The Dash (of Life)

Sermon By Pastor Persinger-

 

Psa 90:1-12

[[A Prayer of Moses the man of God.]]

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God.

Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.

For a thousand years in thy sight [are but] as yesterday when it is past, and [as] a watch in the night.

Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are [as] a sleep: in the morning [they are] like grass [which] groweth up.

In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.

For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.

Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret [sins] in the light of thy countenance.

For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale [that is told].

The days of our years [are] threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength [they be] fourscore years, yet [is] their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, [so is] thy wrath.

So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.

This life, right now, is your only opportunity to invest in your eternity.

Do you know why people squander their lives in things of this world?

 because they Truly do not believe what the Word says.

- if you believed the Word, then you know that you will give an account for every idle word that comes out of your mouth

- if you believed the Word, then you know you are to love your neighbors, and  love the brethren

-if you believed the Word, then you know you are to forgive all trespasses as Christ has forgiven your trespasses.

-if you believed the Word, you know that the life you live today will effect your eternity.

 

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

 

Don’t live your life in a way that would be displeasing to our Savior. Live your life knowing that you will face eternity sooner than you anticipated. Be ready to give an account. Be ready- so you may hear those sweet words “ Well done good and faithful Servant”.

 

Lord

Help us to see. Guide us through your Word. Speak to us and show us what has no value in eternity so we may live for you today, and not wait for tomorrow!

Thank you Jesus

Amen

 

Angie

His Secret Things…

Deu 29:29

The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God:

-Not everything of God do we know

- Not everything of God do we understand

 

but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

There are things that we do know through His Word and understand of God. Those things are our responsibility. Those words/ways are to be taught to our children, children’s children, children’s children’s children FOREVER! so that they will do and keep God’s law and ways.

In our human mind we think we know God because He’s like us, right?

Wrong- we were made in HIS image, not His in our image and it is only in HIS image are we made, but without Christ and HIS redeeming blood we are NOTHING like God because without Christ we are DARK, Sinful, and Ugly.

No darkness is in Him( 1 John 1:5)

Only being redeemed are we washed clean, and Christ in us are we able to see the light beaming through the darkness in us to make out HIS image in us.  Only through Christ can we understand and follow HIS ways and Word.

Seek His face, His ways and His Word this day that you may know of this hope that is only brought to us by the Holy Spirit. Find your strength in Him and know that all His ways are revealed in His word. Allow it to guide you and strengthen you. In Jesus Name!

The attitude of the Accepted

Last night our pastor spoke on the attitude of the accepted.. at first I was not sure what it meant. But as he went on it all came together, so I will try to share with you his words, and what God spoke to me through this wonderful service!

He started in 2 Samuel 9-

READ this chapter it is great… My family and I had just recently read and reviewed this chapter.

In this chapter David is seeking someone from the house of Jonathan. Someone he could bless and restore. He called for a servant from that house who informed him that there was one son left, who was crippled.

As the crippled son approached the throne of David he did so with a humble and UNWORTHY heart.Though UNWORTHY as he might have felt, David restored to him all that was his father’s and granted the right to eat at his table for the rest of his life.

How do we tie this in with us now and Christ…  as we approach the throne of God, we are truly unworthy of his grace and mercy, but it is through the blood of Christ that we can communion with God.(or sit at His table)

How do we approach that table or the throne? Do we come with pride? Or anger? Or do we come with humble hearts, knowing we deserve the true punishment for our sins, but grateful for Christ??

Do you realize the God of all creation, the living God who is powerful and all knowing, has gave HIS ONLY SON for YOU??

So what is your attitude towards that- do you give Him all of you as he gave all HIMSELF?? Do you present your body as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your REASONABLE service? (Romans 12:1)

Is it not reasonable to give the one who gave it all, all of you?

Pastor Victor put it this way-

A man walks up to you hands you one million dollars for no reason. You have done nothing to deserve this money, but he gave it anyway.

The next day this same man comes and asks you for a cup of sugar and you look at him with an ugly face and say I do not have a cup of sugar for you. If I give you my cup of sugar then I won’t have any.

Wouldn’t  it be reasonable to give the man who just gave you one million dollars a cup of sugar, if not the whole bag or container of sugar??

 

It is our reasonable service to give to our Lord all of ourselves for his service!!!

 

Thank you Lord for this mighty Word!

 

Angie

Good Morning

 

I spent some time reading the Word and a devotional by Beth Moore.

The devotional was on how we see our walk as Christians. So  many see their walk(me including at one time) as a list of things we are not allowed to do as believers. (thou shall not steal, no lying, no, no, no) Instead of seeing it as being set free.  Set free to live a life to enjoy with Christ.

 

“ Think about this with me: only ONE tree in the entire Garden was forbidden to Adam and Eve. Instead of surveying everything God had given her and marveling, ALL OF THIS! the serpent seduced Eve into thinking, Perhaps I’d rather trade all this in for the one thing God told me to avoid. He could be holding out on me.” (When Godly People do Ungodly things by Beth Moore)

 

Eph 1:3

Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

 

Who hath blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings… all… not some, all!  Can you fathom that? What the ALL really is? I know for a fact in my walk I have NOT reached the all. I get stuck, I stumble and even reach from time to time for a forbidden tree because I have NOT grasped in my spirit the All of my spiritual blessings. I allow myself to get into this rut and I start believing those lies again that tempt me or make me unsatisfied with who I am and what the Lord has called me to do in my life.

I am fulfilled and I find joy only when I seek first the kingdom of heaven and HIS righteousness.

 

Heavenly Father-

I praise  your Holy Name because you are worthy to be praised! Thank you Lord for your blessings. I count it all joy to be called one of your own.

Help me Lord to show the blessings you bestow upon me. Help me to be joyful in my walk with you. Help me to see the positives!

Lord forgive me for believing the lies.

Be with me as I begin my day. I am thankful for your Word! May these words be food to my soul.

For thine is the Kingdom the power and Glory forever and ever-Amen

 

Thank you for stopping by this morning.. May our Lord Jesus be with you. May you find Joy in your walk with Him!

Angie

The meaning of the Cross

This morning I listened to Paul Washer.  His sermon called “The Cross of Christ”

This sermon spoke so deeply to the lack of understanding of the Cross and the sacrifice that Christ gave for each of us.

We will never fully grasp the greatness of the Cross.

Could you raise your face towards heaven and say “ I have loved you as you deserved to be loved, L-rd”?

There has never been a moment in Christ life that his love for the L-rd did not shine through. There is never a moment in our lives we can say that we have loved the L-rd as Christ has!!!

Christ was treated ,before the throne, as the sinner should be treated. He became a cursed for us.

What does it mean to be a cursed for  man?

A cursed means that a man is so vile, and depraved that the last thing he hears before going into hell is everything Holy applauding and rejoicing.

 

The only reason you are blessed is because he was cursed. Every good and perfect blessing you have is the result of the curse Jesus bore for you!

Christ bore every curse so that we could be blessed.

Be Attitudes

Blessed	Cursed
granted kingdom of heaven	denied entrance into heaven
2. recipients of a divine comfort	receive the wrath of G-d
3. satisfied	miserable and wretched
4. receive mercy	condemned without mercy
5. shall see G-d	cut off from His presence
6. sons and daughters of G-d	Disowned

 

It means that every curse listed above Christ bore for us on the Cross,so that we could be granted the kingdom of heaven, receive comfort,be satisfied, receive mercy,see G-d, and be called sons and daughters of G-d.

 

Do you think Jesus was fearful over the Cross and bled in the garden over the nails or the whip?

 

No It was the wrath of G-d he feared. The wrath He drank for us!!

 

Dear Saints

It is so hard for our  minds to comprehend the greatness and suffering of the Cross. Mothers sacrifice daily to take care of their families and even that sacrifice is nothing compared to the Cross. Father sweat to provide and even that is nothing!!

I am forever in debt to our L-rd Jesus for what He did for me. I can never love him the way I should! But I will strive to do so- with everything I am, and everything I do!

Will you?

 

Heavenly Father-

We honor and adore you. We give you praise because you are worthy to be praised. We ask you to hear us now and forgive us     L-rd of our sins.

Help us L-rd to understand your Word. Help us to live it in our lives. Help us to share you, your love, and the greatness of your sacrifice with others.

Be with us as we begin a new week of schooling, or work.

For Thine is the Kingdom and Power and Glory forever and ever- Amen

 

May these Words speak to all of you

Angie

He had faith in him…

Read:

Job 1

Here is Job living life, loving the L-rd, sacrificing for any sin that might be happening, basically minding his own business. The L-rd is proud of Job, his love and loyalty like any parent would be. Satan, of course, sneers and growls at this pride and thinks this is just a man that can fall like any other, but you won’t let me near him. So the L-rd grants satan passage, with one condition, you can not kill him or harm him.

Have you ever wondered why the L-rd granted satan passage to spiritually, mentally, and physically challenge Job?

We are all sinful creatures that when the going gets tough- we crack. I know there has been times in my life where I have questioned, cried, threw a fit and even got angry at our Heavenly Father.  

“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,” Job 1:20 In his most desperate and painful moment- HE WORSHIPPED!!!

The L-rd had faith in Job and new his heart so completely Allowing satan passage the L-rd knew it was not going to change how Job felt or saw His Heaven Father.

Oh dear Saints the L-rd knows our hearts and knows whether we are able to worship through all situations. May you find strength and comfort that He is truly sovereign, merciful and most of all gracious!

Angie

Who do you put your trust in?

Jeremiah 17:5

Thus saith the L-RD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD

Psa 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help

How many times have you had a major situation in your life and called a friend or mentor up before bringing it before the throne?

The L-rd states for us NOT to trust man!

Why?

Jeremiah 17:9

The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Because the heart of man is wicked, and deceitful. Only the L-rd knows each of  our hearts and what is in it. Even at times when OUR good intentions are to bless, we still can not know what the  L-rd’s intentions are.

Does this mean we are not to go to one another with our burdens?

NO- we are to bear each others burdens, in prayer and supplication to the L-rd.

Remember dear Saints before calling a friend or mentor with the issues of your heart and life, call upon the one who has the answers to it all- the King of Kings and L-rd of L-rds.

Our Father who art in Heaven hollowed be your name-                     L-rd forgive us for forgetting that you have the answers waiting for us when we ask. Forgive us for not being on our knees seeking your face in all things. L-rd send your Holy spirit upon us all to lead us. Bless us dear Father- as we call upon your name in all things.For thine is the kingdom and power and the glory forever,and ever-Amen

Words that we should all desire to hear….

 

 

Mat 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

 

As I read these words today in my devotional, my heart grew heavy. What joy these words would bring to me if the day I stand before our Lord Jesus and this is what he says to me.  But why the heaviness in my heart.. well of course these words then made me examine myself, my soul and heart.. Am I worthy of these words?

Am I living my life serving Him tot the fullest?

Am I the wife he has called me to be?

Am I the mother he would want me to be?

Am the Servant….

The Evangelist?

Lord- I am not worthy only you make me worthy. Lead me Lord, help me to accomplish this goal in my life, which is to hear those words come from Your Son Jesus!

I love you-

Your Daughter

Angie

The Mark of a Contagious Christian

 

I have started reading through this book by Dr. Jeremiah.

The Mark of a contagious Christian was today’s lesson- Of course I could not resist in sharing about it.

Dr. Jeremiah starts off by talking about the conduct of Christians. Being a Christian is not a benign or dead thing, it is suppose to be Contagious! Are you a Contagious Christian?

What is a Contagious Christian?

1.Contagious Christians are Energetic.

Their energy comes from authentic conversion.

“Someone has said the born again movement is a hundred miles wide and an eighth of an inch deep.”-from the book

What a profound statement about how we (believers) walk around professing our faith, but not living it out in our lives.

Do your co-workers, neighbors, and people you interact with see your faith in your life?

You are saved by the Blood of the Lamb- you should be shouting it from the roof tops. Your joy should overwhelm you to a point of bursting. Your energy should come from the Holy Spirit so that you can be the light in the darkness that surrounds us all.

 

2. Contagious Christians are Established

Does your assurance through the Holy Spirit shine brightly?

Are you confident and established in the Word?

Whether you are in your home or on the street the Gospel is to shine through.

3. Contagious Christians are Enthusiastic

Do you live knowing how loved you are and love others enthusiastically as Christ loves you?

4. Contagious Christians are Evangelistic

Do you take every opportunity to pray when others ask you?(do you do it right then and there?)

Do you take every opportunity to give Glory to God, and His word by sharing Him and His word?

and Lastly Contagious Christians are Expectant of the coming our Lord Jesus.

Dear Saints- be Contagious Christians who are Energetic,established,enthusiastic,Evangelistic, and Expectant!!

By the Grace and Love of our Lord Jesus

Angie

Hardest thing to remember-

2 Cr 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Often times when we encounter difficult moments, trials and struggles we find ourselves trying to conquer, figure out or  even fix whatever it is that is wrong.

2 Cr 4:8-9

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

We forget that we have the greatest power of all. The power of prayer and laying it down at the feet of Jesus. We forget that we can do nothing without Him. All things are for one purpose to bring Glory to the King.

Find comfort dear Saints in the Word, find peace in knowing that the Lord’s thoughts are of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.(Jeremiah 29:11)

Heavenly Father

Forgive us for thinking that we have the power to fix everything. Help Lord to learn to be a surrendering people of all things! Guide us through your word.

In Jesus Name-Amen

Angie

The amount of God’s Love-

Have you ever taken the time to contemplate the level of God’s love for you?

Read: Isaiah 49:15-16

God’s love is compared to a nursing mother- she does not forget her babe from her womb. Neither does God forget those he loves. He has “graven” thee upon the palms of his hands, his walls are continually before him.(meaning your are forever in his mind and memory)

 

Wow- he has graven ME- on the palm of his hand and I am forever in his mind. Me- home mother of six children, wife to Sam. I am not important, my contributions in life have not been of some great measure, but my God has graven me upon the palms of his hands and I am forever in the walls of his memory!

Read: Romans 5:8

 

God shows his love towards us by sending his only son to die for us while we were yet sinners.

How many times have done something for someone before they have even asked?

Or How many times have your done a right thing for someone who has wronged you?

 

Read: 1John 3:1

 

God loves us so much that he calls us his sons and daughters.

The King of Kings, Lord of Lords, creator of all things calls me one of His own. He cares for me, guides me, comforts me and loves me!

 

May I be worthy of His Love! May I walk the narrow path and seek His will, ways, and guidance in all I do!

 

Dear Saints- this word is so profound- wrapping our minds around the measure of love that God has for each of us! May He receive the Glory and may you be encouraged that you are truly loved by the one and only True God!

 

Angie

Meet Raye Ann

PICTURE TO COME

Hello,

I am Raye Ann Pankratz. I am the Help Meet to my husband Steven, and the mother to our five blessings. I am also a Stay At Home Mom and a Homschooling Mommy. We are starting a ministry developing apologetic software to train the believer and to reach the lost. Technology has opened a whole new mission field and we hope to reach those there. The name is still up in the air at this time, but the beginning software is underdevelopment.

I am involved with the worship team with our congregation, I also coordinate the Oneg or the covered dish fellowships, I am moving back into teaching in our Women's Ministry. We attend Congregation Beth Simcha or Hebrew for House of Joy. We are a Messianic congregation comprised of both Jews and Gentiles who fully believe in salvation only through Grace by the death and resurrection of the Messiah Jesus Christ.

I have received some formal training in preparing to be a summer missionary with the Baptist Student Union, and from some course work I have done at SWIMS Seminary (Southwest Institute of Messianic Studies). I feel the greatest Bible training I have received is from my mentor Sister Alice. Under her guidance I learned more about teaching and spreading the Word than from anywhere else. I pray to be able to attend She Speaks at the end of the summer.

My own personal blog is Heart of the Home. It is about us as women become the Heart of our Homes, and about making Jesus our Heart.

I am overjoyed to be the founder and a contributing author of Daughters of the Word Bible Studies.

Do I seek to please men?

 

Galatians 1

Paul starts this book with a strong reminder that he is NOT of men, and neither by man, but by Jesus Christ!

He is writing because he found out that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ was being perverted. He exhorted the church in Galatia to remember that if any word goes against what they and angels had preached that it was not of god.   He was cursing those who were preaching a perverted gospel.

Paul also reminded them that he did not preach to please men, and the work he does is not for men. He strongly stated that if he sought to please men then he should not be the servant of Jesus Christ.

Fast forward to the modern church today, we are finding those who are preaching from the pulpit- are preaching a perverted gospel. Sin is running ramped within the body of Christ and the words “ I am a Christian”, bring no conviction or have no value in our society. WHY??

Have we gone so far from the Gospel?

Are we living for our flesh so much that we look NO different than the average “heathen”?

God forbid!!

Dear Saints- as we face a new week- exam yourself look at your outer shell. Does your dress, your actions show that you are a follower of Jesus Christ? Or do you look NO different than your neighbor?

We are called to be a peculiar people- zealous of good works.

Tts 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

peculiar

1) that which is one's own, belonging to one's possessions

a) a people selected by God from the other nations for his own possession

 

zealous

1) one burning with zeal, a zealot

2) used of God as jealous of any rival and sternly vindicating his control

3) most eagerly desirous of, zealous for, a thing

a) to acquire a thing, (zealous of)

b) to defend and uphold a thing, vehemently contending for a thing

 

Lord, as we face another week help us be the people you have called us to be, peculiar to the World and zealous to do good works for Christ.  In Jesus I pray-Amen.

How do you know you are walking in the Spirit?

Galatians 5:16

Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh

 

As a believer we are directed through the Word to walk in the Spirit, so that we will not sin. But, how do we know if you are walking in the Spirit?

Are there signs we can look for?

Yes!

We first must understand why as believers that we must walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other.

We are in a battle constantly, and the war is also against our own flesh. The Spirit wars against the flesh, they can not accompany the same space/body/soul.

Signs of Walking in the flesh:(Galatians 5:19-21)

1. adultery

2. fornication

3. uncleanness

4. Idolatry

5. lasciviousness

6. witch craft

7. hatred

8. variance

9. emulation

10. wrath

11. strife

12. seditions

13. heresies

14. envyings

15. murders

16. drunkenness

17. revel lings

 

These sins of the flesh prevent us from inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

Signs of Walking in the Spirit:

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. long suffering

5. gentleness

6. goodness

7. faith

8. meekness

9. temperance

 

As you can see the war is one we can not battle without the help of the Spirit. Dear Saints, seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33)

If we live in the Spirit then let us walk in The Spirit(Galatians 5:25)

Dear Saints,as we walk in the Spirit we can bring glory to God not only with our words, but through the manifestation of the Spirit in our lives.

Let this be your focus this week.

May our Lord be Glorified

Angie

Proverbs Intro

A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10

When you think of correction and wisdom, what comes to your mind? A gentle talk with your child? A corrective action taken by a parent? When I think of correction and wisdom, I think of the book of Proverbs. My Heavenly Father uses this book daily to show me where I have erred. He also uses it to gently lift me up out of the miry clay when I have fallen and refuse to get up. When I pick up my Bible each morning, God has a fresh word for me regarding my behavior from the day before. Sometimes it is encouraging. Most times though, God uses it to teach me the error of my ways.

We are not sure who the actual author of the book of Proverbs is, however, most scholars believe that Solomon had a lot to do with it. He was a man of wisdom, and shared freely with those around him. The book of Proverbs begins by telling us exactly what Solomon had in mind and what the purpose of this book was:

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise. (Proverbs 1:1-6)

Solomon knew that the people in his kingdom would need wisdom and discipline. These two things combined can cause a person to live a life pleasing to the Lord. When you combine the two, the heart of man becomes the heart of God.
One of my favorite chapters in Proverbs is of course, Proverbs 31, The Virtuous Woman. From the moment I gave my life to Christ, and found this chapter in the Bible, I set about trying to learn who she was, and why she did what she did. To this day, several years later, I still read it over and over again hoping to glean something new from her way of life. She loved her Lord, she loved her man, and she loved her family. She gave of herself to those around her. She is the ultimate Proverb in itself.
Today, as you begin your day, try to read one chapter in Proverb a day along with your regular daily Bible readings. There are 31 chapters, so it works out well to correspond the day's reading with that day's date. Try it and see if it doesn't make a difference in your own life. Remember wisdom, correction, and discipline will turn a woman's heart back to her Lord.

Jennifer Sikora

Meet Jennifer

Hi! My name is Jennifer Sikora. I live in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and I am a 34 year old born again believer in Jesus Christ. I have been saved going on 10 years. I am married to the most wonderful man in the world for 15 years. We have two blessings from the Lord, Robert age 14, and Kayla age 11. I am a stay at home, homeschooling, work from home mom. We are in our second year of homeschooling and hope to continue schooling all the way through high school.

From the very beginning of my relationship with Christ, I felt the tug on my heart to write and help draw other women into His embrace. I currently am involved in helping teach a once a month Bible study to the ladies of our church. I also lead our children's drama ministry, and sing on the praise team at church.

My church is extremely different than most churches. We rented a space in a mall and hold church their every Sunday and Wednesday. It is awesome to have people just slip in and enjoy the praise and worship and the sharing of the Word.

My passion has become blogging to share God's word. You can read some of my posts at www.belikeesther.blogspot.com.

Jennifer Sikora

Will over God’s Word

By Angie Sellers

This study is available in a PDF form that has plenty of room for you to record your thoughts and incites.

Introduction

Many times in my marriage I have had the biggest battle going on inside of me over requests or tasks asked of me by my beloved husband.

Here is an example: My dear beloved decided that it was best for us to go and spend Sunday afternoon at his brother’s house. They were going to be watching the Super Bowl, like many American households,having friends and family over. My beloved decided this to be a good time for fellowship. Personally, I did not want to go. Let me give you a few reasons why: I had to prepare for my schooling week, I NEVER watch football, and watching a football game is not “fellowship”, but regardless what I wanted he made the decision. I felt forced to go-honestly. I, of course, suggested that he and the children go and I can stay home to accomplish my tasks. He negated that idea as soon as it escaped from my lips. NO we will go as a family, he said. With resentment building, I prepared myself for the evening.

As I prepared myself, I had this inner dialogue:

UGH-why do I have to go?

Am I not my own person?

Since when do I have to listen to him?

Am I a child or an adult?

Does submission mean I lose my own will for my life or my desires?

In the quest to seek the answer to these questions “Will over God’s Word” was born

Will over God’s Word

What is your Will?

Your will is :

the faculty of your mind by which you determine either to do or forbear an action, Choice; determination, or Disposition; inclination; desire.

Keeping in mind that our will is what we determine to happen, and how we choose things to go according to our desires. In other words when we set our minds on something there is NOTHING anyone can do to stop us. Can I get an AMEN?

As much as our will can be a positive thing in our lives, motivating us forward. It also can be a negative thing, motivating us to sin. Right?

Before getting into the scripture lets define a few important words that we need to clearly understand in the text.

What is submission or what does it mean to be subject to someone?

Submission:

Greek Word:hypotassō

1.The act of submitting; the act of yielding to power or authority

2.Acknowledgment of inferiority or dependence; humble or suppliant behavior

3.Obedience; compliance with the commands

4.Resignation; a yielding of one’s will to the will or appointment of a superior without murmuring

To Be Subject:

Greek word: hypotassō

1) to arrange under, to subordinate

2) to subject, put in subjection

3) to subject one's self, obey

4) to submit to one's control

5) to yield to one's admonition or advice

6) to obey, be subject

Now we know the meaning of the words, submit or subject. Before you start hyperventilating or allowing your temperature to rise lets continue and read Ephesians 5:22-23 carefully. Allow the Words of the Lord to sink in and ask the Holy Spirit to work on your heart to penetrate to the core of understanding.

Ephesians 5:22-23(KJV)

22Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.

Ephesians 5:22(Greek):

Αἱ γυναῖκες τοῖς ἰδίοις ἀνδράσιν ὑποτάσσεσθε, ὡς τῷ κυρίῳ

Ephesians 5:22(NASV)

22Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

23For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.

How many times have your read these verses?

How many times have your heard these verses preached?

For us(woman) these words are hard to understand and more so than that, they hard to swallow. You mean I actually have to listen to “him”, who ever your him is. Mine is a beloved “him”, but still a “him” none the less.

You are saying I have to listen to him without murmuring?

YES-

At what level or how much?

AS UNTO THE LORD or AS TO THE LORD.The level of our subjection is the same level that we are to subject or submit to the Lord. We are to submit to our husbands as if we are submitting directly to the Lord.

Now I have a question: knowing the meaning of the word submission and what the Word of God says, would you fight with, murmur or rebuke the Lord as we do or have done to our husbands?

I will answer: Yes, Yes, and Yes-(I know I am stubborn!)

In answering Yes- is it right or Righteous?

No-it is not!

This is the hardest thing to swallow, I know. Your will, your ways, must be subject to your head (your husband). You can not worry about whether he deserves it. (that is not in the scriptures) You can not worry about whether he does things right. (not there either) You must worry about your own heart, heeding the Word, and what your actions say unto the Lord.

What does the Lord see in you when He watches you?

Does He see one willing to walk in His ways and Truth? Or does He see one walking in her own ways and understanding?

Remember that the Lord’s thoughts and ways are NOT our own!

Look up: Isaiah 55:8-9

What is the first thought that came to your mind when you read those verses?

As wives and believers if we are to follow the Lord as Christ did, then we must submit as Christ did.

Look up : John 5:30

In this verse Jesus’ words state he can do nothing by his own power- The Lord, the Son of God, stated he could do nothing because He did not seek His own will, but the will of the Father who sent Him.

Wow- if the Son of God did not seek his own will, why do we?

Look up: 1 Peter 2:21

Christ was the living example for us to follow. He submitted even unto death! Submitting ourselves to our husbands does not bring us to the point of death, does it?

Inside as your will battles with the very words of the Lord it may feel like death, but that is not true death really.

Is it an example of the process of dying to ourselves?

The inner battle is our pride interfering with what is right and holy.

What is the process to deal with this?

How do we do what scripture asks of us as wives?

These are the series of questions that you should ask yourself when you find yourself in this “War of the Will”:

Why is this task or request so hard for me?

Is what my husband asking of me unreasonable?

What outcome does he want to see from this task or request?

As you search your heart for the answer to these questions- the battle will subside and you will seek the will of your husband instead of your own will. We are to be the living examples of Christ to those around us,whether it be children, co-workers, relatives, or even outsiders looking in.

Look up: 1 Timothy 4:12

People are watching you and how your interact with your husband. In the act of submission towards your husband, you become an example of how others are to submit or obey the authority in their lives, including your children, friends, or a stranger.

How do we say we love our husbands and not submit?

Look up:Titus 2:4-5

According to this verse if we do not submit we are blaspheming the Word of God. This realization hurt me deeply to think that as I did not submit I was blaspheming the Word of God.

What does Blaspheme mean?

Blaspheme:

To speak of, or address, with impious irreverence; to revile impiously (anything sacred)

Dear Ones, if your heart and will is to serve the Lord, are we not to serve Him in ALL THINGS?

Then I know that you do not want someone to think that you revile the Word of God.

Look up: Duet. 31: 6-8

Even when it seems too difficult The Lord promises to never leave you. His Words will give you comfort when you can not find comfort. He will also direct you in all things!

Look up: 1 Corth. 10:13

He will never give you anything you can not handle. He will give you peace and a joy beyond measure.

Look up: Psalm 5:11

Now that we have faced what submission is, and why we should submit. Lets look at this at a different angle.

Being married for 16 years, I have had to ask myself, does my husband really mean me harm?

How many of you can honestly say that your husband’s purpose is to harm you or the family?

Look up: Ephesians 5:25-28

Most husband’s love their wives so deeply. They love her as much as they do their own bodies, if not more. Knowing your husband loves you so deeply, then why is submitting so hard?

Did you know that this is how your show your righteous Godly love to your husband?

Dear One, submission is not a step towards being a mouse or a doormat. It is a step towards being a righteous woman. Take one step at a time, one situation as they come from your husband remembering that he loves you.

Look up: Proverb 31:28

Submit your ways, your will and pride each day unto your husband, and to the Lord, it will bring you blessings from your husband and praise.

Let this be your prayer, dear One. Also find an older sister that emulates these traits in her life and when you struggle ask her to pray for you. Most of all pray for strength from the Holy Spirit and guidance from the Word of God!

Thank you for allowing me to walk you through the Word. May the Lord use it to His Glory!

For PDF Click Here

Angie

Meet Angie

Hello, My name is Angie Sellers

Wife to my beloved Samuel, mother to 6 wonderful arrows for Christ thus far.
We are a homeschooling family for the past 6 years. We (my husband and I)are co-founders to the ministry called The Lord's Heritage, which is a reversal ministry. We no longer serve regularly in this ministry, we are just advisers when needed.

We attend services at North Belt Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, which is family friendly, Brethren loving group of believers. My family are truly lovers of the Body of Christ. We love to open our home to others, and our lives. We truly seek to love others as Christ loves. As you figured out, we live in the great BIG state of Texas.

I have some college under my belt in computers, but being a wife and mother became more important. I do not have any seminary training, just the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

My blog is Ponder the Path of Thy Feet is where I share my thoughts, my love for the Word of God, and my day to day life.

Contributing Authors Welcome

If you would like to be a part of this new ministry by sharing your knowledge and incites of the Word with other women you may do so by submitting two articles. Each one will cover an introduction to a book in the Bible. Any two books of your choosing. One major guideline is that all bold statements must be backed by scripture. While quotes, commentary, and wisdom from those who have come before us is great, however scripture is the foundation. Also with each lesson a memory verse needs to be given. Please include that in your submission. If you are chosen as a contributing author then one of the two submissions will be your first article in your series. So please pick books that you would really like to write about. If you are going to want to add study sheets then submit those at this time as well. I have the ability to export them to a pdf that can be made available to the readers.

Also include your bio. Who you are, married, single, how many kids if any, stay at home wife and/or mom or not, homeschool, private school, public school, etc. Include any ministries you are involved in, also any ministry training you have received such as seminary, bible school, She Speaks, in your own congregation, or a strong mentor. Tell us a little bit about where you attend service. Let us peek a little into your life by telling us about your family and where you live. Using a pen name on your bio is acceptable as long as you are up front about it. A picture needs to be included with your bio. I know this can be tough. I am still looking for a good picture. Do not forget the link/links to your blog/blogs.

Please make your submissions on Word or Open Office. I need all initial submissions in by April 24, 2009. However submissions will be accepted anytime after that.

So if you are ready to high dive into the deep end with me into this new ministry send your submissions to daughtersoftheword@gmail.com