A Daily Recitation

Recently, while reading through Psalms, I discovered a beautiful verse that I'd somehow overlooked previously. Today, I want to share with you a verse of a psalm that I hope to implement into my daily meditation and prayer in hopes that you will join me.

In July of 2011, I married the man of my dreams. That evening, Robert and I stood before a crowd of people and vowed to honor, cherish, and love each other until death parts us. Would our relationship be what it needed to be if we did not implement those vows into our daily lives? Of course not! Saying something one time doesn't make it stick; instead, we must daily admonish each other and daily proclaim our love and devotion to one another. That's what makes our relationship close.

In the same way, it is so fitting for us to renew, day by day, our commitment to our Lord and Maker. That is why I love this verse, because it does just that.

"I will love You, O LORD, My Strength." Psalm 18:1

How simple and easy. No frills, no fuss; just a pledge of love and devotion from the created to the mighty Creator.

Join me, won't you, in making this verse a part of your daily life. It isn't enough to be baptized once for the remission of our sins and then never proclaim to our God that we love Him! Instead, we must daily tell our Strength that we adore Him. Much like a marriage relationship would suffer if 'I love you's' weren't spoken, so our relationship with our God will suffer should we not purposefully communicate our love to Him.

It is so easy to get caught up in asking God for what we need. It is so easy to beg God to heal the sick and and keep us safe. It is so easy to beg for forgiveness and focus on ourselves. Purpose, today and every day, to dedicate at least a few moments of your day to recite these words, and tell your God how much you love Him. And don't only tell Him you do, promise you will always. Promise to stay committed. Promise to stay true.

Promise that you will love Him, today and forevermore.

Must-Tell Monday: Husband Edition

I feel that this post has been a long time coming, and if you aren't in the mood for sappy or gushy or the like, you should probably abort this post immediately. =)

For nearly a year a half, I have been married to the most remarkable man in the universe. Every single day of that year and a half I have been more proud of him than I ever thought possible, and instead of simply telling him about it in the same old ways all of the time, I thought I would share some of those ways with you.

1: Robert is incredibly passionate. He has often remarked to me that 'if you can do something other than preach, you should'. I am so thankful that he can't do anything but preach (not that he doesn't have talents--we'll get to that later). There is no other occupation that Robert would rather have, because he loves serving our God more than anything. From the outside looking in, people often ask us if we spend enough time together or if he takes enough time off or if he rests, etc. etc. But I know my husband, and I know that he works as much as he does and as hard as he does because he is oh-so-passionate. I am ok with not being his first love, because I want him to love God more than he loves me. And one of the things I love most about him is that he has such a zeal and a light in his eye when he talks about doing the Lord's work. I am so blessed to be married to a man who loves God so much and is so dedicated to serving Him.

2: He loves me so well. Don't get crazy thinking that Robert doesn't spend enough time with me because he's so passionate about his work. He is always making sure that I am taken care of, that my needs are met, and that I have anything and everything my heart desires. He is so good about making sure I'm not left home alone too much or that I don't have to do all the work around the house by myself. He is always looking out for me and putting my needs above his own. I know there are days when he'd rather just kick back and relax, but he'll come right in and take the trash out for me or ask me if he can help with supper. He also urges me to buy things that I want--even if it's just a fleeting 'that'd be nice'. He wants me to be happy, and he wants to make that happen in any possible way (though he must not realize just being married to him is enough!).

3: He is so amazingly talented. The idea for The Light Network came from Robert, and subsequently all of the tech-y stuff that goes along with podcasting has fallen on his shoulders. He has set up our home office to be a studio for my podcast--complete with all kinds of mixers and wires and microphones. He has set up his own office as a complete studio with more technology than I can innumerate upon. He does all of it himself, too, because he just gets it. TLN would not be possible if it weren't for his tech talents, though I know he would never want to toot his own horn.

It isn't just TLN, though! Robert does a lot of the tech stuff for the congregation here at East Hill, and has even done work for the Memphis School of Preaching, the Ironaton congregation, and tons of work for GBN! He has so many talents, and he is using them for God's glory. I could not be more proud of the man I married!*

4: He is a wonderful teacher. In relation to the last point, I wouldn't have my video editing job if it weren't for Robert. He taught me everything I need to know about video editing, and continues to teach me on a regular basis! I wouldn't be able to do my podcast on TLN if it weren't for him, wouldn't have a job that I love if it weren't for him, and therefore wouldn't be able to serve God like I am if it weren't for him! I am only able to do what I do because of Robert and the amazing way he teaches. BUT, it isn't just about tech stuff. This year, Robert has been teaching the Wednesday night Bible class at the East Hill congregation, and I have learned more from that class than probably any other (and I'm not the only one who says that!). We have been studying through the Bible (starting in Jan. at Genesis and ending Jan. 2nd in Revelation), and it has been a remarkable, eye-opening study. He has challenged us and opened our eyes to so many things, and that's because he's such a great teacher! He's relatable and knowledgeable, and we are just so blessed to have him!

5: He is such a good friend. While I can't speak for all of his friends, I do know how much time and effort he puts into relationships. I know that he really tries to be there for people and really invests in them. I know that he cares deeply for others and doesn't simply put on a front. I know that he is willing to put a lot into other people, and even sacrifices his schedule to make things work. He is one of those wonderful people who is willing to do anything for you, and he's so personable that it makes you want to open up to him and be close to him. I am so blessed to be not only his wife, but his friend.

Recently, one of our (unmarried) friends said that they didn't like husbands/wives calling each other their "best friend" because the term "husband" or "fiance" or something else sounds more formal and means more. I, for one, am so thankful that I am married to my best friend...and that he's been that way from the beginning. Mine and Robert's relationship started on the best friend playing field. Actually, we were so nervous about dating because we were such good friends already. But our best friendship (aka sharing every detail of our lives) turned into something much more beautiful than I could ever imagine, and yet, we have retained our best friendship throughout the taking on of new roles. And I love that about us. I love that Robert is the person who makes me laugh the hardest. I love that he is the one who knows exactly what to say or what face to make to get me to crack up. I love that he makes road trips so enjoyable, and makes the tensest moments bearable. I love that we don't have to speak to know what the other is thinking, and that just one glance from across the room can lead to tons of laughter.

As soon as Robert and I started becoming friends, I knew that he was the best I was going to have. He has always been so easy to open up to, so caring, and so accommodating. While I may be a bit biased, I know that others think he's a good friend, too, and I'm so proud of him for being the type of person that people want to be friends with.

As you can see, I am so blessed to be able to call Robert mine. And while this post doesn't have a devotional thought, or maybe any point at all for any of you who may still be reading, I think it's important to share it, because I want my husband to know, every day, that I am so proud of him and that I love him more than anyone else in this world.

Dearly Beloved

One of my closest friends is getting married this weekend, and in her honor I thought I'd write a little something.

I've only been married for 17 months, so to say I know all about marriage is quite an understatement. But, if I were to give any kind of advice about marriage, I would probably say this:

1: Confide in your spouse completely. There are going to be times when it might be easier to just keep back a piece of information, or maybe not ask that question that's been bugging you, but really all that will do is drive a wedge between you. Proverbs 31:11 says that a virtuous woman is one whose husband trusts her. Be the kind of husband/wife that will have the total trust of your spouse.

2: Admit your weaknesses. All of us have weak moments spiritually speaking. When you are in the midst of one of those moments, let your spouse in on it. Have them pray for you, with you and privately. It is no doubt their words will encourage and build you up in those weak moments. It will also make your relationship more God-centered, and really that's what will make it last.

3: Lean totally on your spouse. There are going to be hard times, that's just a fact of life. In those moments, it might be easy to go to one of your friends who's "always been there", but take special thought to go to your new spouse. The amount of time you spend crying together, praying together, talking things out...that will make all the difference. You will come out on the other side of whatever trial it is a better and stronger couple.

4: Make time for alone time. Sometimes it's hard to get away. Sometimes it's difficult to get away from work--or to not take work home with you. But, purpose in your heart to make time for alone time. It may not be weekly; some months it might not even happen. But be sure to plan out special times throughout the year that you can look back on and enjoy those memories. It doesn't have to be expensive--some day excursion somewhere enjoying the scenery. Just be sure that you get away, just the two of you.

5: Don't let them slip. You are going to be your spouse's biggest influence; take that to heart. There may be times when they want to get into a rut, but be sure to gently pull them out of that. Don't let them slack on duties, or even slack in a loving, Christian attitude toward others. Encourage them to always do and be the best that they can for God, and help them out of any temptations that may come--even if that means removing some of those temptations from their reach.

6: Always, always, always say I love you. This one really goes without saying, but it's so important. Sign every text, end every phone call, let your final words every night be these: I love you. And don't just get into the routine. Regularly, make it a point to look your spouse in the eyes and really tell them that you love them.

7: Don't let society define your marriage. There are SO many societal rituals and rules about marriage and different things you're supposed to do in marriage...don't take them to heart. Figure out what makes your marriage work, specifically, and keep it up. Don't let the pressures of society make you feel bad about your marriage--like you have to live up to something that the world has set in place. You do in your marriage what makes you and your spouse better and happier--period.

8: Let God define your marriage. Ephesians 5:22-33 gives us insight into the roles of husbands and wives. As a wife, be sure that you submit to your husband; that you allow him to have that rule over you. As a husband, be sure that you love and cherish your wife, and that you looking out for her soul in every instance.

9: Try to get involved in some of their interests. There are always going to be things that you like to do that your spouse doesn't, and vice versa. I think it's healthy to have those things. But, try to take on something new, too. Don't just stubbornly say you have no interest in something, try to give in and enjoy it with them.

10: Never, ever put your spouse down. Robert and I engage in self-depricating humor a lot, and we joke with each other a lot, too. We joke with each other in public settings as well, but I never feel like Robert is making fun of me or trying to hurt me or using a piece of knowledge to make me sound bad. Be sure that you don't ever put your spouse down in public. Be sure your spouse (and everyone around!) always knows how in love with your spouse you are. And if there are other people making fun of your spouse, be sure to stand up for them and compliment them. Be your spouse's biggest fan, even if there is something negative going on at home. There are always going to be trials and tests and arguments, but never air those in public. Always be your spouses biggest supporter and encourager, and again--make them feel safe.

Please Read: A Story about Giving

On Saturday, the East Hill congregation had a food giveaway. While Saturday was technically the big day, this has been something that has been in the works for a while.

Our elders had the idea (which was an amazing one), and even looked at the stats as far as benevolent requests were concerned and found that this time of year people really seem to need some help. So, they decided that we would put together 500 (yes, that many) food boxes and give them away. Inside these boxes we had rice, beans, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, corn meal, sugar, peaches, tomato soup, spaghetti, mac and cheese, ham, cheese, eggs, hot dogs, milk, potatoes, and other things I know I am forgetting. By the time things were said and done, these boxes probably weighed 50+ lbs.

We had multiple nights of assembly--from the 500 boxes to the placement of all the supplies inside. We had members from EH submitting names and offering to take these food boxes to families in need. We had people handing out flyers and putting out signs. We had so many people praying for the effort, and really, that's what made the day so successful.

I could go on and on and on with stories from this past Saturday. Truly those of us who were working got more out of the day than those who were fed. But that isn't why I'm posting this. I'm not posting this for any accolades or praise. I'm not posting this so you'll think East Hill did some fantastic job. While our elders did have the amazing foresight to take on such a project, it wasn't about any of us at all. And that's why I want to write this post.

Last night, as Robert and I were walking back from his office toward the auditorium prior to services, we were met by a gentleman who didn't know where to go. He asked us where we normally met, because he'd never been to East Hill before. We told him he could follow us, and we introduced ourselves. We'd never seen this man before, and for our purposes today, I'll call him Mr. M. Well Mr. M went on to explain to us why exactly he was there, and that's the story I want you to hear.

Here's what he said:

--

On Friday morning, as he was working outside at his home, his bulldozer rolled over. Many of you have probably known of such accidents occurring. This man said that he should have been seriously injured, and yet he came away without a scratch. A couple of hours later, while still pretty shaken up about the morning he'd had, an unfamiliar truck rolled in to his driveway. As he recalled to me last evening, "I figured it was just a bill collector because I've been contacted by a few of those. I was just going to send him on his way because I didn't have anything to give him." But much to his surprise, it wasn't a bill collector at all.

A man from East Hill had been given this man's address to deliver a food box to, though given a different name. Mr. M told the man from East Hill that the person he was looking for had been killed in a car accident years earlier, but that he'd worked for him. So, instead of leaving the residence, the man from East Hill offered the food box to Mr. M.

"I tried to turn the box away," Mr. M told me. "I've always been a giver, you know. I didn't want to take something that someone else probably needed more." He would later tell me that he did need it, though, and that he hadn't had milk in about 4 weeks. He also said that to him, that box of food was worth "five million dollars!" and that'd we'd "put food on [his] table for probably two or three months...I'm really good at stretching my food out."

We told him over and over again that we were so glad that he'd taken the food box, and that we were so glad he'd decided to join us for worship. He said that before the man left his house, he'd invited him to come to worship with us, and "I just felt like I needed to come up here and say thank you to all of you. Can you please announce to everybody tonight that I'm just so thankful for all the things you've done, and that y'all just put food on my table."

As we were walking to the auditorium, I invited this man to sit by me, since he didn't know anyone there--not even the name of the man who'd given him the box (though we would figure it out later on). I am so glad that I did, because I got to hear so many East Hill members come up and speak to him. When he said thank you to one lady she said, "Well we just wanted to do what Christians are supposed to do, because we love God."

--

The reason that this is the story I'm wanting to pass along is this:

Taking the time to do things for people really matters. Taking the time to meet people's physical needs really matters. Jesus would often heal a person's physical infirmities before healing their spiritual infirmities, and I believe it's because He knew that they would be much more attentive and responsive. I witnessed tonight, firsthand, what a genuine love and concern for people can do -- the way it can touch a heart.

Sometimes it takes getting out of your comfort zone to make a difference. I know that I have been guilty so many times in the past of not actively seeking out ways to help other people. But if you could have seen the look on this man's face as he proudly shook every person's hand that came up to speak to him, you would want to go out and search for people to help. May we ever be looking for opportunities to serve the poor and the needy and the desolate, because their souls are worth the whole world---and they will never know we are interested in their eternal welfare if we are not first caring for their physical welfare.

Whether or not this story affects you, I needed to write it. I need it to be here so that I can look back--maybe months from now, maybe years from now--and remember Mr. M. I need to remember to search out those who are desperate. I need to speak to and invite those who may not look like "good soil". I need to love every single person that I meet enough to tell them about the gospel of Christ -- to invite them to sit by me, to shake their hand, and to listen to their story.

God Loves YOU Specifically

A new favorite verse of mine has got to be Isaiah 49:16. Here, Isaiah records the Lord saying the following:

"See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before me."

Before iPhones and iPods and electronic devices of any kind, people wrote on paper. And when something was of the utmost importance? They wrote it on their hand. Have a major homework assignment that you CANNOT forget? Write it on your hand. Remember that you must do something when you get home? Write it on your hand. When something is written on your hand, you don't forget it. And normally, you put only the most important things on your hand.

This verse says that God has inscribed us on the palms of His hand. To me, this verse comforts and strengthens me. It gives me courage to face whatever things this life may throw at me, because the Creator of the universe knows me, intimately, and cares for me, deeply.

There are ways, though, that I can erase my name from His hand. I can choose to abandon Him--to walk away from Him and ignore the blood of His Son. Or I can choose worldly, temporal things over Him. I can choose drugs, alcohol, fornication, gossip, crude "entertainment," or to simply sleep in on Sundays and avoid Him. I can choose to put other things ahead of Him, like a relationship or a hobby. He wants a relationship with me, and Has made every provision to have one, and yet He has given me a choice.

While there are ways I can choose to ignore God, there is nothing I can ever do to deserve a relationship with Him. After all, He made and controls everything. And so, I will do all that I can to stay in His favor. I will do what He says (put on Christ in baptism, flee sin) and I will pray every day that He will forgive my failures and shortcomings. I will do my very best to "overcome" so that I can inherit all things (Rev. 21:7).

My brain cannot comprehend why God would ever love me--why He would ever send His perfect, sinless Son to die for me. But I know, I KNOW, that He does love me. And not just me in the generic sense, either. God knows me personally. He loves me, Emily. After all, He has me inscribed on the palm of His hand.

Please don't forget that God loves you, too. He has made a way for you to be with Him for all of eternity. Don't miss that opportunity because something worldly seems better right now. Some relationship, some form of pleasure, some hobby, some status. Listen when He says He loves you and He wants to be with you. And when you listen to and understand that, give up all of the things in your life that you're either putting ahead of Him or that you're doing in spite of what He's said.

Tough Stuff Tuesday: True Love vs. Tolerance

Can you love someone too much to tell them the truth of God's word? Can you love someone so much that you accept their actions no matter what kind of soul-endangering situation they are in? Can you love someone so much that you let them think that they are "fine" when in reality, their soul is heading down a broad, destructive path toward Hell?

Tolerance is defined as "a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, etc. differ from one's own." Simply put: what you do doesn't matter to me even if I wouldn't want it for myself.

 1 Peter 4:8 tells us:

"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'"

This doesn't mean that love sweeps things under the rug; that love makes wrongs right. This doesn't mean that my love for you prohibits me from telling you when you've done something wrong. Quite the opposite, really.

James 5:19-20 says:

"Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins."

When we turn our brothers and sisters (and the world!) away from their sins, we cover those sins. We have saved those people. Now, we know that it is not our blood that saves, but Jesus'. We know that it is not our power that saves, but the power of the gospel. Still, James says that if we turn someone back to the truth, we cover a multitude of sins.

It's interesting to me that the same phrase is used in both James and 1 Peter. If we put those together, we see a beautiful picture of what true love actually is: when a brother has wandered away from the truth (what God wants/expects/has commanded) and we tell them about it and encourage them to come home, we will save that person from a multitude of their sins because we loved them enough to help.

If we truly loved the world and our wayward brothers and sisters in Christ as we are commanded, we would be helping people out of their sins. We would be sharing the truth with them, because the truth is the only thing that can set them free from their sins (John 8:32). We wouldn't be allowing people to continue in their sins, all the while assuring them that God loves them anyway. No, we would be telling them that God loves them SO much that He sent Jesus to die for them so that He could wash away those sins.

Look back to the definition of tolerance. To tolerate means to have a permissive attitude. As Christians, we cannot be people who tolerate things that God has said will send people to eternal punishment! We must love every single person on this planet enough to tell them what they must do to escape wrath and condemnation. When I disagree with a certain belief or lifestyle or habit, it is never because I hate the individual who is practicing such a thing. On the contrary! It is because I love that person so much and care for their soul so much that I don't want them to perish in the eternal fire that God has promised will consume those who practice such things!

Ephesians 4:15 admonishes us to 'speak the truth in love'. Unless we are equally speaking truth and speaking it in love, we are failing the lost of this world and we are failing Jesus Christ. We will never win people over for Christ if we are not showing them the love of the Father, and we will never cover a multitude of sins if we fail to show people the error of their ways.

Today, it is my prayer that I will love people in the right way. I pray that I will love others enough to tell them that God has sent His Son for them so that they can be free from the bondage of sin, and that I will convey that truth in a way that cannot be mistaken for anything other than true love and concern.

Better Not to Have Known

My heart has been aching lately for people who have turned their backs on God and on the salvation He offers through His Son. There are so many that I know or at least know of who, at one time, were saved through the knowledge of our Savior, who have now returned to their sinful lifestyles. Peter has this to say, in 2 Peter 2:20-21

"For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them."

These stern words from Peter give a warning to all of us who are faithful followers of Christ: should we choose to turn away, after knowing our Savior and His love and sacrifice for us, it will be a worse end than if we'd never even believed.

But what about those who have known, yet still walked away from God? How are we not warning those people? How are we not encouraging those people? Their end is worse than it would have been because they have willingly walked away and spat upon our Savior's sacrifice for them.

I have had the privilege this week of attending a gospel meeting that my husband was preaching. He talked about Calvary. He talked about the agony in the garden of Gethsemane, the excruciating pain of the cross, and the sacrifice Jesus gave simply by leaving heaven to come here for us. It was an intense, emotional journey, but one I am so thankful to have taken. It has made me even more aware of what my Savior has done for me, and what He has done for you. It has made me more aware of the suffering and agony that He faced so that we could live in a heavenly home free from those things. Who, knowing all of these things, could simply turn their backs on them (and on Him) for fleeting, earthly pleasures?

Robert's title for the week was "Lead Me to Calvary", and he walked through the lines to that beloved hymn, focusing especially on the chorus:

"Lest I forget Gethsemane, lest I forget Thine agony, lest I forget Thy love for me, lead me to Calvary." 

When people turn their back on Jesus, it must simply be that they have forgotten what He did for them. No trial or circumstance in this life trumps the pain and agony Christ endured for your salvation and for mine. No "love" for a person that isn't rightfully your spouse is greater than the love that held Jesus to the cross. Nothing that I could ever imagine is greater than the sacrifice Jesus made in leaving heaven to come to this sin-ridden world to be beaten, scourged, mocked, spat upon, tortured, and placed on a humiliating cross. There is nothing so great or so powerful that could separate me from the love of God and the love Jesus chose to extend to me by coming here.

So why do we let little things keep us away? Why do we let the harsh words by imperfect Christians keep us away from the cross? Why do we let our own desires for fleshly pleasure keep us away from the cross? Why do we let relationships that are not God-ordained keep us from the foot of the cross? Why do we even put ourselves into the equation when we think about the cross? When we become Christians, we die and are crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). We are irrelevant, and Christ lives in us now. We have died to our old man, and in so doing we have placed Jesus' will into our hearts and His life and His will now takes over. That leaves no room for the things I want to do. Instead, it leaves me to walk by faith, knowing that Jesus Christ will give me the strength to make it through this life below until I can be with Him and My Father forever.

There is nothing on this earth that is worth losing heaven. No riches, no pleasures, no trials, no person. Jesus endured so much on that cross (not to mention all of the time leading up to that pivotal moment). The least, the very LEAST, we can do is to be faithful until death. In no way do we deserve a crown, but Jesus says we will get one if we endure. If we will simply follow His commandments (and they aren't burdensome), we can have a home in heaven. Tell me, friend, what on this temporary earth is worth that trade? What would it take for you to give up that crown? I pray that nothing will ever separate us, and if something has, I pray and I beg that you will rid your life of whatever it is keeping you from God. Through Christ, all things are possible, even the hardest things life can throw at us.

"Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life." - Revelation 2:10

How We Treat The Opposite Sex

Romans 12 is said to contain a list of Christian virtues. Starting in verse 9, we are given a list of attributes Christians should possess and ways they should act. While most people use 1 Corinthians 13 to define love and how we should treat our spouses, I like to use Romans 12:9-18. I especially like verses nine though twelve. Here's what those verses say:

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;"

There are so many ways to apply these sentiments, but there's one area I want to zoom in on today.

First and foremost let me tell you that I am by no means a perfect wife. After all, I've only been a wife for a little over 8 months. Still, I have seen a problem with wives of my generation and I really think it needs to be addressed. Lately, I am seeing more and more women talking about famous men on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. While most do so in a playful way, I can't help but feel a sting for their husbands. I'm not saying it is wrong to talk about celebrities or prefer certain ones over others; I have my favorites, too. But here's a sobering question: Do you get upset when your husband talks about other women? Why then do we go on and on about other men?

I think it is just as hurtful to our husbands when we talk about certain celebrities and how "hot" or "attractive" or "great" they are. Not because our husbands are insecure or weak or anything of the sort, but because they're human beings. They need to feel wanted and appreciated and loved. How are we making them feel by praising worldly men based on their appearance? Do we give our Godly husbands the same kind of public praise?

If, as a Christian, I am supposed to give preference to others, and be kindly affectionate to others, how much more so am I supposed to give those things to my husband? Should I not prefer him, even in the silliest and most superficial of ways?

Ephesians 5:33 says, "Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."

There are many different ways to show respect to our husbands. I think one way that we could do that is by only praising OUR men. Sure, I can like certain celebrities. Do I have to go on and on about how gorgeous or great or amazing they are? Do I have to plaster pictures of them everywhere? Do I need to try to make my husband jealous?? Of course not. I should spend as much if not more time praising my husband and building him up. Out of respect for my husband, I shouldn't go on and on about other men in the same way that I would feel bad and insecure if he went on and on about how attractive other women are. It's not that I don't know other women are way more attractive than I am, but I don't want my husband to think so. In the same way, we shouldn't act like other men are more attractive than our husbands. They are ours, after all.

Robert and I both share a love for Michael Buble's voice. I'd like to think, though, that Robert knows I'd much rather have him singing to me any day. I may like certain celebrities, but my husband knows that I am completely smitten by and attracted to him above all. That's what it's all about.

Wives, try hard this week to compliment and praise your husband publicly, especially when you feel like complimenting or praising some wordly man. And if you're not married--practice this concept. Stop objectifying men. We get so upset when men do it to us, yet we excuse the behavior for our gender.

Titus 2:3-4 says (ASV): "that the aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good; that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children.."

Apparently, loving our husbands is something we need to be trained to do. It might not always come naturally. Let's work toward training ourselves to love our husbands in the way God intended for us to love them.

All I want out of life is to go to heaven, be a Godly wife and mother, and have my family get to heaven with me. The purpose of this post and all others is to consider myself first so that I can be right with God. It is never intended to attack, condemn, or anything else. I only want to get to heaven, and help others get there.

Tough Stuff Tuesday: How We Treat Enemies

Have you read the story of the crucifixion lately? I would urge you to do so. There are so many things in that story that we need to be reminded of on a daily basis: the sacrifice Jesus made, the horror of the cross, the love that poured from His lips. While listening to the account being taught to some who'd never studied it before, I was amazed at how rich the REST of the story is, too.

Rewind with me back to the Garden of Gethsemane. You can read the account in Matt. 26. Starting in verse 36, we're taken to that solemn place with Jesus. After he has prayed to His Father no less than three times, the mob comes to take Him from the garden.

Pause here.

Of all the times in your life that you can think of where you've been confronted or mistreated by a bully/enemy, were any of those times as bad as this? Didn't think so.

Now, there are two named enemies in Jesus' story: Judas and Malchus (John 18:10). Judas is the one who was supposedly Jesus' follower (and more than that-friend), who then told those who would arrest Jesus where they could find him. He is the betrayer. Malchus is a servant of the high priest, and we cannot know if he hated Jesus as his master did or not, but regardless he was there---standing with the other team.

Flash forward to today: how does the world tell us we should treat our enemies? Stand up to them, mock them, act out with violence, talk bad about them? The list goes on and on. How do Christians often respond to those who are rude to them or talk bad about them or hurt them? Talk bad about them, act out in revenge, hold a grudge? That list, unfortunately, goes on and on too. Let's go back to the garden and see how Jesus responded.

First, Jesus responds to Judas. When he approaches Jesus to give him away to the others, Jesus says (in no doubt a heartbreaking tone), "Friend, why have you come?"

Friend.

Even though Judas was in the process of betraying Him and sending Him to His death, Jesus has only kind words to speak. Jesus had also known, from the beginning, that Judas would betray Him, yet that didn't change the Lord's attitude and demeanor toward Judas. He was a great friend to him, despite the fact that he would betray Him. Today, we don't always know when someone is going to betray our trust or take sides with the enemy, but we do know how we should respond to them: with kindness, gentleness, and a spirit of friendship.

Second, we see how Jesus interacts with Malchus. Simon Peter jumps to the aid of Jesus and, in a fit of rage/protection/devotion, Peter cuts off Malchus's ear. What would we say? He deserved it? Would we even laugh? That's not how Jesus responds. Jesus heals Malchus and rebukes Peter. Jesus shows compassion on someone who is against Him. He doesn't let His friends harm him, either. Now think about yourself again: when someone comes at you, how do you treat them? Are you compassionate? Do you let your friends bash them and talk bad about them? I feel I'm more guilty with this one than the other. How easy it is not to show compassion to those who show no compassion to us. That's not what Jesus did, though, and we are to model our lives and our reactions and our behavior after Him.

Find the Judas's and Malchus's in your world, and treat them with kindness and compassion. Ask God to forgive them, like Jesus asked God to forgive all of us while He was on the cross. Pray for your enemies, don't curse them (Rom. 12:14). In all that you do, act like Jesus. It will never be the way the world wants you to act, but since this world is not our home, it is the way we must always choose to act.

Be Careful How You Teach

I recently heard a lesson from Dan Winkler and he said,

"There are two types of false teachers: those who don't teach the truth, and those who teach the truth but don't do so in love. Both are equally wrong." 

Often, we think of false teachers as those who teach things that are contrary to what the Bible teaches. While that is most certainly true (1 John 4:1), people who teach correct things in an incorrect manner are equally as wrong.

Ephesians 4:15 tells us to speak truth in love. In today's culture, many people want to divorce truth and love, but the Bible tells us that it can't be that way. We cannot give people the truth without love, and we cannot love people without giving them the truth. If we truly love, we will tell people how to get out of the sin that is entangling them. If we know the truth, we know of God's love and we will extend it to others.

As you know, the sin of homosexuality has been on my mind lately because it seems to be running rampant in our churches, in our Christian schools, and most definitely in our society as a whole. It is also the first topic that comes to mind when I think of people who divorce truth and love.

On the one hand, people that know and preach the truth know that homosexuality is a sin (1 Cor. 6:9) and therefore tell other people about it. A lot of times (though most assuredly not all the time), those with the truth choose to convey the truth in a way that isn't loving at all. I think of the signs that the Westboro Baptist Church people put up. How on earth can they consider what they're doing to be speaking the truth in love? It isn't at all. It isn't always as blatant, though. You and I can do the same thing by belittling those who struggle with homosexuality and by mocking and making fun of them.

On the other hand, you have the people who know that the Bible tells them to love, and so they do so whole-heartedly. The problem, though, is that they never tell those whom they "love" what the Bible actually teaches. Loving someone is not keeping the truth from them. That seems like the opposite of love to me. If we truly love, we are going to take care of physical and emotional needs, sure, but first and foremost we're going to take care of their spiritual needs.

We cannot separate truth and love. If we love God, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15). What's that? Love and truth in the same command? Exactly. We show that we love by doing what God wants. If we want to spread the love of God to others, we are going to do so by fulfilling (keeping) the commands of God. Jesus said in Mark 16:15 to "go and preach the gospel." If we love God, we will go, armed with gospel, to all the world. If we love others, we will take them the gospel so that they can be reconciled to their God and Savior.  We can't just go in love only. We have to go in love, armed with truth. However, if we have the truth but don't have love, well, we just won't ever go. We won't love the people God created enough to take them the truth. Instead, we will revel in the fact that we have the truth and that we're saved, and we'll hide our lights under a bushel. We can't do that either. We can't keep the truth for ourselves, otherwise we're breaking God's commandments.

I say all of that to say this: we cannot keep dividing love and truth. We cannot excuse people's sins because we 'love' them. Jesus' love covered a multitude of sins, including my own. In order for other people's sins to be covered, they have to know the truth about Jesus and submit to His commands. However, I cannot beat people into submission with the truth. I have to show them the love of God in His truth in order to be effective.

This is a real struggle, finding the balance between love and truth. I pray that we can all find the balance, though, for our own salvation's sake and for the sake of other's salvation.

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments." 1 John 5:2

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

I missed Friday's free for all, as I was busily preparing for East Hill's Christian Servants Day. And so, now that the day has concluded, I have a bit of free time before bed and I simply must get this post on "paper". Why? Well, Friday was a very special day that I cannot overlook.

Friday was February 24th, and since 2008 that day has been a special one. You see, on February 24th, 2008, I had just finished up my first weekend in Pulaski* with a group of friends and a boy I was very interested in. When we got back to Freed-Hardeman late that Sunday night, we parked in front of Hall Roland and piled out of our friend's Tahoe, unloaded the girls' suitcases, and all said our goodbyes. After reminiscing for a few minutes with my best friend, AP, inside our dorm room**, I decided I just couldn't take it anymore. I had to talk to that boy.

He willingly drove back from his dorm and picked me up in front of HRH, and we drove around the small town of Henderson discussing the weekend and all of the events contained therein. Finally, after much deliberation and conversation, we decided (very matter of fact-ly) that we should just officially label what so many others had been labeling all along: we were 'together'. He was my boyfriend, I was his girlfriend. Once that was settled, he drove me back to HRH, and I skipped up the stairs and into my best friend's room where we giggled and squealed until it was time to go to sleep.

I will always remember February 24th with fond memories. Though mine and Robert's anniversary is on July 8th, the day I became his girlfriend will remain a special day for the rest of my life. February 24th is a day that changed my life completely, and I am so thankful for our last minute, spontaneous drive around Henderson. Without that weekend, and that night in particular, things might not have worked out the way they did. I am so thankful, every single day, that four years ago my best friend decided that we should be more than that.

God has blessed me with many things, but the greatest blessing of my life is Robert. He makes me a better and happier person than I have ever been, and I am looking forward to an eternity with him.


*Technically, my first weekend in Pulaski was in 2006 when I was on Freed-Hardeman's volleyball team and we played Martin Methodist, but I didn't take my picture with any turkeys so it hardly counted.
**Technically, my best friend and I weren't roommates at Freed, but we might as well have been since we were next door neighbors and spent all of our time in each other's rooms.