Can you imagine God actually writing in the Bible that He viewed you and your spouse as "upright in the sight of the Lord". Being married, I know that statement above is much easier for one person to be described that way, but a couple, that is amazing!
Our Sunday School is about to embark on another marriage series. I wish they could understand their individual walks with the Lord are the utmost crucial ingredient to a successful and fulfilling and wonderful marriage!! Nothing else!!
I have began my new study on the life of Jesus and we start out studying Zechariah and the birth of John the Baptist. Long before God reveals He is going to bless this couple with a child, they are faithful in their duties unto the Lord and are walking the walk as hard as it may be. Being Jewish in that day with no kids was as much like a curse than anything. It was reason although not a godly one for people to look at you and judge all your ways to determine why God had not blessed you yet with children.
Isn't that how we do it today as well. When there is no possible explanation for a "missing" blessing we are quick to label ones obedience, lack of obedience or past sin as reason for Him mot moving in their life just yet. But it very well could be God is waiting for the perfect time so that His glory is more greatly seen...
Marriage, my favorite tangible blessing of all, is tough. I do not always follow the Lord closely and Clay strays as well. But we are striving and we are pushing towards Him. There is real evidence in our lives we are making every effort and strive to be more like Him. We are not just floating along in hopes of hitting the right spot. Please please don't you think I think we have arrived or are certainly not perfect, but there is evidence we are moving toward a godly goal. So many people get into marriage thinking it will just happen. It doesn't! It takes work and if a person does not see any fruit, more than a desire, more than I want this, more than good relationships, more than I am trying, more than consistent church attendance, etc. then don't get into it. Yes, He can move and yes He will do everything possible to make it work, but why jump into something, the most precious decision of your life, without seeing solid evidence of Him moving! It is too hard for one to be mediocre in the marriage!
"Upright in the sight of the Lord" did not happen overnight. Zechariah had waited his whole life to burn the incense and pray for the nation - his priestly duty. There was no mess-ups. There was no laziness, there was no uh ohs, it was dedication and fruit of that - an upright life that was so evident and strong that it was mentioned in the Word!!
I feel like I am having a tough time getting my words out this morning. But my friends, marriage is more than just loving a man to death, more than just hoping he turns the corner to great leadership, more than just attending church weekly or even multiple times throughout the week, more than just... It is about marrying one that is "upright in the Lord" and with fruit that is easily visible by you and all those around! Anything less in your walk or in theirs makes for a really tough marriage in already a really tough world in something that is really tough in the most perfect conditions.
We are all worth His best!!!
Friday, August 06, 2010
881 - THe Rich Always Have Nice THings -hmm
Lord, as I was driving to church last night I was listening to a program from Crown Ministries. A lady had called in and was wondering why it seems that the rich keep getting richer and they keep what looks like the favor of God - kind of question. I have to say I have wondered that myself many time before as well. Why does it seem that those that have connections get all the breaks and those that have to work hard just have to work harder? Why does it seem that those that are well off get more nods at church than those that have no more to give than just their regular tithe and commitment to the church? Why does it seem that if your name is a particular one you get special treatment and privileges? I have heard all these questions out of my own mouth, from the girls I have disciplined, from many women I have spoken to, and friends just in conversations. I think there is not one that has asked this before.
I don't think it can go without being said that you can always find one that is better off than you and one that is much worse off than you! So with that being said, let's try not to pass any judgment on the one that might be dealing with this kind of issue. It plagues us all at one time or another. And if it hasn't it probably will just by reading this. Ha!
So on the radio show the man said that in Jer. 12:1-2 this very thing was being asked.
1 You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
2 You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips but far from their hearts.
I think it is interesting Jeremiah just might be talking about the ones that claim to be believers. He says in the last verse, "You are always on their lips, but far from their hearts." We have people here that look like they are playing church and doing well at it in everyone's eyes. Look like they are "living in the favor" judging only through material means, but in actuality the Word says their hearts are far from Him. How is easy is it to do that, play church, pretend all is fine, and then be hurting and wandering farther and farther away from Him day by day.
Well, the Lord answers this very situation in Ps. 73. Asaph was dealing with why the wicked seem to live carelessly and still increase in wealth.
4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. [a]
5 They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity [b] ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
8 They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. [c]
11 They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"
12 This is what the wicked are like— always carefree, they increase in wealth.
I think this whole "problem" can be looked at a few different ways.
1) When we are looking at one that seems to be getting all the breaks we have to realize that we don't know the whole story. It may seem in our eyes that they are not living right, but we are not to judge. They may be doing just as He asks.
2) We have to realize that God will use anyone He wants to get His plan accomplished and that may be in allowing the wicked to prosper for some time!
3) A personal thing with me, is I must learn to be content in where He has me and with what He wants to do with me today and for forever. His plan for me is very specific and will not and should not look like any others.
4) There may be a jealousy issue in our lives. Been there, done that, it's ugly!
Bottom line for me: When I get all caught up in this and find myself fixated on a certain person or group of people getting all the breaks it does me no good. I am suppose to "set my eyes on things above" and this perspective is not heavenly. It is actually very selfishly focused because I am dwelling on the fact that I feel left out. Not good, not righteous, not holy, and not pretty! Down right oppressive like in verse 16. God will be the one to wake the dreamers living on their riches and living in the confidence of their riches. God will be the one to placejudgmentt and deal with those masked or ungodly lives - depending whether they know You or not! He will have the final say.
Lord, I have to say this has been a convicting morning for me. I find myself in this realm of thinking too often. Help me to grow more content in my situation and in YOU!!!! Like verse 25, I want to desire nothing on this earth, but You! May my spoken prayers actually come to fruition in my heart! I love you!
I don't think it can go without being said that you can always find one that is better off than you and one that is much worse off than you! So with that being said, let's try not to pass any judgment on the one that might be dealing with this kind of issue. It plagues us all at one time or another. And if it hasn't it probably will just by reading this. Ha!
So on the radio show the man said that in Jer. 12:1-2 this very thing was being asked.
1 You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
2 You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips but far from their hearts.
I think it is interesting Jeremiah just might be talking about the ones that claim to be believers. He says in the last verse, "You are always on their lips, but far from their hearts." We have people here that look like they are playing church and doing well at it in everyone's eyes. Look like they are "living in the favor" judging only through material means, but in actuality the Word says their hearts are far from Him. How is easy is it to do that, play church, pretend all is fine, and then be hurting and wandering farther and farther away from Him day by day.
Well, the Lord answers this very situation in Ps. 73. Asaph was dealing with why the wicked seem to live carelessly and still increase in wealth.
4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. [a]
5 They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity [b] ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
8 They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. [c]
11 They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"
12 This is what the wicked are like— always carefree, they increase in wealth.
I think this whole "problem" can be looked at a few different ways.
1) When we are looking at one that seems to be getting all the breaks we have to realize that we don't know the whole story. It may seem in our eyes that they are not living right, but we are not to judge. They may be doing just as He asks.
2) We have to realize that God will use anyone He wants to get His plan accomplished and that may be in allowing the wicked to prosper for some time!
3) A personal thing with me, is I must learn to be content in where He has me and with what He wants to do with me today and for forever. His plan for me is very specific and will not and should not look like any others.
4) There may be a jealousy issue in our lives. Been there, done that, it's ugly!
Bottom line for me: When I get all caught up in this and find myself fixated on a certain person or group of people getting all the breaks it does me no good. I am suppose to "set my eyes on things above" and this perspective is not heavenly. It is actually very selfishly focused because I am dwelling on the fact that I feel left out. Not good, not righteous, not holy, and not pretty! Down right oppressive like in verse 16. God will be the one to wake the dreamers living on their riches and living in the confidence of their riches. God will be the one to placejudgmentt and deal with those masked or ungodly lives - depending whether they know You or not! He will have the final say.
Lord, I have to say this has been a convicting morning for me. I find myself in this realm of thinking too often. Help me to grow more content in my situation and in YOU!!!! Like verse 25, I want to desire nothing on this earth, but You! May my spoken prayers actually come to fruition in my heart! I love you!
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
880 - Vicki Courtney book review!!!
Below is a book review I was asked to do. I reviewed the book and all I can say - as with all of Vicki Courtney's books - SUPERB!!! A must have, get it today kind of thing!! My daughter, Emmajoy - 10 - loves anything by VC! The writing below is not my own - the professionals can say it so much better - but in my momma to momma kind of way - You go girl - get it!! love, Leigh
Between God & Me: Timeless Proverbs for modern girls
Bestselling author offers tweens tips for virtuous decision-making
AUSTIN, Texas - Young girls today not only face the usual adolescent issues like body image, cliques and peer pressure, they also grapple with problems past generations never dreamed of, such as cyberbullying, "sexting," and even a recent instance in the news of "text rage." How do parents talk to their daughters about making good decisions and living a virtuous life when they practically don't speak the same language?
Fortunately, bestselling author and mom-in-the-trenches Vicki Courtney is working to help moms stop these bad behavioral habits before they start. Her new "magabook," Between God & Me: A Journey through Proverbs (B&H Publishing Group, 978-0-8054-4985-3, June 2010, $14.99), helps steer tween girls in a positive direction as they enter young adulthood.
Between God & Me is the latest in a line of popular magabooks from Vicki Courtney, whose books have collectively sold over 350,000 copies. Besides being an author and sought-after media expert on youth culture and parenting issues, she is also the mother of a daughter herself.
"What I love about the book of Proverbs is that it's full of biblical principles on how to make the kind of choices that lead to a long, happy life," says Vicki, whose popular blog receives over 20,000 unique visitors a month. "As tween girls enter young adulthood, it¹s more important than ever for them to monitor their own hearts to make virtuous choices."
Between God & Me tackles tough tween issues through fun interactive quizzes and exercises that will open a dialogue between girls and their parents. In a contemporary magazine format with colorful graphics, Vicki asks tween girls to consider how they would handle common sticky situations such as whether to watch an R-rated movie at a friend's house, send a provocative text to a cute boy or even cheat on an exam.
Vicki is available to discuss topics such as:
· Between God & Me: How to use Proverbs to talk to your tween about life choices
· 16 and Pregnant: Do these programs glorify teen pregnancy or warn girls against it?
· A parent's guide to Chatroulette: The bad and the ugly of the latest social networking platform
· Too much too soon? How parents can put the brakes on the rush to grow up
· How to talk to your tween/teen about sticking with the right crowd in school
· Parent the heart: Helping kids develop their own inner-voice for good decision-making
VICKI COURTNEY is the founder of Virtuous Reality Ministries and virtuousreality.com, which reaches more than 150,000 girls and mothers a year through its website, resources and events. Vicki confronts the cultural concerns facing children and their parents today and offers a blueprint for addressing these issues. She has appeared on Fox News, CNN, "The 700 Club," "Good Morning America Radio" and "Focus on the Family Radio," and has been featured in The New York Daily News, The Chicago Sun-Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Christian Science Monitor and The Dallas Morning News. Vicki lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, with whom she has two sons and a daughter. For more information, please visit http://vickicourtney.com.
Monday, August 02, 2010
879 - Why do we work hard?
Dear Lord, Lots of thoughts going on in my head of so many things I want to do and so many things that I need to do. Now that it is August I am getting back into the mood of my kids heading back to school. I long for a set schedule, but have certainly enjoyed the crazy fun-filled free time of this summer. Last week was about the only time we had all summer of nothing scheduled. We did spend the good part of it in Branson, but the last few days of nothing we had to be at landed us right back on the golf course.
One of the goals of this summer was to become a golfing family. As a whole we are there except Emmajoy does it kicking and screaming! Sarahjane got her own set of clubs for her birthday and she and Elleigh are ate up! Tucker is by the far, the best/worst! He is most consumed, or has the worst addiction, but is the best at practicing and getting out there to get it done! This just might be his thing! He plays everyday - usually 18, but always 9. I love it for him!
My preacher just about preached his head off on Sunday - it was incredible!!! We are going through a series called Membership Matters based on the whole book of Ephesians. I have thoroughly enjoyed it! He is so complete, studied, and interesting all at the same time. Not to mention his most wonderful quality - humble! Never have I sat under such a humble leader!
Sunday's sermon is worth going to our website and listening to or running by the church to get a copy! http://www.fbcarmi.com
Eph. 4:28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
So often I think I buy into this "lie", you might say, that I work hard so that I can buy things for myself and certainly my family. I work hard so I can provide for my family. And I do believe God does bless with many wonderful things as a reward of that hard work. But I guess my question is all that hard work just for me and my own doings? Is there anything else I can or am suppose to do with the extra?
The verse above is kind an odd one to me. That whole chapter, 4, has been talking about unity in the body of Christ and then goes on to discuss living as Children of light. Then all of a sudden the writer throws in an exhortation to not steal any longer! I am not real sure where that comes from, but I am ok with it - as if I have the right to not be ok with it - ha! Obviously there must of been some members of the church of Ephesus that were not pulling their weight. In fact they must have been stealing instead of working with their own hands - earning an honest wage!
But the tail end of the verse is what I kind of was convicted over. We work hard so that we don't steal. Got that and am good with that! We work hard using our own hands because we need to provide for ourselves and so that we can build a huge pool. Right? Well, almost.
There is certainly nothing wrong with having a pool (one of the things I so desperately am begging my husband for), or having nice things, or providing the best for your family - or any of those things. But I think the point of it all is that we work hard so that we can take care of priorities and give back over and over again.
My Bible referenced Acts 20:35 where Paul is again telling the people that the reason he worked so hard was not just for himself, but to give to others or "help the weak". He reminded those he was talking with of the words of Jesus - "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
All of our giving looks different. Some may give up some luxuries just so there is extra cash available to give with. Some may even add luxuries so that they can share it with more.... Some are adding to their families even in messy situations because they have seen a need. But the point I take from this today is that we are not given much to hoard. We are given much to take care of our own, but also to help those in need - even if for a short time!
Lord, I am not always good at this giving thing just because I don't know where to start. This Saturday my SS class is offering a free lunch to a neighborhood in Carmi that certainly is known for having less. So many kids in this part feed themselves or just don't get fed. It is very obvious and we vowed to not ignore it any longer! So this Saturday from 11am to 1pm we will be at Bradshaw serving a hot meal to anyone that is hungry! We have pooled our money together to provide "those in need". Even if you are not part of our SS class or even our church we would love to have you out there to help serve. Lord, may you be glorified!!
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