THE WORD
John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Revelation 19:13 … and his name is called The Word of God.
Exodus 3:13 &14 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? What shall I say to them?
14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Psalm 119:105 & 106 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy judgments.
While I am a mother and grandmother, the foundation of my life is Jesus Christ and His Word.
Today I want to talk about Jesus and that Word, which is the source of all we need for life and life more abundantly. All that we live, should be based on our Lord and His Word. He is the living Word.
Many claim Christianity, but how many understand that Jesus himself is said to be the Word of God? He and the Word cannot be separated. If you have been born again, then you must have heard at least a portion of the Word of God, or heard about it and believed what you heard. But if you want to really know Him; know more of Him and grow closer to him, then go to Him through His Word.
The Word of God should hold equal value to the believer as the value he places on Jesus himself. For Jesus is the Word of God. He is the Word that came from Heaven, sent by the Father and He did accomplish what He came to do. He did not return to the Father, void, or that is, not having accomplished what He was sent to do. (Isaiah 55:11)
This being true then, we should never ignore the Word, attempt to bend it or break it to fit the life we are wanting to live, nor try to weaken it's meaning or power.
If God's Word says a thing is good, or a blessing, even if it does not seem to fit well into today's society, like, for example – Psalm 127:3 &5
3 Lo, Children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
We should not disagree, even if it is not what we want or because we cannot imagine the blessing in it. It is important that we always agree with the Word, first and foremost. We can ask God to give us understanding, but it is vital that we never disagree with Him or His Word.
Even when we find ourselves forced to live in a situation that we see as less than God's original design, we should still continue to believe and attest to the truth of what He says is best. For example, the Word tells us that God intended for a man and wife to be one (unified) and a reflection of God himself. (Gen. 1:26 & 27) If a person has been abandoned by their spouse, he finds himself forced to live without that oneness and unity of body, heart and mind. If, however we still agree with God's Word and do not attempt to find some way to get around it, we may yet see God move in a supernatural way for us and see our end be better than our beginning.
If you find yourself a single mother, with no husband to provide for you and your children, do not then say that you never needed a man anyway or that being a single parent is just as good as your children having a family unit with two parents. If your spouse was abusive, your children may be better off away from them, for the time, yes, but God's plan, His way and His purpose is still right, good and best. The abuser has stepped outside of the will and plan of God, but this does not change the truth of the Word.
Agree with God on what His Word says, then you can go to him for help and wisdom, when things are not according to His plan. Yes He is able to give you and yours, peace and joy even in the midst of a situation that is not according to the way He designed it to be. But make sure you never deny the Word, because of those who turn their back on it.
Sometimes when a person, or family, is living according to the plan of God, they are not understood by many, who are living according to the mindset of today's society and the way of the world. Never be ashamed to testify of the joy you experience when living in His will, just because others may not want to hear it because they have either not chosen to live according to the Word of God, or have been forced to live in an unfortunate situation.
In following God and His way, you will have experiences and joys others have missed; often even those who are trying to live as Christians but conform their Christianity to many of the ways of the world. These may not understand the life you have chosen. Some may even resent the blessings you have attained and do enjoy. But whatever you do, do not hide your light because it makes others uncomfortable!
I was widowed in 1989 and left with four children to raise. Still I find joy in seeing families that are together and husbands and wives who love each other and give to each other unselfishly. I still hold to the importance of children having both father and mother and that there is nothing better, because I know that was the design, plan and will of God. Because I had to be the only present parent for my children did not cause me to change my view of the Word of God. And God stepped in for me. He became a father to my children in a supernatural way.
Psalm 68:4 & 5 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name:extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him.
5 A father of the fatherless, a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
He strengthened me and helped me. I was able to go on because of His grace and love. Had I become bitter, or decided that the family unit wasn't really all that important anyway, I would have been in disagreement with His Word and would not have had access to the blessings and support He gave me. Instead I agreed with Him and looked to Him to fill in the gaps and to move supernaturally for me. He did!! Praise His name forever!
It is only when we agree with His Word; when His word abides in us, we in Him and He in us, that we can expect answers to our prayers and our needs to be met.
John 15:4 & 7 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
We live in a sinful world. Satan is always out to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) When we are hurt because of his devices, we should definitely not change our view of God's Word. Rather we should hold on for dear life, stay in agreement with our Lord and His Word, and wait on Him to make things right. We are, after all, meant to be more than conquerors through Him who gave His life for us.
Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
I will be sharing some things in following blogs, for readers to consider and hopefully to be helped and encouraged by. However I realize that I will share some things that are not commonly accepted in our world today; they do not match up to the present popular world view.
There may be those who will read and say, “I never knew that” or “I did not live that way” or even “I don't want to do that” or “ I cannot imagine being able to live like that.” But what I hope people will keep in mind, is that first and foremost it is important to agree with God's way and His Word.
If you learn something you did not know and did not do, do not get angry or upset, rather be glad for the information you receive, knowing that your spirit can be set free by the truth. Even if you cannot go back and redo or undo, you can find joy in the knowledge of the truth and you can spread the good news to others who can in turn be blessed and live in God's best.
When a person has never lived a particular lifestyle, and it is foreign to him, it well may be hard to comprehend. But we can rest assured that God will teach us step by step, when and if, we are willing to step out and go His way. Remember His Word will be a lamp to our feet, each step of the way, and it will also lighten the path before us.
God's Word is always right. If it doesn't come easy for you, then you have an opportunity to see God do supernatural things in your life; see him do in you, what you cannot make happen on your own! For example, you may be a spontaneous person by nature. We each have our own temperament. But what the Word of God says about patience is true nonetheless. Do not avoid the parts of the Bible that speak concerning patience just because it doesn't come easy for you.
GOD IS GOD! His Word is right 100% of the time. When you stand before him one day, you will not deny this fact. So do not deny it now. Make a conscious decision to value it now, and agree with it always. Let His Word live in you. Let Him free you from ALL unrighteousness and all that would hinder your relationship with Him. And get ready for great adventures in Him; exciting discoveries yet to come.
I admit, there is the chance that in discovering His Word and will, you may have to take action that is uncomfortable, in order to bring your life in line with His Word. But I can assure you that nothing you now have materially or relationally can compare with the riches to be found by bringing your life into obedience with the great I AM.
Do not even consider saying, “Well I have done it this way for 20 years and it works for me!” It may seem to be working, but if it is not in agreement with what God has said in His Word, it is not as good as it could or should be! Nothing is ever better than God or His way!
I believed a thing to be true for some years before discovering my error in the Word. My discovery did not gain me approval by all. But If I have the approval of God and the joy I find in His truth, I am richer than I would be otherwise. Nothing can compare with being 'in' Christ and in agreement with His heart.
You may have to give up something, if it is in the way of God's will. But what you receive is of far greater value. Never cling so tightly to what you have gained through your own accomplishments, that you forfeit God's best, His will, or even your relationship with Him, in order to keep it.
Be not deceived. You will not live in God's best, just because you prayed a sinners prayer one time. You will live in God's best when you agree with Him, who is the living Word, and choose to go His way, and trust Him to see you through, no matter what.
Let us die to 'self' that we may live fully 'in' Christ. Let us choose to live, as is spoken of in God's Word -
Col.3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Building Your Baby's Value in Himself
Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are a heritage of the
Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Image that one day, just as you are finishing your evening meal, you hear a loud knock on your front door. You hurry to the door, but when you open it, there is no one standing there and no car in the drive or parked on the street. As you look around, you notice there is a large basket sitting only about two feet in front of the door. It is covered with a light, expensive looking blanket, on which is pinned a large white paper.
You open the door quickly and rush to the basket. In large print, only the words "CHILD OF GOD" are written on the note. Pulling back the blanket, slowly and carefully you see a beautiful baby, sleeping contentedly. It looks to be a new born. Very carefully you lift the baby from the basket and bring it into the crook of your arm, holding it close. You are awed by it's beauty and peacefullness. As you touch it's tiny hand, it grasps your finger tightly, but otherwise it does not stir. You look around to see if anyone is hiding or watching close by, but see no one at all.
Then suddenly you hear a voice that seems to fill the sky. You cannot tell where it comes from, for it seems to fill the air around you. It is a deep, beautiful, arresting voice. It speaks with authority and clarity. "This child is my chosen one," the voice says, and you know that it is God who is speaking. "I have chosen him to be my prophet in these last days to prepare the way for the return of my Son, Jesus Christ, who will come in power and glory. I have chosen you and only you, (and he speaks your name, gently) to care for and raise this child for me. Raise him as my own beloved child. Train him to know my ways. I have made you responsible for him. Go now and do my will!"
What words come to your mind, that might express what you would be feeling in that moment? For me, such words as fear and awe. I can imagine trembling all over, at having stood in God's presence, hearing his voice speaking directly to me and being given such an awesome responsibility.
Would you even look at this child as you did other children, knowing this child was sent here by God for his very own purpose?
AND YET -
each child that a mother carries in her womb, is a child that God wants to use for His own particular purpose! And I believe God's presence is there when a child is born.
Yes Christian mother, the child you carry is not your own. In fact Jesus paid the ultimate price for that particular child and HE wants you to see and understand that HE values it that much. Just because He has not told you what His plan is for that child's life, does not mean that He does not have one. HE DOES!
Always remember that the child you give birth to is a person Christ died for, values enough to pay the ultimate price for, and you are responsible for its care!
When you look into the innocent eyes of your newborn babe, and feel the rush of love sweep over you and permeate your being, remember that God loves him even more than you. It may be hard to imagine, yet it is true.
God requires of you to do right by HIS inheritance. You needn't fear or worry, however, for He is willing to guide you each step of the way, in your care and training of 'His" child. But it is important that you realize that your baby, is not only yours, and that you should not designate it's care to others, if you can help it. He put it into your hands and has made you responsible for it's care and training.
Your baby is God's and He requires that you realize it's value and not put your own personal desires, fleshly lusts, or selfish ambitions before it.
Matt. 18:10 Take heed that ye despise (Strong's, to think against, that is, to disesteem) not one if these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
This scripture let's us know that children have angels who know that they are seen by God at all times, and they can see His face. He sees what they do as concerns His little ones at all times. How much, then, is He watching the parents who have charge of His inheritance?
Of course, we can see that He expects us to feed, shelter and train our baby, but I think it is important to begin at birth, to let our baby know how much he is valued. Every tender touch and caress tells our baby that he is loved and matters. He may not know the words, 'love' or 'value' yet, but he certainly can feel them and the effects of them. When you feed him at your breast, he feels the warmth of your body and is comforted by what he receives. These actions and touches feed his spirit, soothe his nervous system and tell him he is valued. He begins early on to attempt interpreting the words he hears you speak. He may connect the words and the tones in which they are spoken with the treatment he receives when he hears them. We may well be pleased and amazed the first time we hear our baby speak a word, but he has been learning our language from birth; not only our words, but whether they are a language of love and acceptance, of indifference, warmth, coldness, encouragement or hate.
Dr. Frederick LeBoyer was one man who believed the most important event in a person's life to be birth and that the circumstances in which you were born could cause traumas that you would continue to carry around, though it be unconsciously.
I do not know if Dr. LeBoyer was a christian man or not, but I do believe God allowed him to pass on some important information.
A quote from The Free Dictionary by Farlex
Leboyer method of delivery
What a loving idea, to ease the tiny baby into the world; to consider his needs from his very entrance into this world! Dr. LeBoyer considered birth to be an unselfish act that no man would ever know, that should not be interferred with any more than necessary.
Truly we can trust our God with the important matters of life, which He has designed and with His most treasured possession, His inheritance, the children He died for.
Birth is meant to be an unselfish act and the beginning of a life of unselfishness, in which an individual sees her life's work (and her husband's as well) to be that which God has put in her hands, HER CHILD (His child!) In the unselfish giving and loving of a mother for her child, the child first gets a glimpse of the love of God. It is a wise mother who also tells her child of God's unselfish love for him while he is but a babe in her arms, for he is already seeing an example of that love, in her.
For those mothers who have understood this position of 'motherhood' to be of the great importance it truly is, or those who are beginning now to realize this, let me make some practical suggestions and pass on a few mothering tips for building into your child, the assurance of his value.
First, for the expectant mother, make up your mind to feed your baby according to God's design. It can never be improved upon. Do not let any selfish desires get in the way of doing what is best for your (God's) baby. The Creator of the Universe, designed the best way to feed your baby. When you feed him God's way, you also feed his spirit, comfort and soothe him, and create an important bond between your baby and yourself. It is at the breast that your baby begins learning to trust you and where he can first begin to learn of the goodness of God.
I suggest that you read 'The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding' by the Le Leche League International, as this can help you understand the beauty of breastfeeding but also help to prevent or overcome misconceptions that could hinder your experience.
Take time to enjoy holding and touching your baby. Your gentle touch speaks volumes to your baby about your love and his worth.
Whisper in your babies ear, that you love him, his daddy loves him and God loves him. Start at birth speaking to him of his value to his parents and God. Give him the sense of belonging. I use to tell my son " You are my boy, daddy's boy and God's boy"
Never show irritation or disgust when doing anything for your baby, even changing his diaper or cleaning a messy face. Let your care be a selfless mission of love. I am not saying you have to pretend changing a messy diaper is fun and doesn't stink, but give him smiles, talk to him about how you are going to make him feel all better, etc. In other words, let him see your love and value of him even in these things.
Value your baby above 'things'. Remember that Christ instructed us to take up our cross daily and to follow him. (Lk. 9:23) This means giving up self for others. Do not buy into the lie, that house cleaning, careers outside the home, or any other selfish activity is more important than he is. There will come a time for teaching him patience and that others are of value too; that he must think of others as well. But when he first comes into the world, it is of utmost importance that you instill in your baby, his value to you. If this is well established in your child, the rewards will be many.
Sing to your baby. You do not have to have a wonderful voice for your baby to benefit from being sung to. Singing is said even to effect literacy. Playing music by any means, whether radio or other sources is beneficial, but using your own voice is a personal experience.
Read the Bible first, and other books as well, to your baby, beginning at birth. Again, this is a personal experience you are sharing with him. It is a bonding experience and it begins to impart to him the value of books and the importance of the written word.
Simply enjoy your baby to the fullest. Take your time in doing so. Talk to him. Tell him how wonderfully God has made him; what a treasure he is to you and God. Talk to him of the fact that God has an important mission for him to do, and is going to use him in a wonderful way. Tell him how much you, his father and God enjoy him; what joy he brings to your life. Let him hear you say that you know he is going to learn many things and do many good things in his life. He should be assured of these things throughout his life.
In short, instill value into your child beginning at birth. It will make a wonderful difference in his life and you will be pleasing in the sight of the one who created him and put him into your care.
Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: ...
What inheritance can you leave with your child, that will be passed on to your grandchildren, even when you have little money to work with? The inheritance of faith in the God who loved him and gave his life for him. The inheritance of salvation and eternal life. You cannot put too much time, effort or love into instilling this knowledge into the heritage of the Lord.
Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Image that one day, just as you are finishing your evening meal, you hear a loud knock on your front door. You hurry to the door, but when you open it, there is no one standing there and no car in the drive or parked on the street. As you look around, you notice there is a large basket sitting only about two feet in front of the door. It is covered with a light, expensive looking blanket, on which is pinned a large white paper.
You open the door quickly and rush to the basket. In large print, only the words "CHILD OF GOD" are written on the note. Pulling back the blanket, slowly and carefully you see a beautiful baby, sleeping contentedly. It looks to be a new born. Very carefully you lift the baby from the basket and bring it into the crook of your arm, holding it close. You are awed by it's beauty and peacefullness. As you touch it's tiny hand, it grasps your finger tightly, but otherwise it does not stir. You look around to see if anyone is hiding or watching close by, but see no one at all.
Then suddenly you hear a voice that seems to fill the sky. You cannot tell where it comes from, for it seems to fill the air around you. It is a deep, beautiful, arresting voice. It speaks with authority and clarity. "This child is my chosen one," the voice says, and you know that it is God who is speaking. "I have chosen him to be my prophet in these last days to prepare the way for the return of my Son, Jesus Christ, who will come in power and glory. I have chosen you and only you, (and he speaks your name, gently) to care for and raise this child for me. Raise him as my own beloved child. Train him to know my ways. I have made you responsible for him. Go now and do my will!"
What words come to your mind, that might express what you would be feeling in that moment? For me, such words as fear and awe. I can imagine trembling all over, at having stood in God's presence, hearing his voice speaking directly to me and being given such an awesome responsibility.
Would you even look at this child as you did other children, knowing this child was sent here by God for his very own purpose?
AND YET -
each child that a mother carries in her womb, is a child that God wants to use for His own particular purpose! And I believe God's presence is there when a child is born.
Yes Christian mother, the child you carry is not your own. In fact Jesus paid the ultimate price for that particular child and HE wants you to see and understand that HE values it that much. Just because He has not told you what His plan is for that child's life, does not mean that He does not have one. HE DOES!
Always remember that the child you give birth to is a person Christ died for, values enough to pay the ultimate price for, and you are responsible for its care!
When you look into the innocent eyes of your newborn babe, and feel the rush of love sweep over you and permeate your being, remember that God loves him even more than you. It may be hard to imagine, yet it is true.
God requires of you to do right by HIS inheritance. You needn't fear or worry, however, for He is willing to guide you each step of the way, in your care and training of 'His" child. But it is important that you realize that your baby, is not only yours, and that you should not designate it's care to others, if you can help it. He put it into your hands and has made you responsible for it's care and training.
Your baby is God's and He requires that you realize it's value and not put your own personal desires, fleshly lusts, or selfish ambitions before it.
Matt. 18:10 Take heed that ye despise (Strong's, to think against, that is, to disesteem) not one if these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
This scripture let's us know that children have angels who know that they are seen by God at all times, and they can see His face. He sees what they do as concerns His little ones at all times. How much, then, is He watching the parents who have charge of His inheritance?
Of course, we can see that He expects us to feed, shelter and train our baby, but I think it is important to begin at birth, to let our baby know how much he is valued. Every tender touch and caress tells our baby that he is loved and matters. He may not know the words, 'love' or 'value' yet, but he certainly can feel them and the effects of them. When you feed him at your breast, he feels the warmth of your body and is comforted by what he receives. These actions and touches feed his spirit, soothe his nervous system and tell him he is valued. He begins early on to attempt interpreting the words he hears you speak. He may connect the words and the tones in which they are spoken with the treatment he receives when he hears them. We may well be pleased and amazed the first time we hear our baby speak a word, but he has been learning our language from birth; not only our words, but whether they are a language of love and acceptance, of indifference, warmth, coldness, encouragement or hate.
Dr. Frederick LeBoyer was one man who believed the most important event in a person's life to be birth and that the circumstances in which you were born could cause traumas that you would continue to carry around, though it be unconsciously.
I do not know if Dr. LeBoyer was a christian man or not, but I do believe God allowed him to pass on some important information.
A quote from The Free Dictionary by Farlex
Leboyer method of delivery
[ləboiyā′]
a psychophysical approach to delivery with the goal of minimizing the trauma of birth by gently and pleasantly introducing the newborn to life outside the womb. It has four aspects: a gentle controlled delivery in a quiet dimly lit room, avoidance of pulling on the head, avoidance of overstimulation of the infant's sensorium, and encouragement of maternal-infant bonding. Unnecessary intervention in the process of birth is eschewed. After delivery, the baby is gently laid on the mother's abdomen, the back is massaged as the cord stops pulsating, and, when regular spontaneous respirations are established, the baby is gently supported in a warm tub of water by the father. Many birth centers and obstetric services in the United States have found that no adverse effects result from this method. Some studies in France have suggested superior psychologic, social, and intellectual development in young children delivered by this methodEtymology: Frederick LeBoyer, French obstetrician, b. 1918
What a loving idea, to ease the tiny baby into the world; to consider his needs from his very entrance into this world! Dr. LeBoyer considered birth to be an unselfish act that no man would ever know, that should not be interferred with any more than necessary.
Truly we can trust our God with the important matters of life, which He has designed and with His most treasured possession, His inheritance, the children He died for.
Birth is meant to be an unselfish act and the beginning of a life of unselfishness, in which an individual sees her life's work (and her husband's as well) to be that which God has put in her hands, HER CHILD (His child!) In the unselfish giving and loving of a mother for her child, the child first gets a glimpse of the love of God. It is a wise mother who also tells her child of God's unselfish love for him while he is but a babe in her arms, for he is already seeing an example of that love, in her.
For those mothers who have understood this position of 'motherhood' to be of the great importance it truly is, or those who are beginning now to realize this, let me make some practical suggestions and pass on a few mothering tips for building into your child, the assurance of his value.
First, for the expectant mother, make up your mind to feed your baby according to God's design. It can never be improved upon. Do not let any selfish desires get in the way of doing what is best for your (God's) baby. The Creator of the Universe, designed the best way to feed your baby. When you feed him God's way, you also feed his spirit, comfort and soothe him, and create an important bond between your baby and yourself. It is at the breast that your baby begins learning to trust you and where he can first begin to learn of the goodness of God.
I suggest that you read 'The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding' by the Le Leche League International, as this can help you understand the beauty of breastfeeding but also help to prevent or overcome misconceptions that could hinder your experience.
Take time to enjoy holding and touching your baby. Your gentle touch speaks volumes to your baby about your love and his worth.
Whisper in your babies ear, that you love him, his daddy loves him and God loves him. Start at birth speaking to him of his value to his parents and God. Give him the sense of belonging. I use to tell my son " You are my boy, daddy's boy and God's boy"
Never show irritation or disgust when doing anything for your baby, even changing his diaper or cleaning a messy face. Let your care be a selfless mission of love. I am not saying you have to pretend changing a messy diaper is fun and doesn't stink, but give him smiles, talk to him about how you are going to make him feel all better, etc. In other words, let him see your love and value of him even in these things.
Value your baby above 'things'. Remember that Christ instructed us to take up our cross daily and to follow him. (Lk. 9:23) This means giving up self for others. Do not buy into the lie, that house cleaning, careers outside the home, or any other selfish activity is more important than he is. There will come a time for teaching him patience and that others are of value too; that he must think of others as well. But when he first comes into the world, it is of utmost importance that you instill in your baby, his value to you. If this is well established in your child, the rewards will be many.
Sing to your baby. You do not have to have a wonderful voice for your baby to benefit from being sung to. Singing is said even to effect literacy. Playing music by any means, whether radio or other sources is beneficial, but using your own voice is a personal experience.
Read the Bible first, and other books as well, to your baby, beginning at birth. Again, this is a personal experience you are sharing with him. It is a bonding experience and it begins to impart to him the value of books and the importance of the written word.
Simply enjoy your baby to the fullest. Take your time in doing so. Talk to him. Tell him how wonderfully God has made him; what a treasure he is to you and God. Talk to him of the fact that God has an important mission for him to do, and is going to use him in a wonderful way. Tell him how much you, his father and God enjoy him; what joy he brings to your life. Let him hear you say that you know he is going to learn many things and do many good things in his life. He should be assured of these things throughout his life.
In short, instill value into your child beginning at birth. It will make a wonderful difference in his life and you will be pleasing in the sight of the one who created him and put him into your care.
Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: ...
What inheritance can you leave with your child, that will be passed on to your grandchildren, even when you have little money to work with? The inheritance of faith in the God who loved him and gave his life for him. The inheritance of salvation and eternal life. You cannot put too much time, effort or love into instilling this knowledge into the heritage of the Lord.
Tend Your OWN Garden First
Have you noticed what a mixed up world we live in today? Some old timers might say that things used to be much simpler than they are now. For sure, with the media as it is now, a person can certainly hear a lot of differing opinions on a multitude of subjects. Without a firm grip on the truth of the Word of God a person might well become confused and uncertain.
The scripture speaks well when it says -
Prov. 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
God does have an order for the matters of our lives, although so often, well meaning people, even in the name of ministry, give out harmful messages.
I would like you to put yourself into a little story with me, to illustrate an important truth. Are you ready?
Imagine that you have planted a good sized vegetable garden. (Even if you have never planted a thing in your life, just imagine it to be so. :)) You have spent a lot of time preparing this garden to produce a bountiful crop of beautiful, healthy vegetables. You have tilled the soil, removed rocks and weeds and have been careful to break up any large dirt clots, so that the soil will be fine and ready for the seed. You have added vitamins to the soil, planted, mulched and watered. You have even planted flowers that add to the beauty of the garden and aide in distracting insects and bugs.
Now as you stand looking over your garden on a fine, warm, summer day, you are pleased to see tiny green shoots that have popped through the soil. It looks as if they are little green arms raised towards the sky, rejoicing in the warmth and brightness of the sun and fresh air. They are so tiny, yet so healthy, young, tender and full of life.
You smile and feel satisfied with what you have accomplished, feeling hopeful of a lovely crop to come. As you turn about looking over the garden, you notice your neighbor's garden. It is not nearly so well tended as your own, and there are a lot of weeds needing to be pulled. However there are vegetables that are beginning to be seen on some of the vines. Her garden was, apparently planted earlier than your own.
Suddenly you cry out, as you see a number of rabbits munching away at the new tender growth. You leave your garden gate open, as you run through it, waving your arms and calling out, in an attempt to frighten the rabbits away. Through the neighbor's garden gate you go, successfully running several fluffy bunnies out between loose boards of the fence. But you soon realize that there is another group of larger rabbits nibbling away on the other side. Dashing after them, they scatter, searching for a way to get away from you as fast as they can. Just as the last fat bunny has escaped, you see your neighbor hurrying toward the garden, cursing in anger. "Get out of my garden!" she yells, as she comes closer to you. "Mind your own business! I can take care of my own garden! Go home now!"
You stare at her in unbelief. No words of thanks for all your trouble; no acknowledgment of the fact that you have just saved much of her garden?
"Can't you hear me?" she fairly spits. "Get now or you will be in trouble for trespassing!"
Shaking your head in anger and disbelief, you turn and walk back to your own garden. Just as you step inside the gate, you see fluffy tails scurrying about and a dozen or more rabbits dash past you and out the gate.
In dismay, you gasp. Much of the pretty green shoots that only moments before seemed almost to smile with their own new life, are gone! Most have been eaten off! You sit down in a path for a minute and begin to cry. But only for a minute. Then you get up and begin to inspect plant after plant, smoothing the soil around each one, talking to them as if they knew what you were saying. "Damage has been done," you say, "but with care and work, you may still live to grow and produce."
As you walk around the fence, inspecting it carefully, to make sure no critters can get through it, another neighbor approaches, wearing a big smile and giving a jolly greeting. "Could you possibly help me with my garden?" she asks. "since I have never grown a garden of my own before and I see you know all about gardening."
You smile wearily and answer. "You may watch me as I tend my own garden," you say. "You may learn from my mistakes. I will be glad to talk to you as I work and give what information I have. But I must tend my own garden, before I help anyone else. We each must grow our own garden."
Thinking of a story like this, it only makes sense for a person to make sure to tend their own garden first, rather than loose it. Especially when there is no one else to do it for you.
But isn't it interesting how seldom this is understood in more serious matters of life?
How many mothers leave their own children in the hands of someone else, who may or may not be a mother herself, while they either do other work or even take care of another woman's children for wages?
No one should be able to know, understand or love a child like it's own mother, yet today so many important things get turned around. Now I understand that there are cases where a mother has been left with no husband to provide and must do what she can to provide for herself. Still there are multitudes of mothers who make the choice to put their children in another's care for reasons that are not absolutely of necessity. There is something that they value so much, think they must have, or fear being without, that they make a choice to give the care of God's inheritance to another for a number of hours each day, often five days a week.
In Deut.11:16 &18-22 Moses told the people this -
16 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;
18 Therefore shall ye lay up these words in your heart and in your soul, and bind then for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
19 And shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
20 And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:
21 That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord swore unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.
22 For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;
23 Then will the Lord drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.
Look at the promises given for obedience to these instructions! Multiplied, or increased days; in other words longer life, for you and your children, plus the driving out of other nations and possession of nations greater than yourself. In other words you will not have to fear being overpowered by enemy nations but will possess them!
We can see by these scriptures, that even before Jesus came and brought us a new and living way that leads to life eternal, God intended for parents to see to it that their children knew His words and knew to serve him and love him. He did not instruct them to find teachers to teach their children these things, but gave instruction; detailed instructions, as to how to do this themselves. The parent would first have to know them himself and then pass them on. These words were to be kept in their heart and soul so that they would not be deceived. These words were to be seen and known by their children continuously and it was the parent who was to see to this. This was not designated to others.
How much more is it important that our children know the words of life; the words of Jesus!
How many youth ministers spend their time out trying to reach and rescue someone elses child, who has gotten pulled down by the world and the deceits of the enemy. Their parents may or may not even appreciate the work he does. Later another youth minister may come behind them and try to minister to their children who had not had as much of their father or mother's time, because they were so busy in ministering to others.
How turned around things become when we do not recognize God's plan for us to grow our own garden first!
Notice in the Bible, that to be a bishop, some of the requirements were that he first be married, have children and that he was to preside over (have control of his children); that they be in subjection to him with all honor and respect.
1 Tim. 3:1-5 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, ...
3 Not given to wine ...
4 One tht ruleth his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
WHY?
1 Tim. 3:5-7 (For if a man know not how to rule (preside over[Strong's]) his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice (newly planted, that is (figuratively) a young convert [Strong's]),
lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
In other words, he had to first be experienced in the care and provision of his own garden first. (Notice the meaning for the word 'novice' was one newly planted.) He had to have grown to maturity himself and succeeded at handling his own family before he took on a position of presiding over others.
The Bible also tells us that a man who does not provide for his own house has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. As a believer he should know that it is the will of God for him to provide for his own family.
1Tim. 5:8 But if any provide not for his own , and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
(an infidel is one that is not a believer in Christ)
The woman's body tells her what God's will is for her.
God designed her so that her child would be completely dependent on her as he grew and developed in her womb for nine months. Then he made it to be that the baby would come from the womb to her breast. If a baby is laid on his mothers skin and nursed immediately at birth, the suckling will cause her body to produce a hormone that aides in preventing hemorraging after the birth and causes contractions that loosen the placenta from the wall of the womb, so that it can be delivered intact.
It will help the baby not to loose body heat and need an incubator to restore it and it will soothe and comfort the baby on it's arrival into it's new surroundings. The baby will begin to receive a substance called colostrum, which has a high protein and antibody content, that will line his intestines preparing them to receive the milk that is to come and to ward of germs and infection.
It was God who designed that a child be fed and nurtured in the arms of his mother. God made it plain what his will was, by his own design. But the god of this world has worked long and hard to keep the eyes of God's creation from seeing these simple truths or valuing his will and plan.
Yes, things have gotten all mixed up.
2 Cor. 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Preachers urge people to go out into various avenues of ministry; to seek God for His call for their lives. But the first ministry He has for us, is that of the care of our own garden, our own, family. He wired into our being. This is where we are to first learn to let God lead, direct and use us in the building of His kingdom and the doing of His will.
Ps. 127:1 "Except the Lord build the house (Strong's, ... family ...), they labor in vain that build it ..."
And brother and sister, God builds His own way, according to His own will and design.
Titus 2:3, 4 and 5 That the aged woman likewise, ...
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, ( see the blog ), good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed,
My such strong language!
Does this scripture really suggest that if a woman is not a keeper at home, the word of God is blasphemed? Folks this is very important! God designed us. He wrote His plan for us into our very makeup. He planned that we tend our own garden first. He planned that we tend our own relationship with Him before we attempt to reach the world. How can we give to others something we do not have ourselves?
There is no plan better than God's; no design more perfect, with more evidence of it's purpose.
Prov. 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto council is wise.
Satan is always glad when he can turn a person's eyes from the wisdom and purpose of God, to look beyond, even if be on the problems of others, so he can sneak in and destroy his house.
But you say, "Are we not to reach out to others?"
Yes and we can and we will. Not before or in place of the place God has first called us. If we put our focus there first, with all care and devotion, we will find there will be many opportunities to reach other lives. But know this too, that when we tend to our own garden, others see it, and recognize something there is right and good. Others will be drawn to the truth as they see it lived out in you and yours.
Each child of our own that we raise following His plan and His instructions, dying to self that they might live, grow and be useful men and women of God, is a soul for His kingdom, His heritage, who will influence many others it their lifetime.
So little mother, never underestimate your role as a mother and a wife. It is the call of God. Tend your own garden and grow it well and others will see your good works and glorify the Father above!
Hard working Fathers, never underestimate your role as husband, provider and father. You reflect the image of Father God. Care well for the family He has placed in your hands and others will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Let us each tend our OWN garden first!
check out this blog to learn more about mothers at home: -
The scripture speaks well when it says -
Prov. 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
God does have an order for the matters of our lives, although so often, well meaning people, even in the name of ministry, give out harmful messages.
I would like you to put yourself into a little story with me, to illustrate an important truth. Are you ready?
Imagine that you have planted a good sized vegetable garden. (Even if you have never planted a thing in your life, just imagine it to be so. :)) You have spent a lot of time preparing this garden to produce a bountiful crop of beautiful, healthy vegetables. You have tilled the soil, removed rocks and weeds and have been careful to break up any large dirt clots, so that the soil will be fine and ready for the seed. You have added vitamins to the soil, planted, mulched and watered. You have even planted flowers that add to the beauty of the garden and aide in distracting insects and bugs.
Now as you stand looking over your garden on a fine, warm, summer day, you are pleased to see tiny green shoots that have popped through the soil. It looks as if they are little green arms raised towards the sky, rejoicing in the warmth and brightness of the sun and fresh air. They are so tiny, yet so healthy, young, tender and full of life.
You smile and feel satisfied with what you have accomplished, feeling hopeful of a lovely crop to come. As you turn about looking over the garden, you notice your neighbor's garden. It is not nearly so well tended as your own, and there are a lot of weeds needing to be pulled. However there are vegetables that are beginning to be seen on some of the vines. Her garden was, apparently planted earlier than your own.
Suddenly you cry out, as you see a number of rabbits munching away at the new tender growth. You leave your garden gate open, as you run through it, waving your arms and calling out, in an attempt to frighten the rabbits away. Through the neighbor's garden gate you go, successfully running several fluffy bunnies out between loose boards of the fence. But you soon realize that there is another group of larger rabbits nibbling away on the other side. Dashing after them, they scatter, searching for a way to get away from you as fast as they can. Just as the last fat bunny has escaped, you see your neighbor hurrying toward the garden, cursing in anger. "Get out of my garden!" she yells, as she comes closer to you. "Mind your own business! I can take care of my own garden! Go home now!"
You stare at her in unbelief. No words of thanks for all your trouble; no acknowledgment of the fact that you have just saved much of her garden?
"Can't you hear me?" she fairly spits. "Get now or you will be in trouble for trespassing!"
Shaking your head in anger and disbelief, you turn and walk back to your own garden. Just as you step inside the gate, you see fluffy tails scurrying about and a dozen or more rabbits dash past you and out the gate.
In dismay, you gasp. Much of the pretty green shoots that only moments before seemed almost to smile with their own new life, are gone! Most have been eaten off! You sit down in a path for a minute and begin to cry. But only for a minute. Then you get up and begin to inspect plant after plant, smoothing the soil around each one, talking to them as if they knew what you were saying. "Damage has been done," you say, "but with care and work, you may still live to grow and produce."
As you walk around the fence, inspecting it carefully, to make sure no critters can get through it, another neighbor approaches, wearing a big smile and giving a jolly greeting. "Could you possibly help me with my garden?" she asks. "since I have never grown a garden of my own before and I see you know all about gardening."
You smile wearily and answer. "You may watch me as I tend my own garden," you say. "You may learn from my mistakes. I will be glad to talk to you as I work and give what information I have. But I must tend my own garden, before I help anyone else. We each must grow our own garden."
Thinking of a story like this, it only makes sense for a person to make sure to tend their own garden first, rather than loose it. Especially when there is no one else to do it for you.
But isn't it interesting how seldom this is understood in more serious matters of life?
How many mothers leave their own children in the hands of someone else, who may or may not be a mother herself, while they either do other work or even take care of another woman's children for wages?
No one should be able to know, understand or love a child like it's own mother, yet today so many important things get turned around. Now I understand that there are cases where a mother has been left with no husband to provide and must do what she can to provide for herself. Still there are multitudes of mothers who make the choice to put their children in another's care for reasons that are not absolutely of necessity. There is something that they value so much, think they must have, or fear being without, that they make a choice to give the care of God's inheritance to another for a number of hours each day, often five days a week.
In Deut.11:16 &18-22 Moses told the people this -
16 Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;
18 Therefore shall ye lay up these words in your heart and in your soul, and bind then for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
19 And shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
20 And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:
21 That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord swore unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.
22 For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;
23 Then will the Lord drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.
Look at the promises given for obedience to these instructions! Multiplied, or increased days; in other words longer life, for you and your children, plus the driving out of other nations and possession of nations greater than yourself. In other words you will not have to fear being overpowered by enemy nations but will possess them!
We can see by these scriptures, that even before Jesus came and brought us a new and living way that leads to life eternal, God intended for parents to see to it that their children knew His words and knew to serve him and love him. He did not instruct them to find teachers to teach their children these things, but gave instruction; detailed instructions, as to how to do this themselves. The parent would first have to know them himself and then pass them on. These words were to be kept in their heart and soul so that they would not be deceived. These words were to be seen and known by their children continuously and it was the parent who was to see to this. This was not designated to others.
How much more is it important that our children know the words of life; the words of Jesus!
How many youth ministers spend their time out trying to reach and rescue someone elses child, who has gotten pulled down by the world and the deceits of the enemy. Their parents may or may not even appreciate the work he does. Later another youth minister may come behind them and try to minister to their children who had not had as much of their father or mother's time, because they were so busy in ministering to others.
How turned around things become when we do not recognize God's plan for us to grow our own garden first!
Notice in the Bible, that to be a bishop, some of the requirements were that he first be married, have children and that he was to preside over (have control of his children); that they be in subjection to him with all honor and respect.
1 Tim. 3:1-5 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, ...
3 Not given to wine ...
4 One tht ruleth his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
WHY?
1 Tim. 3:5-7 (For if a man know not how to rule (preside over[Strong's]) his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice (newly planted, that is (figuratively) a young convert [Strong's]),
lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
In other words, he had to first be experienced in the care and provision of his own garden first. (Notice the meaning for the word 'novice' was one newly planted.) He had to have grown to maturity himself and succeeded at handling his own family before he took on a position of presiding over others.
The Bible also tells us that a man who does not provide for his own house has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. As a believer he should know that it is the will of God for him to provide for his own family.
1Tim. 5:8 But if any provide not for his own , and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
(an infidel is one that is not a believer in Christ)
The woman's body tells her what God's will is for her.
God designed her so that her child would be completely dependent on her as he grew and developed in her womb for nine months. Then he made it to be that the baby would come from the womb to her breast. If a baby is laid on his mothers skin and nursed immediately at birth, the suckling will cause her body to produce a hormone that aides in preventing hemorraging after the birth and causes contractions that loosen the placenta from the wall of the womb, so that it can be delivered intact.
It will help the baby not to loose body heat and need an incubator to restore it and it will soothe and comfort the baby on it's arrival into it's new surroundings. The baby will begin to receive a substance called colostrum, which has a high protein and antibody content, that will line his intestines preparing them to receive the milk that is to come and to ward of germs and infection.
It was God who designed that a child be fed and nurtured in the arms of his mother. God made it plain what his will was, by his own design. But the god of this world has worked long and hard to keep the eyes of God's creation from seeing these simple truths or valuing his will and plan.
Yes, things have gotten all mixed up.
2 Cor. 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Preachers urge people to go out into various avenues of ministry; to seek God for His call for their lives. But the first ministry He has for us, is that of the care of our own garden, our own, family. He wired into our being. This is where we are to first learn to let God lead, direct and use us in the building of His kingdom and the doing of His will.
Ps. 127:1 "Except the Lord build the house (Strong's, ... family ...), they labor in vain that build it ..."
And brother and sister, God builds His own way, according to His own will and design.
Titus 2:3, 4 and 5 That the aged woman likewise, ...
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, ( see the blog ), good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed,
My such strong language!
Does this scripture really suggest that if a woman is not a keeper at home, the word of God is blasphemed? Folks this is very important! God designed us. He wrote His plan for us into our very makeup. He planned that we tend our own garden first. He planned that we tend our own relationship with Him before we attempt to reach the world. How can we give to others something we do not have ourselves?
There is no plan better than God's; no design more perfect, with more evidence of it's purpose.
Prov. 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto council is wise.
Satan is always glad when he can turn a person's eyes from the wisdom and purpose of God, to look beyond, even if be on the problems of others, so he can sneak in and destroy his house.
But you say, "Are we not to reach out to others?"
Yes and we can and we will. Not before or in place of the place God has first called us. If we put our focus there first, with all care and devotion, we will find there will be many opportunities to reach other lives. But know this too, that when we tend to our own garden, others see it, and recognize something there is right and good. Others will be drawn to the truth as they see it lived out in you and yours.
Each child of our own that we raise following His plan and His instructions, dying to self that they might live, grow and be useful men and women of God, is a soul for His kingdom, His heritage, who will influence many others it their lifetime.
So little mother, never underestimate your role as a mother and a wife. It is the call of God. Tend your own garden and grow it well and others will see your good works and glorify the Father above!
Hard working Fathers, never underestimate your role as husband, provider and father. You reflect the image of Father God. Care well for the family He has placed in your hands and others will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Let us each tend our OWN garden first!
check out this blog to learn more about mothers at home: -
Parenthood the Will of God
Let this grandma talk to you for a few minutes about some pretty natural things that have great spiritual value. Let me suggest that the natural things a person wishes for when they are young, namely a husband or wife and a family are not carnal or unspiritual, but are actually desires that God has wired into us as an important part of His will for us, for himself and His kingdom.
What did Jesus labor for? What did He die for? What was He resurrected for?
He labored to reach the PEOPLE He had created with the good news of the Gospel of the kingdom.
He died to get rid of the sin that separated us (PEOPLE) from our God; so that we could repent, have our sins remitted and be reconciled to the Father. (Isa. 59:2, Mk 1:4)
He rose from the dead as a victor over death, sin and hell, making the way for us (PEOPLE) to also have eternal life. Matt. 1:21, Matt. 9:6, Matt.26:28, Heb. 2:14, Rev. 1:8
What does being a husband, a wife, a mother or father have to do with ministry or the will of God for our lives?
A study of the human body reveals much about the plan and purpose of the creator. Christians the world over may say they want to do the will of God, yet not understand that they can begin by simply doing what they were created to do. The human body tells us of the need and plan for male and female to unite. The muscular build of the man is better suited for physical labor that requires strength of body. The woman's body, while for the most part, is weaker, as far as the muscular make up, has one organ of immense power which is the womb. Her physical make up is intricately connected to her mental, emotional and hormonal make up. All these are designed for the carrying of, nurturing of and supply of every need of new life. She is an incubator. She is a human growing machine of the most amazing ability, quality and function.
The instincts of a man urge him to protect and provide, those that he loves; those that are his; a reflection of God the Father who watches over and cares and provides for us.
In these things alone, so much can be seen and understood of the heart and purpose of God.
Yet too often these are devalued in our society today. While people cry out to God to show them His will, marriage and childbearing, mothering and fathering are seen as options. Often they are probably not even considered as the known and accepted will of God. But a person need not even ask God if it is His will for them to marry and bear children. Rather, if it were not, one should expect God to tell them this specifically, for He himself has designed them for that very function and He was not wasting His time or just experimenting when He made us as He did and said that it was good. Gen. 1:31
But we so often look for something that will gain the acclaim of men; something that will amaze them and gain their adoration. We look for fulfillment in some accomplishment that will stand out and be noticed; be considered exceptional.
Dear child of God, to gain God's approval, is to value what He values and not to look at the world or listen to the god of this world.
God created people. He gave people life and dominion. He took on himself the sins of people, so that they could repent and be restored to the Father.
It is people He loves above "things".
It is people that Jesus laid down His life for!
There are no greater treasures to be had than a relationship with God and with His 'people".
And He, the almighty, the creator, the Savior, the lamb that was slain, the lion of the tribe of Judah, and the author and finisher of our faith -
has given man seed that he may produce, what God originally created, PEOPLE!
He has given woman the blessed ability and privilege of receiving that seed , planting it in her protected garden and growing that most loved and treasured gift from God and for God - PEOPLE!
But some might say. "It is a tiring and often thankless job! Wherein is the glory and acclaim?
But have you not asked to be like Jesus? Was His job not tiring and often thankless? Did he not get rejected by the very ones He gave himself for? Yet He labored, He gave, He suffered, bled and died for that which He valued most! PEOPLE! And it was HE who gave you the ability to produce the Heritage of the Lord; souls for His kingdom; those He loves!
Each child carried in our womb and delivered into our hands, is one more person who can know and glorify the Lord; one more person who can have relationship with the Father, love and be loved.
And each baby we hold in our arms and nurse at our breast is one person who can begin to learn of the love of God, His heart and His character from us. Each is one more gift for our Savior and a treasure of His heart.
Lay not up treasures on earth, but rather bring souls into the kingdom of God.
Matt. 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. 7 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
The only thing I know that will go to heaven with us, is another person.
If we can accept this one ministry, this one calling and see that it IS the will of God; His very plan and design, then we can see what else He might have in mind for us. But first things first.
Start with basics and accept the Word of God which says that -
Ps. 127:3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Let us begin to build the kingdom of God first at home. Each child we reach for God will reach others.
For those who are past childbearing years, do not have children or are unmarried, you can still value people and relationships above all the other things of earth. You can still walk this earth with the mind and heart of God, which was the ministry of reconciliation to the Father. You do not have to buy into the lie that any career, any fame, or any position that men honor, is of more value or should demand more of your heart and time than to love the people Christ died for and to reach them for Him.
How rich are you? If you are born again and have a close relationship with God, if you have people in your life who you love and are loved by, if you are reaching souls for Christ and His kingdom, then you are a very wealthy individual!
Remember we are pilgrims traveling to the place where our citizenship lies. Our eternal home will have enough beauty and joy. Let us take up our cross, even though it mean weary days and thankless work, as far as men go. It will be worth the eternal rewards and hearing our Savior say well done. Our days of rest and rejoicing are yet to come. But even while we travel; even as we labor, God gives us rest and joy unspeakable and full of glory!
What did Jesus labor for? What did He die for? What was He resurrected for?
He labored to reach the PEOPLE He had created with the good news of the Gospel of the kingdom.
He died to get rid of the sin that separated us (PEOPLE) from our God; so that we could repent, have our sins remitted and be reconciled to the Father. (Isa. 59:2, Mk 1:4)
He rose from the dead as a victor over death, sin and hell, making the way for us (PEOPLE) to also have eternal life. Matt. 1:21, Matt. 9:6, Matt.26:28, Heb. 2:14, Rev. 1:8
What does being a husband, a wife, a mother or father have to do with ministry or the will of God for our lives?
A study of the human body reveals much about the plan and purpose of the creator. Christians the world over may say they want to do the will of God, yet not understand that they can begin by simply doing what they were created to do. The human body tells us of the need and plan for male and female to unite. The muscular build of the man is better suited for physical labor that requires strength of body. The woman's body, while for the most part, is weaker, as far as the muscular make up, has one organ of immense power which is the womb. Her physical make up is intricately connected to her mental, emotional and hormonal make up. All these are designed for the carrying of, nurturing of and supply of every need of new life. She is an incubator. She is a human growing machine of the most amazing ability, quality and function.
The instincts of a man urge him to protect and provide, those that he loves; those that are his; a reflection of God the Father who watches over and cares and provides for us.
In these things alone, so much can be seen and understood of the heart and purpose of God.
Yet too often these are devalued in our society today. While people cry out to God to show them His will, marriage and childbearing, mothering and fathering are seen as options. Often they are probably not even considered as the known and accepted will of God. But a person need not even ask God if it is His will for them to marry and bear children. Rather, if it were not, one should expect God to tell them this specifically, for He himself has designed them for that very function and He was not wasting His time or just experimenting when He made us as He did and said that it was good. Gen. 1:31
But we so often look for something that will gain the acclaim of men; something that will amaze them and gain their adoration. We look for fulfillment in some accomplishment that will stand out and be noticed; be considered exceptional.
Dear child of God, to gain God's approval, is to value what He values and not to look at the world or listen to the god of this world.
God created people. He gave people life and dominion. He took on himself the sins of people, so that they could repent and be restored to the Father.
It is people He loves above "things".
It is people that Jesus laid down His life for!
There are no greater treasures to be had than a relationship with God and with His 'people".
And He, the almighty, the creator, the Savior, the lamb that was slain, the lion of the tribe of Judah, and the author and finisher of our faith -
has given man seed that he may produce, what God originally created, PEOPLE!
He has given woman the blessed ability and privilege of receiving that seed , planting it in her protected garden and growing that most loved and treasured gift from God and for God - PEOPLE!
But some might say. "It is a tiring and often thankless job! Wherein is the glory and acclaim?
But have you not asked to be like Jesus? Was His job not tiring and often thankless? Did he not get rejected by the very ones He gave himself for? Yet He labored, He gave, He suffered, bled and died for that which He valued most! PEOPLE! And it was HE who gave you the ability to produce the Heritage of the Lord; souls for His kingdom; those He loves!
Each child carried in our womb and delivered into our hands, is one more person who can know and glorify the Lord; one more person who can have relationship with the Father, love and be loved.
And each baby we hold in our arms and nurse at our breast is one person who can begin to learn of the love of God, His heart and His character from us. Each is one more gift for our Savior and a treasure of His heart.
Lay not up treasures on earth, but rather bring souls into the kingdom of God.
Matt. 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. 7 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
The only thing I know that will go to heaven with us, is another person.
If we can accept this one ministry, this one calling and see that it IS the will of God; His very plan and design, then we can see what else He might have in mind for us. But first things first.
Start with basics and accept the Word of God which says that -
Ps. 127:3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
Let us begin to build the kingdom of God first at home. Each child we reach for God will reach others.
For those who are past childbearing years, do not have children or are unmarried, you can still value people and relationships above all the other things of earth. You can still walk this earth with the mind and heart of God, which was the ministry of reconciliation to the Father. You do not have to buy into the lie that any career, any fame, or any position that men honor, is of more value or should demand more of your heart and time than to love the people Christ died for and to reach them for Him.
How rich are you? If you are born again and have a close relationship with God, if you have people in your life who you love and are loved by, if you are reaching souls for Christ and His kingdom, then you are a very wealthy individual!
Remember we are pilgrims traveling to the place where our citizenship lies. Our eternal home will have enough beauty and joy. Let us take up our cross, even though it mean weary days and thankless work, as far as men go. It will be worth the eternal rewards and hearing our Savior say well done. Our days of rest and rejoicing are yet to come. But even while we travel; even as we labor, God gives us rest and joy unspeakable and full of glory!
GRANDMA, FAMILY and the WORD
Before becoming pregnant with my first child, I had not really planned for motherhood. I married the man I loved, to be his wife and to be with him for all time. I was not like many, who enter marriage with a view of what they want for their future life, in the way of family and career; how many children, what sex, how soon, and (so often) what career to pursue.
I did want God's will for my life, which was a major PLUS.
I had been married for four years before receiving the good news, that I was expecting. The realization of this was more wonderful than I had known it would be. My life was changed forever. I was a mother as God had designed me to be and my entire body, mind and spirit had been changed. There was much about how God had made me, that I was yet to learn, but I would be amazed at the wonder that was in the creation - ME! And I was to further be amazed at the power and beauty to be experienced in having my husband, my head, a very real and dear part of who and what I was.
I had already experienced the joy of being a wife. Not only had I been forever changed on November 5, 1970, when I became Mrs. Dwight Brown, but I had found a fulfillment in the thing God had planned on the day of creation, when he made the man and the woman to be one, in His image and likeness.
I had become a great admirer of the man of God I had married; his life of faith, his knowledge of the Word, his care for others and the amazing love he had for me. He was a self motivated and God motivated person, who worked hard and loved much. In fact he gave me a glimpse of the love of God, beyond what I had understood before knowing him, that changed my life as well.
I had skills and abilities of my own, but these were encouraged by my husband and I found a way to use at least some of this to benefit our lives. There was much for me to learn. I was very young. But God gave me a glimpse, of what could be; what I could achieve; what I could contribute, and what life could be when two are united.
Now we were parents. Yes parents even before our eyes looked on the beauty of the tiny little girl snuggled warm and safe in my womb.
One of the things I have learned, is that if we have a desire to know God and His will for our lives and to follow Him completely, He WILL lead us, teach us and help us. He will go beyond the knowledge we have gained by man and show us His own ways.
Before having a child of my own, I had doubted my ability to do so, thinking myself to possibly be inadequate physically to have a child. I did not realize the detailed workmanship of the creator, nor the intricacy of his design in me and His purpose for me.
Before marriage my desire had been to be a professional singer. I did not know what the sound of my voice would mean to a man so wonderful as was the man I married, nor how the very sound of his voice could soothe my spirit.
I had no idea that I would soon be using my voice to sing to my babes as they nursed at my breast.
I had wished for a body that was beautiful in appearance, but had not comprehended what my body would mean to a tiny creation of God, who would find it's comfort, first in my womb, then later in my arms.
I had wanted a beautiful voice, without realizing that it would by MY voice that would teach a special child of God, what God was like; that the sound of my voice would soothe it's heart, give it joy, and make it feel at peace.
As most young girls do, I had wished for a beautiful face, unaware what the mere expressions of my face would mean to my husband and children; what they would view from the window of my soul.
No one had to come and tell me that I needed to change my goals now that I was a wife, or when I became a mother. Nor to the contrary, that I should never give up my original dreams. For as God blessed me with His gifts; His riches from above, my heart and soul adjusted and relished in His gifts.
Others might look at me now, a widow, with four of my five children still alive on planet earth, and the grandma of eleven and one on the way, and think that I have not progressed very far. I am not a celebrated singer. I am not (yet :)) wealthy, in terms of money and I am not living in the big house on the hill. OH but I am one of the wealthiest people who have ever lived. I have enjoyed more love than some will ever know in their lifetime. I have experienced the gifts of God that never die and that bring joy to me even now. I see His gifts grow, blossom and continue to bear fruit. I see the seeds, as it were of the flowers of my garden spread abroad, to bring fruit to others and spread a sweet smelling fragrance, a lovely aroma in the air.
And I have joy that is eternal. I am a grandma, with the Word of God and the Spirit of God shed abroad in my heart, who has been blessed to live and see the work of God continue.
I am a woman who did not say NO! to what is His heritage, His gifts.
I am a woman who will joy in the Lord now and in a day to come when youth is restored and the glory of God is seen in it's fullness!
Feel free to stop by this blog from time to time and look in on this grandma and the Word.
I did want God's will for my life, which was a major PLUS.
I had been married for four years before receiving the good news, that I was expecting. The realization of this was more wonderful than I had known it would be. My life was changed forever. I was a mother as God had designed me to be and my entire body, mind and spirit had been changed. There was much about how God had made me, that I was yet to learn, but I would be amazed at the wonder that was in the creation - ME! And I was to further be amazed at the power and beauty to be experienced in having my husband, my head, a very real and dear part of who and what I was.
I had already experienced the joy of being a wife. Not only had I been forever changed on November 5, 1970, when I became Mrs. Dwight Brown, but I had found a fulfillment in the thing God had planned on the day of creation, when he made the man and the woman to be one, in His image and likeness.
I had become a great admirer of the man of God I had married; his life of faith, his knowledge of the Word, his care for others and the amazing love he had for me. He was a self motivated and God motivated person, who worked hard and loved much. In fact he gave me a glimpse of the love of God, beyond what I had understood before knowing him, that changed my life as well.
I had skills and abilities of my own, but these were encouraged by my husband and I found a way to use at least some of this to benefit our lives. There was much for me to learn. I was very young. But God gave me a glimpse, of what could be; what I could achieve; what I could contribute, and what life could be when two are united.
Now we were parents. Yes parents even before our eyes looked on the beauty of the tiny little girl snuggled warm and safe in my womb.
One of the things I have learned, is that if we have a desire to know God and His will for our lives and to follow Him completely, He WILL lead us, teach us and help us. He will go beyond the knowledge we have gained by man and show us His own ways.
Before having a child of my own, I had doubted my ability to do so, thinking myself to possibly be inadequate physically to have a child. I did not realize the detailed workmanship of the creator, nor the intricacy of his design in me and His purpose for me.
Before marriage my desire had been to be a professional singer. I did not know what the sound of my voice would mean to a man so wonderful as was the man I married, nor how the very sound of his voice could soothe my spirit.
I had no idea that I would soon be using my voice to sing to my babes as they nursed at my breast.
I had wished for a body that was beautiful in appearance, but had not comprehended what my body would mean to a tiny creation of God, who would find it's comfort, first in my womb, then later in my arms.
I had wanted a beautiful voice, without realizing that it would by MY voice that would teach a special child of God, what God was like; that the sound of my voice would soothe it's heart, give it joy, and make it feel at peace.
As most young girls do, I had wished for a beautiful face, unaware what the mere expressions of my face would mean to my husband and children; what they would view from the window of my soul.
No one had to come and tell me that I needed to change my goals now that I was a wife, or when I became a mother. Nor to the contrary, that I should never give up my original dreams. For as God blessed me with His gifts; His riches from above, my heart and soul adjusted and relished in His gifts.
Others might look at me now, a widow, with four of my five children still alive on planet earth, and the grandma of eleven and one on the way, and think that I have not progressed very far. I am not a celebrated singer. I am not (yet :)) wealthy, in terms of money and I am not living in the big house on the hill. OH but I am one of the wealthiest people who have ever lived. I have enjoyed more love than some will ever know in their lifetime. I have experienced the gifts of God that never die and that bring joy to me even now. I see His gifts grow, blossom and continue to bear fruit. I see the seeds, as it were of the flowers of my garden spread abroad, to bring fruit to others and spread a sweet smelling fragrance, a lovely aroma in the air.
And I have joy that is eternal. I am a grandma, with the Word of God and the Spirit of God shed abroad in my heart, who has been blessed to live and see the work of God continue.
I am a woman who did not say NO! to what is His heritage, His gifts.
I am a woman who will joy in the Lord now and in a day to come when youth is restored and the glory of God is seen in it's fullness!
Feel free to stop by this blog from time to time and look in on this grandma and the Word.
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