TRUTH FOR THURSDAY

This week I am continuing "Truth for Thursdays" on Being Refined As Silver. To read the first post on this topic click here.

Recently I have been reading the book "Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I thought this may be a good way to share the lies we believe that she writes about, but more importantly the truths of God's Word. This book seems like a good one for a group to do together, but since I am doing it on my own, I would love to hear your comments about it.

THE LIE: "IF MY CIRCUMSTANCES WERE DIFFERENT, I WOULD BE DIFFERENT."

THE TRUTH: "NOT THAT I SPEAK IN REGARD TO NEED, FOR I HAVE LEARNED IN WHATEVER STATE I AM, TO BE CONTENT." PHILIPPIANS 4:11

Isn't is so tempting for us to blame everything on our circumstances? We blame it on our upbringing, our environment, the people around us. "If our circumstances make us who we are than we are all victims. And that's just what the Enemy wants us to believe. Because if we are victims, then we aren't responsible-we can't help the way we are. but God says we are responsible-not for the failures of others, but of our own responses and lives." (page 219) I am seeing more and more of this victim mentality all around. Our young people are growing up learning to blame rather than take responsibility. Even when our circumstances are difficult we can choose to respond in a biblical way.

When we face difficult circumstances we have an opportunity to learn to be content as Paul did. I have heard from many older Christian couples who have shared the difficult financial times they went through early in their marriage. You would never know it by looking at their present situation. God taught them much during those times and they wouldn't have it any other way. Although they are in a much better financial position, they learned to be content during those difficult times.

What circumstance are you facing today that tempts you to start the "If only..., things would be different"? Remember that we serve a wise, loving, sovereign God whom we can trust to control every circumstance in our lives. We can have peace and be content by knowing that every circumstance in our lives has been filtered through His hands and will be used for our good.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Here is Courtney's challenge for this week:
This weeks Marriage challenge is: Admire Your Husband. If you are a blogger write a post all about your husband and what you admire in him and then show it to him! He will smile! If you are not a blogger, list the things you admire about your husband in the comment section and show it to him!

The top ten things I admire about my husband Tom:

1. His love for the LORD. He has a strong faith and trust in our LORD. No matter what the situation, he always points it back to God.

2. His dedication to do what is right. He knows what he believes and has strong convictions which he sticks to.

3. He has a willing heart. Whenever there is a need, he puts the other person first. And he does so without complaining.

4. He has a grateful and content heart. He never criticizes me and is always happy with what I do. Whether it is the way I keep the house, dress the kids, cook. He is happy with my efforts.

5. He is humble. He is so very intelligent and often times it means that people don't understand him. Rather than prove how smart he is by explaining in ways that others might not understand, he lets it go. He doesn't have to prove himself. He knows who he is.

6. He is handy. He can fix anything. When something breaks he knows exactly what to do. I don't have to depend on someone else for those mechanical failures.

7. He is such a fun Dad. He loves doing fun things with the kids and he makes everyday fun for the kids. There is lots of laughter in our home.

8. He is very protective of us. He defends us physically, spiritually and emotionally.

9. His forgiving spirit. He does not hold grudges or bring up past hurts. If I ask him to forgive me, I know he does. He follows the example of our LORD by burying it in the deepest part of the sea.

10. He has a joyful spirit. He is a happy person who treasures every blessing, no matter how small. He has an outgoing personality and will talk to anyone no matter where he is. He is always ready to give an account of the hope that is within him.

TRUTH FOR THURSDAY

This week I am continuing "Truth for Thursdays" on Being Refined As Silver. To read the first post on this topic click here.

Recently I have been reading the book "Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I thought this may be a good way to share the lies we believe that she writes about, but more importantly the truths of God's Word. This book seems like a good one for a group to do together, but since I am doing it on my own, I would love to hear your comments about it.

THE LIE: "IF I FEEL SOMETHING IT MUST BE TRUE."

THE TRUTH: "THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED; WHO CAN KNOW IT?" JEREMIAH 17:9

How often do we as women believe this lie! If you listen closely enough you can find it everywhere. Here are just a few examples:
-I don't feel like serving my family. They don't appreciate me anyway.
-I don't feel forgiven.
-This situation is hopeless.

How often our feelings can change, even throughout the course of a day. Isn't it wonderful that God's word is unchanging? We don't have to be a slave to our feelings and allow our feelings to dictate our lives. We can choose to believe the Word of God regardless of what our feelings are telling us. We have the most powerful weapon against Satan's lies. We must look at our feelings through the lens of God's Word to see what is true.

So when you don't feel like serving your family remember Philippians 2:3-4 "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others."

When you don't feel forgiven, remember 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

When you feel like your situation is hopeless, remember Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." And Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Praise God for His Word!
"The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever." 1 Peter 1:24