help; and that was sufficient for me.

Great-heart. Then said GREAT-HEART to Mr. VALIANT-FOR-TRUTH, "Thou hast worthily behaved thyself: let me see thy sword." So he showed it him.

When he had taken it in his hand, and looked thereon awhile, he said, "Ah, it is a right Jerusalem blade!"

Valiant. It is so, Let a man have one of these blades, with a hand to wield it, and skill to use it, and he may venture upon an angel with it. He need not fear its holding, if he can but tell how to lay on. Its edges will never blunt. It will cut flesh, and bones, and soul, and spirit, and all.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"
~ Ephesians 6:12-17 ~

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
~ Hebrews 4:12 ~

Great-heart. But you fought a great while, I wonder you were not weary.

Valiant. I fought till my sword did cleave to my hand;

"He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil."
~ 2 Samuel 23:10 ~

and when they were joined together, as if a sword grew out of my arm, and when the blood ran through my fingers, then I fought with most courage.

Great-heart. Thou hast done well; thou hast resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Thou shall abide by us: come in, and go out with us; for we are thy companions.

Valiant for truth used the Sword which represents the Word Of God.... this has been written as an allegory for our spiritual life, for us to apply to the battles in life. When the flesh, the devil, or the World tempts us to sin, we should call to mind the Word of God, which truly is a sharp sword to defeat the enemy of our souls!

After my children and I put on the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation, we took up the Sword of the Spirit and I prayed something like this, "Dear Lord Jesus, I take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Please help me to meditate on your word, let it be in my thoughts day and night, and work as a two edged sword to fight against the enemy of my soul. Help me think on you all the day long." then my children would pray and take up the Sword..

Taking up the sword of the Spirit has helped to equip us for this evil day. My youngest children understand the importance of learning and reading God's Word. Now that they are adults they continue to read and meditate on the Word of God, it shows in their daily lives and our families discussions are predominantly on the Word of God, our favorite Book of all.

For more on the Sword of the Spirit, please go to this post: Are Your Children Filled With God's Holy Word? Let us teach our children to fill their minds with the Word of God!

Here is the commentary from Albert Barns about the Sword of the Spirit:

And the sword - The sword was an essential part of the armor of an ancient soldier. His other weapons were the bow, the spear, or the battle-axe. But, without a sword, no soldier would have regarded himself as well armed. The ancient sword was short, and usually two-edged, and resembled very much a dagger.

Of the Spirit - Which the Holy Spirit furnishes; the truth which he has revealed. Which is the word of God - What God has spoken - his truth and promises; see the notes on Heb_4:12. It was with this weapon that the Saviour met the tempter in the wilderness; Matt. 4. It is only by this that Satan can now be met. Error and falsehood will not put back temptation; nor can we hope for victory, unless we are armed with truth. Learn, hence:
(1) That we should study the Bible, that we may understand what the truth is.
(2) we should have texts of Scripture at command, as the Saviour did, to meet the various forms of temptation.
(3) we should not depend on our own reason, or rely on our own wisdom.
A single text of Scripture is better to meet a temptation, than all the philosophy which the world contains. The tempter can reason, and reason plausibly too. But he cannot resist a direct and positive command of the Almighty. Had Eve adhered simply to the Word of God, and urged his command, without attempting to “reason” about it, sire would have been safe.
The Saviour Mat_4:4, Mat_4:7,Mat_4:10, met the tempter with the Word of God, and he was foiled. So we shah be safe if we adhere to the simple declarations of the Bible, and oppose a temptation by a positive command of God. But, the moment we leave that, and begin to parley with sin, that moment we are gone. It is as if a man should throw away his sword, and use his naked hands only in meeting an adversary. Hence,
(4) we may seethe importance of training up the young in the accurate study of the Bible. There is nothing which will furnish a better security to them in future life, when temptation comes upon them, than to have a pertinent text of Scripture at command. Temptation often assails us so suddenly that it checks all “reasoning;” but a text of Scripture will suffice to drive the tempter from us.

Let us teach our children to put on the Whole Armor of God Daily!

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. (Revelation 1:16)

Are Your Children Putting On the Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part -5 Salvation

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"Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God": (Ephesians 6:13-17)

Please see:

Introduction of Seven Parts for The Armor of God

Part One - Truth

Part Two- Righteousness

Part Three- Gospel of Peace

Part Four- Shield of Faith

Part Five- The Hemet of Salvation

John Gill's commentary on the Helmet of Salvation:

.....and such an hope of salvation by Christ is a defence of the head against false doctrines; for the helmet is a piece of armour for the head; and it is an erecter of the head in times of difficulty, affliction, and distress; and it covers the head in the day of battle, when engaged with Satan, the enemy of souls.

The helmet of salvation is the 5th piece of armor in the scriptures that we are to put on or take up. Since the helmet protects the head, and we are talking about spiritual armor for spiritual battle then we can see that the helmet protects the mind. There are so many scriptures that talk about the mind that it would take too long to mention each one, but I would like to point to several:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Matthew 22:37)

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7)

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (Ephesians 4:23)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5)

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (Colossians 1:21)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

After reading these scriptures about the mind, you might get the idea that the mind is very important to God. The mind controls our behavior, our way of talking and thinking.

A true godly mother has the desire in her heart to have a pure mind and to follow what God says in His Word about the mind. She desires her children to have a pure mind as well. We often blame the environment we live in or other people when we find impurity in our thinking, or notice it in our children. However, God says we wrestle not against flesh and blood, we need to realize who the true enemy is and how to have victory over this evil fiend ... have you noticed the verses in Ephesians that describe who are true enemy is?

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:11-13)

As you can read, our enemy is satan and his hosts and they are after the minds of people!

I have been talking about putting on the Armor of God and how my children and I put on the individual pieces of armor; The girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith Now we have come to the helmet of salvation. We took the cardboard helmet and put it on the soldier and then pretended to place the helmet on our heads, I would pray something like this;" Dear Lord Jesus I place the helmet of salvation on my head. Thank you for salvation and allowing me to be your child. Please help my mind to think right thoughts, protect me from evil coming into my eyes, ears, or mind. I ask for the wisdom that is from above. Let the mediation of my heart and the words of my mouth please you." after I prayed, my children took turns and prayed putting on the helmet of salvation.

This may seem simple and silly to some people, but since God says to put on His armor, I found it a very effective way in helping my children to get the concept of spiritual warfare and the armor that God has provided.

When we put on the helmet of salvation to protect our minds, I taught my children that we must keep the helmet on during the day! I found that it is very easy to remove the helmet if I am not careful and then suffer the consequences of that action!

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. (Psalms 101:3)

God has so much to say to us about how we should live, He has provided the helmet of salvation for us for those unsuspected attacks of the enemy that come to us daily. However, if we deliberately place wickedness before our eyes, we are inviting satan's realms into our lives, consciously or unconsciously. It is like saying "Here, the door is open, I will chance that nothing wicked will come in, but if it does, I can handle it." We exchange temporal excitement and relaxation for purity and holiness. We exchange silver and gold and riches, for hay, wood, muck and stubble, and then we cry out to God for deliverance as we feel ourselves slipping away from Him. We are weak and feeble and have not the spiritual strength that would be ours if we obeyed God's Word and refused to set that wickedness before our eyes. In order to have the strength to teach our children these truths we must be very careful to obey God ourselves!

Of course television is a major concern for purity for our eyes, but also movies and video games, radio, CD's and stories on tape...

Oh mothers beware! Fear God! For if we allow ourselves to be so busy that we place our dear precious children before the "t.v. babysitter" or movies ... what kind of wicked things are they being exposed to? We have to answer to God for the things we do... our children are precious and so vulnerable! Would we allow others to teach our children corruption and ungodly content? Oh! their little minds are so fragile, so influenced! Whatever they view when young will be burned into their memory for their entire lives! Let us involve them in all godliness that they might have the mind of God and hunger for the things of God!

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Let us teach our children diligently the commandments of God. This is a sober day... let us stop careless behavior and take God's Word seriously!

When I put on the helmet of salvation, I always ask God for His wisdom, since He has invited us to do so. Here are some verses concerning wisdom from God:

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. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."(James 1:5-7)

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. (Psalms 111:10)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

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. (James 1:5)

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:13-18)

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. (Proverbs 3:13-18)

My children have learned this song and love it:

Be Thou my Vision

Be thou my vision, oh Lord of my heart.
Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night.
Waking or sleeping, Thy Presence, my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me Lord
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son:
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heavens joys, O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, what ever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
By: Mary Byrne

Commentary of the Helmet of Salvation by Albert Barnes

Eph 6:17 ... And take the helmet - The helmet was a cap made of thick leather, or brass, fitted to the head, and was usually crowned with a plume, or crest, as an ornament. Its use was to guard the head from a blow by a sword, or war-club, or battle-axe. The cuts will show its usual form.

Of salvation - That is, "of the hope of salvation;" for so it is expressed in the parallel place in 1Thessalonians 5:8: "But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." The idea is, that a well-founded hope of salvation will preserve us in the day of spiritual conflict, and will guard us from the blows which an enemy would strike. The helmet defended the head, a vital part; and so the hope of salvation will defend the soul, and keep it from the blows of the enemy. A soldier would not fight well without a hope of victory. A Christian could not contend with his foes, without the hope of final salvation; but, sustained by this, what has he to dread?

Let us teach our children to take up the whole armor of God!

Please go to part 6-"The Sword of the Spirit"

Be Strong!

2009-04-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

Be Strong!

We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;

We have hard work to do, and loads to lift;

Shun not the struggle -face it; ' tis God's gift.

Be Strong!

Say not, "The days are evil. Who's to blame?"

And fold the hands and acquiesce* --oh shame!

Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God's name.

Be Strong!

It matters not how deep intrenched the wrong,

How hard the battle goes, the day long;

Faint not--fight on! Tomorrow comes the song.

By --- Maltbie Davenport Babcock 1858-1901

*To consent or comply passively or without protest.

Are Your Children Putting On The Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 4 - The Shield Of Faith

2009-03-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
(Ephesians 6:10-16)

If you have not yet read the previous parts of the armor of God, please see:

INTRODUCTION OF SEVEN PARTS

Part-1 Truth

Part -2 Righteousness

Part-3 Gospel of Peace

Part-4 The Shield Of Faith

Holding up the Shield of Faith works! I have taught my children to practice holding up the wonderful shield of faith and God has proven, (as He always shows us) that He is faithful and MOST Powerful against the attacks of the enemy of our souls. Our precious children need to know this powerful spiritual defensive weapon of war; Faith...

God has provided us with a shield call "Faith" and as He shows us in Ephesians, it is to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked"... I had to wonder, just what are those fiery darts? Considering it, I remembered the story of "Pilgrims Progress" written by John Bunyan, Of Christian facing the fierce, Apollyon:

What a picture this creates, the wicked one hurling fiery arrows and the shield stopping them from piercing the flesh, in this case; the mind, soul, and spirit. What are those arrows or darts? and why fiery?

Doubt is the opposite of faith, God says to: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5) The enemy of our soul says, as in the Garden of Eden to Eve,"Yeah, hath God said?"(or, is it really true what God said?") and so this fierce enemy shoots the arrow of doubt into our minds to make us question God's faithfulness and righteousness. Holding up the shield of faith will quench that dart of doubt. Oh how many countless times I have used the shield of faith against an arrow of doubt. The shield literally quenches and repels doubt from me. How exciting it is to experience victory over doubting God's goodness and His faithful love in everything and in all situations and to teach this to my own dear children!
Oh but there are so many other arrows the enemy shoots at us and... Yes, Fiery!

I so appreciate Albert Barnes commentary about the Shield Of Faith:

"By the “fiery darts of the wicked,” Paul here refers, probably, to the temptations of the great adversary, which are like fiery darts; or those furious suggestions of evil, and excitements to sin, which he may throw into the mind like fiery darts. They are - blasphemous thoughts, unbelief, sudden temptation to do wrong, or thoughts that wound and torment the soul. In regard to them, we may observe:
(1) that they come suddenly, like arrows sped from a bow;
(2) they come from unexpected quarters, like arrows shot suddenly from an enemy in ambush;
(3) they pierce, and penetrate, and torment the soul, as arrows would that are on fire;
(4) they set the soul on fire, and enkindle the worst passions, as fiery darts do a ship or camp against which they are sent.
The only way to meet them is by the “shield of faith;” by confidence in God, and by relying on his gracious promises and aid. It is not by our own strength; and, if we have not faith in God, we are wholly defenseless. We should have a shield that we can turn in any direction, on which we may receive the arrow, and by which it may be put out."

We are given multiple opportunities through-out the days, months and years to point our dear children to the faithfulness of God and use Scripture to help them understand what God wants... "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom 10:17

Here are a few examples of how we taught our children Scripture for lessons of faith in God:

We were planning a Birthday Party in the park for Leah who was turning 6 years old. That morning the wind became very dangerous outside and we had to cancel until next week. Now we had the wonderful opportunity to tell Leah again to, "Trust the Lord Jesus Christ, His plan is perfect and He knows what is best for us. Let us thank Him for loving us and taking care of us. Sometimes these things happen because He knows it's best for us, but let's ask Him to give us faith in Him about it." We prayed and reminded Leah to keep up the shield of faith. Leah was given the precious opportunity to learn faith and patience. It was a great lesson for her!

We were able to point Leah to God and His Word! We often showed Scripture to the children that applied to the need:

We said to Leah, "Trust the Lord Jesus Christ, His plan is perfect and He knows what is best for us." "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." (Proverbs 3:5-7)

"Let us thank Him for loving us and taking care of us", "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

"Sometimes these things happen because He knows it's best for us, but let's ask Him to give us faith in Him about it". Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. It was a good time to remind Leah to hold up the shield of faith and teach her!

Another example:

Leah was invited to a skating Birthday Party for a friend, she was very, very excited about going, but when we learned about the kind of music they were going to play there, we told her she couldn't go.

We said, "Leah, trust the Lord Jesus Christ that He has given Daddy and Mommy wisdom to know what is best for you." "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."(Ephesians 6:1-3)

"Listening to that kind of music does not honor God and might draw you away from God."
"Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths: (Proverbs 2:11-15) Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (Proverbs 4:14-15)

"Remember that we are a peculiar people, God's chosen treasure." "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Leah was willing to submit to God with a peaceful heart. Leah learned what God says and she was willing to obey. God did the work in her heart by His Spirit. It was another wonderful opportunity to hold up the shield of faith!

Michael had longed to go on a special trip with his Daddy. Two of his sisters had already had the chance and now it was his turn. A situation came up and the trip was canceled, he never had his turn granted to him.

We said,"Michael even though you're disappointed, trust the Lord Jesus Christ that He knows what is best for you." "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8)

"Give your disappointment to the Lord" "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
(1 Peter 5:7)

How wonderful it is to show to our children that God cares for the daily things in life and use Scripture to teach them every lesson there is! We can teach them to involve God in their thoughts and reasoning. We can never make them truly understand the deep things of the Spirit of God, but that is not our job. It is our job to communicate to them the truths of God's Word, it is up to God to do what He chooses to do with it in their lives.......

A fun trip denied, someone being unfair, something cherished suddenly lost forever, a friend that turns and becomes an enemy and will not explain why, loneliness for lack of godly friends, a move from a larger house to a much smaller house, siblings that need understanding... the list is endless. Each situation is a wonderful opportunity to teach our children to have faith in our Faithful Savior!

After we put on the Girdle of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, my children would place the Shield of Faith in the hand of our cardboard soldier, and we would imagine taking the shield in our hands and I would pray, (not exactly the same each time to avoid vain repetition), something like this; "Dear Lord Jesus, I take up Your Shield of Faith, thank you for it. Please help me have faith in You in all things. Help me to take up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. Cause my faith to grow stronger each day. Let me believe You and trust You that everything that happens will work out for good in our lives. Let Your Name be glorified through me"

God says to put on the spiritual armor for the battle, if we obey, He does the rest. This is spiritual thinking, although we cannot explain these things sufficiently to our children, we can teach them as God leads us and as stated before, let Him bring the understanding.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Shield of Faith:

This is more necessary than any of them. Faith is all in all to us in an hour of temptation. The breast-plate secures the vitals; but with the shield we turn every way. This is the victory over the world, even our faith. We are to be fully persuaded of the truth of all God's promises and threatenings, such a faith being of great use against temptations. Consider faith as it is the evidence of things not seen and the substance of things hoped for, and it will appear to be of admirable use for this purpose. Faith, as receiving Christ and the benefits of redemption, so deriving grace from him, is like a shield, a sort of universal defence. Our enemy the devil is here called the wicked one. He is wicked himself, and he endeavours to make us wicked. His temptations are called darts, because of their swift and undiscerned flight, and the deep wounds that they give to the soul; fiery darts, by way of allusion to the poisonous darts which were wont to inflame the parts which were wounded with them, and therefore were so called, as the serpents with poisonous stings are called fiery serpents. Violent temptations, by which the soul is set on fire of hell, are the darts which Satan shoots at us. Faith is the shield with which we must quench these fiery darts, wherein we should receive them, and so render them ineffectual, that they may not hit us, or at least that they may not hurt us. Observe, Faith, acted upon the word of God and applying that, acted upon the grace of Christ and improving that, quenches the darts of temptation.

John Gill's Commentary about the Shield Of Faith:

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,.... Which may be understood either of the grace of faith, which is like a golden shield, precious, solid, and substantial; and like a shield of mighty men, by which mighty things are done, and by which the believer not only repels, but conquers the enemy. The Jews say (n), that repentance and good works are as a shield against divine vengeance: or rather of the object of faith, that which faith makes use of as a shield; so God himself is a shield, Gen_15:1; his divine perfections, as his power, faithfulness, truth, and immutability, which encompass the saints as a shield, and are opposed by faith to the temptations of Satan; also the love and favour of God, Psa_5:12; and particularly God in his word, Pro_30:5, which is a shield against false doctrines, and the wiles of Satan. Moreover, Christ is a shield, Psa_84:11; and faith makes rise of him as a shield, his person, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice; which it holds up and opposes to all the charges and objections of Satan; and who is the saints' protection, and security from the wrath of God, divine justice, and eternal death. The disciples of the wise men are said to be (o) תריסון, "shielded men", who, as the gloss says fight in the war of the law; but they are not like Christ's disciples, who have on the shield, and fight the fight of faith: and this is "above all" to be taken, as being the most useful part of the Christian armour; or "with all", with the rest, this is to be taken, and by no means to be neglected; and it is to be used "in all"; in every temptation of Satan, in every conflict with that enemy, or any other.

Wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; of the wicked one, Satan; who was the first wicked one, and the tempter of others to wickedness; and is emphatically the wicked one, being wickedness itself; and his temptations are "fiery darts": they may be compared to "darts", because they sometimes come suddenly and swiftly and thick and fast, are very numerous, and where they stick are very troublesome and grieving; see Gen_49:23. And they may be said to be "fiery", because they serve to inflame the mind, and excite to sin, as lust, anger, revenge, and the like; and were they not repelled, would be the occasion of bringing into everlasting burnings. The allusion is to βελεσι πεπυρωμενοις, "the fiery darts", cast by enemies into towns, and upon houses, in order to burn them (p). Mention is also made of גירי דאשא, "fiery darts", with the Jews (q), and of Satan's casting a dart at David (r): from these customs, and ways of speaking, the apostle borrows his phrases; and suggests, that the shield of faith is of use to quench the fiery darts of Satan's temptations; so that they may not have the malignant influence they are designed for; which is chiefly done by faith's dealing with the blood of Christ. And there were ways of quenching the fiery darts alluded to; which was done by skins and hides of beasts made wet, or anointed with alum (s).

Let us teach our children to take up the whole armor of God!

Please go to part-5 the Helmet of Salvation

Obstinate Youth

2009-03-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

A fool despiseth his father's instruction, but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. --Proverbs 15:5

Alas! we cannot wonder at this folly. Remember the birth of the fool, "as a wild ass's colt" (Job 11:12), despising discipline and restraint. Yet subjection to parents is the law of nature, recognized by the most uncivilized nations. Much more is it the law of God. The authority of parents is the authority of God. 'The wayward resistance of the ungodly will be fearfully scourged.' (1 Sam. 2:22-25.) And even the Christian penitent has felt the smart of the rod to the end of life. If example would put this folly to shame, do we not read of the One child, able to teach, yea to command, his parents, who yet exhibited the lovely pattern of filial subjection? But pride must be broken down, and the "clothing of humility" worn (1 Pet. 5:5), before the child will see that his parents know better than himself, and that to count their word law--to "bear the yoke in his youth" (Lam. 3:27),--and to regard reproof, is the path of prudence (Proverbs 15:31-32; 19:20), no less than of honour. (Proverbs 13:18.) Solomon's wisdom, though the special gift of God, was doubtless connected with his filial regard to his father's instruction. (1 Chron. 22:11-13; 28:9,20.) Will those, who despise their earthly father's instruction, listen to their Heavenly Father? How surely therefore will this untractable spirit exclude from the Kingdom of God!

-- Charles Bridges, Proverbs, 1846

Are Your Children Putting On The Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 3 - Gospel of Peace

2009-03-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (Ephesians 6:10-15)

Please See: Introduction Of Seven Parts
Part 1 -Truth
Part 2 - Righteousness

Part 3- The Preperation of the Gospel of Peace:

Years ago, when my youngest children were yet very small, I began to wonder if I knew how to communicate the gospel rightly to them and to others. I carefully went through the Scriptures and meditated on what our Lord Jesus Christ really did on the cross. It took prayer and very sober thought about the cross of Jesus and what He did for us. It gave me the fear of God to think of the responsibility I have before God to tell others of Him, and more importantly, to tell my children.

It is a tremendous and wonderous thing that Jesus was willing to suffer for us as He did. Isaiah says it better then any words I can express:

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6)...... "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:10-11)"

It is very important to know how to carefully expound the gospel to our children. There are so many false teachers that teach the easy believe method, "Just ask Jesus to come into your heart." etc.. this is a false gospel! Nowhere does the Bible say to, "ask Jesus to come into your heart" Let us tell our children the truth.

If we want our children to understand what Jesus did for them on the cross, we need to help them understand that they are sinners and need a Savior, (how can they want to be saved if they don't understand the sinful state they are in?) The best way to do this is by reading the Bible and true Bible stories to them so they can learn that God hates sin and those who practice iniquity, (Psalms 5:5). This way they can learn the consequences of sin, the darkness and the sorrow it brings into lives. Read the Bible to them daily, starting with creation, then on through the garden of Eden, the fall, and on, telling of Methuselah, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, the law and the prophets, and to Jesus on the cross and His resurrection. Oh teach them about God and His mercy for us through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

Dear mothers, it takes prayer, ask God to lead you to expound 0n the Bible truths. You will be amazed at what He will put into your mind and mouth to help them understand. The important thing is to teach them, make the effort and God will guide you. It is up to us to be faithful in teaching them and setting the example, it is up to God to move in their hearts and bring them to salvation.

After we placed the cardboard pieces of the girdle of truth and the breastplate of righteousness on our soldier, we placed the cardboard piece of the "Preparation of the Gospel of Peace" on the feet of the soldier. I would pray something like this," Dear Lord Jesus, I put on my feet the preparation of the gospel of peace, thank you for the gospel and for saving me from the wrath of God because of my sin. Please help me to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within me because of Jesus Christ. Let me share the gospel with others so that they might know your peace." Again, I don't pray the same thing each time, but as God leads me. God is the one that equips us to give the gospel, we need to ask Him to prepare us for each opportunity. My children asked God to prepare them to give the gospel, and He DID and also see THIS!

Is Jesus Christ our passion? Do the children see this in our lives? They know what is most important to us. Let us have a clean heart and conscience before God and let Him use us to point our dear little ones to Him. He is our ONLY Hope, and their ONLY hope as well.

John Gills Commentary says:

Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. The Gospel is so called, because it makes men to be of peaceable tempers and behaviour, and gives peace to distressed minds: it directs the way to eternal peace, and publishes peace made by the blood of Christ; and has a much better claim to this name, and epithet, than the law has, which is often called "peace" by the Jews (l): the "preparation" of it does not design a promptitude or readiness to preach the Gospel, or to receive it, or profess it, or to give a reason of faith in it, or to endure reproach and persecution for it; nor that readiness which the Gospel is a means of, as for every good work, for the spiritual warfare, for the Christian's journey heavenward, or for heaven itself: but the word ετοιμασια signifies a "base", or foundation; and so it is used by the Septuagint interpreters on Zec_5:11; and here it designs a firm and solid knowledge of the Gospel, as it publishes peace by Jesus Christ, which yields a sure foundation for the Christian soldier to set his foot upon, and stand fast on; it being that to him, as the shoe is to the foot, its base or foundation: and for the feet to be "shod with" it, does not mean the outward conversation being agreeably to the Gospel, though such a walk and conversation is very beautiful and safe, and such may walk and war with intrepidity: but it designs the constant and firm standing of believers in the faith of the Gospel, and so striving and contending for it, without being moved from it, that it may continue with them. Shoes or boots, which were sometimes of iron, and sometimes of brass, are reckoned among the armour of soldiers (m).

Matthew Henry's Commentary says:

And their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, Eph_6:15. Shoes, or greaves of brass, or the like, were formerly part of the military armour (1Sa_17:6): the use of them was to defend the feet against the gall-traps, and sharp sticks, which were wont to be laid privily in the way, to obstruct the marching of the enemy, those who fell upon them being unfit to march. The preparation of the gospel of peace signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart, to adhere to the gospel and abide by it, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers that may be in it. It is styled the gospel of peace because it brings all sorts of peace, peace with God, with ourselves, and with one another. It may also be meant of that which prepares for the entertainment of the gospel, namely, repentance. With this our feet must be shod: for by living a life of repentance we are armed against temptations to sin, and the designs of our great enemy. Dr. Whitby thinks this may be the sense of the words: “That you may be ready for the combat, be shod with the gospel of peace, endeavour after that peaceable and quiet mind which the gospel calls for. Be not easily provoked, nor prone to quarrel: but show all gentleness and all long-suffering to all men, and this will certainly preserve you from many great temptations and persecutions, as did those shoes of brass the soldiers from those galltraps,” etc

Let us teach our children to put on the whole armor of God!

Part 4- The Shield of Faith

See Three Year Old And One Year Old Quoting Scripture

2009-02-25T12:59:00.000-08:00

Are Your Children Filled With God's Holy Word? SEE... God's Holy Word

Here are a Three year old and a One year old saying Scripture by memory that their parents have taught them.
Not only have they taught them all of Psalms 1 and part of John 1 and Isaiah, but have taught them WHERE TO FIND THE REFERENCE IN THE BIBLE!

Praise God!!!!

These loving parents have been reading Psalm 1 to their daughters every evening. Taking TIME
to have them learn the Scripture. The results will be, children that will have these Scriptures in their minds for all of their lives. Tell me... isn't this worth the investment of time? Isn't God well pleased with this?

Yes, Yes, to both questions!

Are Your Children Putting On the Whole Armor Of God Daily? Part 2-Righteousness

2009-02-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ...
(Ephesians 6:13-14)

Before I continue on in this series, I would like to take a moment to consider the Whole Armor Of God and what it is about. I feel the need to explain a little more about this: When I was saved.(see side bar.. "Not By Might Nor By Power. But By MY SPIRIT Says the LORD" ) God at that moment equipped me with His Armor, by giving me salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus is TRUTH (John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.)

Jesus covers us with His RIGHTEOUSNESS (Php 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith..)

Jesus is the GOSPEL OF PEACE (Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..)

Jesus gives us saving FAITH (For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9)

Jesus is our SALVATION (But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel...(2 Thess. 2:14..) "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." (Psalms 62:7)

Jesus is THE WORD OF GOD (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14)

Jesus enables us to PRAY (Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 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 4:14-16)

In Ephesians 6 God tells us to take up the armor of God. Years ago we began to do this in obedience to His Word and now I understand better why we should. Taking up the armor of God daily, helps me to examine my heart and to think upon who Jesus is and what he is doing for me in the spiritual battle. It gives a greater perspective of the reality of God's protection upon us in the spiritual battle we are in. It prepares me to stand in this very evil day. Putting on the armor of God is like a word picture of what Jesus has done for us, a daily reminder.

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Romans 13:14)

Please See: Introduction Of Seven Parts
And: Part 1 -Truth

Now I would like to continue with:

PART 2 - THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Our next piece of armor is the Breastplate of Righteousness.

Contrary to the world's intellect that dictates to parents to build self esteem in their children, we need to communicate to our children that we have no righteousness of our own, we are not good!
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6) God clearly wants us to know that our human nature is terrible and wicked ; "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)
Should we tell our children differently? Let us tell them what God says about us, and point them to the ONLY ONE that can deliver us from our own pitiful nature; Jesus Christ our Lord!
We can explain to them that Jesus is the only Righteousness that God has provided for us. We can teach them that they have to answer to God for their actions, and have consequences for poor behavior...("Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol". Proverbs 23:13-14) It is right to point our children to God all day long and let them know He wants them to love Him and obey His Word! Perhaps they will not understand, but that is alright, pray for them and wait on God to bring the understanding. We need to obey God in teaching our children.

After my children and I had put on the belt of Truth, we put on the breastplate of Righteousness. We would place the cardboard breastplate piece on the soldier and then pretend to place it on ourselves. I would pray something like this: "Dear Lord Jesus I put on the breastplate of righteousness. Please protect my heart from wrong feelings. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit, through my life pour forth your fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."(Galatians 5:22-23) Please bear forth good fruit for the Kingdom of God. Let me listen to your leading and not obey what my flesh tells me to do. Thank you for your Righteousness that covers me through Jesus Christ. " Again, I didn't pray the same thing every time, but only as the Spirit of God would lead me. This was an example to my children and they would take turns and pray as well, in their own words.

Putting on the breastplate of Righteousness gives opportunity for thought to reflect on Jesus and His Holy Righteousness. If we are tempted to be proud for anything, just look at what Jesus says about our human nature... this causes me to fear God even more, that He should be so merciful to save a wretch like me!

Praise God forever more!

John Gill's Commentary says:

"and having on the breastplate of righteousness"; in allusion to Isa_59:17, meaning not works of righteousness done by men, though these are a fence when rightly used against the reproaches and charges of the enemy, as they were by Samuel, 1Sa_12:3, but rather the graces of faith and love, 1Th_5:8, though faith has another place in the Christian armour, afterwards mentioned; wherefore it seems best to understand this of the righteousness of Christ, which being imputed by God, and received by faith, is a guard against, and repels the accusations and charges of Satan, and is a security from all wrath and condemnation.

Barnes commentary says:

And having on the breast-plate - The word rendered here as “breastplate” θώρἀξ thōrax denoted the “cuirass,” Lat.: lorica, or coat of mail; i. e., the armor that covered the body from the neck to the thighs, and consisted of two parts, one covering the front and the other the back. It was made of rings, or in the form of scales, or of plates, so fastened together that they, would be flexible, and yet guard the body from a sword, spear, or arrow. It is referred to in the Scriptures as a “coat of mail” 1Sa_17:5; an “habergeon” Neh_4:16, or as a “breast-plate.” We are told that Goliath’s coat of mail weighed five thousand shekels of brass, or nearly one hundred and sixty pounds. It was often formed of plates of brass, laid one upon another, like the scales of a fish. The following cuts will give an idea of this ancient piece of armor.
Of righteousness - Integrity, holiness, purity of life, sincerity of piety. The breast-plate defended the vital parts of the body; and the idea here may be that the integrity of life, and righteousness of character, is as necessary to defend us from the assaults of Satan, as the coat of mail was to preserve the heart from the arrows of an enemy. It was the incorruptible integrity of Job, and, in a higher sense, of the Redeemer himself, that saved them from the temptations of the devil. And it is as true now that no one can successfully meet the power of temptation unless he is righteous, as that a soldier could not defend himself against a foe without such a coat of mail. A want of integrity will leave a man exposed to the assaults of the enemy, just as a man would be whose coat of mail was defective, or some part of which was missing. The king of Israel was smitten by an arrow sent from a bow, drawn at a venture, “between the joints of his harness” or the “breast-plate” (margin), 1Ki_22:34; and many a man who thinks he has on the “Christian” armor is smitten in the same manner. There is some defect of character; some want of incorruptible integrity; some point that is unguarded - and that will be sure to be the point of attack by the foe. So David was tempted to commit the enormous crimes that stain his memory, and Peter to deny his Lord. So Judas was assailed, for the want of the armor of righteousness, through his avarice; and so, by some want of incorruptible integrity in a single point, many a minister of the gospel has been assailed and has fallen. It may be added here, that we need a righteousness which God alone can give; the righteousness of God our Saviour, to make us perfectly invulnerable to all the arrows of the foe.

Let us teach our children to put on the whole armor of God!

Part 3- The Preperation of the Gospel of Peace
Part 4- The Shield Of Faith