Man should not be alone

Genesis 2:18 "And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone, I will make him an help meet for him."

Are you married? Did you notice when you were with that special man that he was more complete and once you became one through marriage he was happier! Why is this? As the Bible says, "...It is not good that the man should be alone...."

I don't know about you, but I LOVE being married to the MAN of my life!! HE and I complete each other. I am HIS helpmeet. I've ofter wondered how another man could be a mans helpmeet? or another woman could be a womans helpmeet....  Guess what it can't be!!! One man and One woman in marriage! The God ordained marriage is One MAN and One WOMAN and that's the way it should be.

Be the helpmeet, the meek and quiet spirit that God intended you to be. Take care of your husbands
*physical needs
*social needs
*intellectual needs
*spiritual needs

I was reading a book, right now I can't remember exactly which one it was but there was a few pts that has stuck with me ever since I read it.
1. get up in the morning with your husband as well as go to bed with him.  You could even plan some times that you get up before your husband.
2. By getting up before your husband you can have yourself looking pretty for him BEFORE he leaves for work!!
3. Bring him breakfast in bed occasionally
4. Have music playing in the morning (not the TV blaring)
5. Offer to lay out his clothes for him.

Just these little jesters will show your husband that you want to be his helpmeet, you want to complete him.
As we've studied in the last 2 series of lessons be sure you Read your Bible Daily, Pray daily (especially for your husband, he has to go out into the world to work; and many things are out there to try and hurt him not necessarily physically, but mentally and spiritually) Do all you can to make sure you have the meek and quiet spirit that God wants us to have.

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Lois and Eunice are to ladies we can learn from about Passing Our Faith Along.
II Timothy 1:5 "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." 

There is so much we can learn from our Grandparents and our parents. We just simply need to be willing to learn what they have to teach us. What are some things that your Grandma may of taught you that would strenghten your in God.

There are stories I'm sure each of us could share on how grandma, mom, grandpa and dad shared with you that would affect your life and how you held onto your faith.

This isn't really a lesson where I'm going into detail about things. It will be more of a challenge to look back at your life and see what your family did to help strengthen your faith.

We have learned alot through the lessons on a Meek and Quiet Spirit, it's been ways we can have this kind of spirit. I pray that as you have read these lessons that the Lord, will give you a meek and quiet spirit!

I Peter 3:1-4
"Likewise, ye wives be in subjection to your own husbands; that , if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

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Through Lydia we learn about Constraining Power. II Corinthians 5:14 "For the love of Christ constraineth us." I have thoroughly enjoyed going through this and reading and learning and sharing the lessons with you. Today is just one more lesson we can learn from on having a Meek and Quiet Spirit!

Lydia sold a material that the Lord saw befitting for a real lady! WOW!! Here she was a seller of purple and the Lord saw it befitting!!! Now Lydia wasn't a Christian, but the Lord saw her religious desire and therefore he opened her heart to want to have more knowledge. From this she was saved and baptized. From this she must of had a wonderful influence on her family.

We as Christian mom's and wives can have such an influence on our family, for good or for bad. So looking at the our topic today Constraining Power. How can we as wives us this?

1. The outward appearance of a woman can give her constraining power.
You may say, What?? Yes, think of Lydia she must of been a very pretty lady. You an I as wives can constrain our husbands by our appearance. Now this will only take a man so far, but you need to look your best for your MAN!! HE doesn't want to come home to you in your ole dirty work around the house clothes, and your hair a mess. NO when he walks in, he wants to see his wife, IN HER BEST. Not necessarily Sunday best , but look beautiful for him when he walks in the door.

2. The character of a woman can give her constraining power.
What is your character like? I don't mean you are a character. LOL No, I mean do you have the character to have dinner cooked each evening, the house cleaned, the children in order, etc..... We should have the character of Christian wife and mom!!

3. The worship of a woman can give her constraining power.
Psalms 96:9a "O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." We see Lydia worshipped the Lord before she was saved. So what's keeping you as a saved wife and mom from worshipping the Lord!!!
In Ephesians we are commanded in to worship or reverence our husband. We can do this by living as the Bible teaches us to.

4. The hospitality of a woman can give her constraining power.
Make your home lovely!! Be neat, organized, clean!! Don't live like someone who doesn't care, make your husband want to come home to his home!!

5. The need of a  woman can give her constraining power.
Now I mentioned that you need to make your home look like a home, but I also mentioned that you need to look your best! If your home is immaculate and you look like you were hit by a semi. It makes the family feel they aren't needed. Make sure you are making the children and your husband feel that you need them.

6. The love of a woman can give her constraining power.
II Corinthians 5:14a "For the love of Christ constaineth us." Jesus is the most compelling of all. He could force us to love him, but instead he lets his love compel us to him. A mother should compel her children through influence them while they are young to fear her; a mother that compels her children by love will always have proper influence in her children.

Through these things our meek and quiet spirit can be constrained power if done in the right ways.

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Acts 12:14 "And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate."

Don't forget to Believe a lesson from Rhoda. 5things we can learn from Rhoda:
1. She didn't forget to listen at the door.
Acts 12:12 "Many were gathered together praying."
2. She didn't forget to answer the door.
3. She didn't forget to recognize Peter's voice.
4. She didn't forget to believe Peter was at the door.
5. She didn't forget to confirm her faith to others.

How often do we forget things. I'm not talking about forgetting to pay a bill or go to the store. I mean how ofter do we forget to go to our hearts door when the Lord is trying to get our attention? Or we ignore the knock. Maybe we're so far backslidden that we don't even recognize when the Lord is speaking to us. Not verbally but through preaching, teaching, Bible reading....
Do we share our faith, or do we "forget" to because we're to busy?!

Lets Remember to Believe
1. To believe God can bless and protect your marriage!
Are you trying to keep your marriage safe or allowing God to take care of your marriage. Do you and your spouse pray together daily to protect your marriage, your children, your spirits.
Bill and I have prayed together daily since Aug 24, 1991 that is when we got married. Now we prayed together while we were dating, but it wasn't always on a daily bases. IF you base your marriage not only on love and relationship, but on God, the Bible and Prayer It's amazing what God will do with your marriage.

2. Believe that your children will do right.
Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.

3. Believe God can us us and your family!
So much could be said on each of these points. IF you as a parent do your part in raising your children and depend on God, he will be able to use you and your family.

As we have looked at Remembering to believe and not forgetting, there's much to think about.
If we don't have our daily devotions and if we don't read our Bible daily there are things that we'll forget and things that we need God's help with that we'll miss because we don't do these things. Part of a Meek and Quiet Spirit is not forgetting, and making sure we stay tuned to God.

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Good Afternoon, I trust all had a great morning in church! I know I did!!! Well, todays lesson is rather different talking about being missed. It will be on I want to be Missed as seen in the story of Dorcas. Revelation 14:13b "Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

Read Act 9:36-43
I have a little more interest in this name that usual. We named our daughter Tabitha after this story. She has proven to be a doer of good deeds with her hands. One of her Uncles, the only who can get away with it, will call her Dorcas on occasion. Now I don't know about you, but when I am gone I would hope that I would be missed, as Dorcas was. Dorcas - was full of good works. When she had passed and when she was raised rather than calling her Dorcas it was said, "Tabitha arise".
Lets look into Dorcas life as to why she was missed so much.

1. A woman who is full of good works is more likely to be missed by others.
Dorcas reminds me of  a Proverbs 31 woman (read the chapter)
Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

2. A woman who gives is more likely to be missed by others.
Are you a giving person. Do your children know you as the mom who gives? Does your husband know you as a giving wife? These can be some pretty hard questions.

3. A woman who uses her talents for others is more likely to be missed.
What is your talent? Singing, speaking, writing, Interpreting for Deaf or Spanish or any language, do you play an insturment? Use these talents for others!

4. A woman who gives to the poor and to the needy is more likely to be missed than others.
Do you fix meals for others with a giving spirit or a grumbling spirit. When you help someone can they say the love and care or do they see nothing in your emotions or a bad attitude?

Ladies there is so much we can learn from Dorcas/Tabitha. Be a wife and a mom that works, gives of her time, uses her talents and helps the poor.

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Why do you do what you do? Wow that can be a tongue twister :) Seriously Why do you do what you do? Do you do it for self? Do it you do it for man? OR Do you do what you do for the Lord? That is a mouth full of words that packs a BIG question!!!

Why We Do What We Do is a lesson from Sapphira in I Samuel 16: 7b "For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
You may ask how this story of Ananias and Sapphira apply here, well as we look at the story in (read) Acts 5:1 - 11 we see that they appeared to be doing right but they weren't. There hearts weren't in it. They lied and the Lord killed them immediately. There are two things we can learn from this: Vows and Motives.

Vows
Proverbs 20:25 "It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry."
When a man or woman take something that belongs to God we have been ensnared by sin. Take your tithe if you don't give God his part you are stealing from God. You are then in sin!!
When you promise God something DO NOT UNDO IN DOUBT WHAT YOU DID IN FAITH!!!!

1. Selfishness or greed causes us to hold back from God what we have promised to Him.
When you give your life to the Lord, guess what that means?! You are no  longer making decisions on your own. God is now part of that!! Wives, mothers, those that are dearest to you here on earth are Gods! You need to care for those precious children God GAVE you!! I have 5 children I'm so grateful I can say, my daughter is now in Bible college and Lord willing will serve the Lord with the rest of her life. My oldest 2 sons both what God's will in their lives. my 16 yr old feels God has called him to Evangelism. Did I force them into it? NO I prayed when I gave my children to the Lord that HE would lead them into what HE has for them. My younger 2 are saved and want to serve God but haven't come to the age of knowing what God wants yet. You say what is that age? It's when the Lord touches their heart that they should be a teacher, preacher, missionary, evangelist. The age doesn't matter as long as when God calls them, Mom doesn't say, "Oh honey I can't let you do that!' When I gave my children to the Lord they became his to do as he wants and leads them to do. Wife, your husband is Gods, he is accountable to God don't be selfish and hold back your husband from serving God.

2. Lack of faith often causes us to hold back from God what we have promised to Him.
This can refer back to some of what I said in pt 1. Once you promise God something guess what? You Have to keep that promise. We are human we are meant to break promises. But a woman or man of his/her word will NOT bread a promise!!!

Motives
I Samuel 16:7b "...For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
Many of us as wives and mothers give only to God what we have to make ourselves appear right with God. However, God sees our hearts!!! Do you want your children in drugs and drinking and doing that which they shouldn't do? Of course you dont'. So DON"T do what makes you look good, do what God wants us to do!!!

James 1:12 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for what he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."  Don't hold back on God, don't hold back with your husband, don't hold back with your children.
Don't be an Ananias and Sapphira, Give it all to God, Keep your Promises to God, Live as you want your children to live, Be what your husband needs you to be, Give it ALL to God!!!

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Are you a Pastors wife, Missionaries wife, assistant Pastors wife? The author of the book I'm using here, was a Preachers daughter and she is now a Pastors wife. So as we look at this lesson it can be applied to our lives as wives and mom also. I just really liked how Mrs Schaap used this from the perspective as a preachers daughter.

Avenge me of my Adversary, Luke 18:7 "And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them."  Read Luke 18:1-8

As the author and myself studied Luke chapter 18, it was really neat to see how clear the information was on how we can handle our adversaries. Through the book and my own studies I'll share some of what was learned:

1. When you are being attacked by an adversary, stay in an attitude of prayer at all times.
Luke 18:1b "men ought always to pray, and not to faint."  This isn't saying we are to pray 24/7 what it means is to be in an attitude of prayer. When the adversary is attacking we need to pray and have the attitude of prayer through the rough times, the hard times, even when we're on the mountain top we need to have the attitude of prayer and not running to God in prayer just because we're in trouble. You need to have a "closet" for prayer a specific time each day  that you are going to pray. Then "pray without ceasing" throughout your day.
Don't think I'm some outstanding Christians who prays all the time and knows alot. I'm really not, I'm human just like you. I have my days where I'm like why pray it won't do any good. When in reality if I, you, have the right attitude and stay in the right attitude of prayer. It will make it alot harder for our adversary the devil to attack. He'll try YES but we'll have the power of prayer and Jesus on our side.

2. Do not allow yourself to become weary of Satan's attacks.
Luke 18:1 warns us "not to faint"
What does faint mean: to lose courage or hope; to lose purpose or enthusiasm; to lose brightness.
Luke 18 is telling us we don't need to lose these things.
How do we avoid fainting go back to point 1 PRAY!

3. Realize that when God does avenge you, it will often be brought about by someone whom you least expect God to use.
The woman our lesson is about was avenged by the judge. She was avenged by the judge and he didn't fear God, he hadn't been convicted of anything particular. God can avenge us through the unsaved just as he used the judge in the Bible.

4. Do not seek to clear your reputation or to make others respect you.
Keep in mind that our responsibility is to serve God and to study his word and Pray! Here are those 3 things again Serve God! Study his word! Pray! WOW!!! I do believe that part of having a meek and quiet spirit definitely revolves around serving, the Bible and Prayer.

5. Trouble God with your hurt.
trouble - to disturb, pester and stir up
When we look at Luke 18 the woman wouldn't leave the judge alone. She "pestered" him, troubled him! This is what we are to do to God when we have a problem. "pester" him that you need him you need him to help. Or Pester/trouble the Lord over a need. Trouble the Lord over the salvation of a Loved one! For 25 yrs my husband did this very thing over the salvation of his Dad and Mom....God listened and "avenged" him by allowing his Mom and Dad to finally on Feb 28, 2010 see the need of their salvation and my husband had the wonderful privilege of leading them both to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. What was the avenger in this case? Cancer! Yes, my mother in law had cancer and it brought her around to realizing knowing where you'll spend eternity was a necessity. So through the cancer, much prayer and a son who troubled God for over 20 yrs she was saved!

6. Seek out the whole truth of God.
The author mentioned that because of her adversaries she turned more to God and her Bible! Again we see that the Bible is where we need to turn!

7. Realize that God bears long with those who are being attacked.
bear - refraining from power
another meaning of bear is support!
God may avenge us but he will also support us! God is there for us when we are being attacked.

8. Realize that we all really have only one adversary and that's SATAN!!
One day God will avenge our one and ONLY real enemy - the Devil. His just "payment" is coming.

As Christians we need to stay in the Bible, Serve the Lord faithfully and Pray!

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What a day! The weather is cold snow is in the forecast and it's March.....goodness!!!

I John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
This lesson is on how we react to sin. Properly or wrong? We'll be looking at the Woman that was taken in Adultery. Read John 8: 1 - 11

As Christians we should respond to sin in the right way. Yes we should hate sin and we should avoid it at all cost. In our everyday lives though we sin, tell a lie, steal, cheat on a paper, curse, and so on an so forth. Now these are wrong and a sin in God's eyes. We must however handle sins properly.  This will be explained in our lesson today on how to do this. (The pts I'll be using in the lesson are from a Sermon Dr Jack Hyles used and his daughter used in her book)

John 8:2b "all the people came unto him; and he sat down and taught them." Jesus tells a story while on his way to the Mount of Olives.
The story he tells is about a woman and adultery, in Bible days the punishment for this sin was death. Read about the account in John 7: 40 - 53. In the story Jesus stooped down and with his finger wrote on the ground. He then said, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." (John 8;7b)

1. In order to react properly to the sins and weaknesses of others, one must get alone and have a daily time of prayer with the Lord.
If you are unsure how to deal with a sin or with how to help someone, go to the Lord in prayer and he will give you the peace needed in how to deal with it.

2. In order to react properly to the sins and weaknesses of others, one must be a student and a teacher of God's Word.
Another way to be sure you react properly is staying in God's word. Teaching God's Word also helps us to have the right attitude towards sin.
I have this to be so true. In doing my devotions and posting them to share with others as well as on my other blog occasionally. I have to stay right with the Lord, it would be a sin for me or anyone to tell others they should do this or that when I do it. Studying God's Word and praying is the proper way to deal with sin properly.

3. In order to react properly to the sins and weaknesses of others, one must stay in Church.
Be faithful to church, read God's word and pray!

4. In order to react properly to the sins and weaknesses of others, do not respond right away to accusations.
You've heard the saying, "Innocent until proven guilty" well we should use that same thing with others and how we react to their wrong doing.

5. In order to react properly to the sins and weaknesses of others, one must identify with the sinner.

6. In order to react properly to the sins and weaknesses of others, one should ignore many accusations.
Proverbs 26:17 "He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears."

7. When you must respond to sin, respond with a well thought-out and prepared statement.

8. Handle the sins of others by forgiving and restoring the sinner.
Jesus forgave and helped restore the sinner. Preachers, help restore those who have fallen in sin. We as Christians can help those who have sinned as long as we handle the situation correctly and and react properly to the sin!!

Friends, be sure your sins will find you out and when you or I react to sin be sure it is done properly. When helping others be sure not to embarrass, to help them keep their self-respect.

As I looked back over this lesson, I asked myself how will this help the ladies who are wives and moms to have a meek and quiet spirit. Then I realized in almost every lesson we are told to be faithful to church, read the Bible and pray, by doing these things we are working and helping our spirits to be meek and quiet. A meek and quiet spirit needs to know how to deal with sin properly, when we have children we need to know how to help them and not hurt them or make them feel like mud. So if you need go back through the lesson applying it to having a meek an quiet spirit. May God bless you.

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I'm going to attempt to get this lesson typed out, I've been sick most of the day. I pray those who went to church this evening had a great evening!

The Woman at the Well, she left her Waterpot....
John 14: 13 -14a "Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall five him shall never thirst."

Read John 4: 3- 30

Are you one that forgets things? Not meaning because your old but you just simply will walk off and forget things. I know there have been times I've done that. The author of the book said, "I must admit that I am what you would call an absent-minded person." She mentions that her daughter would remind her of things.
The funny thing is my children reminded me not to leave the baby in the car or on the table in his car seat. This actually happened after my youngest was born. I had him in his carseat ready to go. I took the older 4 out his diaper bag and walked out to the car. I had locked the house had the kids in the car and was backing when my daughter says, "mom, where's Jason?" Oh my.... It was a Sunday morning and I was running late, you know when you have children all under the age of  7 and no one can really do for themselves or at least think they can't. It was on of those mornings, Did I on purposely leaven Jason sitting on the table? No
This is how I see it with the woman at the Well. I think she meant to leave her waterpot. She was all focused on Jesus. As I was focused on getting to church that day. This lady was excited and wanted to learn more from Jesus.

1. I realized that it is a sin to try to find satisfaction, comfort or self-esteem in anything other than my relationship with Jesus and His word.
You say, why can't we have satisfaction in other things. What I mean is totally not being satisfied with God. We are more content with earthly treasures such as:
Money, credit cards (spending money on things that we can't take with us)
Possessions - can you take that fancy dress, or house, with you. Now it's nice to have but don't let that be your satisfaction.
Appearance - now we are to sure we look right but don't become obsessed with it.
Popularity - we as mom's need to train our daughters that popularity is NOT a must. "Shew yourself friendly"
Relationships - You should be satisfied with the man/woman God has given you. Don't go around saying if you were like ___________ I would love you more. Or you kids should like so an so and your mom would be much happier! God gave you that Man and those Children be SATISFIED!

2. I began to seek a stronger relationship with Jesus and found in Him the things for which I was really longing.
What do you do to strengthen your relationship with Jesus?
Here's a few things the author did:
a. One morning a wk rather than regular devotions, I do an intense study.
b. Pray while you are doing your chores or driving to get the children from school.
c. Sing more
d. Listen to a sermon each day while cleaning house or running errands
e. Memorize more scripture
f. Yield yourself to the Holy Spirit many times a day
g. Cut out some of what you watch on tv, radio old time shows, Internet.

3. I began to resist the impulse to make myself feel better by indulging in the wrong places.
What do you do on impulse when you are down?
shop
eat
sleep
complain
 just to name a few.
If we do things by impulse and not by letting the Holy Spirit lead it can be wrong and can cause problems.

4. I began to share more of Christ with others.
Go soul winning! Did you know that if you would leave your "water pot" and go out and share Jesus you would be so much happier and you would be obeying God's command to win others. You say, it's out of my comfort zone. Ok start off with someone who has been at if for a long time. Then when you are comfortable offer to take someone new out and train them. You will find you thrive on soul-winning!! Yes there are times we don't want to go, or we simply think whats the use everyone says, "Yes, I'm saved" but did you know people have learned to get you to leave them alone they'll say yea I got saved. You can in a gentle, kind way pressure them to tell you when how they got saved. Many times you'll end up being able to lead them to the Lord.

5. I began to have faith in the end results of sharing Christ with others.
This goes back to the topic above. You will see results if you are faithful at soul winning.

So like the woman at the well, leave your water pot, step out do things that would bring you closer to the Lord. May God bless you as you go through your wk and May you wife, mom let this help you as you work on having a meek and quiet spirit.

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Good afternoon, another beautiful day in WV and have enjoyed it tremendously. Did school outside for a little bit, till the boys became to distracted with the outdoors. We also started on some fun projects from them. Well, I pray that each of you are enjoying the lessons on Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit. I believe it's so important that as wives and moms that we have that meek and quiet spirit. We shouldn't be loud and boisterous.

We'll be looking at part II of Mary and Martha
John 11:5 "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus."

Read John 11 - in reading John 11 we see another side of the story about Martha and Mary.
We see how they doubted Jesus then believed in him. They questioned him when he wasn't there to keep Lazarus from dieing, then their faith in Jesus increased when they raised him from the dead.
If we stop and think about it we as Christians today are the same way. We say, I have faith that God will ________________ (you  fill in the blank) BUT..... Why does But always follow? Because we are human, we know in our heart that God will and we have faith, BUT at the same time in our mind we're doubting that he will.  Then when God comes through we're like I never doubted that at all. Why do we do that? We maybe embarrased to say, yes I doubted God, however we did have faith and doubt at the same time.

I've even had to put myself in check with this just recently. We are in the process of looking to buy a house, I'm so tired of looking that I'm like: "Lord I have faith in you to provide the right house, BUT......" I just need to and have given it to the Lord he'll provide what he wants for us when he wants us to have it. Just take the step of faith and leave it in His hands!!!

1. We should be patient with the liablilities and appreciate the assets of our personalities and the personalities of others.
Don't use your weakness as an excuse to keep you from doing your ALL for Jesus. Remember God loves you and me! We can and should be patient and go and do for the Lord.

2. We should remember that God loves us in spite of, and perhaps because of, our personality weakness.
In the story about Martha and Mary we see how Jesus illustrates His Love for Martha rather than Mary at this point of the story.

3. We should not be discouraged when our faith is weak.
We all go through times when our faith isn't as strong as it should be. DON"T get discouraged. Look to God allow him to still work through you.

4. We should allow our faith, even though it is small, to move us to action.
When you are grieving, struggling with a problem, or simply having a rough time having faith; Allow your fatih to be seen. Allow yourself to move and do what needs to be done no matter what! Keep the Faith.

5. We should realize that Jesus can use us, in spite of our personality weaknesses, to bring others to Him.
Maybe you say, it's not my  personality to go soul winning. STOP! You can lead people to the Lord no matter what your personality!!! Did you know you may meet the person who is like you an that you maybe the ONLY one whom the Lord could/would use to lead that percious soul to him. So don't let things like personality stop you.

6. We should make Jesus our Master and come to Him as soon as He calls us.
John 11:28 -29 "And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.'"

7. We should realize that Jesus weeps with us when we weep.
It's comforting to know that Jesus weeps with us. He hurts when we hurt. He's rejoices with us when we rejoice. Now this may not be everytime, I don't know, but it's wonderful to know that the Lord loves ME so much that he would do that.


As we have seen in yesterdays lesson and todays the Lord loved both of the sisters, just in different ways! Just as God loves me for me, you for you he loved Mary for not being distracted and Martha for her faith in Him.

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Good Morning! What kind of wk are you planning on having? Reason I'm asking is personally I've decided to have a wonderful wk ;)
How can you have a wonderful wk?  This will take us into today's lessons on Distracted.

Luke 10:41 & 42 "And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about marry things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

This lesson will come in 2 parts since it will be a little longer than the others. Mary and Martha Read Luke 10: 38 - 42

As you know Martha invited Jesus into her home and her sister Mary sat at Jesus feet to hear His Word. In the Bible we read that Martha was "...cumbered about much serving." As a mother don't you too feel you have to be about doing and caring for things and being "cumbered about much serving."  Now look at Martha, she started to complain about her sister, why? Because she saw his sister as being lax and not serving. So Martha began to cry for help.  As Martha began to complain we see in verse 41 & 42 "And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Lets look at the lessons learned in this story:

1. Jesus is not saying that we must always sit at His feet in order to please Him.
Now this can be confusing.... We are to serve Jesus. Yet, we are to sit at his feet and learn. We are suppose to do both, now Jesus was not reprimanding Martha, he was just letting her know Mary was right in what she was doing also.
My children are so funny sometimes, lets say dad has told them to do a job (which mom doesn't know about) I'll come along and say I need this done. Now, They are doing right because they are obeying dad, but if they don't speak up and say, "Dad asked me to do this, may I do your request or job when i finish" I may get upset when they don't move or go do as  I ask.  It doesn't make their job wrong, They just didn't inform me of dad's request.
If we apply this to our daily doings, we should not get distracted by what the other is doing. Cont to do as God would have you do, or with the children the politely inform you of their current task and cont then go to the next thing.
Things that distract us:
a. money
b. possessions.
c. problems
d. Mindless tasks
These are just a few things that can be a distraction.

2. We can usually tell when we have become distracted.
How can you tell that you're distracted? Negative spirit, easily frustrated about things, just stop and think what distracts you.
Do you know if your trying to read your Bible and the tv is loud or the children are running around screaming and chasing each other that you are not fully focused. You may say, DUH!! I know that, but how many times do we sit down to do something and get upset or flustered because of the things happening around us.
Be watchful of distractions.

3. Though Jesus is pleased with our service, it is our attention to Him and to His Word which is most needful in our lives.
needful - means to edify or build up.
We need to be needful to the Lords attention! Study your Bible and make sure your attention if fully focused on His Word when you have your devotions.

4. It is our time with and our love for the Lord which cannot be taken away from us.
Don't get distracted by: money, possessions, loved ones, and chores.

Practical Lessons on Keeping a Happy Spirit
1. Play sermon tapes
2. Listen to good Gospel Music
3. Be friends with those who are Christians and those who make you laugh.
4. Get plenty of fresh-air. Go outside
5. Exercise...YEP I said it! Exercise see I said again.... No seriously we do need to our bodies fit after all it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
6. Intersperse work and play. What do I mean by this, well reward yourself for your hard work and accomplishments during the day!
7. Nap, we do at times need to rest during the day.
8. Eat right
9, Read uplifting books.
10. Avoid entertainment which will leave you depressed spirit such as romance novels (which as far as I'm concerned are wrong and sinful!) tv, magazines, catalogs with inappropriate pictures, gossip etc.
11. Be a soul winner
12. Help others, nursing homes, shut ins, hospitals.
13. Schedule time for your immediate family and perhaps wkly times for extended family members. Now when I say schedule time I'm meaning family time, date nights with your husband etc.

Wives, Moms you need to keep a meek and quiet spirit one way of doing this is by these 13 pts I just gave.
So will you have a Wonderful Wk?? I think you can and should!

*the main pts listed, and most of the Practical lessons are from "A Meek and Quiet Spirit"

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit 12 of 23

Oh my, I came in from church this afternoon and I'm thinking get dinner cooking, start typing out devotional when I realized I never posted yesterdays!!! I got so busy with spring cleaning and running here and running there, catching up on everything I hadn't done through the wk that I never even sat down at the computer except to check e-mail for about 5 min. just before bed last night. WOW It's been on busy wk and wkend :) I love to be busy though, because then there's no time for idleness and the devil can't sneak in. AMEN!

Blessed Redeemer
Psalm 103:1, 4
"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies."

Read : Luke 13:10 -17
The woman who was freed of her infirmities. Reading the story of the woman who was freed of her infirmities reminds us of how Jesus power redeems us. God forgives us of our sins and wants us to serve him with all our being.

1. If you want to see redemption, you must be faithful to God's house.
Have you ever noticed that destruction starts when you stop attending church faithfully? It happens to anyone who stops being faithful to God and to church. If you want your family to be redeemed into usefulness for Him, you need to teach them faithfulness.

2. If you want to see redemption, you must pray for others.
Did you know praying for others will give you redemption? Have a prayer list to pray for people for their health, salvation, job, school or anything. You would be the interceder for someone to God. Are you tempted to give up? DON"T
Wife, Mom are you pleading to God for the salvation of your family? Cont to do that! They need you even though they man not realize it.

3. If you want to see redemption, you must put more emphasis on people than on tradition.
As a wife and mother we many times get to busy living in our "traditional" lives to be interested or creative. Make sure that you aren't so tied up in tradition that you push aside what your husband and children need.
As Mrs Schaap mentions in her book, people at church get tied up in their traditional service and they don't want the unsaved coming and so therefore they miss out on seeing the Lord work in saving people. Don't become that way, want to be willing to see what God will do through your family, church, yes through you!

4. If you want to see redemption, you must rejoice and give glory to God.
Rejoice in the Lord!
To God be the glory!
Stay focused on God and rejoice in him. We should rejoice in all things, but that doesn't mean that you start shouting and rejoicing because your car breaks down... Rejoice that he may of saved you from a tragic accident or that he protected from something that could of happened.
Back when I lived in Hammond, one morning I was running late the children were going to be late to school. I was frustrated and yes a little upset that things didn't go smoothly. Well, as we were driving past a gas station, that we stopped at almost EVERY day for a snack or something on the way to school, there was police cars everywhere! Yellow tape around the the parking area drive blocked off. WOW!!! I learned later that there had been a shooting and robbery. Now I was frustrated that I was late, but rejoicing that God protected my small children and me. So remember to rejoice and give God the glory in all things.

*the 4 pts used were taken from "A Meek and Quiet Spirit"

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit 11 of 23

Well my friends, I rarely take such a long break from posting but this was our Spring Break, my daughter was home from College and our church had our 6th annual Old Paths Conference as you have possibly read about on my brief postings. I was thinking this wk that I wish there was a way EVERYONE could of heard what I heard this wk through preaching, teaching, singing and everything. It certainly put a new zeal in me that I know I was missing. Then I thought the way I posted that I would be gone this past wk that it may of sounded like I wasn't having devotions this wk. By all means I was, I just wasn't able to be on line. I know I owe no man an explanation, but I wanted to clear that up for myself. Well, are you ready to jump back into the lessons? I know I am :)

He Changed My Life this lesson is taken from Mary Magdalene.
Luke 7;47 "Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little."
What a powerful verse! "...to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." 
To think we may not forgive all we should forgive but God forgives EVERYONE!!

Read Luke 7:36-50; John 19:25; 20:1-18

Now once you have read these passages lets look at the life of Mary Magdalene.  Mary was possessed of 7 devils - an immoral sinner who absolutely had her life transformed. When Mary's life was changed it was evident that she loved the Lord and that she wanted to do things for the Lord. Jesus forgave Mary Magdalene of her sins and he knew that she Loved him; there was no doubt of her love and faithfulness.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the testimony of how Jesus change your life and used you in his work?
Now this is where some may say, but I didn't do anything really wrong.
I was saved at an early age, didn't have a bad sin life.
I'm a Missionary kid, or Preachers kid and well....

Did you realize though sometimes it takes more to get those to fully surrender to God where others it may not take at as long. Why is this? You grew up in church. You grew up in a Christian home but never really gave your life wholly to Jesus. Let look at some things that changed Mary Magdalene that maybe we need to change in our lives even though we didn't live as she did.

1. It changed our values.
Mary Magdalene gave up the worldly things and turned her Love to our Saviour.
Maybe we as Christians need to turn from our love for worldly things but wholly for our Saviour.

2. It changed our motives.
Mary Magdalene did a good work for the Lord, when Jesus changed her life.
You can change from what you do, to a person who quietly serves the Lord and who wants to serve the Lord.

3. It changed our hearts.
Mary Magdalene's heart had the tenderness of a child,
Is your heart tender for the things of the Lord? Do you cry when something touches your heart?
We need to have a tender heart.

4. It changed our faithfulness.
Mary Magdalene stayed faithful to the Lord no matter what others said or did.
How faithful are you? Do you serve the Lord, no matter who makes fun of you, or teases you. Faithfulness is so important for us. Don't let the picking and teasing destroy your faithfulness.

a. If you are unsaved, put your faith in Jesus Christ!
b. Repent of your sin  "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is Eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
c. Humble yourself before God.
d. Be honest with God. Don't try hiding things from him. Although we may think we can hid this sin or that, God knows all, sees all and is everywhere!
e. Quit valuing material things. Give up the things of this world. After all this world is not my home I'm just a passing through....
f. Be faithful
g. Do what you can. Maybe you can't go to Africa but you can win souls in your neighbour hood. Maybe you can't pastor, but you can tell others of Jesus.
h. Make Jesus your Master. We can't serve 2 masters you will either serve God or man. Make sure you are serving the Lord!!!

To wrap up this lesson, we can be a Mary Magdalene and serve God with all our heart. You may not have had the life she had but that doesn't matter, we ALL can serve God and we ALL can give our ALL!!  If we do these things this is another way God will lead us in having a meek and quiet spirit as a wife, mom, teacher, preachers kid, pastors wife, missionary wife....whomever you are.

The points and sub points were taken from "A Meek and Quiet Spirit"

Good Afternoon

Hello to my blogging friends,
I wanted to share a little with you about our Conference and on Saturday I will cont with the lessons I was doing.
First off I'd like to say if you haven't been able to be at Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church in Martinsburg, WV for the Old Paths Conference held by our Pastor Dr Jeff Owens and Bro Allen Domelle you have missed some outstanding, amazing, uplifting, life changing, mind altering Preaching!!!

On Monday evening we started with Dr Al Lacy, who preached on the KJB and God's perfect number 7.
Did you know that savior is the world's way of spelling it but the term that is for Jesus Christ is spelled S-A-V-I-O-U-R and if you look up savior and Saviour you will see in the Webster Dictionary that one is lower case s and the other is upper case S and the upper case recognizes that Jesus Christ is our SAVIOUR!! You will also notice it is 7 letters where the other is ONLY 6. What is God's perfect number? 7!!!

There were many other very interesting facts about the God's number that he pointed out. If I had the time I would share them with you.

Then on Tuesday morning we heard our Preacher, Dr J Owens and Bro A Domelle preach it was.....well as I said at the beginning all the lessons are outstanding, amazing, uplifting, life changing and mind altering!!! Last night for our Tuesday evening service we heard a sermon on Not Quiting!! So needed and very much heart wrenching.

This morning was another time of great singing, fellowship and PREACHING!!! I wish I had the time to sit here and type out every outline given, every thought and quote given, but time doesn't allow. I pray that if your church has a Conference that you will allow the Lord to move in your life, change your thoughts, encourage you to NOT QUIT and cont to serve God no matter what the situation.
God is the God of Gods and he wants to bless us if we only would allow him too.

Well, off to do and care for my afternoon responsibilities.
May God bless,

Our Old Paths Conference

Just wanted to stop by and say, I wish everyone could be here for the Old Paths Conference!!
Tonight we heard Dr Al Lacy preach and oh my was he AWESOME!! God's perfect number 7!!!
Then we heard Bro Allen Domelle preach and he was just as Awesome!
The singing was great the fellowship good too! Can't wait for tomorrow all day and then tomorrow evening :)

Have a great wk everyone!

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit 10 of 23

Good afternoon, as many of you probably have heard there is major devastation happening in Japan, Hawaii, Russia, and now on the western coast line of the US. If you haven't prayed for these place I would ask that you take a moment and pray for these people, people like you and me who are facing death, losing their homes and so much more. More importantly is those who aren't saved....This really breaks heart to see all this happening knowing that people are dieing and going to hell.

Thus far the lessons have pretty much been focused towards the wife and mom. Well, as a single lady you too need to have a meek and quiet spirit. There are things that as single person you have that we as married ladies don't have. Which leads us into today's lesson on "What Single Women have that I don't have"
Isaiah 54:5 "For they Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called."

Read Luke 7:11-18

In this passage we read of a widow who is heart broken over the death of a young man. Jesus speaks to her and tells her to "weep not".
Then he went over and raised the man from the dead. What is it the single ladies have that we don't have? Now because I've not been single for over 19 yrs this lesson proved a little interesting on preparing. I will have done the best I can to prepare this so that the single lady will receive something from it. Some of my points I may not have a whole under them. I will however, with the help of the Lord do my best to help you realize how you can do some things that I, an other's who are married can't do.

1. A single lady has a special compassion from God that I don't have.

2. A single woman has a special security from God that I don't have.
She has a special knowledge of from where the security comes.
Now there are some women whom God wants to stay single.

3. A single lady has a joy that I don't have.
As a single lady you have a knowledge of where your joy comes from. Now don't get me wrong as married ladies we have joy also, we have in our marriage, our children, our life. True joy however comes from full dependence on God. You say, but you should as a married lady have joy from depending on God, yes, but see, we have our Husband that we depend on of which he fully depends on God. So there are area's that a single Young lady depends on God more for than I as a married lady would depend.

4. A single lady has a special caretaker that I don't have.
See as a married lady, my husband is my caretaker. BUT as a single person the Lord sends someone to fill the voids of life that you would need the extra care for. You have relationships that you can enjoy more because there's not children, or a husband to please.

5. A single lady gives a special glory which I cannot give.
Your joy in your life gives Glory to God in a way that is different from us married ladies.

So don't complain that you aren't married, decide today that as a single young lady that you will show compassion, give security, have joy, maybe be a special caretaker and glorify God in ways that we can't. God said, Sue is to be single because I can use her in a way I can't use Pam. So thank the Lord that you are you and that you can do things others can't and get out there and do all you can to be the meek and quiet person that serves God as single adult young lady.

I pray that in some way this lesson will be a help to someone.

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit 9 of 23

Today's lesson is from Anna on Where Jesus Reveals Himself
Luke 2:38 "And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem."

Read Luke 2:36 - 38

We should be as Anna and have a prayer and fasting time. The reason being is Jesus revealed himself to her. Now not everyone can fast for days and some may only be able to fast for a meal. However God wants to hear from us and fasting is a biblical thing that is taught.

1. Anna was gracious.
Anna means gracious.
Gracious means showing kindness, polite, full of compassion and mercy, refined.
This is something that you and I should pray that God would give us, especially his compassion for others.

2. Anna studied and taught the Bible.
Do you share what you learn from the Bible? As Christians we need to study the Bible and then share what we learn. I'm not meaning going out and forcing people to listen to the scripture. I mean when you and your husband or children are sitting around the table for dinner. Or maybe a friend calls and is discouraged or needs a little help, ask the the Lord to lead you in what to share from your daily walk with him.

3. Anna was a soul winner.
In the Bible we're told Anna told people about Jesus. Shouldn't we being telling others about Jesus. If you church has a weekly time of soul winning you should be going out!
"He that winneth souls is wise."

4. Anna was faithful to prayer and fasting.
I mentioned this in the opening. We need to have a daily prayer time. Then we need to also have a time of fasting. Anna spent days and days praying an fasting, she was a widow so she was able to do this. Ladies, you can also pray, we are told in the Bible to "pray without ceasing."  It doesn't mean to constantly pray but to be in prayer if you think of someone God has brought that person to mind and you should say a prayer for them.

5. Anna praised the Lord.
In Psalms we read in chapter after chapter of how we should praise the Lord. When you go to the Lord in prayer be sure to praise him in prayer.

6. Anna built her life around the church.
In the Bible we see people who built their lives around the church. This is pretty much how Christians are today. We raise our children in church, in youth group, involved in all they can that is church related. Dr Lee Roberson use to say, "It takes 3 to Thrive" Sunday morning, Sunday Night and Wednesday Night. i grew up, and my children are growing up with that same thought. Every time the doors open for a service if physically possible we are there!

Dear Lady, You can be an Anna! You can do as she did being a meek and quiet lady who simply did what was required of her. You too can do that.

As the Lord to show himself to you through your marriage, child rearing, and also in every aspect of your life.

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit 8 of 23

Sorry I wasn't able to post yesterday, my son Samuel had a rather unique day. He is doing better but very sore.

Today's lesson is about, "Giving It All" we'll learn from the Widow's Mite
Mark 12:44 "For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."

Read Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4
In the story of the Widow and her 2 mites she gave all she had, yes others were giving this lady gave her all! Jesus saw this and was impressed with what she had done. Do you give your all?
This can be applied in so many area's. Do you give your all as a wife, mom, teacher, employee whatever you may do, do you give your all?

Meekly and humbly I give my life,

Like a child who has nothing more to bring,

Sweetly and kindly You accept my gift,

Like a mother who wants no better thing.

My life is one, small thing,

It's all I have to bring,

But You'll take my small thing

For all You wanted is my heart.

1. Those who are lacking are better able to give their all to God.

I Corinthians 1:26-29

*God can use the rich people to be a Biblical example of giving. Not everyone could be helped by them. He needed someone who lacked.

2. God wants our weaknesses more than he wants our talents.

*I wish that all wives and mothers would be more Christ-like and accept the lack of their husbands and children as readily as they accept their strenghts. As mothers we should do a heap more praising and accepting than she does nagging and scolding.

I love this next statement written here: *A mother should not worry about her image as a parent. She should do her best to train her children, especially when they are young. Then she should accept her children, knowing they will not be perfect just as their mother is NOT perfect.

3. When we give our weakness to God, He notices.

You know when you give your all to God, he sees that! It also grieves him when we as wives and mothers don't recognize our children's efforts. Or when we don't recognize our husbands efforts. We to not be so quick to ridicule but to praise.

4. When we give our lack to God, it causes us to depend upon Him.

When I think about this statement, I go back to when we were traveling the US and Canada. We didn't have the means to do this, BUT we gave it all to God and said you can take care of us we are depending on you to take care of us. There was time after time that we tithed and knew we didn't have the money to buy food or gas to get to our next meeting. However we always made it and we never went hungry.

Depend on God to provide in the area's you lack!

5. Jesus does not want from others what they do not have.

Just as Jesus doesn't expect things from us we dont' have. We should do the same with our children! Why do we expect things that are to high for them. Our expectations are to high, think of your child, husband, or loved one. Have the Meek and Quiet Spirit and realize your loved ones can only give what they have!!

6. When we give our all to God, He notices and causes others to notice for generations to come.

WOW!! Generations to come will notice!! So everything we can give for the Glory of God should be done!!!

Wives - GIVE IT ALL

Mothers - GIVE IT ALL

Teachers - GIVE IT ALL

Daughter - GIVE IT ALL

Son - GIVE IT ALL

it matters not who you are GIVE IT ALL for God's glory!!!

*taken from a "A meek and Quiet Spirit"

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit. 7 of 23

Praying for Your Children - a lesson from the Syrophenician Woman
Mark 7:28, 29 "And ye answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord; yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter."

Read Matthew 15:21 -28; Mark 7:24-30

There's only one story in the Bible where the parent prays for the Spiritual help of her child. There's much we can learn from this mother as we go though this lesson.
Do you talk with your children? Do you know what they are going through or what some specific needs are they have? You say, wait a minute! I'm their mom or dad of course I know what they're needs are! Not necessarily, our children talk to us yes, but do they tell us everything. Think back to when you were a young girl/boy did you tell mom and dad EVERYTHING??? OK lets see what we can learn about this young girl in the Bible.

1. In order to pray for her child properly, a mother should recognize her enemy.
Who is the enemy? The wrong crowd, the world, Satan.....Think about it. Yes the first two can be the enemy but our biggest enemy is Satan! We need to pray daily that God protects our children from the wiles of the Devil. We can't protect them 24 hrs a day because they do go to school, they play with their friends and when they are home we don't keep them by our side the whole time. I know that we want to keep them safe and right there but common sense tells us we can't. However, God can protect them when we can't!!!

2. In order to pray for her children properly, a mother should pray humbly.
When you go to the Lord in prayer for your children go humbly before him! Let him know what you are seeking for your child.

3. In order to pray for her child properly, a mother should pray in faith.
The Syrophenician Woman showed faith in her prayers 3 different ways
1. She said, Yes Lord and agreed with what He was teaching even if she felt it wasn't right.
2. She believed that God had something for her.
3. She sought after the Lord even when others said she should turn away and forget it.

We need to pray for our children daily.
If you are unsure what to pray for, for your children here's a sample prayer list:
~their salvation  ~their health  ~their safety  ~their future mates (yes it's never to early to start praying that your son or daughter will marry the man/woman God has for them).  These are just a few things you can pray for, there are things that you as the parent of Sue, or James know the needs of your children. Make sure you talk with them, have a relationship with your children that will make it where they want to and feel comfortable talking to you.

There are things that we do that causes our children to NOT want to talk with you:
Yelling at them all the time
Putting them off.... I touched on this in "Being the Help Meet You were Meant to BE" I know as a parent there are maybe things you need to do. Let me ask is that TV show, computer game, facebook, my space and other things that are more important than your children?  Who is more important Susan or Star Trek?
What is more important the Science Fair project or a game on the Internet?
We are in a day and age where electronics is big, we need to think back to when we were kids or even back to the 80's we didn't have cell phones, computers, or whatever is out there. Our children need our Prayers they need us to be a TRUE parent to them!!

My prayer is that if you have not been praying for your children that you will start TODAY!!

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit. 6 of 23

Hello everyone, I pray you had a wonderful time in church this morning! I know we did! Our Pastor honored a man and his wife who's been in the church for 38 yrs. He's battling cancer throughout his whole body and he's still serving God! WOW what a testimony. Then we head a wonderful sermon on Prayer and how simple it is.
Whereever you live in the US or another country I pray that you aren't in a flooded area, snowbound area, or any other natural diasters.

Today's lesson will be on Convicting Power - a lessom from Herodias
Psalm 90:11 "Who knoweth the poser of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath."

Read Matthew 14:1-14; Mark 6:14-29

Herodias used her power in a bad way. We are going to look at this and how we should NOT follow what she did.
1. It began with greed.
Herodias was a greedy person, she wanted more and better than her husband was giving her. When she married her brother in law she then precedeed to us her "power" to what she wanted!
Do you see how much you can get from your husband because you WANT this or that? This isn't the way a meek and quiet spirited wife should be. Now it's not wrong to want things, but don't use your husband in a wrong way to get it. I have actaully learned that it's better to be satified with what I have and NOT want what I don't have. I found in my own personal life that I'm happier if I "Don't want that which I Don't have." You say, but don't want shoes or a purse, or jewlery?? Yes, I do, but you know I found when my kids say mom what would you like for Christmas, your birthday, anniversary that is when I mention what I would like to have. You know I don't always say what I want and let them get what they want for me. Did you know that many times the very necklace/earring set they buy for me was one I had looked at.
I'm really the same with my husband, now I have and even just recently told him I would REALLY like to have a new car. BUT I mentioned it once and unless he comes to me about it, probably will not say anything more about it.
Why am I this way? I don't want to be a Herodias and be greedy.

2. Greed led to divorce and adultery.
If you are reading this and are divorced please understand I'm not upset with you and I have no plan to hurt anyone. Because through God and his love and grace I am not divorced. One reason I believe I'm not divorced is I have not allowed greed to take over. I see ladies with their diamond rings, fancy clothes, big homes, fancy cars and as a human with a sin nature, Yes sometimes I become a little jealous However, I don't let it affect to where I say, Bill because you can't supply this and this and that and the other thing I'm leaving you! One I couldn't do that to my children or my husband!
My prayer is if you are divorced and have remarried, decide today that the man you call your husband will be the ONE and ONLY one for you! Maybe he can't give you all the "sparlkies" of the world, but he loves you and takes care of you that is more important than anything!!!

3. Conviction led to anger.
You say, how could conviction lead to anger? Well in the story of Herodias she had hear John the Baptist preach, however she didn't respond to conviction properly. She became angery over the conviction rather than applying it to her life.
Do you want to be that way over a conviction?

4. Anger led to more gross sin.
Becasue Herodias allowed anger to set it led her to sin in ways that she may of never done if she had just listened to the Preaching of John the Baptist. Do you listen but never obey the preaching?
Sin will become worse and worse in our lives as wives and mothers if we don't listen to God's Word and if we don't seek His face daily.
Do you want a meek and quiet spirit? Do you want to avoid anger?
Then as a wife and mother we NEED to seek God daily!!

5. Sin leads to the destruction of others.
Wife, mom, did you know your sin can destroy other wives and moms? Did you know your sin of rebellion to your husband tells the unsaved it's ok to not obey the man I married. Did you know as a mom, if you sin in a way that your children see daily Mom is not doing what she tells me to do, that you ARE NOT training your child in the way he/she should go. WOW!!!
You know  the other day we came down our boys about some words they were using. Now they aren't necessarly bad but they started using them in hurtful ways. After correcting them and saying ok now these words are NOW curse words in our home, one of my boys said, (not in a sarcastic way) "Dad, Mom does that mean you'll not say it when your driving?" OUCH!!! So guess what?? We are no longer saying the words that are now curse words in our home.

Becareful what you do that you aren't destroying another Christian or the chances of an unsaved person being saved!

A Meek and Quiet Spirit is more than just words that we may or may not use it's our actions and how we treat others.
Do you see how our topic Being a Meek and Quiet Spirit is being applied in many areas?

Dear Lord, as we teach our children about conviction, Lord, Help us to teach our children, and show our children how to respond to convictions.
Amen.

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit. 5 of 23

Worthy to See the Miracles - lesson from the Daughter of Jairus
Luke 8:50, 51 "But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and mother of the maiden."

Read Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:41-56

Part of having a meek and quiet spirit is seeking the Lord regularly! Jairus sought after the Lord when his daughter became ill. Now we aren't to wait till we have a problem or we feel our life is falling apart to seek God. We should seek him daily.

1. Seek the Lord humbly 
I like the way Mrs Schaap showed us her book how she has a schedule for things she prays for here is what she wrote in her book:
*I have a scheduled day when I pray for the following:
Sunday - those I know grieving the loss of a loved one.
Monday - my husband's friends and my friends
Tuesday - the sick
                 There are a few sick folks for whom I pray daily and others for whom I pray at a scheduled time each week
Thursday - pastors
Friday - missionaries
Saturday - troubled or broken marriages of those I know and love

These are the things I pray for daily:
~my husband and our marriage                 ~my country
~my children                                            ~my church
~my family                                              ~the unsaved
~my husbands family

This is a sample of how you could set up your prayer list.

2. Seek the Lord diligently when others discourage you.
Even though others try to discourage you cont to seek the Lord as Jairus did even though his daughter had died.

3. Do not give up hope when others have.
Don't give up on your prayers! My husband prayed for over 20 yrs for his Mom and Dad to be saved. February 28, 2010 they were both saved!!! So if someone tells you there's no need to cont to pray for something, do it anyway. God answers prayer!!

4. Believe!
Do you really believe that God will take care of you? that he will provide your every need? that he is there for you through the good and the bad times? Do you really believe?
Have faith and believe that as you go out soul winning that the Lord will use you.
Believe that as you go through life that God is with you!

5. Ask God to revive the spirit of others.
   A. Wait for God's touch. When you read your Bible let the Lord touch your heart and life through what you are reading.
   B. Listen for God's voice. Now today we won't hear him audibly but we can hear from the Lord by answers to our prayers.
   C. Obey God's command. Wives as we apply being a meek a quiet spirit in our homes God has many blessings and miracles for us. "Wives submit" we are to submit to our husbands, yes the world says WHAT? You want to do what the man I married wants??? NO WAY!! But in order to obey God we are to submit to our husbans. Is it always easy? NO After 19 yrs of marriage trust me there are times I don't want to submit. There are times that I'm not very meek or quiet. We simply needs to obey God's word.

6. Live worthy of God's presence and of His miracles every day.
We as wives and mothers need to walk daily with God so we can see him work in our life daily.
*Lord, Please make me worthy of seeing your miracles not only in our lives, but perhaps even more so in the lives of those whose names we call before You each day, Lord, revive our spirits and theirs. AMEN!!"

*taken from "A Meek and Quiet Spirit"

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit. 4 of 23

Give it back to God - a lesson from Peter's Mother-in-law
Proverbs 4:20, 22 "My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings, For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh."

Read Matthew 8:14, 15; Mark 1:29-31 and Luke 4:38, 39
Minister - to wait on as a guest or to serve at a table.
In this lesson we'll learn more about the ministry and what it is. How this will apply to use as wives and mothers to have a meek and quiet spirit.

1. Christian ministry is taking what God has done in your life and sharing it with others.
John 8:32 says, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
We as wives, mothers, Christians can learn from so many people. Take for example: I'm an interpreter, well every interpreter has a "style" of interpreting. Even though Sign language is a universal language for the Deaf, I have learned that signs in NC, TN, OR, IN and WV actually vary.... I have learned to adjust my signs according to the area I'm in. For example in TN they use more exact English where as here in WV we use A LOT more ASL. Anyway the way I'm applying this is I have learned from many the truths about Sign Language.
Look at your children: They learn from you, their Dad, their SS Teacher, their School teacher, their friends.... We are constantly learning from others. What we learn is up to us. Prayerfully you are looking to learn the TRUTH and not wrong.
I had shared in an earlier lesson about our time on the road as Missionaries. Any one who read it could have learned about faith in God or sacrifice. Now the Question is did you let yourself learn some truth from it?

2. Christian ministry is taking what God has given you and sharing it with others.
*What resources has God given you? Are you sharing it with others? Perhaps God has given you an extra amount of money or material goods. Are you sharing them with others/ Even those who are poor in worldly goods should share a portion of what they have with others.
*What abilities has God given you?
Has God given you the ability to communicate with the Deaf? Or to write? or to sing? or to play a musical instrument? What has God given you the ability to use for him and to share with others?

3. Christian ministry is sharing what God has given you and done for you and your family.
Be careful Christian wife that you don't give and give to the church and special ministries that you get to where you don't have time for your family. God gave you your abilities for a reason and they are to be used wisely. With your work at the church as well as your duties at home as wife and mom.

4. Most of all, Christian ministry is using what God has done for you to minister to Him.
Use your meek and quiet spirit through your skills and talents for God.
If you can sing, us it to minister to God. Yes, I said minister to God he wants to hear our voices raised in song.
Maybe you can play an instrument, do the same play music for God to honor him.

I know as we go through these lessons in some ways you maybe saying how in the world is this teaching me to have a Meek and Quiet Spirit. You will see how it all comes together as we cont through the lessons. I too as I read the book on, "A Meek and Quiet Spirit" asked how is this going to help? Trust me it does.
Just as a mom, wife, friend be sure to be meek in your doings and have a quiet (peaceful) spirit. You don't need to be in an uproar all the time. May God bless you as you cont going through these lessons with me. These are just as much for me as they are for those who read them.

In closing today, Pray an ask God to help you to minister in the ways we talked about today.

*the bold print is taken from "A Meek and Quiet Spirit"
*taken from the book also.

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit. 3 of 23

Good Morning everyone! Before I start I have a prayer request for my children. They are really struggling with illness right now. I think partially do to the crazy weather we're having. At this time I think my oldest home schooled boy has allergies or something. He's sneezed like you wouldn't believe the last few days. I covet your prayers.

Now on to our lessons: Today is Complete Healing, a lesson from the Woman with the Issue of Blood
Luke 8:46 "And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me."

Read Matthew 9:18-20
The Bible tells us about a woman that who was sick for a long time. She went to the doctor and as in many cases she just cont. to get worse and worse. This woman heard that Jesus would be in her area and she wanted to see him. This woman had to of known Jesus to believe that he could heal her. She believed that if she could just touch Jesus garment she would be healed and that is exactly what she did. When she did "she felt in her body that she had been healed."

1. I fought the crowd to get to Jesus
When we walk with Jesus we receive virtue. What is Virtue? it's defined as The quality of moral righteousness or excellence; any admirable quality or trait; purity.
As Christians who faithfully attend church and spend even a little time with the Lord on a fairly consistent basis have this virtue.

2. I touched Jesus through daily Bible and Prayer
As you and I know we can't physically touch Jesus, but if you read your Bible and prayer you are "touching' Jesus. Do you have a daily time that read your Bible and Pray?
If you don't have this time you need to set up a time and then allow NOTHING to interfere with that time.
Here's a sample schedule that I have used
7 am   Old Testament 2 chapters
7:30 am Prayer Time I have a prayer Journal (If you would like to learn more about that you may e-mail me)

Then in the evening after my children have gone to bed I read 2 chapters in the New Testament and usually at that time my husband an I pray together.

3. I believed that God would deliver me from my sin.
Be sure to ask forgiveness of your sins daily! You say but I don't know what sins I've done. You know if you have lied, stolen something, argued with someone, been disrespectful etc You name each of the sins you know and then in all sincerity ask the Lord to forgive you for that which you didn't realize or don't remember doing that was sinful.

4. I feared God's judgement upon my sin.
Going back to our story about the woman who was ill. She fell before the Lord in great fear when asked, "Who touched me?"
So why do we not ask forgiveness of our sins? One we truly don't fear God and another we are comfortable with our sin, such as fear, pride, jealousy, etc.

5. I was honest with Jesus
Do you allow your meek spirit to be honest with God, you spouse, yourself??
We know God knows all things but did you know God wants you to be honest with him! We are to be honest with him so he can help us through our trials. He wants us as wives and moms to have that meek and quiet spirit, but if we aren't HONEST with God how can we have the right spirit?

6. I was ashamed of my sin.
Have you ever done something that you were really ashamed of? I'm not going to go into things I have done wrong but I will say that I've things I was terribly ashamed of and I believe I needed God's healing. We need to become just as sick of our sin as the woman with the sickness was of her sickness.
This woman in the Bible was so ashamed of sick of her illness that she did everything she could to get to Jesus! WE in 2011 NEED to do the same, become so sick of our sin that we rush to God and beg for his forgiveness an fear the Lord God.

7. I realized that all of my human efforts would only make my spiritual condition worse.
If you try to correct the problem yourself without God it will only get worse. We need that spiritual relationship with God that makes us go to him and not ourselves or our friends. God and only God can lead you in the direction you need to go. I love the verse in the Bible, "I can do all things through Christ...." It doesn't say I can do all things through my friend, or I can do all things through my good works, it doesn't even say I can do all things through _____________ (your name). I simply and clearly states "I can do all things through Christ...." Christ and Christ alone can take you through any trial and you will come out better for it!

8. I believed that Jesus would take note of me amidst the crowd.
The woman in the Bible didn't care that there was a crowd, she needed to get to Jesus she needed his healing power. Jesus noticed her. Jesus loves and forgives as I seek his face. Because of this I know he hears my prayers and he will answer them.
*You can receive virtue from Christ. If you get close to God you will receive virtue which also will help you as a wife and mom to have that meek and quiet spirit that you should have.
*You will receive peace from God. As you work to having a meek and quiet spirit you will grow peaceful. You won't always be in an uproar!
*You will receive complete spiritual healing. Do you feel that you are "sick" You don't have what you need to be the wife and mom you were meant to be? God to the Bible read it daily, pray daily for God's healing! He will and has done this for many people and he will do it for you also!

What are you having problems with?
Remember as a wife and mom we need to have that meek and quiet spirit about us; but if we don't have the right kind of spiritual healing it will be harder for us to be meek and quiet.

*the Italicized and Bold print is from "A Meek and Quiet Spirit"
Some of the scripture is also Italicized because it is Jesus speaking.
All scripture is from the King James Bible

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit 2 of 23

Good Morning! Today is beautiful here in WV I hope where ever you are that's you're having nice weather and that your day is good!

Today in our lessons we'll be looking at: Making Room For Others, A lesson from Elisabeth
Luke 1:13 "But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John."

Are you a Preacher/Missionary's wife? Have you noticed that people think that the Preacher kids are the worst? I noticed as we traveled the US as Missionaries that the kids were watched like you wouldn't believe. They made a mistake and it was OH MY that Missionaries child doesn't know how to behave!
Since I'm a Missionaries wife I can relate to this a little, now we are not on the field at this time, but we believe God will one day put us back out serving as Missionaries. You may ask why do you say your a Missionary wife then? Well, 1 I married my husband knowing he wanted to go to the field. 2 I believe God has something in store for my husband even though at this time we are in WV God can still move us to another country or even as Missionaries here int he states!
Elisabeth was a pastors wife. Luke 1:6 tells us, "And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless."  This verse is one that I hope describes me.
Elisabeth had no children, and she could of become bitter against God for that. If you are a Lady who's married and God hasn't given you children yet. Do NOT Blame God, please don't become bitter. I can't say I understand how you must feel, but you need to make room for others and do for others letting God bless you that way. Not all families are given given children why? I don't know, I would like to think though, that he chooses certain ones not to have children so they can be a HUGE blessings to others that otherwise maybe they couldn't of done if children were part of their lives. Elisabeth took the position of being only a wife and made room for others!

Next we see where she encouraged people. Do you encourage or discourage? By making room for others it allows you to be an encouragement to others. Step back, swallow your pride, have faith that God will use you. Then do something to encourage another today.
You say, What can I do to be an encouragement?
Well....call a shut-in at your church, take cookies to a neighbour, offer to take someone to the doctor, call you parents!

Have you ever thought that God has something great planned for you? Maybe he's preparing you in an area that only you could be an encouragement. Be willing to have that meek spirit that says, I will make room for others, I will encourage those God puts in my path to encourage.

Dear Lord as these ladies read this help them to be an Elisabeth by making room for others and being an encouragement. Amen.

Having a Meek and Quiet Spirit. 1 of 23

The first part will be on: "Being Used of the Lord in a Special Way"
Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

How many women do you know today that really have a desire to serve the Lord and be used of God? In the Bible there is one named Mary and then prayerfully you can say I am that way too.
I know personally I want to serve and be used of God in all areas, as a wife, mother, teacher, friend whatever I do. My prayer is that the Lord will use me.

Mrs Schaap wrote in her book about Mary and how she was used of God. When you look at Mary's life it's not necessarily what would coincide with us as American Ladies, and what we call success. I as Mrs Schaap would like to start with analyzing the life of Mary, and discover what in her life we can learn on what true spiritual success is.

1. Purity brings Spiritual success.
You and I both realize that in today's world purity isn't there very much in our girls. In our Christian homes though we are teaching our girls and boys the morals of being pure. Mary was a pure young lady and that is why she was chosen of God to be the Mother of Jesus.
*Sometimes we may ask ourselves, "What's the use of living pure, when so many do not, and are still accepted and used in the church?"
Well, in order for us to be able to be completely used of God we NEED to pure vessels. Mary was completely used of God. Why? She was PURE. Do you want to be completely used of God? Purity is a must!

2. Humility brings Spiritual Success.
Luke 1:38 "And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word...."
Be careful because you were pure on your wedding day, that you don't become critical of the woman who has messed up a life.
As we look at Mary's life she wasn't one to criticize other women. She even went so far as to call herself an Handmaid (or a servant) of God. We as women of God need to be humble in our work.

3. Faith Brings spiritual success.
Luke 2:19 "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."
This is what we should do also. We need to ponder the things of God in our heart. When you attend church and you hear Preaching, don't just say oh that was good and forget it. You need to ponder the things that were taught. Look for ways to apply them to your life. Let the Holy Spirit lead in your faith and how you use it.
How much faith do you have in God to fully trust him? To do as Mary did and say yes Lord I'll be your servant.
We, my family and I, traveled the US and Canada for a little over 3 yrs, living in an RV with 5 children never knowing exactly where our next tank of gas or our next meal would come from. We had faith though to leave our job in Indiana, our nice home and travel. You know our faith grew, we had times that we literally left a place in faith that God would fill our gas tank before it was to late. We NEVER were stuck on the side of the road because of no gas. Now we were stuck on the side of the road many times because of various problems. However God ALWAYS took care of us. Why? Well, I honestly believe it's because we had Faith in God to care for us.
I ask how much faith do you have in God?

4. Sacrifice brings spiritual success.
What is sacrifice? I mentioned in the point before that we traveled the US. There was sacrifice that had to be made to be in God's work. We sacrificed only seeing family one time a yr. We sacrificed the nice things of life. Our children didn't get the big toys and things that other children got for birthdays and Christmas. Was it hard? YES!! As there Mom I wanted them to have the bedroom, the nice toys and clothes and things. However, when I married Bill I told him wherever he went to serve God I would follow. Since that meant sacrifice in some area's then that's what I did.
Mary was on a "Mission" So as Mom what is our mission? To make sure we are spiritually successful in our sacrifice so our children will see the right of sacrifice. Don't grumble, complain. We must humbly  do what we needs to be done.

*Lord, make me willing to descend to what, in Your eyes, is needed spiritually to succeed.

Lord, Help us, me, to realize that being a Mary is quiting the things I know to be a hindrance. Help us, me, to be a Spiritual Success for you. To fulfill my mission you have set before us, me.  In Jesus name Amen!

*taken from a "Meek and Quiet Spirit"