Deborah L. McCarragher's Blog, page 11

Are You a Female Serving in the US Military? We Salute You!

 

MAY is National Military Appreciation Month and includes:                                                 
Loyalty Day (May 1st), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 11th), VE Day (May 8th), Armed Forces Day (May 19th), and Memorial Day (May30th). 
This very important month of May honors, remembers, recognizes and appreciates all military personnel; those men and women who have served throughout our history and all who now serve in uniform and their families as well as those Americans who have given their lives in defense of our freedoms we all enjoy today.
It recognizes those on active duty in all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families - well over 90 million Americans and more than 230 years of our nation’s history.  Let us celebrate them just as we celebrate the other important entities that make up this wonderful country of ours.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). 
Memorial Day is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead.

Being in the military is stressful enough - but what about the strain of being in a spiritually mismatched marriage on top of it all?  
You might be deployed while your spouse is back home.  Maybe you made a decision to give your life to Jesus Christ during your tour, and now you are wondering how it will affect your relationship when you return.  
Perhaps you are the one at home while your spouse is serving overseas with the military.  You and the children are attending church regularly and you're studying your Bible daily. Now you wonder what will happen when your husband returns and finds his family  totally immersed in religious activity.
One thing is for sure - being a follower of Jesus Christ means you are officially "in a relationship".  
Scripture tells us that there are evidences of a true conversion.  Zacchaeus is a great example of someone who immediately wanted to make things right with those he had wronged (Luke 19:1-10).  Another example is that of Saul – later known as the Apostle Paul.  He once hunted down and murdered the followers of Jesus who called themselves The Way.  Later he was ministering to saints and gentiles about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  Both men had a dramatic change in their lifestyles and their hearts.
In most cases – a true conversion produces a changed life. Godly sorrow produces repentance, and that equates to a noticeable difference.  Becoming a Christian requires a transformation from the “old man” to a "new creation".  A Christian is a follower and disciple of Christ.  The one who keeps His commandments and does His will is a true Christian (John 14:15). 

Be encouraged - you are not alone! There are many online groups and vast resources to help you in your Christian walk.  Discipleship is an important part of your Christian development and maturity in Christ.
I received this email from a female soldier on my website regarding my book MISSION POSSIBLE

Ma'am, Thank you very much for your generous donation to Operation eBook Drop. Your kindness is appreciated more than you know. While I am not married, I once was (to a non-believer) for 10 years. It was one of the things that unfortunately brought our relationship to a close. I am looking forward to reading your book in case I should ever find myself in that situation again. Thank you again.  Best Wishes,  

- Major J K., US Army, Bagram, Afghanistan

Here are some great Websites and Blogs to visit while you or your loved one is deployed:
Christian Military Wives 
Wives of Faith
Faith Deployed
Singing Through the Rain 

God bless you for your service to your country...







Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Love and Marriage - Christ Awaits His Bride...

“For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ"  (II Corinthians 11:2)

The Apostle Paul  was enamored with Christ and understood the position of trust that had been bestowed on him with regards to His church. He established and nurtured many congregations throughout Asia minor, often referring to them with heartfelt terms of endearment.
Paul also talks extensively about the bride as it relates to the New Testament church. In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul exhorts husbands to, “...love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.” 
Wedding customs in the Bible centered on two events:  the betrothal and the wedding.  
On the day of the wedding, the bride dressed in white, elaborately embroidered robes, bedecked herself with jewels, and put on a veil. The bridegroom, attended by friends and accompanied by musicians and singers, went to the bride’s house. After receiving her from her parents, and with their blessing, he conducted the whole wedding party back to his own house. On the way other friends of the bride and groom joined the party with much music and dancing. A feast was held at the bridegroom’s house. Later in the evening, the bride’s parents escorted her to the nuptial chamber where the bridegroom was waiting. Festivities often lasted for several days.

In the Jewish marriage contract there were promises the bridegroom would make to his future bride.

The contract also stated the price he would pay to obtain her. If she agreed, the bridegroom would hand her a cup of wine. If she drank from the cup, the marriage was sealed and they became legally married. He would then say to her, “I will not drink of this cup until we are reunited.”  Jesus Himself said in Matthew 26:29, “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

Jesus performed His first miracle in Cana of Galilee at the wedding of a close relative.  
Jesus was there with His mother, other family members and His disciples (John 2:1-10).  When the servants attending to the feast made it known to His mother that the wine had run out, she in turn approached her son and said, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother then told the servants to do whatever He asked. Jesus did eventually intervene on the host’s behalf and miraculously, the six large water-pots, each containing twenty to thirty gallons of water, became filled with wine. The master of the feast then commended the bridegroom for saving the best wine for the end, unlike most weddings, which served inferior wine at the end of the festivities.
For Believers - the New Covenant represents the marriage covenant that will never be broken.   
The New Covenant was sealed with the precious shed blood of Jesus Christ on Calvary.  Jesus gathered with the apostles during His last Passover meal, and as He shared with them the cup and bread, it symbolized the sacrifice He would willingly make to redeem mankind.
In the book of Revelation, John, the beloved also wrote about Christ and His bride [the Church]. He writes, “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready"  Revelation 19:6-9.

So what does a wedding have to do with you and me?

We are the Bride of Christ - the Church.  Individually we are to make ourselves ready for the Bridegroom. We shall be holy and blameless when we stand before Him.  We will not have spot or wrinkle.  Pray that God will prepare us for that day and bring conviction upon His Church for our spirit of indifference and apathy.  Lord Jesus, make us a bride ready for her grand entrance...


Fun Facts:  Why are May and June traditional months for getting married?
It seems in days past that getting married in the late spring had more to do with a bride being "fresh" while the temperatures had not yet reached their summer peak.  Prior to the nineteenth century, daily or weekly bathing was not the norm.  Carrying flowers added a colorful burst and a welcome fragrance for the groom. Additionally, since April frequently brought much precipitation, May and June were dryer months and much cooler than July or August. Thus began the trend of nuptials being held during May and June.








Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com
If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

How Would You Rate Yourself as a MOM ?

Image credit: 123rf.comIt is true that we judge ourselves harsher than others would.  We often use unfair parameters and unrealistic comparisons while we do it.

It is not uncommon to critique our mothering abilities – especially when we see our children stray from the faith they grew up with.  However, don’t be deceived into thinking you have no further influence or reach in their lives. 
Once your children have left the “nest” rest assured you can still pour Godly advice, comfort and wisdom into them on a regular basis.  The key to doing it successfully is – moderation and discernment.
How many Moms have worn out knees and prayer journals full of petitions on behalf of their children – both young and adult?  How many of us have purchased books like The New Strong Willed Child by James Dobson, or The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartin?  None of us are beyond the help of those who have blazed the trail before us…

As a tribute to Mothers – below are three famous Moms and their sons…
Billy Graham:
[Excerpt from his biography]

Billy Graham said,“Jesus’ word picture of a hen gathering her brood under her wing fits my mother. She saw to it that we gathered frequently and regularly—and not just around the dinner table or in front of the radio for favorite broadcasts. She gathered us around herself and my father to listen to Bible stories, to join in family prayers, and to share a sense of the presence of God."
On August 14, 1981, Morrow Graham quietly left this earth in her sleep and entered Heaven.

"When word came," said Billy, "I wept and yet rejoiced at the same time. Of all the people I have ever known, she had the greatest influence on me.  She and my father didn’t have much education … But my mother was a woman of God. She always had devotions with us, she always prayed with us, she always loved us, and did so many things, as I look back now, out of the way. And she and my father, when I was in Bible school, they would go up to a room upstairs and kneel down every morning at 10 o’clock to pray for their son in Bible school."
John Wesley and Charles Wesley:
Susannah Wesley was the mother of 19 children, including John and Charles Wesley. Through much adversity, she dedicated her life to instilling a sense of Christian destiny into each of her children.  Her children went on to change the world. Susannah Wesley believed that for a child to grow into a self-disciplined adult, they must first be a disciplined child. To her, the stubborn flesh was the hardest battle for Christians to fight, and Godly parents would do well to equip their children to overcome it early. Susannah Wesley wrote:
"When the will of a child is totally subdued, and it is brought to revere and stand in awe of the parents, then a great many childish follies ... may be passed by…I insist on the conquering of the will of children betimes, because this is the only strong and rational foundation of a religious education ...  when this is thoroughly done, then a child is capable of being governed by reason and piety."
Moses - the Prince of Egypt
In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed, the daughter of Levi - born to him in Egypt.  She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses.  Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child.  She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River.
As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently.  Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly teaching and a loving example to that little Hebrew child.  Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s exotic palace to be raised as an Egyptian?
 I believe Jochebed was an important part of Moses’ life as a young child and into the reaches of adulthood.  She no doubt had an influence on his character, integrity and love for the Lord God of Israel.   She also raised Miriam (the eldest) and their brother Aaron, who appeared with Moses in front of the great Pharaoh of Egypt prior to releasing the children of Israel.  Were her children perfect?  No way.  They all displayed major character flaws.  All were reprimanded and punished by God for their disobedience.  However, all three witnessed God’s Sovereign power, deliverance and blessing in their lives and in their future destinies. 
God’s Word tells us the following:
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.  (Proverbs 29:15

The Apostle Paul recalled Timothy's spiritual heritage when he said, "I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy, clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also." (II Timothy 1:3-5)

This Mother's Day give yourself permission to ease your grading scale when you look in the mirror.  Be less critical and more thankful as you open that Mother's Day card to read it.  Your children want someone to admire, emulate and trust.  Let that Someone be Jesus in you...  

You most likely have more to do with your children's successes than their failures.  The time you invested in their spiritual upbringing is not wasted.  What you've poured into their souls is waiting to spring forth. Your prayers and petitions have been heard.

Trust that God will use it all to bring many sons unto the faith and to bring Him the Glory He is due...









Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Exercise Profits Nothing – At Least Not The Way You Think…

123RF Stock Photo There’s just no way to avoid it.  It blares loudly on the TV, broadcasts over the radio, and pops up repeatedly on the internet.   

Everywhere you turn there are gadgets to help you get fit and trim, companies trying to sell you another exercise or diet plan, and various programs extolling the virtues of the latest workout routine.

I was listening to a pastor’s message on the Christian radio station in my area, and heard a familiar verse that some have used in a humorous way. But as I listened to his sermon, I began to hear and understand it in a whole new light.
I Timothy 4:8 says, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
Another translation puts it this way:  "...physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things ..."
A brisk walk lowers blood pressure, lessens your cholesterol, and reduces stress on the body. Engaging in some form of regular physical exercise will generally add years to your lifespan. Exercise helps to reduce harmful chemicals in our bodies, and provides a form of abreaction (letting off steam), helps to build up stamina, counteracts the biochemical effects of stress, and reduces the risk of psychological illness.

As Christians, we house the Holy Spirit, and our temple needs to be strong and fit.    Health and fitness are godly goals when they are balanced with common sense and right priority. 

In biblical times, physical exercise was not touted as necessary because people living in that time period generally walked everywhere and performed manual labor on a routine basis. Their diet consisted primarily of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, sheep & goat dairy products and fish.

However, exercise can become a means to an end that can mimic idol worship if it is not properly monitored.

Verse 7 prefaces the previous passage in I Timothy 4 with the following, “…and exercise yourself rather to godliness.”

Spiritually speaking, when we exercise godliness through prayer, bible study, and self-control, we keep our spiritual man healthy. But what good is it if we take care of the physical body, but neglect our spiritual man and coddle our sinful nature?
The eternal value mentioned in verse 8 is the promise of the life that is to come. Paul makes it clear that whatever we are doing for the here and now is indeed profitable – even commendable, but that which is to come, is of greater value and lasting. Taking care of the spirit man, which is incorruptible and lives forever, is far more important than maintaining a corruptible body that will slowly decay in this world.

Matthew Henry explains the passage this way in his Commentary:  “Those who would be godly must exercise themselves unto godliness; it requires a constant exercise…The encouragement which we have to proceed in the ways of godliness is evident. Will the profit balance the loss? Here is another of Paul’s faithful sayings, worthy of all acceptation – that all our labours and losses in the service of God will be abundantly recompenced, so that though we lose for Christ we shall not lose by him."
Exercise is not my god, nor do I place my fate in its hands.  Sure, I still go to body-pump and cycle classes at the local YMCA. I faithfully walk my two dogs every morning for almost an hour. I make it a point to stay active, eat right, and get a good night’s sleep. But for me, keeping my Spirit woman healthy and fit is a higher, God-ordained priority.
What has God spoken to you about your spiritual workout lately?  Do you need a "mini boot camp" to whip yourself into shape - or would a long-term maintenance plan be the best thing for your spiritual well being?

Share with me your successes or failures as we strive to stay in top spiritual shape...







Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

It's Not About Religion - It's About Relationship

Can you recall a time when a family member or friend came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?  Have you personally witnessed someone’s radical conversion to Christianity?  Maybe you were the one who changed so drastically that others could not believe it!

I was the one who repeatedly rejected God and anyone who tried to help me “see the light”.  For years I declined invitations to church and made excuses for not wanting to attend a service.
I was the one who thought it was all about church and religion.  I did not realize it was about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
I met the Lord in 1989 - right around Easter time.  I was thirty-three years old and walked up the isle of my church, acknowledging that Jesus Christ was my Savior.
I had what you would call a “radical conversion” to be sure.  My life began to change right away – beginning with a burning desire to be in church, attend bible studies, and worship in a corporate setting with other believers.  God’s Holy Spirit had permeated me to the point that people who knew me (including my husband) noticed a change in me right away!
Sure – there were personal habits and routines that needed to be changed, and language that would eventually “clean up”, but for the most part – I was totally transformed that very first Sunday service.
This past Easter Sunday I attended church with my husband who normally does not attend church with me on a regular basis.  He sat attentively as our Pastor preached a relevant Easter message and very methodically went through the plan of salvation.  He also conveyed exactly what it was to be a “true” Christian believer before he extended an invitation to those in attendance. 
As I surveyed our church’s auditorium during the Easter service, I wondered how many in attendance were sure of their salvation. Many who came to church that Sunday believed they were Christians. Some attended every week, while others came only on special occasions.  Being in church does not make you a Christian.  Having parents or grandparents who are Christians does not make you a Christian.  
A Christian is a “follower and disciple of Christ”.  The onewho keeps His commandments and does His will is a true Christian (John 14:15). 
Preachers have expounded on the passage in Matthew 7:21-23 which clearly states that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom of God.  There are many who enter through the wide, easy gate of destruction, and few who enter through the narrow, difficult gate leading to life (Matthew 7:13-14).
The Word declares that God draws us unto Himself.  In Luke 19:10 Jesus says, “…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  Jesus also told us in John 15:16-19, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit… I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
Like many people in church at any given Sunday service, my husband thinks he is indeed a Christian.  You say, “How do you know he isn’t?”   I say, “How do I know he is?”
Scripture tells us that there are evidences of a true conversion.  Zacchaeus is a great example of someone who immediately wanted to make things right with those he had wronged (Luke 19:1-10).  Another example is that of Saul – later known as the Apostle Paul.  Once he hunted down and murdered followers of Jesus who called themselves The Way, and then he was ministering to saints and gentiles about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  He preached across Asia Minor and much of the Middle East, and authored over two-thirds of the New Testament.
In most cases – a true conversion produces a changed life.  

Godly sorrow produces repentance, and that equates to a noticeable change.  Becoming a Christian requires a transformation from the “old man” to a "new creation" – a child of the Living God.
While you are waiting for your miracle (e.g. your spouse coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ) be sure to prayer Scripture over your mate. 
One of my favorite verses to pray is Ephesians 1:17-19.  I would pray something like this:  “Lord, I pray that You would give [insert spouse’s name] the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of who You are, that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened; that they may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power towards them who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. Amen.”
In the meantime…Stay focused on the truth.  Pray that God will reveal Himself to your spouse in a tangible way.  Persevere in faith.  Wait with expectant hope.  Salvation is coming to your household!  (Acts 16:31)






Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Empty Tomb to Full Heart... What Does Easter Mean to You?

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?

   Amazing love! how can it be
   That Thou, my Lord, shouldst die for me?
                      [Charles Wesley  1780]

She was freed from seven devils by the power of Jesus, and joined the women who accompanied the disciples, caring for their needs.  She was from Magdala, on the Southwest coast of the Sea of Galilee. 

She could not comprehend how this Prophet whom the disciples called "The Son of God" would show her such unmerited kindness and mercy.  How could she ever repay Him?

She remembered how Simon Peter spoke of a parable that Jesus taught of two debtors, saying, "There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?"  Simon answered Him and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more."  And Jesus said to him, "You have rightly judged."  

Jesus spoke this of the women who had anointed His feet with a costly flask of fragrant oil during a dinner in a Pharisee's house. He continued the parable, saying to Simon and the others, "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much.  But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."

She watched as the Lord and His disciples traveled throughout Galilee and the surrounding area performing miracles and ministering to the masses.  She observed firsthand how the crowds grew in anticipation of a conquering King... then as they began to fall away when their expectations didn't materialize.  

Who was this Jesus Who had commanded the demons to flee and the Spirit of God to come into her heart? 

Mary recalled as He often withdrew privately to pray to His Father.  She remembered how He taught with authority and wisdom, confounding the lawyers and Pharisees.  He had preached to all who would listen, often late into the day.  She and the others frequently heard the parables Jesus shared as He instructed the people in the ways of righteousness and Kingdom living.

Then she relived the horrors of the days leading up to His crucifixion with the criminals. She remembered the humiliation and pain and gore that surrounded His death. Her tears and those of His mother Mary, as well as the other women who witnessed the Roman punishment had been bitter and frequent since that day.  

When Joseph of Arimathea and Nichodemus secured His body from Pilate, they took the strips of linen with the spices as was the custom of the Jews to prepare Him for burial.  Mary also went with the wife of Clopas (Mary) and Salome the mother of James and John with spices to the tomb to pay homage to the slain Son of God..


On the Sabbath - the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away. She ran and came to Simon Peter and John - crying and pleading with them - asking where her Lord had been taken.  They both ran to the tomb. John peered into the tomb first, as Peter went inside and discovered the linen cloths and handkerchief lying on the stone.



Mary remembers the pain in her heart as she longed to see her Savior as she stood outside by the empty tomb. She recalled the encounter with the two heavenly messengers clothed in white as they sat - one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had laid. They asked her why she was weeping, and Mary said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him."

She heard Jesus say to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?"  And then she said to Him, supposing Him to be the gardener, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away."

Mary then grinned as she recalled her response to His reply, "Mary!" with her heartfelt shout of, "Rabboni!". 

Yes - Mary's heart was filled with gratitude and amazement as she gazed into heaven while He ascended to His Father. That was a day she would never forget...

(Scripture references:  Luke 7:40-47; John 19:38-42; John 20:1-18)
What about you?  As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday - what is your response to the Lord?  What does Easter mean to you personally?




Be refreshed and encouraged by this wonderful song 










Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com


If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Do You Hear It? The Rocks Are Crying Out!

This is a "rerun" of one of my favorite posts for Easter - Enjoy!
"Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"  (Zechariah 9:9)

The two disciples thought they heard Jesus correctly: "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you; you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them.' and immediately he will send them."

As they approached the village, they looked at each other with that look... the one they've used before - as if to say, "are you thinking what I'm thinking?"  As they turned onto the street, sure enough, there was the colt - tied up outside by the door, just as He said.  As they begun to untie the colt, the owners approached them and said, "Why are you loosing the colt?" 

Then they both chimed in saying, "The Lord has need of him."  They held their collective breath until the owner finally nodded in their direction.  They carefully led the animal down the dusty, uneven path out to where the Lord was.  First one, then the other laid their garments on the beast as a befitting gesture to the Lord.  He mounted the compliant colt and rode slowly towards Jerusalem.

Many onlookers began spreading their garments on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the palm trees that shaded the crowd from the glaring sun.  By now a great multitude had gathered; some following from behind and some went ahead of Jesus, crying out, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!  Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

The King of Kings was entering the Holy City on a lowly donkey...  There was no white stallion or blazing chariot for this royal ruler.  No - this was a servant King who chose to humble Himself and give the glory to His Father.  As his disciples began to rejoice with the people, praising in loud voices for all of the mighty works they had witnessed, there were those who were less than impressed.
Some of the Pharisees called out to Him from the crowd saying, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples."  Their rising discomfort had more to do with their self-righteous attitudes and pious indignity than it did with genuine concern.  Jesus said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."

[Key passages shared are Matthew 21:1-10 , Mark 11:1-10 , Luke 19:28-40 , John 13:12-15]
The donkey no doubt had an "aroma" about him as they headed down the bumpy pathway. However, there is a sweet fragrance that rises up to the Father as prayers, praises and testimonies all make their way through the throngs of humanity.  As the Apostle Paul so eloquently states in II Corinthians 2:14-15 , "But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere. For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing..."  (The Message)



Today, as in the times of old, there are many who do not recognize His Deity. 

They marvel at His works and embrace His teachings.  They acknowledge His wisdom and admire his morals, but there are still observers who ask, "Who is this Jesus?" 

During this Easter season think about what you believe and how you might share it with others. Do you have a special Scripture reference? What is your answer for the hope that lies within you? (I Peter 3:15-16)





Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com
If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Deborah - A Portrait of the First Woman Judge (Part 2)

This is a continuation from last week - If you missed it, here's a link to   PART 1

Deborah had just received an imperative from the Lord to take up arms against the Canaanite king and relayed it to Barak son of Abinoam.
However, Barak hesitated and insisted that Deborah go with him into battle.  We are not told why he would make such a request.  Some speculate that it was his way of showing her high esteem as a prophetess and judge.  Others see it as a weak and immature plea.  

The men in the region were lacking in leadership skills as evidenced by Deborah’sjudgeship.  No matter the reason – she agreed to go with him.  Her presence would also inspire the troops.  Nevertheless, Barak would receive no glory for the battle’s success or the deliverance of the Canaanite general into their hands.
This assault was the first united action since the initial conquest of Canaan. God was with Deborah and Barak as they hailed their troops and rallied men of valor to flush out Sisera.  God caused a great storm to sweep into the valley and rendered Sisera’s chariots useless in the thick mud.  Israel’s foot soldiers rushed the Canaanites and they were swept away in a flash-flood. Barak continued to pursue Sisera with the sword as did his vast army.
When Sisera fled on foot, he came to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite.  He thought he had safe refuge from the battle because of a treaty, but when Jael gave him a meal that filled his belly and a blanket for warmth, it caused him to fall into a deep sleep. She then took a tent peg and drove it into his temple as he slumbered.  Thus the glory went to a woman for the general’s death, just a Deborah had prophesied.
Deborah took great care and devotion concerning her calling from God to lead the Israelites during this time in history.  

She was revered and feared – not because she was ruthless, but because she was faithful to her office and responsibilities.  She reminds me of Solomon when he ruled and settled disputes during his reign in Israel (I Kings 4:29).
Judges 4:24 tells us, “And the hand of the children of Israel grew stronger and stronger against Jabin king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.”  
"Deborah beneath the Palm Tree"
by James J Tissot
Next we see Deborah and Barak singing a psalm of praise to God for their success.  This song recants the recent victory by the hand of God, and reiterates how two foreigners had a part in rescuing His people from destruction.  It also mentions how some of the tribes of Israel rose to the occasion by accepting their call to battle, while the others were missing in action.  Divine intervention and nature’s wrath ensured the enemy’s defeat, while taking advantage of something as simple as an act of hospitality to set up the opposing general’s demise.
God blesses obedience as evidenced by the forty peaceful years that followed that unusual but effective battle plan devised in the heavenly realm.  Deborah indeed facilitated a great victory that day and assured a prominent place among women in Scripture whom God used to fulfill His plans for His chosen people.
One last thought… As I pondered the name Deborah and its Hebrew meaning (bee), I envisioned a “bee hive” and how the worker bees hover nearby, surrounding the Queen.  That brought to mind the vision in Isaiah and in Ezekiel of the heavenly creatures circling God’s Throne – singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy!”, as they worship the King of Heaven.

How awesome our God is that He would showcase a woman of valor among so many women of renown in Scripture. 

Since I am a "Deborah" - I am celebrating my Birthday during the month of March with a special of only .99 cents for my book MISSION POSSIBLE on Smashwords as an eBook. You can choose from several different formats including ePub, Mobi, .Pdf, etc. compatible with most e-Readers including Kindle and Nook.


You can visit my Smashwords page here:  MISSION POSSIBLE


Happy Birthday to me...





Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 
Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com


If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Deborah - A Portrait of the First Woman Judge (Part 1)

This post is in response to a "request" from a friend.  And, since my BIRTHDAY is in March, I wanted to oblige her.

The name Deborah  in Hebrew means “bee”.  What does that have to do with the first woman Judge?  I’m not really sure – but I know what my husband says about me: “You never sit still – you’re always buzzing about like a bumble-bee!”

I was named by my parents in the mid 1950’s when Deborah was a popular name for movie stars and national celebrities.  Only God knew at the time of my conception that I would one day call Him Lord and Savior.  He alone knew the weight and significance of my name.

But – I am writing this post about another Deborah.  The woman I am profiling is found in God’s Word in Judges 4-5.
The book of Judges in the Bible is one of intrigue and adventure.  We read about the deterioration of Israel and her failure to complete the conquest of Canaan after the death of Joshua.  Israel was ruled by Judges who were military and civil leaders during a time of spiritual darkness and rebellion.  Each judge is a savior and a ruler, a spiritual and political deliverer.
We know very little from Scripture about Deborah.  She was known for her wisdom and courage.  She is the only woman in the Old Testament who gained renown according to her own merit and not because of her standing with a man.  Deborah lived sometime around 1150 B.C., nearly 100 years after the Hebrews entered Canaan.
Chapter 4 begins with the children of Israel being “sold” into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who brutally oppressed them for twenty years.  What we do know begins in Judges 4:4 which tells us, “Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time.”  A prophet in the Old Testament spoke forth God’s Word which was often preceded by prayer and meditation.
Study notes in the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) tell us, “Given their patriarchal culture, it is a measure of the poor state to which Israel had been reduced that they were being judged by a woman – a point emphasized in the Hebrew text, which piles up four feminine nouns at the beginning of the sentence [Deborah, a woman, a prophetess, the wifeof Lappidoth].”
"Deborah beneath the Palm Tree"
by James J TissotDeborahroutinely sat under the Palm Tree of Deborah between Rahah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim where the Israelites would come to her for judgment.  This particular palm tree was most likely named for Rebekah’s nurse Deborah, who was buried nearby (Genesis 35:8).  It is intriguing that in the region of Ephraim, named after the younger son of Joseph who received the blessing from Jacob (Genesis 48:1-22) rich fertile soil, abundant rainfall and fruitful hills defined its territory.  However, it would also become the arena for the Hebrew nation’s humiliation and apostasy before their mighty deliverance from the Canaanites.

Upon receiving her instructions from God, Deborah summoned Barak son of Abinoam and declared to him that indeed God had commanded him to, ‘Go, deploy the troops on Mount Tabor, and take with you 10,000 men from the Naphtalites and Zebulunites.’  He was to confront Jabin’s general, Sisera, who led an army made up of 900 iron chariots.  She would lure Sisera to the River Kishon on the plains below the mountain, and thus Barak’s victory was assured according to God’s plan.  He merely had to obey.
This post will continue next week in  Deborah - A Portrait of the First Woman Judge (Part 2)

Since I am a "Deborah" - I am celebrating my Birthday during the month of March with a special of only .99 cents for my book MISSION POSSIBLE on Smashwords as an eBook. You can choose from several different formats including ePub, Mobi, .Pdf, etc. compatible with most e-Readers including Kindle and Nook.



You can visit my Smashwords page here:   MISSION POSSIBLE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me !



Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 
Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Are You A Caregiver? What About Caring For Your Spouse?

I apologize for a lapse in blog posts recently.  I was functioning in the role of caregiver  for close family members during the past two weeks.

As I spent time out of town helping my sister recover after surgery, I began to reflect on what qualities caregivers exhibit most during their time with those they minister to.  Notice I used the word “minister”.
For the Christian, being a caregiver must include not only acts of kindness and mercy, but also walking in the Spirit.  

There is a woman in Scripture who comes to mind when I think of good works and charitable deeds.  In Acts 9:36 Luke tells us about Tabitha (which is translated Dorcas).  She was loved by many and was known for making colorful garments. Dorcas cared for those around her by sewing tunics and sharing them with the less fortunate. When she became sick and died, it was Peter who prayed for her to be revived as a testimony to God’s resurrection power.
In I Corinthians 12:28 the gift of “helps” is listed as essential for the church to function as God designed it.  There is a diversity of Spiritual gifts and callings, but one Spirit.  A gift of mercy and hospitality is necessary in the Body of Christ to care for the flock of God. 
Here are a couple of interesting statistics from the 2009 study funded by the MetLife Foundation for the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP:
-          Half of caregivers say their loved one lives in his or her own home (51%), while 29% livetogether with their care recipient.
-          Half of caregivers (53%) also say that their caregiving takes time away from friends and other family members. Those who have sacrificed this time with family and friends are far more likely to feel high emotional stress (47%) than are those who have been able to maintain the time they spend with family and friends (14%).
There are many in the nursing profession that will tell you that it is their “calling” in life.  Nursing is the quintessential service oriented occupation.  It is one based on selflessness and sacrifice. The gifts of mercy and compassion flow effortlessly. I am convinced that there are natural gifts and God ordained gifts that are given to each believer in order to enrich the lives of others.
Patience, longsuffering and gentleness are three of the Spiritual fruits that are often evident in caregivers.
When the Apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 13:1-3 that love is the greatest gift, verse 7 lists how difficult loving can really be.  Endurance is the key to bearing up under the weight of love that is tested and tried.  If we have not love – we have nothing to give that is of importance.
Paul also emphasizes in Ephesians 2:10 that we have been created in Christ Jesus for “good works” which God engineered and prepared for us in advance. 
As we draw on our God-given strengths, we are challenged to demonstrate our fruits (Galatians 5:22-23). 

When I consider the time and effort I put into my caregiving duties with family members, I realize that I should do no less for my own husband.  

Women generally don’t have an issue with caregiving – but I have become acutely aware of the fact that I may not always extend the same mercy, longsuffering or patience to my spouse as I would with someone else.  I have been convicted of that very fact since I have returned home to my daily routine and responsibilities.
My husband deserves the same care and concern I would show for any other family member in need.  So why do I often dismiss his needs, but run to help someone else? 
May God continue to help me prioritize and submit to His plan for utilizing my caregiving gifts at home.  I don’t want to discover later on that I let my own agenda sideline God’s plan for being a loving and care centered wife in my own household.
Can I get a witness here?  Do you struggle with caregiving in your family and at home? What helps you stay God-centered as you minister to your loved ones?








Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.