Deborah L. McCarragher's Blog, page 6

5 Things to do While You Wait on God...

Waiting... It's not our favorite thing to do.

When you give your life to the Lord, you want everyone else in your household and family to do the same - at least that is how I felt.

I was the first one in my family to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in a public setting.  My mother has a deep faith and belief in God, but I never really comprehended what that meant growing up.  My father wasn't interested in church attendance or the things of God. My sister is still resistant to God and religion in general.

When my husband and I married, we were both unbelievers. Seven years later I had a powerful conversion experience that had real consequences. There were immediate changes in my behavior, thoughts and heart. I wrote a blog post about how to tell if the experience is real or not:  A Bona Fide Convert

So - what came next?  WAITING...

Here is an excerpt from my book  MISSION POSSIBLE  -  Chapter 6  "In the Meantime - Serve"
     
During your time of "waiting on the Lord" (Psalm 27:14), you must be courageous. This is not a time for whimpering and whining. This is a time to dig in and serve - and a time to dig trenches and fortify your position in Christ regarding your mate. The enemy is stealthy and clever in distraction regarding your mission. He will try to divert your energy and resources into other areas that might be good, but not GOD's best! Be careful with too many church activities and over commitment. Remember, your spouse does not understand your need to serve the kingdom purposes. They just don't understand it. Balance is crucial when it comes to home, church, and work. Pray that God will prepare your husband's heart and give you that understanding and favor regarding your "God assignments".

5 Things to do While You Wait on God...


1.    Pray for your spouse -
      
        Praying for your spouse is powerful and helps you to see their spiritual darkness as God sees it. One of the Scriptures I pray for my husband is Ephesians 1:17-19 , "...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you 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 toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power."

Another one is Romans 10:20 , "But Isaiah is very bold and says: 'I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me."

2.    Sow seeds for a harvest -

        Go ahead and plant seed.  Share the basics of the Gospel in a loving, sensitive way.  The worst thing you can do is to "preach to them" and point out glaring faults in a legalistic way.  Unless they have had their heart regenerated - it won't make any sense to them.  Remember, they are spiritually blind. I Corinthians 2:14 says "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

3.    Remember it is God who draws them -

        You are not "Holy Spirit Jr." - so don't try so hard to make it happen. God is the one who initiates the wooing of their spirit man. Hosea 11:4 says, "I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them." Jesus says in John 6:44, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..."

4.    Live as a witness -

        In order to be a witness, you have to emulate Jesus' characteristics and desire what he desires. The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 are the attributes we should be displaying if we are living a life hid in Christ Jesus. He says this in John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

5.    Have patience and perseverance -

         Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Our faith in God and hope in His Word give us the strength and endurance we need to "keep on keeping on".  God's perfect plan may be an immediate salvation experience or it may be years away. Either way - wouldn't you rejoice in your mate's conversion - even if that meant waiting for the right time, place, and situation? Don't give up... God is moving in the background and arranging things we don't even know about yet.  

Jesus tells us in Luke 18:-8, "Then the Lord said, 'Hear what the unjust judge said, And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"


Waiting on the Lord can renew your strength and fortify your hope. Rest in Him as you wait...









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.

What Does a Spiritual Mom Look Like?

We all have a sphere of influence.  It might be at home, at work, or in our neighborhood. 

As Christian women, we often encounter people and situations that beckon us to interact as Godly examples and mentors.

The Apostle Paul was writing to Titus (his true son in the faith) to remind him to appoint elders (overseers) in every town. The growing church needed leadership and direction. It needed mature believers to mentor and train-up fellow believers in their day to day walk with God.

How does that apply to us - women of faith - Moms, Grandmothers, Aunts, Sisters, and Wives...

Titus 2:3-5 says this: "...They [older women] are to teach what is good, so they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, kind, and submissive to their husbands, so that God's message will not be slandered."



Part of the charge to women in particular is to love their husbands and be submissive to them, so that God's message and His name would not be slandered.  Submission is a word that many women run from - but that is not necessary.  Find out why in a blog post I wrote about submission here:

Oh No... Not the "S" Word

For those of us who have children and grandchildren, being MOM to our adult kids never really ends.Our influence might evolve and morph into more of a "support" role. If you are like most Moms, you still give unsolicited advice and occasionally do one of those irritating Mom things. However, our adult children are no less needy and deserving of our time, energy and wisdom than when they were young. Now, more than ever, we need to mentor them and guide them into greater spiritual truth. They will make their own choices and live with those consequences. We are to pray for them and their walk with God.
If you are a mature Christian - both in years and experience - you have something to offer younger women! 
Not every woman will teach Sunday School or lead a Bible study at church, but you can reach a new generation with the powerful message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. How can you be involved in mentoring a young woman?  What practical steps can you take?



You can devote your time, energy and encouragement to her. You can be available to talk and offer Biblical counsel. You can offer assistance with child care, errands, and life skills. You can meet for Bible study, devotions, and prayer time. The list is endless... be creative!

My former daughter-in-law recently gave her life to Jesus and was baptized with my granddaughter. She is truly a new creation in Christ. This was a young lady that had absolutely no interest in living a Christian lifestyle when she met and married our son (who was not walking with the Lord). Growing up, she had been raised in church and attended a Catholic school - but as many young people do - she wandered away from God's truth.

I now have the honor and privilege of being a mentor and a spiritual Mom to her. It has been exhilarating and exhausting - all at the same time. Our emotions peak and fall like a ride on a roller-coaster at times, but I know deep in my heart God can get us through it together. We are family, and we always will be...

For those of you who are in an unequally-yoked marriage and still have young children living in your home - here is the link to a wonderful resource by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller titled:

Not Alone: Trusting God to Help You Raise Godly Kids in a Spiritually Mismatched Home


On a personal side note - since my Dad passed away two years ago, my mother and I make it a point to meet for dinner every Thursday night after she gets her hair done.  She still drives (for now) and relishes her liberty. I'm so thankful we can enjoy each other's company and can be a spiritual support for each other.

Enjoy your Mom if you still have her. Thank God for His Word and Biblical pattern for being a spiritual Mom to someone special in your life.






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.

Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say...

Who do you confide in when you are at the end of your rope?  Do you bottle everything up inside, or do you reach for your cell phone?  

Do your close friends know every detail of your fledgling relationship? 


Don't dishonor God by revealing things that would be unflattering or misconstrued by others regarding your marriage. Gossip is destructive and slander is evil - especially when it damages your spouse.

Here's a post I wrote a few years ago about this very thing:


Don't Trash Your Marriage
On occasion I have things run through my mind that are like a "powder keg" waiting to blow. My husband might be doing something seemingly harmless like watching a TV program - but it is affecting my spirit in a negative way. It is often offensive in nature (bleeping every other word) or violent content that grieves me when I hear it or see it.  Sometimes I just have to go into another room and collect my thoughts before I say something I'll regret.

II Corinthians 10:5 says this, "... casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

There is no doubt that I generally "bring every thought" kicking and screaming to obey the nature of Christ. Flesh wars against the spirit. The tug-o-war is real. The evil one wants to create an atmosphere of defeat, discouragement and doubt. His desire is for you to exhibit distain and disgust towards your mate.  He wants to unravel any victory or alliance that would bring God glory.

Galatians 5:22-23 is one of the greatest New Testament passages written by Paul that contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. In my humble opinion self-control is paramount to overcoming an adverse and abrasive nature.

Our words carry an immeasurable weight with our spouses. We can bless them with uplifting positive speech or we can curse them with careless negative talk. Jesus Christ Himself said, "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."  You can't disguise how you really feel.


"...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34)



Ask God to help you with your temper, your criticism, and your negativity. Pray for your fruits of the Spirit to be evident to your mate. Immerse yourself in Scripture and meditate on passages that reinforce edifying speech.  Here is a post I wrote on the Fruit of the Spirit:

Fruitful or Barren?

What do you struggle with most in your unequally-yoked marriage? Do your words get you into trouble? Do you fall into the trap of bad-mouthing your spouse? How do you effectively battle this issue in your home?










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.

Five Things We Can Learn From the Resurrection Aftermath

Resurrection Sunday has come and gone. Christians world-wide celebrated the fact that Jesus’ power was on full display as He overcame death.
In the natural realm, what would the empty tomb represent?  "Empty" denotes void, barren, forsaken, depleted, and lacking. 
The disciples had just witnessed a level of devastation and grief they most likely never knew before. They were confused, lost, and scared....

For some, emptiness represents unfulfilled dreams, dashed hopes, and unmet expectations.  
Do you have an empty place in your life that requires a miracle?  Is your marriage on the verge of a collapse?  Is your child wayward and faltering in the world?  Do you struggle with acute physical pain and limitations?  Jesus can minister to you in whatever circumstances you face in life.


Here are five things we can learn from those closest to Jesus after the resurrection...  (John 20, 21; Luke 24; Mark 16)

1.  Our expectations are not always met.
When Mary approached Jesus' tomb she wasn’t expecting it to be empty. She had come with the other women bearing spices in order to anoint Jesus' body. The thought of a bodily resurrection had not crossed her mind - not yet of course.
2.  We generally don’t like surprises. 
We like things to stay relatively calm and predictable. Mary had already had her world turned upside down. Now she was fretting over the fact that her Lord was missing.
      3.   We often don’t recognize what is right in front of us.
Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener. Her grief and pain clouded her perception. It wasn't until Jesus called out her name that she realized it was indeed Him. She didn't expect to receive that level of personal tenderness and compassion in her fragile state.
4.   We have an inherent propensity to doubt.
Thomas was missing in action when Jesus presented Himself to the disciples. We don't know why he wasn't there - but he wasn't buying any part of their story. He put conditions on his belief and lacked faith in their eyewitness account. He was in effect saying, "prove it!".
       5.  We frequently go back to old habits.
Peter had been in that empty tomb. He knew Jesus was raised from the dead. He saw Jesus when they had assembled in prayer and He showed Himself to them. Days later, Peter was feeling somewhat dejected and told the others he was going fishing. They also went with him, and after fishing all night, caught nothing... just as it was when Jesus found him on the shores of Lake Gennesaret.




So what does all of this have to do with us?  Well... everything. 

We often struggle when we forget that Jesus is alive and still in control.  How can we be so ignorant of those facts when His Word is replete with encouragement and hope?

The examples above end in victory for each one of them. They all became overcomers through the power and person of Jesus Christ. He will do the same for you.
Here is another post from the past to encourage you:   Turn Your Devastation Into Regeneration








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.

Bunnies, Baskets and Bulbs... What about Jesus?

The traditional Easter celebration has morphed over the years into a mega commercial holiday.  It is second in the sale of candy only to Halloween.  Jelly beans, chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, and candy eggs top the popular wish list.  Easter baskets are adorned with paper or plastic grass, small toys, and stuffed animals (bunnies, lambs, and chicks).

The Easter bunny originated in Europe and migrated to the United States.  It has always been a symbol of fertility.  Other animals played a significant role in Easter traditions throughout Europe such as doves, foxes and geese.  

Dyeing Easter eggs may have their origin in the 40 day period of Lent where often Christians would "give up" such dietary items as meat, eggs, and milk.  Eggs were decorated and kept for presenting in baskets lined with color straw as a treat after the fast.  Great care was given to extravagant design and a wide array of colorful dyes in order to ready them for presentation.


Chocolate eggs and the chocolate bunny had their roots in France and Germany in the 19th century and eventually made their way to the United States.  Chocolate was another common item to give up during Lent - thus making it a much desired item in the Easter basket.


A traditional Easter dinner might be leg of lamb or baked ham.  Lamb is traditional because Jesus' last supper was the Passover meal.   Ham was popular in the past because salted pork would last throughout the winter and be ready to eat in the Spring before other fresh meat was available.

But what about the Christian's celebration of this sacred holiday?  After all - we are celebrating the death and resurrection of our Lord.

The Easter season comprises of a 40 day period called Lent that precedes Easter Sunday. It is a time of reflection and penance, often involving a fast from one or more things - and represents the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness before starting His ministry.

Good Friday honors the day of His crucifixion and Holy Saturday focuses on the transition between the crucifixion and the resurrection.  



Symbolic of purity and the bodily rising of Jesus Christ, Easter lilies adorn Christian homes and houses of worship on the holy day that shares its name.  The flower was so named based on the fact that it often blooms near the time of year that Easter occurs.  White reminds us of the purity of Christ and the gold color represents the royalty of Christ.

Tulips are also popular in the Spring, and as is the case with the Easter lily, both flowers have come to represent Christ's resurrection from the dead.  Christians celebrate life over death in which the bulbs burst forth from the ground and bloom.



What does an empty grave have to do with you and me?  How can Christ's resurrection impact our lives today?

Simply put - Jesus is no longer in the tomb... He is here.  He "tabernacles" with us. He is Emanuel [God with us] and He is ever present in our lives, in our circumstances and in our eternal destiny.   Jesus is with us in pain and in difficulty.  He is with us in solitude and in rejection.  He is with us in loneliness and in despair.  Nothing can separate us from Him and His love...

"We learn that 'the Lord was with Joseph' in slavery, and then in prison.  In other words,  God is not just in the garden anymore - He shows up even in the most painful and difficult places.   That's good news for anyone in trouble, and a hint of the Good News to come." (John Ortberg)
He is the first to rise from the dead - the "first fruit" of the incorruptible seed of humanity. He fulfills prophesy and establishes the order of the final resurrection.  Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega - the Lord Almighty.  He is the originator of our spiritual DNA. 

Celebrate Easter with confidence, knowing that Jesus Christ purchased our access to heaven through His blood - atoning for our sins and sacrificing Himself in order to satisfy the Law's demands.  May we recognize and thank Him for His bountiful grace and mercy... 

Here is a link to one of my past Easter posts    EASTER - Promised Light Eternal









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.

The True Definition of Love...

Love begins when a person feels another person's needs to be as important as his own.    ~ Henry S. Sullivan

Love is a peculiar thing... it can often be a fleeting emotion or a stirring euphoria.  
Love is a verb - often encompassing the notion of cherishing or holding dear the object of your affection.
I Corinthians 13:4-13  is one of the most quoted Scripture passages in the Bible - especially during wedding ceremonies.
I began to think about the Apostle Paul's reminder to those in Corinth (and to us as well) to use our spiritual gifts in love.
In Gary Chapman's book  The 5 Love Languages  he lists number 4 as "acts of service". That brought me to a place of self-reflection with regards to my spiritually mismatched marriage.
Am I using my "acts of service" Love Language  with my spouse?  How is he viewing it?

Here is my personal application of I Corinthians 13:4-8; 13  in my own unequally-yoked marriage:

1.       Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up  (vs 4)
     ~  I am learning to have patience in the little things.  My husband is now fully retired, and that means he's home nearly all day every day. Be careful not to over-inflate your ego regarding your own “Christian” position. Don't be so full of yourself that you overlook their needs and desires.  Simple loving actions mean the world to your spouse – especially for us after being together for over 30+ years.  Familiarity can breed contempt, and you need to remind yourself that every day is a new day to show forth the love of Christ to your spouse.


2.       ... does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; (vs 5)
     ~ Applying my Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are essential when ministering to my spouse.  It is easy to get overwhelmed and lose your temper.  I often pray an SOS prayer for God to help me with my replies (words) and my body language (actions) so as not to offend him.  I have to take my thoughts captive (II Corinthians 10:5) and redirect my wayward mindset.  I must resist being prideful and rude.

3.       ... does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; (vs 6)
     ~  I continually ask God to forgive me when I knowingly sin. If I say I do not sin, I deceive myself (I John 1:8-9).  I rejoice in the truth that God's love prevails and that His Sovereign will reigns. No matter what I face during times of turmoil and difficulty - God's love conquers all.

4.       ... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things 
(vs 7)
     ~  There is nothing that I cannot do with God's help.  Though I may bear the brunt of yelling or others' frustrations, I can treat them with respect and dignity.  I may be tired and discouraged, but I can extend grace and kindness. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) 

5.       Love never fails (vs 8)
     ~  My love for my husband needs to be unconditional - as is God's love for us.  When I am distraught and overwhelmed - my help comes from the Lord.  Agape love is a picture of Jesus living out through us in our actions and words.  We are an extension of Jesus' hands and feet.  "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

6.       And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (vs 13)
    ~  In the end, all I know is that my "acts of service" are just what my husband needs right now.  Your marriage may be in a different phase than ours.  You may be a newlywed or have a young family. Have faith that God will enable you to love your spouse as He intended.


Here is a link to one of my past blog posts for Valentine’s Day that talks about showing “love” to those closest to us.   
    The Love Boat - Don't Miss It...

Finally, oftentimes I walk and pray and pour my heart out to God.  One day not long ago I said, "Lord, thank you that I have a good husband, a responsible provider, and a man that loves his family. Thank you Lord that You are my motivation and my help. You order my steps as I walk this path laid before me."
I encourage you to look deep within as you serve your spouse and use God's gifts to bring Him glory...








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.

This is the Year of Reconciliation

Here is an age-old question to ponder: "Does man seek God or does God seek man?"

Romans 3:11 says this, "There is none who seeks after God."   Isaiah 65:1 declares, "I was sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me."

As in Paradise, God walks in the Holy Scriptures, seeking man...  Ambrose

Paul knew firsthand what it was like to be pursued by God. There are no obstacles that can thwart God's advance.  He seeks and saves those who are lost. (Matthew 18:11)

When you are in an unequally-yoked marriage, you often wonder if your spouse will ever accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  Years may go by with little evidence of change...

In my book  MISSION POSSIBLE  Chapter 5 - Timing is Everything!  I have a passage that speaks to this very dilemma:

     In the natural realm, Jesus is with your spouse - He just isn't  recognized by him yet . Your spouse died in sin and now Jesus wants to  resurrect him .  I Corinthians 2:14 says, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."  Death can be the gateway to life for your husband!                     (Copyright 2010-2016)


There are numerous Bible passages in the New Testament that clearly show God pursues us in love. Your spouse may not respond the way you would like him to, or in your timing, but take heart - God is longsuffering, not willing that anyone should perish (2 Peter 3:9).  James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..."  Lastly, Jesus Himself says in Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me."

Pray that your spouse will hear the call of God and answer it. Pray that their eyes would be open to the things of God. Pray for reconciliation between them and their Creator.

Finally, Paul makes this abundantly clear in 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
We have a weighty responsibility towards our unsaved spouse. Your "MISSION" is to stand in the gap for your spouse. As this new year unfolds - make a commitment to enhance your personal relationship with Jesus Christ in a new and fresh way.  Here's a blog post I wrote last year that will give you a head start...
3...2...1... Happy 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.

A Light Has Come Into The World

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus , when as his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

But while he thought these things, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, the son of David, fear not to take Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her, is of the holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  And all this was done that it might be fulfilled, which is spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is by interpretation, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep, did as the Angel of the Lord had enjoined him, and took his wife.  But he knew her not, till she had brought forth her first born son, and he called his name JESUS.     (Matthew 1:18-25)


For Christians - Christmastime is a season of reflection and celebration.  It is a time to ponder, as did the shepherds, the star lit sky and the Savior of the world.  Luke 2:8-20 tells us that the shepherds were in the fields - watching over their flocks by night.  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and God's glory shone around them, and they were fearful.  After the angel assured them of their safety and informed them of the Savior's birth in Bethlehem, they hurried to see the Babe in the manger. Then they made widely known what had happened, spread the good news to others and glorified God for all they had seen and heard.

We too can share the good news of Christmas and the Gospel with others as we go about our daily routines.

Here are three of my favorite Christmas Blog posts -  please read and share with others...


A Child Is Born - A Son Is Given

Mary Did You Know?

The Magnificat - God Had A Plan


Dr. G Campbell Morgan said of Christmas:"Here is the Ancient of Days becoming a babe in Bethlehem. Here is He who could summon the legions of angels and He's wrapped in swaddling clothes... the Mighty God becoming a helpless child."







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 need a makeover?

Have you been toying with the idea of sprucing up a room in your home?  Many of us find ourselves watching HGTV more than we might want to admit.


There is something appealing about doing a touch-up here and there... applying a new coat of paint... hanging new artwork... adding a new accent piece of furniture...  You get the idea.

In the vast sea of indie published books you need a cover that will stand out and grab a potential reader's attention.  Since many books, both traditional paperbacks and ebooks are purchased online, buyers are visually lured to your cover by its overall design, color palate, and the subliminal message it portrays.

I have been a member of the Christian Small Publisher's Association ( CSPA ) since 2009.  During that time I have benefited from CSPA's publishing community and their creativity, marketing, and vast knowledge of the book industry in general.  Sarah Bolme wrote a great article featuring my book called   Does Your Book Have an Expiration Date? 

This year was the year to do an extreme makeover on my book  Mission Possible  both inside and out. In conjunction with the book revision I also revamped my website   God Mission Possible  .




Lisa Hainline of Lionsgate Christian Book Cover Design did a remarkable job of capturing the essence of my book's appeal and its spiritual message in a design that draws the reader in close.  Steven Plumber of SP Book Design  did the interior layout and design both for the paperback and ebook.  You can view a sample of my new revised book   HERE  .


If you have a published book that has been on the shelf for more than 5 years, consider revamping your cover for a fresh look and new appeal to a younger and visually alert audience.  I'm glad I did...









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

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The Potter, the Clay and the Outcome...

       clay            lump             speed           

            whirling               pressure         

impression           shaping           carve       
           
         band              stop              glaze             

                fire           rest            use

Is this a picture of your spiritual life?    Has the  Master Potter  spent considerable time and effort on your vessel?  Do you know for what purpose you were created? 
Wikipedia has this definition:   Pottery is made by forming clay into objects of a required shape and heating them to high temperatures in a kiln or oven to induce reactions that lead to permanent changes including increasing their strength and setting their shape. 
Wow - did you just grasp what that said?   Christ is forming us [clay] into objects of a certain shape and purpose [of His choosing] and heating us to induce reactions [purifying us] that lead to permanent change [new creation] in order to increase our strength and permanent use [for His Glory].
Our Potter determines what material, what shape, what purpose, and what prominence we have in His Kingdom.   We are clay formed from the dust of this world into a vessel of honor for our  Potter’s  honor and glory.  Ephesians 2:10 declare, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”
In his devotional  My Utmost for His Highest , Oswald Chambers says this concerning our vision of what our reality should be according to our own inclination:      “We always have visions, before a thing is made real…God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way… Let Him put you on His wheel and whirl you as He likes, and as sure as God is God and you are you, you will turn out exactly in accordance with the vision. Don’t lose heart in the process.”
Chapter 18 in the book of Jeremiah contains the famous passage of the  potter and the clay .  Jeremiah was lamenting and admonishing Israel about their grievous sin and idolatry.  He stood in the gates of Jerusalem proclaiming God’s words of warning to a stiff-necked people.  During this time the Lord spoke to Jeremiah and said, “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.”  



When Jeremiah visited his house he observed him making something at the wheel.  Jeremiah says in verses 4-6, “And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter, so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?’ says the Lord. ‘Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel?’”
This   pottery  “factory” in Palestine (mentioned in Jeremiah 18) was in the Valley of Hinnom near the Potsherd Gate and near the tower of the furnaces or  pottery  kilns (Nehemiah 3:11; 12:38).    Potter’s  clay was made by “weathering” the dry native clay-dust or the wet stream-bank clay before treading it by foot for use in making cooking vessels and water pots.  Often the clay was hand-kneaded several hours in order to remove all of the air bubbles before working with it on the wheel.  After it dried to a leathery consistency, the vessel would be returned to the wheel for turning, cutting and paring off excess clay.  It was then beautified with a variety of tools and techniques before having a “slip” coat for color or sheen.  Finally, it was “fired” by heating it in an open fire or in a kiln and later removed for cooling.

In our marriages we must remember that our Potter created us to be unique.   His process differs from one vessel to another. He knows just how to make us so we will fit into our particular family unit.  Our clay may have been tread on for a longer period of time. Our kneading might have lasted a little longer than someone else.  We may possess a different color or texture than the next vessel.  We might have been whirled and whirled and stretched longer and harder.  Maybe we were beveled or poked or intricately cut more than the others. Finally – just when we thought we couldn’t take one more second in that intense heat – we are removed. Now we wait… and wait… and wait as we sit and cool. Our  Potter  knows best.
God formed Adam from the “dust” in Genesis 2:7, and we are likened to the potter’s creation as found in Job 10:8-9, “Your hands have made me and fashioned me, an intricate unity; Yet You would destroy me. Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay.”  And in Isaiah 29:16 we read of God’s reply to him saying, “Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; for shall the thing made say of Him who made it, ‘He did not make me?’ Or shall the thing formed say of Him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding?’”
Paul makes a similar plea to the Romans in Chapter 9:20-21.  He states, “But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to Him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’  Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?” Who are we to complain or self-determine with what or how we will serve Him?
I have finally given up trying to analyze how I was formed and how I will be used.  I am coming to peace with myself and my  Potter . There are times when I simply don’t grasp His methods or timing.  But this I know: as He was with the three Hebrew youth in the fiery furnace, so will the Lord be with you (Daniel 3:25).
Below is one of my favorite worship songs of all time -  The Potter’s Hand  by Darlene Zschech of Hillsong.  One of the repeated lyrics is,  “Take me; mold me; use me; fill me. I give my life to the Potter’s Hand.”
“Click on Play” and let it minister to you as you continue to browse online or work on your computer. It’s a magnificent outpouring of our love to the  Master Potter …




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.