II Corinthians 10:5b says, "...and take every thought captive to obey Christ." I found the following common temptations of wrong thinking and the Scriptures to help us change that thinking to obey what Christ has taught us! Pray that it is helpful...
"It's impossible"
All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
"I'm too tired"
I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Nobody really loves me"
I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)
"I can't go on"
My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
"I can't figure things out"
I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
"I can't do it"
You can do all things (Phillipians 4:13)
"I'm not able"
I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
"It's not worth it"
It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)
"I can't forgive myself"
I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
"I can't manage"
I will supply all your needs (Phillipians 4:19)
"I'm afraid"
I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
"I'm always worried and frustrated"
Cast all your cares on Me (I Peter 5:7)
"I don't have enough faith"
I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)
"I'm not smart enough"
I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
"I feel all alone"
I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
-Anonymous
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
"What Should a Woman Wear?"
Head covering and slacks: Two viewpoints
1 Corinthians 11:3-16
View 1-- Tina
"...I choose to cover.... I wear dresses 99% of the time because of the Scripture...." Tina
View 2 -- Lois
"I believe the Bible teaches that women are to dress modestly and in accordance with femine traditions of their day." Lois
Our "Stand" on the Head Covering Issue:
Paul concludes his instructions about head covering for women by saying in 1 Corinthians 11:16, "But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God" (KJV).
I think this is teaching us that we are not to be contentious on the issue of head covering. Some women will wear a head covering for the glory of God. Some will dress modestly in accordance with accepted feminine attire of their day for the glory of God. Since either way we serve with a pure motive of honoring Christ, let us not be contentious among ourselves regarding this issue.
Romans 14:1-6 says
1 Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.
2 One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.
3 The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him.
4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5 One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
6 He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
...Lois
Each woman has to decide for herself concerning the issue of covering.
...Tina
1 Corinthians 11:3-16
View 1-- Tina
"...I choose to cover.... I wear dresses 99% of the time because of the Scripture...." Tina
View 2 -- Lois
"I believe the Bible teaches that women are to dress modestly and in accordance with femine traditions of their day." Lois
Our "Stand" on the Head Covering Issue:
Paul concludes his instructions about head covering for women by saying in 1 Corinthians 11:16, "But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God" (KJV).
I think this is teaching us that we are not to be contentious on the issue of head covering. Some women will wear a head covering for the glory of God. Some will dress modestly in accordance with accepted feminine attire of their day for the glory of God. Since either way we serve with a pure motive of honoring Christ, let us not be contentious among ourselves regarding this issue.
Romans 14:1-6 says
1 Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.
2 One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.
3 The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him.
4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5 One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
6 He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
...Lois
Each woman has to decide for herself concerning the issue of covering.
...Tina
"Diary of a Selfish Christian"
Diary of a Selfish Christian
Studies from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
It's just not fair: one brown sock peeking out from under the recliner (and who knows where the other one is?); a brown and beige striped sport shirt crumpled under the stereo; and, slumped over the corner of the dresser, a pair of brown slacks spilling out a ring of keys and thirty-two cents.
"Love is patient..."
Here comes Diane again. Since she and her family moved next door last month, she has appeared at my door at least three times a week to "borrow a cup of sugar," or "see if you have a recipe for banana pudding." Once inside she'll follow me into the kitchen and ramble for two hours about her sister's wedding, or her gall-bladder surgery (I've heard that four times already), or what a great pitcher little Joey is. Maybe I'll tell her I don't have any -- no sugar, no recipes, no time.
"Love is kind..."
I wish she'd move again. Better still, I wish we could move to Lakeview Estates, like Sidney and Marie. What a house they've got. Split level with a sunken bathtub and private boat dock! And here I sit in this grey brick cracker box across from the convenience store.
"Love doesn't envy..."
Actually, I just don't have time to visit with Diane. I need to prepare for tonight's session of the ladies' Bible class I'm leading. Let's see...what is the topic? Oh, yes, the Golden Rule, I think. "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also unto them likewise" (Luke 6:31). That will be easy. I've done that since childhood. I'll tell them how just last week I gave ten dollars to the collection for underprivileged children. Some people never stop and think about others' needs.
"Love...doesn't brag, is not proud..."
Like Tom for instance. You'd think a twenty-eight-year old man could pick up after himself. I got even last night though. Tom's new friend commented that he likes his home to look lived in. "That's one thing you can say for Tom," I quipped. "When he comes home, he immediately begins to add that lived-in touch. He doesn't even know we own a hamper!" Tom looked embarrassed, but it served him right.
"Love...doesn't behave itself inappropriately..."
He never thinks about me. When he decides to go somewhere, he just goes. And I'm stuck here to referee three kids. But he is always here at time to eat. Why doesn't he ever consider my happiness?
"Love...doesn't seek its own way..."
Maybe I'll just tell him what I think of his behavior.
"Love...is not provoked..."
I think he is selfish, inconsiderate, and immature!
"Love...takes no account of evil..."
I am a better person than he is. At least I'm not selfish!
Love...doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth..."
He will never change. And I'm tired of putting up with his selfishness!
"Love...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things..."
I think I'll just give up.
"Love never fails..."
Never?
God, my love fails. My love demands a return on its investment. My love is conditional.
O Lord, recreate me in your love.
Note: All circumstances and names in this diary are fictional.
Studies from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
It's just not fair: one brown sock peeking out from under the recliner (and who knows where the other one is?); a brown and beige striped sport shirt crumpled under the stereo; and, slumped over the corner of the dresser, a pair of brown slacks spilling out a ring of keys and thirty-two cents.
"Love is patient..."
Here comes Diane again. Since she and her family moved next door last month, she has appeared at my door at least three times a week to "borrow a cup of sugar," or "see if you have a recipe for banana pudding." Once inside she'll follow me into the kitchen and ramble for two hours about her sister's wedding, or her gall-bladder surgery (I've heard that four times already), or what a great pitcher little Joey is. Maybe I'll tell her I don't have any -- no sugar, no recipes, no time.
"Love is kind..."
I wish she'd move again. Better still, I wish we could move to Lakeview Estates, like Sidney and Marie. What a house they've got. Split level with a sunken bathtub and private boat dock! And here I sit in this grey brick cracker box across from the convenience store.
"Love doesn't envy..."
Actually, I just don't have time to visit with Diane. I need to prepare for tonight's session of the ladies' Bible class I'm leading. Let's see...what is the topic? Oh, yes, the Golden Rule, I think. "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also unto them likewise" (Luke 6:31). That will be easy. I've done that since childhood. I'll tell them how just last week I gave ten dollars to the collection for underprivileged children. Some people never stop and think about others' needs.
"Love...doesn't brag, is not proud..."
Like Tom for instance. You'd think a twenty-eight-year old man could pick up after himself. I got even last night though. Tom's new friend commented that he likes his home to look lived in. "That's one thing you can say for Tom," I quipped. "When he comes home, he immediately begins to add that lived-in touch. He doesn't even know we own a hamper!" Tom looked embarrassed, but it served him right.
"Love...doesn't behave itself inappropriately..."
He never thinks about me. When he decides to go somewhere, he just goes. And I'm stuck here to referee three kids. But he is always here at time to eat. Why doesn't he ever consider my happiness?
"Love...doesn't seek its own way..."
Maybe I'll just tell him what I think of his behavior.
"Love...is not provoked..."
I think he is selfish, inconsiderate, and immature!
"Love...takes no account of evil..."
I am a better person than he is. At least I'm not selfish!
Love...doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth..."
He will never change. And I'm tired of putting up with his selfishness!
"Love...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things..."
I think I'll just give up.
"Love never fails..."
Never?
God, my love fails. My love demands a return on its investment. My love is conditional.
O Lord, recreate me in your love.
Note: All circumstances and names in this diary are fictional.
"On Modest Dress"
(the following is written by a GUY... and it is rather simple to understand yet eye-opening)
Perhaps it is fashionable or a sign of pride; possibly, it is an insecure call for attention; or maybe for them it is just a matter of comfort. Whichever the case, seeing girls wearing immodest clothing causes me to see more of them than I needed to and also robs me of a palpable amount of respect for them. It's not that I don't fancy the prepossesing physical features of my age mates, but being subjected to the sight of them takes something from me now that I will never regain.
Because someday, I will have a wonderful wife. I will share and enjoy life with her in ways that I will never share with another human. My wife will be the first (and only) person that I ever come to know as deeply, and the more aspects of a relationship that we can say that we have shared with no one else, the more meaningful our relationship will be.
For instance, I'm saving my first kiss for marriage. When I tell my wife that I love her more than anyone, and I kiss her to prove it, she'll know that I haven't kissed anyone else but her. That kiss will mean so much more than if she was just one of a collection of girls that I've kissed. She'll always know that I can never compare her kiss to the affection of another girl.
An antidiluvian anecdote depicts a married couple in bed on the night of their 75th anniversary. At 100 years old, the wife leans over in bed and slaps the man across his face, exclaiming: "That was for 75 years of terrible sex." After a moment's thought, the man slapped her back. "And that was for knowing the difference," he replied.
My contentedness with my wife should not be tainted by a comparison to someone else I've met, so I do my best to preserve myself for her in as many ways as possible. But sadly, being at college (or even at the grocery store) exposes me to far too many midriffs and cleavages - images that are very hard to forget.
I suspect that girls do dress so lightly and tightly in part to appear more attractive to guys. In reality, the knowledge that a girl is striving for male attention just conveys to guys that the girl is "easy" and not worth respect or pursuit. (And guys that are looking for easy girls usually aren't interested in a commited relationship.) Immodesty generates lose-lose situations.
So, to you modest, well dressed girls that abstain from flaunting your bodies in revealing clothing, I applaud you. You have my respect and my gratitude, and I find you far more attractive than your less well covered peers.
Perhaps it is fashionable or a sign of pride; possibly, it is an insecure call for attention; or maybe for them it is just a matter of comfort. Whichever the case, seeing girls wearing immodest clothing causes me to see more of them than I needed to and also robs me of a palpable amount of respect for them. It's not that I don't fancy the prepossesing physical features of my age mates, but being subjected to the sight of them takes something from me now that I will never regain.
Because someday, I will have a wonderful wife. I will share and enjoy life with her in ways that I will never share with another human. My wife will be the first (and only) person that I ever come to know as deeply, and the more aspects of a relationship that we can say that we have shared with no one else, the more meaningful our relationship will be.
For instance, I'm saving my first kiss for marriage. When I tell my wife that I love her more than anyone, and I kiss her to prove it, she'll know that I haven't kissed anyone else but her. That kiss will mean so much more than if she was just one of a collection of girls that I've kissed. She'll always know that I can never compare her kiss to the affection of another girl.
An antidiluvian anecdote depicts a married couple in bed on the night of their 75th anniversary. At 100 years old, the wife leans over in bed and slaps the man across his face, exclaiming: "That was for 75 years of terrible sex." After a moment's thought, the man slapped her back. "And that was for knowing the difference," he replied.
My contentedness with my wife should not be tainted by a comparison to someone else I've met, so I do my best to preserve myself for her in as many ways as possible. But sadly, being at college (or even at the grocery store) exposes me to far too many midriffs and cleavages - images that are very hard to forget.
I suspect that girls do dress so lightly and tightly in part to appear more attractive to guys. In reality, the knowledge that a girl is striving for male attention just conveys to guys that the girl is "easy" and not worth respect or pursuit. (And guys that are looking for easy girls usually aren't interested in a commited relationship.) Immodesty generates lose-lose situations.
So, to you modest, well dressed girls that abstain from flaunting your bodies in revealing clothing, I applaud you. You have my respect and my gratitude, and I find you far more attractive than your less well covered peers.
Monday, May 5, 2008
No Greater Ministry
This was the title of today's Revive Our Hearts radio program - No Greater Ministry...
Here are the thought provoking statements and questions that confronted me when I opened my daily e-mail from ROH:
Some pretty powerful stuff. Janet Parshall and Nancy Leigh DeMoss spent time discussing the impact our lives have on our children.
Oh, that I would take this seriously and instruct my children in understanding what faith in Jesus Christ is and what it means that the gospel is the central mission of my life!
How often am I selfishly looking at my own interests and desires rather than purposely making opportunities to impact my children's heart for Christ in everyday life by my example?
So that is our greatest challenge! Let's purpose to live today, by God's grace and strength, in a manner that glorifies and pleases Him!
Here are the thought provoking statements and questions that confronted me when I opened my daily e-mail from ROH:
1) The grid through which we view the world around us has to be the Word of God.
2) The greatest treasure we have been given isn't a financial one but rather the legacy of faith that we pass down to our children.
3) Our children are our ministry. What are we doing with this ministry that we have right now?
Some pretty powerful stuff. Janet Parshall and Nancy Leigh DeMoss spent time discussing the impact our lives have on our children.
The greatest treasure I had been given wasn’t a financial one, but rather the legacy of faith that I was able to pass down to my children.
Oh, that I would take this seriously and instruct my children in understanding what faith in Jesus Christ is and what it means that the gospel is the central mission of my life!
We were investing in these little ones. I didn’t want to miss the first word, the first step. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to help mold and shape their hearts and their minds.
How often am I selfishly looking at my own interests and desires rather than purposely making opportunities to impact my children's heart for Christ in everyday life by my example?
These are treasures. These are irreplaceable treasures. I’m giving you a privilege, to take care of these minds, these hearts, to raise them in My nurture and My admonition, and to teach them My ways.
For all you know, you’re in a classroom right now, and God is preparing you for another season, another calling; what’s happening in your life right now is preparatory for where that next stage is going to take you.
So I say that again to women who are in that spot right now going, “Ugh. This is rote. It’s routine. There’s nothing that’s coming out of this.” I don’t know if we can begin to understand the profundity of what it means to be able to pass that on.
The word that came to my mind was intentionality. This intentionality of saying, “I want to make sure that, above all else, you know Him and you walk with Him.” C. S. Lewis said exactly the opposite. He said, “ The will must precede the emotions."
The goal is what you just said, that we’re transmitting the gospel of Jesus Christ to the next generation.
What are you doing with the ministry you have now? Don’t just be preparing for ‘the ministry’ in the future. What are you doing with the ministry that you have now? There is no greater ministry.
So that is our greatest challenge! Let's purpose to live today, by God's grace and strength, in a manner that glorifies and pleases Him!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Be An Example!
Have you ever heard the song "Be An Example" by Ron Hamilton? Well, today's "Seeking Him" devotional by Nancy Leigh DeMoss reminded me again of that song that reminds us of the importance of our Christ-like example as a believer:
"We don't always think about the way our actions affect others. It started with Adam, who had no idea how the effects of his sin would be felt throughout history. Our disobedience, even in little areas, can affect others in ways we can't imagine.
I need to remember that when I'm tempted to indulge my flesh with over-sleeping or over-eating or to be harsh with my words or to yield to self-centered emotions. It helps me to stop and think about the people who look to me as an example.
Jesus said, "For their sakes I sanctify myself that they also may be sanctified by your truth."
When you're tempted to sin today, remember that we need to choose the pathway of holiness—not only for God's sake and our own sake; we need to be holy for the sake of others." [emphasis mine]
Wow - what a powerful, necessary reminder of the example that we are to others (whether we recognize it or not) as a Christian! What kind of an example are you showing by your actions and attitudes today? Even in trials and suffering (see my previous post from earlier today) as well as in rejoicing, be encouraged and challenged that, by God's grace and strength, that you will be a Christ-like example this very day. Meditate on these Scriptures...
I Timothy 4:12, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
John 13:15, "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
"We don't always think about the way our actions affect others. It started with Adam, who had no idea how the effects of his sin would be felt throughout history. Our disobedience, even in little areas, can affect others in ways we can't imagine.
I need to remember that when I'm tempted to indulge my flesh with over-sleeping or over-eating or to be harsh with my words or to yield to self-centered emotions. It helps me to stop and think about the people who look to me as an example.
Jesus said, "For their sakes I sanctify myself that they also may be sanctified by your truth."
When you're tempted to sin today, remember that we need to choose the pathway of holiness—not only for God's sake and our own sake; we need to be holy for the sake of others." [emphasis mine]
Wow - what a powerful, necessary reminder of the example that we are to others (whether we recognize it or not) as a Christian! What kind of an example are you showing by your actions and attitudes today? Even in trials and suffering (see my previous post from earlier today) as well as in rejoicing, be encouraged and challenged that, by God's grace and strength, that you will be a Christ-like example this very day. Meditate on these Scriptures...
I Timothy 4:12, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
John 13:15, "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
Suffering...
Just wanted to post a portion from an "e-devotional" regarding suffering that I often read in the mornings (http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/daily.light/):
"...we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.—It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. . . . For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees. [emphasis mine]" (Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 12:7, 8, 11, 12)
My hope and prayer is that in whatever we face today that the Lord would strengthen us through our sufferings by understanding our humble reliance on His sufficient grace (II Corinthians 12:9&10)
"...we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.—It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. . . . For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees. [emphasis mine]" (Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 12:7, 8, 11, 12)
My hope and prayer is that in whatever we face today that the Lord would strengthen us through our sufferings by understanding our humble reliance on His sufficient grace (II Corinthians 12:9&10)
Friday, January 18, 2008
Biblical Womanhood - Submission to Authority...
Wow - the last two days of messages on Revive Our Hearts have been SUCH A CHALLENGE to my heart... and my specific heart prayer is that the Lord would keep me faithful by His grace to apply what I've learned specifically in these areas of submission that I've been challenged and convicted about!
Here are the two links from John Piper's messages on "The Beautiful Faith of Fearless Submission":
Part 1 - Learning to Live Without Fear: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9784
Part 2 - What Submission Means: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9785
At a glance - from Part 1:
I Peter 1:3-7
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
"The focus in this message is on the meaning of the submission of a wife to a husband. I’m very, very eager that men and women, old and young, even children, single and married, would hear this as a call to something very strong, very noble, very beautiful, very dignified, very worthy of a woman’s highest spiritual and moral efforts."
At a glance - from Part 2:
Number one: Submission does not mean agreeing with everything your husband says.
Number two: Submission does not mean leaving your brain and your will at the wedding altar. It’s not the inability or the unwillingness to think for yourself.
Number three: Submission does not mean avoiding every effort to change a husband. But if you believe what the Bible says, you conclude paradoxically, “This text calls for submission as a means of changing him.”
Number four: Submission does not mean putting the will of the husband before the will of Christ. And it’s for Jesus’ sake that she submits to him. That’s number four.
Number five: Submission does not mean that a wife gets her personal spiritual strength primarily through her husband.
Number six: Submission does not mean a wife is to act out of fear toward her husband. Submission is the divine calling of a wife to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts. I’ll say it another way. It’s a disposition to follow a husband’s authority and an inclination—notice these are heart words here, not behavior words only—a disposition to follow a husband’s authority and an inclination to yield to his leadershipSubmission does not follow the husband into sin
Nancy Leigh DeMoss comments at the end of the program, "What a beautiful picture Dr. John Piper has given us of marriage the way that God intended it to be... I think it would be appropriate for us to take an Old Testament selah. That means “pause.” Stop and think about what you just heard. [Lisa's note - I would strongly encourage you to make the time to listen to these messages...] And if you’re married, I’m going to ask to you to consider this question: Does your marriage tell the truth about Christ and His church?
I so appreciate the way that Dr. Piper has helped us understand what biblical submission is and what it is not in the context of marriage. When it comes down to it, the ultimate issue is: “Is my heart submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?” If it is, then a reflection of that submission will be seen in my willingness to come under God-ordained human authorities.
So I just want to encourage you to say, “Yes, Lord” to whatever God has said to you today. Maybe there’s even a need for repentance, saying, “Lord, I’ve resisted the authority and the leadership of my husband. I’ve not modeled what it means for the church to submit to Jesus Christ.” And oh, how I pray that our lives as women will model to the world the beautiful faith of fearless submission. "
Dr. John Piper's prayer at the end of these two Revive our hearts programs was, "Father in heaven, I so long for the husbands and wives of our church to grow up into this calling of headship and submission, biblically understood. I long for single people to embrace their singleness, while they have it, as Your calling on their lives and to embrace this vision as You summon them to it.
And I pray for children to get it and to want it, to dream about it someday, and to mature into it sooner than many of our young people do today because they’ve been so ill-taught on the maturities of manhood and womanhood.
And I pray for those who are 60, 70, 80, maybe alone, that they would embrace this vision, pray this vision, teach this vision, command this vision. And God, grant that the world would see Your Son and His covenant-keeping love, and His church modeled in wives in her covenant-keeping love. I pray this now in Jesus’ name, Amen."
May these words continue to challenge and convict our hearts as we desire to not just "say" we want our lives to reflect and glorify our Lord, but actually "act" upon these words by God's grace alone! May you see the Lord's strength and true joy in your life today through acting upon what you've learned...
Here are the two links from John Piper's messages on "The Beautiful Faith of Fearless Submission":
Part 1 - Learning to Live Without Fear: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9784
Part 2 - What Submission Means: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9785
At a glance - from Part 1:
I Peter 1:3-7
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
"The focus in this message is on the meaning of the submission of a wife to a husband. I’m very, very eager that men and women, old and young, even children, single and married, would hear this as a call to something very strong, very noble, very beautiful, very dignified, very worthy of a woman’s highest spiritual and moral efforts."
At a glance - from Part 2:
Number one: Submission does not mean agreeing with everything your husband says.
Number two: Submission does not mean leaving your brain and your will at the wedding altar. It’s not the inability or the unwillingness to think for yourself.
Number three: Submission does not mean avoiding every effort to change a husband. But if you believe what the Bible says, you conclude paradoxically, “This text calls for submission as a means of changing him.”
Number four: Submission does not mean putting the will of the husband before the will of Christ. And it’s for Jesus’ sake that she submits to him. That’s number four.
Number five: Submission does not mean that a wife gets her personal spiritual strength primarily through her husband.
Number six: Submission does not mean a wife is to act out of fear toward her husband. Submission is the divine calling of a wife to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts. I’ll say it another way. It’s a disposition to follow a husband’s authority and an inclination—notice these are heart words here, not behavior words only—a disposition to follow a husband’s authority and an inclination to yield to his leadershipSubmission does not follow the husband into sin
Nancy Leigh DeMoss comments at the end of the program, "What a beautiful picture Dr. John Piper has given us of marriage the way that God intended it to be... I think it would be appropriate for us to take an Old Testament selah. That means “pause.” Stop and think about what you just heard. [Lisa's note - I would strongly encourage you to make the time to listen to these messages...] And if you’re married, I’m going to ask to you to consider this question: Does your marriage tell the truth about Christ and His church?
I so appreciate the way that Dr. Piper has helped us understand what biblical submission is and what it is not in the context of marriage. When it comes down to it, the ultimate issue is: “Is my heart submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?” If it is, then a reflection of that submission will be seen in my willingness to come under God-ordained human authorities.
So I just want to encourage you to say, “Yes, Lord” to whatever God has said to you today. Maybe there’s even a need for repentance, saying, “Lord, I’ve resisted the authority and the leadership of my husband. I’ve not modeled what it means for the church to submit to Jesus Christ.” And oh, how I pray that our lives as women will model to the world the beautiful faith of fearless submission. "
Dr. John Piper's prayer at the end of these two Revive our hearts programs was, "Father in heaven, I so long for the husbands and wives of our church to grow up into this calling of headship and submission, biblically understood. I long for single people to embrace their singleness, while they have it, as Your calling on their lives and to embrace this vision as You summon them to it.
And I pray for children to get it and to want it, to dream about it someday, and to mature into it sooner than many of our young people do today because they’ve been so ill-taught on the maturities of manhood and womanhood.
And I pray for those who are 60, 70, 80, maybe alone, that they would embrace this vision, pray this vision, teach this vision, command this vision. And God, grant that the world would see Your Son and His covenant-keeping love, and His church modeled in wives in her covenant-keeping love. I pray this now in Jesus’ name, Amen."
May these words continue to challenge and convict our hearts as we desire to not just "say" we want our lives to reflect and glorify our Lord, but actually "act" upon these words by God's grace alone! May you see the Lord's strength and true joy in your life today through acting upon what you've learned...
Thursday, January 3, 2008
PTP - Practice the Presence...
"Your circumstances may not change, but you can change in the midst of your circumstances if you will learn to PTP — practice the presence." Today's Revive Our Hearts radio program by Nancy Leigh Demoss gave this simple yet profound encouragement. What does it mean? Here is a portion of today's transcript that really heped me...
"What presence? The presence of Christ. He is there. If you’re a child of God, He is in you. He is moving through you. He is around you. You are in Him. God’s desire for your life is that you would walk this day, regardless of your circumstances, in the fullness and the joy of the presence of Christ. But you've got to be willing to say the number one priority in my life, in my day, in this moment, my number one priority is my relationship with Christ. To know Him, to walk with Him, to love Him, to seek Him, to respond to Him. Even as I’m doing all the other things that I need to be doing in my day, it’s always under the umbrella, the covering, of that number one commitment."
That's quite a challenge in this day and age... In fulfillment of my single determintation to better understand who God is and what it means that I am His child in every day life, this portion of the program today was so helpful! If you are interested in hearing or reading the entire transcript of "An Inward Work of God", please go to http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9769. May God show you His grace through His word in each moment of your day!
"What presence? The presence of Christ. He is there. If you’re a child of God, He is in you. He is moving through you. He is around you. You are in Him. God’s desire for your life is that you would walk this day, regardless of your circumstances, in the fullness and the joy of the presence of Christ. But you've got to be willing to say the number one priority in my life, in my day, in this moment, my number one priority is my relationship with Christ. To know Him, to walk with Him, to love Him, to seek Him, to respond to Him. Even as I’m doing all the other things that I need to be doing in my day, it’s always under the umbrella, the covering, of that number one commitment."
That's quite a challenge in this day and age... In fulfillment of my single determintation to better understand who God is and what it means that I am His child in every day life, this portion of the program today was so helpful! If you are interested in hearing or reading the entire transcript of "An Inward Work of God", please go to http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=9769. May God show you His grace through His word in each moment of your day!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The New Year - 2008
It was hard for me to think of a title for this posting, but the decision to call it "The New Year - 2008" is based on the fact that so many look at a "new year" as a "new beginning" in so many ways... Physically, Socially, Emotionally - but the consideration here will focus on how the Spiritual aspect of life should be the focus of all these areas we encounter in our lives. For me, the "new year" has brought a goal to read more literature that will, by God's grace alone, help challenge my each and every thought to be Christ-centered. A list of my first "reading goals" for the year are as follows:
1) The Bible - I will continue my "Proverbs for the day" as well as additional reading on specific subjects/books relevant to this season of my life (Proverbs 31, Titus 2, Ephesians 4&5)
2) Tabletalk daily devotional - for the month of January we are beginning to study the book of Matthew as well as the life of C.S. Lewis (www.ligonier.org)
3) Heart Aflame by John Calvin - a daily commentary reading on the book of Psalms (this has been an EXCELLENT read so far...)
4) Desiring God by John Piper - developing the understanding of how to "glorify God by enjoying Him forever..." This book will be the book I will read at night time before bed. Let me give just a few of the things that "hit me" last night as I was reading... "Nehemiah 8:10, The joy of the LORD is your strength... [we] find strength from spiritual joy, not natural supplies... not only does the pursuit of joy in God give strength to endure, it is the key to breaking the power of sin on our way to heaven... The joy of the Lord will arm us against the assaults of our spiritual enemies and put our mouths out of taste for those pleasures with which the tempter baits his hooks. (taken from pages 11&12)"
Over the holiday time I was able to make some "Biblical Womanhood 2008 Goals" and list out many ways of necessary spiritual growth as well as how this should work out in practical ways in my life. Lord willing, as the year continues to go by rapidly (today is the 2nd already!), the gospel will be evidenced in my life by the ways the Lord is clearly working in my heart and life to draw me closer to Himself. No matter the trials to come, the joy the Lord gives must be evidenced by a life of clear God-ward direction. To God be the glory for all He has done, is doing and will continue to do... (I Corinthians 10:31) Have a "Happy New Year 2008" by glorifying the Lord in your daily life!
1) The Bible - I will continue my "Proverbs for the day" as well as additional reading on specific subjects/books relevant to this season of my life (Proverbs 31, Titus 2, Ephesians 4&5)
2) Tabletalk daily devotional - for the month of January we are beginning to study the book of Matthew as well as the life of C.S. Lewis (www.ligonier.org)
3) Heart Aflame by John Calvin - a daily commentary reading on the book of Psalms (this has been an EXCELLENT read so far...)
4) Desiring God by John Piper - developing the understanding of how to "glorify God by enjoying Him forever..." This book will be the book I will read at night time before bed. Let me give just a few of the things that "hit me" last night as I was reading... "Nehemiah 8:10, The joy of the LORD is your strength... [we] find strength from spiritual joy, not natural supplies... not only does the pursuit of joy in God give strength to endure, it is the key to breaking the power of sin on our way to heaven... The joy of the Lord will arm us against the assaults of our spiritual enemies and put our mouths out of taste for those pleasures with which the tempter baits his hooks. (taken from pages 11&12)"
Over the holiday time I was able to make some "Biblical Womanhood 2008 Goals" and list out many ways of necessary spiritual growth as well as how this should work out in practical ways in my life. Lord willing, as the year continues to go by rapidly (today is the 2nd already!), the gospel will be evidenced in my life by the ways the Lord is clearly working in my heart and life to draw me closer to Himself. No matter the trials to come, the joy the Lord gives must be evidenced by a life of clear God-ward direction. To God be the glory for all He has done, is doing and will continue to do... (I Corinthians 10:31) Have a "Happy New Year 2008" by glorifying the Lord in your daily life!
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