Reverence? Respect? Really?

Ephesians 5:22-33 talks about husband and wives but I want to zero in on the last part of verse 33 – on wives because the Lord has been talking to me about respecting my husband and how that relates to my worship on Sunday’s at church.

Ephesians 5:22-33

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.  Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.  In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.  After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

I use Strong’s Concordance and here’s what I found.

(respect)    to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience

Then I went to the dictionary.

definition of reverence - Regard or treat with deep respect.

Definition of respect - A feeling of deep admiration for someone

Definition of admiration - Respect and warm approval

So ladies, we are to treat our husbands with deep respect have a feeling (and I believe show the feeling) of deep admiration. Our men stand taller when we do this and I know I get a benefit of being the woman on his arm, the one he likes to show off, the one he loves coming home to.

Now let me ask you, when you talk to a coworker, a person at church, even to yourself…..what do you say about your husband? Do you complain that he isn’t listening to God, that he doesn’t take the trash out, that he is stupid or lazy? Do you realize you are speaking death into your husband’s life as well as your marriage? Do you speak to your husband this way? Do you tear him down, play Holy Ghost, Jr?

In this context, I found Colossians 3:22 and the word ‘slaves’ very interesting because of the reverence slaves (believers) are supposed to have for Christ.

Colossians 3:22 

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.

Greek for slaves -  sadoúlos ("bond-slave") is used with the highest dignity in the NT – namely, of believers who willingly live under Christ's authority as His devoted followers.

That would be us, those that have accepted the Lord as our Savior. What are ‘slaves’ to do? ‘reverence the Lord’!

So let me ask you, when you go to church and shout out ‘Amen’ or nudge your husband in the side because you think he needs to ‘get’ what the preacher said or you just basically close yourself off because you just know it’s your husband that has the problem……do you see where I’m going?

If we are to ‘respect – reverence’ our husbands and we are to ‘reverence’ God, yet we are walking a day here and there disrespecting our husband,  do you think that reflects on God? Do you think the full power of God will fall on you as you worship? You have unbelief, un-forgiveness, and maybe even anger at your spouse. I wonder if we only see half of what God wants to do because we are not walking as ‘one’ with our spouse?

One more Scripture and then I’ll close.

I always thought I Peter 3:1 meant husbands that were not saved, well check this out!

I Peter 3:1

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

Ladies, look what ‘obey not’ means in the Greek!

Obey not -  Greek meaning –   are disobedient, rebel

Then look at ‘conversation’!

Conversation – greek meaning –   behavior, manner of life

It may be an unsaved rebel of a husband OR it could be a saved but disobedient husband, one that ‘you’ feel isn’t doing it right. And even if he isn’t doing it ‘right’, it is commanded by God, that your behavior, your manner of life (which includes what you speak as well as your attitude) will win them over.

On Sunday there were two things that happened and I believe one was a lesson, an encouragement and the other one was a correction.

First, we are fostering a dog and we’ve only had him a few days. My husband was leaving for work and I had just prayed over him. Well, he opens the door to leave and out goes the dog, man is he fast – down the road he goes and out the door I go screaming his name running after him until I see he is way down the road by now. I turn and look at my husband and my flesh wanted to scream at him and blame him for not being careful. But I heard the Lord speak to me and the Spirit took over and I kept my mouth shut (that is a miracle from years ago, just ask my husband….okay maybe months ago) but anyway, I knew it was not his fault that I could have had a leash on the dog before opening the door, etc. So I stopped and said a short but to the point prayer and thanked God for His faithfulness. I kissed my husband bye, told him I loved him, went in picked up my keys and a leash, and proceeded to drive down the street. God answered my prayer, the dog had turned around and heading back to our home, so about ¼ of a block down he had stopped. I got out of the car, sat on the side of the road and called to him. He came running to me, let me put the leash on him, jumped in the car and off we went. If I would have let my mouth and flesh scream earlier and had not prayed, it could have been awful. I’m so thankful I did not mess up my husband’s day and with that, my day was awesome too.

The second thing is something I’m working on and I admit with great difficulty.  The Lord asked me, while I was mindlessly watching a show, is it honoring, and are you respecting your husband when you have an area that needs cleaned up and it’s still a mess when your husband gets home?  Ouch. It’s not like some BIG project, it’s a small stack of papers on the floor I’ve been meaning to go through or maybe a sink of dishes and you know what it is in your home. There are times I will tell my husband I will do this and that but when he comes home I have spent too much time watching Netflix or being on Facebook or just being lazy. Now there is nothing wrong with any of those things, in moderation. But when it’s 9 hours later and I did not get those one or two things accomplished – not good.  So that is what the Lord has been speaking to me and I’m happy to say those papers are not on the floor they are now filed away or in the trash where they belong! Now about those dishes !!!!!  Oh wait, I had to get this blog finished….right??!!

Hebrews 1:3

Let’s look at Hebrews 1:3 and see what some of the original words mean in this passage. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  Hebrews 1:3  NIV Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;  KJV  ‘radiance’  someone who literally “shines” (is radiant). ‘glory’  the unspoken manifestation of God, intrinsic worth. ‘exact expression’  exact impression (likeness) which also reflects inner character. ‘being’  standing under a guaranteed agreement; entitling someone to what is guaranteed under the particular agreement. This is the same word used in Hebr 11:1 ---”Faith is the ‘substance’ of things hoped for...” ‘power’ powerful deeds, deeds showing (physical) power, marvelous works. Power to achieve by applying the Lord’s inherent abilities. “Power through God’s ability ‘word’   the Lord speaking His dynamic, living word in a believer to inbirth faith. ‘the purification’  cleansing, purifying, purification, literal, ceremonial or moral ‘sin’   ;   missing the mark; hence: (a) guilt, sin, (b) a fault, failure (in an ethical sense), sinful deed.   which results from God remo prop: missing the mark; hence: (a) guilt, sin, (b) a fault, failure (in an ethical sense), sinful deedving undesirable admixtures (eliminating impurities).          ("sin, forfeiture because missing the mark") is the brand of sin that emphasizes its self-originated (self-empowered) nature – i.e. it is not originated or empowered by God (i.e. not of faith, ‘Majesty’     (divine) majesty, greatness So we could read this as ............ The Son is the one who literally shines of God’s intrinsic worth, the unspoken manifestation of God and also reflects inner character of His being,  guaranteeing under the particular agreement by his power, to achieve by applying the Lord’s inherent abilities,  speaking his dynamic, living word in a believer  to inbirth faith.  After he had provided cleansing, moral cleansing for our missing the mark, a  mark that is the brand of sin that emphasizes its self-originated nature, not of faith; sat down on the right hand of the Majesty, Greatness on high.

Meijer Does a Great Job

Through BzzAgent I was sent an offer to try Meijer's Photo Department. They gave me a coupon for a free Canvas Print.

The only problem I encountered was finding time to get to the Meijer that is closest to us. It's not in an area we frequently travel. However it was worth the journey!

Upon our arrival the sales representative treated us like valued customers. He walked us through their computer setup, which was super easy. I now have the confidence to do this on my own :-)  The whole process took less than 5 minutes.

Our picture was ready the next day so my husband went to pick it up, as I had to work. He was so excited about the quality of this canvas print that he came up to my work to show it to me. It was pretty impressive!! I can't say too much about it because it's a Christmas gift.  I will post a picture after Christmas.

I would highly recommend using Meijer's photo department. I'm going back to figure out what else they offer for future gifts.

Our Children and Purpose

Understanding God’s Purpose

We are studying "The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children"

 by Stormie Omartian

Our children are in confusion over what their purpose is.  To me this is understandable as they have way to much worldly influence and not enough God influence.

Our God is not a God of confusion, just reading His word and giving Him thanks will bring in His perfect peace, but God’s voice is being drowned out.

The definition of ‘purpose’ – the object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or a goal. Determination; resolution. (from The Free Dictionary – online)

Using that definition let’s say your child knows they want to attend a school that will help them become a mechanic. They have a sense of purpose. It’s not all lined out from beginning to end but they have a starting point.  Now let’s add God, he will lead them and give them the strength to move forward, even when fear tries to tell them they can’t do it.

Without a leading from God, fear can come in and look for something else to pursue that may cause them to waste years of their lives.

I have seen children with great purpose and direction get to school, walk away from their time with God and things fall apart, their purpose and direction are left at the way side.

Let’s begin to pray and here is what Stormie suggests.

 “…take a day every month to fast and pray about that adult child. Ask God to break down any barriers keeping him (her) from receiving a vision for his (her) life a sense of God’s purpose and calling.”

If you child doesn’t seem to have a sense of purpose, lay it at the feet of Jesus and TRUST Him to give them one. Never give up, keep praying and thanking God that He has heard your prayer, your request and even though you don’t see it you know He is moving and working in their hearts, in their lives.

Another important point Stormie makes. 

“Don’t beat yourself up if you see your adult child struggling to find his (her) place in the world. And don’t berate him (her) verbally, because it will only alienate him (her) from you and won’t accomplish anything. You can pray, strongly encourage, and get him (her) to talk about himself(herself) and the dreams, hopes, ideas, likes and dislikes he (she) has. Tell him (her) how much you love and admire him (her). Tell him (her) of the good traits and gifts you see in him (her).”

As you pray, ask God to show you what you need to say, what you need to see-why they are unmotivated and then find Scripture to pray over this situation.

And remember, Jeremiah had to wait for an answer to prayer, don’t you think you just might have to wait too?  Jeremiah 42:7  

Again I stress the importance of not allowing the lies of satan to come in, don’t give up, keep praying and believing for those precious gifts the Lord has bless you with.

Now for those of you whose child has purpose, praise God! You can give thanks and ask Him to keep that purpose alive in them. Pray and thank Him for directing their steps and helping them not to lose their purpose.

Begin to pray Ephesians 1:18 today!

‘I pray that the eyes of (enter your child’s) names here.) may be enlightened, so that they will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints….”

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If I can do it (57 years old) YOU can do it too.

Fruit Your Deeds Actions Are They Rotten or Good?

Fruit – what is it?

Are you thinking apple, orange, blueberries or watermelon? Those are yummy but when God speaks of fruit in John 15:2 and Matthew 12:33, this is not the ‘fruit’ He is talking about.

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

 John 15:2

The fruit He is talking about is a deed, action, result, or profit.

 In the Strong’s it’s #2590 - everything done in true partnership with Christ, i.e. a believer (a branch) lives in union with Christ (the Vine). By definition, fruit (2590 /karpós) results from two life-streams – the Lord living His life through ours – to yield what is eternal

So our ‘fruit’ will be what we are doing, how we are speaking, how we are treating people; what our actions are, are we lazy, do we keep our word when we say we will do something? What is the result of our actions? Do we profit, does the Kingdom of God profit?

It says He prunes the branches that bear fruit.

Prune in the Strong’s #2508 - make clean by purging (removing undesirable elements); hence, "pruned (purged)"; eliminating what is fruitless by purifying.

I’m not sure about you but when I’m getting ‘pruned’ sometimes I let out a yelp!  There are times I know I need to let go of a relationship because it draws me away from God or I need to stop watching a certain program because it causes wrong emotions to rise up in me and that affects the relationships in my home. 

Sometimes He prunes me because I’m speaking negative things to myself and believing the lies rather than the truth of who God says I am and the power I have to change because ‘the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me’. WOW I want to understand that more. I ask for wisdom on this one verse Lord. That’s power!

The ‘more fruitful’ is awesome too, it is greater, of higher value.

So as I (we) are pruned, we repent and let go of the bad fruit and begin to see increase. This increase can come in the form of better relationships, finances, health, peace and faith.

When God begins to prune the bad fruit of laziness and over eating, it doesn’t feel comfortable at first and it does take some work to move forward. But as you begin to give it over to God, rely on Him knowing you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you and then you begin to see the positive results – you begin to desire those pruning’s! You can even see an increase in your finances because you are not eating out as much or buying all those cookies and cakes you thought you couldn’t live without.

Then in Matthew 12:33 I looked up ‘good’    

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.

Good - Definition: beautiful, as an outward sign of the inward good, noble, honorable character; good, worthy, honorable, noble, and seen to be so.

In Strong’s - 2570 – attractively good; good that inspires (motivates) others to embrace what is lovely (beautiful, praiseworthy); i.e. well done so as to be winsome (appealing).

Don’t you want to be ‘good’, one that inspires, one that embraces what is lovely and praiseworthy? Don’t you want a person to know you as one that has honorable character? I sure do.

Now when I looked up ‘bad’ --

Definition: rotten, useless, corrupt, depraved.

In Strong’s - 4550  – properly, rotten (putrid), over-ripe; (figuratively) over-done (ripened); hence, corrupt. --, expresses what is of poor quality, unfit for use, putrid"– "of poor or bad quality"

Do you (do I) express what is of poor quality?

I looked up ‘poor quality’ in the dictionary (The Free Dictionary on-line) and it said - Not adequate in quality; inferior Lacking in value; insufficient.

I know if this is where I am at it's because I’ve started believing/living a lie. God tells me in His word that I have value, I am not useless! Satan wants me to have this ‘bad’ fruit so I’m too ‘self-centered’ to be ‘others-centered’. The evil one knows if he can keep me in the poor me or even in the pride arena, I will have rotten fruit because I’m stuck in the ‘me, me, me, it’s all about me’ syndrome. Anything I do will not be in excellence, it will begin to stink because it doesn’t inspire anyone. Living the way God tells me (us) to live is the good fruit, fruit that inspires and motivates and blesses!

Now on to ‘is known’ (is recognized).

Definition: I am taking in knowledge, come to know, realized.

1097 ginṓskō – properly, to know, especially through personal experience (first-hand acquaintance).

You will be known by your fruit, there is no way around it. As people begin to know you, especially outside the Sunday sermon, will they be intrigued by your good fruit or repulsed by the rotten, bad fruit?

Remember your fruit will show through in the way you treat your spouse, your children, people you work with, the way you handle a frustrating cashier, etc. Are you the loudest AMEN on Sunday and then Sunday night or Monday morning you are belittling and controlling your spouse? Or maybe talking about someone because they are not on the same faith level you are? Do you gossip or whine? I could go on and on but I think you get the picture. I know I do and just in writing this I have had a conviction and have repented – ouch got pruned again, but thank You Lord because I know the good that will come from it. Good in my life and in the life of others, because You are Light in me for all to see!

If any of this has spoken to you and you need to repent and turn away from the bad fruit – do it now. So with eyes opened or closed, you’re your hand folded or lifted up to the Lord; however you are called to do it – cry out to God now, tell Him you know you have fallen short in this area and you are sorry. Ask Him to forgive you, He will. Then ask Him to give you the strength to change whatever it is, as you read His word He may give you Scriptures He wants you to dwell on so they become alive in you and give you what you need to change your bad fruit to a good fruit.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

This is an Awesome Magazine!

You will find lots of great recipes and crafts, stories and poems, and inspirational articles in this issue of Ruby.

Open publication - Free publishing - More christian life