Christian Homekeeping

You would think people would read my sidebar where it states I don't post for debates and I don't approve comments as such. Yet, you always have those who want to stir up whatever they can.....sigh. Anyhoo....to CLEAR up what others may have took to mean something else let me make myself clear on the bearing children issue. Since I have received many comments from both sides and accusations, of which were grounded on them not reading the ENTIRE post or other posts about the same topic......let's set my stance straight here:

I do not take birth control pills.

I personally, don't take birth control and believe its wrong especially when taken with the motive of "I don't care what God wants, I'm not having kids" attitude. Take that up with him, but as for us, we don't take the actual pills because of research that shows it can kill an actual pregnancy and you won't even know it. I don't want to risk killing a fertilized egg and I don't care how you think they are safe.......I don't even want to get near the gray area!

Next, I also do not stand with those who let the babies come whenever. God has a plan, and wants us to use wisdom and do things according to HIS will. You should seek God in all things.

Also if the mother would die or is medically unable to bear a pregnancy, then HELLO STUPID......you should not try for one. There are methods that do not have chances of killing already fertilized eggs that you can use to prevent pregnancy in these situations and when it isn't God's timing. Those methods, I agree with.....I don't think we really need to go into detail about that.

I have prayed over the years to have children when it is God's will and ONLY when it is his will. Our first child was purely at a time when God opened my womb! I was sterile and unable to have children but after praying, God blessed and my miracle baby was born! HALLELUJAH!

Of course when I say God's will, I'm talking about the timing.....it is his will for women to bear children but I also want to do it in HIS timing, when it is right.

So there you have it.....and no I didn't publish the comments and most of the time I don't even finish reading them if the first few words are debate-style. Just stating where I stand, so there is no confusion.

From MySpace profiles to show the world how "sexy" you are to malls filled with exposed flesh.......the "diva" mentality has taken the world by storm. Satan has done a wonderful job on getting young people to focus on their bodies and sex rather than modesty, purity and Godliness.

Let me commend you, Mother, for the great job you are doing! Not only do you let your child put her suggestive photos online but you join her! What a role model! Kudos to you for raising a diva. For teaching her what's really important in life.

Oh Christian woman, aren't you Miss Thang! Look at you.....you are so sexy and must let the world know just how HOT you are. Profiles full of ill clad women and men are your friends and you cry "I am a Christian!"

--> Please stop insulting God by calling yourself a Christian! It's high time Christians today start sounding off against such FILTH and perversion and cry out for HOLINESS! A Christian woman will not want to be "showy" and try and tell (and prove) to others just how sexy and hot she is. That isn't a Godly mentality that is a diva mentality and worldly; carnal!

The world is full of diva's.......full of women who want to be lascivious and show off their goods. Do you want to send your children to hell? Let them have a myspace and I'm sure satan will get a foot in your house! What's so bad about it is the cry........have you seen the news lately??? Even the media cries out against it's wickedness! My own Pastor has preached against the junk 3 times that I know of!

Satan is out for KEEPS!!!! He will snare you and you think you are too big for him to touch you, then he probably already has you. You can't even be MOVED by the awfulness of SIN anymore! You think it nothing to see movies filled with lewdness and others having sex. You don't feel the urgency of eternity anymore. WAKE UP NOW!!!!!!

The world is at enmity with God.......it is God's enemy! You want to be in it? Quit looking and eating at the tree that God says LEAVE ALONE!!!!

James 4:4

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

There is a day when God says I've had enough! Run home before its too late......don't let compromise come into your home! Be steadfast and kick the devil out! Kick the diva mentality to the curb and show some shamefacedness and chaste behavior! I wonder how many diva's in hell would tell you if they could just where it got them!?

I felt compelled to post this and warn others! It seems like clothes keep getting tighter and lesser, even in the church house......what a SHAME! It's in your heart.....you need to get it out!  I won't stand for it and as long as my daughter is under my watch, she will NOT be a part of that filth nor dress like the world! After she leaves my watch, its up to her but I pray and hope that she sees her parents steadfastness in God and his standards and not wavering and accepts God early on.

Do you think you can take that fire in your bosom and not get burned?? Where are you? What road are you REALLY traveling on? Have you let compromise come into your heart?

2 Cor. 13:5

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

A man went to an acid factory and asked the man in charge "Sir, where do your most casualties take place at?" He continued and said "Is it in the hands of them new ones; newcomers coming in? Is it in their hands because they don't know how to handle it?" The man said "No Sir. I'll tell you where the casualties are. It's among the elder ones that's been here for years. It's because they thought because they been around it so long, they can handle it however they want."

Oh Cain....Am I my brother's keeper?? YES I AM!!!!!


-->I felt so compelled today to post this and the last post. It was like a burning on the inside and I have no idea why but GOD KNOWS! For whatever reason, I had to put all my chores down and post these.....you won't wake up in hell and say "How did I get here?!" You will KNOW.....your mind will race back and you really do know. We know when we let sin in, a little ungodly movie here and little fleshly lust there, those images and worldly ways stick in the recesses of your mind whether you realize it or not. They breed those seeds that could destroy you or your family one day. I've been there!!!!! I've let it in! I'm not without fault people! That is why I'm so adamant about certain things. You will live with lifelong consequences of the choices you make! I'm living with my mistakes and bridges that I burned and it's hard sometimes. God brought me out of Egypt and I don't want to go back! The glitter and luster of this world doesn't shine so bright to me anymore......I don't want it!!!!!! HALLELUJAH!

-->If you are a single mom and must work, don't take this post offensively! It is not meant for those who are unmarried and have no husband to support them.

Growing up there was one thing that I really wanted the most.....my Mommy! My mom didn't work till I started Kindergarten. She claimed the reason she started working was because of us (the kids) and that she wanted to buy us "stuff". So off to work she went and it was detrimental to me.

All through my school years, I would get off the bus....walk up the long driveway to a quiet and lonely house, anticipating my Mom's arrival home from work. However, instead of receiving her embrace and love when she entered the door.....she just wanted us to go away! She had had ENOUGH of people for one day, she was exhausted......LEAVE HER ALONE was the cry that so often rang through my ears.

Complaining ensued of what happened at work and how hard she worked and how she just wanted some rest. I felt like I was in the way, like I was a bother. I would often go on long hikes through the woods and neighborhood just to get out of that house I told myself. (It is by the grace of God that no one ever did anything to me as I was alone walking the streets lol).

I loved the weeks my Mom had off for vacation from work. That is when she was her best! She would plant flowers and cook us filling meals and was so much more happy and loving! I dreaded the day she had to return to work and wished I could somehow keep her home with me.......but she was doing it for "us" was the explanation.

For us? The stuff didn't mean anything to me! I would rather have not had much at all and have MY MOMMY! I wanted my MOM... not the stuff!!!

In recent years, my Mother realized what she had done and she now says she was WRONG in working and should have stayed home with us. She had saw the effect it had on me and she encourages me to stay home and be a MOTHER to my children! She supports me all the way. We can't go back and re-live those years but I can learn from her mistakes and not forsake my children for the almighty dollar!

If you are going to have them.....then raise them! They need YOU, not a babysitter and not a daycare. Do you really think money is more important than your own children??? What is wrong with your mind WOMAN??

The old excuse does NOT work on this blog! "We can't make it on one income" is hogwash! Thousands that are doing it drown out your cries of "can't".

Choose this day who you will forsake.......your children or your "career". It will have lifelong consequences...

What a coincidence! A few hours after I posted my last post concerning bearing children, I get a call from a lady that is doing a political poll. She asked me if I was "Pro-Choice" or "Pro-Life". What she should really say is am I Pro-Life or Pro-Death! Come on! Either you let the baby live or you kill it.....it's really that simple!

My husband saw a bumper sticker a few months ago and even to this day we haven't forgot it. Here is what it said:

If it isn't a baby, then you aren't pregnant!

What a truth that is! The whole stance on pro-abortionists is that it isn't a living thing yet, that just don't jive with God. Abortion is still MURDER, no matter how pretty you want to paint the picture.

If you didn't want a baby, if it's going to mess up your life then you know what!? KEEP YOUR PANTIES ON GIRLFRIEND!

The Bible commands us as women to be Keepers at Home:

Titus 2:5

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Would you say that a woman who is never home, always about and that lets her home go would be a Keeper at home? Probably not! As women, much of time is to be spent AT HOME! God didn't call us to be out and about all day every day and let our home look like a pig pen and our children be strung from place to place either!

A woman's life calling is at her HOME!! Let's took a look at the priorities here:

1. God
2. Family (husband and children)
3. Keeping the Home

Everything else is AFTER you have taken care of the very best. If you let others swallow up the time for the "very best" then you have let the good become the enemy of the very best as the quote goes! In doing other "good" things, you have forsook the VERY BEST......God, your family and your home.

Have you been so busy for the Kingdom that you don't have time for the King?? Let's step back and evaluate what God really wants in a woman here! If you are NOT putting God first and then NOT putting your family and home over others, then your priorities are in the wrong place.

What did Paul said that the younger women are supposed to do? For starters, marriage......then bearing children and then guiding the house!

1 Timothy 5:14

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

What about the children nazi's? LOL The ones who want to make you feel bad because you want to do what God's word says and bear children? Well, what Biblical proof do they have and why are they fighting the scripture? The Bible says we, as younger women are to MARRY....BEAR CHILDREN and GUIDE THE HOUSE; Period! There wasn't a clause in there, saying if you want to. If we say a woman must stay home, we must also include the rest of the verse in that she must marry and bear children. That is what a woman was designed for! We were designed to be mothers and wives.......not diva's and abortionists!

There is a movement going on right now to "save the planet" from waste and the idea behind it is to stop having children. The women say that if you have children you are contributing to the waste of the Earth. HOGWASH! Actually I'm glad these type of women will not be producing any offspring........lol. We don't need others trained with that mindset!

However, as Christians, let's start following the Bible! Do you let your selfishness stop you from doing what God said? "It just isn't convenient for me to have a child" or "I don't have time for children." That's like a slap in God's face! You are basically saying "God, I don't want to be what you designed me to be as a women. I want to do my own thing and I make the decisions here".

I'm so sick of hearing people talk bad about children and how much they don't want them! Enough already! God said in his word that children are a blessing from HIM! You mean you don't want God's blessing?? There's another slap in God's face. Let's look at what God has to say about children:

Psalm 127:3

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward

Not only are children a heritage of the Lord but they are esteemed highly by God:

Psalm 127:4-5

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.....

WOW! WHODUTHUNKIT? People that have a lot of children are HAPPY God says! He gave us children as a blessing and to make us happy. They are a gift from God!

So the next time you hear someone telling you how they are glad they don't have kids......just tell them you don't view the blessings of God as they do! ;)

*If you are barren and unable to have children, then you can't and I'm not talking about you. However if you defiantly push aside your role, well that's between you and God, but if you are going to say you MUST be a keeper at home, you also must agree with the rest of the verse! I would hate to get Heaven and find out that God had many blessings for me but my own selfishness didn't allow them to come to being. Oh would that others would count what God counts a blessing.......a BLESSING! If you don't want your blessings, give them to someone who does, don't murder them!

I also am not against birth control, as long as it does not kill an actual pregnancy! We are to be wise, in that we don't have children when we can't afford to take care of them and we want to do it when it is God's will. I personally don't use birth control pills because of my personal beliefs about them, but I don't condemn others who use them because of various reasons. I think it comes down to your motive as to why you are using them.

Ok, I've had this idea for so long but finally realized today it would be a help. I read Sharon's post today and most of you know I wear "dresses only" and have since 1999. But I just don't want to talk about that. I will share sometimes in the future the "why" I dress like a woman but for now, some things came to my mind about how we look.

Several people, some I know and some I don't know.......comment on my clothing. People have asked me where I find my clothes, shoes, etc. I tell them most of the time ebay lol. But it really isn't what you wear but HOW you wear it and pull it together.

Me and my husband frequent a nearby grocery store after church a lot and never realized we were being "watched". One of the workers had been watching us and finally came up to us and said "Do you always look that good?" I thought he was joking.....he was addressing my husband. Once the conversation had continued, he shared how my husband always looking sharp had caused him to want to step up and look presentable lol. This was a young man, probably 18 or 19. He was really sincere and said we always look nice. He told my husband he wanted to be like him and asked for tips. WOW.....he had said he watched my husband everytime he came in there! My husband had no idea he was being watched.

So people are watching you! We are to be AMBASSADORS of Jesus Christ!!! Should this not cause us to want to look the best we can and cause others to see that with God you can go UP, not down! You don't have to look like something the cat drug in, and as Christians you shouldn't! When people look at you, they are seeing if what you have is something they want. If you look like a bag lady, are you telling others this is what they can look forward to as a Christian? COME ON!

We should stand out.....because we are separate from the world. You should stick out from crowds because you are so different. If you were an ambassador for some country, you can GUARANTEE you would look nice, so as ambassadors of Christ, should we not look so much THE MORE??

You can read more about that here in a post I did on "Your Representation".

Now for my idea.......hehe. Yep, I'm full of them, call it creativity or whatever you want. Once I get the Meal Planning posts done, I want to do a video on "How to Dress". I will show you how to pick clothes, suits......blouses and shoes and purses. It seems a lot of people never got training on how to dress and NO a pink blazer doesn't match a yellow skirt! And please don't be wearing white shoes in the winter lol. =0

So look for that "How to Dress" video show coming soon from my own closet! I went from being a frumpy grandma looking 20 year old to learning how to dress. Yep I was one of those women wearing a frumpy dress with tennis shoes in public EEK!!!! Most of you that know me locally could probably not imagine this but I was.......just ask my Pastor in Alaska haha. Thank the Lord, I realized how important it was to be presentable for Christ and I will share what I learned with you all........take or leave it but PLEASE consider your representation of Christ to the world!

Here is a good read on dresses only:
http://www.preparingdaughters.com/modest-articles-and-testimonies.php

This has been floating around the internet for a few years and some say it came from a 1950's textbook, others claim it was from Canada. Wherever it is from, it has gotten a lot of controversy! From women scoffing at it and criticizing it, to men commenting "I WISH" my wife treated me that way, etc.

The sad thing is.....this IS a good example of what a GOOD WIFE should be and do. Not every detail of it is what I think should be done but for the most part it is. Scripture was added thanks to Bible Believer's and I have added my own "inserts" to some of the items.


1. Get your work done. Plan tasks with an eye on the clock. Finish or interrupt them an hour before your husband is expected home. Your anguished cry "are you home already?" is not exactly a warm welcome.
"She...worketh willingly with her hands." ~ Proverbs 31:13

2. Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know you have been thinking of him and are concerned for his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed. (my insert - would you like to work for 8 hours a day and come home to no food? Come on WOMEN get in that kitchen and whip him up something good to eat and have it hot and ready when he comes home!)

"...She bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." ~ Proverbs 31:14,15

3. Prepare yourself. Take 15 min. to rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up (my insert - you don't need to "paint" your face, you are fine the way you are!), put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

"She maketh herself covering of tapestry; he clothing is silk and purple. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." ~ Proverbs 31:22,25

4. Clear away the children. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order and it will give you a lift too.

"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." ~ Proverbs 31:27

5. Prepare the children. Take just a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed..." Proverbs 31:28

6. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate noise of washer dryer, dishwasher, vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

"And that ye study to be quiet..." ~ I Thessalonians 4:11

7. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a smile and act glad to see him. (my insert - Let him know he is wanted, loved, and appreciated for what he does! A man needs this!! He wants admiration, you should give it to him or he may go elsewhere to meet these needs.)

"...Her husband also, and he praiseth her." ~ Proverbs 31:28

8. Some dont's, don't greet him with a problem or complaint. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this minor compared with what he might have gone through during the day. (my insert - a good way to drive away your husband is to greet him each day he comes home with a list of to-do's and complaints. He will dread coming through that door! What we do, is when my husband comes home I scream "Daddy's HOME!!!!!!" Then me and my daughter race to the door to greet him, hug him and kiss him! He says he looks forward to that moment of walking through the door!)

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her..." ~ Proverbs 31:11

9. Make him feel comfortable. Have him lean back into a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillows and offer to massage his neck and shoulders and take off his shoes. Speak in a soft, soothing, pleasant voice. Allow him to relax to unwind. (my insert - he has worked and slayed dragons so to speak for you to stay home and raise the children! Let him have his moment of solitude and relaxation, he has faced the "world" all day and wants to come home to some peace and quiet!)

"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." ~ Proverbs 31:29

10. Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." ~ Proverbs 31:26

11. Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax. (my insert - a Godly husband and wife will work together to make sure BOTH parties are happy, this includes nights when husband is tired to put aside your wants and stay home and then also nights when you want to go out, he agrees and takes you. You should prefer one another)

"Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." ~ Proverbs 31:31

12. The goal, try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit. (my insert - it should be his "castle")

"She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." ~ Proverbs 31:12

Study universal holiness of life. Your whole
usefulness depends on this, for your sermons
last but an hour or two—your life preaches all
the week. If Satan can only make a covetous
minister a lover of praise, of pleasure, of good
eating—he has ruined his ministry.

Give yourself to prayer, and get your texts, your
thoughts, your words from God. In great measure,
according to the purity and perfections of the
instrument, will be success.

It is not great talents God blesses, so much
as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is
an awesome weapon in the hand of God.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne, 1813—1843

"...what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness"

2 Peter 3:11

Holiness is a very comprehensive word, and expresses
a state of mind and conduct that includes many things.

Holiness is the work of the Spirit in our sanctification.

Holiness is the fruit of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Holiness is the operation of the new nature, which
we receive in regeneration.

Holiness may be viewed in various aspects, according
to the different objects to which it relates.

Toward God, holiness is . . .
supreme love;
delight in His moral character;
submission to His will;
obedience to His commands;
zeal for His cause;
seeking of His glory.

Toward Christ, holiness is . . .
a conformity to His example,
imbibing His spirit.

Toward man, holiness is . . .
charity,
integrity,
truth,
mercy.

Toward sin, holiness is a hatred of all iniquity,
a tender conscience easily wounded by little sins,
and scrupulously avoiding them; together with a
laborious, painful, self-denying, mortification of
all the known corruptions of our heart.

Toward self, holiness is . . .
the control of our fleshly appetites;
the eradication of our pride;
the mortification of our selfishness.

Toward divine things in general, holiness is . . .
spirituality of mind,
the habitual current of godly thought,
godly affections flowing through the soul.

And, toward the objects of the unseen world,
holiness is heavenly-mindedness, a turning away
from things seen and temporal, to things unseen
and eternal.

Oh, what a word is holiness! How much does
it comprehend! How little is it understood, and
how much less is it practiced!

J.A. James - 1846

Let the past go, and be thankful you were able to survive it.

Let the present be, and be thankful you were able to endure it.

And let the future come, being thankful that you walk with a God that will give you the strength you will need to get through it.

The signs of a flesh-pleaser or sensualist are these:

1. When a man in his desire to please his appetite, does not do it with a view to a higher end, that is to say to the preparing himself for the service of God; but does it only for the delight itself. (Of course no one does every action consciously with a view to the service of God. Nevertheless, the general manner or habit of a life spent in the service of God is absent for the flesh-pleaser.)
2. When he looks more eagerly and industriously after the prosperity of his body than of his soul.
3. When he will not refrain from his pleasures, when God forbids them, or when they hurt his soul, or when the necessities of his soul call him away from them. But he must have his delight whatever it costs him, and is so set upon it, that he cannot deny it to himself.
4. When the pleasures of his flesh exceed his delights in God, and his holy word and ways, and the expectations of endless pleasure. And this not only in the passion, but in the estimation, choice, and action. When he had rather be at a play, or feast, or other entertainment, or getting good bargains or profits in the world, than to live in the life of faith and love, which would be a holy and heavenly way of living.
5. When men set their minds to scheme and study to make provision for the pleasures of the flesh; and this is first and sweetest in their thoughts.
6. When they had rather talk, or hear, or read of fleshly pleasures, than of spiritual and heavenly delights.
7. When they love the company of merry sensualists, better than the communion of saints, in which they may be exercised in the praises of their Maker.
8. When they consider that the best place to live and work is where they have the pleasure of the flesh. They would rather be where they have things easy, and lack nothing for the body, rather than where they have far better help and provision for the soul, though the flesh be pinched for it.
9. When he will be more eager to spend money to please his flesh than to please God.
10. When he will believe or like no doctrine but "easy-believism," and hate mortification as too strict "legalism." By these, and similar signs, sensuality may easily be known; indeed, by the main bent of the life.

by Richard Baxter 1615-1691

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

It's possible for us to labor in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). It's also possible for us to labor in the flesh. We can become so wrapped up and entangled in all of our activities that we run to and fro in the energy of the flesh. We seemingly are accomplishing much, but in the eyes of God we are accomplishing nothing.

We can get so wrapped up in "serving the Lord" that we forget the Lord we are serving (Luke 10:38-42). We need to STOP and BE STILL before our God (Ps. 46:10), remembering the sobering words of our Saviour: "without Me ye can do NOTHING" (John 15:5). Out of resting and abiding in the Lord flows service for the Lord.

It is impossible to please the Lord in the flesh (Rom. 8:8), and it is a shame for the believer to walk in the flesh because "ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you" (Rom. 8:9). Except the Lord build the house (Ps. 127:1), all of our labor is vanity. We need to be careful that we count fruit as God does. A fruitful day to us may be quite unfruitful as God sees it. There's coming a day when we will discover how God counts fruit: "every man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire" (1 Cor. 3:13).

Do we include God in all our activities or do we leave Him out? Is He in all our thoughts? Do we include Him in our plans (cf. James 4:13-17)? How great is the sin of independence manifested by the attitude of heart that says, "Who needs God?" (Ps. 2:3)! HOW great is the man who has learned to be dependent and who fears doing anything if the Lord is not in it!

God has told us what He desires and demands with respect to our relationship with Himself: "for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Th. 5:16-18).

Let's test ourselves:

Is my daily walk characterized by an attitude of constant rejoicing regardless of circumstances (verse 16)?

Do I enjoy a God-consciousness and a God-awareness and a God-dependence throughout the day (verse 17)?

Do I manifest a thankful spirit regardless of what state I am in (verse 18)?

As we honor and acknowledge Christ in all our ways (Prov. 3:5-6; Col. 1:18), we can have the joy and confidence that comes from knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord! May we be sitting in His presence (Luke 10:39), standing upon His Word (1 Cor. 16:13), walking in His holiness (1 Pet. 1:14-16) and running in His service (1 Cor. 15:58), all for His glory, now and forevermore, AMEN!

Taken from Middletown Church with permission

Part IV
D) Our Part -

“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”

(Romans 16: 20)
Putting someone under your feet is showing them, forcefully, “I am better than you; stronger than you.” It is a physical affirmation of the words. Joshua and his captains of war, before killing the kings, stepped on their necks. The last thought of their lives was their sound, complete, utter, hopeless, shameful defeat. Though the description of the mind’s eye when reading this is graphic and extreme - it has to be!!
Though we live in different times - it is no less dire of circumstances in our world. The enemy is Satan and sin is his lure, trap, weapon and executioner. If you think that the days of graphic, grueling battles are over - you believe a lie of the devil. He has traded in the swords, arrows and soldiers for lust, greed, laziness and all manner of sensual or otherwise alluring temptations. They slay far more men and women with more widespread effects. If he can keep you from seeing this and fall to the lust of your heart, not a bullet - THEN he has effectively taken the sword out of your hand and the fight out of your heart. With this accomplished, he is now free to roam the kingdoms of your heart and mind and pillage as he pleases, while you are comforted by the sins you embrace.
The Christian is portrayed as weak and silent. Many who “claim” to be one live this way. This is a lie from Satan! His lies have EFFECTIVELY depleted holiness and the love of God from the world’s image of the Christian AND those who profess to be one!!! Sin is seen as an inescapable fact of life. It is downplayed in relation to the judgment of God, glorified in public and plants indifference in those who succumb to it; rather than to the Lord it undermines. Why don’t people see that Jesus Christ came to DESTROY this in their lives?!?! Why else would He have died for sin if there was nothing that could be done about it in our daily lives?
I want you, the reader, to see that if you don’t take up and maintain your battle station - the devil will run you through - and you will be left with the infection of doubt; the festering sores of worldliness and the disbelief of a Savior with the power to REMOVE sin from your life.
This brings up an interesting point. Who, then, plays the crucial and pivotal role? God? The devil? No, but they will always play their part, and at their maximum abilities. It is with us. The decision to be great, good or mediocre for God lies with us. God or Satan cannot MAKE you do ANYTHING. YOU either take and bury what God has provided you in salvation for sin, or you can let it grow “thirty, sixty or a hundredfold.”

Genesis 3: 4-5 -> Romans 5: 12 -> 1 John 3: 8 -> Ephesians 2: 4-5 -> Romans 6: 1-2, 11-12 -> John 10: 10b

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned…” “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)” “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? …Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

• This ends the series: "Battle Stations" that was written by my husband. I hope you all enjoyed it and it encouraged you in the Lord!

Part III
C) Total, Authoritative Victory -

“And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah. And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah. And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave. And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening.”

(Joshua 10: 15-17, 20a, 22, 24-26)
What a barbaric display of inhumane terrorism! Kicking these men when they were down?! Killing noble, royal men in such a cold, cruel and utter humiliating way?! What would Jesus do? Would God have wanted that? Absolutely!
I say these things not to prove the violence of war, or to preach ‘kill or be killed.’ For us, it’s really not about the slaying of kings or the conquering of lands. It is the MANNER of ACCOMPLISHMENT - the ATTITUDE of VICTORY - the bold statement of “Total, Authoritative Victory” over the enemy. It is about facing opposition to God and His plans with the absence of fear and dismay - the forsaking of sin and committal to its downfall and not stopping until God comes;

2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 -> Ephesians 6: 12 -> Romans 12: 21 -> Revelation 21: 7

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”

Part 4 Coming Next......

Part II
B) Joshua’s part -

“Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies, Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.”

(Joshua 10: 12-14)
Though God could have slain them all, He left Israel their share of the fight. After all, He HAD told THEM to go up and possess the land and destroy the inhabitants.
Joshua saw how great their victory was - yet he wanted to ensure total victory. He would not allow this opportunity that God had given them slip away into the night. He needed more time to finish the job. He didn’t ask God in prayer for more time. In complete faith he COMMANDED the sun and moon to stay still - to give light to complete their task. This is the amazing part; God obeyed the command of a man (v. 14)!!
Israel and God were soldiers together on the battlefield that day (the longest day in the history of Earth as we know it!!) They fought and worked side by side to get the job done!
Oh, the glorious and powerful truth to know in your heart, that God is with you in your struggle!!

Romans 8: 16-17 -> John 15: 15 -> John 14: 12

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”

Part 3 Coming Next.....

This is Part 1 of a series entitled: "Battle Stations" that my husband wrote and I wanted to share on my blog. There are a total of 4 parts to the series, so I will post them in the next few days, I hope you all enjoy reading "Battle Stations" and thanks honey for writing something for my blog! ; )

Battle Stations

Text: Joshua 10: 24-26 & Romans 16: 20

Joshua 10: 24-26 -

“And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.
And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.
And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them upon five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening.”

Romans 16: 20 -

“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”

Part I
The nation of Israel, led by Joshua, had fought against five kings in one battle, as described in Joshua, chapter 10. All in all, Israel had taken and slain 31 kings and taken their kingdoms (12: 1, 24) under God’s commandment (11: 23). This victory was a rather remarkable one - providing us with a very vivid picture of several indispensable historical events - especially to the modern day Christian.
These 5 kings had encamped before the people of Gibeon, who were servants to the Israelites. Gibeon had been one of their neighboring cities, which defected (deceitfully at that) to Israel in a pact to spare themselves from their oncoming invasion. So they became the target of their old allies instead. They cried out to Joshua to save them and a great battle ensued.
A) God’s part - Not only did God deliver these kings into Israel’s hand, He fought on their behalf. As Israel launched a surprise attack on these armies, they fled. While the slaughter took place, God decided to join in and cast down “great stones from heaven” (v. 10). As the might soldiers ran, imagine the earth quaking from the violent crashes of these stones. Were they humongous like cars; squashing and rolling over the enemies of God? Were they sharp edged; slicing their victims in pieces? We don’t know - all it says is that “they were more which died with the hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.” I suppose that is all that matters…
God will move many ways and He will fight if He must, for those that are His;

Exodus 15: 3 -> Isaiah 42: 13 -> Deuteronomy 20: 4

“The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.” “The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.” “For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”

Part 2 Coming Next......

(I wrote this in Oct 2006)
No matter what, if you are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, those "Giants" will come down. It has been said the bigger they are, the harder they fall. What is considered a "Giant?"

something unusually large or powerful

I don't know about you but I've had a few Giants in my life and at the time they seem so large and impossible. However it will come down......!

How about marching around your Jericho until the walls fall down? Don't give up, don't despair.........the walls will fall, the Giants will come down! How about taking your spiritual slingshot and knocking down that BIG UGLY GIANT!!!!! Get your aim right and it will happen!

What about a stronghold? Something that has its hold on you and you can't seem to break it. Don't listen to the enemy of your soul! That stronghold can be removed!

Giants......WALLS........Strongholds COME DOWN!

Walk in triumph..........walk in Victory. Shout because your giant, your walls and your strongholds are coming down. Kill that Giant! Watch that giant come thundering down to the ground! Watch those walls come shattering down into pieces! Watch those cords of that stronghold be ripped apart!!!!! PRAISE GOD AND SHOUT! It is coming down.........you have won!

This is continued from yesterday's post.

That which the older women were to teach the younger women is given in the next section,

"The Younger Christian Woman"

The older women were to teach (admonish, train) the younger women in the following:

1. to love (phileo) their husbands (it’s not a matter of falling in love but it’s a matter of LEARNING to LOVE). “It includes the myriad ways in which she can show that she really respects him—by acknowledging his headship in the home, by making no major decisions apart from him, by keeping an orderly home, by paying attention to personal appearance, by living within their means, by confessing promptly, by forgiving graciously, by keeping the lines of communication always open, by refraining from criticizing or contradicting her husband in front of others and by being supportive when things go wrong” (W. MacDonald)
   
2. to love (phileo) their children: “by reading and praying with them, by being at home when they return from school or play, by disciplining firmly and fairly, and by molding them for the Lord’s service rather than for the world” (MacDonald)
3. discreet (sober-minded, self-controlled, see the same word in v.2-“temperate”)
4. chaste (pure, faithful to their husbands and avoiding impurity in thought, word and action)
5. keepers at home (working at home, domestic): “Older women should inculcate the high honor of serving the Lord in the home as a wife and mother rather than working in industry and business in such a way that would neglect the home and family” (MacDonald)
6. good (how to live for others, to be hospitable, gracious, generous, not self-centered)
7. obedient to their own husbands. All of this so that “the Word of God be not blasphemed” (be spoken against; lit. “injurious speech”). This is the opposite of v.10 where God’s doctrine is adorned. Depending on how we live, God’s truth will either be adorned or blasphemed.

In this weekend's service, the role of the older Christian woman was discussed. It was told how she was to teach the younger women and one of the things was to be a keeper at home! I wanted to share more on the role of the older Christian woman and taking quotes (with permission) from Middletown Church on the subject.

Titus 2:3-5

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 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, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

The older women were instructed to be in behavior as becometh holiness (to behave as a holy person, to be reverent in deportment, reverent in behavior, not giddy women whose hearts are centered in frivolous matters), not slanderers (this is actually the word “devil,”–the older women are not to go around as “little devils” hurling false charges and misrepresentations and engaging in malicious gossip), not given (enslaved) to much wine (indeed, not enslaved by any food, drink or medicine).

The older women were to be “teachers of good things.” These women are older. They have learned many things just through experience (“the school of hard knocks”) and they ought to be able to teach and benefit others from what they have learned over the years. Their teaching is to be especially directed at the younger women. The years of being in God’s Word and learning from practical experience enables these older women to pass on valuable counsel to young women, young wives and young mothers. [General Principle–Any wise young person will cultivate the friendship of GODLY older believers and solicit their advice and correction.]

Looking at the Godly women God has placed in my life. They are women who stand out and their life backs up their words! They don't just teach one thing and do another. They are industrious, always smiling and ready to give encouragement. I'm so thankful for Godly Christian women to look up to and learn from as the Bible instructs!

I'm nearing the age of 30 and I "used" to think that was old LOL. Not any more though as it draws nearer. There is still so much I must learn but God has placed these women in my life to instruct and guide me along the way as to what a real Godly woman is. I long to become such an example later on in life to teach others that come after me, such as my daughter. May God have his perfect work in my life, so that I too can become in behaviour as becometh holiness.

This study is continued HERE.

Let's walk into a bank. You walk in and notice that the people are dressed nicely, they greet you and say hello and are courteous to you. There is an order of business here, they process transactions and handle money in a way they were taught that it is to be done. They learned what they had to learn because it was their job and if they didn't do it, they would no longer work there.

The bank owner wants to present to his customers; customer service. This includes being treated nicely as you do business in his bank. He will not allow his employees to dress sloppy, why? They are representatives of his bank. They are examples and reflect on the bank itself. If they don't and he finds out about it, they will be removed from their position.

Do you see something in all this that corresponds in a spiritual nature?

We are representatives of someone far greater, Jesus Christ. We are ambassadors of Christ! We should present to the world Christ and all that he is. We go by his book, and if we don't he will not accept us. He gave us the Bible as our guidebook; an instruction manual of life.

What kind of ambassador are you? Are you promoting Christ in a good way? Do your words, actions and LIFE portray the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Or do others see you acting like the world and dressing like them? Do they see you laughing at dirty jokes? Do they see you let another curse word "slip"?

Who are you representing? Is it Christ? Or is it satan? Others are watching.........You are shining for your Master, whoever that may be. Or as I heard some kids saying ........you're "reprezentin" LOL

What does the word represent mean?

Here are some definitions:

to bring clearly before the mind; serve as a sign or symbol of; to portray; depict; to form an image of in the mind

Are you really serving as a sign or symbol of Jesus Christ? Do you form that image in the mind of others of what Jesus is? Being a Christian is simply being Christ-like. We need to be the best representatives we can be for our Saviour, Jesus Christ.