my Father's hands

I looked down at my hands this morning and realized how much they look like my dad's and my mom's hands. They passed so many traits on to me. In turn, my husband and I have passed our traits on to our children.  The other day, a gentleman commented how much our daughter favored me.  He said God works it so children will carry on the good things.  He mentioned how his seven sisters each remind him of his mother. It was a sweet conversation.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 1:27 KJV

God made us in His image. We are to be a reflection of Him. We carry the traits of our heavenly Father. We have many traits as human beings that reflect our Creator. We have a driven desire for relationship with Him. A desire for love and an inner understanding of morality that can only come from God. We as humans, in general, follow a set of rules and laws for what us good and bad. We seek love, we seek good,  we seek to fulfill our needs for relationship with others and God.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV

Spiritually, we are also a reflection of God. We are changed into His likeness through salvation.  We are to be His body,  His hands , feet, and voice to those around us.  When they see us, they should see Him.

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1 Corinthians 12:27 KJV

We, as His children,  are a reflection of our Father. We carry His traits. We remind others of Him.

My dad used to tell us kids, "You're an Ellis and I expect you to act like it " How much more so does our heavenly Father expect us to behave as His child? He wants our lives to show the world who He is in a true reflection of love, mercy,  righteousness , and goodness. He is a good, good Father. That is what He wants us to show the world. May we reflect the traits of our heavenly Father in a manner that is worthy of who He is in us.

trust the plan

It is truly amazing how God provides just what we need when we need it. His plan is evident in every circumstance when we just listen and attend to His voice.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord : and he delighteth in his way.
Psalms 37:23 KJV

As I studied the Christmas story in Luke chapter 1 and 2 this past month,  I was truly inspired and awed by the plan that God had laid out for Jesus to be born. His plan was laid out by the prophets, Isaiah, Amos and others. The scriptures of the Old Testament foretold the birth of Jesus hundreds of years before he came. God spent hundreds of years preparing for the birth of Jesus. He prepared the lineage for his family. He prepared Elizabeth and Zechariah for the birth of John so he could prepare the way. He prepared Mary and Joseph to parent and raise Jesus. He even prepared the desires of Ceasar to require taxation that sent Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. He prepared Simeon and Anna in the temple to greet the young couple when they brought the sacrifice to dedicate Jesus as the firstborn. They prophesied and ministered to the young Babe and His parents. God prepared them.

In much the same way,  God prepared for us as well. He has known all along that we would be here.  He prepared for us. Jeremiah 1:5 says He knew us before we were even formed in our mother's womb. He planned and prepared for us. It is no accident that we are here. You are not an accident. When we seek Him and walk in His plan, we can fulfill the purpose He has for us.  He will not leave us.  We may not understand everything,  but we can trust that His plan for us is perfect.

As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
Ecclesiastes 11:5 NKJV

Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth,  Zachariah, Some in and Anna may nor have understood everything they were asked to do. They may have some of the story,  but as human beings, they did not have all the knowledge of God. They had to trust; trust that God was leading them in His plan.

This week, I have really needed to trust that God has a plan.  It is so hard to watch your sweet child endure pain and go through a surgery. I may not understand why he must go through all this. But in the midst of it all, God has revealed bits of His plan.  We have prayed with a young lady and shared my son's story. When we call out in prayer, God answers. This morning, I was preparing to head back up to the hospital and I was reminded that our steps are ordered by the Lord. I heard Him remind me that He prepared each day for us. A little later, ad my daughter and I stepped on the elevator, a gentleman spoke words of encouragement and life into our souls. He reminded me that I am here for the purpose of raising my children and passing on what I know  and what I to them. In that brief conversation,  God spoke to reinforce that He is preparing for us daily. He ordered our steps today. He provided needed encouragement. Throughout the day, contacts and reminders were heaped upon us of God's careful planning and timing. When we take the time to be prayerful and attentive to God, we can find ourselves emersed in His live and goodness in every moment, every circumstance.  We are not promised tomorrow or perfect, easy life. We are promised His love,  His faithfulness,  and God's ever prepared plan for us to follow. He asks of us to trust. His hand us on our lives and is easily seen when we simply allow Him to lead.

Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalms 139:10 NKJV

No matter how tempting it is to become confused, frustrated or doubtful, we only need to trust that God's purpose is still evident for us.

For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.
Psalms 31:3 NKJV

We will find hope, comfort, peace, and joy in the knowledge of God and His plan. He has already prepared for us. Take His hand and hold on.

busy days

It is sometimes overwhelming to think about all the things we are trying to accomplish. I know I have a running list, a calendar on the fridge, a calendar on my phone, one in my purse and one on my desk at work. There is also a work calendar at my place of employment with school wide events, a church calendar, my kids’ school calendars and after school activities. The list goes on and on. We have chores that need to be done, people to care for and all the activities that fill our days. We have so much going on at times, that we become overwhelmed, exhausted and maybe even resentful of these many things. I may feel like I have left more to do at the end of the day than I actually accomplished. I don’t think I am the only one. I am sure we all have those moments. I realize that we can fill our calendars to overflowing so much so that the important things of life get overlooked. I heard someone today talking about scheduling ‘quality time’ with a loved one. Quality time. Isn’t all time, quality? God made time and therefore, anything he made is quality. How we spend our time may not be of quality. I am thinking that all we do should be for the glory of God.  I Corinthians 10:31 says:

Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.

That means whatever we are doing should be done all for His glory. I am not always grateful for those chores and activities that feel like they are wasting my time. But, I should be grateful and glorifying God for that house that needs a repair or that floor that needs sweeping. I should be thanking God for those that made that mess in the first place. While cleaning up a mess may not seem like it glorifies God, our attitude doing it should be most important. We should be glorifying God in the middle of all things. Our lives, our heart and our mouths should be pouring forth praise to the Creator who made all things and has blessed us with these things. The custodian at my school reminds me of this often. I may walk through the cafeteria after the breakfast time and I will hear her singing praises and magnifying God as she sweeps and mops that floor as she does every day. She is always ready to praise.

If those things we are busying ourselves with are taking away time from the most important, then maybe we need to re-evaluate our priorities. Maybe we have to put aside and de-clutter our busy-ness. Have we put so much busy activity into our calendars that we neglect the important things of God? Have we neglected our time with Him, with the body of Christ, with precious loved ones?  God did create time and He knows the limits of time. We all know this too well. Time with God is the most precious. It is time that should be marked off first and foremost. Time to spend in His presence, time to pray and read His word. That should be most valued as the time best spent. Time with the body of Christ, in fellowship and corporate worship, learning of Him should also be of high priority. There are not many things that should interfere with time with God’s body. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are part of that body and need to value our time with one another. “Forsake not the assembling of ourselves together.”

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

We need one another for strength, and fellowship. This is how we support one another, check on one another and join together in the intimate worship of our Savior. Fellowship with the body should be a high priority.

Time with family should also be high on the list. Family, unfortunately, sometimes falls to the bottom of our list. Marriages and relationships greatly suffer from neglect. God ordained the family as a reflection of His love for us and it needs to be given the utmost respect and priority as this truly does glorify God. Family units are meant to reflect the love of God. When we are not invested in our marriages, children, and family, we are failing to reflect the love God has for us. This is a true failure on the part of Christians. We need to place a higher value on family relationships. It isn’t about what we give or buy. It is about the care and love invested into one another.

All we do, rather great or small, is meant to be done for the glory of God. What activities are you doing? Do any not glorify God?  Does your attitude while doing those little things reflect the love you have for God and the wonderful blessings He has bestowed upon you? I know I have to remember, even in the small things that may seem menial or just time consuming, we are still a reflection of the love of God. As I tie a shoe, again; sweep up that mess one more time; or just listen to a friend, all those little things add up to faithfulness in glorifying God when done from a heart that loves and wants to reflect God.  We can remember that even though it may just seem like another delay or another thing to do, our heart will reflect what is in it. God knows our hearts and He knows that we are doing many of these things because we love those around us, we are trying to make things better for them, teach them, love them, and sometimes, just get through the next hurdle. God knows it all. He loves us and He cares for us too.

Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, 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.

God will give us the strength when we are weak or give us a chance to rest. We need to call on Him, spend time with Him and always keep our time with Him as most precious. May we all take a moment to reflect on the goodness of God and the many blessings that may fill our days because we are so blessed to partake in each activity of our day. Each moment we are alive is a gift from God. 

Mary and Elizabeth

When Mary heard from the angel that Elizabeth was also with child, she quickly left to go to see Elizabeth. Elizabeth lived quite a distance, maybe 100 miles away from Mary. But Mary made the 10 day journey on foot to see her cousin. Why would she do all that?  I imagine, having just heard this life-changing news, from an angel, that she would be bearing a Son, the Messiah, on top of the social impact this pregnancy would have, gave her little choice, but to seek out Elizabeth. It is not recorded that Mary told anyone about the angelic visitor. She quickly ran to Elizabeth. The angel gave her big news for herself and also shared Elizabeth’s news of her pregnancy. When the Mary entered the house, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.

^{Luke 1:35-41}

³⁵ And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

³⁶ And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

³⁷ For with God nothing shall be impossible.

³⁸ And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

³⁹ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

⁴⁰ And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

⁴¹ And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

^{When the Mary entered the house, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. Elizabeth spoke great blessing upon Mary and Mary in return spoke blessings. These two women came together to share their experiences with one another. One the elder and one the younger were able to support one another, care for one another and provide a spiritual partner that the other needed. Mary needed Elizabeth’s wisdom in what she was facing. She needed strength to go home and face the reality of being pregnant. She needed to tell Joseph and her family. She wanted them to believe her. Elizabeth may have needed Mary’s help as she was older and now found herself to be pregnant for the first time. She may have needed Mary’s support with household duties or with getting things ready for a small baby when there had been hope dashed. She may have needed a listening ear. God placed these two women together to serve and support one another.}

^{This teaches us a lesson, as women, we are to care for one another, support one another and lift up one another.}

^{Titus 2:1-8}

2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

² That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

³ The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

⁴ That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

⁵ To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

⁶ Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

⁷ In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

⁸ Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

^{We are directed to be teachers of those who are younger than we are: to be examples to them.  Just as Paul exhorted Timothy to be an example of the believers (1 Timothy 4:12), we are to be an example to others. We are to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and we are to pray for one another. (James 5:16).  As part of the body of Christ, we are to care for one another, be kind to one another and love one another. If we cannot help one another, we are not obeying God’s commands. We are to spend time as a support for each other in times of trouble and in times of good. We are to be there for one another and lift other’s up. That is what God expects. He took the time to record this precious time between Mary and Elizabeth as an example of what it means to look to our elders for wisdom and to provide a support for one another. Even in the midst of declaring the birth of Jesus, he made sure these two women connected to help each other through a huge ordeal in their lives. God cares about our individual needs as much as he cares about His whole body. He is a good Father that looks after us. He uses us to be those loving arms and those who can speak wisdom into one another. He is eager to use us today. Can we be used as the hands and feet of God? Can we be used as the encourager and the lifter up of someone else?  Let’s be aware that God uses us to provide for the needs of others and others can provide for us as well. Let’s all do what God has called us to do, and that is to love one another as Christ loves the church.} 

standing on the Rock

Foundations are very important to a dwelling or building. Without a firm, solid foundation, the building will not stand long.   In Matthew chapter 7, verses 24 - 27, Jesus spoke a parable about the type of foundations we build upon. A foolish man built on sand and a wise man built on the rock.  Jesus said a wise man who hears his sayings is like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. Our foundation is Jesus.

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you  are  God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 3:9‭-‬11 NKJV

We can stand on Christ the solid Rock. His foundation is sure and steady.  When we face trials, and storms that intend to knock us down or destroy the work God has begun in us, our foundation holds us firm and sure.

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,
Ephesians 2:20 NKJV

We can trust in our foundation and keep our feet planted in Christ. His promises are true and He will provide, protect, and guide us through all of life's ups and downs.  We can look to Jesus because He will not allow us to be moved as long as we are standing on His foundation- His Word.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord , Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Psalms 121:1‭-‬3 NKJV

He will never leave us nor forsake us. His Word is truth and sure.  We can trust His Word.  So when life seems to shake your very being to the core, stand on the Solid Rock, Christ Jesus. He will keep your footing sure and hold you through all of life's storms.

There is an old song called I'm Standing on the Solid Rock. It words speak of standing on Jesus our Rock, our Foundation.  I am so glad I know Jesus,  the Solid Rock.  I do not need fear or worry when I have Him. We can keep standing and trusting His Word. Do not give up or give in. We have Jesus.

Through my disappointments
Strife and discontentment
I cast my every care upon the Lord
No matter what obsession
Pain or deep depression
I'm standing on the solid rock

I'm standing on the solid rock of ages 
Safe from all the storm that rages 
Rich but not from Satan's wages 
I'm standing on the solid rock

deception disguised

I saw a large white, deadly serpent slowly moving around the door, across the top of the door and moving on around the room. I, who usually respond with great fear to snakes, actually found myself admiring the beautiful color of this lithe creature. Yet, I realized that it was extremely deadly and I needed to be very concerned.

When I fully woke, I asked God, "What does this even mean?" This disturbed me and I prayed for understanding.

This snake represented deception that Satan uses to find a way into  our lives. He is determined  to destroy us.  He is our enemy. He does not want us to believe in God, trust God, nor worship God. He wants to make us miserable, and alienate us from God.

Jesus warned us.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 NKJV

While he may use quick events and destruction, he is sly and stealthy. He uses tools and strategies that we may not recognize at the time. That is how he works.
Deception is a tool the enemy of our soul uses to draw use away from God. It is not an instantaneous outcome, but a slow process that occurs over time. Then one day, you have come to a place that God is no longer first nor important to you at all. Satan has accomplished the goal of destroying your soul.

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,  and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
II Timothy 3:13‭-‬15 NKJV

Paul said: Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
I Corinthians 15:33‭-‬34 NKJV

Deception comes in many forms. It usually comes as something small. We may at first tolerate it or even dismiss it. But, what we allow into our presence, into our homes and in our lives, will become your thoughts, your actions and your desire. You will slowly allow God to to take a back seat and other things will take precedence. We must be aware and cautious that we do not allow any thing to become more important than God. We can easily be deceived by the beauty, the fun, the excitement , or pleasure that may be presented. For a little while, it may be harmless, but once it gets too close, it is too late, it will have you in within grasp and be able to bite you, destroy you,  wrap around you. You are overtaken and under its control. That is deception.
Be wary, saints of God. Do not be deceived by the slow, sly deception of the enemy of your soul.

ripple effect

Have you ever thrown a rock into a still pond? When that rock hits the water, it creates a circle of ripples that progress across the water.  I think a lot of our actions and words can also create ripples. Our very lives create an effect that can progress across the lives of others.

Following a funeral recently, I was thinking about how I became who I am.  It wasn't just me, isolated and alone who made me who I am. Many others made decisions that affect my life. I go back to my great grandfather. He made a decision to know Jesus, to preach the gospel and raise his family in the Word. His son, my grandfather, laid his sin down on an altar, and began living his life for God. He preached the gospel and did his best to teach his family the same. My dad, then made that choice as well to live for God, preach the gospel and teach his children the same. Here I am, also living for God and trying to be an example to my children and teach of what God has for their lives. While none were perfect, their influence created a ripple that makes me who I am.

My mom made a decision as well, as a teenager, her parents went to church and loved God, but my mom made a decision to allow God to direct her in her life. God brought my parents together. I can say I have been witness to the hand of God as I grew up. God provided in many ways, when my dad was laid off, when we had little, we had hope. I have seen my parents pray, and God answer. To this day, I know God is still answering prayers my parents have prayed.

Being raised in church, I also got to see many others who lived a life for God that spoke volumes about who God is.  One such lady, was Edith Mayes. I will always remember the miracles she would tell about, her daily talk and walk with God and her example. When you asked her how she was her reply was always, "I am blessed!" Even when things appeared bad, she was blessed.

Another great example to me is Rev. John Hattabaugh. He lived many years as a missionary in Argentina, raised his family there and started many churches. He faced many trials and even death for preaching there.  But Argentina went from very little people who knew God to now hundreds of thousands who  serve God because one man and his family served faithfully. His stories amaze me. He still works for the Kingdom to this day. He is a man of God Still reaching for souls.

My husband and I would not be who we are without the influence of many others.  His pastor's wife, Sis. Betty Dillehay, knew we belonged together. She made sure he was at a youth camp where I was. That is where we became inseparable.  There are many people who have spoken into our lives and encouraged us along the way. Pastor Holiman is one of those people. He may not ever realize how much influence he has had on my husband. He has been a mentor and a friend.  I cannot list all the people who have created a ripple that has progressed into my life.  From before I was born to today, my current Pastors and church family, work family and friends, each play a role in my life. Each are important and teach me mamy things.

We do not realize  how we affect the lives of others.
Paul told Timothy to be an example.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12 KJV

And James spoke of the prophets.
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
James 5:10 KJV

We can look around and see how we are affected by others and how we affect the lives of others. We need to see that we create a ripple that will progress into our children's lives and into the lives of those around us. I want to be a positive influence and a life that demonstrates the love of God.
I want my children to be able to say that their mom and dad created a ripple that brought them hope and faith in Jesus.
I pray that my life is a ripple to others influencing them to have faith and hope in God. By the grace of God,  may I live a life that demonstrates how much He loves us.

filling the temple

I was looking at some pictures of beautiful, old buildings and I was amazed at how intricate the details are. The construction took place years ago and yet the ornate carvings and designs have endured. Today, we don't use that same craftsmanship in our buildings. It was truly a use of art in the very design of the buildings many of these buildings were churches and temples. The best was poured into a place of worship.
It got me thinking about the temple that Solomon built for God in the book of  1 Kings. David, his father, had gathered materials and laid out the plans. Solomon took the charge from David and commissioned artisans and gifted builders to create the most beautiful temple, overlaid in gold with masterpieces designed into the walls and tapestries. It must have been awesome to see.  I am not sure artist renderings capture even half of the splendor. The purpose of this temple was to be a house of worship for God Almighty , where His presence actually dwelt and manifested. When Solomon dedicated the temple, in 1 Kings 8:10, a cloud  filled the temple. The priests could not perform their service because the glory of the Lord filled his temple. It's amazing to think about.  The priests and the Israelites had a set of laws for how they entered the temple and how the temple was to be reverenced. It was a place of holy worship for the majesty of God.

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who  is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
I Corinthians 6:19‭-‬20 NKJV

Paul wrote that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. When we have the Spirit of God in us, we are described as a temple.  Our very bodies house the Spirit of God. If I am a temple that has the Spirit of God dwelling within, there will be a different way of living. God is holy and righteous. He is not a God who will tolerate sin.

If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
I Corinthians 3:17 NKJV

God comes in and cleans us up, gets rid of the sin and moves in. He will not want us to bring in the sin again and fill up our house with it. He is there.
There is a vision described by Ezekiel in chapter 8, where God revealed to Ezekiel the detestable things occurring in the temple. The temple was defiled and God was not pleased. Judgement came. The people would not heed the warnings of Ezekiel. The glory of God was not willing to stay in the presence of the sin that was filling the temple. Ezekiel was distraught and God was angry.

God does want us to recognize that we are His temple and as such, we need to think about what we allow into our temple. As we view media, read information, participate in certain activities, we should always be mindful, that we are the temple of the Living God. And yes, while He is merciful and full of grace, we need to make an effort to willingly please Him. I want to be sure the glory of God fills my temple so much that there is no room for anything else. I do not want to allow a secret sin or even a casual thing to enter and become sin before His presence.  There is a children's  song that explains this concept very well, "Oh, be careful little eyes what you see." It addresses what we see, hear, say, go, and do.  Each part of our body that actually brings in information is mentioned because that information will be planted and effect our thinking, feeling, and beliefs.  Some may not think it a major deal to watch certain types of entertainment, but eventually, the things you watch, hear, and do will effect the way you think, speak, and act.  I may be stepping on toes, maybe  my own, but if what I am doing brings things into my thoughts and ideas that are against God, I may need to turn from those things. I need to make sure my temple is a place of worship for my God who lives in me.

The way we think about about ourselves should also change. I am not my own. I have been bought with a price.  I am not in charge.  That actually takes a lot of pressure off of me and I can trust the One who is in charge: God. I also begin to think twice about how I treat myself.  I have sometimes allowed myself to criticize my self, to think poor thoughts about who I am and how I look, etc.  I may even allow those feelings of poor self worth to bring me to binge eat that dessert I don't need or to not take care of my health.  I have witnessed people partake in substances and activities that destroy the body and reduce self worth even more. Their body becomes so broken, it is hard to function or even do what God may have called them to do.
This is not the plan or purpose God has for our lives and bodies. His plan is to fill us with His Spirit and to dwell in us and with us. He wants to be there as our Savior, our Comforter, our friend.  He wants full access to every part of us. We cannot keep back just a part of our temple for indulging our self interests. It would be like going to buy a house and moving in, only to find the previous owner is still going to live in one of the rooms. We wouldn't accept that. We should not ask God to do the same. Let's  rethink what it really means to be a temple of God.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which  is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1‭-‬2 NKJV

We live as a temple of God.We present ourselves to be acceptable and holy before God. We are transformed into new creatures by His Spirit.  We are no longer going to want to bring into our temple the things that displease our new Master of the house. We will instead seek for the things that will please Him. Let's be a magnificent temple for Him, a place where He will dwell forever. ( 1 Kings  8:13)  Let our temple be adorned with our masterpieces and our worship. Let's make God's presence comfortable and invited always into every part of our being. Let's  be filled with worship for the Mighty Savior who came in and changed us into new creatures.  Let's make sure our temple is a pleasing dwelling place for our Lord, clean, pure and holy before God.

praise through the storm

"Can anything else go wrong?" That is what I have asked more than a couple of times recently.  Have you ever felt like nothing is going right? I think we have had to repair just about everything in our house lately, and some things more than once. The AC repair man has been here multiple times, the refrigerator, my kitchen chairs, a floor board, sewer pipe, and even my car, to name just a few. I have several people in my life that are in desperate need of healings and help.  I have felt a bit overwhelmed a few times.    But I know that I can call on Jesus in every storm.
As I was driving home to yet another repair going on, I began to just sing praises. I knew my husband was missing needed sleep and trying his best to get this new problem taken care of.  Yet, I could sing praises because I knew God was still there, taking care of us and providing.  I have experienced God's provision many times.  I have seen God provide for our finances, our health, our needs so many times. Even when we may get frustrated and feel down, God has turned it around when we just gave it to Him.  So many times, we take our eyes off of His goodness, and look at the circumstances. We see the overwhelming issues and problems and forget that He already has an answer.
Life will always have problems. Life will always throw a curve ball. But God is always ready to provide.  We just have to keep trusting Him.

I have found that as the problems come, I can just praise Him more. The joy and peace will fill me instead of fear and worry. I can look to God for my help.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord , Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Psalms 121:1‭-‬3 NKJV

He is my shelter and my hiding place. He strengthens us and leads us through. He is a sure foundation when everything else is shifting. Even when a loved one faces hardship, depression, or despair, we can call on Jesus to change the situation, defeat the despair and replace it with peace. He will attend to our prayers and answer.

Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah
Psalms 61:1‭-‬4 NKJV

God is good and faithful. He is kind and overwhelmingly generous. He provides when the odds seem impossible. We only need to trust and have faith. I am grateful and thankful that I can run to His arms and feel His love flood through my soul. His peace and joy that cannot be explained washes away the fear, doubt and worry.  I may still have troubles and trials, but I can find peace in my storms. I can still sing praise because God is good no matter what this life may bring. God is a rock for our soul.

Praise God through the storms, He will carry you through. Yes, that trouble may still be there, but God will provide and soften the blow as only God can. He loves us and wants to be our shelter and strength. He will turn it around for our good.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

Thank you Lord for your provision, faithfulness, and goodness.

Eat His Word

Have you ever found yourself  desiring and enjoying a favorite food? I am working on a delicious chocolate cake for my daughter's birthday it smells so good. It is soft and moist. The chocolate frosting is just creamy and oh so good.  What about those favorite foods we all go for. Those chips and salsas - it's like you just can't stop eating them. We crave foods, we enjoy foods. We delight in foods. We can all name a food we just love to eat. We can describe the flavors and textures so well our mouths start watering. That is why commercials and menus use pictures and descriptions that entice us to to buy and try the foods they advertise. We rejoice in delicious food.  This same delight, craving and enjoyment should be a part of our spiritual desire for the Word of God.

Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16 NKJV

Jeremiah was a vivid, passionate, colorful prophet. When I read Jeremiah, I always end up taking a look at my own passion for God and His Word. Jeremiah was dedicated and passionate about speaking the truth, the Words that God directed. He spent much of his time in trouble with other prophets who were speaking their own words and calling them God's word.  He called them out and ended up in a pit. He went to the extreme as directed by God to speak the fiery Word God had for Jerusalem and surrounding nations.  When he spoke of the word of God in chapter 15, he said the word was found and he ate them.  He told God that His word was joy and rejoicing of heart.

How do I react to the Word of God?   Do I seek out the Word of God? Do I describe it as joy and rejoicing of heart ?  Do I partake of His Word like I am eating?

Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
Psalms 119:11 NKJV

We eat to bring sustenance to our physical bodies. Food is what gives us energy, strength, and keeps us alive.  We also partake of food when we sit down and fellowship and enjoy the company of friends and family. We desire food, we crave after some foods. Our spiritual food, His Word, is what strengthens our spirit, gives our spirit life and energy. His Word can sustain us and keep us going.  We should desire it, seek after it, crave it even more than the physical food.  It will bring us not just life here, but everlasting, eternal life. It is what we truly need.

as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
I Peter 2:2 NKJV

The Word of God  should not be an afterthought,  a drudgery we quickly read through , or even forget about.  It should be our first craving of the day and our last thoughts as we lay down to sleep. His word should permeate us, energize us, and feed us. We should feast on His Word as often as we can.  It should delight us.

We need to desire, enjoy, and find delight in feasting in His Word.

our steps are ordered

This past week, after facing some struggles and seeing waves and storms pour in, God placed this verse in my heart.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord , And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him  with His hand.
Psalms 37:23‭-‬24 NKJV

As we go through this life, we find times of great joy and prosperity as well as times of struggle and worry.  We may, at times, wonder where we are going and what we are to do. God reminded me this week that He is directing my life and His plans are laid out for my life.  I forget that God already looked ahead and said, "I know what you need." I basically take my eyes off of Him and start looking at the waves like Peter did. That becomes worrisome and scary.  When I keep my eyes on Jesus and place my trust in Him, those waves don't bother me and worry does not come. Instead there is peace and security through Jesus.  We limit God when we worry and fret over the things in this physical life. I am tired of allowing myself to worry and allowing the trivial things of this life to overwhelm me.  Yes, some things are big, but God is always bigger.

Psalms 37 goes on to say:

I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. He  is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore. For the Lord loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever.
Psalms 37:25‭-‬29 NKJV

I love how we can know, as saints of God, that we will be preserved forever.  God loves us and He is not going to leave us in the midst of a struggle.  I have experienced God's amazing love and comfort in the midst of painful loss. I have experienced God's provision in the face of impossible need. God has always provided, comforted and loved. I sometimes may lose sight of who He is. He is my Provider, my Comforter, my Peace, my Everything. It comes down to me resting in the truth of who He is and keeping my trust firmly placed in Him.  When I rest in the truth of who He is, nothing in this world can shake me, distract me, nor overwhelm me.

But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord ; He  is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.
Psalms 37:39‭-‬40 NKJV

When life may intend to overwhelm , we can call on Him. When struggles seem too big, we can place it at His feet. When the enemy of this life attempts to derail us, we can find hope and rest in Jesus.  When the path may feel obscured, we can still keep going in Jesus. Our steps are ordered by the Lord.  He will direct our paths. He has set a way before us that will lead us into what is best and right.  We just need to follow.  I pray we can follow His path completely and fully trusting that He has us in the palm of His hand. I move forward as I have seen God move in my storms, provide answers and even call me into new things for His Kingdom.  I stand amazed and feel truly humbled to know that God has taken time to love me and give me grace.  I don't  always know how or why, all I know is He loves me.  That is enough. We can keep walking in faith knowing he has ordered our steps.

finish strong

This past week, I attended the funeral of a great man of God. He was someone that I, along with many other people, have admired and looked up to for many years. He leaves a legacy of service to God, faithfulness,  and grace extended those who were suffering. He knew God and worked to give that same knowledge to those he met.  He was a prince among men when it came to his walk with God.  I do not say that lightly. Pastor Elzie Quinn was a true man of God.
I have attended many funerals at this point in my life, and I know that many of them have finished this life trusting in Jesus even in the face of death and illnesses that claimed their physical lives.  They left a testimony and a legacy of what it means to truly live for Jesus.  My grandparents, saints of God I have known, and even my own mother left this world on spiritual high notes. God revealed His love and faithfulness even in the midst of our sorrow and loss  God shows his people his hope and love as He receives the souls of the saints that are passing from this life to eternity.  We may sorrow in losing them here, but we are left also with joy and hope for eternity.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Psalms 116:15 KJV

This week, I have thought a lot about him and others I have known.  I have also thought about the lives described in the Bible of the disciples. One thing that has stood out to me is that spiritually, they have all finished strong. The agent of death may have taken the body, but their spirit was strong with Jesus.  They left a mark on those around them and the world is a better place because they had lived for Jesus. 

My son and I watched the movie about Paul the Apostle this week. It was mostly about the end of his life and time in prison.  Much of the letters he wrote were during time he spent in prison. These letters are now part of our Bible.  Many of these scriptures fill us today with hope and understanding about how to live a life for Jesus.  At one point, in the movie, Paul said, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain."  My son said, "I know that scripture, Philippians 1:21!" He has been studying Philippians for Bible quizzing at youth camp.  How exciting to know these scriptures are being planted into his heart and mind. This movie led to us discussing persecution and how Jesus is still with us through terrible moments. I told him that these scriptures planted in his heart will give him power and strength to go through the hard things.  I began to cry to think that my son and daughter may one day face hard times as Christians.  We may not have a lot of persecution here in America, but it is happening around the world.  I watched in the movie as several of the Christans were killed for Christ's sake.  They were portrayed well. They turned to God in prayer and in faith knowing that the present sufferings were but for a moment and could not compare to the glory they would have eternally. They finished strong.

How many of us are prepared to finish strong? Whether we face trials of physical ailments that cripple and maim, spiritual battles, or any attack that is meant to destroy us, we need to finish strong. Persecution is scary and we may face more of it here in America as time goes on.  But those around the world today are facing great persecution holding on to the truth that God is with them and He is faithful to us. They give us hope that we too can finish strong.

Paul wrote these words to Timothy:

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.  For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:5‭-‬8 KJV

Paul understood and believed that his reward was waiting.  I know many saints that have already passed on, that have also known this reward was waiting.  They fought a good fight and finished the course strong.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1 KJV

I want to finish strong. I want my children and all those I know to finish strong. I want to demonstrate in life and even in death, that Jesus is Lord. I want to reflect the love of God and leave hope for all those I meet.  I want to always be ready with a word of faith and encouragement, a word of prayer and hope for life with God . I want my life and death to show that God has had a plan all along and when we follow after Him, eternity is joyful. The means of our death and passing matter little in comparison to the reward of eternity with our Savior. May the truth of our loving God be evident in life and in death.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18 KJV

I want to run this race with faith and end it in faith. And as those who have already run the race and shown us the way, I want hear those words as I enter the realms of eternity.

His Lord said unto him, Well done, 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.
Matthew 25:23 KJV

May we all finish strong.

set your heart

As I was reading in Chronicles this morning, a particular verse stood out to me.

He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord .
2 Chronicles 12:14 NIV

This refers to Rehoboam, son of Solomon, grandson of King David.  Rehoboam had become king of Israel and rather than listen to the counsel of the wise men, he followed the counsel of his young friends. The kingdom split as ten tribes refused to follow an arrogant, young king. He refused to listen to the wise advice or to the people.  He had two tribes left and ended up allowing them to fall into idol worship and turn away from the one, true God. Egypt attacked and took the great treasures Solomon had stored up for Judah and Israel. Rehoboam did evil because his heart was not set on seeking the Lord. 

This lead me to think about my own heart and what I have it set on.
Is my  heart set on seeking the Lord.?  The Bible tells us in several places to keep our hearts set on the things of God.

Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path:
Proverbs 23:19 NIV

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:1 NIV

This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence:
1 John 3:19 NIV

Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Psalm 62:10 NIV

We have so much that distracts and attempts to overtake our affections and our hearts.  We need to guard our hearts and what we seek after.  Some seek after fame, fortune, the next great thing,  or even just attention  from others. Some seek after feeling good or satisfying whatever desire they have. The best and greatest we can desire and seek after is the Lord God Almighty.  When King David and King Solomon had their hearts set on the Lord, the kingdom prospered and was blessed. When Solomon allowed his heart to be turned away from God, his son, Rehoboam, was not able to keep the kingdom together. Solomon's example showed his son that service of God was not jmportant. Their sinful hearts brought about destruction of the kingdom. Their leadership away from seeking God, brought sorrow, war, and even great sin in the kingdom. Family turned against family, the blessings and treasure was lost and taken. The kingdom was no longer protected and safe. 

What consequences have come because my heart has not sought after God?
I pray my heart is set on seeking after God.  I do not want to be the reason my children or those around me suffer consequences of sin because I failed to be an example of seeking after God. 

Donʼt let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

My faith, and my heart needs to be set on God.  I need to display that God is most important and my life needs to reflect the desires of my heart. My heart should be set on Him and Him alone.  We are warned to guard our hearts. 

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 NIV

We need to be wise and keep our hearts set on right things of God, not on the distractions that lead us from God.

The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 NIV

We need to listen and take to heart the Word of God and earnestly follow after Him.

And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you.
Ezekiel 3:10 NIV

He will lead us into righteousness and truth. He will guard, bless us, and produce the fruit that reflects a life of righteousness and joy that only comes from service to God.  A life filled with love, truth, faith, hope and joy. A life that will attract and overflow the best that comes from God himself.  He will be pleased and we can rest in His presence.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11 NIV

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11 NIV

True joy, peace and rest comes from God.  Set your heart on seeking the Lord.

blessings or the One who blesses

Due a conversation with a friend, I have been thinking on what we seek when it comes to God.  Too many times we get focused on just the blessings. We talk about the wonderful blessings amd what we get from God.  We often want blessings and want what He has for us. However, while blessings are wonderful and good, we may need to evaluate what we seek after. Are we seeking just blessings or are we seeking the One who gives the blessings? 

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
Proverbs 8:17 NIV

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

God's word tells us to seek God.  More the once, God says "Seek Me." He wants and commands us to seek after Him, to put Him first and to seek relationship with our Creator and Savior above all else.  He is a jealous God and wants relationship with Him to be our number one desire.

This is what the Lord says to Israel: “Seek me and live;
Amos 5:4 NIV

Blessings are a byproduct of relationship with God.  Blessings should not be what we seek after. We want all the blessings of the relationship without the commitment. God requires commitment from His people: commitment in worship, in study, in prayer,  in seeking Him. In obedience, in lifestyle, in all our ways. All our ways should belong to Him. We need to put ourselves away and put God first. 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33 NIV

Blessings come from the commitmemt. Just as in any relationship, the pleasures and benefits come from  the commitmemt, from the learning about the other person, from the mutual love and interest involved.  Blessing comes after the relationship develops.

King David wrote the words:

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
Psalm 119:10 NIV

He sought after God first, and his concern was obedience to God's commands. He asked God to not allow him to stray from the commands in His Word. David understood that seeking God first was the most important part of the relationship. When we seek after God, He will pour out blessings, meet our needs, and take care of us greatly. He just wants us to seek him first and above all else. Do we run to Him begging for blessings, and pouring out requests without first seeking a relationship with Him? Do we want all the privileges of relationship without committing to the relationship?  Do we wonder why we aren't moving forward and seeing God move?  Maybe we haven't been seeking God and have only wanted blessings  and not the Blessor.  I challenge myseif and others to take some time and evaluate what you have been trying to get from God.  Is it just a bunch of stuff, blessings and benefits, or is it just Him?

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:6 NIV

Make relationship with God the priority that you seek. Call on Him. Spend time with him, in prayer, study, fasting , in worship. Spend time in His presence faithfully and daily. That is when He will be able to speak to you, move in you, and use you as He desires. That is when true blessings really come.  What you desire will change and be in line with His will. Seek Him, the rest will be taken care of.  Make Him your first love, your greatest desire, and all you need.

marriage

A few years ago my husband and I spoke at a marriage seminar about how marriage reflects the relationship God wants with his church, his people.  I have been thinking a lot about marriage lately as I see many young marriages beginning, and hear of others ending.  Marriage is a beautiful gift and at the same time, can be very difficult. It is the merging together of two individuals into one life.  My husband and I are looking forward to celebrating 24 years of marriage later this year. It has been a great 24 years filled with ups and down, but through it all, we have loved each other and kept our relationship a priority. We may have annoyed one another at times and not always agree. We have laughed and cried, prayed and rejoiced. I am thankful for the testimony of our marriage. I honor my husband the best I can. I have asked him to contribute and collaborate today on this topic:

Marriage is God's plan for a man and woman to reflect His reflect relationship with the church. He created man and woman in His image in the beginning.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 1:27 KJV

He then set about developing relationship between them. They were to come together through intimacy and be one flesh; no longer separate.

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;  And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.  And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Genesis 2:21‭-‬24 KJV

God realized man would have been alone without the woman. He realized a need for companionship is part of human nature.  There was nothing else that could meet the criteria for that need except another human being that complimented and supported one another.

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Genesis 2:18 NIV

After sin entered the world, through the fall of Adam and Eve, relationships between man and woman have been negatively affected by sin.  We do not have that perfect life that was meant for us in the beginning. Marriage must now be protected and viewed from God's perspective for true success to occur in a marriage relationship.

In the New Testament, there are passages that discuss and advise on marriage.
Ephesians chapter 5 is a wonderful list of advice for a believer  on how to treat others and love them. It starts by telling believers to walk in love.

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Ephesians 5:2 KJV

It continues with a great description of what it means  to be a believer. Paul, the writer of this passage, then includes some Godly advice for a marriage.

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.  Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.  Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Ephesians 5:21‭-‬33 KJV

This passage is sometimes misunderstood. God gave man dominion over the animals, but did not give them dominion over his wife. This passage commands a husband to love his wife as Christ loves the church. This means  that a husband is to love his wife so much, he is willing to die for her. Christ died for the church. When we look at how Jesus Christ loved and treated those around him while on earth and through His death, we get a clear picture of how a husband is supposed to view and treat his wife.  The traditional marriage vows say to love, honor and cherish. A husband needs to take each of these words and put them into action as Christ would. There is nothing in those words about demanding, demeaning, or even controlling your wife.
If we are truly reflecting God's desire and plan for relationship, a husband's love for his wife will result in her wanting to reciprocate that love willingly.
There will be no need of demands or forced attention.

It says love your wife as your own body.  You are not going to purposely harm, destroy or degrade yourself, so that applies to your wife as well. She is part of you. She is your body that you should respect, cherish, and care for.  When, as a husband, you take time to care for your wife and her needs, she will feel important, protected and secure.  This is healthy for a relationship.

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
1 Peter 3:7 NIV

A wife that feels loved will love in return.  A wife desires to feel safe, needed and cherished. To cherish means to protect and care for lovingly, or hold dear (dictionary.com). A woman wants to feel cherished.  Christ cherished us as His church. He loves and cherishes He does not demand respect, force us to  worship, nor harm or degrade. Rather we respond in love and worship because He first loves us.  1 John 1:19. Respect is earned and inspired by how someone is treated, not given as a forced demand.

Cherish a wife as most valuable. Do not damage or hurt her. Do not overwhelm or attempt to control her. Rather hold her gently and remember her heart is precious and fragile. A husband should be the protector of his wife and above all her heart. He is to lead his home not by force, demand, or by harm, but through love and care like our Heavenly Father does for us.

For a wife to submit, means that she willingly and lovingly offers herself to her husband out of respect and reciprocal love. This is not forced nor out of demand. It is because she knows he loves her and feels safe with him.  A  woman has innate desires to feel safe and loved. A man has innate desires to be respected, to be needed and to protect.  When we take time to nurture and intentionally fill those desires, we are showing our spouse love and making them feel loved.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
Proverbs 31:10‭-‬11 NIV

A husband and wife should be trustworthy and of good character. They should trust one another and support one another. A wife can inspire her husband, give him confidence and cause him to feel worthy and loved. He will trust her, and find that they can share their deepest thoughts and concerns. She will find that he will confide and trust her as well. There should be a mutual trust and respect physically and emotionally. Women are emotionally driven. Men are physically driven. Both of these areas need to be honored and shared between a husband and wife.

Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in Godʼs sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands,
1 Peter 3:1‭-‬5 NIV

Respect your husband and honor him with words and actions. Our words should build him up and fill his heart. Our actions should make his heart feel safe, inspire trust and let him know his love is valued and wanted. He wants to be respected and loved. Honor in marriage is becoming rare. Men are the spiritual head and wives, we need to honor them as such. Pray for them to be led of God and to be Godly men. Be that 'good thing' that lets them know God has blessed them.

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord .
Proverbs 18:22 KJV

There is a purpose in marriage. A home and marriage is to be Godly and holy. It is to reflect and demonstrate God's love for us. God desires relationship from His church. He wants and ordained marriage to be an example of the relationship He plans and desires with us. We, as Christians,  need to take marriage very seriously as part of our testimony. The way we treat our spouse should reflect God in us. God desires His people to love Him in return of His love.  If others see a poor relationship in a marriage where one or both spouses mistreat the other, does that reflect Christ? How we treat one another, speak to one another, and even speak about one another, is effectively revealing the type of love, or lack of love we carry in our hearts.

We need to have the love of Christ pour out of our actions and words, especially for our spouse. That intimate relationship should be the most protected and cherished of all for it represents Christ's love for us to the world around us.
If I speak harshly to my spouse, attempt to demand and control my spouse, degrade or punish, or talk bad about them to others , I am definitely not representing Christ. Our marriage is meant to stand as a testimony of God's  desire for relationship with His church.

Husbands love your wives as yourselves and wives honor your husbands. That is the simple description of a good, functional, Godly marriage. Remember marriage is meant to be good and good for us. It is meant to help us reflect the complete image of God. Marriage is a gift from God and part of His original design. Love one another as Christ loves us. John 15:12.

Cling to Him

There are times when life gets rough and hard. We may not always understand what and why things happen. We may feel discouraged or even angry. We may feel alone or confused.  When we find ourselves in these moments,  we need to run to Jesus. 
God knows our hearts and our situations. He knows the reasons and the outcomes.  We do not.  We, as humans, may even feel like blaming Him for the troubles.  What we need to understand is that God is working on our behalf to bring about good for us.  Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that we have hope in the future because He has a plan, an expected future. We have to trust Him.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I think about cling wrap.  You know, the stuff we use to wrap up food. I get frustrated by that stuff sometimes. I try my best to pull it out carefully from the box and keep it straight, but it manages to roll up, wrap around and get all stuck together. It clings together and onto other surfaces so that it holds tight and secure.  God reminded me the other day, "Cling to me, Cling to my promises." Just like that cling wrap, we need to cling to God and His word.  He promises to never leave us or forsake us.Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord .
Psalm 112:7 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5 NIV

 He loves us and cares for us. He can take our burdens and provide for us in greater ways than we can imagine when we just really trust Him to be God.  We try so hard to do so much ourselves, when we have a heavenly Father waiting to do what we can't . We do not even realize we have access to all the riches of heaven. We need to lay it all at His feet and just rest in His promises.  Trust Him and cling to Him. Hold on to Him and His promises. Never let go! No matter what! Things may look impossible, but God is the One who makes all things possible.  We can trust it to be so.  It doesn't matter what anyone else says, if God promised it, it will be true.  Cling to Him. He will always be there and He is working for our good. Hold on tight. His word and promises are true.

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 33:4 NIV