Deborah L. McCarragher's Blog, page 5

Lamb of God - Savior Mine

We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us.    (I John 3:16 NRSV)






Alas! and did my Savior bleed And did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head For sinners such as I?
Was it for sins that I have done He suffered on the tree? Amazing Pity! grace unknown! And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide And shut His glories in, When Christ, the great Redeemer, died For man the creature's sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face While His dear cross appears, Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, And melt mine eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can ne'er repay The debt of love I owe; Here, Lord, I give myself away - 'Tis all that I can do.
~Isaac Watts  (1674-1748)



Enjoy these past Easter posts:


            Bunnies, Baskets and Bulbs              
                                                        Easter - The Promise     
           














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.

A King, A Donkey and A Praise Team

"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, Jesus spoke of, 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?" 

They both chimed in at the same time, 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, and 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 then 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 headed down the crowed bumpy street undaunted. The city was bustling with travelers from all walks of life. The busy markets and roaming beasts emitted their own share of scents. But on this day the Rose of Sharon rode towards Jerusalem to fulfill His destiny...

There is a sweet fragrance that rises to the Father as our prayers, praises and testimonies make their way to Him.  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 there are still many  wh o 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.

3 Lessons We Can Learn From Esther

The Feast of Purim is celebrated by the Jewish people annually in remembrance of Esther. This year it falls on March 11-12.

The Book of Esther is the last of the historical books written in the Old Testament.  The book was likely written about 400 B.C.  The author is unknown - but it is evident from the details within the text that he was well acquainted with Persian court life. The author might have been a young protege of Mordecai.

The name of this feast, Purim, is from the Persian word for lot: pur which refers to how Haman cast lot to decide on the date of the mass execution as referred to in Esther 3.

Esther was a Jewish orphan maiden in the city of Shushan. Esther's Hebrew name was Hadassah, which means "Myrtle". She and her cousin Mordecai were Jews who were carried captive from Jerusalem, and were now living in Persia under the rule of King Ahasuerus. Mordecai was her cousin and raised her as his own daughter. He was a minor official in the King's palace.

Through a series of events which included the King divorcing his wife Queen Vashti, a search was conducted to replace her. All the beautiful young maidens were summoned to the palace and presented to King Ahasuerus. Whomever he was pleased with would become the new queen.

When the King's chief minister Haman learned that Mordecai would not pay homage to him as was the custom, he convinced King Ahasuerus to issue a decree that would destroy all the Jewish people. Once consent was obtained the decree was written and publicized throughout the empire and a date was set through the casting of lots (pur).  Mordecai then sent word to Esther that she must plead for mercy on behalf of her kindred before the all powerful King.

The book of Esther records how God used a young Jewish girl  to save His people from annihilation.


Here are 3 lessons we can learn from Esther...


1.    Esther had no control over her life's plans and direction -

Like many Hebrew children, Esther (Hadassah) was left an orphan following the forced exodus from Jerusalem some 400 years before Christ. She and her cousin Mordecai were in Shushan when Queen Vashti was banished from the palace at Susa. The circumstances surrounding the collection and grooming of young virgins for the King's selection was beyond her control. Her submission to the process and favor with the custodian of the women were God ordained. Esther underwent months of beauty preparations and instruction prior to her required visit to the King's palace. She would not go in to the King again until she was personally requested by name.  Her fate was not in her own hands.


2.    Esther prepared for the worst, and hoped for the best -
When the turn came for her to go in to the King, she relied solely on the counsel of Hegai the King's eunuch, as he had favored her above all the others. With his advice she entered with nothing more than herself. The King was smitten and loved her more than all the others. She obtained grace and favor as she captured his heart. During this time she concealed her background and did not reveal her kindred and her people to the King as Mordecai had charged her.  Her cousin had informed her of a plot to kill the King, and after hanging the offenders, the incident was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the King.

When Mordecai learned of the plot to destroy God's people through the wicked plans of Haman, he lamented and put on sackcloth and ashes, and cried out bitterly in the midst of the city. When Esther's maids and eunuchs told her about Mordecai she was devastated. Her attendant approached Mordecai, who in turn gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction. The Queen had a plan... but it relied solely on the King's grace. She must risk death in order to approach the King to ask for mercy on behalf of her people. 


3.    Esther allowed God's plan to unfold on His timetable -
Courage is something that comes from within. Mordecai plainly told her that she could either rise to the occasion or let someone else approach the King and forgo her destiny. Her wise plan was to have the Jews in the city fast for her for 3 days and nights in preparation for her visit to King Ahasuerus. Without being summoned - she risked death if he did not extend his scepter to her.
After she slipped into her royal robes, she cautiously approached the King's house and stood in the courtyard until he saw her and motioned for her to come close. As she found favor in his sight, she touched the tip of his scepter and he inquired what she would ask of him - up to half of his kingdom. She delayed her true request by asking for Haman to join the King and herself in a banquet to honor them. This was repeated again by divine design.
In the meantime Haman plodded ahead to build gallows from which to hang Mordecai whom he loathed. As Haman's pride rose - so did his eventual demise. Pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). 
By allowing God to move in the background, and through a restless night in which the King read of the incident in which his life was spared by Mordecai's deeds, Haman was indicted and found guilty of pandering to the Queen in a dishonorable and inappropriate way. The King's wrath demanded he be hung from the very gallows he built for Mordecai, and the decree for the Jews destruction was counter signed and enacted. The Jews eventually rose up under Esther & Mordecai's direction and defeated those who had relished in their downfall and ruin.
The Book of Esther reveals how God can promote someone who is venerable and innocent to a position of honor and authority. Much like Joseph's life - Esther was used by God to preserve His people from Satan's evil plans for the destruction of the Jewish nation.
God can take your circumstances and orchestrate an ending that is just as dramatic and life-saving as He did for Esther... He is no respecter of persons and He will use your life's scenario to bless you and bring glory to Himself.






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.

3 Things We Know About God's Love

Valentine's Day often reminds us of why we love someone...

Those we love capture our hearts. They can arouse strong feelings of joy, pride, and deep devotion.

Love is a verb - it is passionate, purposeful and continual.  The Apostle Paul describes love for us in I Corinthians 13:4-8.  Biblical love has many important characteristics that are often contrary to what society tells us about love.

What defines love for you? Who is the recipient of your affection? It could be your "first love" or perhaps your very best friend. It might be someone in your family like a spouse, a child, a parent or a sibling.

God's Word is His "Love Letter" to us.  So - what does it have to say about His love?

1.   God's love is sacrificial       In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  (I John 4:10)
2.    God's love is relational       As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.  (John 15:9)
3.    God's love is eternal
      The Lord has appeared of old to me saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.  (Jeremiah 31:3)





Enjoy some Valentine's Day "Favorite Past Posts"
Be My First Love
The Love Boat - Don't Miss It
Love Isn't Just for Valentine's Day





How do I love Thee, Lord Jesus?
1.    He demonstrated His own love toward me, that while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me (Romans 5:8).
2.    For God so loved the world (me) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever 
believed in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
3.    For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for me, that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (II Corinthians 5:21).
4.    Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on me, that I should be called a child of God (I John 3:1).
5.    By this I know love, because He laid down His life for me (I John 3:16).
6.    But the Lord is faithful, who will establish me and guard me from the evil one (II Thess.3:3).
7.    He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for me (I Peter 1:20).
8.    For I was like a sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul (I Peter 2:25).
9.    For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring me to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit (I Peter 3:18).
10.    I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being (Psalm 104:33).

Celebrate this Valentine's Day knowing your Heavenly Father  loves and embraces you just the way your are!







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.

3 Steps to a New Year's Resolution You Can Keep!

This devotion is from Jesus Calling  (by Sarah Young) for January 1st...   

   Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence.    [Romans 12:2;  Jeremiah 29:11]


So - here you are again... the beginning of a brand new year.  How do you start afresh? What inspires you take that first step towards the goal? Where do you find inspiration to embark on your journey with God?

Here are 3  Steps  you can take towards this year's resolution

1.  Don't make excuses - just move forward

When Elijah threw his mantle on Elisha it caused a brief hesitation. Elisha ran after the prophet and begged him to let him say goodbye to his parents properly. After all - he was the son who toiled behind the oxen plowing the field in anticipation of a harvest for the entire family.

But Elijah rebuked him as he dismissed him to go back to his parents. Elisha then turned back and destroyed his livelihood ( namely the oxen) - providing a meal for the townspeople before committing to the prophet. He had a choice to make that would cost him dearly. However, the reward for obedience was worth it all.

You can't make meaningful progress forward if you are  constantly looking back over your shoulder.
Jesus said in Luke 9:61-62, "And [another] also said, "Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house." But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." 

God's word illuminates our pathway. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." There is no need to stumble in the darkness. God will go before you and make a way...




2.  Don't look backwards with affection

Lot, his wife, and his daughters fled Sodom after being warned by the angels of impending doom if they stayed. Lot and his family had become accustomed to the way things were in Sodom. But the Lord's anger had grown against the wickedness there and He would utterly destroy it. During their daring escape to the mountains near Zoar - Lot's wife turned back to look on the devastation after she was directed not to. She was literally turned into a "pillar of salt" for her disobedience. (Genesis 19)

Likewise, when the children of Israel left Egypt at God's direction, they eventually longed for the "good old days". Despite their miraculous deliverance from Pharaoh's enslavement, they murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness and recalled their "pots of meat and plentiful bread". They had an unhealthy affection for the past. They didn't want to let go of their warped recollection of how good things were. (Exodus 16:3) (Numbers 11:5)

Looking backwards can stifle what God has for you in the future. Paul tells us, "...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 3:13-14)

The Prophet Isaiah declares this in Isaiah 43:18-19, "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."


Satan will always try to keep your eyes focused on the past because  he knows God has something better in your future.

3.  Don't forget the basics

Root yourself in God's Word. Reestablish the basics by way of recollection and recommitment. Moving forward involves confidence and reassurance of God's sovereignty in your life. His character is the cement that forms the foundation for your trust. Knowing that He has a perfect plan for you, and that He will accomplish all that concerns you should give you the boost you need to persevere in your faith walk. 

Immerse yourself in His love, grace and mercy. Savor His promises and rest in His faithfulness. 

Proverbs 23:12 tells us to, "Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to words of knowledge." A similar passage in Proverbs 4:23-27 says this, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil."


You will never regret revisiting the basics of your salvation experience. 
Recall your "first love" and "first works" and you will  rekindle 
your  "first flame".





Make 2017 a year to remember. Your resolutions can turn into  solutions for a great new year!







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.

3 Ways to Pray for a Christmas Gift From God

Now God has us where He wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all His idea, and all His work. All we do is trust Him enough to let Him do it. 

It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving, He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join Him in the work He does, the good work He has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.   (Ephesians 2:7-10  The Message)

What kind of gifts do you anticipate receiving this Christmas - Clothes?  Electronics?  Jewelry?  Money?   Have you given a lot of thought to what gifts you will be giving to others?

It dawned on me that I might not be preparing the right gifts for the right people this holiday season. Oh sure - I took great care in selecting something special for my mother, my sister, and my son and his fiance. I even went the extra mile to get my granddaughter something special from her wish list. But what about my husband?  I always struggle to find just the right thing for him...


One of my deepest desires has always been that he would come to know and love Jesus as his personal Savior.  Living in an unequally-yoked marriage has its share of difficulties.  You can read about them here:   A Spiritual Tug-O-War

God's Word declares that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17).

This Christmas can be the perfect time to ask God for BIG things in your marriage! Are you ready for His answer?


Here are 3 Ways to pray for a Christmas GIFT from God:


1.  Remind God of His faithfulness to you and your marriage...      
God's word does not return void. (Isaiah 55:11)  Prayers on behalf of your spouse will bear fruit. As the persistent widow cried out day and night - so too your pleas will not go unnoticed by God. Perseverance is key to bolstering your day to day faith walk. God rewards faith when it rests in His sovereignty. His timetable is not ours, and His ways are beyond our comprehension.  (Isaiah 55:8-9)

2.  Acknowledge the fact that God's Gift is just that...       
No matter how much we want to receive the gift for our spouse - we simply can't. It is entirely their choice to accept God's free gift of salvation, or to reject it. Remember, we want God to receive the most glory possible for your mate's conversion. God will orchestrate their circumstances in order to achieve His goal. God's Word declares we were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4)

3.  Anticipate something extraordinary...      Spiritual rebirth is a concept than we cannot possibly grasp in its entirety. Oftentimes it will be when we are about to give up that we see movement in the spiritual realm. As darkness blankets the earth before dawn, so it is with our salvation experience. We are children of the night awaiting His glorious light. Thank God for His indescribable gift. (II Corinthians 9:15)

May this Christmas bring you much joy and peace knowing that your heavenly Father delights in giving His children good gifts...

Looking for more Christmas posts?  Here are two from the past:
A Child is Born - A Son is Given
Christmas: Great Expectations




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.

FAITH - 4 Things to Consider

FAITH - in Hebrew it is Emun, and in Greek it is Pistis.

Faith is both active and passive. In the Old Testament it confirmed a steadfast belief and trustworthiness in who God was and in His promises.

In Habakkuk 2:4 the prophet gave this Hebrew commandment to the children of Israel: v'tzaddik be'emunato yich'yeh. 

The passage above declares, "But the just shall live by his faith."  Literally it means,  "the righteous, by his faithfulness - shall live."

In the New Testament faith embraces trust in the person of Jesus Christ, the truth of His teaching, and the redemptive work He accomplished on the cross.

The Apostle Paul taught us "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (confidence) of things not seen." Verse 3 declares, "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." 

The world's definition of faith is more of a hope or belief that something exists. It is an intellectual ascent.  Biblical faith rests in our belief in God's sovereignty and in His faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:13). We put our faith (trust) in Him as our Lord and Savior. We also display our faith in our obedience.

We find favor with God when we have faith in Him. Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."



John J. Parsons explains the concept of faith and works in James 2:14-18 this way:

"Faith and works," then, might be seen as two sides of the same coin. Our behavior will reveal what we really believe; and what we really believe will become manifest in our behavior... If you struggle with sin in a certain area, then that becomes an invitation to examine yourself to see where your commitment really lies.

So how does  faith  impact us in our day to day walk with God? Why does doubt creep into our thinking? Where does this leave us while we wait on God's timing? What causes us to shy away from believing that what He promised will come to fruition? Here are four things to help bolster your faith:

1.  Faith is inherently progressive. It evolves and matures during our spiritual walk.  As we exercise our faith muscles -we strengthen our ability to trust in His faithfulness. Understanding this process helps us to develop perseverance. "The strengthening of faith comes through staying with it in the hour of trial." -Catherine Marshall

2.   Faith is often tested. God's Word gives us the tools we need to resist the devil and his schemes. Doubt arises first in the mind and fleshes out in our actions. We must "bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..." (2 Corinthians 10:5)  Jude warns us with regards to false teachers to "build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20). Paul admonishes us to be "rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith..." (Colossians 2:7).

3.   Faith increases by way of remembrance. Using a journal helps you to recall instances of God's blessings and faithfulness. Recording what the Spirit reveals during prayer time preserves an important timeline in your spiritual growth. Put your feelings and thoughts into words. Jot down relevant scriptures that encourage you. Remember, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

4.  Faith is boundless. Nothing can wrestle away our faith . It is not limited by time, age, wealth, health, or circumstance. Because nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39), faith cannot be denied. It is limitless. It is resolute. It is reliable. Faith is solely in Him... Amen.




The Apostle Peter tells us to be watchful and expect attacks from the devil (I Peter 5:8). To this end we must "resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world" (I Peter 5:9).

I must confess that I have dropped the ball here at times... Like Gideon, I wanted to throw out a fleece or two for confirmation and affirmation. I fail miserably in my faith walk on occasion. But this I know - I only need to have faith as a mustard seed for it to grow into something amazing. Lord, help me to have radical faith in your faithfulness!


Faith hears the inaudible, sees the invisible, believes the incredible,  and receives the impossible.   ~Anonymous







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.

Why Are We So Sad? Five Possible Reasons...

Sadness is an expression of grief or unhappiness. It often precedes a brief season of depression.

I am generally an upbeat, positive person. Cheerful, encouraging, and hopeful describe me most days.

So why do I find myself feeling so sad lately?  What causes me to well-up inside and become so despondent?  Why can't I control my emotions better?

When you live in an unequally-yoked marriage , you feel like you just don't belong in the local church the way a Christian married couple does. Your habits and routines are different. Your giving and commitments are different. Your spiritual cadence is different from other couples. You feel so out-of-step with everyone else. Here is a post I wrote earlier that deals with some of those differences titled  Are You Missing In Action?

Depression is a valid emotion in the cycle of life. You can "visit" depression - just don't take up "residence" there.

In I Kings 19:1-18 we read about Elijah and his struggles with depression. After God miraculously displayed His power on Mount Carmel, Elijah withdrew into the desert armed with a death wish. He hid in a cave and wailed "woe is me" before accusing God of leaving him all alone to fight the heathen foreigners.

King David struggled with depression and feelings of intense sadness more than once. Some of the emotions had to do with blatant sin, while others dealt with fear and rejection. He often questioned God about the whole matter.

Here are some of David's heartfelt pleas:  Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue me from their destruction... (Psalm 35:17)  Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. (Psalm 38:9)  Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? (Psalm 42:5)  Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You. (Psalm 57:1) Lord, I cry out to You; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. (Psalm 141:1)

It's okay to cry out to God and raise the question "Why?"
God already knows our struggles and fears. He sees down the road of uncertainty. He is aware of the pitfalls and traps laid by the enemy. He cannot be taken by surprise. Nothing is too difficult for Him to deal with.  So why do we fret and get ourselves so worked up over things we have little or no control over? What do we do with the intense feelings of sadness and heaviness that blanket our souls? How do we make sense of the heartache and sorrowful countenance?



Here are five possible reasons for the sadness...
1.  We are grieving the fact that our marriage partner isn't in sync with us spiritually. Believers have a spiritual discernment. We are instructed by the Spirit of God. Our unbelieving spouse can't grasp that concept and they are spiritually blind. Amos 3:3 declares, "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"  And Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:14, "For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?"

2.  We are saddened by the thought that our best efforts haven't made a substantial difference in their spiritual conversion.  We have to be realistic here in our expectations. God is the one who draws unbelievers into fellowship with Himself. As Paul says in I Corinthians 3:6, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase."

3.  We have difficulty processing the fact that our marriage might never improve on the timetable or in the way we think it should. God has a specific plan for our marriage. He is never in a hurry, and He is never late. The important thing to remember is God wants to do what will bring Him the "most glory" with regards to our mate's salvation. God has given them His permissive "free will" to choose salvation or to reject it. Our place is to pray for their spiritual enlightenment. (Romans 10:20)

4.  We can't seem to grasp the thought of differences that may never be reconciled. One of the hardest things to do is to examine our own emotions and then take steps to deal with them honestly. My previous post  Can't We All Just Get Along?  has some helpful pointers to help you stay on track.

5.  We reluctantly recognize that depression may visit us for a season. We must come to grips with the fact that we will have good and bad days, ups and downs, highs and lows. Every marriage experiences "seasons" - and quite often they coincide with major life events, changes, challenges, and family dynamics that we have no control over. Our spouse will not always give us the support we long for. However, you can count on this: Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. (Joshua 1:5)


So what how do we move forward and regain our spiritual footing?
Be practical and proactive. Start by doing the basics: eat right, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. When you feel overwhelmed - take a deep breath and prioritize. Give yourself permission to process sadness and grief. Keep yourself centered on God's Word. Pray for wisdom and understanding. Reprogram your mind to think on "things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and virtuous" (Philippians 4:8).

Don't worry - and be happy might just be words from a popular song - but they also help to redirect your thoughts. Our Lord Jesus put it this way, "And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you the are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?" (Luke 12:25-26).




God will help you with your feelings of sadness and depression. Prayer and meditating on His Word brings comfort and security. God is our Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6).

Stay well connected with Christian friends. Continue with your small group studies and church activities when you find yourself wanting to withdraw. We were meant to be part of a community of believers. Encourage one another and extend grace even when it is undeserved.

Each day begins with a clean slate. Every dawn holds new opportunities and possibilities. Today is a good day for a good day...








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.

Hidden Dangers: 3 Ways to Inspect Your Foundation

A foundation is a prepared base or support for a structure to be built on. 

In times past, a  foundation stone was laid with great fanfare, often in a public ceremony. Many times during a ground-breaking ceremony, a local dignitary would symbolically put a shovel into the dirt and pose for a picture to commemorate the event.

The foundation is the most important part of any building. The materials and work on a slab foundation is literally “set in stone”, and has no room for errors. In this type of foundation wooden forms are built which then hold the poured concrete. A footing trench is dug around the perimeter to provide added thickness along the end of the slab. These edges are stress prone and the weakest point of the foundation. Usually sand or gravel is spread below where the concrete is poured. This technique prevents the slab from sinking under the weight of the concrete. A vapor barrier is usually installed above the sand or gravel, and wire mesh is placed in the center of the slab with rebar (steel rods) in the footing areas to add rigidity and prevent cracking.

What about your foundation? Does it show fault lines or signs of stress?
Sometimes before the concrete has thoroughly cured, cracks and other imperfections appear, They can weaken the foundation, preventing adequate under-girding of the intended structure. 

It is periodically necessary to take an honest look at your spiritual foundation. As we grow and mature in Christ - we develop a greater ability to discern and evaluate exactly what we believe as it lines up with Scripture. Isaiah 28:10 says this regarding the learning process: "For precept must be upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little."






Here are (3) things you can examine regarding your spiritual foundation:

1 . Our spiritual foundation needs to be built upon the Word of God. 

The Apostle Paul took time in Corinth to teach on the concept of the right foundation. In I Corinthians 3:9-14 Paul explains the importance of a sure and righteous foundation: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now, if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become manifest; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.”  

2. Our spiritual foundation needs to have Jesus Christ at its center.
JESUS is the Chief Cornerstone of our faith.

Peter quotes Isaiah in I Peter 2:6-7 stating,“Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will be no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,“The stone which the builders rejected has become the Chief cornerstone.”
Jesus Himself quoted Psalm 118:22-23 and said, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?"  The Lord Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone of the church.  He was dismissed and ultimately rejected by the Jews. He came first to the lost sheep of Israel, only to be mocked, insulted and executed by those who heard His message.
3. Our spiritual foundation needs to be grounded in doctrinal truths
Peter preached to the Sanhedrin in boldness and truth in Acts 4:8-12 saying, "...that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. Nor is there salvation is any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Jesus told the parable of the two builders in Matthew 7:24-27: "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: "and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: "and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."





In closing - here are two past Blog posts I wrote that confirm the importance of "rebooting" your mindset as a new Christian, and how to keep your "spiritual muscles" in top condition:
EXTREME MAKEOVER
EXERCISE PROFITS NOTHING

When we examine our own spiritual foundation,  will we find these important components?
~ Discipleship opportunities and Bible Study~ Decision making, obedience and submission to God’s leading~ Discernment, wisdom and stewardship~ Fellowship, outreach and ministry~ Charity, hospitality and good works







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.

FATHER - It's Your Day!

We honor You...We esteem You...We love You...

Fathers generally hold a special place in our hearts that is so unique, it is hard to define. 

I suppose that has to do with the fact that they are quite often the first true male role model we have in our earthly family.

For the newborn, the toddler, and the young child - Dad is the main man.  He is the one you cuddle-up with in his over sized easy chair. He is the one who holds your tiny hands as he leads you across the room step by step. He plays peek-a-boo and chases you through the house as you squeal in delight. He tucks you in bed and scares away bad dreams and dreaded monsters in the closet. He reads you stories and answers endless questions. He stands guard as you venture out into your strange new world...

Our heavenly Father likewise cares for us - both in the natural world and the spiritual realm.

When we are hurting and venerable, we can approach our Abba (daddy) and crawl up into His lap of mercy. There we feel secure and safe. When we acknowledge His positional sovereignty, we begin to grasp His great power and authority. As the child's song Jesus Loves Me says, "We are weak - but He is strong".

In Luke 12:32 Jesus says, "Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."



Our heavenly Father longs for us to solely rely upon Him. Our efforts apart from Him are futile and empty. When we give Him our availability - He will give us our ability to do what He has called us to do. He is our advocate and counselor. He is our teacher and mentor. All of our dreams and desires are nestled safely in our God ordained destiny.

Celebrate this Father's Day knowing that your heavenly Father rejoices in the day your were born. 

God longs to make us children of His Kingdom. He draws us unto Himself and awaits our spiritual rebirth. We were created for His good pleasure and fellowship. Celebrate that relationship.


Here are a couple of past posts to read and share with others for Father's Day
A Tribute to my Dad on Father's Day

Military Dad Far From Home

Finally, when life is pressure filled and complicated  - make time with your Father and sit in His presence. I enjoy visualizing sitting in a tranquil garden communing with my heavenly Father.

Imagine the wonderment, the serenity, the beauty...

Smell the flowers' fragrant scent. Listen to the trickling water as it flows downstream. Gaze upon the colorful flora. Listen to the cheerful singing of the birds. Feel the gentle breezes on your cheek. Touch the grassy carpet beneath your feet. Engage your full senses as you rest in His creation.

Psalm 46:10 tells us to, "be still and know He is God."  That means stilling your mind and thoughts. Let His holy Word infuse you with truth and life. Meditate on His goodness, His faithfulness, and His promises.

Have a journal nearby to write out questions or jot down Scriptures that come to mind. Pour your heart out to Him as the psalmist David did. Be real with God - after all, He knows your inner most thoughts. He knows your pain and your disappointments. He loves you with His perfect love...

Jesus prayed for all believers in John 17:24  "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world."


Enjoy the hymn "In the Garden" as sung by Alan Jackson... 












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.