Redefining Marriage

A vocal minority is seeking to redefine marriage in the United States. As Christians, we believe that marriage is meant to be between one man and one woman….but do we know why? Let our thinking be informed by Ephesians 5:31-32, which says, “’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.”

Our culture is confused about the purpose of marriage, and this gives rise to the current controversy. Marriage’s primary purpose is not for our edification, sanctification or pleasure. Nor is procreation the ultimate goal. These are, of course, vital parts of a biblical marriage. But Paul tells us here that marriage is even more than this. It is no less than a representation of the relationship between Christ and His church, and a witness to the beauty of the Gospel.

Marriage must reflect the union of Christ and His church accurately. Polygamy communicates that Christ can have more than one bride. Adultery indicates that Christ and His bride are not required to be faithful to one another. Divorce insinuates that Christ’s covenant with His bride can be broken. Premarital sex suggests that Christ can be intimate with His bride without making any kind of lasting commitment to her. And homosexuality implies that there can be two brides or two husbands. Every perversion of marriage is an affront to God, as it presents false testimony about Christ.

Christ laid down his life to redeem His bride, and they have become one flesh. He loves, leads, and purifies her, and she submits to Him willingly.

The world is watching. We need to be repenting every day of the sin within our own marriages, which veils this glorious Gospel. The church needs to stand for the sanctity of a creation ordinance which is about more than mere freedom of choice or personal preference.

John the Baptist was killed for defending biblical marriage. Are we willing to take a stand?

For a more in-depth presentation on this crucial topic, I highly recommend Jordan Lawrence’s podcast The Battle for Biblical Marriage, which can be downloaded at Blue Behemoth.com.

What It Takes To Be a Mentor

Women often ask me to mentor them in their marriages. The marriage road has been rocky for us – we’re the first to admit that – but we keep at it with persistent determination. These women know I will be honest with them, and that I will challenge them. But I will not ask them to do things I am not willing to do myself.

Mentors are not preachers, and are more than just teachers. Mentors are those who are willing to live honest and vulnerable lives, sharing both the good and the bad. They need to be willing to listen to the stories that need to be told and give encouragement. But it can’t stop there.

Mentors need to give direction, speak frankly and be honest about the state their mentee is in. A mentor who applauds poor behavior in an effort to encourage is doing more harm than good. When she refuses to challenge sin in an area of her mentee’s life, she has compounded the problem and become part of it.

There are times and places to be silent, for sure. And we want to make sure we are giving only a little bit to work on at a time. Overwhelming someone with changes they need to make is not productive. But neither is avoiding delicate issues.

Before you agree to mentor someone, be sure you are on track with God. Your time with the Lord is paramount. Without the power of the Holy Spirit moving in you and giving you wisdom, anything you say, any exercises you assign, any stories you tell will be wasted. Unless you are fully submitted to Jesus Christ on a daily basis, you will not be in a position to challenge a sinful lifestyle or attitude.

“How can you think of saying, ‘Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” (Luke 6:42, NLT)

Carla Anne Coroy

 

Book Review: Drawing Strength from the Names of God

Drawing Strength from the Names of God by Catherine Martin (Harvest House, 2010) is a gift book enhanced with beautiful photography.  Martin shares eleven names of God and how we can draw strength from His character. Just under fifty pages, the book can be read in one sitting, or you could read one or two names of God at a time and meditate on them.

Each four-page spread begins with a photo of a majestic nature scene and a verse followed by encouraging thoughts about that name of God. The next two pages cover ways to draw near to God and to delight in Him as you reflect on His name. The text is written in two side-by-side columns, with two-thirds of the page used to share thoughts and one-third of it filled with corresponding Scriptures. Each section ends with a prayer.

Martin begins at the beginning with Elohim, God our Creator. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). We can draw strength from God our Creator, knowing He has a purpose for our lives and created us for His glory. Other names of God include El Elyon, He is our Sovereign; Adonai, He is our Lord; and El Shaddai, He is enough for us. Although all the names of God reveal wonderful aspects of His character and strength, I especially appreciated reading about Yahweh Jireh, our faithful Provider; Yahweh Rophe, our compassionate Healer; and Yahweh Ro’i, our good Shepherd.

No matter what our need, we can come to Yahweh, He is everything we need; or El Shaddai, who is enough for us. We can bring our worries to Yahweh Shalom, who gives us peace; and it’s comforting to know El Ro’i sees us. Martin ends with Abba, Father, which shows God’s tender affection for us.

Reflecting on these names helped me know God better and encouraged me to draw near to Him in prayer. No matter what we face, we can draw strength from God and find meaning for each day by reflecting on His names.

Written with warmth, compassion, and reverence toward God, this book offers comfort and reassurance. It’s a book to reread in a quiet moment or use during your devotional time. It also makes an encouraging book to give friends to remind them God always cares, and they can draw near to Him during any season of life.

Drawing Strength from the Names of God

 

 

Peace in the Midst of Suffering

We can have inner peace through suffering, which makes no human sense, when our minds are focused on God and His Word.

We can use trying situations as an opportunity to teach our kids the solid foundation of peace, personally experiencing what they have heard about in Scripture. We can role-model to them calm confidence, and being doers of the Word, not hearers only. Modeling how not to be consumed with worry, doubt, and fear and thereby making them scared. We all have a chance to teach them the opposite–we all can choose a different path and peace. Thank you, Lord.

 “.. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:7-9

The Bible directs us to certain responses during times of suffering.
God is at work in our character through trials. My family saw the loss of my husband’s job as a real life opportunity to apply Scripture, showing how to respond in word, action, and mind. Through the unknown we are to persevere, to endure, press on, fight, looking for how the Lord wants to change and grow us.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

The outcome is already known by God.
We can confidently walk through trials knowing that one of the sweetest blessings of all is a deeper, more intimate walk with the Lord, whom we KNOW is real.

The real treasures in life: knowing Christ in an intimate way.

Look at  Scriptures with the word treasure in them. Treasure means a deep walk with the Lord, and the richness of His character we personally experience as He meets our every need!

  “…I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” Job 12:12

 “..Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11

The end of the story is actually insignificant – God provided for all of our needs and another job for my husband in His timing, but the journey of our hearts is the real story. I hope you view your trial this way. I hope you will put off any signs of worry and put on trust.

Resting in His Sovereignty

The tendency for all of us want to control things is great. When we experience situations we cannot fix, make sense of, see any sign of relief from, or see any possible positive outcome from, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty. It is God, our Heavenly Father, who will give us the inner peace needed to confidently, even if painfully, endure with the right attitude, knowing that He is at work for His glory and for our good.

When my husband lost his job of nineteen years, we gathered together our six then middle-school age and younger children, explained what had happened and that our trust was in God. We started a prayer journal to record the faithfulness promised in Scripture. We knew this was not so much about his job as what God wanted to do in our lives. We wanted our children to recognize His Word is true as we together learn what God is teaching us:

God is sovereign.
This means that He allowed this particular event to happen. He could have said no to it. He could have used any other crisis or situation, but He allowed this particular situation. He already knows the outcome, and we can confidently walk through it – even the unknown – knowing that it is for our good and His glory.

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  1 Peter 1:6-7

Christians will go through suffering.
Suffering is promised, so expect it. We saw this as an opportunity to teach our children that this is part of our walk. We want them to know how to handle rough times, not with anxiety, walking around on egg-shells and feeling the pressures of finances because they hear their parents worrying. Instead we hope they will look through eyes that trust God, fully expecting Him to meet our needs in His timing and to work in our lives in the process.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. I Peter 4:12-13

God will provide.
We can leave every fear or concern with Him, casting our fears on Him, knowing He cares and will provide for us.  We need to continuously put off worry/ put on trust, as discussed yesterday. My husband and I saw this trial as a way to show our children God’s faithfulness and to teach them to walk confidently through challenging times.
(Matthew 6:25-33)

Prayers for a job were not answered overnight, nor exactly as we first envisioned. Over the course of time, my husband decided to open his own firm–which he still has today. My sons and daughters saw their father walk into the unknown, not being ruled by fear or bitterness. He humbly sought the Lord for direction and trusted in God’s sovereignty. As my children enter adulthood, I pray the power of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in our family will build and encourage their faith.

 

 

Put off Worry / Put on Trust

Did you know that TRUSTING IN GOD in all circumstances is the third most emphasized character trait in the New Testament, behind the qualities of love and humility? This certainly implies that we all struggle with loving, being humble, and wanting to be in control of situations so that we have no need to trust anyone or anything.

Some opposites of trust are worry, fear, anxiety, frustration, and even panic over not being able to fix, change, or control whatever is weighing on our minds. I love reading Scripture with the question in mind: “What does God tell me to PUT OFF, so that in its place I can PUT ON trust?” It’s the way of thinking around my home these days.

Here’s what I found.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
PUT OFF:  my own reasoning and trusting in myself
PUT ON:  trusting in the Lord

Jeremiah 32:27  “…I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
PUT OFF:  doubting
PUT ON:  confidence in God

Psalm 91:1-2   He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
PUT OFF:  dwelling in my own fears, being along, being consumed with my situation
PUT ON:  dwelling in His Word, His truths, His character, communing with Him all day long, digging in deep and seeing the truth of Him being our shelter.

Isaiah 41:10  Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
PUT OFF: fear, being overwhelmed, worry
PUT ON:  confidence in knowing God is with me and He will personally strengthen , help, and uphold me.

Joshua 1:9  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
PUT OFF: being terrified, discouragement, feeling alone
PUT ON:  strength and courage, directly available through Holy Spirit, knowing God is with me at all times, and will equip me for whatever the situation needs

Matthew 6:25,33  Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things….But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
PUT OFF:  worry about life and needs being met
PUT ON:  trust in God for my provisions and seek Him for my priorities so that my responses line up with Scripture

Join me tomorrow as we continue talking about putting off worry and putting on trust. I will be sharing a time of personal crisis when the Lord revealed His sovereignty and peace.

Do you have a testimony of putting off worry and putting on trust you would like to share?

Is it a Sin to Have a Large Family, Part II

Only since 1970 and the publishing of Paul Erlich’s secular book, The Population Bomb (he studied insects for a living), has the notion that having more than two children was a mortal sin against the planet become part of the modern psyche.

There is no population crisis in Western industrialized nations.  In fact, quite the opposite.  Instead, the crisis we face today is the polar opposite of what the strident environmentalists warned us about in the heyday of mood lamps, LSD, and Bob Dylan.

The alarming reality is the birth rates in all of Western Europe, Japan, Russia, and even China are in serious decline. These nations are not only failing to replace their current population but their very future existence is in doubt. In some cases they are losing people at a current popular rate of decline of 20% or more.

Responsible economists are predicting that if this population rate of decline is not reversed, it’s only a matter of decades until their economies collapse from lack of workers and a dearth of spending consumers. It might be of interest to note the Scriptures speak to such a foreboding dilemma, “A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined” Proverbs 14:28.

The United States is only sustaining its current population due to the large influx of immigrants who are having large families. Otherwise, we would be in the same sinking ship as Western Europe, Russia, or other nations, which are actually paying families to have more children.

But are we overrunning the planet? We had someone from the funeral industry once explain that if you buried all the earth’s population right next to each other it would fill up a space the size of Rhode Island and perhaps Connecticut. So if there is not a genuine overpopulation crisis at work today in our society (just the opposite is actually true), why the renewed calls for one or two children families?

We believe the current birth dearth is more a philosophical or theological crisis than an ecological or economic one. As we have turned away from the Judeo-Christian ethic to a secular and agnostic belief system, we have in the Western cultures at the same time lost faith in our purpose, meaning, and destiny as a society. If we really have no reason to exist other than to serve ourselves and our narcissistic ambitions, why have kids at all?

The false gods of materialism, hedonism, and even the worship of nature (what Francis Schaeffer called the idols of “personal peace and affluence”) have left us so empty and drifting that we have no reason to reproduce another generation. Saving the whales has become more important to us than saving our way of life or saving souls. After all, the little crying creatures can be costly, an irritating interruption, and a real nuisance if pursuing your personal space and higher standard of living are your only real goals in life.

Let us say it clearly — the threat of having too many children is not America’s looming crisis, rather it’s having too little reason to live and to create another generation that is the real problem.

Just 100 years ago, Americans faced far more disease, lack of medical resources, and harsh standards of living than we do, yet they chose to have large families. Was it simply to make sure a few kids survived or because they lacked access to contraception? Perhaps in some cases, but the primary reason was they believed in the promise of America, the joy of family, and in a faith that said God would take care of them. The result was the most prosperous, industrious, creative, forward-looking and blessed society that our world has ever seen.

Our six precious children (and our son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and grandson), are all gifts from God, and they will tell you they are glad their highly educated mother (Master’s degree) stayed home to raise them. Furthermore they will admit she did not waste her education in doing so. Instead of squandering her hard-earned resources she invested them in the next generation by providing a secure and loving environment for our children.

Twenty-five years ago when we discovered we were pregnant with our fourth child (we have six altogether), a very concerned and sincere nurse at the clinic asked us, “Are you two part of some cult?”

“No,” we answered, “We’re just making sure there is someone to pay your Social Security when you retire.”

There was more truth in our answer than we knew at the time.

For more information about the population crisis, Mentoring Moments recommends the fascinating yet chilling video Demographic Winter.

If you are viewing this post in an email and can’t see the video, you can click the linked title to view it on You Tube.

Bob & Cheryl Moeller

 

Is it a Sin to Have a Large Family?

There is much controversy these days, even among Christians, over the number of children that a married couple should have. The argument, so it goes, is that a large number of children are bad for the environment, will use an inordinate amount of the world’s resources, will leave of all things (heaven forbid) a larger carbon footprint. Oh, by the way it will also possibly cause the wife to waste her education or possibly miss having a real career.

The implications are clear: to have a large family is irresponsible, selfish and poor stewardship of our planet (and a woman’s life).

As with any idea or proposition that believers must wrestle with in life the ultimate question should always remain: what do the Scriptures say? As believers in Christ, the ultimate issue is what authority shall we live by? For Christians, the answer of ultimate authority is simple and straightforward, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him” Psalm 18:30.

So what do the Scriptures say about the size of one’s family?

In Genesis God gives this command to the first married couple, “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it’” (Genesis 1:28). God repeats this same command to Noah and his children as they emerge from the ark, “As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it” (Genesis 9:2).

Later in the Scripture the psalmist exalts a large family as a sure sign of the blessing of God, “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 147:4-5). It may be of interest to note that the quiver of a solider in that day traditionally held five arrows.

While there are numerous more Old Testament passages that exalt a large number of children as a sign of God’s blessing, in the New Testament we also find evidence of the same.

For example, we are told the family of Jesus was quite large by today’s standards. While Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born to Mary, Jesus had a large number of brothers and sisters, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us?” (Matthew 13:54-56). Even by a conservative estimate there were seven children in the family of Jesus.

What was Jesus’ attitude toward children? “But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’” Luke 18:6.

We would simply make the point the Scriptures by both teaching and example consistently portray children, even a large number of children, as a blessing and not a curse upon families and the earth. “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him” Psalm 127:3.

While each couple must come to their own conviction as to the size of their family before God, it is important that we not condemn as irresponsible or unbiblical the desire of a family to raise a large number of children. John and Charles Wesley, two of the greatest figures in modern church history, came from a family of 17 children born to an Anglican pastor. In our family, Bob’s grandfather was one of 13 children and his mother was born to a family of seven. Cheryl’s father was raised with seven other brothers and sisters, and her mother was raised in a family of five children.

Tomorrow we will discuss the truth concerning overpopulation and the alarming reality.

Bob & Cheryl Moeller

 

 

Sweet Ideas for Mother’s Day

Need some inspiration for Mother’s Day gifts?

Mom’s Love Rub

Jan Nellis’ creamy soaps, scrubs, and candles are simply glorious. I have used the peppermint soap and cannot rave enough about it. Made with goat’s milk and a light mint fragrance, this soap is creamy and moisturizing. I love, love the scent. It is not strong, and smells good enough to eat! There is also a line of massage candles, a Dead Sea Salt Foot Scrub, and a variety of scrumptious soaps. Jan’s signature Mom’s Love Rub lotion is made with no preservatives and includes aloe vera, shea butter, and honey (from bees she raises!). It is good for dry skin, bug bites, stings, and even sunburns.

I appreciate Jan’s dedication to all-natural products and high standards. Along with her husband and five children, Jan leads a self-sustaining lifestyle. She also has a great book on dehydrating called Delicious, Delectable, and Dehydrated.

Check out her beautiful site at Mom’s Love Rub.

Pouchee
Have you heard of this? Let me share!

Pouchee is a purse insert that holds all the most important things such as makeup, cards, checkbooks, money, and a pen. It even has three slots that can be used to house a cell phone, small camera, and iPod. The best part…when it is time to change out purses, it is as quick as putting Pouchee in the new one!

Now where was this nifty invention when I was carrying a diaper bag? Perfect for all you Mommies who like to consolidate and carry your important things in a diaper bag when out with the kiddos. When it’s time to carry your purse, it is as simple as putting Pouchee in and you’re set! Here’s a video showing how Pouchee organizes everything:

Last summer the Pouchee company sent me a cotton Pouchee in khaki  to try out. I have used it ever since! It is available in a variety of colors and in leather. In fact, for Christmas I gave my mother and mother-in-love both Pouchee’s in leather. To make it a bit more fun, I filled their Pouchee with some extras such as a pack of Kleenex, a card, mints, new pen, hand sanitizer and a gift card.

 

Perfect Books for Summer Reading and Gift Giving

Many of the writers here at MMCW are authors. They volunteer their time to MMCW, sharing their wisdom and insight weekly. If you enjoy their writing, check out their books:

Women of the Secret Place: A collection of inspirational stories and personal moments with GodBy Ruth Ellinger / Ambassador-emerald, Intl.

Married Mom, Solo Parent: Finding God’s Strength to Face the ChallengeBy Carla Anne Coroy / Kregel Publications Married Mom, Solo Parent is a common-sense, down-to-earth look at the struggles wives and mothers face when their husband is not actively involved in family life. Writing from her own experience as a married single mom, Carla Anne Coroy will help wives and mothers sort through their questions, such as: Can I do this alone? How do I raise kids to honor their father? How do I give my children a healthy perspective of marriage if they never see one in action? With practical suggestions, anecdotes, and biblical teaching, this book will encourage moms to see their position as a high calling, to find healing for their worries and frustrations, and to tap into God’s strength for help in facing the daily challenge of being a married mom, solo parent.

Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting: Passing on a Legacy of Faith

A Secret Hope – eBook By Vicki Huffman / WestBowPress

Creative Slow-Cooker MealsBy Cheryl Moeller / Harvest House Publishers  Short on time? These taste-tested dishes are long on convenience! Sharing more than 200 recipes, Moeller shows you how to use two crockpots to prepare delicious, healthy, frugal meals. In the morning just combine the ingredients in the pots and come home to Harvest-Time Halibut Chowder, Mediterranean Rice Pilaf, Rhubarb Crisp, and more delicious dishes. Spiral Bound.

 

What do you have planned for Mother’s Day this year?

 

 

 

 

The opinions expressed are my own. I was not asked to give a favorable review of any item referenced, compensated for a review, nor was a review sponsored. I was sent a Pouchee last summer to try out. All outgoing links access the product referenced. All book links access our affiliate, CBD.com.

Jesus is…My Peace

For many years, this song has been my prayer whenever anxiety creeps up on me:

“Peace, peace,
Wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above.
Sweep over my spirit
Forever, I pray,
In fathomless billows of love.”

Whenever I feel anxious or overwhelmed, I take a deep breath, step away, and sing these few words.

· Slowly.
· Meditatively.
· Prayerfully.

In supernatural ways, God—the source of all Peace—calms my spirit and soothes my soul.

Everything around me might stay the same, but I am changed as my mind and my heart focus on my Heavenly Father. As I envision Him sitting on His throne, I sense Him speaking “Peace” into my situation. My heaviness lifts, my shoulders ease up, and my tense muscles relax.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace.

· When the kids are all screaming in the car.
· When my work is piling up on my desk.
· When my house looks like a tornado hit.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace.

Peace that only He can give (John 14:27). Peace that flows as I trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). Peace at all times and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

Jesus—He is my peace (Ephesians 2:14).

Daphne Tarango

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