Not too long ago I was venting to my BFF about my husband. As only a BFF who’s known you for years can do, she told me that I was the one with the problem. Now, when your BFF takes your husband’s side over yours, you know two things. First, she’s a true friend and, second, the problem is TRULY yours!
We talked more and she shared some insights that she has learned through struggles in her own new marriage. She recommended Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger. While she doesn’t promote herself as a Christian author, Dr. Laura has some good things to say about relationships and, in this book specifically, she challenges wives. God used that open door to show me the error of my ways!
It’s a dangerous place to be when we let our own selfishness get in the way of caring about and for our husbands. No, I don’t mean the very basic needs they have, but caring. What kind of day did he have, what does he need right now, what can I do to make his life better, easier. What kind of stress is he feeling from his day?
As a wife, I was starting to feel like my husband “owed” me because of all the things I was doing to manage our life and home — and I don’t even have kids! I imagine how much more that temptation is when there are children involved. That’s a bad place to be. It’s a breeding ground for resentment, disappointment and loss of warm, fuzzy feelings. I had to ask my husband to forgive me and then I had to take a serious look at my heart and my attitude. I quit praying so much for him to change and started praying for God to change me — yep, me. Funny thing … I started liking my husband again.
Sally Hall
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Fizzled Fire
Does anyone else ever feel like their once burning bonfire for Christ has turned into a fizzled flame? I have been a Christ-follower for a long time. I dedicated my life to Christ as a sophomore in high school. That was when the song “Jesus Freak” by DC Talk was still very popular, and I was a proud Jesus Freak!
This continued until about just out of college. I can’t really point to one thing that stopped fueling the fire but Luke 8:14 mentions that the cares, riches and pleasure of this world can choke the word of God in our lives. This is probably what happened as a new career, new marriage and some family changes occurred.
God has brought a person into my life through work and I always think of us as unlikely friends. We were talking recently and mentioned a town near Detroit. I had been there in high school with the youth choir doing a concert in the park and evangelizing. She was there doing other not-so-upstanding activities like partying and drugs.
Throughout the last two years she has become interested in learning more about Christ, so I invited her to the starting point class. I didn’t really expect to get a ton out of it. It was my intention to use this class as a tool to begin discipling her. But God had something else in store for me!
If anyone wants to add fuel to their fire again, just hang out with new believers. They are so excited and hungry to learn about Jesus. They were just the fuel needed to get my fire burning brighter! It was such an exciting experience to see these new believers discover more about Jesus. One practical solution to a fizzling flame, start discipling someone! No matter where you are at God can use you! It will restore that fire to the burning bonfire it used to be.
Michelle Heriford
This continued until about just out of college. I can’t really point to one thing that stopped fueling the fire but Luke 8:14 mentions that the cares, riches and pleasure of this world can choke the word of God in our lives. This is probably what happened as a new career, new marriage and some family changes occurred.
God has brought a person into my life through work and I always think of us as unlikely friends. We were talking recently and mentioned a town near Detroit. I had been there in high school with the youth choir doing a concert in the park and evangelizing. She was there doing other not-so-upstanding activities like partying and drugs.
Throughout the last two years she has become interested in learning more about Christ, so I invited her to the starting point class. I didn’t really expect to get a ton out of it. It was my intention to use this class as a tool to begin discipling her. But God had something else in store for me!
If anyone wants to add fuel to their fire again, just hang out with new believers. They are so excited and hungry to learn about Jesus. They were just the fuel needed to get my fire burning brighter! It was such an exciting experience to see these new believers discover more about Jesus. One practical solution to a fizzling flame, start discipling someone! No matter where you are at God can use you! It will restore that fire to the burning bonfire it used to be.
Michelle Heriford
Friday, June 11, 2010
Running the Race
A few weeks ago I participated in the Heart of a Spartan 5k race. It was on a Sunday morning and to my very bitter disappointment, it was raining pretty hard. I decided that I wouldn’t run with a raincoat (or put a trash bag over my head as some were doing), but that I would just run with the running gear I used during training.
About a minute before the start I panicked and decided that I wanted a windbreaker to shield me from the rain. It worked well for about five minutes, until the rain penetrated the jacket. I took off the jacket and tied it around my waist, but it was still a heavy, wet nuisance. Eventually, I untied the jacket from my waist, wrung it out, and wadded it into one hand. That’s how I crossed the finish line — with a wadded up jacket in my hand.
This isn’t all that I remember from that race. It was a great course and the chance to run across the Spartan football field was an incredible experience. But I’ll admit, I was distracted and frustrated most of the race. The jacket bothered me more than the rain!
This reminds me so much of my spiritual life at times. I alternate from God’s original plan because I think I need something other than what He’s given. Then I end up struggling in my walk because I’m carrying this burden (that I chose to bring along) that distracts me and weighs me down. That’s not how God says we should run. His Word says, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1b
I encourage you to lose the baggage that’s dividing your attention from the race set out for you and to run like you mean it!
Andrea Perry
About a minute before the start I panicked and decided that I wanted a windbreaker to shield me from the rain. It worked well for about five minutes, until the rain penetrated the jacket. I took off the jacket and tied it around my waist, but it was still a heavy, wet nuisance. Eventually, I untied the jacket from my waist, wrung it out, and wadded it into one hand. That’s how I crossed the finish line — with a wadded up jacket in my hand.
This isn’t all that I remember from that race. It was a great course and the chance to run across the Spartan football field was an incredible experience. But I’ll admit, I was distracted and frustrated most of the race. The jacket bothered me more than the rain!
This reminds me so much of my spiritual life at times. I alternate from God’s original plan because I think I need something other than what He’s given. Then I end up struggling in my walk because I’m carrying this burden (that I chose to bring along) that distracts me and weighs me down. That’s not how God says we should run. His Word says, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1b
I encourage you to lose the baggage that’s dividing your attention from the race set out for you and to run like you mean it!
Andrea Perry
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Shadow of the Almighty
You know those times where you feel like you don’t do anything right? You offend everyone you talk to? You waste time that you don’t have? You look around at your life and all you see are failures? Maybe it’s just me but I struggle with these thoughts every so often. I’m never sure how I got here, how I slipped so low that I can’t seem to pull myself out. I was fine just the other day, wasn’t I?
I know that this is Satan. He is a master of discouragement and loves to see me wallow in depression and despondency. And I hate to give him the satisfaction of victory in pointing out every flaw I have and having me focus on them.
If you are like me and occasionally find yourself standing face-to-face with every area of your life that isn’t up to snuff, let me share a thought — take a step to the left. I think the reason I can get lost in my sin is because I’m no longer standing behind Christ. I’ve moved from His shadow and am standing on my own, a prime target for Satan and his nasty darts. Christ needs to stand between me and the Devil in order for me to be victorious. His blood covers me and is the only thing that can overcome my human nature and help me become Christlike. Psalm 91 is a great passage that encourages me when I’m feeling vulnerable. I especially like verse 2: “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust!’”
What verses encourage you when you’re feeling like life is getting the better of you?
Patty Dextrom
I know that this is Satan. He is a master of discouragement and loves to see me wallow in depression and despondency. And I hate to give him the satisfaction of victory in pointing out every flaw I have and having me focus on them.
If you are like me and occasionally find yourself standing face-to-face with every area of your life that isn’t up to snuff, let me share a thought — take a step to the left. I think the reason I can get lost in my sin is because I’m no longer standing behind Christ. I’ve moved from His shadow and am standing on my own, a prime target for Satan and his nasty darts. Christ needs to stand between me and the Devil in order for me to be victorious. His blood covers me and is the only thing that can overcome my human nature and help me become Christlike. Psalm 91 is a great passage that encourages me when I’m feeling vulnerable. I especially like verse 2: “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust!’”
What verses encourage you when you’re feeling like life is getting the better of you?
Patty Dextrom
Monday, June 7, 2010
Lord, Keep My Fire Burning
Some days I get so mentally and physically exhausted, I could just cry. While the day may hold many things to be thankful for, I get weary and find that the only way I can truly rejuvenate is to be alone in peace and quiet. Traditionally when I take these alone times, I have found myself feeling guilty or selfish for needing this time to just let my mind rest, but God showed me something this week which struck my heart.
God instructed the Israelites to keep the fire burning continuously. The altar fire was holy fire ignited by the presence of God. This sacred fire was never to be extinguished. “The fire on the altar is to be kept burning on it ... [The] fire shall be kept burning continually on the altar; it is not to go out” (Leviticus 6:12–13).
After reading this, I thought, “How were the people able to keep the fire going continuously?” Then I read Numbers 4:13 where God instructed the Israelites to remove just the ashes from the altar and cover them safely with a purple cloth. With this thought, God was not concerned with the fact that there was an actual flame burning, but that there would be hot coals from which the fire could be ignited later in time.
If fire could be compared to the fire of my heart, then this lesson gave me great comfort. It is only natural for a flame to grow high and low. The purple covering mentioned in Numbers 4:13 could be compared to His holy presence as protector of the fire (or our heart). God is not so concerned that my life is a continuous raging flaming fire, but that I simply depend on him to keep the coals “simmering” with His love.
Sheryl Patry
God instructed the Israelites to keep the fire burning continuously. The altar fire was holy fire ignited by the presence of God. This sacred fire was never to be extinguished. “The fire on the altar is to be kept burning on it ... [The] fire shall be kept burning continually on the altar; it is not to go out” (Leviticus 6:12–13).
After reading this, I thought, “How were the people able to keep the fire going continuously?” Then I read Numbers 4:13 where God instructed the Israelites to remove just the ashes from the altar and cover them safely with a purple cloth. With this thought, God was not concerned with the fact that there was an actual flame burning, but that there would be hot coals from which the fire could be ignited later in time.
If fire could be compared to the fire of my heart, then this lesson gave me great comfort. It is only natural for a flame to grow high and low. The purple covering mentioned in Numbers 4:13 could be compared to His holy presence as protector of the fire (or our heart). God is not so concerned that my life is a continuous raging flaming fire, but that I simply depend on him to keep the coals “simmering” with His love.
Sheryl Patry
Friday, June 4, 2010
Would He See Me?
But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. Genesis 6:8-9
Do you remember in December when Don Cousins was preaching at Trinity? I appreciated so much of what he said, but there was one statement in particular he made that has really stuck with me. Don said that in the midst of the evil in the world — when God was ready to wipe out all of humanity and start over — He saw Noah.
God saw Noah.
In spite of the way his neighbors were living, Noah chose righteousness. He walked with God. Noah was starkly different. And God saw him. I know Don had a lot more to say that morning, but the message God was speaking to me — the question that has stayed with me — is this: If I was alive in Noah’s day, living as I am today, would God see me?
Oh, how I desire to live a life that is pleasing to God! How about you? How has God been speaking to you lately?
Karen Hossink
Do you remember in December when Don Cousins was preaching at Trinity? I appreciated so much of what he said, but there was one statement in particular he made that has really stuck with me. Don said that in the midst of the evil in the world — when God was ready to wipe out all of humanity and start over — He saw Noah.
God saw Noah.
In spite of the way his neighbors were living, Noah chose righteousness. He walked with God. Noah was starkly different. And God saw him. I know Don had a lot more to say that morning, but the message God was speaking to me — the question that has stayed with me — is this: If I was alive in Noah’s day, living as I am today, would God see me?
Oh, how I desire to live a life that is pleasing to God! How about you? How has God been speaking to you lately?
Karen Hossink
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Mystery Trip
My husband called me before Spring Break. I was having coffee with a friend at a local bookstore. Jim said, with a sparkle in his voice, “How would you like to go on a Mystery trip with me for Spring Break?” Of course, I was excited and said, “Yes. What do I take to wear?”
During Easter weekend, I could hear him on the phone and computer making arrangements for our trip. I love surprises, so I didn’t cheat and try to listen or look at any of his notes.
We had a wonderful weekend with our family, 14 of them, on Easter Sunday. Come Monday morning, we were packed and on our way. I had no idea of the destination, only what I should bring to wear and that it was nine hours away. I’ve gotta tell you … I was excited! What a romantic idea for the “love of my life” to do for me after 40 years of marriage.
We drove eight hours, stopped for the night and arrived at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV, on Tuesday morning. The beauty was breathtaking! For lack of space, I cannot go into all that we saw and enjoyed, but if you ask me, I will certainly tell you about it.
I began to think about our Lord and how He has that same idea for our life … a Mystery Trip. Just like I trusted my husband who loves me, I need to trust Jesus to lead me thru this life and to the most special place of all … Heaven. We are never sure where life will lead us, but we can be sure Who will lead us thru life. Enjoy the adventure!
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. Revelation 21:10
Patricia Harvey
During Easter weekend, I could hear him on the phone and computer making arrangements for our trip. I love surprises, so I didn’t cheat and try to listen or look at any of his notes.
We had a wonderful weekend with our family, 14 of them, on Easter Sunday. Come Monday morning, we were packed and on our way. I had no idea of the destination, only what I should bring to wear and that it was nine hours away. I’ve gotta tell you … I was excited! What a romantic idea for the “love of my life” to do for me after 40 years of marriage.
We drove eight hours, stopped for the night and arrived at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV, on Tuesday morning. The beauty was breathtaking! For lack of space, I cannot go into all that we saw and enjoyed, but if you ask me, I will certainly tell you about it.
I began to think about our Lord and how He has that same idea for our life … a Mystery Trip. Just like I trusted my husband who loves me, I need to trust Jesus to lead me thru this life and to the most special place of all … Heaven. We are never sure where life will lead us, but we can be sure Who will lead us thru life. Enjoy the adventure!
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. Revelation 21:10
Patricia Harvey
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