God Works in Small Ways Too!

I think it is important to share how God has worked in our lives as it is an opportunity to reflect upon His presence in our own lives as well as it shows and reminds us of how truly blessed we are each and every day.

So....we needed to send our daughter on a flight where she would be all by herself.  She is in her teens but still causes a moms heart to stop just a little thinking her "baby" would be on a flight all by herself.  Nonetheless, she needed to get home and that was our only option.  So mom booked the flight and prayed all would go well.  God took care of everything!  One week before putting her on the flight I was talking with a friend and it "just so happens" that she was going to be on the same flight as my daughter.  Two tickets booked at completely different times and without consulting one another.  No longer did I have to worry about my daughter being on a flight by herself. 

God is always present in our lives and so many times we don't see it.  He works in big ways and well as in the little ways too.  Everything would have been fine on the flight but having the Lord place someone on that flight to "take care of" my daughter made things so much better!  Take moments to notice how God is working in your life.  Share those moments with others so they can see how much the Lord is present in our every day lives.

Cheryl
 

Bible Passage for the Week

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4

I've heard it said the bible simply doesn't apply to today; especially the Old Testament.  We live in a completely different society than in Jesus' time or before.  Yet, if one takes a look at the struggles that have occurred since humans have been around nothing has really changed.  We are still sinners and still cannot follow Christ as He has commanded.  Romans points out whatever was written in the former days was written for our instruction.  It is even noted the Scriptures is where we find hope. 

If your bible just sits on your shelf and it never gets opened where is the hope?  Where does one hear and be reminded of the promises Christ has given us?  Open your bible, spend time in His word, see and know the promises Christ has given! 

Cheryl

Are You Trustworthy?

Trust in a marriage is so important and I know I have posted this before but I feel the need to share it again...

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

 Proverbs 3:5

The definition of trust is one that has a great deal of depth to it.  “Trust - reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.” (dictionary.com)  Can your spouse rely upon your integrity, your strength, your ability, your surety and be confident in you?  Wow! That is a set of standards to digest!  So, let’s take a look at these standards from two perspectives. 

The first perspective is taking a look at the relationship we have with Christ as individuals and as couples.  We can rely upon Christ’s integrity.  Christ has promised us so much and He has kept every one of His promises.  Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God.”  Christ’s integrity is shown through the gift given to us.  We can rely upon Christ’s strength.  Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.”  Christ’s strength holds us up through everything!  We can rely upon Christ’s ability.  John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  Jesus had the “ability” to die for us!  He didn’t say He couldn’t do it.  We can rely upon the surety of Christ.  Romans 8:32 – “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?”  We can have the confidence in Christ that when we put our trust in Him, He will follow through on His promises. 

The second perspective is taking a look at our relationship with our spouse as well as taking a look at where Christ fits in that relationship.  Trust can be likened to a bank account.  You make deposits and debits.  You make deposits by demonstrating to your spouse that they can rely upon your integrity, your strength, your ability and your surety.  You make debits in the bank account when you demonstrate the lack of reliability.  The unfortunate part debits carry with them a heavier weight than deposits do.  Therefore, it takes more deposits to keep the bank full.  Debits can deplete the bank quickly.

Because we are human, there are going to be deposits and debits going in and out of the bank account.  Those exchanges of deposits and debits take a toll on a relationship.  This is why it is critical that Christ is the center of a marriage.  When a couple looks to Christ to help them and guide them that is their stronghold.  As noted in Proverbs 3:5b – “Do not lean on your own understanding.”  Christ is the one who fills us with the wisdom, strength, passion, and love needed to have a fulfilling marriage.  Christ is the one who we can put our trust in and we have the assurance He will not let us down.  When there is a debit in the account Christ is the one who can help repair and fill the account with deposits. 

Cheryl