Guarding Our Home and Keeping it Godly

Recently, I heard a speaker say that, “the home is the domestic church.” Home is where the family flourishes, traditions are created, memories are cherished, where morals are instilled, and most importantly where our children learn their values. The church is place of worship that provides Christians with fellowship, instruction, and comfort.

Bringing our children to church is an integral part of their Christian education. The church is a wonderful place for families to gather and develop relationships as brothers and sisters in Christ. As Christians it is our responsibility to create a home that mirrors the fellowship, values, and teachings of Christ. Our home should be holy. Therefore, we should guard what we allow in our homes just as we should guard our mind from negativity and those things that are not of God.

Why Should We Guard Our Home?

We should guard our home because it is the family sanctuary. The outside world can be a frightening and dangerous place. Our children need to know that they have a secure place to go where the outside world is kept outside. They expect us to provide them with a certain level of safety and that is our duty as parents. When we allow worldly outside influences to enter our home we are inviting destruction. Keep the door locked from all that is of the world.

What Are We Guarding Our Home From?

As a Christian Mom, what should we guard our mind from? We guard our mind from all that is against God. Therefore, when we guard our home we are guarding it from anything that goes against the commandments and teaching of the Lord. If we allow gossip in our home than we are allowing a layer of dirt to develop, when lying is tolerated a thicker layer of dirt starts to form, if we allow media that is ungodly in our home than it adds another layer, and so forth. If we allow negative influences into our home it becomes dirty, filled with thick layers of grime that only a good spiritual cleaning can fix.

How Should We Guard Our Home?

We are Christ’s soldiers, marching forward through the battlefield of landmines that try to keep us off the narrow path. We only arrive at victory if we use discernment, God given wisdom, and are obedient to the Lord’s word and commandments. The same knowledge that we use in the battlefield is the same knowledge we must use when guarding our home.

Cleaning Your Domestic Church

Self examination is invaluable to a Christian. God wants us to look at ourselves and examine the areas that we need to improve on as a follower of Christ. This is the same type of examination we should perform in our home. Look closely at what you allow on your television, does your family treat your home with respect, do you honor God in your home, do you keep the negative influences outside? I have bibles and spiritual literature in every room of my home. I find it comforting that in any room I can read the Word of God and my daughter will have that same access. I pay close attention to the conversation and the media that I allow in, if it is not of God than it has no place there. I try to keep my home clean from not only the dust and clutter that accumulates, but from the dirt of the outside world.

When we raise our children in a home that reflects godly values, it has a long lasting impact on them both in the present and the future. Children will view the home as a place where they are safe from the outside world, where the Lord is glorified, and morals are instilled. We can’t control the outside world, but we can control what happens in our home. Just as we learn the lessons of Christ in church on Sunday, we have a responsibility Monday through Friday to reflect these teachings in our home.

“Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice of God.”
-
Ephesians 5:1-3

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Did you KNOW???

Moms of Faith has an AWESOME Online community of Christian Mothers for you to fellowship with??

It is a great place to find…

  • Support as a Mom, wife and woman
  • Spiritual growth
  • Homeschooling discussions and support
  • Ask for advice from other Christian Moms
  • Receive prayer
  • Chat in our chat room
  • Share your life
  • Have good clean fun (an arcade and games).

In addition, Moms of Faith Forums offers special encouragement and support for…

  • Single Moms
  • Grandmothers
  • Divorced Moms
  • Blended families
  • Divorced Moms
  • and hurting Moms

AND SOOOOOOOOOOOOO Much more!!! I would like to invite every Christian wife or Mother reading this to join! :)

NOTE: We also have special events and prayer meetings on our forums via our live chat room. Join Today!






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



I Love Kerasal!

For those of you who do not know, Kerasal is a foot ointment. It is used to help make your feet softer. You can buy it at most drug stores. I got mine at Walgreen’s. This stuff is like a miracle cream. I have been doing all kinds of experiments. Who would have thought??

I love the stuff! I originally purchased it for my elbows. Yes, my elbows. I was getting rough elbows from leaning on them a lot while working Online. Nothing worked. I tried everything, including; Vaseline, moisturizers, olive oil, vitamin e oil, you name it. Nothing would even touch the roughness.

Then, I though, hey, let me try some heel ointment. This is where Kerasal came in. It worked almost instantly. Seriously. I was shocked. After a few applications, my elbows were no longer rough. Yeah!

So, then I actually used it for it’s original purpose…LOL…my heels. Guess what? It worked there too!

Me being me decided not to stop there. I though man, if this stuff is that good and moisture filled, why not try it on some wrinkles. LOL. Yes, I went there. As soon as I put it on, I noticed the line fade a tad. I put it on the one I blame my husband on. LOL. You know the one between the eyebrows. It’s a line that drives me nuts.

It is slowly fading. I mean it is still there. However, the Kerasal has definitely diminished it enough that I feel better about it.

Kerasal is so much more than foot ointment. It is a beauty product that every Mom should have. It has so many uses and I am still experimenting with it. Buy some. Use it. LOL. Let me know how it worked for you!

If you really want feet that rock, read my review on Ped Egg. Together, you will have feet to be envied!

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Faith and Business 101: Relax

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. - Psalm 27:14

Many times in my career I’ve tried to push for my own way. I have learned the hard way that any time I try to push my own agenda, it ends up backfiring and God is not honored. The Lord wants us to wait on Him and seek His will for our lives. This applies in business situations, too. Sometimes we want something that seems good and right…and other people in our lives thinks it’s good and right, too. But I think more often than not, God knows otherwise… and what seems good and right to us, would only end up hurting us down the road.

I am in a situation right now where all I can do is wait and pray. My desire seems good and right to me and to others, but I know that God is asking me to wait. So, I have two choices: I can either push my own agenda or I can relax and wait on the Lord. I’m choosing the latter this time. And as I wait, I’m going to take heart knowing that God works all things together for my good…and he sees all the way down my road.

Here’s your Faith and Business 101 assignment for this week: Seek the Lord! Bring all your desires and hopes for your family and for your business and lay them at His feet. He cares about the big and the small: from what career path you take as a whole, to the advertisers you choose to do business with. Ask the Lord to show you where you are pushing your own agenda. Ask Him for strength and peace as you wait on Him for answers.

I used this verse last week, but it applies again here: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 NIV We can prep and plan until our blackberries are beeping and our day planner’s are bursting but none of it is honoring to God if we aren’t seeking Him first and waiting on His timing.

Relax. God loves you desperately…and He sees all the way down your road!

Until next time…

MariLee

Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



A Book Review: Voices of the Faithful

Book: Voices of the Faithful
Book 2: Inspiring Stories of courage from Christians serving around the world

Compiler and Monthly Introductions by: Kim P. Davis
Series Creator and Introduction: Beth Moore
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 13-978-0-8499-2071-4

Intro: Voices of the Faithful is a yearlong devotional book filled with inspiring stories by missionaries around the world.

Review: Beth Moore, of Living Proof Ministries and Christian author, offers an encouraging and moving introduction. Her plea is for all Christians to find their calling in the body of Christ. The purpose of the book is to provide daily inspiration to serve Christ. The focus of these devotions is on the men and women who serve Christ as missionaries throughout the world. The devotions are written by and about a different missionary’s life and experience in the field. The proceeds from the book support the International Mission Board.

Every month the reader focuses on a different theme to enhance a meaningful walk with Christ. I found this method to be effective way to concentrate and improve on areas in my spiritual life. Monthly you are revived, rejuvenated, and refreshed. Kim P. Davis gives beautiful monthly introductions to help set you up and get your ready for the next phase of your devotional life.

Every day I was amazed, blessed, and encouraged by the stories submitted by missionaries around the globe. I even learned a bit about different cultures through this adventure. The stories from around the world gave me a new perspective and begged me to seek Christ out daily. I highly recommend this book to supplement and enhance your daily Bible readings. This book is great for men, women, and families or to share with a friend. If you are seeking a fresh outlook on your spiritual walk that will cause you to truly change your heart toward Christ then look no further than this book.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Anti Aging Tips for Hands

We use our hands for many things, and unfortunately, they are one way to tell our age pretty accurately…unless, we take good care of them! Yes, I believe our hands can help us look younger!

Simple Everyday Anti Aging Tips for Hands

Protect them from the affects of the sun. Use sunscreen. Not only will your hands have a youthful appearance, you will be less likely to get those ugly age spots on them. Simply apply a 15-30SPF sunscreen to your hands daily as you would moisturizing lotion.

Speaking of moisturizing…Moisturize your hands at least three times a day. Why, well, many of the everyday things we do…like washing dishes, actually dry them out, thus giving an aged appearance.

Give yourself regular manicures. Pretty nails go a long way to helping you have pretty, youthful looking hands. Simple things are all that you really need to do. Clean. File. Buff. Apply a colored or clear polish.

Protect Hands. Wear gloves when gardening. When gardening, gloves protect your hands from the sun and from injuries such as scratches and contact dermatitis from handling weeds.

Hand Massages. Rub one palm over the back of the opposite hand in a circular motion. The massage motion increases circulation, which helps warm up your hands.

Another Option is finger massage. Especially soothing for those with tired hands, carpal tunnel or even arthritis. A nice finger massage with a little warm coconut oil is very healthy and helpful for hands.

Exfoliate. Gently rub damp hands with salt or sugar, then rinse. The grainy texture of the salt helps scrape away old skin cells, and, once again, it improves circulation.

Eat right! Lack of B-complex vitamins can cause ridged nails. A lack of calcium can result in brittle, dry nails that chip and flake easily. Make sure to eat a balanced diet filled with vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruits and veggies are important for healthy skin, nails and hands, as well as your overall heath!

These anti aging tips are sure to get you on the path of better health and a more youthful appearance for your hard working Mom hands!

Copyright © Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Spiritual Growth Ideas for Children

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip

Spiritual Growth for Children

Children need to know the Truth about the Lord just as much as adults…and in this ever increasing evil world, probably even more so! How can we help our children grow spiritually? I am glad you asked. Below are a few simple ideas to help Christian Moms teach their kids about walking in the spirit and obeying God’s Word.

  • Pray daily. And, not just over food, Make sure they pray for friends, desires, before bed, and show gratitude to the Lord for big and small blessings throughout their day.
  • Read the Word. Children should read the Word if they can read. There are Bibles for all ages in today’s world. Get and age appropriate one and encourage daily reading. If they are too little to read, then you can read a Bible story, Psalm or other passage to them.
  • Go to church. Take your kids to church. Get them involved in age appropriate church events and programs. Many churches have Bible studies, activities, weekly events and more for different age groups. Take advantage of them and encourage your kids to go. If they balk at church activities, remember, YOU make the decision. We, as Mothers, are responsible for helping our children follow Christ as adults.
  • Get involved. Participate. Some churches offer some sort of home group type program. If yours does, find one that fits your family’s needs.
  • Volunteer. Encourage your children to care for others. Get them involved in feeding the homeless, helping special needs kids and activities that get them involved with helping others. Try and stay faith based so that you are guiding them down the Biblical path and not just the “humanitarian” path.

Keep in mind, our children will only grow spiritually, and benefit from the ideas above, if they see us walking it out before them! WE are the most important influence and Bible they will ever read in childhood. Period.

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Household Chores for All Ages

As a single busy mom with a 3 ½ year old my schedule is full. I juggle all the responsibilities of the home, including housekeeping, grocery shopping, finances, gardening, and keeping my little girl smiling while trying to fit in time to put up my feet and relax with a good book and a cup of joe.

One challenge I face as a single mother is doing it all alone. To my pleasant surprise I have found a helper, who is enthusiastic and a great worker! It is not Merry Maids, no it is Anya my daughter! I have discovered that she is more than willing to help me around the house, and she is really a great help! If you have preschoolers that are home with you during the day or even on the weekend my advice is to get them involved. Kids love feeling useful and when at that young age you are less likely to hear the complaining that you would from a teenager.

Ideas to get your preschool child involved in the household chores:

Laundry
Although laundry may be our Achilles’ hill, little ones love laundry. On laundry day have your child help you separate the clothes by color. This is a great way to teach them about separating and colors. Once you pour the detergent let them dump it in the washer. When the clothes are finished, take them out and hand them the smaller items of clothes to throw in the dryer. When they are dry let them put them in the bushel. You can even let them put their clothes in their dresser under your supervision.

Dusting
You may not be able to give them the furniture polish, but you can give them a damp cloth and let them wipe railings, reachable window sills, and even baseboards.

Cleaning Their Room
I firmly believe that children will accomplish what you expect of them. If you are always picking up their room, then you can be certain when they are a teenager this trend will continue. Start with something simple such as organizing their toys. For example, my daughter has many organizational boxes; however there are four that she has easy access to since she plays with these toys most frequently. When the toys are out, she is responsible for putting the dolls in the doll box, the doll accessories in the accessory box, the crafts in the craft box, and so on. Again, this is great for practicing sorting, learning about organizing, and she gets to enjoy playtime because she can easily locate her toys.

Gardening
Children love playing outdoors, so this is the opportune time to have them to help around the yard. With fall approaching and the leaves falling you will certainly need their help. Buy some age appropriate garden tools, such as rakes and gloves. Get out there and rake the leaves with the help of your little one. Make a game of it and collect interesting leaves or acorns. Afterward, sit together and enjoy a book and a treat after all their hard work.

There are so many creative ways to get your children involved in the household chores. All chores should be age and time appropriate, but with the right encouragement this is a great way to introduce them to responsibility, working together as a family, and to set good patterns for when they get older. Doing chores together is also a wonderful way to sneak in some quality bonding time. Get creative and have your kids at all ages participate in making your home a sanctuary for the whole family.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Priorities & Planning

Last week we talked about accountability….and this week we’re talking about priorities and planning. I am writing this column to myself as much as anyone! This subject is something that I have my accountability partner check with me about constantly! I can tend to be a workaholic when it comes to anything that I’m passionate about. So I have to sit down and write out exactly what I’m going to do the next day and make myself shut my laptop off when I’ve reached my goals. Do I always do this? No…but I’m really working on it.

This week was the Grand Opening of my website and I’ll be honest with you when I say that I have put in more hours than I should and depended on my husband a little too much to keep things together around the house the past few months. My husband and I knew that it would be a lot of extra work up front, but now that things are running smoothly, I’m committed to sticking to my daily goals. My husband AND my accountability partner are helping to keep me in balance (and hopefully you all will check in with me too!) A quote I use a lot from John Maxwell is this: “too many priorities paralyze us.” How true.

Here’s your Faith and Business 101 assignment for this week: After the kids are in bed tonight, sit down with your calendar and start writing out your priorities. Assuming that Christ is the center of your life and your family comes next…write down the rest of your list and number them from least to greatest. Now make a daily plan including what needs done tomorrow. If you are working from home: set office hours and keep them! Continue to write out your weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly goals. Discuss these with your husband and your accountability partner. Are your plans pleasing to the Lord? Is your husband in agreement with what is important on your list?

Remember these two verses as you construct your lists:

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 NIV

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 NIV

Until next time…

MariLee

Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



An Honest Wife – part two

<– Click Here for Part One

Your assignment for part one of “An Honest Wife,” was to examine yourself. I hope everyone took the time to think about how honest they really are. Also, I hope you read Ephesians 4:22-25…it is a very important part of our study.

Now, onto part two…

A common reason that many of us lie is SELF protection. We like to make the excuse that we are saving someone else from hurt…but really we are being selfish and just want to protect ourselves from embarrassment…or making someone mad.

Let me share another fictional example, so we can have a clearer vision of what I am trying to explain.

Lynette

Lynette has a friend named Sandra. One afternoon Lynette and Sandra went shopping together. While they were trying on some outfits, Sandra asked Lynette how a particular dress looked on her.

Lynette thinks, “YUCK!”

Lynette says, “That looks really nice on you.”

Why did Lynette lie?

No, it was not to protect Sandra. Lynette was protecting herself. She didn’t want to be honest. She did not want to make herself look bad. She did not want to seem “un Christian.”

The Word says in Ephesians 4:15 - Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, that is Christ.

Why is it that we just can’t be honest?

I believe that we can be truthful, and do it in love.

Lynette ”thought” yuck. She does not have to “say” yuck to be honest. That is brutal honesty. Brutal honesty is not what God wants from His children. This Scripture clearly tells us to be lovingly honest. Lynette could have said, “Actually, I really do not think that dress flatters you at all. Why don’t you try on the red one you had earlier?” Now, that would have been an HONEST answer without being hurtful.

Then, if Sandra got offended it is her issue. We cannot lie to please people. Our concern needs to be with pleasing the Lord and obeying His Word.

We lie about big things, small things, for no reason at all, to protect ourselves, to get our own way, to get out of things, we lie to our friends, family, children, ourselves, and our husbands…We just lie…lie…lie…

So, is it ever OK to lie?

The answer to this question depends on who you want to listen to…

Jesus tells us in John 8:44 - You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

And in John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life…

When we lie, we are in agreement with the devil. Yep, that’s right we are partying with the father of lies himself.

When we tell the truth…in love, we are in agreement with Jesus, the Truth.

Now, reflect on this question…

Who do you want to be in agreement with?

Let’s pray,

Daddy God, thank You for Your Word of Truth. I ask that You remove all lies from my mouth. Fill my mouth only with Your Truth. Help me to only speak the truth in love. Help me to shut my mouth rather than lie. Help me to be honest in all situations…even the most uncomfortable ones. Forgive me for lies that I have told to my husband and to others. Forgive me, Lord. I am truly sorry for standing in agreement with the father of lies. I renounce him and his ways in Jesus Name! I now stand in full agreement with the Truth. I ask that you give me strength to shine in honesty for You as a wife and Mother. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Your Homework:

Pray and ask God to reveal to you where you are weak and more likely to tell a lie. Confess. Repent. Turn from it and be a truth teller. Do not allow yourself to fall into the trap of believing it is ever OK to lie. Just tell the truth and you will be obedient to your Daddy God, rather than in agreement with the father of lies.

Read and study the following Scriptures this week.

  • Proverbs 6:16-21 (look where a lying tongue comes between)
  • Philippians 4:8
  • Psalm 58:3
  • And…if you did not do last week’s reading assignment, it’s never too late ;)

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A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.