We just got back from doing a marriage conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our drive was gloriously “breath-taking.” And when I say this, I mean it not simply as an expression, but as a true physical manifestation from “taking in” an extra-ordinary view of color, like that from a jewel box. I’ve often heard people being interviewed in life-after-death experiences, express that color in heaven is not the same as the color we know here on earth. As an artist, I look forward to experiencing it, because I can’t imagine it any more beautiful than what I experienced this past mid-October weekend.
Something about the leaves’ fall color being back-lit by the sun makes me think of stained-glass windows. I had to lean my head back on the headrest just to take it all in. God’s presence is affecting me this way too. Unlike any other time, God “awe-inspiring” experiences are the norm. I am beginning to see Him more and more in the little things, as well as big ones. God is in everything. His fingerprint is everywhere around me. Even when bad things happen, instead of focussing on the bad, now I see or anticipate the good that is coming. Because without the bad, God could not “show off” what He can does best.
I love the scripture, “What the enemy means for evil, God means for good.” And also, when Jesus’ disciples asked, why the man was blind? Was it because of his sin or that of his parents? The answer. “Neither,” Jesus answered. “It is so that God can show His glory through miracle-working power.” What better reason? Then Jesus spat on the ground, made clay, spread it on the blind mans’ eyes and sent him to wash in the Pool of Siloam- which means Sent. When the man came back, he could see.
(Jamie) My eyes have been opened to see the miracle-working power of Daddy God in my own life. In our marriage; my health; and our children! I know He is always up to something good. That is what the Bible says, “For You (God) are great and work wonders (miracles)! You alone are God!” -Isaiah 86:10. I guess you could say, God has made a Believer out of me. Once you have experienced His miracle, you see things in a very different light (so to speak). My perspective on life is now back-lit by the glory of the Lord. It is awe-inspiring, breath-taking and down-right amazing!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Invest!
Lately the Lord has been speaking to me this word- Invest! At first I was thinking in terms of our finances as I manage our investments in stocks, ETF's, options and such. But the Lord directed me to meditate on my relationship with Jamie.
Since it was Valentine's week and we had just been through a very busy three months with a foster baby in the house. A hectic work schedule in addition to writing our second book and speaking engagements. We decided to take a few days off and go to a B&B secluded in North Georgia mountains.
There while hiking, the Lord was speaking to me about investment in my relationship with Jamie. Relationships take time to develop. The best ones are based upon a mutual investment of time. As we spent hours together hiking and talking, having quiet dinners together and intimate time we were able to reconnect and share our thoughts with each other.
We had both quality time and quantity of time together. Relationships need both of those things to thrive. At home, we may be together in the same house but involved in different projects and responsibilities. We've found over 26 years of marriage that we each have a unique perspective on things that is God given. As we come together and share that perspective, there is wisdom and understanding through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus had both quality time and quantity of time with His disciples. Pouring into them day by day the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the Father. His loving care for them is evident throughout the scriptures. With teachable moments he used situations to illustrate what the Kingdom of God is like. Instilling Kingdom principles and preparing them for what was to come.
It's the same with our relationship with our spouses. We spend time together developing intimacy. Knowing each others heart and strengthening the bonds of relationship for the challenging times that come to all relationships.
We've discovered three ways to invest in our relationship:
1. We pray together daily. We attack the issues confronting us in prayer together. It is a daily exercise in faith for us. Several years ago our son was diagnosed with a learning disability. His teachers wanted to label him as "LD". We would not allow it nor did we receive it. We dedicated that issue to prayer believing that God was healing him. Each year as he was tested in school, his scores improved. By the time he graduated from high school, he was on the honor role and taking college level courses. Now in college, he is in the honor society and a nursing scholar. Praise God for His faithfulness!
2. We spend time together away from the everyday responsibilities of life. We do this three times each year. On our anniversary, we take a trip together then two other times we set up at least a long weekend to spend away together. If you have young children, it is essential that you have time away from them to focus on your relationship with each other. Leave the cell phone off and the laptop restricted for use only once a day. Turn off from work!
3. We spend time studying the Word together. We each have a God given perspective on the Word so it is very valuable to read and study together. Use what works for you, we use the daily bible as a starting place then we read other passages as the Lord directs. We read proverbs daily choosing the proverb corresponding to the date.
All great relationships are tested and they stand the test of time! Investing in your marriage relationship has great rewards in the here and now and for eternity. Our prayer for you is that you spend the time to truly make your relationship great. Invest!!!
Since it was Valentine's week and we had just been through a very busy three months with a foster baby in the house. A hectic work schedule in addition to writing our second book and speaking engagements. We decided to take a few days off and go to a B&B secluded in North Georgia mountains.
There while hiking, the Lord was speaking to me about investment in my relationship with Jamie. Relationships take time to develop. The best ones are based upon a mutual investment of time. As we spent hours together hiking and talking, having quiet dinners together and intimate time we were able to reconnect and share our thoughts with each other.
We had both quality time and quantity of time together. Relationships need both of those things to thrive. At home, we may be together in the same house but involved in different projects and responsibilities. We've found over 26 years of marriage that we each have a unique perspective on things that is God given. As we come together and share that perspective, there is wisdom and understanding through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus had both quality time and quantity of time with His disciples. Pouring into them day by day the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the Father. His loving care for them is evident throughout the scriptures. With teachable moments he used situations to illustrate what the Kingdom of God is like. Instilling Kingdom principles and preparing them for what was to come.
It's the same with our relationship with our spouses. We spend time together developing intimacy. Knowing each others heart and strengthening the bonds of relationship for the challenging times that come to all relationships.
We've discovered three ways to invest in our relationship:
1. We pray together daily. We attack the issues confronting us in prayer together. It is a daily exercise in faith for us. Several years ago our son was diagnosed with a learning disability. His teachers wanted to label him as "LD". We would not allow it nor did we receive it. We dedicated that issue to prayer believing that God was healing him. Each year as he was tested in school, his scores improved. By the time he graduated from high school, he was on the honor role and taking college level courses. Now in college, he is in the honor society and a nursing scholar. Praise God for His faithfulness!
2. We spend time together away from the everyday responsibilities of life. We do this three times each year. On our anniversary, we take a trip together then two other times we set up at least a long weekend to spend away together. If you have young children, it is essential that you have time away from them to focus on your relationship with each other. Leave the cell phone off and the laptop restricted for use only once a day. Turn off from work!
3. We spend time studying the Word together. We each have a God given perspective on the Word so it is very valuable to read and study together. Use what works for you, we use the daily bible as a starting place then we read other passages as the Lord directs. We read proverbs daily choosing the proverb corresponding to the date.
All great relationships are tested and they stand the test of time! Investing in your marriage relationship has great rewards in the here and now and for eternity. Our prayer for you is that you spend the time to truly make your relationship great. Invest!!!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A Godly marriage- pass it on!
May the blessing of the Lord be your strength in 2011.
Jamie and I celebrated my parents 56th wedding anniversary last Friday night. Along with Tommy (my middle brother) and a note from Dixon (my older half brother), who could not attend. We each took time to celebrate what my Mom and Dad meant to us as kids and now as adults. Each of us talked about the Godly heritage we'd received from them. They are both strong Christians putting their faith into action. As children, Mom and Dad took us to church each Sunday and instilled in us the Christian values that we embrace today.
They passed on to us the Godly heritage of a great marriage. Founded upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Because of their faithfulness, we enjoy the blessings of a great marriage. Not that it was all due to them but the heritage they passed on to us has been critically important in shaping our relationship. We are in turn passing on that heritage to our children. Where they will have the benefit of two generations of marital success. They'll pass it on to their children and their children's children. Each generation benefiting from the one before.
Psalms 61:5 AMP- For You, O God, have heard my vows: You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere, and honor Your name.
Psalms 119:111 AMP- Your testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
These two scriptures speak eloquently of the importance of heritage. As David cried out to the Lord "You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere and honor Your name". He understood the significance of that heritage being passed on to his children and the impact that Godly heritage would have upon future rulers of Israel. David had some issues as we all know however his great redeeming quality was his ability to connect with God and worship Him as Lord. What a wonderful heritage to pass along to future generations, the ability to hear from and connect with God.
As Christians our heritage is one of great promise and blessing as we become partakers in the covenant which the Lord made with Abraham. We are heirs and joint heirs with Christ in the inheritance that is eternal life. Perhaps you have read the passage below regarding the Godly heritage of Jonathan Edwards contrasted with that of another man:
Jonathan and Sarah Edwards had ten dedicated, godly children. A study of their 729 descendents over five generations showed that 300 were preachers, 65 were college professors, 13 were university presidents (this was in the days when colleges and universities were godly institutions), 60 were authors, 3 were congressmen, and one was a vice president. By contrast, the ungodly Mack Duke and his brother married sisters, and the study of their 1026 descendants over five generations showed that 300 died an early death from wicked living, 140 spent an average of 13 years in the penitentiary, 190 were prostitutes, and 100 were alcoholics.
Our prayer for you is that the seed of Godly heritage planted within you would be passed down from generation to generation. May it produce Godly men and women who would serve the Lord all the days of their lives. May it bear fruit in the form of Godly marriages which pass the test of time. Make a decision to pass on the heritage of a Godly marriage. It will have eternal significance to the husbands, wives and children that come after you. After salvation, it's the greatest gift that you can give to those you love. Pass It On!!!
Jamie and I celebrated my parents 56th wedding anniversary last Friday night. Along with Tommy (my middle brother) and a note from Dixon (my older half brother), who could not attend. We each took time to celebrate what my Mom and Dad meant to us as kids and now as adults. Each of us talked about the Godly heritage we'd received from them. They are both strong Christians putting their faith into action. As children, Mom and Dad took us to church each Sunday and instilled in us the Christian values that we embrace today.
They passed on to us the Godly heritage of a great marriage. Founded upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Because of their faithfulness, we enjoy the blessings of a great marriage. Not that it was all due to them but the heritage they passed on to us has been critically important in shaping our relationship. We are in turn passing on that heritage to our children. Where they will have the benefit of two generations of marital success. They'll pass it on to their children and their children's children. Each generation benefiting from the one before.
Psalms 61:5 AMP- For You, O God, have heard my vows: You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere, and honor Your name.
Psalms 119:111 AMP- Your testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
These two scriptures speak eloquently of the importance of heritage. As David cried out to the Lord "You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere and honor Your name". He understood the significance of that heritage being passed on to his children and the impact that Godly heritage would have upon future rulers of Israel. David had some issues as we all know however his great redeeming quality was his ability to connect with God and worship Him as Lord. What a wonderful heritage to pass along to future generations, the ability to hear from and connect with God.
As Christians our heritage is one of great promise and blessing as we become partakers in the covenant which the Lord made with Abraham. We are heirs and joint heirs with Christ in the inheritance that is eternal life. Perhaps you have read the passage below regarding the Godly heritage of Jonathan Edwards contrasted with that of another man:
Jonathan and Sarah Edwards had ten dedicated, godly children. A study of their 729 descendents over five generations showed that 300 were preachers, 65 were college professors, 13 were university presidents (this was in the days when colleges and universities were godly institutions), 60 were authors, 3 were congressmen, and one was a vice president. By contrast, the ungodly Mack Duke and his brother married sisters, and the study of their 1026 descendants over five generations showed that 300 died an early death from wicked living, 140 spent an average of 13 years in the penitentiary, 190 were prostitutes, and 100 were alcoholics.
Our prayer for you is that the seed of Godly heritage planted within you would be passed down from generation to generation. May it produce Godly men and women who would serve the Lord all the days of their lives. May it bear fruit in the form of Godly marriages which pass the test of time. Make a decision to pass on the heritage of a Godly marriage. It will have eternal significance to the husbands, wives and children that come after you. After salvation, it's the greatest gift that you can give to those you love. Pass It On!!!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Pass It On!
Jamie and I celebrated my parents 56th wedding anniversary last Friday night. Along with Tommy (my middle brother) and a note from Dixon (my older half brother), who could not attend. We each took time to celebrate what my Mom and Dad meant to us as kids and now as adults.
Each of us talked about the Godly heritage we'd received from them. They are both strong Christians putting their faith into action. As children, Mom and Dad took us to church each Sunday and instilled in us the Christian values that we embrace today.
Coming from challenging and differing backgrounds, they both drew on the strength of their Christian faith. Mom was the youngest of three sisters born in North Birmingham to my Grandfather, who we think may have had only a third grade education. He was a good business man having started several businesses over his lifetime. He was less of a family man, being married 5 times that we knew about. His last wife was the Grandmother that I knew.
But each Sunday he would take his three daughters to church. He would drop them off and pick them up after services. My grandfather never attended himself, but knew that his daughters needed that Godly foundation. He was a wise man to give them what he'd never himself had.
My dad also grew up in North Birmingham in difficult circumstances. Never knowing his father, who died when he was a young boy, but having a Godly mother, Olive Wood (our daughter Hayden's middle name, Olivia, is from my grandmothers name). She instilled in him a love for Christ that has been the guiding principle of his life.
They passed on to us the Godly heritage of a great marriage. Founded upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Because of their faithfulness, we enjoy the blessings of a great marriage. Not that it was all due to them but the heritage they passed on to us has been critically important in shaping our relationship.
We are in turn passing on that heritage to our children. Where they will have the benefit of two generations of marital success. They'll pass it on to their children and their children's children. Each generation benefiting from the one before.
Make a decision to pass on the heritage of a Godly marriage. It will have eternal significance to the husbands, wives and children that come after you. After salvation, it's the greatest gift that you can give to those you love. Pass It On!!!
Each of us talked about the Godly heritage we'd received from them. They are both strong Christians putting their faith into action. As children, Mom and Dad took us to church each Sunday and instilled in us the Christian values that we embrace today.
Coming from challenging and differing backgrounds, they both drew on the strength of their Christian faith. Mom was the youngest of three sisters born in North Birmingham to my Grandfather, who we think may have had only a third grade education. He was a good business man having started several businesses over his lifetime. He was less of a family man, being married 5 times that we knew about. His last wife was the Grandmother that I knew.
But each Sunday he would take his three daughters to church. He would drop them off and pick them up after services. My grandfather never attended himself, but knew that his daughters needed that Godly foundation. He was a wise man to give them what he'd never himself had.
My dad also grew up in North Birmingham in difficult circumstances. Never knowing his father, who died when he was a young boy, but having a Godly mother, Olive Wood (our daughter Hayden's middle name, Olivia, is from my grandmothers name). She instilled in him a love for Christ that has been the guiding principle of his life.
They passed on to us the Godly heritage of a great marriage. Founded upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Because of their faithfulness, we enjoy the blessings of a great marriage. Not that it was all due to them but the heritage they passed on to us has been critically important in shaping our relationship.
We are in turn passing on that heritage to our children. Where they will have the benefit of two generations of marital success. They'll pass it on to their children and their children's children. Each generation benefiting from the one before.
Make a decision to pass on the heritage of a Godly marriage. It will have eternal significance to the husbands, wives and children that come after you. After salvation, it's the greatest gift that you can give to those you love. Pass It On!!!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
True Worship
I love to worship no its true I really do. I'm not into music like so many people are but I do love to worship and I have my favorite songs and artists that I connect with on a gut level.
But let me ask you a question. What does true worship look like in a marriage relationship? How do you get to the place where you are worshiping God through your relationship? I think that is a great question.
Lets look at some scripture that helps us define what true worship looks like in marriage. I like the amplified because it is so rich in its definitions and expands upon the meaning of the words. Ephesians 5:22-25 Wives, be subject(be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as (a service) to the Lord(Worship). For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is head of the church. Himself the Savior of (His) body. As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject to in everything to their husbands.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. [an incredibly high standard for husbands to meet]
If you were uncomfortable with the submission that scripture speaks of in the wives regard, your probably even more uncomfortable with the standard that Paul sets for husbands. Lets continue with Ephesians 5:28,29,31-33 Even so husbands should love their wives as[being in a sense]their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. (that's worship)
For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh(beautiful worship) This mystery is very great, but i speak concerning [the relation of] Christ to the church.
However, let each man of you [without exception] love his own wife as [being in a sense] his own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him,honors him, prefers him, venerates him, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly]. Wow!!! Now that is true worship when a husband declares that he will love his wife as Christ loved the church and the wife declares that she will do all these things listed above. Its true worship because our Lord knows what the deepest needs are for a woman and that is to be loved and protected by her husband. Conversely the deepest desire of men is to be respected and honored by their wives.
True worship is looking into God's word and deciding that you'll do what he instructs you to do. The result are truly amazing! Its better than any worship song!
Blessings,
But let me ask you a question. What does true worship look like in a marriage relationship? How do you get to the place where you are worshiping God through your relationship? I think that is a great question.
Lets look at some scripture that helps us define what true worship looks like in marriage. I like the amplified because it is so rich in its definitions and expands upon the meaning of the words. Ephesians 5:22-25 Wives, be subject(be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as (a service) to the Lord(Worship). For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is head of the church. Himself the Savior of (His) body. As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject to in everything to their husbands.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. [an incredibly high standard for husbands to meet]
If you were uncomfortable with the submission that scripture speaks of in the wives regard, your probably even more uncomfortable with the standard that Paul sets for husbands. Lets continue with Ephesians 5:28,29,31-33 Even so husbands should love their wives as[being in a sense]their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. (that's worship)
For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh(beautiful worship) This mystery is very great, but i speak concerning [the relation of] Christ to the church.
However, let each man of you [without exception] love his own wife as [being in a sense] his own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him,honors him, prefers him, venerates him, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly]. Wow!!! Now that is true worship when a husband declares that he will love his wife as Christ loved the church and the wife declares that she will do all these things listed above. Its true worship because our Lord knows what the deepest needs are for a woman and that is to be loved and protected by her husband. Conversely the deepest desire of men is to be respected and honored by their wives.
True worship is looking into God's word and deciding that you'll do what he instructs you to do. The result are truly amazing! Its better than any worship song!
Blessings,
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