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Abigail's
Newsletter |
May
5, 2000 |
| We come before God, clothed in His
righteousness, because of what He did for us. We have assurance, from God himself, that we
are his children, and He wants us to come into his presence, in prayer and faith. In a similar way, I come before my husband, unafraid, unashamed, in
love and honor. To honor God through our bodies, our bodies now one in marriage. We work
together in service to one another, and in service to God. God has a plan for me, and a
plan for our marriage and family. We serve Him where we are. |
Sometimes we do not work together harmoniously.
We need to spur one another on (v. 24). And a spur is uncomfortable in the side of a
horse, but helps communicate. As a wife you will have to communicate with your husband
things that may be very uncomfortable. Come before him in love, and honor him, even as you
'prod' him on to good works, not nagging but encouraging. As a helpmate, we need to aide in every way, coming alongside our
husbands, to help and not accuse, to share our insights, and not judge or accuse. Share
the truth in love, with caring. |
"22Let us draw
near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled
to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let
us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And
let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let
us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage
one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrews 10:22-25 (NIV) |
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May 13, 2000 |
Happy Mother's Day!
As we celebrate and thank God for our mothers, and for many
of us as a mother ourselves, remember the special place that children are given in God's
kingdom. To see the trust and wonderment of a little child as he explores this
world, brand new to him, and join in the wonderment. To be brought to tears by the pain a
child may feel as she has been hurt, and wanting to erase the pain. Be like a child. |
Watch the children, and become like them. Share
the joy of a Spring rain, the excitement of a hopping bunny, the tears of a small scratch,
the fragrance of the lilacs, the beauty of dew covered symmetrical spider's web. And
strive to trust as a small child trusts. My son jumps into my arms, with great exuberance,
knowing I will catch him. He has no hesitation and holds nothing back. Trust God with all
you are, your life, your marriage, your family. God will catch you. |
"13People were bringing little
children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When
Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15I
tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child
will never enter it.' 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on
them and blessed them." Mark 10:13-16 (NIV) |
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May 25,
2000 |
| There are so many gems of wisdom in the
Proverbs which can be applied to marriage, family and relationships. Fear of the Lord (v. 26) is a great place to start. Not only does it
benefit the person who worships God, but it can provide a refuge for their children, too.
And in this world, we all need a place of quiet refuge, secure in God's love and care.
That same fear leads to life (v. 27) and will turn your path from the trap that death puts
in your way. By fearing God you will turn to Him and His life will be yours, in full.
Look at your life, your marriage, your family. Are you at peace? |
It is so easy in this selfish world we live in, to hear the messages of
the world "You need more," "In order to be happy, you must have ..."
Just fill in the blank with the newest product. But this envy or jealousy of what others
may have hurts yourself (v. 30), as well as others. Are you at peace with your husband?
your marriage? Or do you envy a friend's marriage, or a helpful husband you don't have? Be
at peace with yourself, and your husband, and you will have life. Be kind to others, for
God created them (v. 31) - - Even your husband! Honor God, and your marriage. |
"26He who
fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for his children it will be a refuge.
27The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.
28A large population is a king's glory,
but without subjects a prince is ruined.
30A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
31He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God."
Proverbs 14:26 - 31 (NIV) |
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May 31, 2000 |
| It is so much easier to see the faults of others, than our own faults. I'm
sure my husband sees my faults much more clearly than I. But it is inward that I need to
look, to my own shortcomings, and the help of God to overcome them. Paul said in his
letter to the Corinthians "I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." II Corin. 12:10 |
I know I do not delight in my weakness, but I am learning to look to God
first, and not my own strength. Even more importantly I look to God when I have difficulty
with my husband, and put our marriage in His capable hands. God can work wonders, when we
get out of the way, and let Him do the work. It is not my place to point out the faults of
my husband. Nor use my own faults as an excuse. |
"12Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in you sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Psalm 19:112-14 (NIV) |
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