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Fruitful Vine

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In the early part of this year, Sandra did a great series called “Rock Your Marriage” with some excellent thoughts to ponder! This is a challenging post that has stuck with me and I often think about it… what does it mean to be a “fruitful vine” in our homes? This post was originally published at Sandra’s blog on Feburary 2, 2011.

Psalm 128:3, “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house…”
I love the imagery of this verse. But what does it mean, and what does it have to do with building our marriages on the rock of God’s Word? Scholars believe it means that the wife is fruitful by having children. That leads into the next verse, which talks about children being like olive shoots. But because
women can be wives and not be mothers, I believe we can apply this verse more broadly. 
How can a wife be fruitful, and how can she do it best within her house?
J.R. Miller wrote in his book Home-Making, “…it should be understood that for every wife the first duty is the making and keeping of her own home. Her first and best work should be done there….” (67-68). He wrote those words in 1882, but they are still true today. God gives us many responsibilities and ministries, but our primary calling is to our own homes, our families.We need to see that their needs are met before we meet the needs of others.

Being a fruitful vine within our homes means we give our best to our families. The best of our energy, creativity, and love. Some days this is easier to do than other days. It’s even easier in some seasons of life than in other seasons. We can all evaluate ourselves in light of this verse and find an area of potential improvement.

Rock your marriage today–pray about ways you can be fruitful in your house. Give your home and family more attention than you give anything else. Ask God to bless your obedience to this verse!

Philippians :: Week 5 :: Looking at Y.O.U.

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{Today’s post is a guest post from Kelly!}

Paul was not a teacher that candy-coated the truth. He spoke truth for what it is. He wasn’t trying to win your heart or get you to like him, he was trying to point you to Jesus:

“Be like-minded. Look out for others’ interests.”

“Respect others; regard them better than you.”

“Be obedient, even die.”

“Every person glorify the Father.”

An “others-focused” theme is present here, because that is God’s heart. In other words, I’m going to turn my attention from me to you. In Philippians 2:2 and 2:5 the word mind is the Greek phroneō which means to have understanding, be wise, to feel and to think. So when I’m responding to you, then I need to apply wisdom in my response. When I think the word YOU, I’m going to think Yielded to Others with Understanding.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 NKJV

What God desires us to do, He did first as the example for us. Jesus became obedient to the point of death. So should we, because it’s not about us. It’s about others. When this humble obedience is brought forth in us, God is glorified and His name is exalted.

“Christianity summed up in one word would be “servant.” Paul would say “slave.” ~ Nelson Searcy

As Christians, we do not think, respond, or feel the way we want, but the way God wants because we are His. We are to die to self and be yielded to others with understanding. God’s heart is unity. It’s much easier to walk in one accord if we live our lives with the attitude of esteeming others better than we are. It’s much easier to avoid strife if we are responding to others with a humble heart. It’s also sometimes easier said than done.

3 Areas to be Yielded to Others with Understanding:

*Interests

We naturally look out for our own interests, but if we are looking out for others’ interests we are going to receive the comfort and fellowship of the Spirit. Showing them this kind of love doesn’t mean we are being nosy, but that our response is with sympathy. A mindset of being considerate in regard to the people we live and work with should be ours.

“Daddy’s sick, so we’re going to be quiet and then bring him breakfast in bed.”

“Jane and I both like coffee at work. There’s one cup left; it’s hers.”

*Opinions

Being like-minded doesn’t mean we change our views to cater to a differing opinion, but that our opinions should line up with scripture. We can’t choose only the portions of the Bible that we like because we belong to God. If all our opinions line up with scripture, then unity will be much easier to attain.

*Beliefs

The area of what we believe is one that needs a true balance of a biblical mindset. When we talk to others we need to be careful that we aren’t unfeeling.

In light of being yielded to others with understanding, consider the following questions:

  • How are you to respond when you encounter someone who doesn’t agree with you?
  • How can you be in unity with someone when their beliefs don’t agree with yours?

 

Kelly married her high school sweetheart and homeschools her two boys.

She writes at kellysinging.com to help others walk the road of bearing good fruit.

 

 

{Katie here: Thanks to Kelly for sharing her heart with us! Now, what about you? What did YOU learn this week in your study of Philippians? I have been enjoying the discussion each week, and I look forward to your thoughts this week!}

Oh for His Word to Invade Our Moments

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It has become my mantra of sorts…


“If what I teach does not invade and transform the moments of my own life then I am missing the point.” ~lara williams


If what I teach only graces my lips in front of a group of ladies and never affects how I “work out my own salvation,” then I’m missing it. I’m missing the abundance rightfully mine in Christ.

It’s like when  if I were to grab a toy out of my kids’ hands while saying, “Don’t grab toys from people!” Then, yeah. Somewhere we have a breakdown.






He wants freedom for us. He desires we live the fullest life. He sent his own son to die an excruciating, humiliating death to redeem us, while we were still his enemies. He loves us beyond all human reason. And he graciously guides and pierces through his sweet word.



Studying his word is crucial, necessary, and right. Edifying others with his word is our call. But if his word isn’t meeting us in our own moments with our kids, or affecting how we treat our husbands, or challenging us beyond our comfort zones, then we are missing its power to heal and transform our own lives. We’re missing the point.



Let’s just be really real. We are all on this journey. We are all in process. We all speak out of our selfishness at times and react in our flesh. We all need his grace and mercy to fall on us. But none of us have to stay where we are. In Christ, the old is gone and he has new things — freedom things — for us to experience.



Pray with me that he will reveal areas of discrepancy in our daily living. That he will open our eyes to things that need purging. Let’s dare to ask him to show us, through his word and through his Spirit, places that need his touch.



Sending love to you, friends.



How do you stay diligent, allowing his word to invade your own daily moments?
How have you struggled with the discrepancy?


Another Day of Grace

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{I adore Sandra!  She is one of my very best friends and I’ve been fortunate to spend time in her home and get to know her family.   This post is one of her more recent ones but it captures her heart and her desire to live in and give out grace.  Written about the pending “end of the world” on May 21st, Sandra points us all back to the truth of grace.  Thank you, Sandra, for your friendship and your faithfulness to know God more.  Your life is an encouragement and inspiration to me!  ~ Teri Lynne}

Today is (probably) not the day Christ will return. But it is a day of grace. For that, we should be thankful, and convicted.

They are laughing at us. On Twitter and in interviews. At family functions and friendly get-togethers. What a joke to think the world would end today! Those Christians are so crazy.

Most don’t know the difference in what Harold Camping believes and what John Piper believes (or Francis Chan or Beth Moore). Just like they don’t know the difference in Westboro Baptist Church and Stewartstown Baptist Church (my church). Christian is Christian is Christian when you aren’t one.

Why should today be any different for those of us who don’t believe Christ is returning at 6:00pm? There are lawns to mow, basketball games to watch, dirty diapers to change. Evangelism isn’t always on our to-do lists.

But this day reminds us that there is a lost and dying world in need of grace and the Grace Giver. We should be thankful we have another day to tell our friends and family members about the grace we ourselves have been freely given. 

Be an evangelist today. And tomorrow too.

Side note: We should also be giving grace to Harold Camping and his followers. Have you read his interviews? He says he has no idea if he will go to heaven. He doesn’t know if he’s saved. Imagine waking up, believing with all your heart, soul, and bank account that this is the end for the entire world, and not knowing your eternal destiny. Pray for him and those who bought into the lies spoken through him. Remember our battle is not against flesh and blood….

Doing Our Husbands Good

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Sandra first posted this on her blog in September of 2010.  I remember reading it and feeling like the Lord had held my face in His hands, gotten my attention, and reminded me to make “doing my husband good” more of a priority in my days. Sandra has such a refreshing way of highlighting a simple, highly valuable truth, and presenting it in an undistracted way.  It seems like Sandra can say in 200 words what usually takes me 400 to say! I so appreciate her heart for knowing the truth of God’s Word and for communicating it in an accurate, applicable manner. As a fellow pastor’s wife, she is an example to me of making each moment (and word) count.

Doing Our Husbands Good

Proverbs 18:22, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”

My husband, a pastor, has had a more stressful week than usual. Long counseling sessions, staff evaluations, a medical situation with his dad (who is over six hours away), big changes happening to our Sunday worship service schedule, volunteer recruiting… you know what kind of week I’m talking about. They happen in every profession.

So I tried extra hard to make home stress-less. Meals ready when he was ready to eat (even if that was 9:00 at night). Things picked up around the house. Laundry done and put away. Small things that I hoped would make our home peaceful and calm. It’s one of my favorite things about being a wife. Only I can minister to him in these important and practical ways. That’s why I believe Scripture says in Proverbs that a wife is a good thing in 18:22; and in Proverbs 31:12 it says about the excellent wife, “she does [her husband] good.”

How do you do your husband good? What practical ways do you show him love? How do you make your home less stressful? Let’s learn from each other today!

God Will Give You More Than You Can Handle

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{As I read Sandra’s posts, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the one I’m sharing with you today. In today’s ‘SandraPeoples.blogspot.com‘ post, she reminds us that while clichés may seem like nice, wise things to say, it’s best to stay biblical when we give advice. I love the way Sandra is wise beyond her years and consistently calls us to be strong in the faith and grounded in the Word! As you read this post, I know you’ll see that too!}

God Will Give You More Than You Can Handle

Original post – MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2011

PhotobucketThere’s a cliche Christian phrase that I believe does more harm than it does good. It may make us feel all warm and reassured, but it’s actually a lie.

The truth is–
God will give you more than you can handle.

As a parent, part of my job is to encourage my boys to become independent. As they grow, they will rely on me less and less. Our Heavenly Father wants us to become dependent on Him. As we grow in godliness, we rely on Him more and more.

To help my boys learn, I give them opportunities to show their independence from me. God gives us opportunities to show our dependence on Him.

I give my boys tasks I know they can handle so they gain confidence. God gives us tasks we can’t handle so we gain humility.

When consoling and counseling friends, let’s stop saying God won’t give you more than you can handle. Let’s start telling the truth–God will never leave your or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). In this world, we will have tribulation, but Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). The Lord is a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9).

The truth of His Word brings more comfort than a cliche phrase!

How to Make a Bible Notebook

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UPDATE: Want more information on building a Bible notebook? Please see our newest posts and printables here.

* * *

Why do you study the Bible?

If you’re like me, you have many reasons. To know God more. To be transformed into his image. To learn to love others better. To build a stronger faith in Jesus. To reflect his glory. To solidify truth in your heart.

But if you read the Bible and immediately forget what you learn, how effective is that (James 1:23-24)?

God often commanded the Israelites to write things down, and their faithfulness to the written Word means we have accurate scriptures today.

We all know that one effective way to retain what you read is to write it down. In a place you can find again.

Creating a personal Bible notebook works for me. While I still keep separate notebooks for specific purposes (like my Philippians memory book), I use one 3-ring binder to hold the bulk of my daily studies.

For example, eight years ago I began copying by hand and journaling one verse per day from my daily Bible reading. I wrote what the truth revealed about God and how it applied to me at the time.

Now that I’m going through the Bible for the fourth time with this method, I am benefiting from having all my previous notes sorted by book/chapter so I can easily flip through my notebook and be reminded of what I learned from the past three readings.

Having easy access to lessons God has already taught us through his Word in past situations builds our confidence in his faithfulness in our current and future circumstances.

Things you need:

  • 3-ring binder
  • Notebook paper
  • Insertable tab dividers
  • 3-hole punch
  • Sheet protectors (optional)

Decorate your binder to make it personal, then pack in plenty of paper and several dividers.

Next, decide on the categories you want and make tabs for each. I use these.

Tabs:

  • Bible Notes
  • Memory Verses
  • Greek
  • Prayers
  • Book Studies

The Bible Notes section includes my daily verse journal that I write by hand on loose-leaf notebook paper. I also keep an extra copy of my Daily Bible Reading plan here.

Under the Memory Verse section, I keep a printout of all the verses and chapters that I’ve (tried to) learn. Then each day I review one sheet before I begin working on my current verses. This assures all the verses get reviewed periodically.

I started the Greek tab when I took a Wednesday night class on Greek from a retired university professor at church. I write down interesting words and definitions that bring new light to scripture as well as words that I want to study more later. I keep a copy of the Greek alphabet here and a list of key words that I don’t want to forget.

The Prayer section holds both prayer lists as well as prayers I’ve written for special occasions, such as the beginning of a school year. Having a record of requests, answers, and praises will motivate you to continue seeking the Lord.

The Book Studies section includes notes from books I’ve studied on my own as well as with friends. This is also a great place to capture book suggestions for future studies.

You could also include sections for sermon notes, blog posts, writing ideas, quotes, devotionals, photos, drawings, song lyrics, Bible maps, etc.

Use pockets in the front and back of your binder or use sheet protectors to store church bulletins, loose notes, or small clippings you don’t want to lose.

Keeping everything in one place, at your fingertips, can make your study times more fruitful, less scattered, and more faith-building.

How do you keep track of what you’re learning? What works for you? For your kids? Please share!

When does Where You Live Become Where You’re From?

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This week at Scripture Dig we will be highlighting the team’s favorite “Sandra posts!” When I spotted this one below I knew immediately this is the one I wanted to share with you. Sandra’s words express my feelings exactly. My husband has recently been transferred. We will be making our 6th move as a family this summer!

I lived 18 years in Duncan, OK. Then 3 months in Pearland, TX. 4 years of college in Abilene, TX. 1 year in Allen, TX. A few months in Bakersfield, CA. Then six years around the Raleigh, NC area. Now I live in south/central Penn. When someone asks, “Where are you from?” this easy question is actually difficult for me to answer. When does where you live become where you’re from?

When you’re in school, where you’re from is not a question about where you live. You are expected to be from somewhere other than where you live. My college and seminary directories both listed my name, phone number, address, and home town. This assumed my address did not tell my hometown.

But while in seminary I married a local boy (from Raleigh) and had two kids. I still struggled to say that I was from there, even though my little family was from there and we lived there.

Now that we live in Pennsylvania, it’s even harder for me to say where I’m from. Do you want to know where I grew up (this question is usually to figure out my accent), where I moved from, or where I live now? You can see how this question can lead to a five minute story.

When I went out to eat this week with my mom, sisters, niece, and sons the hostess asked, “Where are you from?” My first answer is usually, “Texas,” but since I was in Texas this wouldn’t work. So I said, “We live in Pennsylvania.” I immediately felt guilty. My husband and I love our new church. We love the area where we live. We hope to be there for years and years! So when will I be able to say that I’m from there?

Those of us who are taken to places other than our “homes” for ministry have a hard time feeling permanent there. But I am where God has placed me. Acts 17: 26 says, “…[God] has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings…” So it is not my husband, our church, or a job that has placed me where I live but God. To not put down roots where He has placed me is to doubt His love, wisdom, and plan for my life. So, I’ll get on Facebook right now and change my “hometown.”

21,900 Little Things

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My husband is the best dishwasher unloader ever! Except he forgets which knives go in the drawer and which go in the knife holder on the counter. Every time I look for a knife I have to look two places! In this post, I love how Julie helps us see little irritations in our marriage as just that- little irritations.

Can you see them?  Look harder.

Twenty-one thousand, nine hundred inches. That’s what I added up to be the total number of inches Jeff has “scooted” the coffee maker in our 20 years of marriage. (Actually more than 20 yrs, but I’m throwing in the last 5 months as a freebie ;) You see, when Jeff makes coffee each morning, he has a habit of scooting the coffee maker out from the wall, because … well, he has a few reasons. But he doesn’t scoot it back.  :) He leaves it out … about 3 inches per morning. It’s a small thing, really, but after 20 yrs, that’s a lot of inches. “Little things” really DON’T mean a lot, but they can uncover big things that mean more. 

What “little things” are you talking about or stewing about so far, this holiday season? Packing the car? :) The piece missing from the picture perfect pie you made? Putting lights on the tree? Someone finding a hidden surprise? How long you stay at a relative’s house? How much you pay the sitter? Dinner getting cold while someone preaches a “sermon prayer?” How much you spend on a gift? Every couple’s “little things” look different, but let’s keep little things what they are = little.  And if they uncover something “big,” then let’s take care of those, without getting hung up on any of the 21,900 inches.

Are there little things between you and your spouse that you’re letting create tension between the two of you? Small preferences or habits getting in the way of affection and warmth towards each other?  I’ll admit it, I’ve thought of a variety of way to deal with the 21,900 in my life:

  • Nag persistently?  Nah, never works and wears us both out.
  • Screw the coffee maker to the counter while he’s at work? Bad idea. Would crack the countertop.
  • Send Jeff threatening anonymous emails? I can’t keep secrets from him; I would tell.
  • Stop drinking coffee?  Ha ha ha.  That’s funny.
  • Pray about it? Here’s where I said, “Oh come on, Julie. It’s just 3 in. a day, and you have more significant things to pray about. It’s a LITTLE thing. Now my attitude about the inches? That’s a big thing.”

So, I decided to ask the Lord to help me die to myself when it comes to my 3 daily inches, put away the screw driver, open up a new bag of coffee, and shove that coffee maker back (in a godly way, of course ;) and put the LITTLE thing back where it belongs:  out of the way.

When it comes to the little things, God’s Word reminds us that Christ-like love “is patient … kind … not easily angered … keeps no record of wrongs … always hopes, always perseveres” (from 1 Cor. 13:4-7).  Not easily angered by little things. No record of little things.  Persevering despite little things.  Patient about little things.

What’s your “little thing?”
Praying you can shove it out of the way daily to where it belongs:  out of the way.

Blessings on you, friend, in the little and the big things of this miraculous thing called married life.

Philippians :: Week 4 :: God’s Purpose

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God’s Gospel-Purpose for Us

We know that believing is a blessing. And has purpose.

But suffering? Really, Paul?

The apostle Paul was no stranger to suffering. And his Philippian audience knew it. Not only was Paul writing this letter while under house arrest in Rome, but earlier in their very town of Philippi—a wealthy Roman colony—he and Silas had been dragged into the marketplace, stripped, beaten, and locked in stocks (Acts 16:19-24).

So when he writes “it has been granted to you” (1:29) to also suffer, he knows what he’s talking about.

And he expected them to suffer well. For a reason. Us, too?

There is a way to live that shows God’s good news (i.e., gospel) really is good. Stand united; keep the faith; suffer with confidence. Then it will be clear that we’ve been delivered (1:28).

But how?

Do we flinch when danger shows up? Do we get scared at the possibilities of all the things that can go wrong in a life—even “little” things like a stomach bug or a car breaking down or an overscheduled week?

Here are three ways Paul helps us consider it a favor when we face enemies:

1. Don’t be a loner.
Stick with the team.

Can we live in agreement? Can we be so single-focused on Jesus that people will look at the church and think, “That’s amazing!”? Yes, we can!

We’re not designed to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps when troubles come, but rather to lock arms with like-minded believers (1:27).

2. Don’t let enemies intimidate you.
Place your confidence in Christ.

We reflect glory to God when we’re not intimidated by our problems (1:28). Not because we have all the solutions, but because the Lord has and will continue to rescue us. Not from troubles. But through troubles.

God was faithful to Paul in his conflicts. He’ll be faithful to us in ours.

3. Don’t despise suffering.
Consider it a blessing.

This one is hard. But when Paul said that sufferings had “been granted to you,” he used the Greek word charizomai, which literally means “to grant as a favor, gratuitously, in kindness” (1:29).

Paul counted it a privilege to suffer for Christ (3:8), not a curse to shrink back from. The value of knowing Christ is worth it all. We see that throughout Philippians.

So let’s ask the Lord—no, plead with the Lord—to give us more unity, courage, and gratitude so the world will look at us and say, “Wow, God!”

It’s God’s gospel-purpose for us.

How do you overcome fears and sufferings? What truths did you learn in Philippians 1:27-30 about God? About Paul? About your identity in Christ?

Please share what  the Lord is revealing to you. It’s one way we can stand side by side for the faith of the gospel (1:27).

 

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