Friends,
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes that to every thing there is a season. And for us, right now, we have to tear some thngs down so that we may have a time to rebuild in the future. It is with a heavy heart that we are saying good-bye to this season in our life. We have shared with you our story and what the Lord has done. We are now believing for Him to do an even greater work in our life and marriage. With the encouragement and advice from our pastors and friends they believe that this blog keeps us reliving the pain of the past, and we need to break some more ties.
We will keep the blog up so that you may go back to read and reread the truths shared through this blog. The Lord only knows if we will ever post to this site again and what our future holds. We ask that you would continue to pray for us as we pray for you.
We have loved the opportunity that you have allowed us to minister His grace to you and encourage you through dark times. We will leave you with a truth that is greater than any force the enemy may bring against us....God is BIGGER!!!
We love you! Good-bye.
Josh and Serena
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Healing and Wholeness
The Bible makes an important distinction between being cured/healed and being made whole. Jesus could cure people because of his intense love, but if they wanted to be well or whole, they had to enter into a faith relationship with him.
Our favorite example of this is best seen in the story of the cleansing of the 10 lepers (Lk 17:11-19). The story says that by the power of Jesus’ word, all 10 of the lepers were cleansed of their skin disease. Jesus’ intense love, even at a distance, could re-create a person just as that love once created them.
As in many cases in the Gospel, this cure was an invitation to be made whole. One man came back and entered into a faith relationship with Jesus. His bowing down to worship him was an indication of his decision. Jesus says to him, "Your faith has made you well." Ten were cured, but only one was "made well" or made whole. He used the cure as an invitation to be made whole.
There are different words in the Greek text of the gospel for being "cured" and being "made whole." In verse 15 of this story, the Greek word iathe is used to describe that the 10 lepers were cured; that is, their skin was cleansed. In Mk 1:34 and other places in the gospels, the Greek word etheropoisen is used to describe people being physically cured, but in verse 19 of this story, the word sesoken is used which means to be "made well." It can include the meaning of being physically cured, but it describes being made well on a larger perspective. The Gospels tell us that the intense love of Jesus cures people, even if they do not know him, but if the cured person enters a faith relationship with Jesus, they are "made well" or "saved." They will be well forever. The healing ministry of Jesus demonstrated the power of his love and his deep desire to invite people to wholeness, an eternal love relationship with him.
Jesus never said our faith "cured" us. Jesus cured out of love for people, and if the person returned that love by entering into a commitment to him, he would say, "Your faith has made you well." In the Gospel, a person was described as being well only if they had chosen to connect themselves to God through a commitment. One of the unique things about Jesus’ healing ministry is that it always had an eternal goal; the salvation or wholeness of the person. His healing ministry was the most powerful tool for drawing people into that saving, eternal relationship. We are called to be doing the same. Everything Jesus does is to bring glory to Him.
As people are turning more and more to natural ways of taking care of themselves, the words healing and wholeness tend to be used quite often and interchangeably. In reality, they mean two different things!
When people perceive themselves to be sick, or actually suffering from one or more discomforts, the first reaction is to take something or do something to put an end to the suffering. It may be tylenol, alcohol, or something stronger, or a therapy of some kind. If we are successful at it, and the suffering ends, and we are tempted to say that we are all better.
Wholeness has little to do with the removal or ending of symptoms. God desires to make us whole. We can receive healing, and our symptoms will disappear, and we think we are okay. Healing is basically the result of putting right our wrong relationships with our bodies. Instead of desiring freedom from our problems we need to get to the root of the problem and desire wholeness. Wholeness may often be an uncomfortable process, but always empowering. Christ can make us whole through His love, but this might involve digging deeper to see what else is left to be dealt with.
As we are made whole, it may appear that we are coming apart at the seams. We begin to see aspects of ourselves that we were unaware of or unable to acknowledge. But as we begin the process of discovery, acknowlegement and alignment, we give God all of those areas. He is given permission to change us; He is not going to make us whole without our permission. We must ask.
If we only desire healing our old thought patterns, old emotions, and rigid ways of being are still going to be around, and they will cause symptoms to arise. In healing, no new magic is put into us, and nothing is taken out.
Wholeness implies that God wants to eliminate our diseases, symptoms, or crises. We want God to remove the whole disease, not just the symptoms. We don't want flare ups; we want to be made whole. Typically, people want help when the indicators of illness can no longer be ignored. Within marriage...and diseased relationshipas, spiritual or physical signs and symptoms will be too difficult to ignore and the recommendation of counseling will be offered. If that fails, divorce will follow. However, if, after a cetain course of treatment, the signs and symptoms no longer exist, we declare the person healed.
Curing has an important role. It offers us the gift of time so we may better understand the deeper significance of our diseases. Curing can also offer us a greater degree of hope and comfort to facilitate the process of healing. This can be beneficial. We get this. However, even in the medical world today, the process stops with the cure. Wholeness is rarely, if ever, encountered. We assume because we have done all of the right things that we are fine. God desires to make us whole. We want to be made whole.
Wholeness leaves no room for man to say they had anything to do with the process. Many marriages are healed, and the people feel empowered. Wholeness involves surrenduring control of our inner and outer experiences. Healing involves an attempt to control these experiences. Wholeness causes unprovoked forgiveness. Healing seeks to label the effects (not the causes) of disease, place blame, promote victimization, and give explanations and excuses for undesirable experiences.
We should be asking for God to make us whole. No matter what we may be going through, wholeness will bring us to greater heights. Be warned it might just hurt, too! Wholeness brings us peace, and allows us to live in peace. God is continuing to reveal to us that the process of healing MUST move into wholeness or the symptoms will creep back into our lives. Our desire is to see all of us made whole, not just to remove ourselves from the situation like someone with a breathing problem moves to a different location because it's better for their health. Not like someone allergic to animals or foods just eliminate the reaction--let's ask God to remove the allergy!! We want completeness in Him, and no further symptoms.
Josh and Serena
Our favorite example of this is best seen in the story of the cleansing of the 10 lepers (Lk 17:11-19). The story says that by the power of Jesus’ word, all 10 of the lepers were cleansed of their skin disease. Jesus’ intense love, even at a distance, could re-create a person just as that love once created them.
As in many cases in the Gospel, this cure was an invitation to be made whole. One man came back and entered into a faith relationship with Jesus. His bowing down to worship him was an indication of his decision. Jesus says to him, "Your faith has made you well." Ten were cured, but only one was "made well" or made whole. He used the cure as an invitation to be made whole.
There are different words in the Greek text of the gospel for being "cured" and being "made whole." In verse 15 of this story, the Greek word iathe is used to describe that the 10 lepers were cured; that is, their skin was cleansed. In Mk 1:34 and other places in the gospels, the Greek word etheropoisen is used to describe people being physically cured, but in verse 19 of this story, the word sesoken is used which means to be "made well." It can include the meaning of being physically cured, but it describes being made well on a larger perspective. The Gospels tell us that the intense love of Jesus cures people, even if they do not know him, but if the cured person enters a faith relationship with Jesus, they are "made well" or "saved." They will be well forever. The healing ministry of Jesus demonstrated the power of his love and his deep desire to invite people to wholeness, an eternal love relationship with him.
Jesus never said our faith "cured" us. Jesus cured out of love for people, and if the person returned that love by entering into a commitment to him, he would say, "Your faith has made you well." In the Gospel, a person was described as being well only if they had chosen to connect themselves to God through a commitment. One of the unique things about Jesus’ healing ministry is that it always had an eternal goal; the salvation or wholeness of the person. His healing ministry was the most powerful tool for drawing people into that saving, eternal relationship. We are called to be doing the same. Everything Jesus does is to bring glory to Him.
As people are turning more and more to natural ways of taking care of themselves, the words healing and wholeness tend to be used quite often and interchangeably. In reality, they mean two different things!
When people perceive themselves to be sick, or actually suffering from one or more discomforts, the first reaction is to take something or do something to put an end to the suffering. It may be tylenol, alcohol, or something stronger, or a therapy of some kind. If we are successful at it, and the suffering ends, and we are tempted to say that we are all better.
Wholeness has little to do with the removal or ending of symptoms. God desires to make us whole. We can receive healing, and our symptoms will disappear, and we think we are okay. Healing is basically the result of putting right our wrong relationships with our bodies. Instead of desiring freedom from our problems we need to get to the root of the problem and desire wholeness. Wholeness may often be an uncomfortable process, but always empowering. Christ can make us whole through His love, but this might involve digging deeper to see what else is left to be dealt with.
As we are made whole, it may appear that we are coming apart at the seams. We begin to see aspects of ourselves that we were unaware of or unable to acknowledge. But as we begin the process of discovery, acknowlegement and alignment, we give God all of those areas. He is given permission to change us; He is not going to make us whole without our permission. We must ask.
If we only desire healing our old thought patterns, old emotions, and rigid ways of being are still going to be around, and they will cause symptoms to arise. In healing, no new magic is put into us, and nothing is taken out.
Wholeness implies that God wants to eliminate our diseases, symptoms, or crises. We want God to remove the whole disease, not just the symptoms. We don't want flare ups; we want to be made whole. Typically, people want help when the indicators of illness can no longer be ignored. Within marriage...and diseased relationshipas, spiritual or physical signs and symptoms will be too difficult to ignore and the recommendation of counseling will be offered. If that fails, divorce will follow. However, if, after a cetain course of treatment, the signs and symptoms no longer exist, we declare the person healed.
Curing has an important role. It offers us the gift of time so we may better understand the deeper significance of our diseases. Curing can also offer us a greater degree of hope and comfort to facilitate the process of healing. This can be beneficial. We get this. However, even in the medical world today, the process stops with the cure. Wholeness is rarely, if ever, encountered. We assume because we have done all of the right things that we are fine. God desires to make us whole. We want to be made whole.
Wholeness leaves no room for man to say they had anything to do with the process. Many marriages are healed, and the people feel empowered. Wholeness involves surrenduring control of our inner and outer experiences. Healing involves an attempt to control these experiences. Wholeness causes unprovoked forgiveness. Healing seeks to label the effects (not the causes) of disease, place blame, promote victimization, and give explanations and excuses for undesirable experiences.
We should be asking for God to make us whole. No matter what we may be going through, wholeness will bring us to greater heights. Be warned it might just hurt, too! Wholeness brings us peace, and allows us to live in peace. God is continuing to reveal to us that the process of healing MUST move into wholeness or the symptoms will creep back into our lives. Our desire is to see all of us made whole, not just to remove ourselves from the situation like someone with a breathing problem moves to a different location because it's better for their health. Not like someone allergic to animals or foods just eliminate the reaction--let's ask God to remove the allergy!! We want completeness in Him, and no further symptoms.
Josh and Serena
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Facing the Past
The past few days we have been on the road, visiting family in California, and celebrating with family. It has been a great trip being with loved ones. However, coming back to a place where we had our greatest failures is a very difficult task.
We do really well on not dwelling on the past. We prefer not to discuss the hurt or the things that bring up the hurt. We will relive and recount the past as often as we need to in order for us to minister to people, steal power back from the devil, and to glorify God. But, even just being in this place can bring up hurt and pains from the past.
The pain from the past, we seem to think, will always hurt at least a little bit. Even after 4 years of healing and restoration the wounds inflicted still have a sting to them. Not quite as potent as they were when fresh they still have some bite. But, the important thing is that we don't stay in that wounded state.
Because those wounds inflicted are often so deep, it is easy to slip into the pain once again. But, this is what the enemy's plan is. His plan to revisit the past and make it present and relevant again is to cause you to live in the pain and wounds of a past experience. This is why it is so important for us to take every thought captive. This is why we focus on the present and active work of Jesus Christ on and through the cross.
Wounds of the past that have healed are similar to phantom pains that amputees experience. A major surgery took place and a damaged part of their body has been removed. They still feel some of the pain that the removed limb felt. Although the wound is no longer present, the memories of the past wound still come to the surface.
As long as we don't focus on that pain it will subside. It will subside because the healing is complete....because the restoration is done....because Jesus completed His work on the cross, and as we stay submitted to His hand, the work in us will continue to be finished.
Facing the past but moving forward....
Josh and Serena
We do really well on not dwelling on the past. We prefer not to discuss the hurt or the things that bring up the hurt. We will relive and recount the past as often as we need to in order for us to minister to people, steal power back from the devil, and to glorify God. But, even just being in this place can bring up hurt and pains from the past.
The pain from the past, we seem to think, will always hurt at least a little bit. Even after 4 years of healing and restoration the wounds inflicted still have a sting to them. Not quite as potent as they were when fresh they still have some bite. But, the important thing is that we don't stay in that wounded state.
Because those wounds inflicted are often so deep, it is easy to slip into the pain once again. But, this is what the enemy's plan is. His plan to revisit the past and make it present and relevant again is to cause you to live in the pain and wounds of a past experience. This is why it is so important for us to take every thought captive. This is why we focus on the present and active work of Jesus Christ on and through the cross.
Wounds of the past that have healed are similar to phantom pains that amputees experience. A major surgery took place and a damaged part of their body has been removed. They still feel some of the pain that the removed limb felt. Although the wound is no longer present, the memories of the past wound still come to the surface.
As long as we don't focus on that pain it will subside. It will subside because the healing is complete....because the restoration is done....because Jesus completed His work on the cross, and as we stay submitted to His hand, the work in us will continue to be finished.
Facing the past but moving forward....
Josh and Serena
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
4 Years
Today is the 4 year anniversary of Josh's return home. It has been a wild ride of redemption, healing, and restoration. We are planning on doing some celebrating over the weekend. It is important to remember the days that we saw the hand of God move mightily on our behalf.
Over the past 4 years we have seen God's hand move on, around, and in us in such amazing ways. We have seen him remove us from positions of authority to allow us to be placed in places of influence. We have seen Him take pain and give us joy unspeakable. We have seen His hand of provision move us across the country 3 times without extra debt. We have seen Him take the ashes of a mediocre marriage and give us one of beauty. We have seen Him take the testing of our faith and turn it into a solid foundation. We have seen Him rebuild marriages around us as His testimony is being told though our lives.
4 years ago it was hard to imagine that this day would ever come. When the wounds were fresh it is hard to believe that things will ever change. But, God is faithful!! He did what no man or power on earth could have ever done. We praise you, Jesus, for where you have brought us from and where you have brought us to.
Your story being written today may not look just like ours and your outcome might be a little different. The path that He leads you on may look and feel differently than ours. But, this much we know....if you will keep holding on, keep believing that He will, and NEVER give up...our basis for our testimony will one day be yours also. That testimony is this...God is bigger and He is ALWAYS faithful!!!
Prodigals DO COME HOME!! And we know this! Happy Anniversary!
Josh and Serena
Over the past 4 years we have seen God's hand move on, around, and in us in such amazing ways. We have seen him remove us from positions of authority to allow us to be placed in places of influence. We have seen Him take pain and give us joy unspeakable. We have seen His hand of provision move us across the country 3 times without extra debt. We have seen Him take the ashes of a mediocre marriage and give us one of beauty. We have seen Him take the testing of our faith and turn it into a solid foundation. We have seen Him rebuild marriages around us as His testimony is being told though our lives.
4 years ago it was hard to imagine that this day would ever come. When the wounds were fresh it is hard to believe that things will ever change. But, God is faithful!! He did what no man or power on earth could have ever done. We praise you, Jesus, for where you have brought us from and where you have brought us to.
Your story being written today may not look just like ours and your outcome might be a little different. The path that He leads you on may look and feel differently than ours. But, this much we know....if you will keep holding on, keep believing that He will, and NEVER give up...our basis for our testimony will one day be yours also. That testimony is this...God is bigger and He is ALWAYS faithful!!!
Prodigals DO COME HOME!! And we know this! Happy Anniversary!
Josh and Serena
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Proclaiming
Do you think God has forgotten you? Please know that He has not! Even if you are reading only this blog post, know that we have written it for you! God has given us a mission to write, and we have been writing every day for almost 6 months for you. He has not forgotten you.
Continue to get to know Him, and plug into God, His character, and who He is.
Psalm 56:8-9, David proclaimed: "You number and record my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle – are they not in Your book? Then shall my enemies turn back in the day I cry out; this I know, for God is for me."
God is for YOU. Your enemies will be turned back through your prayers and intercession. During Anvient times, when an earthly king planned to visit, a messenger or herald, might be sent to announce his coming. One example would be in Genesis 41:43 when Pharaoh proclaimed for all to "bow the knee" to Joseph when he set him over all of Egypt. When Baby Jesus was born, the angels were the heralds that proclaimed the King had come as a baby. We are sure there are more examples in the Bible, but you get the picture. Important announcements seemed to get some extra attention.
The Word of God announces our Savior all the way through the Bible. The Word of God is the herald of Jesus and the Good News. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Do you have a herald proclaiming the coming of Jesus to your marriage, family, and marriage healing? Perhaps we are the only ones you know proclaiming that God heals hurting marriages, if that is so, we are honored. If there are others don’t take them lightly.
"God’s ways are higher than ours, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8
Just as many did not accept Jesus and then crucified Jesus on the cross, in this day, many will choose not to receive the Word regarding God’s power to heal, restore, redeem, and resurrect. Others rejecting the Word does not change that God has proclaimed that He heals hurting people. God remembers His covenant.
God remembers you. He is walking with you through your pain and heartbreak. He loves you and wants to heal you. He is working with us. Keep the faith, if God is for you, who can be against you? He has sent people to encourage you in your walk toward marriage healing. Surrender it to Him. He will not fail you.
"Finally,brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." II Thessalonians 3:11
God has proclaimed through His Word that He will deliver you and guard you from the evil one. He has proclaimed that we are to pray so that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified! We should always pray, and not faint, and always know that God remembers us. We are not forgotten.
Continue to get to know Him, and plug into God, His character, and who He is.
Psalm 56:8-9, David proclaimed: "You number and record my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle – are they not in Your book? Then shall my enemies turn back in the day I cry out; this I know, for God is for me."
God is for YOU. Your enemies will be turned back through your prayers and intercession. During Anvient times, when an earthly king planned to visit, a messenger or herald, might be sent to announce his coming. One example would be in Genesis 41:43 when Pharaoh proclaimed for all to "bow the knee" to Joseph when he set him over all of Egypt. When Baby Jesus was born, the angels were the heralds that proclaimed the King had come as a baby. We are sure there are more examples in the Bible, but you get the picture. Important announcements seemed to get some extra attention.
The Word of God announces our Savior all the way through the Bible. The Word of God is the herald of Jesus and the Good News. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Do you have a herald proclaiming the coming of Jesus to your marriage, family, and marriage healing? Perhaps we are the only ones you know proclaiming that God heals hurting marriages, if that is so, we are honored. If there are others don’t take them lightly.
"God’s ways are higher than ours, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8
Just as many did not accept Jesus and then crucified Jesus on the cross, in this day, many will choose not to receive the Word regarding God’s power to heal, restore, redeem, and resurrect. Others rejecting the Word does not change that God has proclaimed that He heals hurting people. God remembers His covenant.
God remembers you. He is walking with you through your pain and heartbreak. He loves you and wants to heal you. He is working with us. Keep the faith, if God is for you, who can be against you? He has sent people to encourage you in your walk toward marriage healing. Surrender it to Him. He will not fail you.
"Finally,brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." II Thessalonians 3:11
God has proclaimed through His Word that He will deliver you and guard you from the evil one. He has proclaimed that we are to pray so that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified! We should always pray, and not faint, and always know that God remembers us. We are not forgotten.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Are You Doubting?
Many of us want proof. Many of us, like Thomas, want to feel the holes in his hands. We want signs, in the flesh, that what we are doing is right. We want God's promises to be real--to feel real.
"Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." John 20:24-25
Thomas was a realist, like many of us. So, let us not be too quick to judge, as many of us keep asking, "is this real?" We were just talking the other day about how easily disappointed we can become when things don't seem to be working out, just right. Thomas had placed his hope and his trust in Jesus. Now it was three days after the crucifixion and Thomas was crushed, thinking all his hopes and dreams had been dashed. He had withdrawn to be by himself. He wasn't with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them. Even when he observed the joy of the other apostles - their wonder, their belief, their conviction - he was not in the frame of mind to be swayed by mere words. No, Thomas wanted a sign in the flesh. He wanted to place his hands in the wounds made by the nails and touch the side where the sword had pierced his beloved Jesus. He wanted to see Jesus, to touch Jesus, to hold on to Him in the flesh.
How often are we just like Thomas? Doubting the promises because we see nothing in the natural realm? Afraid to believe unless we can "touch" the promises? Wanting confirmation here on earth of what He has already promised us is done in the heavenlies? Oh how we long for earthly signs when our faith in His promises should be all that we need.
"But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." James 1:6
We cannot ask and then not believe. We cannot stand one day and doubt the next. We must be firm in our belief; firm in our hope; firm in our stand. We need to throw off this all too human nature to crave in the flesh what is promised in the spirit. How often do we say, "Do something, God, then I'll believe." But this is not the way God wants it. He wants us to believe first, then He will do something. God parted the Jordan for the priests who carried the Ark - but they had to step into it first.
"A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." John 20:26-27
Jesus' words to Thomas are His words to us - stop doubting and believe. Believe in your heart that His promises are true. Believe in your soul that that it is done. Circumstances are just that - circumstances. They are ever changing and often not what they seem. Don't let the things of this earth cloud your belief or dictate your faith. Believe without seeing.
"Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:28-29
We have mentioned Jairus recently, but his store warrants a review. If you look closely at the story of Jairus's daughter, the circumstances told Jesus it was too late. The things of this earth told him there was no hope.
Is this where you are right now? Jesus did NOT make it in the right time frame. You have come to Jesus with the hope of a miracle and now it seems that it will not happen for you? Have you fought your way through the crowds and those who attempt to keep you away from Jesus only to have circumstances tell you its too late?
"Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed. When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep." Luke 8:50-52
Jarius began to hope, with the words, "Just believe." With these same words, He brings new hope into our lives as well, if we will just stop doubting and believe. At some point we have to stop being Thomas, and start believing without needing to feel the holes. We have to hope against hope, like Jairus. If Jesus said, "Believe!" We have to believe. We have to just decided to stop doubting and start living His promises.
You have a choice to believe or not to believe? What have you decided to do? Whom do you choose to believe? The Lord or the enemy? If the Lord was to walk into your home and tell you His entire plan for your life and marriage, would you follow Him? He wants each of us to trust and follow Him one step and one day at a time.
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Acts 16:31
"Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." John 20:24-25
Thomas was a realist, like many of us. So, let us not be too quick to judge, as many of us keep asking, "is this real?" We were just talking the other day about how easily disappointed we can become when things don't seem to be working out, just right. Thomas had placed his hope and his trust in Jesus. Now it was three days after the crucifixion and Thomas was crushed, thinking all his hopes and dreams had been dashed. He had withdrawn to be by himself. He wasn't with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them. Even when he observed the joy of the other apostles - their wonder, their belief, their conviction - he was not in the frame of mind to be swayed by mere words. No, Thomas wanted a sign in the flesh. He wanted to place his hands in the wounds made by the nails and touch the side where the sword had pierced his beloved Jesus. He wanted to see Jesus, to touch Jesus, to hold on to Him in the flesh.
How often are we just like Thomas? Doubting the promises because we see nothing in the natural realm? Afraid to believe unless we can "touch" the promises? Wanting confirmation here on earth of what He has already promised us is done in the heavenlies? Oh how we long for earthly signs when our faith in His promises should be all that we need.
"But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." James 1:6
We cannot ask and then not believe. We cannot stand one day and doubt the next. We must be firm in our belief; firm in our hope; firm in our stand. We need to throw off this all too human nature to crave in the flesh what is promised in the spirit. How often do we say, "Do something, God, then I'll believe." But this is not the way God wants it. He wants us to believe first, then He will do something. God parted the Jordan for the priests who carried the Ark - but they had to step into it first.
"A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." John 20:26-27
Jesus' words to Thomas are His words to us - stop doubting and believe. Believe in your heart that His promises are true. Believe in your soul that that it is done. Circumstances are just that - circumstances. They are ever changing and often not what they seem. Don't let the things of this earth cloud your belief or dictate your faith. Believe without seeing.
"Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:28-29
We have mentioned Jairus recently, but his store warrants a review. If you look closely at the story of Jairus's daughter, the circumstances told Jesus it was too late. The things of this earth told him there was no hope.
Is this where you are right now? Jesus did NOT make it in the right time frame. You have come to Jesus with the hope of a miracle and now it seems that it will not happen for you? Have you fought your way through the crowds and those who attempt to keep you away from Jesus only to have circumstances tell you its too late?
"Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed. When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep." Luke 8:50-52
Jarius began to hope, with the words, "Just believe." With these same words, He brings new hope into our lives as well, if we will just stop doubting and believe. At some point we have to stop being Thomas, and start believing without needing to feel the holes. We have to hope against hope, like Jairus. If Jesus said, "Believe!" We have to believe. We have to just decided to stop doubting and start living His promises.
You have a choice to believe or not to believe? What have you decided to do? Whom do you choose to believe? The Lord or the enemy? If the Lord was to walk into your home and tell you His entire plan for your life and marriage, would you follow Him? He wants each of us to trust and follow Him one step and one day at a time.
"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Acts 16:31
Friday, November 11, 2011
Against All Hope
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Romans 4:18
"Against all hope" - Have you been there? Are you there now? If you have gotten to the point where you believe, without doubting, PRAISE THE LORD. But there are surely people around you who do NOT believe the same way. It looks hopeless in everyone else's eyes regarding your spouse coming home, but God has spoken to you! God hates divorce. Your Lord God can heal and restore your hopeless marriage. Believe in what the God is speaking to your heart and through His Holy Word.
There is a difference between family and friends compared to you, the one praying for a miracle with your Lord God. As it says in the Bible, "Abraham in hope believed." That is where I have been many, many times in my life and that is where you are now, waiting and expecting your prodigal to turn their heart toward your Lord and home. You must believe in hope of what the Lord has told you to do regarding your spouse and marriage! It does not say Sarah believed, without doubting. People around Abraham must not have believed either, or they would not have allowed him to sleep with Hagar. They would have encouraged him to wait for the promises of God to be fulfilled with Sarah. We understand it's hard to wait, but we also can speak of the rewards. We have scars, but they show we went through a battle and we survived. Our heart is to see all of us healed and whole, without open wounds. Or wounds sealed with anger, hurt, and bitterness.
Think of how the Holy Spirit has spoken to your heart many times about not giving up on your spouse--regardless of the present circumstances.
"Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead--since he was about a hundred years old-- and that Sarah's womb was also dead." Romans 4:19
Are you divorced? Is your spouse having an affair? Do you believe like Abraham? Do you really believe in the power of your awesome mighty God? Never, never give up on your Lord God! May I suggest you go to a mountain, a lake, a river, or a ocean. Think of how these were all created. Nothing is impossible with God. Can you even imagine how deep the father's love is for us? His desire is for His promises to be fulfilled in our lives, even more than we desire it. We get asked all of the time if it's okay to give up at some point. Never, never, never!
In Psalm 139 it says God created you and knows everything about you. But, sometimes he is requiring things of us, as a stander. Are we willing to change to be more like our Savior? Or is it all about our spouse changing? After all, they ARE the ones being "bad!"
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his fath and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:20-21
Study the scripture above; "Abraham was fully persuaded, convinced, and knew that God had power to do what He had promised." Isn't that awesome! Then why are you going through all these circumstances? The answers are in the Bible. Were you as close to the Lord prior to your marriage problems as you are now? If not, praise the Lord that He has touched and has changed your heart. Your spouse can and will come home in God's timing. His timing will be perfect for you and your family. Now you must not waver, but stand firm in total trust and being fully persuaded that God will heal your marriage.
Praise the Lord for all that He is doing in your life every day. Trust Him, believe in Him and do not fall into the devil's lies that your marriage is hopeless.
"...being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." Romans 4:21-22
It gives me chills!! What a powerful scripture. Meditate on it. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart regarding this scripture. Ask Him to remove all doubt and unbelief. Ask the Lord to increase your faith and hope.
"I do not have a promise." Is this what you feel? Ask the Lord, today, what He wants you to do regarding your marriage. If you are reading this then perhaps the Lord is giving you a promise.....
We must stop doubting and walk in faith. Do not waver, just wait for his perfect timing for your spouse to come home to your Lord and to your family!
"Against all hope" - Have you been there? Are you there now? If you have gotten to the point where you believe, without doubting, PRAISE THE LORD. But there are surely people around you who do NOT believe the same way. It looks hopeless in everyone else's eyes regarding your spouse coming home, but God has spoken to you! God hates divorce. Your Lord God can heal and restore your hopeless marriage. Believe in what the God is speaking to your heart and through His Holy Word.
There is a difference between family and friends compared to you, the one praying for a miracle with your Lord God. As it says in the Bible, "Abraham in hope believed." That is where I have been many, many times in my life and that is where you are now, waiting and expecting your prodigal to turn their heart toward your Lord and home. You must believe in hope of what the Lord has told you to do regarding your spouse and marriage! It does not say Sarah believed, without doubting. People around Abraham must not have believed either, or they would not have allowed him to sleep with Hagar. They would have encouraged him to wait for the promises of God to be fulfilled with Sarah. We understand it's hard to wait, but we also can speak of the rewards. We have scars, but they show we went through a battle and we survived. Our heart is to see all of us healed and whole, without open wounds. Or wounds sealed with anger, hurt, and bitterness.
Think of how the Holy Spirit has spoken to your heart many times about not giving up on your spouse--regardless of the present circumstances.
"Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead--since he was about a hundred years old-- and that Sarah's womb was also dead." Romans 4:19
Are you divorced? Is your spouse having an affair? Do you believe like Abraham? Do you really believe in the power of your awesome mighty God? Never, never give up on your Lord God! May I suggest you go to a mountain, a lake, a river, or a ocean. Think of how these were all created. Nothing is impossible with God. Can you even imagine how deep the father's love is for us? His desire is for His promises to be fulfilled in our lives, even more than we desire it. We get asked all of the time if it's okay to give up at some point. Never, never, never!
In Psalm 139 it says God created you and knows everything about you. But, sometimes he is requiring things of us, as a stander. Are we willing to change to be more like our Savior? Or is it all about our spouse changing? After all, they ARE the ones being "bad!"
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his fath and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:20-21
Study the scripture above; "Abraham was fully persuaded, convinced, and knew that God had power to do what He had promised." Isn't that awesome! Then why are you going through all these circumstances? The answers are in the Bible. Were you as close to the Lord prior to your marriage problems as you are now? If not, praise the Lord that He has touched and has changed your heart. Your spouse can and will come home in God's timing. His timing will be perfect for you and your family. Now you must not waver, but stand firm in total trust and being fully persuaded that God will heal your marriage.
Praise the Lord for all that He is doing in your life every day. Trust Him, believe in Him and do not fall into the devil's lies that your marriage is hopeless.
"...being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." Romans 4:21-22
It gives me chills!! What a powerful scripture. Meditate on it. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart regarding this scripture. Ask Him to remove all doubt and unbelief. Ask the Lord to increase your faith and hope.
"I do not have a promise." Is this what you feel? Ask the Lord, today, what He wants you to do regarding your marriage. If you are reading this then perhaps the Lord is giving you a promise.....
We must stop doubting and walk in faith. Do not waver, just wait for his perfect timing for your spouse to come home to your Lord and to your family!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Waiting, AGAIN!
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14
How long does it take to restore a marriage? How long must I wait for my spouse to come home? In answer to your question, may I ask you a question? How long does it take to rebuild a home that had a tornado hit and destroyed? Or that a mud slide destroyed? Or a fire or flood or an earthquake destroyed? It takes time!
Here in Colorado we have seen the devestation of a tornado; we have even, recently, seen the affects of a huge snow storm. It's been two weeks since the storm and our fence is still not fixed. It looks better than it did, but it is NOT fully restored. The tree will never have all of the same branches. This many be what you are feeling. Things have been cut away, and they will never return. Is that a bad thing? God is removing the old and beat up parts, so that he can make things new. The root system is still in tact, and we need to make sure we are rooted in the right things.
Here in Colorado we have seen the devestation of a tornado; we have even, recently, seen the affects of a huge snow storm. It's been two weeks since the storm and our fence is still not fixed. It looks better than it did, but it is NOT fully restored. The tree will never have all of the same branches. This many be what you are feeling. Things have been cut away, and they will never return. Is that a bad thing? God is removing the old and beat up parts, so that he can make things new. The root system is still in tact, and we need to make sure we are rooted in the right things.
Every circumstance is different, but we serve the same awesome mighty God, who is right there with you. God wants to rebuild and restore the disaster and devastation of your marriage for Him to get the glory, honor and praise. I hope you will make time today to read Ezekiel 36:22-through Ezekiel Chapter 37. Your spouse's salvation and walk with the Lord is the most important part of your marriage restoration. When I, Serena, was standing for Josh it got to the point that I didn't pray for my marriage the same way. Have you reached the point where you are more concerned about your husband's salvation. I remember when it changed. Josh needed Christ; I prayed that he would not die. I didn't know where he would go--heaven or hell, so I prayed!
Waiting is part of restoring a marriage. Each marriage is different just as you are different and each wedding is different. We do not understand why some people have their marriages restored in a few months compared to others in years. I do know that the Lord's timing is always perfect. Manipulating, controlling, demanding and doing it your own way, only takes you on many detour roads as your Lord is waiting for you to surrender your will and your way to His will and His way which will always be the best for you and your marriage.
God has a plan and a purpose for your life, but number one purpose is for you to put Him first and die to your own fleshly motives and personal desires. You and I have to crucify our own sinful nature, daily. I pray today you will choose to listen and obey your Lord, first, for your personal walk with your Lord to change your own heart and life and then, second, by following your Lord's instructions in having your marriage being restored.
"For I know the plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
The enemy, Satan came into your home to steal, kill and destroy your marriage and every family member. He is still around trying to discourage and defeat you with unbelief, doubt and fear. Your spouse is blinded and deceived to seeing and hearing God's truths of knowing that your marriage can be restored and rebuilt on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. God can reignite their love for you and bring romance back into your marriage. The only thing we can do is encourage you that God can/will do this; we just have to wait. AND encourage you to keep the right heart, no matter how long it takes.
You must also beware of the tricks and schemes of the enemy trying to deceive you by not wanting you to wait forever for your marriage to be resurrected from the grave of divorce. Believe in the power of your awesome mighty God. What promises has the Lord given you? Stop doubting! Believe! Did you not marry your spouse for life?
We get so mad at the devil when we hear standers doubting that they are to wait on the Lord for restoring their marriage. Why? Because the enemy is deceiving them now, as well as the spouse! Why do Christians believe that their Lord cannot save, set free or deliver their spouse from the bondages of sin or deliver them from the trap of the Satan? It hurts; we know. BUT we know God can do it, too! Is that not what we pray for in church? We pray for people to be set free, so why do we stop believing that God can do it in a marriage?
Often the enemy hits the stander with anger, bitterness, doubt, unbelief, jealousy, weariness and loneliness. How long should any one wait for their spouse to come home? How long does the Lord wait for us to come home to Him? God often waits for a lifetime for many of His children to come home. On their death bed even, at the end of their life. We have heard of people crying out to a God that they rejected and denied for possibly 40, 50 or 60 years! God waits for us.
Today, what is the enemy saying to you that are lies from the evil one trying to deceive you? Stop thinking negative thoughts that are straight from the devil.
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9
Yes, you may have to die to your own selfish desires of having a spouse meet your daily physical, emotional and financial needs, but your Lord can meet them instead.
"I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God." Psalm 38:15
Did you marry for a lifetime or only for a season? When you said your marriage vows did you mean them; "For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, til death?" We have a covenant marriage with our Lord. Allow the Lord to use you now to serve Him as you wait for your marriage to be restored.
We really try not to make it sound like the things you feel are not things we have felt, also. We just work on giving Scripture to combat those feelings. There were times I was so mad and angry at Josh. I questioned God for allowing Josh to treat me so badly. I have to admit I was frustrated at God when He did not just snap Josh out of his sinfulness or that He did not punish him for his sins!
Have you had those thoughts also? If you have, just stop and repent to your Lord. He understands and He stills loves you. God has much more grace and mercy for His children than we people do! Waiting on the Lord is not denial of your marriage being restored or your spouse being saved. Waiting on the Lord is our obedience to our Savior.
Delay is God saying "It is not time yet." God's delays are not God's denials!
"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" Isaiah 30:18
God rewards the faithful. So, if anything, stand the test of time--even if your reward is only for being faithful.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Don't Be Discouraged
We would encourage you to today to not be discouraged. Don't be discouraged because you don't see something happening. Don't be discouraged because what you think is supposed to happen hasn't yet. Many times throughout Scripture people were told to do something for a healing or a victory and it wasn't until they did that thing numerous times did it finally happen.
Joshua 6- Israel marched around Jericho once a day for 6 days and then on the 7th day the walls fell.
1 Kings 18- Elijah told his servant to look for the rain clouds. After looking 6 times with nothing to report did he see a small cloud on the 7th trip
2 Kings 5- Elisha told a man to dip in the water 7 times and on the 7th dip the man was healed of his skin disease.
Mark 8- Even Jesus prayed for a blind man twice before the full healing was evident.
So many times we put timetables on God and His work. If God hasn't done it by our schedule we will take over and do something drastic. This usually will mean a setback for us because we often mess up what God is doing.
So, don't get down simply because you have to stand for another day....or another week....or another month....or another year. You don't know what continuing to be obedient in the face of discouragement will do. This just might be your day of breakthrough!!
Take a step back...be patient...take a few long breaths...and get back to standing! God honors those that are faithful in and obedient to the task given to them.
Josh and Serena
Joshua 6- Israel marched around Jericho once a day for 6 days and then on the 7th day the walls fell.
1 Kings 18- Elijah told his servant to look for the rain clouds. After looking 6 times with nothing to report did he see a small cloud on the 7th trip
2 Kings 5- Elisha told a man to dip in the water 7 times and on the 7th dip the man was healed of his skin disease.
Mark 8- Even Jesus prayed for a blind man twice before the full healing was evident.
So many times we put timetables on God and His work. If God hasn't done it by our schedule we will take over and do something drastic. This usually will mean a setback for us because we often mess up what God is doing.
So, don't get down simply because you have to stand for another day....or another week....or another month....or another year. You don't know what continuing to be obedient in the face of discouragement will do. This just might be your day of breakthrough!!
Take a step back...be patient...take a few long breaths...and get back to standing! God honors those that are faithful in and obedient to the task given to them.
Josh and Serena
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Two Realities
Did you know that there are two realities? Yes, there are. One is the one in which we live currently; that is the one which we see before our eyes day in and day out. It's the one that sometimes we dread waking up to each morning. It is the one that we often see filled with hurts and pains that we would rather avoid.
The other reality is the one that we see through the eyes of faith. It is most easily seen when viewed through God's eyes. It is one where all of our God-given hopes and dreams are being made reality, not by our hands but by the hand of God. This other reality is the one where God designed you and destined you to live.
And did you know that you have the option as to which one you will live in? Yes, you do. You can choose to live in the hurt and pain of the one or the life and hope of the other. It's your choice. You decide which one you will live in based upon what words you speak. If you speak death, destruction, and hopelessness you will live there. If you speak life, wholeness, restoration, and peace you will live there.
The other reality is the one that we see through the eyes of faith. It is most easily seen when viewed through God's eyes. It is one where all of our God-given hopes and dreams are being made reality, not by our hands but by the hand of God. This other reality is the one where God designed you and destined you to live.
And did you know that you have the option as to which one you will live in? Yes, you do. You can choose to live in the hurt and pain of the one or the life and hope of the other. It's your choice. You decide which one you will live in based upon what words you speak. If you speak death, destruction, and hopelessness you will live there. If you speak life, wholeness, restoration, and peace you will live there.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue:
and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.OK...this is the cool part. Or the scariest part....depends on how you look at it. You may be living in the reality of a failed marriage or a messed up life. You desire to have fullness of the God-designed reality to made manifest. The cool part is that you can be living in one and speaking the other one into existence. The one that you speak about the most is the one that will begin to take over. If you speak restoration and peace in the face of hopelessness, you will have restoration and peace. Sooner or later the one that you believe and speak about will take over.
It doesn't matter what you are experiencing; what you speak is more powerful than what you see. God made it that way. That is how He operates.
Josh and Serena
It doesn't matter what you are experiencing; what you speak is more powerful than what you see. God made it that way. That is how He operates.
Josh and Serena
Monday, November 7, 2011
Doubt
Recently, we were having a conversation with a friend of ours and the subject of doubt came up. We thought it would be good if we made it a point to talk a bit about it. Jesus understood the power of faith and doubt and made it a point to do whatever was necessary to remove the doubt and reinforce the faith.
When Jesus encountered doubt at Jairus' home when He was asked to heal his daughter, He first removed all the weeping mourners. Why? Because they didn't believe that Jesus could raise the girl, they continued with their mourning.
When He found doubt in Thomas after the resurrection, He told Thomas to put his hand in the wounds on His side and to touch his nail prints in His hands. Why? So that Thomas would be able to feel that Jesus was not some sort of apparition but was, once again, flesh and blood.
I don't think Jesus is surprised by our doubts. In fact, I think He has come to expect them because of our fallen nature. However, when Jesus encountered those with great faith, He was taken aback. The centurion that came to Jesus asking for the healing of his servant. Jesus told the man He would come. But the man refused. He told Jesus to just speak the word and it would be done. This kind of faith blew Jesus away!! A Roman centurion telling Jesus that he believed in the power that Jesus possessed was almost too much for Jesus to take.
Standing for your marriage can be, and most likely will be, a lonely road. Not many around will be encouraging your faith that God will restore that which the enemy is actively tearing apart. This is why your faith in Christ and what His power can do is so extremely vital to your stand.
Doubt will be a crushing blow to your stand. Doubt cripples the full power of God. Only you and I can bring doubt to life. The enemy may plant seeds of doubt by questioning what you believe....your faith. But, you and I allow doubt to grow and prosper by not answering that question with the right answer. The devil says, "What if....?" Well, what's your answer?
Will you let your imagination run wild and think of every conceivable outcome other than the ones where God reigns supreme? Or will you boldly and loudly declare what the promises of God are, what He has spoken directly to you concerning this matter, and what the Word of God says about it? Will you proclaim the mighty power of a loving, rescuing, and restoring God in the midst of the brokenness of your life and marriage? Will you speak words of faith or believe the lies of the devil?
You may not be able to see what is happening or what will happen but that is what faith is!! The assurance of things hoped for and evidence of what isn't seen! So, you can't see your spouse coming home? Believe it anyway! You can't see your marriage restored? Believe it will be anyway.
More on this tomorrow...
Josh and Serena
When Jesus encountered doubt at Jairus' home when He was asked to heal his daughter, He first removed all the weeping mourners. Why? Because they didn't believe that Jesus could raise the girl, they continued with their mourning.
When He found doubt in Thomas after the resurrection, He told Thomas to put his hand in the wounds on His side and to touch his nail prints in His hands. Why? So that Thomas would be able to feel that Jesus was not some sort of apparition but was, once again, flesh and blood.
I don't think Jesus is surprised by our doubts. In fact, I think He has come to expect them because of our fallen nature. However, when Jesus encountered those with great faith, He was taken aback. The centurion that came to Jesus asking for the healing of his servant. Jesus told the man He would come. But the man refused. He told Jesus to just speak the word and it would be done. This kind of faith blew Jesus away!! A Roman centurion telling Jesus that he believed in the power that Jesus possessed was almost too much for Jesus to take.
Standing for your marriage can be, and most likely will be, a lonely road. Not many around will be encouraging your faith that God will restore that which the enemy is actively tearing apart. This is why your faith in Christ and what His power can do is so extremely vital to your stand.
Doubt will be a crushing blow to your stand. Doubt cripples the full power of God. Only you and I can bring doubt to life. The enemy may plant seeds of doubt by questioning what you believe....your faith. But, you and I allow doubt to grow and prosper by not answering that question with the right answer. The devil says, "What if....?" Well, what's your answer?
Will you let your imagination run wild and think of every conceivable outcome other than the ones where God reigns supreme? Or will you boldly and loudly declare what the promises of God are, what He has spoken directly to you concerning this matter, and what the Word of God says about it? Will you proclaim the mighty power of a loving, rescuing, and restoring God in the midst of the brokenness of your life and marriage? Will you speak words of faith or believe the lies of the devil?
You may not be able to see what is happening or what will happen but that is what faith is!! The assurance of things hoped for and evidence of what isn't seen! So, you can't see your spouse coming home? Believe it anyway! You can't see your marriage restored? Believe it will be anyway.
More on this tomorrow...
Josh and Serena
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Will You Be the One?
Looking out the window from our kitchen table, I can see the snow melting on the ground and dripping off our roof. As the snow melts, slowly the landscape is being revealed again. While the snow remained on the ground and kept everything covered in a blanket of white, the imperfections of the world around were masked. But, as the snow melts the imperfections of our yard and the lots surrounding our house are easily seen. And this thought begs the question....have we allowed a false sense of peace and tranquility to be present in our marriage? Have we done anything to allow for real and lasting change or have we been satisfied with a covering over of the issues because the work needed to make it right is too difficult?
This is the difference between whitewashed and being washed white. While being whitewashed may make it look better, the underlying stains and issues are still there and will come to the surface again in the process of time. But, being washed white means that we have been continually put under the power and purifying effects of water until all the impurities are removed.
Where do we stand? Where do you stand? Are we just painting over the real issues hoping that we can keep them covered up and that no one will notice? Or are we willing to allow ourselves, our spouses, and our marriage to be put under the power and purification of the Word of God until the impurities are removed?
Sometimes when this is type of personal introspection questions are put to us we would rather deflect them towards what our spouses or others are doing wrong. We would prefer to turn the microscope onto them than have our own frailties and shortcomings be seen. But, true marital restoration does not begin with your spouse; it begins with you. We're not saying that you have done anything overtly wrong. But, we must look within our own hearts first and root out what does not belong there before we can ever look into our spouse's hearts and help them.
The Bible tells us that we must dig out the giant piece of wood in our own eye before we should ever begin to assist someone else with removing the splinter from their eye. David writes in the Psalms and asks God to search him and his heart and find any wicked way in him.
You have heard us say it before and it bears repeating...marital restoration does not take the both of you. It only takes one. Will you be the one to begin the road to complete restoration by looking into your own heart and life and allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate what is there that could in some way inhibit His complete work to be accomplished in you? Will you be the one?
Josh and Serena
This is the difference between whitewashed and being washed white. While being whitewashed may make it look better, the underlying stains and issues are still there and will come to the surface again in the process of time. But, being washed white means that we have been continually put under the power and purifying effects of water until all the impurities are removed.
Where do we stand? Where do you stand? Are we just painting over the real issues hoping that we can keep them covered up and that no one will notice? Or are we willing to allow ourselves, our spouses, and our marriage to be put under the power and purification of the Word of God until the impurities are removed?
Sometimes when this is type of personal introspection questions are put to us we would rather deflect them towards what our spouses or others are doing wrong. We would prefer to turn the microscope onto them than have our own frailties and shortcomings be seen. But, true marital restoration does not begin with your spouse; it begins with you. We're not saying that you have done anything overtly wrong. But, we must look within our own hearts first and root out what does not belong there before we can ever look into our spouse's hearts and help them.
The Bible tells us that we must dig out the giant piece of wood in our own eye before we should ever begin to assist someone else with removing the splinter from their eye. David writes in the Psalms and asks God to search him and his heart and find any wicked way in him.
You have heard us say it before and it bears repeating...marital restoration does not take the both of you. It only takes one. Will you be the one to begin the road to complete restoration by looking into your own heart and life and allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate what is there that could in some way inhibit His complete work to be accomplished in you? Will you be the one?
Josh and Serena
Saturday, November 5, 2011
A Greater Response
Question: why do we let the devil into our marriages so easily? Why do we think it is OK for him to come in and wreak havoc with little to no response from us? He comes in and causes confusion, strife, and hurts and we just sit by and let him.
If this were to happen in the natural world that we live in, we would put a stop to it. If someone came into your house by force and began to tear apart your home and all that you hold dear, you would do something to stop that individual. Maybe you would call the police or take action yourself. You would stand between the attack from this foe even if it meant death for you but life to the members of your household. You would count the cost in an instant and know that the people that you care about were worth the sacrifice that you might be called upon to make.
Oh, but when it comes to our marriages so often we just sit by and watch the enemy plunder and rape the life that we have been given. As strife between us and our spouse increases we sit by and watch rather than do something....ANYTHING....to make the devil stop. The enemy is driving a wedge between you and your spouse with a 10lb sledge and we rationalize it and say that we are drifting apart. When two things have been sewn together, like you and your spouse have been, you don't just drift apart. The enemy is actively targeting you both to rip you apart. And we just sit by and watch....
Our response to the attack of the enemy should be one that is greater than the attack. If he is tearing at you, bind your hearts tighter together. When he is driving that wedge between you, do whatever you must to find a way to bridge the gap that is forming. We should respond with an offensive that is as great if not greater than the attack coming against us.
Our marriages hold a greater value than the things that we have within our homes. We must begin to view our marriages as one of our greatest possessions. And if we do that we will begin to fight for them to the death. Your marriage is worth it!!
Josh and Serena
If this were to happen in the natural world that we live in, we would put a stop to it. If someone came into your house by force and began to tear apart your home and all that you hold dear, you would do something to stop that individual. Maybe you would call the police or take action yourself. You would stand between the attack from this foe even if it meant death for you but life to the members of your household. You would count the cost in an instant and know that the people that you care about were worth the sacrifice that you might be called upon to make.
Oh, but when it comes to our marriages so often we just sit by and watch the enemy plunder and rape the life that we have been given. As strife between us and our spouse increases we sit by and watch rather than do something....ANYTHING....to make the devil stop. The enemy is driving a wedge between you and your spouse with a 10lb sledge and we rationalize it and say that we are drifting apart. When two things have been sewn together, like you and your spouse have been, you don't just drift apart. The enemy is actively targeting you both to rip you apart. And we just sit by and watch....
Our response to the attack of the enemy should be one that is greater than the attack. If he is tearing at you, bind your hearts tighter together. When he is driving that wedge between you, do whatever you must to find a way to bridge the gap that is forming. We should respond with an offensive that is as great if not greater than the attack coming against us.
Our marriages hold a greater value than the things that we have within our homes. We must begin to view our marriages as one of our greatest possessions. And if we do that we will begin to fight for them to the death. Your marriage is worth it!!
Josh and Serena
Friday, November 4, 2011
Never Too Late
When is it time to throw in the towel? When is it time to give up? When is it time to move on with your life? The answer...NEVER!!! It's never time to throw in the towel on your marriage! It's never time to give up on your marriage OR your spouse!! It's never time to move on with your life away from your spouse!!
In the Bible, there is a story about one of Jesus' close friends, Lazarus (John 11). The Bible says that someone came to Jesus while He was out ministering and told Him that Lazarus was sick and that Jesus should come. Jesus didn't come to His close friend's aid. In fact, He PROLONGED His time away so that Lazarus was dead for 4 days!! Jesus didn't even make haste to heal His friend. He let him die.
Maybe you feel like you are at this point. You have done everything that all the marriage books have said. You have done everything that your pastor has said. You've asked our advice and have done that too. And none of it has worked. This is not to say that what you did was wrong. But, maybe the Lord has something else in mind for what He is doing with you. Maybe He is allowing everything to get to its absolute worst state....even to the point of stinking like rotting flesh.
Back to John 11....Jesus told His disciples before they left that this sickness was not unto death but to the glory of God. Even if it looked like death, smelled like death, and WAS death...it was not too great for Jesus. What Jesus was going to do was going to glorify the Father and cause those that did not believe to believe. Jesus came to tomb, prayed a prayer, and then called Lazarus out from the tomb. AND LAZARUS RESPONDED!!!
So, your marriage is dead. You've signed the divorce papers. You or your spouse has moved out. Everything that can be done has been done. Your hurt, wounded, and confused. You don't understand how God could have let this happen. Why didn't God step in and make this nightmare go away? Why couldn't He save your marriage like some of the testimonies you have heard about? Why couldn't your story be more like Josh and Serena's story? Why? Because God's intention for you and your marriage is different than anyone else's.
Jesus spoke plainly that Lazarus was dead and that He was going to wait before going to him. It may seem like Jesus is not showing up in your marriage. It may seem like He has forgotten you and your plight. It may seem like He doesn't care. But, oh, how Jesus cares!!! He cared so much for Lazarus that He wept when He saw the tomb. He weeps at where He sees you right now. He weeps for what you are faithfully walking through.
He knows that you called for Him. He heard your every prayer. His heart breaks for the same things that have broken yours. But, He is not sitting by idly watching you deal with all of this. He is actively and purposefully working out His plan in you. He waited for Lazarus to die; He might be waiting for your marriage to fully die. Why would Jesus be so cruel, you might ask? But, He's not being cruel. He is working so that the Father will receive the most glory out of the situation. He is waiting for death to set in so that the full power of the Almighty can be seen and easily recognized through the complete restoration that he is causing to happen in your life and marriage.
Don't assume that because Jesus has waited in showing up that He doesn't care. Don't assume that because the marriage is dead that He is not powerful enough to speak life back into it. Look at the words of Jesus in John 11...
And look at the prayer that Jesus prayed...
In the Bible, there is a story about one of Jesus' close friends, Lazarus (John 11). The Bible says that someone came to Jesus while He was out ministering and told Him that Lazarus was sick and that Jesus should come. Jesus didn't come to His close friend's aid. In fact, He PROLONGED His time away so that Lazarus was dead for 4 days!! Jesus didn't even make haste to heal His friend. He let him die.
Maybe you feel like you are at this point. You have done everything that all the marriage books have said. You have done everything that your pastor has said. You've asked our advice and have done that too. And none of it has worked. This is not to say that what you did was wrong. But, maybe the Lord has something else in mind for what He is doing with you. Maybe He is allowing everything to get to its absolute worst state....even to the point of stinking like rotting flesh.
Back to John 11....Jesus told His disciples before they left that this sickness was not unto death but to the glory of God. Even if it looked like death, smelled like death, and WAS death...it was not too great for Jesus. What Jesus was going to do was going to glorify the Father and cause those that did not believe to believe. Jesus came to tomb, prayed a prayer, and then called Lazarus out from the tomb. AND LAZARUS RESPONDED!!!
So, your marriage is dead. You've signed the divorce papers. You or your spouse has moved out. Everything that can be done has been done. Your hurt, wounded, and confused. You don't understand how God could have let this happen. Why didn't God step in and make this nightmare go away? Why couldn't He save your marriage like some of the testimonies you have heard about? Why couldn't your story be more like Josh and Serena's story? Why? Because God's intention for you and your marriage is different than anyone else's.
Jesus spoke plainly that Lazarus was dead and that He was going to wait before going to him. It may seem like Jesus is not showing up in your marriage. It may seem like He has forgotten you and your plight. It may seem like He doesn't care. But, oh, how Jesus cares!!! He cared so much for Lazarus that He wept when He saw the tomb. He weeps at where He sees you right now. He weeps for what you are faithfully walking through.
He knows that you called for Him. He heard your every prayer. His heart breaks for the same things that have broken yours. But, He is not sitting by idly watching you deal with all of this. He is actively and purposefully working out His plan in you. He waited for Lazarus to die; He might be waiting for your marriage to fully die. Why would Jesus be so cruel, you might ask? But, He's not being cruel. He is working so that the Father will receive the most glory out of the situation. He is waiting for death to set in so that the full power of the Almighty can be seen and easily recognized through the complete restoration that he is causing to happen in your life and marriage.
Don't assume that because Jesus has waited in showing up that He doesn't care. Don't assume that because the marriage is dead that He is not powerful enough to speak life back into it. Look at the words of Jesus in John 11...
25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Believest thou this?
And look at the prayer that Jesus prayed...
vs. 41 Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42And I knew that thou hearest me always:
but because of the people which stand by I said it,
that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
It's NEVER too late!! NEVER!!!
Believest thou this?
Josh and Serena
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Mayberry
When we think of living the Christian life and things associated with Christ, we often let our minds wander to a dangerous place of complacency. For some reason we think that because we are Christians or because we are doing the "right" thing that somehow, someway life will be like Mayberry. No real troubles to speak of, everyone gets along, and whistling is being played as the background music to life. But, if you have been alive for any length of time, you come to realize rather quickly that life is not like Mayberry.
When we accepted Jesus into our hearts as Lord and Savior (if you haven't and want to, email us...we would be so happy to share the good news of Jesus with you), we did not sign up for a life of ease. Our life of ease and fulfilled desires will come when we are in the presence of the King for eternity. We signed up, unbeknownst to us, to a life of continual contention against the enemy of our souls. Whenever we desire to be who we were designed to be, live a life glorifying to God, or maintain a marriage that is God-honoring we must expect to find ourselves fighting to do so.
The devil does not want us to be close to God, resemble God, or be victorious like God. Since he cannot defeat God he will endeavor to make those that resemble God fall. This is why we find ourselves always seeming to struggle to keep our heads above water. This is why it is so hard to be who we are supposed to be or have the marriage that we were destined to have. The enemy doesn't want you to win because it only reminds him that he has already lost and nothing is going to change that outcome.
But, we have a hope. The Bible says that the One in us is greater than he that is in the world (1 John4:4). It's not saying that we will never find ourselves in a situation that we cannot handle. It's saying that whatever we face from the world or the enemy that the One we have living on the inside is greater!! No matter how big or frightening that which opposes us is, Jesus on the inside is greater. We don't have access to some second-rate god or some bargain-basement power. The One living on the inside of us is the same One that spoke all of creation into existence and continues to hold the past, present, and future in the palm of His hand.
Standing for your marriage is no walk in the park. Let's not kid ourselves. Some days it can be downright hellish. But, it doesn' matter what changes from one day to the next. It doesn't matter what opposes you today or tomorrow. The God that has graciously come to reside and abide inside of us has already defeated every foe. So, stand knowing that God is on your side and He has promised to NEVER leave you.
Life may not always look like Mayberry. Actually, it may never look like Mayberry. It might look a little more like Vietnam or Afghanistan. But, in the end....you win because He won!!
Josh and Serena
When we accepted Jesus into our hearts as Lord and Savior (if you haven't and want to, email us...we would be so happy to share the good news of Jesus with you), we did not sign up for a life of ease. Our life of ease and fulfilled desires will come when we are in the presence of the King for eternity. We signed up, unbeknownst to us, to a life of continual contention against the enemy of our souls. Whenever we desire to be who we were designed to be, live a life glorifying to God, or maintain a marriage that is God-honoring we must expect to find ourselves fighting to do so.
The devil does not want us to be close to God, resemble God, or be victorious like God. Since he cannot defeat God he will endeavor to make those that resemble God fall. This is why we find ourselves always seeming to struggle to keep our heads above water. This is why it is so hard to be who we are supposed to be or have the marriage that we were destined to have. The enemy doesn't want you to win because it only reminds him that he has already lost and nothing is going to change that outcome.
But, we have a hope. The Bible says that the One in us is greater than he that is in the world (1 John4:4). It's not saying that we will never find ourselves in a situation that we cannot handle. It's saying that whatever we face from the world or the enemy that the One we have living on the inside is greater!! No matter how big or frightening that which opposes us is, Jesus on the inside is greater. We don't have access to some second-rate god or some bargain-basement power. The One living on the inside of us is the same One that spoke all of creation into existence and continues to hold the past, present, and future in the palm of His hand.
Standing for your marriage is no walk in the park. Let's not kid ourselves. Some days it can be downright hellish. But, it doesn' matter what changes from one day to the next. It doesn't matter what opposes you today or tomorrow. The God that has graciously come to reside and abide inside of us has already defeated every foe. So, stand knowing that God is on your side and He has promised to NEVER leave you.
Life may not always look like Mayberry. Actually, it may never look like Mayberry. It might look a little more like Vietnam or Afghanistan. But, in the end....you win because He won!!
Josh and Serena
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
May All of His Dreams for You Come True.....
Josh's mom has one of the most perfect birthday wishes ever...I (Serena) steal it every time it's not a mutual friend, as I LOVE just the thought of it. I didn't grow up making wishes on my birthday, but I find this such a great wish. "May all of God's dreams for you come true....." We really can't go wrong!!
"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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-14
"Am I really to stand for my marriage? I am lonely. How long do I have to wait? What if my husband or wife never comes home? Is this a test to see if I will obey and have faith? I see so many happy couples around, but why not me? I am getting older, how long do I wait? I want to have our baby. What if I get sick and need someone to help me? I keep trying; how long do I have to be the strong one?"
Does that sound like some of the thoughts that you battle every day in your mind? The enemy is attacking your mind, emotions and feelings. Take captive the thoughts you think every moment, remember? Are you thinking about dating or "getting on with your life?" You must take captive your thoughts. Who do you think is speaking to your mind, your Lord and Savior or the enemy, Satan who is out to steal, kill and destroy your marriage, you and your children? Remember, you are in God's army and you are under attack, but God has weapons that you are to use. Are you using them? Never doubt God's plan and purpose for you and your family.
As a reminder:
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
God created marriage, but divorce is rampant. We pray that every church that hears about marriage problems with a couple will have their prayer team start praying and fasting for the family who has one spouse speaking separation or divorce. Imagine what the Lord could do if ALL churches would stand up and fight against the enemy who is coming into the church and deceiving pastors, music and youth leaders, teachers and so many others. Are people coming to the church for marriage help or are they seeking worldly advice, as it's the same as the worlds? Imagine how many men and women would come to the church for help if they knew there was hope.
"Is anything too hard for the LORD?" Genesis 18:14
NOTHING is too hard for God!
We want you to understand that you do not have to give up on your marriage because your spouse has fallen into the sin of unhappiness, anger, unforgiveness, adultery, drugs, alcohol or other addictions. Our Lord Jesus was sent to the earth to seek and save all sinners. He can save and deliver any person, if we will only stand in the gap, praying and interceding for their salvation and deliverance.
"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." Ezekiel 22:30
What is your future? God knows your future and He wants to direct your every step. He wants to make all of His dreams for you come true. Our disappointments come when we are making our own wishes, and we have decided WE know how they should be given. Seek His face and spend time with Him praying and reading His Word daily. Remember, to cast all your cares onto the Lord. We know it can be very discouraging to look at the checkbook and wonder how everything is going to get paid. What happens if we get sick? All of these things are worries of tomorrow.
I know the pain and sorrow that you are feeling and you may have the enemy speaking many fears about your future. May you always remember who holds your future in the palm of His hand. Your spouse may appear to be on the top of the world, but remember that sin is fun for only a season. We are praying and interceding for them because we are standing in for them--pleading for mercy.
What has the Lord been saying to you? We know of standers that found our blog by accident; they just did. We believe that God was directing their hearts into a plan and purpose for restoration of their marriage. We hear from other people who had been praying and believing for their marriage before they heard about our ministry, but God confirmed what they were doing by our blog. For whatever reason God has chosen us to speak into marriages, and it doesn't matter to us how we were found. Our readers are often very small in number, but we will do it for even ONE marriage. What words, signs, songs or dreams has the Lord been speaking to you since the very beginning of your stand?
Do you remember how many times the Lord has answered your prayers? How many times has the Lord shown you His will and way for your marriage and for your future? Will you believe in the promises that the Lord has spoken to your heart? Or will you give up the minute it appears to be too difficult or not worth it? Did God speak it and it got hard? Of course....Satan wants to do whatever he can to make you give up.
We need to learn to walk in faith and believe what the Lord is speaking to our heart. The more we grow and mature in the Lord, the easier it will be. God has the perfect dreams for us and for our future generations. Think big and imagine what some of your children and grandchildren will become if you will stay faithful and believe! If you do not have children, imagine how your prayers can affect people's lives during your lifetime.
Do you understand about your future? Think big! Let God's dreams come true in your life.....
Josh and Serena
"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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-14
"Am I really to stand for my marriage? I am lonely. How long do I have to wait? What if my husband or wife never comes home? Is this a test to see if I will obey and have faith? I see so many happy couples around, but why not me? I am getting older, how long do I wait? I want to have our baby. What if I get sick and need someone to help me? I keep trying; how long do I have to be the strong one?"
Does that sound like some of the thoughts that you battle every day in your mind? The enemy is attacking your mind, emotions and feelings. Take captive the thoughts you think every moment, remember? Are you thinking about dating or "getting on with your life?" You must take captive your thoughts. Who do you think is speaking to your mind, your Lord and Savior or the enemy, Satan who is out to steal, kill and destroy your marriage, you and your children? Remember, you are in God's army and you are under attack, but God has weapons that you are to use. Are you using them? Never doubt God's plan and purpose for you and your family.
As a reminder:
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
God created marriage, but divorce is rampant. We pray that every church that hears about marriage problems with a couple will have their prayer team start praying and fasting for the family who has one spouse speaking separation or divorce. Imagine what the Lord could do if ALL churches would stand up and fight against the enemy who is coming into the church and deceiving pastors, music and youth leaders, teachers and so many others. Are people coming to the church for marriage help or are they seeking worldly advice, as it's the same as the worlds? Imagine how many men and women would come to the church for help if they knew there was hope.
"Is anything too hard for the LORD?" Genesis 18:14
NOTHING is too hard for God!
We want you to understand that you do not have to give up on your marriage because your spouse has fallen into the sin of unhappiness, anger, unforgiveness, adultery, drugs, alcohol or other addictions. Our Lord Jesus was sent to the earth to seek and save all sinners. He can save and deliver any person, if we will only stand in the gap, praying and interceding for their salvation and deliverance.
"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." Ezekiel 22:30
What is your future? God knows your future and He wants to direct your every step. He wants to make all of His dreams for you come true. Our disappointments come when we are making our own wishes, and we have decided WE know how they should be given. Seek His face and spend time with Him praying and reading His Word daily. Remember, to cast all your cares onto the Lord. We know it can be very discouraging to look at the checkbook and wonder how everything is going to get paid. What happens if we get sick? All of these things are worries of tomorrow.
I know the pain and sorrow that you are feeling and you may have the enemy speaking many fears about your future. May you always remember who holds your future in the palm of His hand. Your spouse may appear to be on the top of the world, but remember that sin is fun for only a season. We are praying and interceding for them because we are standing in for them--pleading for mercy.
What has the Lord been saying to you? We know of standers that found our blog by accident; they just did. We believe that God was directing their hearts into a plan and purpose for restoration of their marriage. We hear from other people who had been praying and believing for their marriage before they heard about our ministry, but God confirmed what they were doing by our blog. For whatever reason God has chosen us to speak into marriages, and it doesn't matter to us how we were found. Our readers are often very small in number, but we will do it for even ONE marriage. What words, signs, songs or dreams has the Lord been speaking to you since the very beginning of your stand?
Do you remember how many times the Lord has answered your prayers? How many times has the Lord shown you His will and way for your marriage and for your future? Will you believe in the promises that the Lord has spoken to your heart? Or will you give up the minute it appears to be too difficult or not worth it? Did God speak it and it got hard? Of course....Satan wants to do whatever he can to make you give up.
We need to learn to walk in faith and believe what the Lord is speaking to our heart. The more we grow and mature in the Lord, the easier it will be. God has the perfect dreams for us and for our future generations. Think big and imagine what some of your children and grandchildren will become if you will stay faithful and believe! If you do not have children, imagine how your prayers can affect people's lives during your lifetime.
Do you understand about your future? Think big! Let God's dreams come true in your life.....
Josh and Serena
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Every Thought Captive
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
After I (Josh) came back to my family and I began to grow closer to God, one thing I had to learn was to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Now remember, I had been living a life contrary to God and His ways. I had put a whole lot of evil in my mind so that I could feed on them whenever I wanted. This was an extremely hard lesson to learn but by bring all the evil and wicked thoughts to Jesus, I began to overcome the battle being waged in my mind.
But this passage above does not say for us to bring the evil thoughts. It says EVERY thought!! Not just the wicked or evil thoughts but every thought, which means the good and holy ones, too. For some, this may prove to be a harder battle to fight than overcoming the evil thoughts. It has been for me (Josh).
Our thoughts can bring us hope, joy, and cheer or they can bring us defeat, depression, and dismay. When they are brought before Christ, our thoughts are able to be judged by an always holy and always righteous Judge. Those which He deems to be fruitful for us He allows us to dwell on; the ones that will be unfruitful, He passes judgment on and discards...for us.
Our problem often lies in the retrieval of those thoughts from the garbage heap. Jesus has discarded them and we dig them out and continue to meditate on them. We think that Jesus will only discard the thoughts that are evil. Many times He will discard some very nice and good thoughts because their time has not come or because He has something different in mind for us.
While standing for your marriage your thoughts may go to places that will not help you stand. Thinking about what your spouse is doing while they are away from you or the other person that has tried to take your place will not help you stand in the gap for your spouse. Nor will dreaming about the day that they return and thinking that everything will be peaches and cream once they come home. You may setting yourself for some severe disappointments if you let your thought life get out of control.
This is why Paul tells us to cast down imaginations (thoughts of grandeur that are unrealistic) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (thinking about an outcome to your situation that does not align itself with God's plans) and to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (thoughts that will attach your hope to someone or something other than Jesus).
Don't think that we have this idea completely under control. I (Josh) still wrestle with keeping my "good" thoughts in line with His plans for me. As recently as yesterday, I let thoughts about what I believed Jesus was doing in me and through me to trip me up. What He has planned He has not allowed me to fully see or understand....and I have to be OK with that. Because when I start thinking ahead of the Almighty, my feelings get hurt and I become wounded....not by God but by my own ignorance of the holiness and righteousness that He desires to work out in me. Just keeping it real, folks...
Josh and Serena
After I (Josh) came back to my family and I began to grow closer to God, one thing I had to learn was to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Now remember, I had been living a life contrary to God and His ways. I had put a whole lot of evil in my mind so that I could feed on them whenever I wanted. This was an extremely hard lesson to learn but by bring all the evil and wicked thoughts to Jesus, I began to overcome the battle being waged in my mind.
But this passage above does not say for us to bring the evil thoughts. It says EVERY thought!! Not just the wicked or evil thoughts but every thought, which means the good and holy ones, too. For some, this may prove to be a harder battle to fight than overcoming the evil thoughts. It has been for me (Josh).
Our thoughts can bring us hope, joy, and cheer or they can bring us defeat, depression, and dismay. When they are brought before Christ, our thoughts are able to be judged by an always holy and always righteous Judge. Those which He deems to be fruitful for us He allows us to dwell on; the ones that will be unfruitful, He passes judgment on and discards...for us.
Our problem often lies in the retrieval of those thoughts from the garbage heap. Jesus has discarded them and we dig them out and continue to meditate on them. We think that Jesus will only discard the thoughts that are evil. Many times He will discard some very nice and good thoughts because their time has not come or because He has something different in mind for us.
While standing for your marriage your thoughts may go to places that will not help you stand. Thinking about what your spouse is doing while they are away from you or the other person that has tried to take your place will not help you stand in the gap for your spouse. Nor will dreaming about the day that they return and thinking that everything will be peaches and cream once they come home. You may setting yourself for some severe disappointments if you let your thought life get out of control.
This is why Paul tells us to cast down imaginations (thoughts of grandeur that are unrealistic) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (thinking about an outcome to your situation that does not align itself with God's plans) and to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (thoughts that will attach your hope to someone or something other than Jesus).
Don't think that we have this idea completely under control. I (Josh) still wrestle with keeping my "good" thoughts in line with His plans for me. As recently as yesterday, I let thoughts about what I believed Jesus was doing in me and through me to trip me up. What He has planned He has not allowed me to fully see or understand....and I have to be OK with that. Because when I start thinking ahead of the Almighty, my feelings get hurt and I become wounded....not by God but by my own ignorance of the holiness and righteousness that He desires to work out in me. Just keeping it real, folks...
Josh and Serena
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Unknown
If you were told before you were married that you would be here at this point in your marriage, would you still have gone through with it? The majority of us (being simple humans with simple logic) would say no. Why would you? If you could avoid the type of pain and heartache that you are experiencing right now, why not avoid it?
Why would you want to feel the pain of being rejected by a spouse that you pledged your life to? Why would you willingly put yourself in a place to be hurt and wounded by a loved one so profoundly? Why live with the pain of having your heart ripped out? Why do it?
Looking at your plight from the outside, some would not understand why you would endure such pain and agony. But you know from having had the joy of being loved that it is worth the price paid. You know the pleasure of being in a covenant relationship with another that you will endure whatever to be restored back to that individual.
As we embark into the married life we face a great unknown. We don't know if we will be accepted or rejected for who we are. We don't know if our heart will be embraced or shattered. But it is a risk we are willing to take because we know that what lies on the other side of the vows, rings, and wedding cake is far better than where we are now. And in spite of the pain we may encounter being in a covenant relationship, we lay everything on the line, not for love but for wholeness. We do it all for the restoration of who we were meant to be. And we can only be that when we become united with spouse.
As we face the unknowns in our marriages we will encounter a myriad of emotions, thoughts, and decisions. We cannot run from the unknowns but must face them head-on. They will lead us on strange paths and delicate predicaments. But, isn't that what faith is all about? Not seeing what lies beyond but going down the path anyways? The substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen? We don't know what the unknowns hold but somehow we know that there is something worth holding on and holding out for.
So, why would we go through it all and face the possibility of being rejected? Jesus did. Now, go back and read this from the beginning. He did it for you; now, do it for your spouse.
Why would you want to feel the pain of being rejected by a spouse that you pledged your life to? Why would you willingly put yourself in a place to be hurt and wounded by a loved one so profoundly? Why live with the pain of having your heart ripped out? Why do it?
Looking at your plight from the outside, some would not understand why you would endure such pain and agony. But you know from having had the joy of being loved that it is worth the price paid. You know the pleasure of being in a covenant relationship with another that you will endure whatever to be restored back to that individual.
As we embark into the married life we face a great unknown. We don't know if we will be accepted or rejected for who we are. We don't know if our heart will be embraced or shattered. But it is a risk we are willing to take because we know that what lies on the other side of the vows, rings, and wedding cake is far better than where we are now. And in spite of the pain we may encounter being in a covenant relationship, we lay everything on the line, not for love but for wholeness. We do it all for the restoration of who we were meant to be. And we can only be that when we become united with spouse.
As we face the unknowns in our marriages we will encounter a myriad of emotions, thoughts, and decisions. We cannot run from the unknowns but must face them head-on. They will lead us on strange paths and delicate predicaments. But, isn't that what faith is all about? Not seeing what lies beyond but going down the path anyways? The substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen? We don't know what the unknowns hold but somehow we know that there is something worth holding on and holding out for.
So, why would we go through it all and face the possibility of being rejected? Jesus did. Now, go back and read this from the beginning. He did it for you; now, do it for your spouse.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame,
and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Josh and Serena
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Walking on Water
Do you remember the story of Peter walking on water? Real quick summary for those that might have forgotten the story. Jesus is walking on the water to reach the disciples in a boat in the middle of the sea. Peter calls to Jesus and asks Him to call him to Himself if it is really Him. Jesus calls, Peter jumps out, begins toward Jesus and sinks after seeing the wind and waves. Jesus rescues him.
Most of the time we emphasize the point that Jesus rescued Peter when Peter began to sink, which is true. However, we miss the point that Peter WAS walking on the water. For how far we don' know but he was doing it. While Peter focused on Jesus he was able to walk on top of the circumstances that in any other instance would have been impossible. It was when his gaze shifted from Jesus to what was surrounding him did he begin to sink.
Where is your focus? What has grabbed your attention? If you are focused on Jesus, you will be able to do the impossible. You will be able to forgive a spouse that has (for all intents and purposes) wrecked your life. You will be able to allow grace and mercy to flow as a healing balm within your marriage. When focused on Jesus your responses will not be your own; they will be like that of Jesus. In spite of what is happening around you you will be able to walk with ease on top of the tumultuous circumstances that would seek to pull you under and kill you.
However, if your gaze is turned from Jesus to the wind and the waves, you WILL sink. The ups and downs of human emotions will drag you down. The lies and deceit will attempt to swallow you whole. The circumstances, the elements, the hopelessness of the situation all will seek to overtake you and kill you. One moment you will be on top of it all, the next beneath it all seeking and grasping for The Rescuer.
He will be faithful to rescue when you reach for Him. But, what He really wants is for your gaze and focus to never leave Him. The situation may not change because you focus on Jesus. But your ability to walk on top of or sink beneath them will be determined by your focus.
So, where are you looking?
Josh and Serena
Most of the time we emphasize the point that Jesus rescued Peter when Peter began to sink, which is true. However, we miss the point that Peter WAS walking on the water. For how far we don' know but he was doing it. While Peter focused on Jesus he was able to walk on top of the circumstances that in any other instance would have been impossible. It was when his gaze shifted from Jesus to what was surrounding him did he begin to sink.
Where is your focus? What has grabbed your attention? If you are focused on Jesus, you will be able to do the impossible. You will be able to forgive a spouse that has (for all intents and purposes) wrecked your life. You will be able to allow grace and mercy to flow as a healing balm within your marriage. When focused on Jesus your responses will not be your own; they will be like that of Jesus. In spite of what is happening around you you will be able to walk with ease on top of the tumultuous circumstances that would seek to pull you under and kill you.
However, if your gaze is turned from Jesus to the wind and the waves, you WILL sink. The ups and downs of human emotions will drag you down. The lies and deceit will attempt to swallow you whole. The circumstances, the elements, the hopelessness of the situation all will seek to overtake you and kill you. One moment you will be on top of it all, the next beneath it all seeking and grasping for The Rescuer.
He will be faithful to rescue when you reach for Him. But, what He really wants is for your gaze and focus to never leave Him. The situation may not change because you focus on Jesus. But your ability to walk on top of or sink beneath them will be determined by your focus.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth\
will grow strangely dim
in the light of His glory and grace
So, where are you looking?
Josh and Serena
Saturday, October 29, 2011
The Clean Up
Remember that winter storm we were talking about a couple days ago? Well, it came and went. It proved to be more than everyone had bargained for. Most of the towns look a little like a war zone around here. The storm brought enough snow to the area that it broke tree limbs and dropped them all over. Needless to say everyone is cleaning up the mess now.
After the storm there is a need to clean up the mess. Maybe your marital storm has left a minimal amount of clean up necessary, while others may see total devastation. However, no matter how big the storm or how great the damage incurred the mess left behind can be cleaned up.
A few years ago when Hurricane Katrina came through and brought devastation to New Orleans, the world watched a city and region experience a catastrophe beyond imagination. Thousands of deaths, property damage in the millions of dollars, and city turned upside down was the outcome of New Orleans....for a time. Even though the damage was extensive and severe, the city began to rebuild shortly thereafter. And although there is still a rebuilding going on in that area, the damage is being reversed. Sure, the memories of the hurricane still linger but its effects are being lessened.
The same is true for our marriages. You may be experiencing your very own Hurricane Katrina in your home, marriage, and life but all is not lost. A marriage can be saved out of the rubble. Nothing is so far gone or destroyed that it cannot be rebuilt. It may feel like you have lost everything and that may be true But, with some spiritual elbow grease, some prayer, and lots of tears a marriage can rise from the ashes into a thing of beauty. Not because of what you or I can do but what the Master can do.
Hurricane Katrina may have been rebuilt with human hands but the restored marriage that glorifies God will be rebuilt and restored by the hands of the Almighty. Let the clean up begin...
Josh and Serena
After the storm there is a need to clean up the mess. Maybe your marital storm has left a minimal amount of clean up necessary, while others may see total devastation. However, no matter how big the storm or how great the damage incurred the mess left behind can be cleaned up.
A few years ago when Hurricane Katrina came through and brought devastation to New Orleans, the world watched a city and region experience a catastrophe beyond imagination. Thousands of deaths, property damage in the millions of dollars, and city turned upside down was the outcome of New Orleans....for a time. Even though the damage was extensive and severe, the city began to rebuild shortly thereafter. And although there is still a rebuilding going on in that area, the damage is being reversed. Sure, the memories of the hurricane still linger but its effects are being lessened.
The same is true for our marriages. You may be experiencing your very own Hurricane Katrina in your home, marriage, and life but all is not lost. A marriage can be saved out of the rubble. Nothing is so far gone or destroyed that it cannot be rebuilt. It may feel like you have lost everything and that may be true But, with some spiritual elbow grease, some prayer, and lots of tears a marriage can rise from the ashes into a thing of beauty. Not because of what you or I can do but what the Master can do.
Hurricane Katrina may have been rebuilt with human hands but the restored marriage that glorifies God will be rebuilt and restored by the hands of the Almighty. Let the clean up begin...
Josh and Serena
Friday, October 28, 2011
Key Personnel
As most of you know, Josh has a group of guys that he meets with every couple of weeks to keep him sharpened. And tonight, Serena is out developing a friendship with another women that may prove to be the same for her. We recognize the need for people in our lives that will help us on our journey to being all that we should be in Christ and in our marriages.
While most of the time when you are standing for your marriage you will be alone, it is important to look for those people that you can count on to be there when the going gets tough. Because it will get tough sooner or later. And the people that we all need are those people that will not kiss our backsides and tell us we are right all the time. We need people that will hold our feet to the fire and be in our faces when we will not listen to anyone else. At this point these "friends" become key personnel in our fight for our marriage.
On more than one occasion, Serena has enlisted Josh's friends to be key personnel in his walk to be the man he is supposed to be. Not that he was sinning but rather that he needed a swift kick in the spiritual rear to get him back on track. (I approve this comment....Josh) And when Serena was dealing with my departure from the marriage, her mom fulfilled this key personnel role. Serena told her at the beginning of the journey what her standards were and that if she ever lost sight of them her mom was to remind her. No matter how tough it was!! At that point her mom stopped being her mom and became some key personnel.
We need these people. Ask God for these kinds of people. People that will stick close to you no matter how ugly the situation may be. These people won't need the recognition for their place in your life. Their reward is seeing you and your marriage blossom to the fullest. These people cannot stand in your place for your marriage....only you can do that. But, they can stand with you and watch your back.
This kind of friendship reminds me of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings. At one point when Frodo couldn't climb the mountain anymore nor could he let anyone else carry the ring, Bilbo Baggins said, "I can't carry the ring but I can carry you!!!" And he picked up Frodo so that Frodo's purpose would be fulfilled.
No one else can stand for your marriage. God gave you grace for that burden. But, you can ask for people to accompany you on that journey. And God, who does not hold back any good thing from His kids, will answer with like minded people for the task at hand.
Josh and Serena
While most of the time when you are standing for your marriage you will be alone, it is important to look for those people that you can count on to be there when the going gets tough. Because it will get tough sooner or later. And the people that we all need are those people that will not kiss our backsides and tell us we are right all the time. We need people that will hold our feet to the fire and be in our faces when we will not listen to anyone else. At this point these "friends" become key personnel in our fight for our marriage.
On more than one occasion, Serena has enlisted Josh's friends to be key personnel in his walk to be the man he is supposed to be. Not that he was sinning but rather that he needed a swift kick in the spiritual rear to get him back on track. (I approve this comment....Josh) And when Serena was dealing with my departure from the marriage, her mom fulfilled this key personnel role. Serena told her at the beginning of the journey what her standards were and that if she ever lost sight of them her mom was to remind her. No matter how tough it was!! At that point her mom stopped being her mom and became some key personnel.
We need these people. Ask God for these kinds of people. People that will stick close to you no matter how ugly the situation may be. These people won't need the recognition for their place in your life. Their reward is seeing you and your marriage blossom to the fullest. These people cannot stand in your place for your marriage....only you can do that. But, they can stand with you and watch your back.
This kind of friendship reminds me of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings. At one point when Frodo couldn't climb the mountain anymore nor could he let anyone else carry the ring, Bilbo Baggins said, "I can't carry the ring but I can carry you!!!" And he picked up Frodo so that Frodo's purpose would be fulfilled.
No one else can stand for your marriage. God gave you grace for that burden. But, you can ask for people to accompany you on that journey. And God, who does not hold back any good thing from His kids, will answer with like minded people for the task at hand.
Josh and Serena
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Admiring Something Lovely
Do you admire your spouse? Yes, even the spouse who isn't around, the spouse who won't give you the time of day, the spouse sleeping around, and even the spouse who divorced you! Um, yeah, that's the one we are talking about. When Josh was gone it was something that I had to put into practice, even more so.....
I was always taught to admire. Looking for something, anything was always a priority, but what happens when it doesn't seem that ANYTHING is left to admire. Ask God to show you! Maybe God will only show you that you need to admire a marriage touched and healed by Jesus Christ, and this is the only thing you have to hold on to.
We all have something deep inside of us that makes us need admiration, and it almost feels like a necessity. I (Josh) have always felt that a compliment from Serena about my writing is much more satisfying than just anyone e-mailing me and saying they liked it. When I (Serena) write it's without a doubt something I look forward to--hearing if Josh likes it.
Many standers get into trouble when they attempt to force emotions that are not there. You can attempt to demonstrate unconditional love to a lovable mate all day, but sooner or later, something will happen, or words exchanged, that are just too much and the unconditional love evaporates in an instant. And for women, the unconditional respect that our husbands need....it quickly goes out the window when our husbands make us mad. Something will happen to show what's really inside of us. When Josh was gone it wasn't always easy to admire him or respect him, but I had to think about something worthy....COVENANT is worthy. Focus on what God wants for your marriage, and you will be more easily equipped to deal with the ups and downs.
You may have been standing since yesterday, or for a dozen years, but here is the hard question; "Do you admire your prodigal spouse right now?" Can you "contemplate something worthy" in them? Do you have "esteem" and "respect" for your beloved, without adding, "Yes, if they would only ..." (these were questions I had to ask myself the whole time Josh was gone.....did I really admire him?)
Our heart is that we will capture God’s view of our situation and our spouse. Without even trying, our actions and reactions will automatically begin to reflect Christ. God's love is what makes a difference in a sinner's life, and we are to be like Christ to the sinners in our lives. The world’s way is to get mad, get even, get over and get on with life when a marriage crisis strikes. If you were to outline your marriage situation to a stranger today, I can imagine it would be hard to find anyone who, after hearing what your spouse has done, suggest that you admire or "contemplate something lovely," about them. BUT......
I was always taught to admire. Looking for something, anything was always a priority, but what happens when it doesn't seem that ANYTHING is left to admire. Ask God to show you! Maybe God will only show you that you need to admire a marriage touched and healed by Jesus Christ, and this is the only thing you have to hold on to.
We all have something deep inside of us that makes us need admiration, and it almost feels like a necessity. I (Josh) have always felt that a compliment from Serena about my writing is much more satisfying than just anyone e-mailing me and saying they liked it. When I (Serena) write it's without a doubt something I look forward to--hearing if Josh likes it.
Many standers get into trouble when they attempt to force emotions that are not there. You can attempt to demonstrate unconditional love to a lovable mate all day, but sooner or later, something will happen, or words exchanged, that are just too much and the unconditional love evaporates in an instant. And for women, the unconditional respect that our husbands need....it quickly goes out the window when our husbands make us mad. Something will happen to show what's really inside of us. When Josh was gone it wasn't always easy to admire him or respect him, but I had to think about something worthy....COVENANT is worthy. Focus on what God wants for your marriage, and you will be more easily equipped to deal with the ups and downs.
You may have been standing since yesterday, or for a dozen years, but here is the hard question; "Do you admire your prodigal spouse right now?" Can you "contemplate something worthy" in them? Do you have "esteem" and "respect" for your beloved, without adding, "Yes, if they would only ..." (these were questions I had to ask myself the whole time Josh was gone.....did I really admire him?)
Our heart is that we will capture God’s view of our situation and our spouse. Without even trying, our actions and reactions will automatically begin to reflect Christ. God's love is what makes a difference in a sinner's life, and we are to be like Christ to the sinners in our lives. The world’s way is to get mad, get even, get over and get on with life when a marriage crisis strikes. If you were to outline your marriage situation to a stranger today, I can imagine it would be hard to find anyone who, after hearing what your spouse has done, suggest that you admire or "contemplate something lovely," about them. BUT......
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- -think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Phillipians 4:8-9
Throughout the Bible, God’s people are taught to strive for the character of Christ, and to seek those same qualities in the people we love. As we become more like Christ our actions and reactions will no longer be as abrasive or reactive, and we will see changes in our own hearts. We will become more soft-hearted, and our spouses will also begin to feel the love of Christ, which is more powerful than anything else.
Josh and Serena
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Admiration and Praise
"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously." Psalm 9:1-4
Are you praising the Lord every day in spite of your marriage problems? The final spiritual weapon that you need to use daily is praising the Lord. Praise defeats the enemy! As soon as you wake up, choose to praise and thank the Lord that He is the Lord of your life before you are even out of bed.
"I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together." Psalm 34:1-3
Praise expresses admiration, appreciation and thanks. We are to praise God both for who He is and for what He does. God inhabits the praises of His people. This means that when we praise HE is there....no matter where we are, no matter how deep in a pit we feel. Do you feel God's peace, love, His presence and power when you are praising the Lord? When you praise the Lord, your circumstances can suddenly seem smaller and your Lord God will seem more holy, mighty and powerful. God is able to handle any and all of your problems because of His greatness.
So many times I have read how many men and women of God were put to the test or came to a crossroad having to believe in God or deny His mighty power. If we do not believing in that God can revive, restore and rebuild our marriage then we are denying His awesome power.
Praise defeats the enemy. Praise takes our problems and our needs, off of our minds and we focus on God's power, His mercy, His majesty and His love. We can't help but remember and appreciate God's character and greatness.When we start to do our devotions, put on praise music and try praising the Lord before we start reading the Bible and praying to Him daily. Read Psalms every day....it helps! AND it won't make you feel like David was above all of us...he had his ups and downs, but he ALWAYS ends with praise.
God is worthy of our praise and admiration. Start admiring who He is and it won't be as hard to admire your spouse, more on that tomorrow.....
Josh and Serena
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Winter Storms Are Brewing
Here in northern Colorado we are gearing up for our first snow storm of the winter. We are tracking it as it comes closer. It means work for Josh, needed moisture for our region, and a white birthday for our 5 year as he turns 6. We are welcoming this storm. But this process of tracking it, watching it, and the anticipation of its arrival causes us to take some perspective on the storms of our marriages.
Sometimes we can see the storm coming on the horizon; sometimes it surprises us. If we are watching and paying attention to our marriage we can see when a potential storm is on the horizon. Maybe its an unhealthy friendship starting or not enough spousal alone time. Maybe its too much time apart or constant arguing about insignificant things. Whatever it may be you can noticeably see a storm brewing. And seeing it coming gives you options....you can either alter the path you are on so that you and your spouse can sidestep it or you can decide to go through and be wiser on the other side of it.
Seeing the storm makes it a lot easier to deal with because you can prepare for it. But what about those storms that come out of nowhere and threaten to rip you to pieces. The disciples found themselves in this predicament. A storm arose while they were ferrying Jesus across the sea and they thought they would die. And while they were preparing for death, Jesus was sleeping. They woke Him up and asked if he even cared if they died. Jesus got up, told it all to be still and it obeyed Him.
It's those storms that we don't expect that will test our resolve and our stance. If you are prepared for something you can endure almost anything. It's when you are faced with an unknown variable, like a rogue marital storm, that the depth of your walk with Christ and your commitment to your marriage is tested.
When confronted with the rogue storm do you react to the situation and begin seeing how you can rescue yourself? Do you immediately begin to think thoughts of death and despair? Do you blame Jesus for not caring about your life and marriage?
Or do you look to Jesus and see Him sleeping in the midst of the storm? Do you become so peaceful at the sight of your Savior sleeping that you, in turn, fall asleep? I dare say that none of us have come to the place that this is our response to the storms of life.
But, this is where He wants us to be. So in tune with Him and His Spirit that we only become agitated and desperate when He is. And, in case you didn't know, Jesus doesn't get agitated or desperate...not even when He took the cross.
It's the unexpected, rogue storms that can and will test your responses. So, embrace the unexpected...it's purpose through Christ is to make you more like Him.
Josh and Serena
Sometimes we can see the storm coming on the horizon; sometimes it surprises us. If we are watching and paying attention to our marriage we can see when a potential storm is on the horizon. Maybe its an unhealthy friendship starting or not enough spousal alone time. Maybe its too much time apart or constant arguing about insignificant things. Whatever it may be you can noticeably see a storm brewing. And seeing it coming gives you options....you can either alter the path you are on so that you and your spouse can sidestep it or you can decide to go through and be wiser on the other side of it.
Seeing the storm makes it a lot easier to deal with because you can prepare for it. But what about those storms that come out of nowhere and threaten to rip you to pieces. The disciples found themselves in this predicament. A storm arose while they were ferrying Jesus across the sea and they thought they would die. And while they were preparing for death, Jesus was sleeping. They woke Him up and asked if he even cared if they died. Jesus got up, told it all to be still and it obeyed Him.
It's those storms that we don't expect that will test our resolve and our stance. If you are prepared for something you can endure almost anything. It's when you are faced with an unknown variable, like a rogue marital storm, that the depth of your walk with Christ and your commitment to your marriage is tested.
When confronted with the rogue storm do you react to the situation and begin seeing how you can rescue yourself? Do you immediately begin to think thoughts of death and despair? Do you blame Jesus for not caring about your life and marriage?
Or do you look to Jesus and see Him sleeping in the midst of the storm? Do you become so peaceful at the sight of your Savior sleeping that you, in turn, fall asleep? I dare say that none of us have come to the place that this is our response to the storms of life.
But, this is where He wants us to be. So in tune with Him and His Spirit that we only become agitated and desperate when He is. And, in case you didn't know, Jesus doesn't get agitated or desperate...not even when He took the cross.
It's the unexpected, rogue storms that can and will test your responses. So, embrace the unexpected...it's purpose through Christ is to make you more like Him.
Josh and Serena
Monday, October 24, 2011
Life Unexpected
It's interesting to think that whenever we are thrust into a situation that is out of our control, is beyond our comfort level, or a circumstance shows up completely unexpected...we deal with it. We don't seek to bail or sidestep it, we just deal with it. Our kids get sick and wind up with bodily fluids coming out up and down. We don't disown them....we deal with it. Our hours get cut at work. We tighten our belts and learn to live a bit more frugally. A health emergency sends a loved one into the hospital, creditors are asking for their money, a national crisis strikes a devastating blow. We don't leave, we don't quit, we don't give up. We deal with life when it takes an unexpected turn for the worse.
But, when it comes to our marriages the moment that things get rough or a little bit more than we can bear we are quick to throw in the towel. This person that we have committed our life to we choose to discard like yesterday's trash than deal with the unexpectedness of it all. We would rather tear our life apart and leave it in shambles than to deal with multiple pieces it seems to be in.
By not dealing with the issues that arise from within the inner workings of our marriage we are saying that we would rather continue to deal with the pain of a shattered life than to scrape the piece together and fix it. It would be the same if you were to break a glass in your home (a window, mirror, or drinking glass) and instead of picking up the shards and cleaning up the mess you would rather continue walking, barefoot, on the broken pieces. Continually being cut and wounded not by the act that broke the glass but by the stubbornness of refusing to clean up and repair the damage.
You would never dream of allowing broken glass to remain underfoot within your home. Whenever glass breaks in your home, everything else stops until every piece is recovered, picked up, and disposed of. This is not to say that your marriage is to be disposed of. No matter what you are doing when the glass breaks, nothing else is as important as that broken glass when it happens. Conversations are put on hold. Pressing errands are pushed back. Nothing else is as important as getting every piece of dangerous glass removed. You would not want you or someone you loved to be cut by the pieces of glass left lying around.
Imagine that your marriage is a fine piece of china, something you hold dear, that has been passed down from generation to generation. It holds memories and stories, both good and bad. It holds history. Now imagine a series of events (your toddler playing with it, an earthquake, clumsy neighbor) that unfolds which breaks your prized possession. Do you just sweep up the pieces and discard them? Or do you gather the pieces and attempt to glue them back together. It's worth a try, right?
Maybe your marriage is like that fine china that has been broken. Maybe you allowed someone/something too close that didn't cherish it as you do. Something terrible has happened and you are left with the pieces of a failed marriage. At this moment, NOTHING else is as important as picking up every piece and recovering all that is being lost. Other friendships can wait. The job or career that was so important is now trivial, at best. What was so important yesterday is suddenly and forcibly shoved to the back burner because something of eternal significance is being torn asunder.
But, unlike a broken glass, a broken marriage is not beyond repair. Yes, it may be in pieces but that is OK. You see, there is Someone who is able to take all the varied, broken, misshapen, and dangerous pieces of a marriage and rebuild it. His Name is Father God. If you remember He took all the miscellaneous pieces and elements of the world that we see and ordered them and structured them to take shape....all by His spoken Word. (Genesis 1)
And right now, if you will let Him, He is desiring to speak over the pieces of your marriage. He wants to order them and structure them so that they will bring Him glory. And, when He is done, He will step back and call it "Good".
Will you let Him speak?
Josh and Serena
But, when it comes to our marriages the moment that things get rough or a little bit more than we can bear we are quick to throw in the towel. This person that we have committed our life to we choose to discard like yesterday's trash than deal with the unexpectedness of it all. We would rather tear our life apart and leave it in shambles than to deal with multiple pieces it seems to be in.
By not dealing with the issues that arise from within the inner workings of our marriage we are saying that we would rather continue to deal with the pain of a shattered life than to scrape the piece together and fix it. It would be the same if you were to break a glass in your home (a window, mirror, or drinking glass) and instead of picking up the shards and cleaning up the mess you would rather continue walking, barefoot, on the broken pieces. Continually being cut and wounded not by the act that broke the glass but by the stubbornness of refusing to clean up and repair the damage.
You would never dream of allowing broken glass to remain underfoot within your home. Whenever glass breaks in your home, everything else stops until every piece is recovered, picked up, and disposed of. This is not to say that your marriage is to be disposed of. No matter what you are doing when the glass breaks, nothing else is as important as that broken glass when it happens. Conversations are put on hold. Pressing errands are pushed back. Nothing else is as important as getting every piece of dangerous glass removed. You would not want you or someone you loved to be cut by the pieces of glass left lying around.
Imagine that your marriage is a fine piece of china, something you hold dear, that has been passed down from generation to generation. It holds memories and stories, both good and bad. It holds history. Now imagine a series of events (your toddler playing with it, an earthquake, clumsy neighbor) that unfolds which breaks your prized possession. Do you just sweep up the pieces and discard them? Or do you gather the pieces and attempt to glue them back together. It's worth a try, right?
Maybe your marriage is like that fine china that has been broken. Maybe you allowed someone/something too close that didn't cherish it as you do. Something terrible has happened and you are left with the pieces of a failed marriage. At this moment, NOTHING else is as important as picking up every piece and recovering all that is being lost. Other friendships can wait. The job or career that was so important is now trivial, at best. What was so important yesterday is suddenly and forcibly shoved to the back burner because something of eternal significance is being torn asunder.
But, unlike a broken glass, a broken marriage is not beyond repair. Yes, it may be in pieces but that is OK. You see, there is Someone who is able to take all the varied, broken, misshapen, and dangerous pieces of a marriage and rebuild it. His Name is Father God. If you remember He took all the miscellaneous pieces and elements of the world that we see and ordered them and structured them to take shape....all by His spoken Word. (Genesis 1)
And right now, if you will let Him, He is desiring to speak over the pieces of your marriage. He wants to order them and structure them so that they will bring Him glory. And, when He is done, He will step back and call it "Good".
Will you let Him speak?
Josh and Serena
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Band Aids
When I (Josh) was a teenager, I had a job working on a water truck during a drought in central California. One day I managed to cut the palm of my hand rather severely on one of the hoses I was working with. My boss took me home so that my mom could take me to the ER. My mom was freaking out but by the time I got home I had finally got the bleeding to stop. I thought we could just stick a band aid on it and I would be fine. She insisted we go to the ER and I ended up with 6 or 7 stitches. The wound healed rather nicely and you can barely see the scar now.
What would have happened if I had just slapped a band aid on it and just went about my business? I probably would have got an infection and it would have taken a whole lot longer to heal. And I would have a big ugly scar on my palm to remember the day. When it comes to our marriages many of us are the same as the teen-aged Josh...ready to slap a band aid on a wound that needs cleaning and proper treatment.
It is inevitable for us to not suffer wounds within the course of our marriage. If you haven't come to this conclusion yet, you should. You are in a extremely close relationship with another person...you will hurt one another sooner or later. Some wounds we suffer at the hands of our spouse are minor and the health of our marriage will heal them with ease. Before the day is out you will not even remember the wound inflicted.
However, some wounds will not be healed properly without some emotional peroxide and spiritual stitches. And you and your spouse will not be able to do the work of cleaning and closing the wound. That is a job best left for the Master Physician. He is able to perform surgery on the ugliest of situations and bring them to place of healing you would think is impossible. Yes, it will hurt when He does the work. When He cleans the wound He wants to remove every impurity from it so that no infection can set in and cause a festering, oozing, rotting disease that will eventually lead to death. When He closes that cleaned wound it will be with a grace that will leave little to no scaring whatsoever.
He does all of this so that you can have the testimony of what you have been through but only through memories not because of the hideous scar left behind. We stand back amazed at the work the Lord has done in us. We know the story of where we came from and what has been done. But people that we meet for the first time would never know about our past unless we told them. And that is a miracle.
Sometimes, I look at my palms and forget which hand was cut. But, if I look hard enough I can see the slight scar there on my right palm. It reminds me of the day it happened but does not hinder my life. And now, standing where we are, we can look back and remember the dates and days of pain and injury to our marriage but the scars that remain are fading day by day....growing increasingly smaller in the light of what He is doing in us and through us for the glory of God.
Josh and Serena
What would have happened if I had just slapped a band aid on it and just went about my business? I probably would have got an infection and it would have taken a whole lot longer to heal. And I would have a big ugly scar on my palm to remember the day. When it comes to our marriages many of us are the same as the teen-aged Josh...ready to slap a band aid on a wound that needs cleaning and proper treatment.
It is inevitable for us to not suffer wounds within the course of our marriage. If you haven't come to this conclusion yet, you should. You are in a extremely close relationship with another person...you will hurt one another sooner or later. Some wounds we suffer at the hands of our spouse are minor and the health of our marriage will heal them with ease. Before the day is out you will not even remember the wound inflicted.
However, some wounds will not be healed properly without some emotional peroxide and spiritual stitches. And you and your spouse will not be able to do the work of cleaning and closing the wound. That is a job best left for the Master Physician. He is able to perform surgery on the ugliest of situations and bring them to place of healing you would think is impossible. Yes, it will hurt when He does the work. When He cleans the wound He wants to remove every impurity from it so that no infection can set in and cause a festering, oozing, rotting disease that will eventually lead to death. When He closes that cleaned wound it will be with a grace that will leave little to no scaring whatsoever.
He does all of this so that you can have the testimony of what you have been through but only through memories not because of the hideous scar left behind. We stand back amazed at the work the Lord has done in us. We know the story of where we came from and what has been done. But people that we meet for the first time would never know about our past unless we told them. And that is a miracle.
Sometimes, I look at my palms and forget which hand was cut. But, if I look hard enough I can see the slight scar there on my right palm. It reminds me of the day it happened but does not hinder my life. And now, standing where we are, we can look back and remember the dates and days of pain and injury to our marriage but the scars that remain are fading day by day....growing increasingly smaller in the light of what He is doing in us and through us for the glory of God.
Josh and Serena
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Junk Food
As much as we appreciate the support from you dear friends that read this blog everyday...as much as we like seeing your lives change because of some piece of advice we have given, we have to admit that we are so extremely humbled that you visit here. We are nothing more that a married couple that have made some mistakes and have lived through it and are endeavoring with every ounce of our being to allow God to get glory from it.
In order for us to allow God to receive all the glory from us and our testimony we have to make sure that we are constantly sending you back to Him and His Word. If we don't then we are assuming that WE actually have something of value to offer you. Let's just make it clear right now...apart from God, His written word, and His specific revealed word to each of us we have nothing. It is God alone that is able to be our everything and constant.
In the course of your day as you find time to read this blog, do you read it with the hope that we will say something to inspire or encourage you to stand one more day? If what we say or do that is your hope, then we have missed our purpose of this blog. We write this with our hope being that we can point you back to the Father. Your hope, your encouragement, your everything should be found...NEEDS to be found...in the person of Jesus, not us.
Is our blog your daily bread? Or is His Word your daily bread? If His Word is then you are feeding yourself on complete and perfect sustenance for your stand. His Word will give you everything you need to maintain your stand. But, if you are reading only our blog for the hope and encouragement you need to keep up your stance you are feasting on junk food. What we write may give you a boost in your spirit but it will be short-lived and temporary at best. His Word will fill you so that you staying power for the road ahead. Our blog will only give you a short burst of hope but will leave you wanting and hungry for something else.
Although we love knowing that you read this faithfully, we would be more honored knowing that you invest time reading His Word FIRST. Don't look to us to be your hope because, eventually, we will let you down. But, He will NEVER let you down. His Word is life. Our blog is only junk food.
Josh and Serena
In order for us to allow God to receive all the glory from us and our testimony we have to make sure that we are constantly sending you back to Him and His Word. If we don't then we are assuming that WE actually have something of value to offer you. Let's just make it clear right now...apart from God, His written word, and His specific revealed word to each of us we have nothing. It is God alone that is able to be our everything and constant.
In the course of your day as you find time to read this blog, do you read it with the hope that we will say something to inspire or encourage you to stand one more day? If what we say or do that is your hope, then we have missed our purpose of this blog. We write this with our hope being that we can point you back to the Father. Your hope, your encouragement, your everything should be found...NEEDS to be found...in the person of Jesus, not us.
Is our blog your daily bread? Or is His Word your daily bread? If His Word is then you are feeding yourself on complete and perfect sustenance for your stand. His Word will give you everything you need to maintain your stand. But, if you are reading only our blog for the hope and encouragement you need to keep up your stance you are feasting on junk food. What we write may give you a boost in your spirit but it will be short-lived and temporary at best. His Word will fill you so that you staying power for the road ahead. Our blog will only give you a short burst of hope but will leave you wanting and hungry for something else.
Although we love knowing that you read this faithfully, we would be more honored knowing that you invest time reading His Word FIRST. Don't look to us to be your hope because, eventually, we will let you down. But, He will NEVER let you down. His Word is life. Our blog is only junk food.
Josh and Serena
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Altars
Have you ever read the Bible and noticed how often they set up altars to God? Whenever God did something great (which is everyday, right?) the people or person stopped the routine of their life and erected an altar or monument to God. Why did they do this? So, that when they and others would pass it they would be reminded of the character of God and what He did on the day that the altar was built.
We think that our society today has done us a disservice by doing away with monuments and altars to God. We will recognize the accomplishments of men with statues built in their likeness (sounds a little like idolatry). We will laud the works of people by dedicating buildings with their names etched into them. Even in our churches when we have building fund drives we allow people to have their names on a stone or brick that will be used to build a temple to the God that possesses the Name above all names. It seems rather suspect to us.
We will do all these things to recognize the works of men but quickly forget the works and character of the Most High. We forget because we don't have an altar erected for His worship so that all can see. Personally, we have had discussions about how we can remember the goodness of God. Someday, when God allows us to be permanently planted, we will be purchasing or finding great and large stones to place in and around our home to remind us of the important and pivotal moments of when God worked miraculously in our life. That is just our personal perspective and something that the Lord has impressed upon us. However, all of us have the ability to change this so that we do not forget. If we were to change our point of view we would be able to (at least in our own lives) redeem the everyday items we take for granted and make them a holy altar.
If we were to view our wedding rings as an altar or monument of the day God miraculously united us to our spouses, we would not be so quick to take them off and forget. We would be reminded every time that we saw them of a God that brought the person into our life that we needed to make us complete for the fullness of His work. We would not look at our ring and think of the "old ball and chain" or our overbearing husband. We would remember the forethought of a loving God that knew who we needed to be joined to even before we knew.
If we were to view our wedding pictures as an altar to God, we would not be so quick to take them down or remove them when we hit a rough patch. We would be reminded of the joy that we experienced as a loving God brought two of His most precious children together in a holy and honoring union. We would be reminded of the sparkle in our eyes and the spring in our step on the day that God perfected our union between us, our spouse, and Him. We would see the joy and love in that picture that was only dimmed by the love that God has for us.
We need to have altars and monuments in our lives. When we don't have them we will always focus on the immediate problem right in front of us. Without altars dotting the landscape all around us we only see the temporary problems and desperate needs. Without altars we will have nothing there to remind us of the faithfulness and goodness of God. But with altars, we are reminded of the mercy and grace of our Father as we go about the routine things of our day. We cannot easily forget the miracles of God when we place something before our eyes with the express purpose of reminding us. When altars are present it is more difficult to run away from the truth of who God is. Why? Because you were there when the altar was erected. You were there when there was need for an altar because God had just shown up.
We need the tangible and physical things to intermingle with the spiritual and supernatural. This is why Gideon asked for the wet fleece and why Abraham asked for a token of the covenant. God doesn't mind when we ask Him for those things. They may not always be something really cool like a huge pile of rocks. The altar may not even be something extravagant to anyone else but you. It might be something as simple as a thumbtack stuck in a wall but it will mean the world to you because YOU know why you put it there. And every time that you see that tack you will be reminded that God is faithful to you!!
Take note of the times that God moves on your behalf. Remind yourself. Tell others. Build something as a monument to the miraculous power of God. Do something to remind yourself of His goodness. There may be a time when you are only able to focus on the temporary situation and you will need that altar to declare to you the character of God.
Josh and Serena
We think that our society today has done us a disservice by doing away with monuments and altars to God. We will recognize the accomplishments of men with statues built in their likeness (sounds a little like idolatry). We will laud the works of people by dedicating buildings with their names etched into them. Even in our churches when we have building fund drives we allow people to have their names on a stone or brick that will be used to build a temple to the God that possesses the Name above all names. It seems rather suspect to us.
We will do all these things to recognize the works of men but quickly forget the works and character of the Most High. We forget because we don't have an altar erected for His worship so that all can see. Personally, we have had discussions about how we can remember the goodness of God. Someday, when God allows us to be permanently planted, we will be purchasing or finding great and large stones to place in and around our home to remind us of the important and pivotal moments of when God worked miraculously in our life. That is just our personal perspective and something that the Lord has impressed upon us. However, all of us have the ability to change this so that we do not forget. If we were to change our point of view we would be able to (at least in our own lives) redeem the everyday items we take for granted and make them a holy altar.
If we were to view our wedding rings as an altar or monument of the day God miraculously united us to our spouses, we would not be so quick to take them off and forget. We would be reminded every time that we saw them of a God that brought the person into our life that we needed to make us complete for the fullness of His work. We would not look at our ring and think of the "old ball and chain" or our overbearing husband. We would remember the forethought of a loving God that knew who we needed to be joined to even before we knew.
If we were to view our wedding pictures as an altar to God, we would not be so quick to take them down or remove them when we hit a rough patch. We would be reminded of the joy that we experienced as a loving God brought two of His most precious children together in a holy and honoring union. We would be reminded of the sparkle in our eyes and the spring in our step on the day that God perfected our union between us, our spouse, and Him. We would see the joy and love in that picture that was only dimmed by the love that God has for us.
We need to have altars and monuments in our lives. When we don't have them we will always focus on the immediate problem right in front of us. Without altars dotting the landscape all around us we only see the temporary problems and desperate needs. Without altars we will have nothing there to remind us of the faithfulness and goodness of God. But with altars, we are reminded of the mercy and grace of our Father as we go about the routine things of our day. We cannot easily forget the miracles of God when we place something before our eyes with the express purpose of reminding us. When altars are present it is more difficult to run away from the truth of who God is. Why? Because you were there when the altar was erected. You were there when there was need for an altar because God had just shown up.
We need the tangible and physical things to intermingle with the spiritual and supernatural. This is why Gideon asked for the wet fleece and why Abraham asked for a token of the covenant. God doesn't mind when we ask Him for those things. They may not always be something really cool like a huge pile of rocks. The altar may not even be something extravagant to anyone else but you. It might be something as simple as a thumbtack stuck in a wall but it will mean the world to you because YOU know why you put it there. And every time that you see that tack you will be reminded that God is faithful to you!!
Take note of the times that God moves on your behalf. Remind yourself. Tell others. Build something as a monument to the miraculous power of God. Do something to remind yourself of His goodness. There may be a time when you are only able to focus on the temporary situation and you will need that altar to declare to you the character of God.
Josh and Serena
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