Works of God Monday (on Tuesday)

I know it's Tuesday, but I arrived home too late yesterday to type anything up. God is sooo good and gracious to me. Yesterday I took Ezekiel down to Salina for an appointment with a pediatrician. God has been preparing me for this day for about three months. Three months ago, I suspected that Ezekiel may possibly have a specific disorder, so I have done a bit of research off an on over the past months. The visit with the pediatrician was a blessing, as he reluctantly confirmed my suspicians. It's amazing how God had prepared me. The doctor did not want to state the diagnosis because he didn't want to scare me, and yet I was thankful for the diagnosis as it brought me relief. These are the possible things that I had been told last week which we are sure it is not -- a stroke in-utero, a growth, and nothing.

The doctor did request a ct scan in order to rule out the above issues (I just now received a call from the doctor and the ct scan came back clear). I was blessed to be able to stand next to Ezekiel during the scan and hold his hand, rub his foot, and sing to him in order to try calming him down. I am also very thankful for my mom who took the day to come up and be with me so I wouldn't be by myself in case the news was bad.

Again, I can't tell you enough about how good God has been to us. Ezekiel will be continuing physical therapy, but nothing more invasive will be necessary.

For everyone who was praying for us this weekend, thank you. I could feel the strength of your prayers as I met with the doctor, watched Ezekiel endure the ct scan, and drove the long drive home. I firmly believe God will use this for His glory, and I pray my response will continue to honor him and trust him with each day.

So, how has God provided for your family this week? What has He been teaching you? What are you thankful for? How did you watch God work this week? Take a little time to praise the Lord with your blog or leave a comment! You can use the mister linky here on Jenny's blog to link your post to the Works of God Monday.

My Child -- A Child of God

I can't think of a more precious moment in Kara's life, than the moment that I was able to share in a few months ago. Kara and I were sitting at the breakfast table, and she said that when she was 30 she would become a Christian. Sitting across from her I simply inquired as to why she was going to be waiting until she was 30. Her answer surprised me -- "I don't know the right words to say." She stated it so matter-a-fact as if mom, don't you know that I'm too little? With joy I asked her if she wanted to know what to say, and she quickly replied Yes!Taking her into the living room, we sat down with my Bible and I began by asking her to tell me why she wanted to become a Christian. She knew she was a sinner, and she could tell me exactly who Jesus was and what He did for her in dying on the cross. She wanted her sins to be gone so she could obey God.

I felt so honored and privileged to sit beside her and pray with her as she asked Jesus to forgive her for sinning and be her Saviour. She then proceeded to thank him for saving her.

Since her salvation, I have had no doubt about the veracity of her profession. She is constantly wanting to pray and talk to God. She is also continually reminding her brother and sister that they can't go to heaven because they are not Christians. She has even taken it upon herself to witness to Lydia and make sure Lydia knows how to become a Christian -- in fact, the other day she came downstairs telling me Lydia was a Christian because she (Kara) helped her pray. I then had to explain to Kara that Lydia did not yet understand everything she needed to in order to make that decision herself, but I did encourage her to continue talking to Lydia about Jesus and how to get saved. While my eldest still remains a little spitfire with extreme problems in the area of obedience and attitude, I have been blessed to watch her relationship with God grow.

Frequently I will find Kara walking around the house singing:

There is Only one way to get to heaven,
Jesus is the only way
No other way, No other way
No other way to go,
One way God says to get to heaven, Jesus is the only way.

or she'll be singing

My heart was black with sin, until the Savior came in,
His precious blood I know, has washed me white as snow,
And in His Word I'm told, I'll walk the streets of gold
To grow in Christ each day, I will read my Bible and pray.

The pictures above are of Daddy presenting her with her first Bible containing both the Old Testament and New Testament. We gave it to her to remind her of the decision she made the day she accepted Christ as her Savior.

Caught by the tongue

Job 41:1
Can you draw out Leviathan with a hook, Or snare his
tongue with a line which you lower?

OK, what can this verse possibly have to do with my speech? This verse is discussing the futility of trying to capture Leviathan. Verse nine states "Indeed, any hope of overcoming him is false;" This passage actually begins back in chapter 40 when the Lord answers Job "Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it." And the passage concludes in chapter 42 when Job confesses "Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand."

Now that we have established the context of the verse, lets look at the phrase itself "or snare his tongue with a line which you lower?" Regardless of who or what leviathan is (some claim a whale, others a crocodile), the point is they were attempting to catch it with the tongue.

Although not directly related to this verse, I need to take care of my tongue and what I speak. I need to beware what I say so that my own words do not become an entrapment for me. Others will pick up on what I speak, and they will use it against me if my tongue is not properly guarded. Just the other day, my husband had gone out on visitation, and the gentleman he was talking with knew exactly how many times we had taken our kids out that day. What would have happened to my testimony had I been yelling and screaming at my children when we were out on a walk. My testimony, and that of my husbands could have been destroyed in a moment of unleashing.

There is never a time we should not guard our tongues. Too often we loose our tongues with our own family while guarding them in front of others. This is not right. Loosing our tongues in front of our families can potentially destroy our marriage and injure our children.

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
James 3:5

My Son Ezekiel

On Saturday, Ezekiel turns nine months old. Life has been very interesting and exciting with four children five and under. God has truly blessed me with such a wonderful family.
Let me tell you about my son. Before Ezekiel was born, we were told we were going to have a girl. We had a beautiful name picked out for her, and were pleasantly surprised when she was a he. We spent the morning discussing names and settled upon Ezekiel Peter because Ezekiel means God will strengthen. We settled on this name because I firmly believed that I would need God's strength in parenting four children so close in age. I am constantly amazed at how my kids names really fit each one including their personalities.

At this point in time, our family truly needs God to strengthen us. At Ezekiel's six month check up, everything seemed fine and normal. He was a little slow -- only having rolled over once or twice (which I now think was probably the way we had set him down rather than his own effort). and he wasn't sitting (which I thought was because with three little kids I didn't put him on the floor very often because I didn't want him to get bowled over by the others). Well, when he still wasn't rolling over or sitting up in March I began to get concerned. I began working with him, and within a month and a half, at eight months, he was able to sit up unassisted (when put into a sitting position). However, he still wasn't able to roll over.

I scheduled his nine month well-check visit two weeks early because I didn't want to wait much longer before having him looked at. We took him in, and our nurse practitioner wanted him to see the physical therapist. Monday afternoon I took him in for some physical therapy. She was able to teach him how to roll over, and he is very proud of the fact that he can roll across the living room (although he does still struggle a bit). However, she did notice something else that was wrong. The right side of his body is pretty much on schedule for development, but the left side of his body is significantly weaker (something I had not noticed before). The left side is about three months behind in development.
Tuesday I received a call from Tammy (our nurse practitioner), and she wants me to take him to a pediatrician about two hours away. Ezekiel will be seeing the pediatrician Monday at 4:00 p.m. I want to ask you to please be praying for us and especially for Ezekiel and the doctor that he will have wisdom to discern what the cause of the delay is. We know that God is in control, and that no matter what the problem whether it's nothing, or something much more serious, God will have His way and will give us the strength to face the challenge. Ezekiel is a precious and sweet little boy, and I can say with confidence that even this trial is a blessing from God. His way is perfect, and I do not doubt that He will be glorified.

Speaking with Pride

Job 33:2
Now I open my mouth; My tongue speaks in my mouth.
My words come from my upright heart; My lips utter pure
knowledge.

Elihu begins speaking to Job, and in his pride refuses to believe that he is wrong. Like the New Testament Pharisees, Elihu believes himself to be righteous before God. He also believes it to be his duty to point out to Job that Job is in the wrong and needs to correct his standing before God. Elihu, so full of pride, declares "Truly I am as your spokesman before God;"

I honestly cannot imagine anyone having the audacity to declare themselves as God's spokesman and then speaking their own thoughts and opinions as if they were Gods. However, I am not so naive to realize this happens on a daily basis. Pastor's who misinterpret God love and judgment who preach that God is only a God of love do this very thing, as do those who preach that the Bible teaches tolerance of the very sins that God declares to be an abomination.

Even though I may not declare myself to be "God's spokesman" when talking with others, it is very easy for myself to allow pride to set in and think that because I am a pastor's wife, went to Bible college, and grew up in a pastor's home that I have a better understanding of the Scriptures than other people. The truth is that while I may be a bit more familiar, that does not equal more knowledge or a better relationship with God. That simply means God holds me that much more accountable for my actions. When dealing with other believers, I must not be condescending, but be willing to learn from them.

I have a friend who I would have to say I disagree with much of what she believes. I firmly believe that she has been taught some great misinterpretations. Yet, I do not doubt her relationship with God. In fact, despite our disagreements, I believe she has a very strong relationship with the Father. In such situations, I must be careful with my words because it would be very easy to speak out of pride rather than a heart of love and longing for her to understand the Scriptures truthfully. She has been taught by false teachers, 2Pe 2:1 "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." Through her own personal Bible study, and through our "godly" conversations, I can pray that she will learn to rightly interpret the Scriptures.

A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall
uphold the humble in spirit. Proverbs 29:23

A Matter of Respect

Job 29:9-10
The princes refrained from talking, and put their hand
on their mouth; The voice of nobles was hushed, and
their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth.

At one time, Job was a respectable man of prominence in his community. Yet, as Satan bombarded him, the people turned from respecting Job to persecuting him with their malicious gossip and accusations. These verses fall in the midst of Job's reflection and longing for his former life when people regarded him with respect. When instead of whispering behind their hands, the people stood silent in admiration of him.

Respect is a powerful word. Respect is what our husbands respond to, and it is what causes us to feel honored and special. Respect isn't something my husband needs to earn from me -- it is something I need to give my husband. Pointing out my husband's flaws does not encourage him into being the godly man God wants him to be, but when I honor my husband and shower him with respect his confidence is obviously lifted and I am married to a different person than the one I criticize.

My husband is not the only one I am to respect. I am to have respect for God's Word. I occasionally face days where I want to question everything God sets before me, but this is not a respectful attitude. Sometimes I just need to go into God's presence and sit silently at His feet and listen to what He has for me. I challenge you today, as I challenge myself. When you go into your prayer closet today, don't just begin your list of requests and demands as though God is your servant. Take time to sit at the Master's feet as Mary did and sit quietly in prayer simply communing with your precious Savior.

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet,
and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much
serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care
that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that
she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha,
Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part,
which shall not be taken away from her.
Luke 10:39-42

Maintaining Integrity

Job 27:4
My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.

In Job's defense, he is stating that he refuses to acknowledge that which he is not. His friends want him to repent of sin he did not commit. Job is determined to not reject his integrity just to stop the accusations of his companions. This verse shows that Job is not willing to sin and lie in order to make his life easier.

Job would have had a much easier time with his friends had he just agreed with them and "repented" of sin he hadn't committed. But Job knew to do so would cause him to be a hypocrite (vs. 8). Like Job, there are situations in life where a "little deceit" would seem advantageous in getting my way. Whether it's at the grocery store, talking with a neighbor, or interacting with my children, deceit and manipulation are WRONG! No matter what my objective is, to lie would be a sin against God.

I can think of a couple of TV evangelists I have heard, who in trying to get funds for their ministry will claim "If you sacrifice your money to support 'God's' ministry, then God will reward you financially." This kind of speech is not Biblical. God does not promise monetary gain when you give your money to the church. God does promise blessings upon the one who obeys. However, this blessing is not always in the form we want it to be.

In dealing with my children, if I use deceit to manipulate them to do what I want, then as they grow they will stop trusting and believing me. They will not view me as a mother who loves them, but as a mother who wants them to be her slaves. I must always be honest with my children, and all people I come in contact with, even when it seems that honesty will hurt me.

This morning I was reading the daily devotional from MacArthur's book, Drawing Near, in it he talks about the Apostle Andrew. Who at the end of his life was preaching in a province where the governor's wife believed on Christ. The governor tried to force his wife to reject Christ. When she refused, the governor took it out on Andrew and crucified him. In the two days he hung there, Andrew continued to preach Christ even though to reject him would have given him life.

Job 27:6
My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go;
My heart shall not reproach me as long as I live.

Sweetness turned deadly

Job 20:12-13
Though evil is sweet in his mouth, and he hides it under
his tongue, though he spares it and does not forsake it,
but still keeps it in his mouth, yet his food in his stomach
turns sour; it becomes cobra venom within him.

Have you ever eaten something that tasted so delicious and wonderful you wanted to savor every bite only to make you sick to your stomach later on? I think of the peanut butter salmonella scare we had a couple of years ago. I love peanut butter -- especially as a peanut butter milkshake, or a smoothie made with bananas. As I savored each sip, I had no idea that the result would be severe diarrhea and vomiting for the next two to three days. As my children and I were confined to the floor and couch with sickness all I could say was "the shake was not worth it."

Evil is much like that peanut butter milkshake. It disguises itself as something sweet and enjoyable. As we tantalize ourselves with the thought and rememberance of the sin, we are clueless to the horrible grasp it takes on us. Such tantalizing sins may seem harmless -- Watching a tv program, reading a much too descriptive novel, or even forgoing our offering for the week so that your family has a little extra to spend for recreation. Each of these can be attractive to our fleshly desires. And yet each begins to form ungodly habits in our lives. The tv program lowers our senses and discretion which then turns to watching more ungodly programs. The novel causes us to think more about sex in an unbiblical manner which then could lead to the participation in unsanctioned sex or relationships. And forgoing the offering begins to build a habit of selfishness and forgetting that the money was God's to begin with.

As the sweetness of the sin wears off and we realize our mind is filled with filth, or our marriage is about to end in bitter divorce, we try to realize what happened -- "Where did we go wrong." The answer lies in savoring the sweetness of sin and allowing our bodies to develop a craving for sin that could not be fulfilled.

No Christian is immune to sin. The pull of the flesh can at times seem very strong. However, God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us overcome the flesh, the world, and the devil. Christian, don't fool yourself into believing that you can handle the temptation of sin -- That is how great men have fallen. Turn to God each day to ask Him for the strength and wisdom to identify the mask of sin so that you can walk righteously in this present world.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are
in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your
faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise
and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ
I Peter 1:6-7

Honoring my Mother

Today I am departing slightly from my study on the tongue, and looking at how does the Scripture say to honor my mother. I have to say I was quite disheartened when I Google how do I honor my mother and the only sites that came up were in reference to people who felt like their mothers did not deserve honor, or advertisements for what presents to give your mother.

I must say, neither of these fit the biblical description of honoring my mother. As a child, I was taught from Scripture that I am to obey my mother and father. And as a mother, I can see that one can demand obedience from children. However, as an adult I am no longer called to obey my mother's authority. Instead I am to offer her honor. My mom does not demand honor. Honor is a gift I am to freely give her.

But what exactly does it mean to honor. The dictionary describes honor in two ways. The first definition of honor reflects a position that one has earned. Looking at Proverbs 31, we see a woman of honor. This virtuous wife is one who remained loyal to her husband. She diligently cared and provided for her family. This virtuous woman has earned the honor and respect of her husband and family.

The second definition of honor is that of bestowing respect towards another. This respect is the gift I can give my mother. A mother cannot demand respect it is something that a child must freely offer.

Proverbs 31:28-31
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband
also, and he praises her: Many daughters have done well
but you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is
passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be
praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own
works praise her in the gates.

By praising my mother and thanking her for all she did for me as I grew up is only one of the many ways I can honor my mother. My mother helped to mold me into the person I am today, and now I desire and strive to mold my own children into young adults who will honor and fear God. My mother has given me a legacy of love and service to God that I desire to hand down to my own children as I pray and watch them come to know the Lord as their Saviour.

I rejoice in the salvation of my oldest, but I realize that my task of mothering does not end at her salvation. In fact, the training will get harder as Satan will seek to turn her away from Christ, and my husband and I teach her to follow the Spirit's prompting and to deny her own fleshly desires. To do this, like my own mother, I must seek to deny my own flesh so that I set a godly example for my children. Honor is not only a gift that is given, but it is a precious status that is earned by the day to day diligence of walking with God.

in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but which is proper for women professing godliness with good works.

I Timothy 2:9-10





THANK YOU MOM FOR BEING A WONDERFUL MOTHER AND GODLY EXAMPLE. I ALSO WANT TO THANK MY MOTHER-IN-LAW FOR BEING A GODLY EXAMPLE AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO ME. I LOVE YOU BOTH.

When Others Condemn Me

Job 15:5
For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou
choosest the tongue of the crafty.

Again we are looking at Job. However, this passage is not coming from the mouth of Job. Eliphaz is speaking to Job and accusing Job of mocking God. Job stands accused of speaking lies, presenting a pious attitude, and blaspheming God all because Job stands firm on his right standing before God. In verses 7 - 10, Eliphaz accuses Job of thinking he is wiser than them even though Eliphaz has an elder with him in the confrontation of Job.

I can't help seeing how similar this passage is to today. How many times do I talk with someone about biblical parenting, and wifely submission and hear the call "Your just old fashioned." Or what about corperal punishment. You know, the psychologists and hummanists tell me that my children are going to be emotionally scarred because of the spankings they receive. You know, there may be some truth to that -- I am afraid of doing what's wrong because I don't want to reap the consequences. The other day Jenny posted here about parents not setting their kids up for failure in the area of purity because it will injure their self-esteem. How ridiculous is that? If our kids don't have a goal to strive for how can they accomplish anything -- especially remaining pure for their spouse. And yet "all the experts" agree that teens experimenting with sex is now a "right of passage."

I urge you fellow believers, do not allow the world's wisdom (or great lack thereof) to discourage you for doing what we know is right. Critisism from friends and family is very difficult to face, and can often cause us to second guess ourselves. However, we must not question God's truth -- He will strengthen us to stand for Him.

Let me leave you with a little story of the ridiculous wisdom of man. Last summer I was heavy with child :) A couple weeks before Ezekiel was born I was coming out of the doctor's office and ran into a neighbor. He proceeded to tell me how so many third world countries were starving because men and women were having multiple children. (now realize I only have four and yes they are all five and under). You know he was telling this to me to make a point -- Stop having Kids it's not right.

Maybe I'm a little dense here, but how is my ceasing to have children going to take care of solving the starvation problem on the otherside of the world? You don't really want me to send my leftovers to them do you? Let's not consider the fact that my grocery bill for my family of six is less than the typical grocery bill for a family of four. Regardless, am I to question our decision to have a large family because most American's frown on having more than one or two children? I can't begin to tell you how many people have told me that our family structure is perfect with two boys and two girls. You know, that very well may be if God doesn't choose to bless us with more children, but should God choose to give us one more or ten more, does that mean I should be disturbed because American philosophy is against large families? No -- if God chooses to bless us with more children, then my response should be the same as when I found out I was pregnant with my first -- Rejoicing because God has given me a child.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's
wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing
spiritual things with spiritual
1Corinthians 2:13

Please feel free to comment on my posts and share what God is teaching you, or share a story exemplifying the principle discuseed. Also, if you think I am misinterpreting these passages, please let me know. I want my words to honor God and rightly reflect His Word.

Speaking Truth

Job 13:19
Who is he who will contend with me? If now I hold
my tongue, I perish.

Here we have Job entering into the courtroom. Job has been urged by his friend to repent of his sin. Job has already responded to his friend and is now asking for someone to come along side him and agree with him. As Job prepares to go before God in prayer, he exclaims that no one will stand for him, so he must stand for himself.

Being a Christian in America is much like standing as a defendant in a courtroom. Christians are no longer able to stand for what is right and true without their love and compassion being brought into question. Our government is even passing laws to squelch our freedom of speech in order to protect those who would stand against God. As God-fearing Christians we are standing on the threshhold of being imprisoned because we disagree with abortion, homosexuality, and the list goes on as speaking against these issues become "hate" crimes.

It doesn't matter that I have a couple of homosexual friends who could stand up in court and testify that I don't hate them. All that matters to the judge and jury is that I hate the SIN of homosexuality. Yet, please tell me who is going to be imprisoned for egging my home, or calling my children names because their father is a preacher. The truth is NO ONE! The prosecutor's case no matter how weak has already won.

You are probably asking me what this has to do with this verse -- Everything. Christians, we need to stand up. If we hold our tongues now, we WILL perish. We are not far from having True Christianity and Biblical preaching outlawed in America. We must take a stand and speak up for our freedoms now while we have some. I know I am guilty of standing on the sidelines and watching unbiblical laws being passed. I remember as a child taking a day off of school and going to Madison in order to protest and picket against allowing teenagers to have abortions without parental consent. Yet, when was the last time I attended a political rally. Just a few months ago I wrote my congressman for the first time. However, one letter is not sufficient. As a child of God, I must speak out and let my voice be heard for I am not only defending my own personal right -- I am defending God's TRUTH!

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach
in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your
doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
Then Peter and the other apostles answered
and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Acts 5:28

Correct my view of self

Job 6:24
Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; Cause me
to understand wherein I have erred.

If ever there was someone who felt like he was being judged by God, it was Job. Even Job's friends were convinced that God was punishing him, and they made sure Job knew their opinion. Yet Job knew of no sin in his life to be punished for. This verse comes as Job's response to his accusers. In this verse, Job is not admitting to having sinned, but asking his accusers to be more precise in telling him where he sinned. While Job is not admitting sin, he is also not stating that he is without sin.

When I am confronted by another regarding a sin in my life, what is my immediate response? Most likely my response is one in defense of myself. Attempting to justify sin is a very easy thing to do. However, the Bible tells us that sin is not to be justified. A pragmatic approach to life is not a holy and godly approach. God is holy, and I must always choose righteousness and obedience regardless of how painful the outcome may be.

Getting back to the verse. When others raise an accusation before me, or confront me with a sin they think I am dealing with, I need to hold my tongue and listen. Before responding and defending myself I need to hear out their argument and then examine myself to see if they are indeed speaking truth. Only when I have examined myself can I verbally respond to their accusation.

Is there iniquity in my tongue?
cannot my taste discern perverse things?
Job 6:30

Injured by Gossip

Job 5:21
You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and
you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes.

Whenever I hear the word scourge I get the mental picture of me bending over the bed and having a leather belt aimed at my rear. Now I understand scourging is far more detrimental and painful than any spanking I ever received. However, there was one thing about getting spanked that I learned very quickly -- I cannot fight it. The more I squirmed the more it hurt. If I tried to put my hands over my bottom, they got punished, if I tried to use my feet, they got hit also and the spanking continued till my fighting ceased and I accepted the discipline.

The scourging of the tongue is far more painful because it decimates one's character. I'm sure that each of us can think of people we have known whose lives have been destroyed because of false accusations. The verse says we will be hidden from the scourge (or gossip/accusations) however, it does not necessarily mean we will never have to face painful and false accusations. This could mean that God will allow our integrity to shine through and make things right in the end.

Regardless, we can not fear or become anxious when people make false accusations about us. I remember as a child being taught the rhyme "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." I can't help saying -- how wrong and how right the rhyme is. As a child, I would rather have had my bones broken: they would have healed much faster than my hurt feelings. As an adult, I can see how right the rhyme is because those words can only hurt me if I continue to dwell on them or choose to believe them (if only I had such wisdom as a child :) ).
Words are very painful, and choosing to ignore and disbelieve them is a very difficult task for a person who wants to be accepted by others. As I mature in Christ I am continually reminding myself that what others think or say does not matter as long as I am pleasing God.

As long as I am doing what is right in God's eyes I need not fear what people say about me because God will bring me through it and give strength to overcome.

Let your conversations be without covetousness; and be content
with such things that ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave
thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is
my helper, I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Hebrews 13:5-6

Holding my Tongue

Esther 7:4
For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed,
to be killed, and to be annihilated. Had we been sold as male
and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, although the
enemy could never compensate for the king's loss.

Wow! Can you imagine holding your tongue as you watch your family and yourself being sold into slavery? Living in America, I can't picture anyone doing that, and yet hear we have Queen Esther telling the king that this is such a grave situation that she has no other hope than to bring it up before him.

I have to say when I read this verse today I was struck. Having three very verbal children, I could handle a verse talking about not being entitled, and earning privileges. However, that is not what this verse concerns. This verse is telling me that I need to be willing to take offenses without speaking a word. I have to admit this concept is very difficult for me to grasp. Growing up, my brother and I developed an earnest sense of fairness that we did not like being taken advantage. Yet, that is what Scripture says I must be willing to hold my tongue.

I think back to a story my parents told me. While my dad was in school (I was probably three or four), he sold a car to a neighbor. Shortly after he sold him the car the neighbors moved -- taking the car with them and never paying my parents. My parents were taken advantage of and yet they held their tongue. Now looking at my life today, I realize that I find myself in situations that I tend to want to argue out of or fight back because they either put me in an uncomfortable situation or cause me to lose more than I was willing to pay.

When confronted with those situations that are not life or death, I need to learn to hold my tongue. Fighting for my assumed rights does not guard my testimony. Which is more important -- being comfortable and getting MY way or honoring God with a proper response to offense? Other people are watching, therefore I must hold my tongue so that God will be glorified.

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies
of the field, how they grow; neither do they spin. . .
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which
today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he
not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith.
Matthew 6:28-30

Are my words God's?

II Samuel 23:2
The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was
on my tongue.

Studying King David would be an incredible study. The Bible refers to David as "a man after God's own heart." I hope that at the end of my life I can say that I pursued God and my heart was likeminded to that of Christ's. I have to confess that as I look over my life, and even over the past few months I am not able to say that. But here we have a man of God writing to us and telling us the secret of his life.

David begins in verse two by writing and saying that He allowed the "Spirit of the Lord" to speak through him. God used David to write most of the Psalms we find comfort in today. The tongue can be the most encouraging or the most spiteful member of our body. I can either allow God to use my tongue to be a blessing to others through my speech or I can take control of it. Typically if I am in control of my tongue, my words are not what I want them to be. My words become muddled and occasionally quite hurtful to others.

Verse 3 continues on and tells us the secret of David's rule -- "Ruling in the fear of God." David feared God. He respected God, desired God's opinion, and was fearful of the consequences disobedience brought. Remember David's response when Nathan confronted David with his sin? David fell down in repentance. Yes he mourned his son while his son was dying, but he did not fight God. He accepted the punishment for his sin. I also must have that same respect of God. I may not have a kingdom to rule, but I do have to rule over my body, and I have to rule over my children (notice I do NOT have rule over my husband -- In fact, my husband is to rule over me). I must ensure that every thing I do and every word I speak demonstrates an awe and respect for my God -- He is my creator. I am not better than my creator, so I must honor Him.

While I do not live in fear that God is going to strike me down with a bolt of lightening, or have me run over by a car when I disobey Him, I must recognize that I will be judged for my sin, therefore I must keep my sin account with God short. Consider this: You go to the store to buy some groceries, and you discover you left all forms of payment at home. The store graciously allows you to take out a line of credit and be able to take your groceries home. If you continue to do this without repaying what you owe, the store will eventually cut off your credit. However, if you pay them back the next time you enter the store, they will allow you to continue to shop there.

Similarly, I must keep a short sin account with God. When I sin, I must confess and repent of that sin immediately when it is brought to my mind, and then I must avoid falling into the trap again. I am not saying that we can keep committing sin and confessing and not be judged. If you think I am saying that then you do not understand the definition of repent. Repent means to turn completely away from. When you repent of a sin, that means you refuse to commit that sin again. We are not to intentionally choose to sin.

I must do the same with my words. If I allow hurtful and unedifying words to exit my mouth then I must repent of my speech. I must refuse to speak those things -- even to someone else (that would be gossip). I must then turn over my mouth to the Lord and allow Him to guide my speech so that it encourages those around me and directs their focus upon the one true God.

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt,
that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:6

Ready at any Moment

Judges 7:5
"So he brought the people down to the water. And the Lord said to Gideon,
"Everyone who laps from the water with his tongue, as a dog
laps, you shall set apart by himself; likewise everyone
who gets down on his knees to drink."

Let me explain the background of this verse. God has called Gideon to rise up against the oppression of the Midianites. Thirty-two thousand people came up along with Gideon and said we will fight with you. The Lord told Gideon he had too many people so Gideon told all those who were fearful to return home. He was then left with ten thousand -- a number which was still too great. God sent Gideon and the men down to the water and told Gideon to send home any that laid down on the ground to drink with their mouths as well as any who got down on their knees. The three hundred men who were left used their hands to bring the water to their mouths.

You may ask me "What is the significance of how they were drinking?" Well, those who drank from the stream directly with their mouth were not guarding their backs. They were so focused on meeting their physical need for drink that they failed to be aware of the danger that might overtake them. Were the enemy to come up behind them they would be caught off guard and the battle would be lost.

I believe this verse can be a great warning to us as Christians. I Peter 5:8 states, "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" A lion is not going to announce his presence to you. He is going to sneak up and crouch down in the brush until the moment he catches you unawares and then he will pounce.

In today's failing economy, it is very easy to get caught up in providing and caring for your own needs. This mentality can quickly cause us to be consumed with greed and selfishness that we aren't even aware of. Like Gideon's men who drew the water to their mouths while watching and expecting the enemy to attack, we need to be watching for attack from both our flesh and Satan.

Now you are probably wondering why I say it's easy to become consumed with greed and selfishness. Greed is seeking to horde more than you need. Do you find a great deal at a store and then purchase all of them so that you stockpile and no one else is able to take advantage of the deal? There are many other ways that greed creeps up on us that we don't realize either. Selfishness is even more difficult to identify. It is very easy to look into the pantry and say, well I have enough food to feed my family, but I'm not going to be able to provide a meal for my sick neighbor this time or for the lady at church that just had a baby. I'll have to let someone else do it. Or what about cutting back on your offering for church? With prices going up and incomes remaining the same or even shrinking, one easily tries to justify restricting how much she offers back to God. These little attacks that we don't even realize our things Satan rejoices in. The more we focus on ourselves, the less we focus on serving God and others.

I am challenging myself, as well as you, as I write this. Take a few moments every day to pray and ask God to help you be aware of when you are allowing your circumstances to put blinders on you. Ask God to help you see the peripheral and be able to acknowledge the attacks and overcome them.

For as the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:26

Silence in the camp

Joshua 10:21
And all the people returned to the camp, to Joshua at Makkedah,
in peace. No one moved his tongue against any of the
children of Israel.

Has God ever done something in your life so miraculous that those around you could not even pretend that God was not working in your life. Looking at the background of this verse, we see Israel, under the direction of Joshua, entering and conquering the promised land. Their first battle -- Jericho was a battle that left no doubt God was giving the land to Israel. However, their second battle where they lost to the small city of Ai because of sin in the camp gave the Canaanites hope that maybe God was not fully with Israel.

This verse comes at the end of their third battle. Prior to this battle Israel learned that God would NOT tolerate the slightest disobedience. After fighting Ai for the second time, Israel learned a second important truth -- Before making a treaty go to God (they where tricked into signing a treaty with the Gibeonites). Now entering into their third battle with the five Amorite kings, Israel knew they had to place full confidence in God. This third battle ended in a great slaughter, including a great hailstorm that killed all who escaped the sword of the Israelites. The outcome of this battle was so great no one in Canaan could deny that God was working on the side of the Israelites. The people were so convinced that they could not even speak a word of negativity against Israel because they were fearful of what the outcome may be.

I have had two such experiences over the last few months that clearly said "Tracy, God is in control you do not need to try to force your will." The first situation happened about three months ago. I woke up on a Friday morning and was rushing around to get my kids ready for MOPS. I am the discussion leader for our group, so I was also responsible for making sure the video and discussion questions showed up with me. I failed to gather everything together the night before, so I did not realize that the video was not sitting on the counter in the same place it had been for the entire month (I had moved it when we had company the previous week). Running around the house like a frantic woman I could not find it. I finally packed up my kids in the car and headed to MOPS - hoping that I had left it at the church at our last meeting. Well, I got the kids placed and then proceeded to look for the video. I was wrong, it wasn't there. It was finally at this point that I realized there was no place left for me to look -- I had already spent more than an hour searching my house. I decided to head home and take one more look. It was finally at this point where I turned to God and said "Lord, I've already searched my house and I don't have any clue where it might be. You know where it is, please give me wisdom to be able to find it." I parked the van and went into the house. Literally within one minute I had the DVD and the discussion questions in my hand. Without God I would probably still be looking for them.

My more recent very clear situation was yesterday. Our little town is about an hour and a half from any major shopping area -- Those of you from NBBC (NUI) can probably relate however I am in an even more rural area as our nearest Walmart is an hour and a half away (I'm not complaining, I really don't want to live anywhere else right now). Getting back to my story. We were on the way home from shopping yesterday and probably about 15/20 minutes from home. I was asleep and JA was driving. Well, he happened to have dozed literally a quarter of a mile before we would be driving under a bridge. We hit the shoulder of the road and we were both shocked into reality. The reason I say this was a complete example of God's protection is because we drifted to the right side of the road. Had we been drifting to the left we would not have awoken until we either hit a car or went off the road. Had he dozed just a few moments later we would have ran into a cement wall. God is so good in soooo graciously protecting us.

My point in telling you these stories is that my life shows plenty of evidence that God is alive and working. Some of you may say that these are just coincidences -- Miracles don't exist. I am not sorry to say YOU ARE COMPLETELY WRONG!!! My husband is a walking miracle which I would be glad to share with you if you need the proof. Let me challenge you, even those of you who are believers may at times feel like you are all alone, or that God is not working in your life (you may feel this way when you observe God working great miracles in the lives of others), examine your life and spot one or two major milestones in your life that leave no room for mistaking God was working in your life. Maybe it's when God saved you, maybe it's when he protected you from certain death, maybe it is in the birth of your child, or how he provided for you financially in a way you can't comprehend. Maybe it's simply in the miracle of life as you observe creation coming out of its winter dormancy. Whatever it is, write down that moment and keep it someplace you can turn to when you need the simple reminder -- God is Alive and He is Working in My life.

God does not forget His people, and He will continue to work in my life and yours as long as you allow Him to.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
for good works, which God prepared beforehand
that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10

Earlier this week I received a book in the mail by John MacArthur called Drawing Near. I don't know who sent me this book, but if you are reading this post, I want to say thank you.

A Clear Distinction

Exodus 11:7
But against none of the children of Israel shall a dog move
its tongue, against man or beast, that you may know
that the Lord does make a difference between the
Egyptians and Israel.

A first glance at this verse would cause a person to just skip doing an in depth study because it clearly has nothing to do with a person's speech. But this verse decrees a type of peace that is uncommon. Have you ever laid in bed at night and heard dogs barking at night? Very little noise is needed to stir up a dog and get a dog barking. Yet, as the Lord explains to Moses that on the night when the Egyptians will be bewailing and mourning the death of their firstborns, not even the dogs would bark at the Israelites.

This verse is giving Israel a peace and security that God is protecting them and will keep His promise of deliverance. And yet He is also making a clear distinction between His people and the heathen Egyptians. As I read this verse and thought about the context of today, I am reminded of the many preachers and leaders in our country and around the world who are proclaiming "Believe what you want to believe, and as long as you are sincere God will bring you into heaven." How wrong and misleading these leaders are. It saddens me to think of the many people in our world who are blinded by this human idea and have been given a false view of God.

I serve a holy God.

Le 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of
Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy:
for I the LORD your God am holy.

Because God is holy His character demands specific things. The only way God can even see me is if my sin has been covered by the blood. In the Old Testament, Israel was required to offer a perfect lamb as a blood sacrifice to cover their sins. Jesus Christ, the only man to walk this earth and NEVER commit a sin was sacrificed on the cross. His blood has covered and cleansed my sin. The book of Romans says that If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead thou shalt be saved. Clearly a person cannot be saved unless they truly believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The book of John states that Unless a man be born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

You see, God makes a very clear distinction between those who have been born again and those who are spiritually dead.

I also must be very clear when I am speaking with others that I express the distinction God makes between believers and unbelievers. Most of the people in my small town are religious. Unfortunately, many have been raised to believe that if they attend church on Sunday, participate in church activities (as long as it doesn't interfere with their normal life), and give money to help people in need than they will have a free pass into heaven. However, God's holiness is mocked when we try to earn or work our way to heaven. If we could earn our way to heaven than what purpose did Christ's death serve? Salvation is in none other than Jesus Christ.

I urge you if you have been trying to work your way to heaven, please turn to Christ. This website will help explain better. Or you can leave a comment and I will respond to you.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man

Christ Jesus; I Timothy 2:5

In regards to yesterday's post, I want to thank those of you who were praying for me. I went to the workshop this morning with the intent to talk with someone. However, by the time I introduced myself to the lady sitting beside me and she told me what she did, the workshop started. I ended up having to leave before the workshop was over so the opportunity to share Christ did not arise. Please continue to pray for me that I will seek out other opportunities and have the boldness to share.

Lord Grant me Boldness of Speech

Exodus 4:10 Then Moses said to the Lord, "O my Lord, I am not
eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to
Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue."

How typical is it for me to offer up excuses. "Lord, I was too busy chasing my kids to notice the lady across the room." "Lord, I can't leave and go talk to her -- my kids will get wild if I'm not standing RIGHT here." If I don't want to do something, believe me I can come up with a pretty acceptable EXCUSE.

In today's verse, Moses was the same way. Whether he was speaking out of fear of returning to Egypt, or the desire to not upset his current living situation, Moses chose to use his speaking abilities as an excuse to not appear before Pharaoh. Now keep in mind, Moses had a better education than any of the other Israelites (he was raised in Pharaoh's own home). His education most likely included the ability to orate.

Moses' reason for offering the excuse could have been a feeling of inadequacy to perform the task which God was asking of him. I mean here was one person asked to go speak before the ruler of Egypt -- one who thought himself to be a god. I would certainly feel inadequate to complete that task.

Understanding this verse, I must now look at myself. I so often find myself speaking this same thing to God -- not so much in words as in my lack of action. On a weekly basis I come into contact with unbelievers. Yet, can I recall the last time I boldly confronted them with the Gospel? I love the next verse --

So the Lord said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes
the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the
Lord? Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach
you what you shall say."

God has given me a task to do. Yes, I am to care for my husband and my children, but he has also entrusted me with the precious gospel. This precious message needs to be given out to others. If you won the lottery, would you not be shouting it out to everyone around you so they could celebrate with you? With that same joy and excitement I need to share the good news of Christ with everyone I come in contact with.

It would be very easy for me to respond as Moses and beg the Lord to send someone else, but in doing that what purpose would I then have. Nor do I want the Lord's anger to be kindled against me as it did against Moses.

Now, how do I apply this to my tongue. Tomorrow morning I am attending a community meeting. Typically I attend these meetings and quietly sit by and listen and observe. Please pray for me and with me that tomorrow I will have boldness to approach someone sitting near me with the gospel. While I may not know the words to speak, God does, and He and He alone must guide my speech.

Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the
mighty acts of the Lord? Who can declare all His praise?
Psalm 106:1-2

A Study on the Tongue

I know it has been quite a long time since I have blogged. I must admit that my time as of late has not left me any leisure for blogging. However, as I have struggled in consistency with my personal time with God, I am going to use my blog as an outlet for meditation and sharing what God is teaching me in my time with Him.

I have recently noticed how my outlook on my day and on my situation can be quickly changed by another person's words whether positive or negative. For instance, if you awaken in the morning and declare "What a glorious day today!" and every person you encounter throughout the morning says "It's dreary today", "Oh I wish it were Friday", "I hated getting up this morning", "I wish the sun would shine"; by noon you're glorious declaration will be turned to "Today is ok." Continuing through the day and still hearing only negativity about the day will continue to depress your outlook on the day to where by supper you may be saying "I can't wait to go to bed so I can wake up to a better day then today."

As women our attitudes are often too closely linked to what others say and think about us. Now I am certainly responsible for my own response to the negativity of others. Biblically I must not allow the words of others to discourage me from obeying God. Nor can I change the words of others -- only God and that person can change their thinking. However, there is another factor in this exchange of words that I can change. This factor involves my words to others. If I tell that same person seeing a dreary day about the beautiful green grass, I am adding a positive point to their day. I must guard my words so that I am edifying other believers and not causing them to sink into depression and discouragement.

Thus comes my point. I am beginning a word study on the Tongue.

Today's verse is Psalm 31:20 "You shall hide them in the secret place of your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues."

I do understand that David wrote this chapter while he was facing adversity and being hunted by men who wanted to kill him. Now I know that no one is hunting me down with the desire to physically kill me. However, Satan does desire to see my testimony destroyed. He longs to drive me into a spiritual depression and he will do so through verbal attacks from those about me -- both unsaved and saved.

The first section of the verse refers to the believer being securely hidden in the presence of God. Here I find safety and comfort knowing that by spending time in God's presence no one can harm me. The second section explicetly states why I am being hidden -- from the strife of tongues. When I hear the word strife I often think of one who is up to mischief.

Therefore, God is protecting me from the mischief other people speak. I am protected from what others are saying about me. This does not mean that I am oblivious to what is being said about me. In verse 13 the Psalmist states "For I hear the slander of many . . ." At times I will be aware of the slander and malicious statements people say about me.

By spending time in God's presence I am reminded that the only person who's thoughts I should care about are God's. It does not matter what my neighbor's think of my numerous and closely spaced children. God gave me each child, so he is glorified when I speak positively about the joy each of my children are to me. When I am in God's presence I receive fullness of joy. This joy will carry me through the negative comments and opinions I routinely face.

Verse 18 of chapter 31 states "Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous." Here in this very chapter the poet David gives me a prayer to offer up when I do hear the verbal attacks.

Rather than allowing the negativity of others drive me into the depths of despair I need to take the attack to my Heavenly Father and pray for Him to silence the attack.

I do want to add that a person does not need to speek maliciously in order to destroy a person. A simple, "you must always be tired" is enough to drive a splinter of discontentment into the heart of a person. Recently I had a splinter, the size of a pin head, stuck in the tip of my finger. For an entire day that tiny splinter caused my finger to hurt immensly every time it touched something. A person's words are like that splinter -- no matter how small they can fester and cause pain.

But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord,
I say, "You are my God . . .
Make Your face shine upon Your servant;
Save me for Your mercies' sake.
Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord,
for I have called upon You;
Let the wicked be ashamed;
vv 14-17