"...[Ruth] went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter."
Ruth knew her life with Naomi would not be easy, but she settled into it without complaint. Soon after they arrived in Israel, Ruth offered to work harvesting grain in order to provide for herself and her mother-in-law (v. 2).
She worked diligently, swallowing her pride and probably taking some personal risk (v. 9). Her only desire was to feed her small family, but others noticed her dedication and she was rewarded for it (v. 7-16).
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Ruth 1:16-17
But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried..."
I think it is important to note that in this passage, which is often read at wedding ceremonies, Ruth was not talking to her husband but rather to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Widowed Naomi was heading back to her homeland and urged Ruth, also widowed, to stay where she was, among her own people, and remarry.
Here, though, we see in Ruth one of the qualities that must have drawn Boaz, her second husband, to her. Ruth's statement was one of complete self-sacrifice. She was willing to leave all she knew - her home, her family, her religion, her customs, her friends - to take care of Naomi. She would now be the foreigner, subject to racial prejudices. She was willing to face a life of poverty - for she and Naomi had nothing - and uncertainty. Her life with Naomi would not be easy, for Naomi's life was no longer filled with joy, and she quite possibly was dealing with depression (1:20-21). Ruth knew she would have to work hard to provide for the two of them, and yet she went willingly and with determination.
How tempting it is to take the easy route. We love to stay in our comfort zones rather than risk the unknown. But Ruth sacrificed all that to care for Naomi, not out of obligation (for Naomi had freed her from that, v. 8-9), but out of love.
I think it is important to note that in this passage, which is often read at wedding ceremonies, Ruth was not talking to her husband but rather to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Widowed Naomi was heading back to her homeland and urged Ruth, also widowed, to stay where she was, among her own people, and remarry.
Here, though, we see in Ruth one of the qualities that must have drawn Boaz, her second husband, to her. Ruth's statement was one of complete self-sacrifice. She was willing to leave all she knew - her home, her family, her religion, her customs, her friends - to take care of Naomi. She would now be the foreigner, subject to racial prejudices. She was willing to face a life of poverty - for she and Naomi had nothing - and uncertainty. Her life with Naomi would not be easy, for Naomi's life was no longer filled with joy, and she quite possibly was dealing with depression (1:20-21). Ruth knew she would have to work hard to provide for the two of them, and yet she went willingly and with determination.
How tempting it is to take the easy route. We love to stay in our comfort zones rather than risk the unknown. But Ruth sacrificed all that to care for Naomi, not out of obligation (for Naomi had freed her from that, v. 8-9), but out of love.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Judges 16:15-17a
Then [Delilah] said to [Samson], "How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven't told me the secret of your great strength." With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. So he told her everything.
Delilah and Samson weren't exactly married, but far too many wives have followed her example. We don't get our way, so we turn to manipulation.
We say "If you really loved me..."
We pout or cry.
We nag.
We compare our husbands to somebody else's.
We withhold (or offer) sex.
We try to win others to our side.
Any of this sound familiar? Basically what it all boils down to is that we don't respect our husband's decisions nor his position as head of the house. I think of Ashley Wilkes in Gone With the Wind, when his not-so secret admirer Scarlett is trying to convince him to move to Atlanta. He refuses, so Scarlett turns on the tears. Ashley's wife, Melanie, hears Scarlett crying and comes to her defense, not her husband's. Melanie then shames Ashley into agreeing to the move. Defeated and broken, Ashley sighs, "Alright, Melanie. We'll move to Atlanta. I can't fight you both." The women may have won the fight, but was it really worth winning?
Our husbands need our respect. There is room in a healthy marriage for discussion and fair consideration of both sides, and differences of opinion should be dealt with openly and honestly. But cunning manipulation is no way to get what one wants.
Delilah and Samson weren't exactly married, but far too many wives have followed her example. We don't get our way, so we turn to manipulation.
We say "If you really loved me..."
We pout or cry.
We nag.
We compare our husbands to somebody else's.
We withhold (or offer) sex.
We try to win others to our side.
Any of this sound familiar? Basically what it all boils down to is that we don't respect our husband's decisions nor his position as head of the house. I think of Ashley Wilkes in Gone With the Wind, when his not-so secret admirer Scarlett is trying to convince him to move to Atlanta. He refuses, so Scarlett turns on the tears. Ashley's wife, Melanie, hears Scarlett crying and comes to her defense, not her husband's. Melanie then shames Ashley into agreeing to the move. Defeated and broken, Ashley sighs, "Alright, Melanie. We'll move to Atlanta. I can't fight you both." The women may have won the fight, but was it really worth winning?
Our husbands need our respect. There is room in a healthy marriage for discussion and fair consideration of both sides, and differences of opinion should be dealt with openly and honestly. But cunning manipulation is no way to get what one wants.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Judges 13:8
Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: "O Lord, I beg You, let the man of God You sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."
As I write this, my two children are on mission trips far from home - my older daughter is in Nicaragua and my younger one is in Nepal. I have been through many mixed emotions in the past ten months or so since we first started thinking about these trips, but there is one thing I have been confident about - that God would be with my girls no matter what.
Long before they were born, God had them in their hands. He knit them together and is familiar with all their ways (Psalm 139). My husband and I have done what we could, often by trial and error. But ultimately they are who they are because of Jesus Christ.
How wonderful to know that God does not intend for us to parent our children alone! There is such a peace in knowing that He answers every prayer we lift up for our children. His Word is the perfect parenting manual.
Spend time with your husband daily asking God for wisdom in raising the children He has entrusted to you.
As I write this, my two children are on mission trips far from home - my older daughter is in Nicaragua and my younger one is in Nepal. I have been through many mixed emotions in the past ten months or so since we first started thinking about these trips, but there is one thing I have been confident about - that God would be with my girls no matter what.
Long before they were born, God had them in their hands. He knit them together and is familiar with all their ways (Psalm 139). My husband and I have done what we could, often by trial and error. But ultimately they are who they are because of Jesus Christ.
How wonderful to know that God does not intend for us to parent our children alone! There is such a peace in knowing that He answers every prayer we lift up for our children. His Word is the perfect parenting manual.
Spend time with your husband daily asking God for wisdom in raising the children He has entrusted to you.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Joshua 24:15
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Regardless of what our parents believed, or the environment in which we now live, God gives each one of us this choice.
Whom are you and your household going to serve?
Regardless of what our parents believed, or the environment in which we now live, God gives each one of us this choice.
Whom are you and your household going to serve?
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Joshua 21:45
Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
It's not always easy being a godly wife. How do we keep a holy home in a fallen world? Thankfully, we're not in this alone.
Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
I John 5:14 This is the assurance we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Isaiah 43:1-2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Matthew 28:20 And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
It's not always easy being a godly wife. How do we keep a holy home in a fallen world? Thankfully, we're not in this alone.
Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
I John 5:14 This is the assurance we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Isaiah 43:1-2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Matthew 28:20 And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Joshua 7:24-25
Then Joshua...took Achan...his sons and daughters...and all that he had...Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them.
(Not familiar with Achan's story? Please read the entire chapter. And while you're at it, go back and read Joshua 6:15-19, too.)
We really don't like the word sin, do we? We struggle with pride, mess up and tell a lie or two, have a bout of out of control temper, slip and say a bad word, fail at our marriage vows, neglect to show kindness or forgiveness, and overall have occasional lapses in judgment. But sin? That's such a harsh word. And it comes across as so judgmental.
Here's one of the things I learn from Achan's story - whatever we want to call it, sin is a big deal to God. So Achan took some things that he shouldn't have - did he deserve to be stoned? Well, God said, "Don't...". Achan did anyways. That's sin. Never forget that God takes sin very seriously. Never think it doesn't really matter. It does. After all, our sin cost God's Son His life.
Another thing Achan's story shows us is that we are not the only ones who bear the consequences of our sin. Achan's entire family suffered and was destroyed because of it. The ramifications of sin spread far beyond the offender, and it is often those closest to us who suffer the most.
If you are dealing with sin, bring it to the light. Confess it - first to God and then to your spouse and family. Don't destroy those you love.
The beautiful thing is that, while God is certainly a just God, He is also gracious and merciful. I John 1:9 says that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." What a wonderful promise! Read Joshua 7:26. Now read Hosea 2:15. God doesn't want us to be destroyed. He wants to give us hope.
(Not familiar with Achan's story? Please read the entire chapter. And while you're at it, go back and read Joshua 6:15-19, too.)
We really don't like the word sin, do we? We struggle with pride, mess up and tell a lie or two, have a bout of out of control temper, slip and say a bad word, fail at our marriage vows, neglect to show kindness or forgiveness, and overall have occasional lapses in judgment. But sin? That's such a harsh word. And it comes across as so judgmental.
Here's one of the things I learn from Achan's story - whatever we want to call it, sin is a big deal to God. So Achan took some things that he shouldn't have - did he deserve to be stoned? Well, God said, "Don't...". Achan did anyways. That's sin. Never forget that God takes sin very seriously. Never think it doesn't really matter. It does. After all, our sin cost God's Son His life.
Another thing Achan's story shows us is that we are not the only ones who bear the consequences of our sin. Achan's entire family suffered and was destroyed because of it. The ramifications of sin spread far beyond the offender, and it is often those closest to us who suffer the most.
If you are dealing with sin, bring it to the light. Confess it - first to God and then to your spouse and family. Don't destroy those you love.
The beautiful thing is that, while God is certainly a just God, He is also gracious and merciful. I John 1:9 says that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." What a wonderful promise! Read Joshua 7:26. Now read Hosea 2:15. God doesn't want us to be destroyed. He wants to give us hope.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Exodus 17:12
...When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady until sunset...
Allow me to backtrack a little bit...this story has been on my heart today. I love this story (read it in its entirety!). What a wonderful reminder, not only of how awesome God is, but of how we need to support our leaders.
In the home this means our husbands need our support. We can be like Aaron and Hur, standing by his side and not letting him falter. We need to pray for our husbands, encourage them (both privately and publicly), lend our strength when they feel tired and weak. God intended us to go through life's highs and lows together. Be your husband's Aaron and Hur.
Allow me to backtrack a little bit...this story has been on my heart today. I love this story (read it in its entirety!). What a wonderful reminder, not only of how awesome God is, but of how we need to support our leaders.
In the home this means our husbands need our support. We can be like Aaron and Hur, standing by his side and not letting him falter. We need to pray for our husbands, encourage them (both privately and publicly), lend our strength when they feel tired and weak. God intended us to go through life's highs and lows together. Be your husband's Aaron and Hur.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Leviticus 19:2
"Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy."
I'm not going to keep going verse by verse through the books of the Law (although I'd encourage everyone to do so at some point). The laws God gave the Israelites served many purposes - health, hygiene, justice, worship - but ultimately they can be summed up with this verse. Holiness.
To be holy means to be set apart. God doesn't want His people to look and act like the rest of the world. He wants us to be set apart for His purposes. We are to be in the world, not of it.
What does holiness look like within the context of marriage? Well, television can show us what it should not be. Sitcoms show husbands as helpless buffoons, with smart-mouthed wives actually running the show. Dramas show infidelity as a common occurance. And "reality" TV thrives on conflict. Is this what we want our marriages to be? It's certainly not what God wants.
Holiness in the home can include, among other things
- prayer and Bible study, individually, as a couple, and as a family
- forgiveness (which means we don't bring up, for the next twenty years, "Remember the time you...")
- not speaking negatively about your husband or marriage to other people
- genuine thankfulness and appreciation
- a servant's attitude (marriage isn't 50/50 - it's doing more than your share because you love your spouse)
- respect, both inside and outside the home
- the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control
This is what I want my home to look like. I don't want the world's version of marriage. I want a home that reflects God and His Word.
I'm not going to keep going verse by verse through the books of the Law (although I'd encourage everyone to do so at some point). The laws God gave the Israelites served many purposes - health, hygiene, justice, worship - but ultimately they can be summed up with this verse. Holiness.
To be holy means to be set apart. God doesn't want His people to look and act like the rest of the world. He wants us to be set apart for His purposes. We are to be in the world, not of it.
What does holiness look like within the context of marriage? Well, television can show us what it should not be. Sitcoms show husbands as helpless buffoons, with smart-mouthed wives actually running the show. Dramas show infidelity as a common occurance. And "reality" TV thrives on conflict. Is this what we want our marriages to be? It's certainly not what God wants.
Holiness in the home can include, among other things
- prayer and Bible study, individually, as a couple, and as a family
- forgiveness (which means we don't bring up, for the next twenty years, "Remember the time you...")
- not speaking negatively about your husband or marriage to other people
- genuine thankfulness and appreciation
- a servant's attitude (marriage isn't 50/50 - it's doing more than your share because you love your spouse)
- respect, both inside and outside the home
- the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control
This is what I want my home to look like. I don't want the world's version of marriage. I want a home that reflects God and His Word.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Exodus 20:17
You shall not covet your neighbor's house...
Look around us. God has blessed us immeasurably. He has given us Jesus, and grace that we never could have earned. If that was all He did, we'd be set for eternity. And yet He's given us so much more. So why do we (and yes, I'm including myself in here) look at others and sigh? She's got such a nice car/furniture/wardrobe. She takes a cruise every year. She juggles work and family like it's no problem at all. Her children are always so well-behaved. Her husband is so attentive...and the list goes on.
The Bible tells us to be content. Instead of coveting what others have, look at what we have and be grateful. Not only is coveting a sin, but it can cause problems in our marriage. I once came back from visiting a friend and commented, "She has a beautiful house." My husband took offense, assuming I was dissatisfied with what he was able to provide. Our husbands take our wishful thinking personally. Tell God - and your husband - often how thankful you are for what they provide.
Look around us. God has blessed us immeasurably. He has given us Jesus, and grace that we never could have earned. If that was all He did, we'd be set for eternity. And yet He's given us so much more. So why do we (and yes, I'm including myself in here) look at others and sigh? She's got such a nice car/furniture/wardrobe. She takes a cruise every year. She juggles work and family like it's no problem at all. Her children are always so well-behaved. Her husband is so attentive...and the list goes on.
The Bible tells us to be content. Instead of coveting what others have, look at what we have and be grateful. Not only is coveting a sin, but it can cause problems in our marriage. I once came back from visiting a friend and commented, "She has a beautiful house." My husband took offense, assuming I was dissatisfied with what he was able to provide. Our husbands take our wishful thinking personally. Tell God - and your husband - often how thankful you are for what they provide.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Exodus 20:16
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
Oh, how we love to make ourselves look good. And we women tend to do it by tearing others down. We spread rumors without bothering to check the facts.
Choose your words carefully. Is it true? And even if it is, does it need to be said? Let's honor God - and our husbands - with thoughtful speech.
Oh, how we love to make ourselves look good. And we women tend to do it by tearing others down. We spread rumors without bothering to check the facts.
Choose your words carefully. Is it true? And even if it is, does it need to be said? Let's honor God - and our husbands - with thoughtful speech.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Exodus 20:15
You shall not steal.
I've been thinking a lot about this Commandment the past few days. Most of us probably wouldn't go into a store or a bank and steal something outright. But what about the little things we do that "don't really count", kind of like little white lies?
Do we ever neglect to let a store know when we've been undercharged, or given too much change? Do we fail to feed the parking meter because we'll only be there for a few minutes, and most likely won't be caught? Do we take credit for something that really should be due to somebody else? What about time? When we are late and make other people wait, we're taking their time - something that cannot be replaced.
Integrity is a vital thing. We need to be honest and upright in everything we do.
I've been thinking a lot about this Commandment the past few days. Most of us probably wouldn't go into a store or a bank and steal something outright. But what about the little things we do that "don't really count", kind of like little white lies?
Do we ever neglect to let a store know when we've been undercharged, or given too much change? Do we fail to feed the parking meter because we'll only be there for a few minutes, and most likely won't be caught? Do we take credit for something that really should be due to somebody else? What about time? When we are late and make other people wait, we're taking their time - something that cannot be replaced.
Integrity is a vital thing. We need to be honest and upright in everything we do.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit adultery.
Why is this so important to God? Ephesians 5 says marriage is a symbol of Christ and the Church. In being faithful to our husbands, we are modeling faithfulness to God.
Why is this so important to God? Ephesians 5 says marriage is a symbol of Christ and the Church. In being faithful to our husbands, we are modeling faithfulness to God.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.
Pretty straightforward, isn't it? One of the easiest commandments to keep. But in Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus goes so far as to equate anger and hatred with murder. Ouch - that's hitting a little closer to home.
This is why love is so important. Our homes should be filled with love. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (I Peter 4:8)
Pretty straightforward, isn't it? One of the easiest commandments to keep. But in Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus goes so far as to equate anger and hatred with murder. Ouch - that's hitting a little closer to home.
This is why love is so important. Our homes should be filled with love. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (I Peter 4:8)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother...
This is not a command that becomes invalid once we move out of the house. Our parents will always be our parents, and as adults we are to show them honor. Once we are married this includes in-laws as well.
This can take many shapes and forms, but what it comes down to is respecting them, recognizing their roles, valuing their wisdom, and showing them love. In some families this may not be easy. Some parents do little to earn that respect. But we are to still honor their position as our parents. Choose your words carefully when talking with them, or when talking to others about them. Perhaps the parents have reached the stage when much is demanded of you by way of taking care of them. This can be exhausting. But remember that one day you and your husband could be in that position. When you lovingly care for a parent or in-law who can no longer take care of themselves, you are living God's love. Showing honor to a parent, especially when it is difficult, is a beautiful testimony to others.
This is not a command that becomes invalid once we move out of the house. Our parents will always be our parents, and as adults we are to show them honor. Once we are married this includes in-laws as well.
This can take many shapes and forms, but what it comes down to is respecting them, recognizing their roles, valuing their wisdom, and showing them love. In some families this may not be easy. Some parents do little to earn that respect. But we are to still honor their position as our parents. Choose your words carefully when talking with them, or when talking to others about them. Perhaps the parents have reached the stage when much is demanded of you by way of taking care of them. This can be exhausting. But remember that one day you and your husband could be in that position. When you lovingly care for a parent or in-law who can no longer take care of themselves, you are living God's love. Showing honor to a parent, especially when it is difficult, is a beautiful testimony to others.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Exodus 20:8
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy...
What do Sundays look like at your house? If they're anything like mine, they start with chaos - waking everybody up, ironing clothes, yelling at the child who's not up yet, running around trying to find shoes that match, threatening the child who's still not up...And after church, a rush to make the lunch that I had spent part of the sermon time trying to decide on, followed by laundry, errands, nagging the kids to do homework, and whatever else needs to get done before Monday gets here.
We often say there's just not enough time. Truth is, there is. We're all given the same amount of time. How we use it is the issue. Wouldn't it be nice to have a day once in awhile to just sit and enjoy our families? To play games, go for a walk, take a nap (seriously - Sunday afternoon naps are the best!), read a book? We all wish for days like that. God gives them to us, and not just once in awhile. Once a week!
How much more pleasant would our homes and families be if we spent a little extra effort on Saturday finishing up those tasks? If we set out our clothes for Sunday morning and made Sunday dinner so that all we'd have to do is pop it in the microwave and then sit down at the already set table? If we used paper plates so we wouldn't even have to do dishes? A day every week to relax, reflect, and spend some extra time with God?
Some people say that the idea of a Sabbath is an Old Testament thing. Do we say that about the other nine Commandments? This is not a suggestion that God made - it's a command. And just as we might tell a toddler that they have to take a nap because we know it's good for them, God knew this would be good for us.
Plan ahead a bit (it's not that hard once you get into the habit of it) and start honoring the Sabbath. It truly is a blessing.
What do Sundays look like at your house? If they're anything like mine, they start with chaos - waking everybody up, ironing clothes, yelling at the child who's not up yet, running around trying to find shoes that match, threatening the child who's still not up...And after church, a rush to make the lunch that I had spent part of the sermon time trying to decide on, followed by laundry, errands, nagging the kids to do homework, and whatever else needs to get done before Monday gets here.
We often say there's just not enough time. Truth is, there is. We're all given the same amount of time. How we use it is the issue. Wouldn't it be nice to have a day once in awhile to just sit and enjoy our families? To play games, go for a walk, take a nap (seriously - Sunday afternoon naps are the best!), read a book? We all wish for days like that. God gives them to us, and not just once in awhile. Once a week!
How much more pleasant would our homes and families be if we spent a little extra effort on Saturday finishing up those tasks? If we set out our clothes for Sunday morning and made Sunday dinner so that all we'd have to do is pop it in the microwave and then sit down at the already set table? If we used paper plates so we wouldn't even have to do dishes? A day every week to relax, reflect, and spend some extra time with God?
Some people say that the idea of a Sabbath is an Old Testament thing. Do we say that about the other nine Commandments? This is not a suggestion that God made - it's a command. And just as we might tell a toddler that they have to take a nap because we know it's good for them, God knew this would be good for us.
Plan ahead a bit (it's not that hard once you get into the habit of it) and start honoring the Sabbath. It truly is a blessing.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Exodus 20:7
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God...
It's sad that the use of God's name as a curse word has become so prevalent in our society. Even children's TV shows use it frequently. It's gotten so that nobody even blinks an eye when they hear it.
God's name is to be honored. His name is holy. His name is above all else. It should never be reduced to trendy textspeak.
I believe there is another meaning here, too. I think this commandment also means that we are not to misrepresent God. When we claim to be Christians yet live lives of hypocrisy, we are misusing the name of the Lord our God. Jesus was harshest on those who claimed to be God's people and yet did not walk in His ways. If you are a child of God, make sure your words and your actions reflect that, both in your home and outside of it.
It's sad that the use of God's name as a curse word has become so prevalent in our society. Even children's TV shows use it frequently. It's gotten so that nobody even blinks an eye when they hear it.
God's name is to be honored. His name is holy. His name is above all else. It should never be reduced to trendy textspeak.
I believe there is another meaning here, too. I think this commandment also means that we are not to misrepresent God. When we claim to be Christians yet live lives of hypocrisy, we are misusing the name of the Lord our God. Jesus was harshest on those who claimed to be God's people and yet did not walk in His ways. If you are a child of God, make sure your words and your actions reflect that, both in your home and outside of it.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Exodus 20:3-4
You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol...
"No other gods" - that means Buddha, Baal, or Zeus, right? Well, yes. But it also means the TV, your weight-loss regimen, money, or your spouse. Nothing and no one should ever come before God in our lives.
I see Facebook statuses that say "Share if your husband (or child) is the most important thing in the world to you". I'm not presuming to know the heart of those who post these and similar messages. But as for me, I won't do it. Should your husband be a priority? Absolutely. Should he be the priority? Absolutely not.
God first. Always.
"No other gods" - that means Buddha, Baal, or Zeus, right? Well, yes. But it also means the TV, your weight-loss regimen, money, or your spouse. Nothing and no one should ever come before God in our lives.
I see Facebook statuses that say "Share if your husband (or child) is the most important thing in the world to you". I'm not presuming to know the heart of those who post these and similar messages. But as for me, I won't do it. Should your husband be a priority? Absolutely. Should he be the priority? Absolutely not.
God first. Always.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Exodus 15:20
Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tamborines and dancing.
God tells us to worship Him. In fact, seven times in the Psalms we are told to "make a joyful noise" unto the Lord. It seems sad that we have to be told to do this, it should come naturally. But for some of us - myself included - it doesn't.
I love Bible study, the meatier the better. I'm really big on prayer. And I love hearing about awesome things that God has done. But singing just isn't me. In my mind, worship time at church is something we do to fill time before the sermon, and I'd be fine with cutting out a song or two. I'm not an outwardly expressive kind of person, and the introvert in me would rather spend time in quiet contemplation.
I'm thankful that God has gifted some with the spirit of praise. It's good to be reminded that we are to bless the Lord at all times (Psalm 34).
God tells us to worship Him. In fact, seven times in the Psalms we are told to "make a joyful noise" unto the Lord. It seems sad that we have to be told to do this, it should come naturally. But for some of us - myself included - it doesn't.
I love Bible study, the meatier the better. I'm really big on prayer. And I love hearing about awesome things that God has done. But singing just isn't me. In my mind, worship time at church is something we do to fill time before the sermon, and I'd be fine with cutting out a song or two. I'm not an outwardly expressive kind of person, and the introvert in me would rather spend time in quiet contemplation.
I'm thankful that God has gifted some with the spirit of praise. It's good to be reminded that we are to bless the Lord at all times (Psalm 34).
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Exodus 4:24-25
At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son's foreskin and touched Moses' feet with it. "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me," she said. So the Lord let him alone.
Okay, I'll say it - as a 21st century Gentile, I find this story just plain strange. It's hard to understand in today's culture. And so my interpretation of the story may be way off its original intent, but here's what I get out of it...
God had commanded that all Hebrew males be circumcised (Genesis 17:12). Moses undoubtably knew this, and yet he had failed - or refused - to circumcise his son. Either way, it was disobedience. Some say this may have been Zipporah's doing, as it was not a Midianite custom. But ultimately it was Moses, as head of the house, who was responsible for the decision. Moses' failure to obey God's command could have been a great stumbling block in his effectiveness against Pharaoh, and God was displeased with his sin.
What does that mean today? It is sometimes difficult to know just what to do when our husbands sin. We know we shouldn't nag. We also know the Bible says we are to submit to our husbands. In light of all that, what are we to do when they are living in disobedience to God's will, especially if it is something hidden from the eyes of others? Is it our role as wives to call them out on their sin?
I believe the answer is yes. Sin destroys our relationship with God, and will ultimately lead to destruction. It hampers our ministry in the home, in the church, and in the world. We are not to forget that we are our husband's sister in Christ and as such we are called to admonish one another. Sometimes with a few wise words, sometimes actions are needed to remove the temptation from their path, sometimes we need to seek the help of a pastor, a counselor, or a godly friend. But we should always respond with prayer. Pray the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) for your husband regularly. Help be his defense against the attacks of the evil one.
Okay, I'll say it - as a 21st century Gentile, I find this story just plain strange. It's hard to understand in today's culture. And so my interpretation of the story may be way off its original intent, but here's what I get out of it...
God had commanded that all Hebrew males be circumcised (Genesis 17:12). Moses undoubtably knew this, and yet he had failed - or refused - to circumcise his son. Either way, it was disobedience. Some say this may have been Zipporah's doing, as it was not a Midianite custom. But ultimately it was Moses, as head of the house, who was responsible for the decision. Moses' failure to obey God's command could have been a great stumbling block in his effectiveness against Pharaoh, and God was displeased with his sin.
What does that mean today? It is sometimes difficult to know just what to do when our husbands sin. We know we shouldn't nag. We also know the Bible says we are to submit to our husbands. In light of all that, what are we to do when they are living in disobedience to God's will, especially if it is something hidden from the eyes of others? Is it our role as wives to call them out on their sin?
I believe the answer is yes. Sin destroys our relationship with God, and will ultimately lead to destruction. It hampers our ministry in the home, in the church, and in the world. We are not to forget that we are our husband's sister in Christ and as such we are called to admonish one another. Sometimes with a few wise words, sometimes actions are needed to remove the temptation from their path, sometimes we need to seek the help of a pastor, a counselor, or a godly friend. But we should always respond with prayer. Pray the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) for your husband regularly. Help be his defense against the attacks of the evil one.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Exodus 2:3
But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.
Moses' mother, Jochebed, is a beautiful model of faith in action. A slave in Egypt, she didn't bemoan her state and wait for things to get better. She didn't grow bitter about the unfairness of her life. She didn't complain to her husband and expect him to fix the situation. Jochebed saw what needed to be done and, with an incredible amount of faith, did it.
As a mother, I would do anything I could to protect my children. When my girls are threatened, mama bear comes roaring and I come out fighting. But Jochebed didn't do that. She didn't fight. I think it's fair to assume she prayed. Jochebed was of the house of Levi, the tribe that would later be set apart for priestly service. Hebrews 11:23 tells us, "By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict." It takes courage to defy a king, especially a king so ruthless he would kill innocent babies. What would Pharaoh do to a slave who flat-out disobeyed his orders? But Jochebed and her husband trusted God and hid their infant son.
It takes wisdom to come up with a plan to protect that baby once he grew too big to hide. And to hide him in the open, on a river filled with barges, hippos, and crocodiles, required absolute trust that God's plan was bigger than hers.
I think she must have known that Moses was hidden near where the princess bathed. And here again was another risk - would the princess have mercy, or would she be as cruel as her father? But Jochebed took the chance and surrendered her son to God's protection.
God blessed her faithfulness by allowing her to hold her son in her arms and watch him grow (v. 9). She continued to impact her child's life and, undoubtably, teach him about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He also indirectly used her to bless the nation of Israel, as her actions saved the life of the one who would later lead his people out of slavery.
Moses' mother, Jochebed, is a beautiful model of faith in action. A slave in Egypt, she didn't bemoan her state and wait for things to get better. She didn't grow bitter about the unfairness of her life. She didn't complain to her husband and expect him to fix the situation. Jochebed saw what needed to be done and, with an incredible amount of faith, did it.
As a mother, I would do anything I could to protect my children. When my girls are threatened, mama bear comes roaring and I come out fighting. But Jochebed didn't do that. She didn't fight. I think it's fair to assume she prayed. Jochebed was of the house of Levi, the tribe that would later be set apart for priestly service. Hebrews 11:23 tells us, "By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict." It takes courage to defy a king, especially a king so ruthless he would kill innocent babies. What would Pharaoh do to a slave who flat-out disobeyed his orders? But Jochebed and her husband trusted God and hid their infant son.
It takes wisdom to come up with a plan to protect that baby once he grew too big to hide. And to hide him in the open, on a river filled with barges, hippos, and crocodiles, required absolute trust that God's plan was bigger than hers.
I think she must have known that Moses was hidden near where the princess bathed. And here again was another risk - would the princess have mercy, or would she be as cruel as her father? But Jochebed took the chance and surrendered her son to God's protection.
God blessed her faithfulness by allowing her to hold her son in her arms and watch him grow (v. 9). She continued to impact her child's life and, undoubtably, teach him about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He also indirectly used her to bless the nation of Israel, as her actions saved the life of the one who would later lead his people out of slavery.
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