Monday, January 26, 2009

Unconfessed Sins? Surrender in Prayer...

As a pastor's wife, many look to me for advice, or even as a spiritual mentor of sorts. I kind of have a difficult time being in this role model position, I feel like I am the one who should be looking for help, so it is difficult for me to feel like I can be there for others.

Many times in our lives we can't be a spiritual pillar, or even earnestly pray, and spend time with our Lord because we have allowed ourselves to be separated by sinful behaviors. Even in Psalm 66:18 I recently read about hidden sin, and how it separates us from God. I don't want anything to keep me from serving and praising my Lord. Whether that be an attitude, or thoughts that I shouldn't have, I want to surrender those sinful behaviors to God, so that I can have a closer fellowship with Him.

Many times it is important to have an accountability to others, whether it be your husband, your friends, or whomever else you trust as a brother or sister in Christ. This accountability partner can keep you in check in regards to your prayer time and scripture time. I am reminded by my hubby at various times about my lack of Bible/prayer time, when I get in a "mood". Of course there are times that I am reminding him as well.

I believe that the key to a strong prayer life with the Lord is to start with our confession of sin.

If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Psalm 66:18-19

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Say Hey, It's a Good Day!

I have had a difficult day today, not unlike many for me. I have been struggling lately, in my spiritual life. I am feeling down and drained, but I won't give it up to God. Why Not, when I know that is all I need to do? Today I was thinking of a song I know called Say Hey, and the words are really true.

Say Hey, it's a good day, even if things aren't goin' my way, Jesus is Lord, and I am saved so, say hey, it's a good day!

It doesn't matter how tough life can be, or how cruddy we feel, if we are saved through Jesus Christ, then, hey it's a good day.

But now, oh Lord you are our Father, we are the clay, and You are the Potter, and all we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Ever Feel Lousy About Yourself?

My hubby sent this to me in an email and I wanted to share it with you:

You need to know how God feels about you:
You are "majestic" in His eyes (Literally: excellent, glorious, mighty, worthy)
You are the source of all His delight (Psalm 16:3)
Zephaniah 3:17 puts it this way:
The Lord is with you
He takes great delight in you
He will quiet you with His love
He rejoices over you with singing
Of you He says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." (Jeremiah 31:3) He has always loved you! Even before you were conceived!
Yes, I know you are a sinner. That is not new information. But in His eyes your problem with sin has nothing to do with your intrinsic worth. If your daughter contracts cancer, her worth is not diminished in your eyes, is it?
As the kid said, "God didn't make any junk." The truth is that "you are fearfully and wonderfully made… skillfully wrought": God's marvelous creation! (Psalm 139:14, 15) In fact, "while we were sinners" — scuzzball rebels — Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Before we cleaned up our act, He crawled up on that cross for us. Is there a more forceful demonstration of unconditional love?… Of your worth to Him?
So, this week as you enter the shark infested waters of the marketplace, keep in mind the fact that you are A CHILD OF THE KING. A PERSON OF INFINITE, ETERNAL WORTH.
—Facts of the Matter

Thanks to Facts of the Matter!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Envy, Jealousy, Coveting

I have really had a hard time lately dealing with the ugly sin of coveting, (Well, also jealousy too.) Mainly I feel that I just don't have enough materialistically. I see things that other people have and I want the same. I don't even stop to think of ALL the wonderful things God provides for me. I don't think about all the rich blessings I receive through my church, children, husband, and my life in general. I just focus on what I don't have, (i.e. an iPhone, flip camera, newer vehicle, more clothes, shoes, nicer home, etc and the list could go on and on and on...) The longer I harbor these feelings, and thoughts, I become angry, and not just angry, but bitter and then these feelings just fester.



This is never a good thing for a Christian to do, it makes for an ugly attitude, and an unbecoming spirit. A lot of people probably think "Well, she's a pastor's wife, she should be this perfect, upstanding Christian woman!" But you know what, I am human, and I sin, and have fleshly desires just like anyone else, (but that doesn't make it right or okay.)



While reading something just today, I again had that painful, anger in my heart of envy. It stabs, and it can eat you up inside. God showed me right then and there, that I have to give this all up, and repent, (unless I want to continue on my miserable path.) So I am praying to be not only satisfied with what God has given to me and my family, but to be happy about it all. I also pray that I will stop each time I feel those old feelings creep back up, and speak God's truth, not only to myself, but to others. God's word tells us in James this:



Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every practice. James 3:13-16 NIV

Monday, January 5, 2009

Pastor's Conference

For those of you who do not know, my hubby is also my pastor. Our church (Marsden Baptist Church) is a small, country church in which we have been serving in for almost 2 years. We have been blessed to be a part of this church, and have learned a lot and will continue to while we are here.

I came across a post by another preacher's wife, that was offering a giveaway to a pastors conference next month. I really think my hubby would love this and could use a refreshing event like this in his life right now. If you would like more information about this conference, just click on the button to the right and you will be taken to the site.

Also if you know of a pastor who would like to attend, then you can also enter them in the contest here, as well.

Mommy Mondays

I will be starting a daily devotion blog right here. I will hopefully post daily, except weekends might be Saturday/Sunday combined. I feel that there is a great need for women of today who are busy, and wear multiple hats to slow down and spend much needed time absorbing God's word. I plan on posting short devotions, with a corresponding bible reading. I hope to include occasional giveaways of some excellent books by some awesome Christian women, so be on the lookout for that as well. If you have somehow stumbled upon this blog, and you have any ideas and/or suggestions please either email me, or leave me a comment. I pray that God can use me to minister to others by following His will for my life! Thanks and God Bless.