Some words of encouragement from 1 Peter

I have been reading in 1 Peter for the last week and it has been completely refreshing to my soul! I thought I would just share a few of the promises that have encouraged me lately. May they strengthen your spirit as well.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
1 Peter 1:3-5
What riches we have in Christ Jesus! By, and only by, His MERCY he has give us a LIVING HOPE. And, oh how I love the part where He is guarding our faith by His great power. That will certainly stir hope into the faintest of heart---God is using his almighty power to guard our faith. If this is true, then we can never lose faith for He is guarding it! And I am pretty sure that God has never failed at guarding something. ;)

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is Holy, so be holy in all your conduct," 1 Peter 1:13-16
How lazy I can be! I can so easily be lulled to sleep by the busyness of the day, my own pleasures, and my own hardness of heart. But, seeing that God knows us perfectly, he knows that we will struggle with this and he is guarding us against it. Be prepared for action, be sober minded, set our hope of the grace given in Jesus Christ lest we act as we did before we were saved! How often I forget that there is a battle being waged against my soul. How thankful I am for God urgent reminders and Jesus's sufficient grace.

"Longfor pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation--if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." 1 Peter 2:2-3
Oh God grant me a longing for your word for in it is life and peace. I have tasted and you are truly good!

"For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly." 1 Peter 2:19
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8,9
Why do I think I should not have to endure suffering. If Christ is my example, and he was a man of suffering, surely I should not be surprised when I suffer, no matter how great or small. It even says that we were called to this! So, Lord may be endure sorrows well. May we joyfully follow the example of our Lord. May we have unity of mind, love, sympathy, and be characterized by the humility of Christ. May we always bear the sweet aroma of the gospel.

Prayer

Lately there have been things that I have been really tempted to fret over. I find myself wondering how I am going to fix this, or solve that, or please someone in some way. Then it occurred to me, I must be thinking that I have the most wisdom and the most might because I was relying totally on myself! Well, I truly know that it is not me who has the most wisdom or understanding. It is not me who knows how to handle and respond to each and every one of these circumstances. The One who has infinite wisdom, strength, and sovereign control is Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone. How much do I need to be faithful in prayer instead of faithful in worry! Instead of relying on my own feeble efforts, I should be humbly, continually communing with my Lord. Today I was reading in Luke 11. In the beginning of this chapter Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray. Right after he teaches them what to say when they are praying, he teaches them how much and how earnestly they should be praying.

Jesus says, " Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." (Luke 11:5-10).

Oh for this faithful persistence in my prayers to a God who is lovingly waiting to hear them. My God is not like the neighbor who does not want to get out of bed! He DESIRES for me to come before him in prayer. There is nothing that is too small and no matter to great. Our God is big enough to handle it all! Below is a writing by C.H. Spurgeon. May it encourage you as it has me to be devoted to prayer.

"Devote yourselves to prayer." Colossians 4:2
It is interesting to notice how many pages of Sacred Writ are taken up with the subject of prayer, either by providing examples, enforcing precepts, or pronouncing promises. We can scarcely begin reading the Bible before encountering a phrase such as "At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD," and, just as we are about to complete our reading, the "Amen" of an earnest supplication meets our ear. There are numerous examples of this. Here we find a wrestling Jacob---there a Daniel who prayed three times a day---and a David who, with all his heart, called upon his God. On the mountain we see Elias; in the dungeon Paul and Silas. We have multitudes of commands and myriads of promises. What do these examples teach us? Specifically, the sacred importance and necessity of prayer! We may be certain that whatever stands out prominently in God's Word is intended to be observable in our lives. If He has said a great deal about prayer, it is because He knows we have a great need of it. Our necessities are so deep that, until we are in heaven, we mustn't stop praying. Don't you lack anything? Then, I am afraid you do not know the extent of your poverty. Don't you have some mercy to ask of God? Then, may the Lord's mercy show you your misery! A prayerless soul is a Christless soul. Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in Jesus. Is is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honor of a Christian. If you are a child of God, you will seek your Father's face and live in your Father's love. Pray that this year you may be holy, humble, zealous, and patient; have closer communion with Christ, and enter more often into the banqueting house of His love. Pray that you may be an example of blessing to others, and that you may live more to the glory of your Master. The motto for this year must be: "Devote yourselves to prayer."

Snow! Snow! Snow!

Just wanted to share the beauty of this white Christmas! Little sad because we were not able to see all of our family, but so beautiful none the less. It makes me remember the wonder of Jesus being born into the world as a tiny, helpless baby. This baby once created the world...He was there at the very first snow. Snow is a result of the perfection of his creativity. And he humbled himself and was "pleased as man with men to dwell...Jesus, our Immanuel." What a miracle!

The Wonder of Christmas

Christmas time is upon us! I can easily say that this is one of my most favorite times of the year. I love all the cozy decorations and lights. I love spending time with family and friends. I love all the fun Christmas movies to watch (I am a HUGE White Christmas fan). But, even if you took all these things away, what makes this time of year so special to me is that is points me to focus on my Savior. What a wonder this is! A tiny baby---completely God and completely man came into the world! Since the fall of Adam, God has been setting the stage, pointing all human kind to their desperate need of a Savior. No man has been able to save wholly and completely. No man has been able to save completely from the sin that eternally separates us from a Holy God. And then one unsuspecting night, Jesus is born. Immanuel, God with us! A savior has entered the World. It is not trumpeted to the world's important rules and leaders, but to poor shepherds in a field. He was not born in a palace with all worldly comforts but in a stable. He came not to live but to die and be raised again. No greater gift has ever been given. The gift of God's own son; the gift of Jesus, the Way to salvation.

This year, Christmas has taken on an entirely new meaning as I am now thinking what traditions I want to start with our daughter. I think back to my childhood. I remember every Christmas Eve, after visiting my grandparents, we would drive around and look at Christmas lights, go home and open up new Christmas pajamas to wear, and read the story of Jesus' birth. We would go to bed so anxious for the next morning. And when Christmas morning came, my mom always made a "Happy Birthday, Jesus" cake and we lit candles and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. These are wonderful memories! I love them. And, I want my daughter to have these same kind of wonderful memories too. I want these memories to point her to Jesus. I want her excitement to be an anticipation for celebrating her Savior. I want to teach her that we have such a special time of year because, and only because, of Jesus. It has been so exciting for me as I have researched what traditions to start with Cara. There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate in a way that points to our Savior....Advent (Advent candles and calendars), and the Jesse Tree, and combinations of the two among many. I think by next year we will have some exciting new traditions to start with our little one. :)

But, until then, my heart is still striving to fight against the hustle and bustle of this time of year and celebrate my Savior. There is one song that has become a favorite of mine in recent years. It is a song written from Mary's prospective and reminds me of this longing fulfilled...a Savior has come to us. What joy fills my heart! Hallelujah, indeed! We have been found!

Hallelujah (Light Has Come) by Barlow Girls

Hmmmm my Baby. Heaven sent you to me. All the worlds been praying,... Who will save? But who am I? That here tonight. I hold the One. Who'll bring us life.

Hallelujah! We've been found. A Child is born to save us now.
Hallelujah! Light has come. A Savior who will set us free. A promise for those who believe.

Do you hear the angels? Sing for You my baby? Men and Kings have come to bow to you.
But here in my arms, so close to me. The son of God. Now all can see.

Hallelujah! We've been found. A Child is born to save us now, Jesus.
Hallelujah! Light has come. A Savior set us free.
So praise to God on high. He has heard our cry.
So praise to God on high. He has heard our cry.
Hallelujah!

Rejoicing

Lately I have found that was becoming bogged down with mommy discouragement. We have one particular area in our little one's life that is not easy....eating! The girl would literally live off of cheerios if I would let her! But, knowing that it is not exacting healthy to only consume cheerios, I have been discouraged with the dinner time battle. But, I am thankful for so many wise moms out there who give advice from experience. I have received so much helpful advice. "No, you are right. It is not ok for her to do that." "Remember it is love to her to instruct her heart, even when it is not easy." Or simply, "I am not sure. I never had that problem with you. But I will be praying!" (that was my mom :) But, one friend's advice was particularly helpful. She said to be my daughter's encourager! To praise her for even the smallest thing she does to obey. After all, it is not the wrath of God that floods me with the desire to obey, but it is knowing his tender love and mercy toward me. That way, when we do discipline her to shepherd her little heart, it is also balanced with knowing we are for her and delight in her obedience (just as our Heavenly Father delights in ours.) So, with those simple words, my whole perspective changed. Now, for even one bite of green beans (which she does like, but may or may not eat from day to day), we do big cheers! Literally, I even got out some pom poms! Instead of thinking, "Lord she took a bite, get her to take another!" Now, I clap my hands, smile really big, and say, "Yay, Cara! You took at bite! See how Jesus helped you obey Mommy! Yay! Thank you, Jesus, for helping Cara listen and obey!" And, Cara loves it. Now, that doesn't mean she always wants to eat the food I give her. She will always choose pizza over a veggie. But, the change is so much more within me.

Lately, I have been meditating on Philippians 4:6-7. What a great reminder. I am not to be anxious. When a challenge arises in parenting I am not to be fretting, but I am to be praying and petitioning my God. And, not with anxious and worrying thoughts, but with thankfulness and trust. My God keeps his promises! If I lay my burdens down with thanksgiving and not anxiety, my heart will be flooded with peace. He promises that! And, I have found it to be true.
Below is an excerpt from C. H. Spurgeon (he is one of my favs!) May it encourage you as it has me.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:4-7

No care, but all prayer. No anxiety, but much joyful communion with God. Carry your desires to the Lord of your life, the guardian of your soul. Go to him with two portions of prayer, and one of fragrant praise. Do not pray doubtfully, but thankfully. Consider that you have your petitions, and therefore thank God for his grace, give him thanks. Hide nothing. Allow no want to lie rankling in your bosom; 'make known your requests.' Run not to man. Go only to your God, the Father of Jesus, who loves you in him.
This shall bring you God's own peace. You shall not be able to understand the peace you shall enjoy. It will enfold you in its infinite embrace. Heart and mind through Christ Jesus shall be steeped in a sea of rest. Come life or death, poverty, pain, slander, you shall dwell in Jesus above every ruffling wind or darkening cloud. Will you not obey his dear command"
Yes, Lord I do believe thee; but, I beseech thee, help mine unbelief."

A Tranquil Heart

"A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot." Proverbs 14: 30

Oh for a tranquil heart! How often my heart is not at peace but filled with unrest. Even this morning as I was having my quiet time, I was filled with worry over a particular matter. And the result...my much needed time with the Savior was spent in battle over sin in my heart and not in drinking in the depths of his sufficiencies. These battles with sin I wage every day. And, thank Jesus, at the end of my quiet time my mind was peaceful and able to understand his truth. I understood that while my mind and heart were worrying away (really, I couldn't even remember what I was reading in the Word), I should have been bowing my heart in prayer before my Lord as I agreed with His good word and claimed his promises. In this there is much rest and peace. There is tranquility.
But, the one who wrote this proverb had something else he was focusing on...the unrest caused by envy. To be honest, I have pridefully thought that I don't struggle with envy that much. Well, thank God he showed me how wrong I was! How often do I envy someone else's circumstances, or hair style, or clothing? How much do I hold myself up to someone else and feel I do not measure up when I should be looking to the unmerited grace God gives me and have a heart of contentment? He knows my needs perfectly and has tailored my life and circumstances to refine me into the image of His Son. I should not expect my life to look exactly like someone else's. God has a specific plan for my life that will bring Him much glory and me much joy. Why should I waste time wanting anything that is different?
So, Father, grant us hearts of tranquility. May we trust that You are wise and good and sufficient for our every need. May we take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ today and be faithful in prayer. Grant to us the grace to "fret not ourselves for it tends only to evil" (Psalm 37:8). May our lives bring glory to your name, and may we find our greatest joy and peace in you.

The Role of a Homemaker

I feel like most of my posts begin with what I have been reading recently...but here it is again. :) Lately, I have been reading Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney. The book goes through Titus 2:3-5 and describes what it means to be a godly woman according to God's word. Here is the scripture:

"Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled."
Titus 2:3-5

I could go on for a while of all the things I have learned and been convicted of recently by this book and scripture. In these two verses, Paul addresses loving your husbands and kids, being self-controlled, being kind, being submissive... But, I want to think awhile on working at home...being a homemaker. As we look at the Proverbs 31 women we see her doing many things from managing her household to making good business deals. But, her primary role was caring for her family...she was a homemaker. That has such negative connotations in our society. Outside of my close network of friends, I feel like I have to apologize or give a reason for my staying home. Most women will see me as lazy or backward. I can just imagine what they are thinking..."Oh, if we were all so lucky to just stay at home and not to have to work." Or, "You need to do something better, more meaningful with your life." Everywhere we go, everywhere we look, society portrays the idea that it is second rate to "just be a homemaker." Many women feel like husband and wife should share the responsibility of managing the home equally (and yes, there are certain circumstances where this must be the case, but not on a whole.). I confess that I have battled with my own thoughts of feeling that what I do isn't good enough, and I even had a godly role model in a mother who enjoyed staying home and caring for her family. So, that is why reading this book has been so encouraging. It has served to remind me that this is not just some idea my husband and I had. It is even more than just something I want to do (and I have wanted to do this my whole life---probably from watching my mom). But it is something I am commanded to do. (Now, please let me put in a side note: I know there are women who have no choice but to work outside the home. I am in no way condemning those in that situation. God has ordained our circumstances, and I believe he gives such grace to those women to have a job and care for their homes well.)

My faithful Father has been opening my eyes to see the beauty and worth of being a homemaker. God has created distinct roles for men and women. This does not mean one role is better than another. We are meant to compliment each other...women are meant to be man's helper. There are women who will see this as demeaning towards all woman-kind. But, there is peace and rest in fulfilling the role God has created for us. And, being a homemaker is such a worthy role; although, it is often unappreciated. When I was younger, I rarely thought of all the sacrifices my mom made on my behalf. But that is why God spoke of women being a homemaker in his Word. To remind us of the calling we have. You see, something I have come to realize is that being a homemaker is so much more than just doing mundane tasks everyday to care for our families. It is making our home a haven for our families. It is a place where we can cultivate the environment to reflect the God we serve. It should be a place where powerful ministry takes place. For the truth of the matter is, sharing hospitality, the daily responsibility of teaching our children to love Jesus, listening to a hurting friend, or befriending a lost neighbor to share the gospel is powerful ministry when done in the name of Jesus Christ.

Another very freeing realization is that my homemaking is not tailored to fit my own needs or accomplish my goals of what would make me a great wife and mother. As Carolyn Mahaney says in her book (p. 110), "our main objective as homemakers is to be oriented to our husbands." Well, this clears up things quite nicely! And, it also has solved many of my problems! You see, so often I find myself comparing my abilities or what I do to others. I see women with these amazing talents that I don't have and feel like I don't measure up. But, God does not require me to look at other women to see what I need to be doing as a homemaker, although we can certainly learn and benefit from each other. No, I am first to look to God's word, and then to my husband. For example, I really wish I were great at working in the yard. I wish I had wonderful abilities to plant flowers and make then flourish. But, I simply don't. On top of that, I have TERRIBLE allergies. So pretty much anytime I even go outside I feel terrible after about 20 minutes. Thus said, my husband has no desire for me to work in the yard. He would rather me stay indoors and feel well rather than have pretty flowers and feel bad. I would not be serving my husband in any way if I decided to do yard work. I sat down the other night and just asked my husband what was important to him, and I learned that my expectations were much higher than his. He appreciates a clean house, clean clothes, cooked meals, and all I do for our daughter. But, all the detailed cleaning and organizing that I would love to do are not important to him. He would rather I order my day so that we can spend quality time together in the evenings---not be so busy or exhausted from accomplishing my to-do list that we have no quality time together. Also, as I look at the wonderful giftings of other women, I can appreciate them, but not feel like I have to be just like them. I can rest in the fact that God has gifted me as he saw fit to meet the needs of my own family.

As I have been pondering and applying all these things, I have found so much joy! As I am fulfilling my role of wife and mom, I am doing these things so "the word of God may not be reviled." (vs. 5) That is so powerful! I have seen a huge difference in many homes where the mother is joyfully loving her home and family. No home is perfect, but there is peace and a genuine enjoyment of one another. The family desires to be with one another. These things should separate us from the world. The world should see our home, and it should reflect the love of Jesus. Thus, we are obeying and fulfilling the word of God. Not reviling it. And, God gets so much glory. So, from the way I see it, being a homemaker is a high calling and an honor. May I, each day, seek to serve my family well in the way I manage our home so that the love of Jesus may be shown, and our God may be praised!