Yearly Devotional

From Treasures to Keep, by Edna Holmes 

Also available for Kindle

sMiLeS,

Devotionals by Glorianne Gibbs

These devotionals are written by Glorianne Gibbs, wife of David Gibbs.  

I just got them last week, and I'm reading A Walk with the Lord.  It is really good.

These are all KJV and are available at Victory Baptist Press and at Christian Law Association.

 

She also has written some books for children that teach a Bible verse and a story to go along with it. I bought these for my grandchildren. 🙂

The children's books are available at the CLA link above. 

        A Walk with the Lord 
        Regular sized print on a light background

        Having a Peaceful Heart 

        Regular sized print on colored backgrounds

        A Heart for the Lord 

        Smaller print on a light background

        One of the Georgie the Frog books.  
        I apologize that I failed to get a picture of the last page of the story... 

        Unfortunately I had already mailed the book to my grandkids in Nebraska before I realized this!  

sMiLeS,

Two resources -- for Psalms and Philippians!

►A Ready Reference for the Psalms - by Bro. Scott Pauley 

"The book of Psalms is God’s devotional book for His chosen people. It is both the Hebrew Hymnbook and a Personal Prayer book. Use God’s devotional book!"In the Psalms you find both prayer and praise. The purpose of the book is to bring every experience into the presence of God. The psalms are expressions of the heart for every experience in life. They have become a great help in my personal worship and devotional time."

Rediscover the Psalms -- This resource is for each chapter in Psalms, that you can keep in your Bible or notebook, or like I have, you may prefer to have screenshots of the pages.  The page folded in half will not fit in my Bible or notebook, and I would get the pages all bent, so I opted to do screenshots (below) which you are welcome to save to your device for your own use.

If you would like a printable version, you may go to the link above and put in your name and email address, and it will be emailed to you from Bro. Pauley's website.

You may also access the printable here.  For my printer, I had to choose double-sided, with the flip "up" option, to get it to print correctly.


Whether you prefer the printable version or the screenshots, I suggest you still read the blog article (the first link above).  You may want to do a screenshot of that too!  =)

(How to get your pics side by side like that, lol)

►A Study of Philippians - by Bro. Scott Pauley 
Learn the secrets of living the joyful Christian life. 

This is the Enjoying the Journey broadcast, which began by featuring short podcasts of a study of Philippians.  I especially enjoyed the episodes on Paul's prayers for the people of Philippi.

To listen to past episodes online, click here, or download the Podbean app to your phone, from iTunes or Google Play.

If you are using the app, be sure to "follow" the Enjoying the Journey podcasts so you can easily find the new podcast each day.  

1. Philippians - 42 podcasts - began on Dec 28, 2017 (download list)
2. The Daily Christian Life - 13 podcasts - began on Feb 28, 2018 (download list)
3. A Revival of Bible Reading - 5 podcasts - began on March 19, 2018 (download list)
4. A Journey Through Scripture began on March 25, 2018, and will briefly go through each book of the Bible

Each episode shows as around 10 minutes, but is actually only about 7 minutes, minus the intro and follow up. On the Podbean app, you can click the 30-sec-forward button twice to skip the intro.
Or you can edit your Seek settings for 15- or 60-second increments, and also turn off notifications for other recommendations, etc.  That setting was my favorite, lol!

Bro. Pauley is an evangelist, and was previously the Vice President of Administration at Crown College of the Bible where my daughter goes to college.
Click here for a preaching message by Bro. Pauley.  =)


sMiLeS,

♥Notebooks and My Bible Reading

So I'm kind of excited!  This is something I just can't wait to share, and it may not matter to one single other person, but that's okay, because I am excited!  =)

I love notebooks.  I enjoy studying... (okay, I've lost a few of you already, lol).  But I really do!  I love sitting at my desk with my notebook and Bible, favorite pen, highlighters (yes, I like several colors!), my Old or New Testament Survey book, and anything else I might need!  Like whiteout.  =D


For several years now, I've been filling up notebooks.  I use the same notebook for sermon notes, ladies meetings, etc. as well as my daily Bible reading.  During my daily reading, I usually only write down verses that mean something to me, and not too many notes.  And I don't even write something every day!
Those notebooks aren't pictured here - too messy, lol, and just my own scribbles...

I do make notations in my Bible, highlight or underline in my Bible and my Survey books, and cross reference when I see something I want to remember later.
(If you have small children, don't despair... I didn't do this when mine were small!  Or even medium...)

But when I come across a great verse or passage that I really, really want to remember later, in my notebook I will highlight the reference or a phrase in the verse... but then I can't always find them.  I have a small stack of notebooks with lots of stuff in them...  =) =)



So last month, I actually paid $10 for one medium-sized notebook.  I seriously did.  I came across it at a Mast General Store in Boone, NC, and there was only one.  For me.  ♥ ;)
I was so excited because there was a different design on every page!  I prefer color, different designs, something that does not look the same on both sides (kind of like my face, lol).
I didn't know yet what I was going to do with it, but I have a weakness for pretty notebooks.  I simply had to get it.  And it is has a sturdy, hard cover.
The designs inside this particular notebook are not already colored in, but I've used a highlighter on a few pages.

Lang notebook, artist for this notebook - Susan Winget

I was pleased when I finally decided that I could use this notebook as a place to write down my favorite verses and passages that really touch my heart!♥  In addition to scripture, I am including songs or quotes that I treasure as well.

This song is also called I Am Thine, O, Lord.

These verses speak to me... Ps. 139:17-18, 23-24; Ps. 119:97-105

The second notebook that I will talk about is a disc-bound notebook.  It has removable pages, but the whole notebook lays flat and can fold back similarly to a regular notebook, not a binder.  (I just... honestly do not care for binders.... ;)
(This video talks about different brands.)
I haven't used subject notebooks in a long time... When my kids were homeschooling, we had one notebook for math, and one or two notebooks for everything else!  But too many times I wished I could insert another page somewhere... or sometimes ended up with a section that simply didn't get used up and had blank pages sitting there.

I had seen these notebooks several times at Staples, and loved them.  But again, didn't know what I would use it for!  I finally did purchase it when I had a $5.00 coupon that was about to run out!  =)

Love the color and design! ♥

So far I'm using this notebook for two things, one being my prayer list.  I like to write out more things than just a simple list; I want to be specific.  For example, I have listed for my husband and children things I'm thankful for, as well as particular things to pray about.  (For me too!  So I hope no one reads my list!!)  But sometimes I have updates to add that require another page, or just more pages in a certain section, and it's easy to put in an extra page when necessary.

UPDATE: I'm now using PrayerMate - an app that does exactly what I want.  I can have daily lists, lists for certain days of the week, or even a day of the month.  Or the 1st, 10th, and 20th.  etc.  Or if someone has an upcoming exam, or a surgery, you can schedule several days ahead to remember to let others know ahead of time to pray... or to schedule food for their family, etc.  However you want.
It even works well with the Charlotte Mason method of reviewing scripture you've memorized!

Also available are divider pages like the green tab on on the left, as well as pocket pages and other accessories.

--I advise not to remove pages too often.. =)

The main things I'm putting in this notebook for now are verses and passages that are so necessary for those problem areas in my life!  We all have them - those "Till Death Do Us Part" problems!  Those areas that just always seem to get the best of us at the worst times...

I already had a few "go-to" passages and chapters, and am adding more to my list as I come across them.  I have a few verses that are just good to review frequently, and I've grouped others into categories.  I'm writing out some of the smaller passages and individual verses, so it is easier than having to go look them all up each time I have need of them!
The longer passages or chapters are only listed by their references.


sMiLeS,

A Little Off...

I have been THREE CENTS off in my checkbook for several days! I added and re-added, and checked my entries for accuracy....
This morning, I wrote down some more entries, and of course, I was still 3 cents off... then I glanced back a few pages, and suddenly I saw it! An error, on my part of course.  I fixed it and the next few pages, and now my balance is correct.
Thankfully there was only one error. If there are two, it is even more difficult to find, because you don't know what the two errors are that add up to __ cents, or dollars!

It's the same in our Christian lives... we skip (or even just skimp, or hurry thru) on our Bible reading, and things get off, and we end up snapping at our children or spouse, and things just go down hill from there! Even more "errors" add up, and it snowballs...


My problem was, I was starting at the wrong place to begin my scrutiny... I wasn't going back far enough.  I always place a bold check mark at the last point where I have everything balanced correctly.  A few entries before that, my total ended in a 6, then there were a few entries ending in zero, and then the entry where my mark was, at which I had my total with the last digit as a 9 instead of 6... and then placed a check mark there!  Six minus zero does not equal 9!
I had approved the very spot with the error!
No wonder I was wrong -- I checked and re-checked every entry after that, but had actually okayed the error!
I was blind to checking the one detail that was the whole problem.

Psalm 19:12 "...cleanse thou me from secrets faults."

And a false sense of security, thinking I have more in the bank than I do, will get me into trouble!!
It's best to keep checking up often!
We check on our cars if there is a little noise, we check on our health if we sense something is wrong, a few times a day we check our hair and clothes in the mirror...
Measure yourself against the Word... if there is a verse that makes you a bit uncomfortable, that you just want to skim by, you've found an error in your life... =)
God's Word is like a mirror! It shows us for who we really are.

Stay in the Word! Read for meaning, not to check off x number of chapters. Get something from it so it can help you. Be looking for verses and God will show you what you need...


Psalms and Proverbs are great places to start... Look for verses that show you where you need to change, but also look for verses that show God's love for you!  Getting close to him is the only way you can change. ♥



Psalm 16:11 "...and in thy presence is fullness of joy..."

Psalm 8:4 "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?"  [But he is!]

Genesis 16:13 "Thou, God, seest me..." ♥

Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalm 25:1-7
"Unto thee, O Lord , do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O Lord ; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord , thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord."

I encourage everyone to watch this message, even if you do read your Bible daily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rveawoJgyhg
So much in this message...



sMiLeS,

Always Wear Your Invisible Crown!

"Always wear your invisible crown!"

I saw that saying today, and I think it's intended to mean that you think you're all that, and you shouldn't let anyone run over you. unsure emoticon

BUT... It SHOULD mean you are a Child of THE KING!! And to always remember that in all you say and do!! heart emoticon

If you are a Christian, the world is watching.

Ephesians 4:32 Be Ye Kind!
To employees in the store, to the cashier who won't accept your coupon, to the waitress who brought the wrong order, to your parents, to your children in private not just in public! to the mailman who dropped your package, to the customer service rep who can't resolve your issue fast enough... You get the idea.

HOW can you become more like Christ?? By reading His Word. Read his Letter to you!! And pray. Talk to him about everything. And listen.
The same way you become like friends you are with often.

sMiLeS,

As Far as Possible...

Here is an excerpt from a book I am reading, Jack Hyles Speaks on Biblical Separation.

Chapter 5.

What About Secondary Separation?

One of the big issues of our day is not only, "Should we separate from the wrong crowd?" but also, "Should we separate from those who run with the wrong crowd?" We could go on and on and ask, " Should we separate from those who run with those who run with the wrong crowd?" and "Should we separate from those who run with those who run with those who run with the wrong crowd?" To enter into such a subject is like tiptoeing through mine fields, but since the issue needs to be faced, we will do so.

Sin is basically that which causes bad consequences to me or to someone else. This is an oversimplification, but to say the least, sin has consequences. The ultimate consequence of sin is death. Because of this, the wise person will find what leads to death and avoid it. The answer to this is in James 1:14,15. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." The Bible teaches us that sin brings death. We are reminded in the Word of God that the soul that sinneth shall surely die. We are reminded that the wages of sin is death. If we could just find what brings death and avoid it, we could avoid death-death of dreams, death of homes, death of hopes, etc. Since we don't want to die, then we should avoid sin, for sin brings death.

What brings sin? We find in our text verses the answer to this. Temptation brings sin. Hence, the wise person will stay away from death by staying away from sin and will stay away from sin by staying away from temptation, for temptation leads to sin and sin leads to death. To be two steps from death is better than to be one step from death.

We could be even safer if we could find what brings temptation. Again, our text verses tell us that enticement causes temptation. Enticement is someone or something trying to get us to consider wrong. Since enticement leads to temptation and temptation leads to sin and sin leads to death, then a person is farther from death if he stays away from enticement. If one does not want to die, he should avoid sin. If he wants to avoid sin, he should avoid temptation. If he wants to avoid temptation, he should avoid enticement. If this can be done, we are another step farther from death. Far too many of us walk just inside the boundary of sin, and then one stumble sends us across the line! However, if a person can find that temptation brings sin and enticement brings temptation, he can be several steps from death; then if he stumbles, he will not stumble into sin but into enticement.

Recently a young lady in Hyles-Anderson College came to my office in tears and completely broken. I asked her what was the trouble. She said, "Dr. Hyles, I am a fallen woman."

I said, "Oh, my, I'm sorry!"

She said, "I know I have broken your heart. I never thought it would happen to me, but it did. I know my parents will be heartbroken! My pastor will be crushed! I know, Brother Hyles, that I have hurt you deeply."

As she told me this she was weeping uncontrollably. I wept with her. I asked her, "Where did this happen?"

She said, "In the halls of Hyles-Anderson College."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing! I said, "Exactly what did you do?"

She said, "Brother Hyles, I held a boy's hand."

Though I continued to look concerned, I could not help but rejoice inwardly. To her, to become a fallen woman was to hold a boy's hand. She had stayed so far away from sin that when she did stumble, she was far enough away from the edge of sin not to go into sin itself. How tragic it is that many schools have their rules just between temptation and sin! The only rules are those which keep young people from sin. Why not make rules that keep them from temptation? Then why not make rules that keep them from enticement? Then why not make rules to prevent enticement in order to keep the young people even farther from death? If sin brings death, let us stay away from sin. If temptation brings sin, let us stay away from temptation. If enticement brings temptation, let us stay away from enticement.

If we could find what causes enticement, we could take another step away from death. The answer once again is in our text. Lust brings enticement. Lust simply means "desire." We lust, then we are enticed, then we are tempted, then we sin, then we die. We could take a step farther from death if we could find what leads to lust or desire. Again we find in our text that being drawn away leads to lust. God has a plan for each of our lives. Each of us is to be busily engaged in fulfilling that plan. When we are drawn away from that plan and the work that God has called us to do, we then notice what the world has to offer and we desire it. Once we desire it, there is always someone who can entice us. Then we are led to temptation which leads to sin which leads to death!

If we would keep from death, we must keep from sin. If we would keep from sin, we must keep from temptation, which takes us two steps from death. If we would be kept from temptation, we must be kept from enticement, which makes us three steps from death. If we are kept from enticement, we must be kept from lust, which puts us four steps from death. If we are kept from lust, we must be kept from being drawn away, which makes us five steps from death. It just makes sense that the farther one can stay from death the better off he is, and since death is caused by sin and sin brings death, we should stay as far away from sin as possible. Everyone who goes into sin follows the same pathway. He is drawn away from doing the things he is supposed to do. His eyes see something after which he lusts. Then someone entices him to take, whereupon he is tempted. The temptation leads to sin, and sin leads to death.

When I was a boy my mother taught me to come straight home from school. There was a certain route that I was to take every day. One day I did not take that route but joined some other boys in traveling another way. We had taken the first step. I was drawn away!

On this new way home there was a peach orchard which also had a big pecan tree nearby. We came by, looked at the peaches and pecans and desired them or lusted after them. Now we had taken the second step toward death which is lust.

Then one of the fellows suggested that since I was the smallest, I should climb to the top of the fence and the other boys would keep me from falling inside. I could lean over the fence, pick up some pecans and peaches and throw them out until there was enough for all of us. Then they would pull me back over the fence and we could go our way. There was the enticement. I was a step closer to death.

As I looked at the peaches and listened to their plan, I was tempted, and I was a step closer to death.

Then came the sin! I climbed the fence and reached for the pecans and peaches on the other side. One boy was at the top of the fence holding me, another boy was at the bottom of the fence holding him and the other boy was on the ground holding him. I got several pecans and peaches and threw them outside the orchard, and just as I was about to get enough, I noticed that the police had arrived! I was the only boy inside the fence, and as soon as the other boys saw the police coming, they let me go! I fell inside the fence and they scurried home. (This is always the case! Those who lead you into sin always drop you as soon as they are through with you or as soon as trouble comes.) There I was facing the police officers. Being drawn away had brought lust, lust had brought enticement, enticement had brought temptation and temptation had brought sin. Sin brought the police. (My mother had called them and told them to scare me to death.) They took me to the police station and warned me of my plight. I could see life imprisonment or perhaps even the electric chair! My predicament was caused by sin. My sin was caused by temptation, my temptation was caused by enticement, my enticement was caused by lust, and my lust was caused by being drawn away from the straight route home.

How foolish we are to live just outside sin! How foolish we are to make our rules and standards just outside sin! The farther we can walk from sin, the safer is our walk, and the farther from sin that we can keep those young people over whom we have authority, the safer will be their walk. Too many of us have our rules and standards right after temptation or right after enticement or right after lust or right after being drawn away. The wise leader will keep himself and his followers as many steps from death as possible; hence, as many steps from sin as possible.

Now concerning the matter of secondary separation, this is not even the issue. The issue is to be as safe as possible. If it is safe not to run with the wrong crowd, then it is safer not to run with the crowd who runs with the wrong crowd. 

You can finish this chapter or read the book in it's entirety online, or copy/paste into a word document so that it can be printed out.  =)


Also suggested:  Do you REALLY Want to be Like Him?  ♦  Modesty - What Guys Say


sMiLeS,

#TestimonyTuesday... started by a friend on facebook =)

I don’t have a spectacular testimony, as in, “I was wicked and the Lord turned me around.” But it is spectacular in that He saved me!! And He did change me! 
I grew up in a Bible-believing church that preached the truth, and I had heard the gospel from a young age. At age 10 I began to feel conviction and knew I wasn't saved. Then one day while standing in the kitchen talking to my Mom, I bowed my head and prayed and asked the Lord to save me!
There was a change in me after that. I remember telling my Mom a lie, then feeling so convicted I had to go back and tell her the truth. When you let God in, there will be a change!! smile emoticon
There was a period later when I doubted my salvation, but since getting back into being faithful in my Bible, there’s never been a doubt that I know when I got saved!! smile emoticon
If you “follow afar off” you may deny Christ. I just read that this morning, and it is so true! Stay in your Bible, stay close to Him.


sMiLeS,

I should soon have subdued their enemies...

These verses were a good reminder for me this morning.  We all have that one thing "which doth so easily beset us."  That we can let become a god.  Reading this makes it easier to listen to Him and do what I already know in my heart to be right.  I don't want God to give up working on my heart!
Oh, what might have been...

Psalm 81
9.  There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.
10.  I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
11.  But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
12.  So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
13.  Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!
14.  I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.

sMiLeS,

Psalm 139

This chapter just blessed me this morning!!


HE KNOWS US!

1 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

He cares this much for me:

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

THIS OVERWHELMS ME!!

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

Yes.  

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain

sMiLeS,

Silver Lining

"How can we find the "sunny side of life" when the storm seems to be parked directly over our house?"

1. Thank God for the good, the bad, and the ugly. "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Knowing a verse is not the same as living it. Just the other day, I was driving down a snowy road and said out loud, "Lord, thank you for good tires on this car." I would rather not drive in snow, but I can thank the Lord for a nice warm car with good, recently rotated tires.

2. Read more...  http://blog.keeptheheart.com/2015/01/silver-linings.html

Point #3 spoke to me today. I discovered something that I just can't even talk about.  But after reading this, just decided to give it to God as it will only discourage me if I dwell on it.  And likely discourage anyone I would tell!
There are malicious people in this world, but when it seems there is nothing that can be done, TURN TO HIM!!  

I had asked God for a verse today, and He gave me this too!!
Job 5:8-9
"I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:
Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number."
--Doesn't He just love us so much?!?!

"Stormy?  Look for the silver lining.  The sun is just behind that cloud temporarily."

Photo Credit:  Mrs. Francie Taylor

Finding Comfort in His Love,

Our Country!

Told by David C. Gibbs, founder and president of the Christian Law Association.

Faith of Our Founding Fathers



Story of the Star-Spangled Banner




sMiLeS,

Be Ye Kind

A few months ago we were at a church where a visiting preacher preached and his family sang.  They were smiling and rejoicing in the truths in the songs and giving testimonies.  The preacher brought a great message -- one of those that make you think.  =)
Afterward I was in the foyer, and many people had left already.  (Our family tends to stay awhile!)  =)  I saw the visiting preacher's wife over to the side with a lady she obviously knew pretty well.  The preacher's wife was struggling to hold back tears, and the other lady had her arm around her and was comforting her, murmuring words of consolation and saying she was praying.  I don't remember what was said, but obviously that preacher's wife (and maybe the preacher too!) was going through some hard times.

Sometimes we see people who are "out there," and they are smiling; doing God's work, tirelessly, it seems; helping others; taking prayer requests from those who look up to them and know they can "get a-hold of God."  They just keep going on, day after day.  And many times they still have small children and/or teenagers.  I'm talking about the families of evangelists, pastors, missionaries, bus workers, and more, all serving the Lord with their wives and children.
It's a blessing to see families like this.  Those who have raised their children to love the Lord.  The families where you know the wife is following her husband with a joyful spirit, and is not bitter because of her husband's choices.

But these people are just people.  Like you and me.  They have struggles.  They have kids who argue, who have attitudes toward mom and dad, who get tired of being under scrutiny because others think that the preacher's kid shouldn't get tired and cranky, shouldn't have a sinful nature (...really??) like other kids do.

 
Hmmm...

Wives who have kids who are under such scrutiny surely have more stress than those whose aren't.  Who, if they need to stay home from church, won't feel judged as to whether their sickness was "sick enough."  Some people handle illnesses better than others, and not because they are tougher, but because it doesn't affect them as much.  You see it in your own children -- some seem to get sicker than the others in the family.
Being a wife and a mom is a lot of work.  Being a wife to a preacher, and mother to that preacher's kids, is a lot more work.  Because everyone expects her husband to be available.  Because other ladies sometimes expect her to do all, be all.  Because people expect her kids to act better than theirs. And if their own children are super great, some people don't think hers should be less than super.

But sometimes a wife gets discouraged.  She misses her husband when he constantly needs to meet someone else's need.  When he's visiting someone at the hospital, when the kids are sick and she needs a shoulder to lean on, when the washer breaks and there are piles of laundry and it's revival week, when supper burns and everyone is running late and one child lost her shoe and another fell and busted his lip...
And sometimes kids in a ministry family feel like they're always being picked on for not being perfect.  When other people's kids pick up on their own parents' criticism, and begin their own whisper campaign.  When they have to stay late after church and are tired and have school the next morning.  And if they homeschool, maybe being left out of things because the schooled kids are better friends since they see each other every day.
And if the children are made fun of or left out, the mom feels even more stress.

So if they're just people like us, what is the difference?  The difference in ministry families and lay people is that one family answered God's call to minister to others.  They're out there serving, not looking to receive.

We don't see behind the scenes.  We don't see the tears, the heartache - for with life eventually comes some sorrow.  We don't see the exhaustion, the temptation to give it up.  Because if a person is truly wanting to do the Lord's will, they will do their best to be an encourager to others, so you see that side of the picture.  

I know people like this and they amaze me.  They have troubles, but are the encouragers, the ones who offer prayer, who will be willing to talk if someone needs it.  The ones who don't make you feel less than them if you aren't as spiritual as they are.
For you see, those who have this love for others, this attitude of forgiveness, of caring... these are the ones who are so full of the Love of God that it spills over, even when they have their own troubles.

. . . . . . .

But sometimes a wife or children will get so discouraged, they do become bitter.  Maybe not terribly, but the discontent is there at times.  They may even slowly stop being the encourager, the giver...   They may begin to show a bit of resentment, being peeved at some things, and may even say something that hurts your feelings!
And people begin to see the flaws, the cracks... And they begin to criticize.
(Why do we think criticizing is a lesser sin than the sin we are criticizing??)

But a criticized person will not feel encouraged to change.
But WE NEED to encourage our sister in Christ!  Whether or not they're doing something wrong, whether or not we think they should be more kind, should not have said those words, whether or not their Johnny kicked your Susie...

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."  Galatians 6:1

Note the phrases, "ye which are spiritual" and "in the spirit of meekness."
And "restore."  If I had a priceless antique that I wanted to be restored, I would want to choose someone who knew what they were doing.  I would want someone who was careful, who took their time to do it correctly, who used the right tools, etc.  Be careful how you restore.

res·to·ra·tion

 noun

1.  the act of restoring; renewal, revival, or reestablishment.

2.  the state of fact of being restored.

3.  a return of something to a former, original, normal, or unimpaired condition.

4.  restitution of something taken away or lost.

5.  something that is restored, as by renovating.

Restoration won't happen with criticism or disdain.  We women especially can convey extreme disdain with just a look!  And those looks can really hurt.

Sometimes we just feel like what some else is doing is just so wrong, though!  She should not act like that, or have an attitude, or do this or that.
Why do we think badly of someone who sins differently than we sin??
        "For all have sinned..."
And unforgiveness is sin.

No matter what the other person does, we are responsible for our own actions.  We can't blame our actions on theirs.
I listened to a message the other week by Bro. Johnny Pope* "The Suburbs of Forgiveness."  I'd like to encourage you all to watch it.


Look for things to do for a family who is in the ministry, even if they are simple things.  Add them to your prayer list and pray for specific needs, for the Lord to uplift them, for Him to give them a scripture that will help them though their day, for Johnny and Susie to see that their mother needs them to be a help around the house and to pick up after themselves, etc.  No matter how small, whatever need you see! 
  (Here is a great message on "Power in Prayer" by Dr. David Gibbs, Jr.*)

Look for ways to be kind.  I think a lot of faults can be covered by being kind.

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Proverbs 31:26

I saw this statement once - "To become the Proverbs 31 woman, you can't skip chapters 1-30."
I encourage you to read a chapter in Proverbs every day.  Really search for verses that are what you need for that day.  Make a point to write them down, maybe in a small notebook.  If you didn't find a verse, re-read until you do.  Make it a habit to be thinking through each verse as you read.  Proverbs isn't a book to be read quickly.  And if you soak it in, it will change you.  =)

Be an encouragement when you're around ministry families.  Watch for things to compliment them on.   If you see their child being kind, give a compliment.  If you see their kid not doing something they shouldn't, give a compliment.  Give compliments for character, not on clothes or hair, etc.  Engage the kids in conversation or offer to watch small children in the nursery after church so mom can have a chance to talk to other ladies.  Look for ways to be helpful, maybe even something at their house, and be sure to ask how they want it done.
Often I think doing something for someone goes a long way, more than giving something.  Doing something takes more time than handing someone money for a new dress, etc.  Dresses and other things that we can buy are really super nice!  It's great to spoil your pastor's wife and I think it should be done!  But when you also show you care about someone enough to give your personal time, it speaks to someone's heart.

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:3

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."  Ephesians 4:32 

The book of I John is also really good to read -- has a lot about brotherly love.  Just 5 short chapters.  =)

Read here.


P.S.  Several articles:

• Nine Secrets Your Pastor's Wife Wishes You Knew by Christina Stolaas
• Seven Ways to Bless Your Pastor's Wife by Daniela Johnston Houk
• Kind People in a Mean World by Bro. Scott Pauley*
• 10 Things Pastors Never Want to Hear by Summer Stevens
• Why Churches Should Rethink their Preacher's Salary by Wes McAdams
  (actually more about the reasoning behind his salary)

A book:

• Don't Muzzle the Ox: All the Things a Pastor Wishes His Church Understood but is Hesitant to Tell Them, by Bo Wagoner*
  Also available for Kindle

In the above articles, if you read something you don't agree with, keep reading!  These authors are doing their best to get across what many church members need to know.  If you truly care and are truly searching, God will show you some things!  =)


DISCLAIMER:
*I have personally met and heard these* men preach, some many times.
The others I linked to, I like this particular article by them, but have never met nor heard of them before.

• Proverbs 26:20-23  "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.  As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.  Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross."

-- A lot of division between brothers and sisters in Christ is caused by the tongue, which "no man can  tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."  James 3:8

Gossip, whether true or not, makes the devil happy. 

• Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

--What kinds of things do you dwell on?  Past wrongs?  Pour out your hurts to the Lord.  Then pray for those who have hurt you.  Keep praying!  It will take time, but you'll begin to see a change in your heart.  😊

• Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."  

sMiLeS,

Obedience comes from a ready heart...

This chapter just blessed me so much today!
The people of God wanted to hear his words.  They heard his words and understood and wept.  They heard something they should be doing, and they did it.

Nehemiah 8

1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.

2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.

4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.

8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.

12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

13 And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.

14 And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:

15 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.

16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. 

You need to have a ready heart.  You've got to have already prepared your heart.  We could read this on a different day when we haven't been open to the words of the Lord, and may not get anything out of it except that it is history.  These people were open and ready to receive His word.  =) =) =)

sMiLeS,