tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11611804373906224442024-02-08T07:10:23.455-06:00Every WordMan shall not live on bread alone,
but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Matt 4:4Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12556759916696263374noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161180437390622444.post-31150724564860812282012-12-08T10:17:00.001-06:002012-12-08T10:17:31.452-06:00Less than 10 Percent
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">Since finding out I was pregnant, I
have been anxiously waiting for the right time to write this
post, but thanks to “pregnancy brain” (yes, it
is real), and the first trimester fog, I am just now able to form coherent
sentences. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">Less
than a 10 (%) percent chance – that is the odds that my fertility doctor gave
me for being able to get pregnant. I had to come to grips with the
reality of my diagnosis and the possibility that I may not ever have
children. Just as soon as I was getting comfortable with the idea, I find
out that we are pregnant. I think it took several weeks for me to get
over the shock of it. But once the morning sickness hit, I knew it was
for real. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16pt;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">I
would like to share a couple of brief thoughts about our journey in parenthood
so far: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">Oh taste
and see that the Lord is good</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">.
(Psalm 34:8a)</span></span></b></div>
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<li><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><u style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">God is
good</span></u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">. However, I would like to make clear that His goodness
did not start or depend on Him granting me this child. He has blessed me
with life and salvation and so much more than I could ever ask for or
deserve. I am so overwhelmed that God has chosen to give this child to
us, but I was overwhelmed with the grace of God in the midst of our
childlessness too. So many precious gifts He has given us!</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he
pleases. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">(Psalm 115:3)</span></i></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<li><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><u style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">God is
all-powerful</span></u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.5in;">. But yes, He has always been all-powerful. His
hands were not restrained and His will was not constricted in any way prior to
this pregnancy. God is in ultimate control of this entire universe and He
does what He pleases. Whether in times of plenty or in times of
barrenness, I am thankful for this sovereignty. He is bigger than any
fertility lab report or any diagnosis that my doctor can opine. </span></span></li>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"><b><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Oh God,
you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints
for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1)</span></b></span></i></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><u style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">Be
thankful for the valleys</span></u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.5in;">. As children of God, we learn some of
the most profound lessons about God in times of brokenness and heartache.
Here in these places and times, our desperation for His presence is at fever
pitch and so He causes us to be moldable and hungry for His touch. My
prayer for myself and for those going through challenging times such as
infertility is that we would seek the Lord with all our hearts. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;"> </span><i><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">…But in
everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known to God. (Phil. 4:6)</span> </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"><u>Make your
petitions known</u></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">. I want to thank everyone who has prayed for Matt and me
during this time. Please continue to pray for Baby Neyman. We are
thankful for every day we have been given and will have with him/her.
Yet, please continue to pray for the people you know that continue to struggle
with infertility. The first time we saw our baby’s heartbeat was at my
fertility clinic. Sitting in that little ultrasound room, Matt and I
could not contain our excitement. But outside of that room, sat a woman
whose dreams of motherhood had yet to be fulfilled. Our hearts were full,
but hers was empty. Please continue to lift up those you know are waiting
on the Lord. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"><ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"><ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></li>
</ul>
</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><b>“The Lord
is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lam. 3:22) </b></span></i></li>
</ul>
</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><ul style="display: inline !important;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></i></li>
</ul>
</span></i></div>
</span></i></li>
</ul>
</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><u style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">The Lord
is my portion</span></u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">. During my time in the valley, one question that had to
be answered in my heart is whether the ultimate desire of my soul was communion
with the Lord, or did I want motherhood more?
The Lord is my portion, not Baby Neyman. What a wonderful gift and
ministry parenthood will be! I cannot wait to hold my child for the first
time. But oh, this will be nothing compared to seeing my Great Redeemer
face to face one day. God has already filled my heart with this amazing
love for my child. But Jesus is on the throne of my heart – I pray that
nothing ever competes with that. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</span></span>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12556759916696263374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161180437390622444.post-54707310143626457822012-08-14T20:34:00.001-05:002012-08-14T20:34:34.125-05:00Emily's Favorite Sermon Podcasts<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Set your minds on things
above." (Col. 3:2)</span></h3>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paul
reminds us throughout his letters that Christians are at war. We are at war, not only with principalities (Eph. 6:12),
but with our flesh and desire to sin. Paul tells us in this same
chapter in Ephesians to put on the armor of God, but If we are honest with
ourselves, on most days, we don’t even come dressed for
battle. Instead, we surrender to our
flesh the moment we wake up every day. Often we find ourselves
defeated from the outset. This should not be the case
as God has given us every opportunity to defeat temptation and the power to do
so has been granted to us thru the Gospel. In Colossians, Paul tells us to put to death
the desires of our flesh by setting our minds on things above. And to the Philippians, he wrote, "Whatever is pure, holy, etc., think on these
things." (Phil. 4:8). Practically, how do we carry this out in our
everyday lives? Everybody’s life is different, but here are the tools and means that
I make a part of my life on a regular basis in order to “set my mind on things above:”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Read God's Word every day.</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Make sure you are reading the entire Bible. Get familiar with all of it,
not just what you think are the easy parts. Be disciplined to read all of
Scripture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Pray.</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be in an attitude of prayer all day. Be cognizant of God’s omnipresence and of the Holy
Spirit inside you. When you know of something
that you need to pray about, stop and pray right then. If you wait, you might forget about it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Church.</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be active in your local church. Get involved in their ministries. Don’t do buffet-style
church-hopping! Get plugged in to one local
body of believers and be devoted to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Books.</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Read some stuff that other Christians, pastors and
missionaries have written over the years. They wrote all this stuff
down hoping to spur you on to holiness, understanding and love for God. Don’t just spend time reading
fiction but actually challenge your heart, mind and soul with books that will
benefit you, not just entertain you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Podcasts.</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ok. Finally – this is where the point of this post comes in…. The culture of our world has
so many opportunities to influence us: Internet, social media, TV,
movies, music, etc. Add up how much time you
spend in all of these areas each week and compare it to how much time you spend
at church, reading your bible, etc. If you are like me, the odds
are very much in favor of the flesh winning out. Years ago when I got my first
iPod, I started listening to sermons. I listen to sermons at the
gym, when I run, in the car, when I clean house, etc. I try to find as many opportunities as I can to put myself
under the teaching of the Word of God, instead of being taught how to surrender
to temptation (which is what you will learn from TV, movies, etc.). Now let me say this: listening to sermons on podcast is not a substitute for hearing the Word of God preached on Sundays from pastor at your local church. As much as I love the convenience of hearing sermons on podcast, I love being in the presence of my pastor at my church more. None of the preachers listed below are my pastors. Yes, I learn from them, but they do not replace the relationship I have with my pastor. Everybody needs a pastor! :) </span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, if you get on iTunes, you will see that there are a
plethora of churches, sermons, etc. for you to choose from. How do you figure out who is legit and what is worth listening to? Here are my recommendations and a few thoughts as to why these preachers are at the top
of my playlist: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><u>John
Piper at Desiring God Ministries and Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis,
MN</u>. </span> I have already mentioned
Piper in my last post, but let me add to it by saying that Piper is an amazing
preacher and he's an expositional beast. If you want to be taught in a manner that is true to the Scripture and deeply challenging, you will
love John Piper. He can be a bit long-winded
at times, but it's so worth it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><u>Matt
Chandler at The Village Church in Dallas, TX</u>. </span> Chandler is young and
definitely an in-your-face kind of preacher. As you listen to his sermons,
you will see that his main focus is the "de-churched" (those who grew
up in church but for whatever reason are no longer there but are trying to
find their way back) and teaching the explicit Gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><u>David
Platt at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL</u>.</span> I first heard Platt speak at
Student Life conferences and I have continued to listen to him over the years.
He has an amazing study on the book of Ruth which is available on iTunes and
also on his church's website. His passion for the Great Commission and for
making our lives count for eternity is refreshing and so very needed in America
today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><u>Mark
Driscoll at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA</u>.</span> Mark Driscoll is abrasive and
aggressive. He's not afraid to call out stupidity and sin. His church is
growing by leaps and bounds which is amazing considering its location. If you want
to hear someone be gut-level honest about sin and who teaches the Bible in a
way that anybody can understand, then you will really benefit from his preaching
style. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><u>Voddie
Baucham at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas</u>.
</span>He is dedicated to expository preaching. One thing about his style that
resonates with me personally is his use of logic in helping his listeners to
understand truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><u>Paul
Washer of HeartCry Missions</u>. </span>Every time I listen to a
Washer sermon, I feel like pond scum. We need that every once in a
while so that's why he is on my list. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><span style="color: white;">Mark
Dever at Capital Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.</span></u> Dever's style definitely fits his environment. He's much
more scholarly and intellectual in his approach. I feel like I'm back in
seminary when I hear him preach (this is a good thing). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><span style="color: white;">Timothy
Keller. Pastor at Redeemer
Presbyterian Church in New York City.</span></u> Yes, there are churches in
NYC. Here I pay homage to my
Presbyterian brothers and sisters. If
you haven't read Keller's book <i>Prodigal
God</i>, you're missing out. Keller's approach in preaching is more
philosophical but ya kinda have to be if you're gonna preach to New Yorkers.
The theme of repentance is all over his work and he reminds Christians all the
time that we don't do it nearly enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">P.S. All
of these sermons are FREE! What can be better than that? It has often been said that Christians alive today have
greater access to the Bible and tools for understanding it than we have ever
had in our history. YET, sadly we live in the most biblically illiterate time in the
history of the world. Why is that??? We have so many
resources available to us and sermon podcasts are super easy and super awesome. Take advantage of the resource (did I mention it's free?) and watch the Lord begin to
retrain your mind to think and desire the things above instead of what's on the earth. </span> </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #0400;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12556759916696263374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161180437390622444.post-54844147739927246042012-08-09T20:49:00.000-05:002012-08-09T20:57:00.133-05:00YOUR DAUGHTER"S BEAUTY<a href="http://www.thevillagechurch.net/the-village-blog/my-daughters-beauty/">http://www.thevillagechurch.net/the-village-blog/my-daughters-beauty/</a>Debbie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09406785232604405030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161180437390622444.post-80820862220236555102012-07-28T11:55:00.002-05:002012-07-28T14:03:39.372-05:00Emily's Top Five Links<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">I thought I would share with our readers some of my favorite
links that I like to peruse. Apart from Facebook and Twitter, here’s where I
spend most of my time on the Internet. Later, we will post these on the right
sidebar of our blog for easy access. </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;">1. </span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">The Gospel
Coalition. <span style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/">http://thegospelcoalition.org/</a></span></span></b></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">The Gospel Coalition has quickly become my favorite
website. This group is a compilation of evangelical churches that crosses
denominational lines to partner for one single purpose: the teaching and
preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are wholly committed to the
Word of God. I do not agree with every pastor or contributor to
this website, but I have found it to be an invaluable resource, not only for
ministry, but also for my own personal growth and knowledge. Here are my
favorite things about their website:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-size: 21px;">Blogs - whatever is new and fresh or needs to be addressed in Christendom, chances are at least one person is going to write about it and I can get their perspective on the issue.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="color: white; font-size: 21px;">Book Reviews - I really enjoy the book reviews found on TGC. They do a thorough job. One of the best ways to decide if a book is worth the time it takes to read it is to find out what other people are saying about it and who is recommending it. </span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;">2.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"> <b>Desiring
God Ministries</b>. <span style="text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/">http://www.desiringgod.org/</a></span></span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">Desiring God Ministries is a one-stop shop of all sermons and
books by John Piper. Apart from Scripture, John Piper’s writings have
influenced and impacted my life more than any other source. Here, you can
find blog entries, free sermons (in audio and written form), and all of the
other books that Piper has written. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;">3. </span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">National
Review</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">. <span style="text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/">http://www.nationalreview.com/</a></span></span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">National
Review is a conservative political publication. Although I no longer get
wrapped up in politics like I did when I was younger, I do try to stay somewhat
informed on current issues. What I like about National Review is their
wittiness. If you enjoy reading big words and thinking critically while
having a good sarcastic laugh here and there, you will like National
Review. They also have a written publication, but access to their website
is free. I normally only have time to read their blog entitled “The
Corner.” If you want a quick opinion on an issue from a conservative
thinker, you can find it here. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;">4.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"> <b>Jen
Wilkin</b>. <a href="http://jenwilkin.blogspot.com/">http://jenwilkin.blogspot.com/</a></span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">I have just recently started reading her blog when one of her
posts was picked up by The Gospel Coalition. She’s on staff at The Village
Church in Dallas, Texas. I love her Gospel-centered and Bible-centered
approach to teaching – we really need more of this in women’s ministry and
youth ministry.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 13pt;">5.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;"> <b>IMB.org</b>.
<a href="http://www.imb.org/main/default.asp"><span style="text-decoration: none;">http://www.imb.org/main/default.asp</span></a></span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16pt;">This is the website for the International Mission Board, which
is the Southern Baptist Convention’s missionary-sending agency. The IMB
facilities and coordinates the mission efforts of Southern Baptist
churches. They are an excellent resource for understanding the
spiritual needs of our world. It also explains all the ways you can
be involved in missions including giving, praying and going. </span><o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12556759916696263374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161180437390622444.post-26424121459695358772012-07-15T16:00:00.003-05:002012-07-15T16:10:52.250-05:00The Gospel and Infertility<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="webkit-fake-url://FEEB874A-C301-423D-8BED-DDF014E14121/application.pdf" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As anyone can deduce by simple </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">powers of
observation, Matt and I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">do not have children. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most of our closer friends
and a few </span></span><br />
<a href="webkit-fake-url://FEEB874A-C301-423D-8BED-DDF014E14121/application.pdf" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img height="102" src="webkit-fake-url://32B87C3B-33A6-4234-9B10-0C5629207901/application.pdf" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">others have been in the loop regarding our struggles with
infertility. But until recently, we have been guarded about sharing
openly on this subject. Some might be disappointed or possibly hurt that
I have not talked to them more about this. Because of this, I want to
share just a few reasons that infertility has been hard for us to talk about:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. The helplessness associated with infertility
can be paralyzing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Therefore, sometimes silence is easier than
openness. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. My feelings associated with infertility are
closely akin to grief. I have lost multiple family members over the
course of my life. My feelings and thoughts on infertility are extremely
similar to what I have felt in losing my mom, grandparents and
stepfather. Trying to talk about something so personal can be challenging. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Seems like everybody with kids insists on
giving their advice to infertile couples. Sometimes I just don’t want to
hear from someone who’s had no problems having children tell me what I’m doing
wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. You can’t please everyone. Everybody has
an opinion about what you should and should not do. Regardless of what
steps Matt and I end up taking or not taking in order to have children,
somebody will think we did the wrong thing, or that we didn’t do enough, or
that we did too much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Infertility is almost like a terminal illness
or a communicable disease. Unless we are blessed with a massive amount of
money for treatments or God does the miraculous, this is where we are.
Things can change. It’s not by any means
impossible. But this is where we are today. Therefore, what I understand today
about God’s role in all of this will probably change tomorrow and it will
definitely change six months from now. So it’s hard to share with people
what I myself am still trying to wrap my mind around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So what does the Gospel have to do with
infertility? How does Christ’s work on the Cross of Calvary affect our
situation? Before proceeding, I have one disclaimer: I wanted to
write this post sooner, but understanding how Christ uses the Gospel to change me
and redeem me in the midst of infertility is not something that I have been
able to easily grasp or accept. Like #5 above, a year from now, I’ll
probably have much more and better things to say on this subject. So, here's
where I'm at today:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>1
Peter 1:3-4</u>: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused
us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>The
Gospel does not promise us a fulfillment of our wildest dreams</u></i></b>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When God saves someone,
she is not automatically given a BMW or promised health and wealth and easy
living. We don’t get everything we’ve
ever wanted right when we want it. However, what we do understand about the
Gospel is that it redeems us from sin and restores our relationship to our Creator
and we are adopted into the eternal family of God. However, redemption is
a process. Although from a judicious standpoint, I stand confirmed, restored
and clean before God (imputation), yet I have not been perfected because
sanctification is an ongoing process that will not be complete until this
present earthly life is long gone and I stand before my God. The point is, I currently live in a body
infected by sin and I believe this includes infertility. </span></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about asking God to
heal my body? Yes, we do see several
examples in Scripture of women of faith who prayed earnestly for children and
God (in His time) granted them children.
This could happen for us as well, but I do not have some sort of special
word from God apart from Scripture (tongue in cheek) that He will do this for
us. Of course, He can grant me
wonderfully healthy super-awesome eggs.
He can do anything He wants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>The Gospel is for the Glory of God</u></i></b>. If
you spend much time reading God’s Word then you will see that there is a
purpose afoot in all that God does.
Ultimately, God’s purpose is to bring glory to himself. Jesus came to earth and accomplished
salvation as a part of that purpose and his most glorious moment was when he
was on the cross. In the midst of the
sorrow, pain and death, Jesus perfectly displayed love, grace, wrath (on sin),
mercy and power all of the attributes of God were made manifest in the death of
Christ. The Gospel is for the glory of
God! It is not to make me happy. It is not to make me feel significant. I mention happiness and significance because
these are two feelings that I think are closely associated with
parenthood. Moms feel significant
because they are moms and that obviously brings them happiness. These are not bad things, but God does not
guarantee me these feelings in this life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just as Jesus was about
the Father’s business and fulfilling his purpose, I too have a purpose. My purpose is to bring God glory in my
life. Of course, I fail at this every
day. But this is what I am created and called
to do. This is where my significance
should be found. What we see in
Scripture is that sometimes, God chooses hardship and suffering as the means
for sanctification for us and glory for Him in our lives (Job, Paul,
etc.). My worship of God cannot be
contingent upon Him giving me what I want (I Th. 5:18). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>The Gospel is the Means for our Ultimate
Reward</u></i></b>. As Debbie Todd wrote about in the previous
post, as believers, our reward is Jesus.
My greatest joy and fulfillment is found in knowing and being known
Jesus Christ. He is my inheritance and
having a child will never compare to this!
As my friend Debbie has reminded me, this journey is a part of my
sanctification. God is using this
struggle not only to make me more like Christ, but to make Christ my chief
desire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>The Gospel Gives the Gift of Hope</u></i></b>. If
nothing else, we have hope because of the Gospel. Jesus is our living
hope! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So based on all that God
has given me and purposed for me through the Gospel with regard to infertility,
what I truly feel right now – today – is joy.
Joy that the God of the universe, holy and mighty, loving and kind, has
chosen to save me and that in his sovereignty, has purposed to use my life to
bring glory to Himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Lam. 3:24</u>: ‘“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to
the soul who seeks him. It is good that
one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My prayer on this journey is that God would be honored and glorified in
my life, in my husband’s life and in our marriage. May He use whatever circumstances or means
necessary to achieve this goal. Would
you pray this prayer with me and would you be so bold as to prayer it for your
own life as well? </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12556759916696263374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161180437390622444.post-83081450210658502952012-06-28T23:53:00.001-05:002012-07-15T15:45:28.266-05:00THE CHRISTIAN'S GREAT REWARD<b>I enjoyed your answers to the question I posted on Facebook, and was very encouraged by them. The question was:</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>What is the Christian's great reward?</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>A better form of the question would have been:</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>WHO is the Christian's great reward? But that would have been too obvious, and I wanted you to ponder it for a while. </b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Some of you quoted Genesis 15:1 which says, "After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:</b><br />
<b>"Do not be afraid, Abram.</b><br />
<b>I am your shield,</b><br />
<b>your very great reward." (NIV)</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>That verse leaves no doubt that God Himself is our reward. WE GET GOD!!! </b><br />
<b>Christ Jesus left His heavenly home to suffer the weight of God's wrath on the cross so that He could come and dwell in us now, and later take us to His home so that we can enjoy HIM for eternity. The Psalmist in chapter 27:4 says, "One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple". What is the Psalmist's reason for desiring to dwell in the house of the LORD? To soak up the beauty of Heaven? No. His longing for heaven was fueled by his hunger to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD! He wanted JESUS! </b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Do you CRAVE Jesus? If you know Him and are known by Him, you crave Him. He is who we gain from the gospel. The gift of the gospel is Christ. Not one gospel blessing will be savored by anyone unless the gospel's greatest treasure is the LORD Himself. </b><br />
<b>2Corinthians 4:3-4 describes the gospel in this way: "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the God of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL OF THE GLORY OF CHRIST, who is the image of God." then verse 6 calls the gospel "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." So who do we gain from the gospel? Christ who radiates the glory of God! That's why the gospel is "good news". </b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>The apostle Paul sums it up like this:</b><br />
<b>"I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ." (Phil. 3:8). </b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>So....if Christ is the reward of the gospel, how does that effect the way we present the gospel? It's important that we don't "add to" the gospel, making it an unbiblical plea. The new heaven and new earth that God's people will enjoy for eternity is beyond our wildest dreams. It is a place of unsurpassed beauty, designed by the One who spoke the universe into being. But, as we've seen from scripture, heaven is not our great and final reward. Jesus is our reward, and heaven is where He is seated at the right hand of God. To present the gospel as a choice between heaven and hell is not the gospel. Heaven is the by-product of knowing Christ. It is the place where we will experience the enjoyment of God. Without God's glory in the face of Christ, heaven would be dimly lit. </b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>I hope this has given you a sense of the God-centered nature of the gospel, redemption and the Christian's great and final reward. </b><br />
<b>dt</b>Debbie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09406785232604405030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161180437390622444.post-69794555686352011142012-06-14T22:37:00.000-05:002012-06-14T22:37:09.630-05:00The Life of Plenty<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My memory verses for last week were
Philippians 4:11b-13:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">… I have learned in whatever situation I am to be
content. I know how to be brought low and how to abound. In any and
every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger,
abundance and need. I can do all things through him who gives me
strength. (ESV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Philippians 4:13 is probably one of
the most quoted verses in the New Testament. But I am not sure that it is
always applied appropriately. This past week, I actually paid attention
to the two verses preceding Verse 13. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paul tells us in verses 11 and 12
that he has learned to be content with life, no matter what is thrown at
him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Verse 12 is interesting. Paul tells us that he knows the secret of
facing times of hunger and of need. The
secret is Christ! But Paul also states
that Christ is his secret to handling times of abundance and plenty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am thankful for the reminder that we also need Christ
when we are <b><i>facing</i></b> times of plenty. Just ponder that
for a moment. I think we often fail to recognize that times of abundance
and plenty can be just as challenging as times of need. What do I mean by
this? I mean, we are deceived if we don’t recognize the existing
temptations and potential pitfalls of possessing a lot of stuff. I
could go on and on about this, but I told myself that my post this week would
be short (here’s hoping!). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I truly believe that the consumerist landscape of
American culture is one of the most challenging environments for believers to
live out an authentic Christian life –this is because in the midst of
constantly consuming material possessions, our desire for Christ can easily be
muted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While quoting Dietrich Bonhoeffer, David Platt writes in
his book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Radical</i>, that “the first
call every Christian experiences is “the call to abandon the attachments of
this world.’” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just to clarify - nothing wrong with
having stuff. Money and material possessions are blessings from the
Lord. But as sons and daughters of God,
we must remember that our calling on this earth is not to fecklessly consume,
but to use the blessings that God gives us (including money and material stuff)
to the glory of God and the good of others. The only way we can learn to
temper our desire for material possessions in the midst of our lives of plenty
is to set our hearts on Christ. After all, He is the only one who can
bring satisfaction to our souls. The problem is not that we have stuff;
it’s that we are trying to find contentment in our stuff. We waste our God-given time and our God-given
resources when we try to spend all of our money on ourselves. This is not
the example laid out for us in Scripture. The early church sets the standard
for selfless giving (Acts 2:45; 4:34-36) We should follow their lead. We
must cultivate an awareness of the possible dangers of living a life of plenty
- the secret is Christ (v. 14). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This passage is all about knowing
how to be content in whatever circumstances we may face, and that can only be
done when we are content Jesus, even if He is all we have. He should not just be our number one
priority, but the all-encompassing reason for even getting up in the morning.
If this begins to occur in our lives, when it comes time for us to decide what
to do with our “plenty,” we will have a mindset not to consume, but to
worship. </span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19pt;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12556759916696263374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161180437390622444.post-82578317781559927812012-06-14T22:08:00.001-05:002012-06-14T22:23:17.311-05:00The Underestimated God: God’s ruthless, compassionate grace in the pursuit of his own glory and his ministers’ joy. : Together for the Gospel<a href="http://t4g.org/media/2012/04/the-underestimated-god-gods-ruthless-compassionate-grace-in-the-pursuit-of-his-own-glory-and-his-ministers-joy/#.T9qnDTtmdbI.blogger">The Underestimated God: God’s ruthless, compassionate grace in the pursuit of his own glory and his ministers’ joy. : Together for the Gospel</a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chill bumps and tears listening to this sermon.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12556759916696263374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161180437390622444.post-3914623157081882982012-06-08T09:26:00.002-05:002012-06-08T09:26:13.519-05:00Read the story. Watch the video. Then redouble your efforts to be a servant to your spouse. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/38033654">http://vimeo.com/38033654</a>Debbie Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09406785232604405030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1161180437390622444.post-42326527776568234752012-05-31T20:04:00.001-05:002012-05-31T20:04:34.735-05:00Holding my Breath While Reading the Book of Numbers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">My personal bible study goal with the Lord is to read
through the whole Bible each year.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">I
have been doing this for a long time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">I
don’t always get through the whole Bible each year, but that is always my
goal.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">This year, I decided to shake
things up a little bit and read the New Testament first and then started on the
Old Testament.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Reading the Pentateuch is always an interesting time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, we know that “All Scripture is breathed
out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for
training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).” I have to constantly remind myself of
verses like these when I’m in the midst of a book like Numbers, reading about
the arrangement of the camp in Chapter 2 or the census of the Israelites in
Chapter 26.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we aren’t careful, we
may want to skip over sections like these, preferring instead to find some
quick verses we can pull out that we think are more “applicable” passages to
our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve heard people use
descriptions like “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” or “God’s Roadmap
for Life” for God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While these
phrases are not wrong and actually are quite helpful at times, I think it is
important to remember that God’s Word is a book that is about <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God</i></b>,
not us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I approach the Word in a
self-centered way, I might not ever read books like Numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, God jumped off the pages at me in
the book of Numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These past few months of my life have offered up some
of the most challenging trials to my trust in God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My husband and I are approaching our 10 year wedding
anniversary (June 1<sup>st</sup>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
a milestone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a time for
thanksgiving and appreciation to the Lord for all that He has taught us, how he
has used us in ministry and how he has sustained us over the course of our
marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is all true, but
underneath the surface, there’s something that seems to be missing:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we have not yet experienced the joy and blessing
of parenthood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the last couple of
years, I feel like I been holding my breath waiting for motherhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We began “trying” a few years ago and it didn’t take
long for us to figure out that something was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we didn’t really have a name for our
problem until a few months ago. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This brings me back to Numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know the Pentateuch as a whole contains
several stories of women waiting on the Lord for children, but this isn’t where
God spoke to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, He spoke to me in
the midst of the years and years of toil of his people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Egypt…. Sojourning through the
wilderness…. at the edge of the Promised Land…. the intricacies of the laws of
purification, the duty of the Levites, the genealogies of His people… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is all this information recorded in the
Bible?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it just so we’d have a history
of the Israelites to go back and refer to?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No, something else is going on in these passages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we have a man-centered view of the Word,
we might miss it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But with a
God-centered view, it jumps off the pages:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is preparing the world for something – something that was planned
before the foundations of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before Adam and Eve were even created;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before Abraham was called out to leave his people and
his country in search of another;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before Sarah was given Isaac;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before Rachel’s womb was opened and became fruitful;
and <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before Caleb went and spied out the land of milk and
honey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God planned to send Jesus to be the perfect spotless
sacrifice for the sins of man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you
see it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you see the plan unfolding
in Numbers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Gospel is there:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">it’s in the sacrificial
system;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">it’s in the story of God
calling Abraham;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Can you see the character of God in the construction
of the tabernacle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What God showed me in the midst of Numbers this Spring
is that life is hard, but God has a plan that is much bigger than my life and
my desire for motherhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be a
mom right NOW, but is this what God wants?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I honestly don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must
surrender my desires to Him and realize that in his master plan, there is a
time for everything and I cannot make Him operate by my timetable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must submit my plans to his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to stop holding my breath and putting
my life on pause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly believe that
God desires motherhood for my life, whether biologically or thru adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I read Numbers, I see the patience of
God, the love of God, the glory of God, the justice of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is my ultimate desire for my life to glorify
Him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, I must submit to His timing…
and trust the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12556759916696263374noreply@blogger.com0