Did God Forget My Personal Force Field?

Sometimes I sit and wonder if  my standard issue personal force field, that comes with salvation,  needs to be sent back up for repair.  Or worse yet, the angels neglected to give me one.  How is your personal force field working?  Does it need a tune up?

Of course, there is no standard issue personal force field that comes with salvation.  I will admit when I first found Christ, I truly believed that somehow trials would cease to exist.  As I matured I realized that quite simply life goes on as usual.  The sun still goes up and comes down, my bills are still delivered, illness still occurs, and my car still gets a flat, even in the face of my secure eternal soul.  What is not the “usual” is my heart, my joy, and my security in Christ.   My surroundings may still be of old but my mind is renewed.

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

An obstacle for many Christians is the concept of suffering after accepting Christ.  This is not confined to the newly saved but often occurs in even the most mature Christian.  Intellectually, we know that we will not be without trials in our lives.  However, when the most heartbreaking of trials knocks on a Christian’s door feelings of disappointment or anger toward God are common.  We wonder how a loving God who promises blessings and joy can allow such heartbreak to enter our lives.  Trials do not mean that God loves us less nor that we should loose joy in the hope that is Christ.  Suffering is not only unavoidable in this sinful world  but to be expected.

Beloved, do not be surprised as the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you. 1Peter 4:12

Be encouraged that God did provide a personal force field…the blood of Christ.  This force field allows trials to shape you and bring glory to God’s name and mercifully never allows anything you cannot handle.

I am reminded of a song by Natalie Grant called Held.

Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
to us who have died to live,
it’s unfair.

Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
and you survive.
This is what it is to be loved,
and to know that the promise was
when everything fell we’d be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred know our sorrows.
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

Allow the Lord to hold you during trials instead of expending energy being angry or disappointed.  God has not forgotten His promises to you and He will not abandon you but show you His love more vividly during trying times.

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

Narrow is the Path…Few Find It

Something to chew on…

Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it.

But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves.

You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?

Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit.

A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration].

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.

Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits. ~ Matthew 7:13-20

This is a very interesting statement that Jesus made. The word gate comes from the Greek word pules and means; a door, gate, large door or entrance of a large city. To be distinguished from (thura), a common door.

This tells me that there are two places these gates take us…Heaven and hell.

The scary part of this is the “few” part. There are MANY people who “claim” to be Christians, yet their lives do not show it. We should be certain that we are on the right path. Our flesh will always try to lead us back to the easier (broad) path. Our Daddy in Heaven did not leave us to figure this out on our own. Jesus clearly tells us in these Scriptures HOW to know if someone is walking down the right path.

Knowing that it is by their fruit that we will be able to discern makes it quite much easier to know WHO we should be listening to and allowing to speak into our lives.

Questions to Consider:

It is VITAL to your spiritual health to pay close attention to WHOM you let speak into your life. You cannot just listen to every person that claims to be a Christian…or who feeds your fleshly tendencies.

Do they walk in the Spirit or Flesh? A person who is walking in the spirit will be growing. A person who is walking in the spirit will be very uncomfortable listening to music or watching things that glorify sin and the flesh.

They will be convicted when they say or do something that was an act of their flesh. God corrects those that are His…just like a good parent should.

Does there talk line up with the Word? This requires YOU to read the Word. You can not take another persons word for it…no matter WHAT position they hold.

Anyone can quote Scriptures and throw out a believable interpretation. The devil himself used God’s own Word against Jesus when he tried to tempt him!

We need to be VERY careful…VERY alert…and Pray about everything!

Do they walk the walk? They should be living the Christian life in public AND in private. This will be hard to know unless you are close to this person.

Another thing you should ALWAYS do is PRAY! Ask Daddy. Wait. He WILL reveal His Truth to you. It may not always be easy to hear…and you may have to walk away from a friendship or place, but you will be OK. God will help you through it and you will grow from the experience.

Consider this

It is NOT easy to walk the narrow road. It can be lonely and scary. However, no matter how hard it is, we know that pearly gates, streets of gold, and a loving God lay at the end of the narrow road.

We know that when we fail, we can get up, dust off, and get right back on that road with the help of our Daddy God. We must be WILLING and ALWAYS alert!

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ~ 1Peter 5:8

Am I saying we should not love those that are in error? Absolutely NOT! However, we can NOT allow them to influence US. We need to be a light to THEM…and you should pray for them. You should NOT become involved with them to the point where they begin to cause you confusion or to slip.

The Broad Road

This road leads to sin, sadness, separation from God, and ultimately hell. A horrible and extremely wicked and unhappy place. Unfortunately, when we are on the broad path we don’t see it that way. It’s easy and fun. It’s all about the flesh and self.

Even Christian’s can be lead astray onto the broad path. If you see yourself making compromises, sinning in a particular area frequently, and adapting yourself to this world and it’s ways, you way want to step back, do a spiritual inventory, confess to the Lord, turn from the sin, and find your way back to the narrow path. On it you will make harder choices, but your ending will be MUCH better!

How do we get ourselves on the narrow path?

If you are saved, it’s about choices. Who do you serve? Who do you want to represent? Who do you really love? Once you decide that Jesus is the ONLY path you want to take, turn from your sin (2 Chronicles 7:14), repent (1 John 1:9), and get back on track.

Life on the narrow path takes guts and courage. You may not “think” you have what it takes, but you do. I know you do. I know, because, God doesn’t make junk and He doesn’t make mistakes!

If you are un-saved (have never really accepted Jesus) or you have backslidden and want to rededicate your life to Jesus, then say the following prayer;

Father God, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.

I believe that your only Son Jesus Christ shed His precious and innocent blood on the cross and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.

You said in Romans 10:9, that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that He raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.

Right now I confess Jesus as my Savior and Lord of my life. With all my heart, I believe that You raised Jesus from the dead. Right now, I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to Your Word, right now I am saved.

Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus for dying for me and loving me. I ask that you help me to transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to You alone, and not to myself.

Thank you, In Jesus Name, Amen.

For those who are already saved, make sure that your life is being lived for the One Who gave His Life for you! Walk the narrow road and STAY on it!

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for choosing me to be Your very Own. Thank You for showing me in Your Word how I can live a life that shines for You. Thank You for teaching me in Your Word how to KNOW the Truth and what to look for. Help me to walk the narrow road and live my life to please You and not my flesh, woman, or man. Help me to be a shining example of Your great love and mercy. And, Lord, when I begin to stray from the narrow path, please pull me back and remind me that I belong with You. Thank You! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Your Homework:

Do some spiritual inventory.

- Who are you listening to or hanging around? Should you be?
- Who influences you?
- Do you walk in the flesh or spirit?
- Are you reading the Word on a regular basis?
- Do you pray daily?
- Do you watch or listen to things you KNOW deep down do not please the Lord? This is a SERIOUS thing…Faith comes by hearing…think about the flip side of that.
- Pray and ask God to reveal to you where you are lacking, what friendships you need to let go of, and to guide you towards HIS path for you.

Be Blessed on the Narrow Path!

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

Beware! There is a Lion Hunting You

This is an awesome devotional to get you reared up and ready for some serious spiritual warfare!

1 Peter 5:8-10

8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring in fierce hunger, seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same sufferings are appointed to the whole body of Christians throughout the world.

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His own eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.

I would like to begin this study by digging a bit deeper into a few word meanings. We will look at the original Greek meanings.

Vigilant in verse 8 means, to watch, mindful of threatening dangers, alert in mind, take heed, beware, to guard.

Seeking, also in verse 8, means, seek after, look for, strive to find, earnestly try to find, to hunt.

Withstand in verse 9 means, to stand firm against, resist–whether in deed or word, to forbid, hinder, withstand.

Firm from verse 9 means, stable, solid, strong, immovable, and firm.

I have read these verses countless times and I always understood what they were saying. However, when I looked up those words it really came alive to me in a new way.

Let’s break it down one verse at a time.

8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring in fierce hunger, seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

We need to realize that there IS an enemy out there and he IS out to get us. I mean he is not the reason for ALL of our problems…LOL…we do have another enemy…our flesh. However, that is another devotion.

Anyway, the devil HATES God’s children with a passion. His entire existence revolves around destroying us and keeping us from God’s perfect plan for our lives. He will look for any and every opportunity he can to trip us, put doubt in our minds, and steer us in the wrong direction.

We need to be well balanced. Meaning, we need to KNOW God’s Word and who we are in Christ. How? READ and STUDY His Word. If we are in the Word daily and in prayer often we will be aware of the worms tactics. We will also have the ears to hear God’s still soft voice of warnings and direction for our lives.

If we do not live balanced, the lion WILL come and he WILL devour us. We will be defeated, worn out, confused, and living fleshly lives that are flesh controlled.

9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same sufferings are appointed to the whole body of Christians throughout the world.

When we are grounded in the Word, we will have the strength to withstand his attacks. We will be strong, immovable, stable, and firm warriors that cannot be thrown about by every gust of wind we encounter in life.

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His own eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.

This is so AWESOME! You see, when we live a balanced life with God in the center…When we study and KNOW God’s Word…When we live by the spirit and not by the flesh…When we stand firm against them enemy and forbid him from wreaking havoc in our lives…

GOD…our God…the God of grace blesses us, and helps us to be all that He created us to be. He grounds us and secures us in His love. He gives us the strength and peace. He stands WITH us and we are able to be effective for HIS Kingdom and HIS Purpose in our lives.

We were created to be so much more than we are. The only thing that God wants from us is relationship. When we seek friendship and communion with Him, we are not only blessed, we are strong, secure, in His Will, and a force to be reckoned with!

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, thank You for Your Word and the victory it gives me. Thank You for loving me and guiding me. Help me to know You better. Help me to know who You created me to be. Help me to live my life for you and a light for this dark world. Help me to recognize the enemy when he comes. Give me strength to resist. Show Truth in Your Word as seek You. Thank You for hearing my prayers. I love you Lord. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!

Your Homework:

If you are not 100% CERTAIN of who you are in Christ and ALL that He died then I want you to write…NOT type…write out the following Scriptures and tape them where you will see them every day. I want you to read them OUT LOUD as often as you need them and NO LESS than once a day until you KNOW them inside and out.

• Isaiah 54:17 (protected)
• Romans 8:37 (more than conquerors)
• 1 Peter 2:9 (Royalty)
• Psalm 23:4 (with us)
• Proverbs 3:26 (confidence)

If you have clarity and pretty much think you DO know who you are in Christ, let me ask you the following questions…

1. Do you have angry outbursts? If yes, do the assignment.

2. Do read God’s Word at least 5 times a week…NOT including Church? If no, do the assignment.

3. Do you live in worry, fear, or without peace? If yes to any of these, do the assignment.

4. Do you think that you already know all this stuff and it does not apply to you? That’s pride. Do the assignment!

I think we all get the point. NONE of us have “arrived.” We can ALL…including me can use a refresher!

For Further Study and Armor:

• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Isaiah 42:16
• Deuteronomy 13:4
• 1 Thessalonians 5:8
• Matthew 26:41
• 1 Corinthians 10:13
• James 3:17
• Hebrews 12:9

Have a Week of Victory!

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

A little kitty taught me: Devotional on facing trials

My daughter was so excited to inform me that a stray cat had come to call.   This ball of black and white fur sought shelter from the rain on the comfort of our porch.  Just as I was about to swoon I hear the pounding of my dog’s paws running down the steps.  My dog darted toward the door and pounced with a barking fury.  The cat arched her small back and hissed looking directly into my dog’s eyes.  I’m not sure if I was more afraid for the cat or  my dog.  Thankfully the screen door still remained between them.  We restrained the dog.  Feeling sad for the scared but brave kitty, we gathered up some snacks to feed her.  Well, that did it!  She now thinks our porch is a restaurant.

I was reminded of scripture while observing this cat’s reactions to the world around her.  I wondered if I had the sense of this little cat to seek shelter during storms, face trials head on, all while seeking daily bread.

• Come in out of the rain. When the storm hits I sometimes make the mistake of braving it navigating my way through on my own.  We think that we need a show of strength and power to drive the storm away.  There are times to retreat to God’s shelter to spend time in His presence to regroup.  Allow the Lord to reveal Himself as your strong tower and rest in Him so you can revitalize.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. Psalm 61

• Stand up in the face of fear. After you revitalize and seek the Lord’s guidance now is your time to stand up and face the trial head on.  Have faith and remember who you belong to are and what He is capable of achieving.  We cannot doubt ourselves with the Lord behind us.  Let’s review from Proverbs 29:25 what scripture says about fear and the Lord:

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

• Seek your daily bread.  Our spiritual food comes from the Word of God.  If we allow our spirit to starve we will be too weak to fight a trial.  The Lord sets food out daily, hoping, His stray kittens come and partake in the feast.  We should hunger for this nourishment.   Let’s reflect on Psalm 34:17:

The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

The Lord has provided us with all we need to fight trials and come out not only victorious but stronger.  Let’s seek His protection,  face our fears through Him and be nourished by His Word and we can face any trial.    

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

Nourshing Your Temple In The Comfort Of Your Home

Mothers have a tendency of putting everything and everyone before them. Our plates are filled with careers, household and financial responsibilities, taking care of our children, running errands, being involved in church, the list is never ending. We remarkably fit it all in, unfortunately we often do it at the cost of neglecting our own needs. God blessed us with a temple that needs nourishing. When we neglect our temple it eventually begins to fall apart.

Moms were given the wonderful gift of being a nurturer and most of us wouldn’t trade that trait for anything. However, why not give yourself the same gift you give others and take the time to nurture yourselves. There are a number of ways to relax in your own home that can provide the rest and rejuvenation you so desperately need. Taking care of our temple requires us to feed ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Ways to nourish your temple in the comfort of your own home

Nurturing the Body

I have always enjoyed a retreat to the spa and believe the money spent is well worth it, however with everyone tightening their belts and trying to save money, spas just aren’t affordable for many moms. If you can’t go to the spa then bring the spa home to you!

Choose a day when you can spare a few hours and have some alone time. Create a spa like environment in your own bathroom. Start by making sure the bathroom is clean and clear of clutter like toys or wet towels. Light soothing candles, play music you find relaxing, grab some reading material, fill the tub, add some bath salts, and soak your troubles away. Afterward wrap yourself in a comfy robe take a nap, watch your favorite television program, or drink some tea and relish in your, “me time”.

Here are some suggestions for your spa day:

• Facial masks are an inexpensive way to make you feel refreshed and have clean skin. Look for homemade recipes with ingredients from your kitchen. Try an avocado mask they are extremely hydrating.
• Find a moisturizer that hydrates your skin especially since colder weather is on the rise. Oils are great for dry skin.
• Give yourself a pedicure. Purchase an inexpensive foot spa, or soak your feet in a basin with Epson salt.
• Exfoliate your skin with this homemade tip. Mix 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of oatmeal, and 1 cup of olive oil, then rub it in circular motions on your body. For soft skin cut a piece of lemon and rub your elbows and knees to soften your skin.

Another way to nurture your temple is through eating and exercise. I mentioned in a previous article the benefits of creating your own home gym. Exercise gives you the energy you need to be the nurturer you are. Don’t forget to squeeze in exercise at least three times a week.

Food is our energy source. Whatever, we put in our body is what we will get out of it. Make your kitchen a place that is conducive to nurturing your temple. Instead of high sugary snacks stack your cabinets and fridge with fruits, almonds, and healthy snacks. Buy a cookbook with healthy recipes, gather the kids and make some nourishing meals together.

Staying Mentally Healthy

If you are always running around putting fires out it can become exhausting. Your mind needs a break from your hectic schedule. When we are mentally drained it manifests itself in a number of ways. Keeping your mind healthy is of the utmost importance for yourself and your family. Most of us wouldn’t mind hoping on a plan and taking a trip to the Bahamas, but again we are in a recession.

So find some peace right at home by trying these suggestions:

• Take a few minutes to sit on your porch. Nothing clears your mind like fresh crisp air.
• Have a space in your home that is created for you. I wrote about creating a prayer room in an earlier article. Having an extra room to go to when you need to get away from the bustle of the family is beneficial for everyone.
• Naps aren’t only for your toddler. Take a 20 minute nap to clear your mind and keep exhaustion at bay.
• Keep your mind alert is by doing crossword puzzles. Curl up in your favorite chair, pull out a crossword puzzle and put your brain to work. Take the time to read a good book that is inspiring and uplifting, watch your whole mood change.

Staying Spiritually Fit

Christians know that nurturing our spiritual life and strengthening our intimate relationship with the Lord is essential to our well being. Our family and home are our priorities, but always remember that our first priority is God. For the six days you aren’t in church don’t skimp on staying spiritually fit, keep the momentum going at home.

Try these tips:

• Create your personal prayer space, and try to spend at least 15 minutes to half an hour praying and studying scripture daily.
• Have a group of friends come over to your home once a week for bible study.
• Keep a prayer journal.
• Memorize a scripture for the day or week and take time to reflect upon it.

There are so many ways to nourish our temple in our own home. Stay fit physically, mentally and spiritually in the comfort of your own home. By taking care of yourself you are giving the best gift to your family, the gift of a healthy mother, wife, and woman that honors the temple that God gave her.

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

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

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

An Honest Wife – part one

Honesty in marriage is a topic that is not widely covered, yet it is a foundational part of a healthy marriage. I would like you to ask yourself the following questions…

• Am I an honest woman?
• Do I always tell the truth?
• Is it ever OK to lie?

Most of us will probably answer yes to the first and last question. It is interesting to me that we consider ourselves honest people…yet we lie. Oh, yes, we do lie.

Let me give you a few examples of how we lie…

Note: These are not actual people…just examples

Michelle

Michelle is married to Bryan. Michelle and Bryan are on a tight budget. They are trying desperately to get out of debt. They have many arguments about finances. Most of them are about Michelle’s spending habits. Michelle loves to spend money. Especially when her and Bryan fight.

One evening they got into a rather heated argument about her spending. She went to bed quite angry and hurt. Bryan wasn’t very nice with his words. He spoke to her in anger.  The next morning, Michelle decided that she needed a new dress to make her feel better. She found a pretty pale yellow one on sale. She bought it. When she got home she hid it in the back of her closet…

A few weeks later, Michelle and Bryan had a business dinner to attend. She decided to wear the yellow dress. Bryan didn’t recognize the dress. He asked her where she got it. Michelle said that she didn’t remember. She’s had it for years. Then she puts it out of her mind and finishes getting ready…

Katherine

Katherine is married to Joe. Joe recently got a promotion at work, and is working long hours. He is burnt out at the end of the day. So, he asks Katherine to handle the finances until his schedule gets better.

Katherine is all excited and thinks this is a wonderful idea. She was never happy with the small allowance that Joe gave her each week. So, she decided to redo the budget to suit her materialistic needs.

She spent and charged and spent and charged some more. It got so bad that she was unable to make all her payments on time.

Unfortunately, she chose NOT to go to Joe with this. She continued to keep him in the dark. After all, she wasn’t actually “lying.” He never “asked” her about the money. She felt confident that keeping this from him was best for their marriage.

All seemed to be going well, until…the electricity was turned off. When Joe came home from work, she STILL did not take responsibility. She lied. She told him there was an outage. ACK! What a mess Katherine has gotten herself in!

Margie

Margie is married to Tom. Margie has a friend named Leann. Leann can be extremely irritating. Margie does not like spending time with her…but she knows it’s the good “Christian” thing to do. So, she accepts an invitation for a couple’s night out on Friday evening. Her and Tom almost never go out…

On Wednesday, Margie runs into Lisa. She hasn’t seen Lisa in ages…They spend a bit of time catching up, and then Lisa suggests that Margie and Tom come over for dinner on Friday night. Margie just loves Lisa. She would much rather spend her time with Lisa than Leann. She accepts.

Margie spends the rest of the afternoon trying to come up with a good “excuse” for canceling with Leann. Finally, she decides to tell her that Tom has to work late. She hangs up and Leann leaves her mind. Friday comes and she has a wonderful evening with Lisa. She never even feels guilty. She simply justifies her lies and moves on.

Most of us may be familiar with at least one…if not all of these scenarios…and many others I am certain. If not, we DO have other issues, like pride and denial, that cannot be covered in this lesson! LOL!

Unfortunately, the Church does not always stand for truth. We have become desensitized. We look just like the world in many respects. We forget that we are aliens. We forget that we are supposed to stand for Truth. We forget that when we lie, we are submitting to the father of lies, the devil.

Click Here for Part Two

Let’s pray,

Daddy God, show me where I have been dishonest with my husband, others, and myself. Help me to be the honest wife and woman that you desire me to be. Help me to recognize when I am being less than truthful. Help me to really examine my attitude towards lying this week. I want to please You, Lord. Show me where I am lacking in Truth. Show me where I am deceiving myself. Thank You. Thank you for Your Love. Thank You for Your Truth. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Your Homework:

Is it ever OK to lie?

Your assignment for this lesson, is to examine yourself. Think about how truthful you are. Think about how often you lie. Even those ones considered “little white lies.” A lie is a lie. I want you to do a self-check up.

Also, read Ephesians 4:22-25…then, next week, we will answer that question.

After you have spent a day or so doing the above, go on and read part two of this study.

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

Choose to be the Peacemaker

Therefore as chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:12-14

When I became a single mom it felt as though a prize fighter knocked the wind out of me. This was not in the happy homemaker’s plan, but it was my reality. I adapted to single motherhood fairly quickly, but what took more time was developing a new relationship with the father of my daughter. Single moms must to embrace forgiveness, love, and unity if they plan on healing themselves and their family. The fracture that is caused by separation or divorce can be so painful that this may seem impossible, but remember with our Father all things are possible.

When a relationship ends between two people there is a period of adjustment, which can be a difficult and painful transition for the whole family. Through the grace of God and prayer eventually both the parents and children will become comfortable with their newly structured family situation. Inevitably you will hit a snag. That snag can be mended or it can unravel everything. The choice is yours. When disagreements occur, I urge you to refer to (Matthew 5:9), Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Although both people need to work at developing a new relationship, you are a child of God and it is our responsibility to be a peacemaker. Do not led pride and anger get in the way of having a healthy family.

It is imperative that we set the best example possible for our children. We are responsible for modeling godly behavior. Do you want them to see mom and dad at each other’s throat? Worse, would you want them emulating that behavior in their own relationships in the future? Remember children are great imitators. Everything we do as parents whether it is positive or negative affects them and their future. We are not showing mercy, when we argue and hold grudges. Mercy is precisely what God wants us to show to one another as stated in (Luke 6:36) May my children always be merciful, as their Father is merciful. Be a role model for your child. Be proof that even if two people are unable to come together they can still treat one another with mercy and respect.

Although the family dynamics have changed, teach your children through your actions that they are still part of a unit that cooperates and works together. We all want the best for our children regardless of our marital status. What better way to give them the best than through an example of patience, kindness, and compassion.

Most importantly incorporate forgiveness, love, and unity into the rebuilding of your family and your relationship with your ex. You must forgive as God forgave you in order to move forward into a different kind of partnership. Love one another because it is powerful and will overcome negativity. Lastly, although the family has changed, stay united. Only through a united front are we able to stand strong against the storm. Above all pray and be the peacemaker and not a participant of war, where there are no winners.

Tips for being a peacemaker in a fractured relationship:

• Pray, Pray, and Pray- First and foremost look to God for guidance. If you have a contemptuous relationship and arguments begin with hello, pray first. Before the two of you even speak, ask God to give you the right words to say that won’t anger or provoke him. Also, try praying together when an argument begins.
• Remember He was Created by God- Remind yourself that he is created by our Creator and is made in His image, therefore he is worthy of love and respect. When you allow your heart to soften it is difficult to be confrontational.
• Choose your words carefully- How often do we blurt out whatever pops in our minds? Add anger to the equation and you have a nasty war of words. Before speaking, think about what you want to express and how you want to express it. Be mindful of your tone. Do you sound sarcastic or condescending? Choose your words carefully, they have a lasting impression.
• Walk Away- If an argument ensues, disengage and walk away. Heated discussions never resolve the issue. Once you have distance from the situation, the initial anger will dissolve and you can discuss the issue calmly and with a better attitude.
• Seek Counseling- Counseling is a wonderful way to begin the healing process. Have the whole family participate in counseling with your church clergy or a licensed family therapist. Sometimes we need an intervention to help us see matters in a different light.
• Let God Handle It- There are times when nothing works and you have to get on your knees and hand it over to God. Let him work it out for you.

Blessed are the Peacemakers

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

Love Unconditionally

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and he who loves his fellowmen is born of God and is coming progressively to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him]. He who does not love has not become acquainted with God does not and never did know Him, for God is love.
- 1 John 4:7-8 (Amplified)

What stood out for me here is that there are no conditions to this love. It does not say to Love “if.” It simply says to Love. We are supposed to love everyone. However, today, we are going to focus on loving our husband.

This is a VERY clear Scripture. If we are truly walking with the Lord in obedience we have no other option except to love our husbands…UNconditionally.

Notice how it does not say that this is an easy task. LOL! We all know that it is not.

This Scripture also goes against everything that this world stands for. This world operates in a very selfish manner. There is no room in marriage for love, forgiveness, and acceptance. In today’s world divorce is the norm. If your needs are being met, get a divorce…it just wasn’t meant to be. If your mate messes up, get a divorce…it was good while it lasted.

I KNOW that God NEVER intended for us to divorce. Do not misunderstand, I am sure there are times when you have no other option. I am certain though that MOST marriages that have ended in divorce are because one or both partners chose NOT to love UNconditionally. However, this lesson is not about that.

Listen to what Jesus tells the Pharisees in Matthew 19:4-8

He replied, Have you never read that He Who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

And said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united firmly (joined inseparably) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder (separate).

They said to Him, Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of divorce and thus to dismiss and repudiate a wife?

He said to them, Because of the hardness (stubbornness and perversity) of your hearts Moses permitted you to dismiss and repudiate and divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been so ordained.

The last part of this verse is the most interesting; Because of the hardness (stubbornness and perversity) of your hearts

Hmmm…

Do you think if we loved UNconditionally that we would be able to “harden our hearts?” No. Love is VERY powerful. We would be compelled to forgive and remain.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily,

It is not conceited, arrogant and inflated with pride; it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening.

Love never fails

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, I would like to thank You for my husband. Thank You for every trial, tear, laugh, good times and bad. Thank You for ALL that comes with being married. Lord, I ask that You help me to learn how to love the way You love. Help me to love and forgive UNcondtionally. Help me to see my husband the way you do. Help me to walk in Love so well that when people see me they do not really see me, they see YOU. I love You, Daddy and I want nothing more than to please You in all I do and say. Thank You for loving me and forgiving me UNconditionally. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Your Homework

Memorize: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and he who loves his fellowmen is born of God and is coming progressively to know and understand God. He who does not love has not become acquainted with God does not and never did know Him, for God is love. - 1 John 4:7-8

Dig Deeper:

1. Look up James 1:2-4 and do an in depth study on it.
2. Look up Love, Loved, Loving in the Bible. Find the Scriptures that pertain to you and your situation. memorize as many as you can!
3. Make real efforts to let things go and be a wive who loves UNconditionally. When you fail, get down on your knees, repent, then get up and keep trying. This world needs…NEEDS to see marriage work. They need to SEE love walked out before them. It is the ONLY way we will ever reach them…when WE walk in LOVE and shine for Jesus!

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

Weeds Never Take a Vacation

So far this spring and summer, I have not picked weeds from the garden or fertilized my grass. I made a feeble attempt to plant grass seed by throwing it on the ground and hoping it takes root. I’ve just been too busy. I have a baby and three other children to tend to, I am sure you understand. After caring for them and making sure my husband has clean laundry and dinner on the table, I am tired. When I finally do get a minute I decide it’s “me” time and I pick up a book, do a scrapbook page, take a bath, check Facebook or sit and watch TV. I deserve that much, don’t I? After all, it is summer and I worked hard all year homeschooling my kids. School teachers get summer breaks and I know I am in need of a vacation. So, there’s my justification and I’m sticking to it! Uh…Right?

Today I walked in my backyard and saw what only slightly resembled a garden. As I made my way back to the garden I stepped on patches of bare lawn with grass seed only sprinkled on top. I was sad to see promising baby tomato and pepper plants stunted in growth and dry surrounded by weeds almost as tall as the plants. How did this happen? I only just planted this garden! I mean it was only…..only…well…I suppose it had been two months since I last laid eyes on it. I hung my head in shame and walked back to the house with the sound of dry grass crinkling beneath my feet. The thought struck me, “when did I last water this lawn?”

As moms we all get busy and we all need a bit of time for ourselves. Is there a mom out there that cannot understand the exhaustion that hits you like a wave at the end of the day? After seeing my garden, I realized that my heart is a spiritual garden and I wondered if that too was a testament to neglect, selfishness and given over to flesh. Our spiritual garden is also in need of daily tending and weed picking. Weeds start out so small hardly noticeable until one day they take deep root and over take the garden. Weeds can choke a fruitful plant and cause it to only produce withered useless leaves. Seeds that fall on dry unfertilized soil never grow but stay on the surface. It gives the appearance that an attempt is being made and lies to us and tells us that was enough.

We cannot allow the world to interrupt the daily weed picking in our hearts. We must remain vigilant because weeds never go on vacation but find the strength to flourish while our hearts are on vacation. This summer do not forget to water and tend to your spiritual garden amidst the demands of the world and your desire to enjoy “me” time. Yes, have some “me” time on me! However, let’s not forget to spend time with our Father God, or His Word so the weeds do not overtake our thoughts and hearts.

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

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