New Hope

Temptations Can Mess Up God's Will

We can learn a lot from Samson. Last week, I read some stories about him in Judges 13-16. God had big plans for Samson. An angel even announced to his mother that he would be born. However, Samson made some decisions that keep him from fulfilling God's will for his life. Although he didn't save the Israelites from the Philistines, we can still learn lessons from Samson.

If Samson had realized his temptations and protected himself against them, I think things would have turned out much different for him and the Israelites. His temptation seems to have been women. Though my big struggles aren't with lust or seduction - I have other temptations that could get in the way of God's will. We all do. Right?

So, I need to admit to myself where I am easily tempted and stay on guard. Because that is what the enemy is going to probably use to get at me. I'm really excited about living in God's will and doing what He wants me to do. I've been learning about how God likes to strengthen weak people and use them to do His work. Here I am, weak and poor in the eyes of the world. But I feel so honored that I am valuable to God. I just have to stand strong, with His strength, against any temptation that comes my way.

I don't want people to say of me - Oh, what she might have been.

I want people to say - She made the best of the abilities God gave her.

2 Milestones This Week

There are 2 milestones being celebrated right now - Revive Our Hearts ministry turns 7 and Nancy Leigh DeMoss turns 50. For the past 3 days, Bob Lepine has been interviewing Nancy about herself, the Revive Our Hearts ministry, and plans for the future.

If you haven't been listening to these past 3 shows, you can listen to them online. If fact, many of the past shows are available online at the Revive Our Hearts site. Nancy talks about many subjects that will help Christian women grow spiritually. Here are some of the topics that are available to still listen to:

marriage
a non-christian husband
mentoring
forgiveness
biblical womanhood
Christian living
modesty
parenting
revival
suffering
relationships
singleness

You may also be interested in Nancy's challenges:

31 Days of Praying for Your Husband

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

Are You Good Enough for Heaven?

Interview with Kirk Cameron

Unplanned Pregnancies

Unplanned pregnancies can be very inconvenient and stressful.

There are different reasons why a baby may be unwanted:

a premarital pregnancy
an extra-marital pregnancy
a crisis pregnancy - financial stress, health problems for the mother or baby, rape and incest
an inconvenient pregnancy - due to the woman's age, college plans, career, marriage, family size

However, babies can be a wonderful blessing. We have no idea what God has in mind for every human being, even unplanned babies. God has plans for each human that He has formed in the womb.
Maybe you know a woman who had an unplanned pregnancy.
I've known of a few women in this situation:

A young woman who was raped during her college years. She kept the baby and that baby was a special blessing and helped her to heal.
A woman who was told that she had to have an operation and the baby wouldn't survive. If she didn't have the operation, she would die. Well, she kept her baby and had the operation after she gave birth. Both the mother and child are just fine today.
A woman who had no health insurance or way of taking care of a baby financially. But, she found community and government resources that were available and God provided for her and the baby.
An unmarried Christian woman became pregnant and was worried about what her family would think. Her parents ended up inviting her to live with them and they helped her take care of the baby.

Some women believe the lie that a human fetus isn't a baby until it is born. But, once she has an Ultra Sound, she will see that the baby is fully alive. Very early in the pregnancy, she can hear the baby's heart beating. Here are some places that can help you, or a woman you know, that is pregnant with an unplanned baby.

Unplanned Pregnancy Website
Your Local Pregnancy Care Centers (they offer free services, counseling, pregnancy tests, and Ultrasounds
Book: I'm Pregnant...Now What?
Unplanned Pregnancy Resources by Hope for the Heart
Baby Center Site - The Everything Site about Pregnancy and Babies

John 16:21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world.

Thankful Thursday: Modern-Day Christian Heroes

Thankful Thursday Meme

For this Thankful Thursday, I want to express my appreciation to some modern-day Christian heroes - those Christians who are so serious about living out their faith that they are willing to sacrifice their comforts or safety to serve the Lord.

I appreciate what you Christian heroes are doing to help people. You aren't doing it for fame or for an earthly rewards. You are doing it to serve Jesus, and with a sincere compassion for others.

I am thankful for:

Native Christian missionaries witnessing in their own countries - living on low incomes, using bicycles and their own feet for transportation, risking ridicule and physical abuse in countries where Christianity is not the norm. Gospel for Asia

Christians who go to places like Sudan - to bring comfort and relief aid to persecuted Christians, and to help them rebuild after their villages were attacked by Muslim soldiers. They go despite The Department of State warning them that it is too dangerous to travel in Sudan.
Voice of the Martyrs

Christian students working as modern-day abolitionists to end slavery - raising awareness, motivating students to do their part, and participating in activism. Yes. Slavery still exists. There are 27 million slaves worldwide - more people are in slavery now than during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Zach Hunter author of Be the Change

Christians who dedicate themselves to helping orphans by preparing them for adulthood - providing academic opportunities, life training skills, mentoring, career placement, and health programs. When orphans turn 16 many of them are kicked out of orphanages and state institutions. They are expected to fend for themselves. An estimated 60% of orphan girls turn to prostitution and 70% of orphan boys to crime. Orphan's Promise

13 Easy Recipes

I like meals that are quick and easy. Then, I have more time with the kids and for blogging. If it isn't easy, then I probably won't make it. My husband will agree to that. He ends up making the time consuming recipes like fettuccine or Chinese food.

These recipes really are easy and they don't use many ingredients. All 5 of my kids enjoy eating the recipes that I have listed.

Free Online Bible Study Materials

Thru the Bible with Dr. J. Vernon McGee
This is a complete 5-year audio Bible study. You can join in any time. He usually rotates between an Old Testament book and a New Testament book.

Searchable Online Bibles at Bible Gateway
There are over 50 versions and 35 languages available to use. Search by keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.

Online Audio Bibles at Bible Gateway
Listen to the entire Bible online. Choose from 7 translations and 4 languages. Pick the book and chapter you want to listen to.

Classic Bible Commentaries at Bible Gateway
Choose from famous commentary writers: Calvin, Darby, Geneva, Gill, Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown, Lightfoot, Johnson, Luther, Mathew Henry, Spurgeon, McGarvey and Pendleton, McGee, and Wesley

I Am - So You Don't Have to Be online Bible study at The Preacher's Wife Blog You can begin this online Bible study anytime and work at your own pace.

When Mama Prayed

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

My 11 year old loves this song and so do I.

Over the last year, I've been trying to pray consistently for my husband. Now it's time for me to get busy praying for my kids. I just love how Randy Travis expresses the importance of a mother's prayer in this song. Prayer does change things.

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children

Lyrics:
Daddy never went to church on Sunday
He said that's one thing I'll never do
But mama never gave up she said one day
He'll be sitting here beside of me and you
I can still hear mama softly talking
With her tears falling on her folded hands
So that Easter Sunday Daddy walked in
That's when I began to understand

When mama prayed, good things happen
When mama prayed, lives were changed
Not much more than five foot tall
But mountains big and small crumbled all away
When mama prayed

Seventeen and wild I hit the bottle
Doing anything I dang well please
Burning down life's highway at full throttle
While mama burned a candle on her knees
Then one night I came home half sober
I saw mama kneeling in the den
As I listened she and Jesus talked it over
And I knew my restless days were 'bout to end

When mama prayed, good things happen
When mama prayed, lives were changed
Not much more than five foot tall
But mountains big and small crumbled all away
When mama prayed

It isn't like every one of them got answered
But the times they weren't it seems to me were rare
You almost felt sorry for the devil
'Cause heaven knows he didn't have a prayer
When mama prayed

Not much more than five foot tall
But mountains big and small crumbled all away
When mama prayed
They crumbled all away
When mama prayed

Ministry Idea - Growing Vegetables

You and the kids can help people by growing vegetables. It isn't too late to get your seeds in the ground. Radishes, bush beans, bush peas, and lettuce are easy to grow. Plus these vegetables grow quickly.

You can share your homegrown vegetables with your local Christian soup kitchen, neighbors, church workers, and food pantries (check first to see if they will accept fresh foods).

If you're unable to grow vegetables, then you can also participate by collecting canned food to donate. It doesn't take a big plan. Get the kids together and take along a box or pull a wagon. Just spend an hour going door to door and you'll be amazed at how much food you will be able to collect.

At harvest time, the family can go U picking and give away the fresh produce. Wouldn't it be special for people to eat fresh strawberry shortcake or freshly sliced peaches at a soup kitchen?

Lessons from Deborah

Deborah, Judge of Israel by Lakesia L. Bell

My Walk Monday

Yesterday, I was reading about Deborah in the book of Judges. I got curious as to what others thought about this story. So, I searched and read some blog posts about her.

It was very interesting to see so many different interpretations of the story. One post even said........ Deborah led, but only to promote male leadership. She actually wanted to keep herself in a subordinate role. Deborah's leadership role isn't portrayed as a good thing to be imitated by women later in history. (I'm not saying who said this, because I don't want to cause trouble.)

Hmmm. I didn't get that same message out of this Bible story. I think that God could have promoted male leadership through a man if He wanted to. Instead, God chose this woman to be a prophetess and a judge to the Israelites. Deborah made herself available to God and He used her. It was part of His will. It doesn't matter whether He chooses to use a woman or a man. If He is calling you to step into a Christian leadership role, then you'd better do it.

There is a lot of Christian work to be done, many leadership roles that aren't being filled. Is it possible that God has called Christians to fill these roles and they are not obeying? Why would He leave these important church and ministry positions vacant? I'm thinking that there may be a lot Christians ignoring the calling of the Lord.

Deborah was a good example for us. She yielded herself to God. As Christians, we just need to make ourselves available to Him. We don't need to be perfect, because He can do wonders with us when we are weak and ordinary. When God uses an imperfect nobody, He gets all of the glory for what is done.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul tells us - Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The story of Deborah is found in Judges 4 and 5.

Join Carolyn for the My Walk Monday Meme. Write a post about your walk with the Savior - what you learned in your devotions, what you are struggling with, a new worship song you learned, a prayer request, a new Bible study you started, a praise report … anything that is helping you grow in your relationship with the Lord.

Carry You to Jesus

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

I imagine most of you have already heard about the Chapman's tragedy, but for those who haven't...

Please lift up the Steven Curtis Chapman family in prayer.

They are hurting deeply. Maria, the youngest child in the family, died Wednesday. I can't even imagine the pain they are feeling.

"At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, transported by Life Flight, but died of her injuries there." (from the official Steven Curtis Chapman site)

It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maria's Miracle Fund at Shaohannah's Hope.

Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world.

We all know that God can bring good out of the bad. We don't see the whole picture, that's where our faith is strengthened.
Let God be glorified despite this tragedy.

You Tube Video: Carry You to Jesus by Steven Curtis Chapman

Thankful Thursday: Christian Women Servants

Today, I'm writing my Thankful Thursday post about Christian women who have dedicated themselves to serving the Lord.

I am thankful for the many Christian women who have followed God's will for their lives. They have used their spiritual gifts and have found true joy in serving Him. These women are inspiring examples for us to follow. Here are four women that I am thankful for:

Susana Wesley

This Christian mother raised 19 children. She developed a personal relationship with each one by scheduling a private time with each one once a week. Two of her children grew up to become famous men of God. John Wesley, her 15th child, was a great preacher and the founder of the Methodist Church. Her 18th child, Charles Wesley, was one of the greatest hymnists of all time. Despite poverty, 2 house fires, and her husband leaving them for a year, she raised her children to trust in God and to serve Him.

Amy Carmichael

The Christian missionary, Amy Carmichael, founded the Dohnavur Fellowship in India in 1901. This orphanage has been a sanctuary for over one thousand children. Many of them were young girls that would have been dedicated to the gods and forced into prostitution to earn money for the priests. This orphanage is still in operation today. Amy Carmichael also wrote thirty-five books - many about missionary work. She served God in India for fifty-five years without furlough.

June Hunt

This woman is a Christian counselor. She helps people through her books and radio shows. June Hunt also has a ministry to train Christians in counseling through materials, classes, and online shows. When you listen to her speak, you can hear her compassion for people who are hurting emotionally. She bases all of her counseling advice on what the Bible says and she points people to God - the Great Physician who can heal any hurt.

Stormie Omartian

This Christian author has written many best selling books teaching us how to pray. The Power of a Praying Wife encourages women to pray daily for their husbands. In this book, Stormie gives examples of what to pray about. Many woman have grown closer to their husbands by praying for them. And many husband's lives have been changed for the better, because their wives have been actively praying.

How about you? Which Christian women have made a positive impression on you? Which ones are you thankful to for their service to the Lord?

Lessons from Rahab

My Walk Monday

Earlier last week, I read about Rahab in the book of Joshua. Israelite spies went into Jericho and they needed a place to hide out. Rahab, a prostitute, agreed to hide the two spies in her house. She even lied about it when the king's men came to her asking where they were.

Rahab helped them because she feared their God.

Joshua 2:9-11 says “I know the Lord has given you this land,” she (Rahab) told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror. For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea (Sea of Reeds) when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, whose people you completely destroyed. No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below."

In return for helping them, she asked for her life and her family's lives to be spared during the destruction of Jericho. And the Israelites agreed that she and her family would be safe.

My Study Bible said this about Rahab's future:
"References to Rahab elsewhere in the Bible show that she gained a unique place in Jewish history. She and her family alone survived the battle of Jericho. By marrying a man named Salmon (possible a relative of the hero Caleb), she became a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). The authors of James (2:25) and Hebrews (11:31) hold up Rahab as an example of faith."

Matthew 1:5 "Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse."

James 2:25 "Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road."

Hebrews 11:31 "It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies."

I find it quite interesting that right before the destruction of Jericho, a prostitute made a decision that ended up sparing her and her family's lives and resulted in her becoming an ancestor of Jesus. God is wanting all of us to make the right decisions that will honor Him. Even if we are big sinners, He can forgive us and save us through Jesus, and use us to do His work.

This makes me think about how important decisions are. I need to be living in God's will daily, asking Him for wisdom and guidance to make the best decisions.

You're Not Alone

Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme

I happened to stumble upon this song earlier this week - just when I needed to hear God say to me "You're Not Alone."

You Tube Video: You're Not Alone by Meredith Andrews

You're Not Alone Lyrics:

I search for love
When the night came and it closed in
I was alone
but you found me where I was hiding
and though I'll never ever be the same
It was the sweetest voice that called my name
singing

You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
and I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life

You cry yourself to sleep
cause the hurt is real
and the pain cuts deep
All hope seems lost
With heartache your closest friend
and everyone else long gone

You've had to face the music on your own
but there is a sweeter song that calls you home
sayin'

You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away your every tear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest nights
And I'm the one that's love you all your life
All your life

Faithful and true... Forever
For my love will carry you....

You're not alone
for I... I am here
let me wipe away every fear... Oh yeah
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through your darkest nights
Your darkest nights
And I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life