| Scripture: "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Jesus saith unto him . . . Until seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22) Remember when . . .? That's a question we hear a lot this time of year - especially when we gather with family and friends. We browse through Christmases gone by enjoying the memories, until we inevitably stumble across the memories we would rather forget. Suddenly, the pain comes rushing back. The sting of a parent's criticism, the broken promise of a friend, the rejection, the disappointments, the heartaches, the betrayals . . . . What should we do with memories like that? Do we have to drag them along, like so much baggage, from year to year? As the years go by, they seem to get heavier and heavier. The answer is "no, we can leave them behind for good." In fact, we must leave them behind! And there's only one way to do it - through forgiveness. Forgiving someone sounds like a simple thing to do. Yet few of us actually do it. We treat forgiveness as if it were one of life's additional options, something we can take or leave alone. But its not. It's a basic requirement for every believer. In fact, as far as God is concerned, unforgiveness is wicked. In Matthew 18, Jesus tells us a parable that illustrates the terrible consequences of it. The parable involves a servant who owed his lord a debt equivalent to millions of dollars. When the debt came due, he pleaded with his master, "Lord have patience with me and I will pay thee all." His master was so moved that he cancelled the entire debt! Soon thereafter, that same servant sought out a man who owed him $15. Finding him unable to pay, he ignored the man's pleas for mercy and had him cast into prison. When his lord heard about what he had done, he was outraged! He called him a "wicked servant" and delivered him to the tormentors until he paid all that was due. Look again at the size of that unforgiven debt. Fifteen dollars! The man was not thrown into jail because of what he owed but because of the actions brought about by the unforgiveness he harbored in his heart. The little debts are the ones that most often trip us us. The petty resentments between husbands and wives, between brother and sister, between children and parents, between bosses and coworkers. Tiny bits of unforgiveness that seem too insignificant to bother with. BEWARE! Those are the kinds of debts Satan uses to torment you. After all, Jesus paid off a mountain of debts for you. You can afford to be generous about the nickel and dime debts of others. Spend time with the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to reveal the unforgiveness areas in you. (Yes, sometimes we know and sometimes we've forgotten the areas that need cleansing.) Whatever it is, repent and release it - really let go, which is your reasonable service. Make this Christmas more than a time to remember. Make it a time to forget. . . . Scripture reading: Matthew 18:21-35 |
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Christmas' Basic Requirement
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thanking God!
| Gratitude builds a healthy relationship with God and is a safe haven where we can relax and recuperate from the tensions of everday life. Just as we need to hear positive things from God, He needs to hear positive things from us! Here are some suggestions. I hope you will add to them with thoughts of your own.... "Good Job while you walked amongst us here on earth! " "The Cross was a great idea!" "You are wonderful." "I don't feel complete without you." "I appreciate all the things you've done for me over the years." "Thank you for creating me." "Thank you for loving me." "You come first in my life before spouse, kids, career, friends, anything else." "Thank you for instructing me and teaching me in the way I should go." "Thank you for sustaining and rescuing me." "You're the best friend that I have." "If I had it to do all over again, I'd still come to you." "The smartest thing I ever did was turn to you." "I never have to miss you because you're always here." "I'm glad you're always on my mind." "It's nice to wake up with you." "I will always love you." "I trust you." "I can always count on you." "It's nice to go to sleep with you." "You make me feel confident." "I'm proud to be married to you." "You make me feel at peace." "I'm sorry when I make you sad." "I was wrong." "Tell me what is on your mind." "I want to listen to you." "You are so special." "I can no longer imagine life without you." "I wish I were a better child." "What can I do to help?" "Pray for me and I'll pray for you." "I cherish every moment we spend together." "Thank you for not giving up on me." "Thank you for accepting me just as I am." "Thank you for being my God." "Thank you for walking with me." "Thank you for strengthening me." "Thank you for upholding me with your righteous right hand." "Thank you for treating me justly and not forgetting me." "Thank you for making me your own." "You make every day worth living." by Rev. BrenGandy Wilson |
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Comments on Halloween
Festivals of Death? By Rod McNair What do Halloween, the Day of the Dead and All Souls Day have to do with Christianity? How should Christians view these days? Are they nothing more than occasions for festive celebration—or are they much, much more? Grotesque masks and costumes… terrifying images of movie monsters…sugar skulls and carved pumpkins…gravesite offerings for the dead. This year, millions of people around the world will observe Halloween, All Saints Day, All Souls Day and the Day of the Dead. Will you? Most people today know that the modern Halloween festival has its roots in ancient traditions that pre-date Jesus Christ—yet they have no qualms about taking part in a day that draws heavily on morbid pre-Christian superstitions. Why is this? What should it mean to Christians today? What did ancient Halloween celebrations involve? “The two chief characteristics of ancient Hallowe’en were the lighting of bonfires and the belief that of all nights in the year this is the one during which ghosts and witches are most likely to wander abroad… Further, it was a Druidic belief that on the eve of this festival Saman, lord of death, called together the wicked souls that within the past twelve months had been condemned to inhabit the bodies of animals” (“Halloween,” Encyclopaedia Britannica., 11th ed., vol. 12, pp. 857–8). So how did professing Christians start following ancient Celtic practices? In 610ad, Pope Boniface IV established the Feast of All Holy Martyrs, held annually on May 13. In 835, Pope Gregory IV transferred the celebration to November 1, a date he designated as “All Saints Day” in honor of martyrs for their faith. What activities are associated with that day? Even today, in some Catholic countries, a popular folk tradition holds that people’s departed loved ones return to their former homes once a year, during this day, also known as the “Day of the Dead.” Mabuhay magazine described a colorful tradition of the Philippines, where families “troop to cemeteries to light candles and offer flowers… to departed relatives… on All Saints Day (November 1)” (“Halloween High Jinks,” November 1997, p. 34). The November 2 festival known as “All Souls Day” was established based on “the [Roman Catholic] doctrine that the souls of the faithful which at death have not been cleansed from venial sins, or have not atoned for past transgressions, cannot attain the Beatific Vision, and that they may be helped to do so by prayer and by the sacrifice of the mass” (“All Souls Day,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th ed. vol. 1, p. 709). This presumes a process by which those who are alive can perform ceremonies to somehow improve the condition of the deceased. In Mexico, “Dia de los Muertos,” or “Day of the Dead” is observed by adorning gravesites with candles, marigolds, and deceased family members’ favorite foods, as if to attempt to persuade the dead loved ones to return for a family reunion. Note this description of how some celebrants observe this festival: “Some wear wooden skull masks known as calacas. Many families build altars, called ofrendas, in their homes, using photos, candles, flowers, and food… Toys and food, including breads and candies, are created in the shape of symbols of death such as skulls and skeletons” (“Day of the Dead,” Encyclopaedia Britannica online). All these “festivals of the dead” are based on the same general theme—to commune with, appease, serve and even worship the dead. But are such practices based on the Bible? Should Christians observe them today? What does God say? Where Are the Dead Now? Many ancient religious traditions presume that the dead are somewhere other than in the grave. Many people assume that the departed dead are either in heaven, hell or some sort of intermediate conscious state. Yet the Bible clearly tells us where the dead are! Notice what the Apostle Peter said in his sermon on the Day of Pentecost: “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.… For David did not ascend into the heavens…” (Acts 2:29, 34). David did not go to heaven! The Apostle Peter, speaking centuries after David’s death, confirmed that David was still in his grave where he had been placed at death, and was still awaiting the resurrection! What a contrast Peter’s words are to the mistaken belief, so pervasive among professing Christians today, that the saints, right now, are looking down at us from heaven! Jesus Christ plainly explained, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven” (John 3:13). He indeed had come down from heaven, and did return to the throne of the Father in heaven (John 20:17). But, on His faithful testimony, no one else has done so! What, then, are the dead doing? The answer is neither mysterious nor spooky. The dead are simply “sleeping” in their graves, unconscious, waiting to be called to resurrection. What will happen when Christians are resurrected? The Apostle Paul explains: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–18). We can gain tremendous encouragement if we understand the truth about death, and resurrection, as taught in the Bible. We need not distress or confuse ourselves with the fearful superstitions fostered by the “festivals of death.” Can We Communicate With the Dead? If the dead are unconscious in the grave—not alert as disembodied spirits in heaven—can we communicate with them? On the “Day of the Dead” do deceased family members actually return to their living relatives, as some believe? What does the Bible say? Solomon explained: “For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). When righteous King David cried out to be saved from danger, he reminded God, “For in death there is no remembrance of You; in the grave who will give You thanks?” (Psalm 6:5). Solomon and David both understood that human beings cease from consciousness at death. The biblical account of King Saul’s séance sometimes confuses casual readers who wonder about spirits existing after death. At first glance, one might think that a medium had conjured up the spirit of Samuel, at King Saul’s request (1 Samuel 28:8–15). But did the medium really bring Samuel back? Scripture explains that Saul “perceived” it was Samuel (v. 14). The description was simply of “an old man… covered with a mantle”—apparently an unclean spirit appearing in a form much like Samuel’s. Scripture shows that lying spirits do go forth to deceive, as did this one seeking to deceive Saul (1 Kings 22:22–23). Yes, the Bible clearly shows that we cannot communicate with the dead. The dead are not aware of treats or offerings brought to their graves. They neither hear nor benefit from prayers made to them, or on their behalf. On the other hand, we do look forward to seeing our beloved friends and relatives in the resurrection! And it is certainly right to honor the memory of a deceased family member or friend at a funeral service, especially for the sake of the mourning relatives. We “honor the memory” of our deceased parents and grandparents not by leaving trinkets at their graves, or by hoping to welcome their spirits into our homes, but rather by following their edifying instruction and example, and by bringing honor to the good name they established while they lived. Just Good, Clean Fun? “I don’t believe in all that mumbo-jumbo,” some might say. “I just like to have fun on a festival day.” Is there, in fact, anything wrong with the Halloween customs we see in modern-day America? Could there be any problem with costume parties, scary stories and the gathering of tasty treats? Should we disapprove of plastic battery-operated “goblins” glaring down at passing shoppers in a department store? After all, nobody today takes all the “scary” stuff seriously, right? Perhaps that approach itself is part of the problem. The spirit world should be taken seriously. It is real, and it is dangerous to the unwary. Yet the dangers of the occult are often relegated to the status of a silly game, as if we could harmlessly play along if only we would “get into the spirit of it!” Certainly, millions try to do exactly that. Even home décor maven Martha Stewart offers advice on how to decorate your front lawn with flickering pumpkins to create a spooky environment for fun. She goes on to explain: “The excitement of All Hallow’s Eve is in the ether, the atmosphere charged by the sights and sounds and fears belonging to the night… What we’re after is to beat the holiday’s phosphorescent spirits at their own game, to dispel their threat using the same palette of darting amber and inky shadow they use to scare us” (Halloween: The Best of Martha Stewart Living, pp. 11–12). For those who are skilled with a carving knife, author Tom Nardone’s book, Extreme Pumpkins: Diabolical Do-It-Yourself Designs to Amuse Your Friends and Scare Your Neighbors, describes “designer pumpkins” you can create yourself. Nardone offers directions for creating designs such as: “Cannibal Pumpkin,” “My Head Is on Fire Pumpkin,” “Brain-Surgery Pumpkin,” “Electrocuted Pumpkin,” “Drowning-in-a-bag Pumpkin,” “Skull Pumpkin,” “Blood-filled Pumpkin,” and “Satanic Pumpkin.” These tips by Stewart and Nardone are all in jest and “tongue-in-cheek”—but should this be taken so lightly? God reveals that there is a real spirit being known as the Devil. This is not some bumbling fiend with a pitchfork; rather, the Devil is a powerful, hateful being who has deceived the whole world (Revelation 12:9), and who seduced and drew one-third of all the angels into rebellion against God (Revelation 12:4). Jesus Christ saw Lucifer cast down from heaven (Luke 10:18). The angry angels who followed Lucifer’s rebellion—who became demons—are described as foul spirits and unclean birds (Revelation 18:2). How does God tell us to regard Satan? He does not tell us to play silly, spooky games that mock interaction with the spirit world. He does not tell us to act out modern versions of ancient Druidic rituals. Rather, He says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7–8). God counsels us to be aware of the Devil’s schemes, so we can avoid his traps (2 Corinthians 2:11). Scripture reminds us that Christians are in a struggle against “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). God’s Ways or Pagan Mischief? Halloween celebrates mischief. It is considered a time to “let all inhibitions loose” and “suspend all rules.” Author Hugo Slim reminds us, “Halloween still keeps many of the old pre-Christian games and rituals as part of its festivities. Games involving apples, dressing up and retribution are still enjoyed by children every Halloween” (Feast of Festivals, p. 176). He goes on to say, “The camouflage of fancy dress [costumes] and pumpkin lanterns also provided the perfect cover under which to get even with an enemy. Halloween therefore became an inevitable and acceptable time to settle old scores through the ancient custom of ‘trick or treat,’ a game which is extremely popular with many children today” (pp. 177–178). But does God approve of such festivities? The Apostle Peter explains that Christians should have given up lifestyles contrary to God’s way: “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries” (1 Peter 4:3). Instead, we are to focus on whatever is “true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). The unclean and riotous roots of Halloween are not compatible with God’s instructions for Christians. Interestingly, some historians have suggested a link between ancient “Day of the Dead” practices and the destruction of Noah’s idolatrous and licentious generation. Noah’s Flood began in the “second month, the seventeenth day of the month” (Genesis 7:11). One year later, in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day, Noah exited the ark (Genesis 8:14–16). If we count the timing of Noah’s Flood according to the Jewish civil calendar, the seventeenth day of the second month would be somewhere from late October to early November. As author Frederick Filby has observed, “Thus the old world perished and a year later a new era commenced in the same month. Both of these facts are indelibly enshrined in the memory of the human race. To many people right round the world November brings the Day of the Dead. In a number of ancient and primitive calendars November also brings a New Year at a time which has neither solstice nor equinox nor astronomical event to justify it” (The Flood Reconsidered, pp. 106–107). Historian Alexander Hislop identified the voyage of Osiris as a corrupted version of God’s delivery of Noah, and places it at around the same time: “The time when Osiris was ‘shut up in his coffin,’ and when that coffin was set afloat on the waters, as stated by Plutarch, agrees exactly with the period when Noah entered the ark. That time was ‘the 17th day of the month Athyr, when the overflowing of the Nile had ceased, when the nights were growing long and the days decreasing’” (The Two Babylons, p. 136). However, if the timing of the Flood is counted according to the Jewish sacred calendar (which began in the spring), it would have occurred sometime in mid-to-late-May, near the date originally chosen for the “Feast of All Holy Martyrs.” As John Garnier wrote in Worship of the Dead, “In Rome… in more ancient times, the ‘festival of the spirits,’ believed to be the souls of deceased friends, was called ‘Lemuria,’ and was held on May 11. This also was the seventeenth day of the second month of the year at that time” (p. 6). Do “Day of the Dead” observances go back into antiquity further than we might assume—perhaps even to the destruction of a riotous and violent civilization? At the very least, there seems to be a tantalizing parallel, and perhaps there is even an outright connection. Reject Pagan Traditions When God was preparing the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, He gave them specific and forceful instructions that they should not try to honor Him by practicing the “traditions” of the nations around them. They were not to absorb the observances of the Gentiles. They were to reject such practices, and instead faithfully follow God’s commands and instructions. Moses instructed the Israelites: “When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way” (Deuteronomy 12:29–31). God is calling Christians today to obey and worship Him in the way that He has chosen, not by following man-made false traditions. If Jesus Christ has called you to Himself, to understand His Truth, He is calling you out of the world. In the last hours of His life, Christ prayed that His disciples would not be of the world, even though they live in the world: “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:15–16). May God grant you the understanding and discernment to come out of the world, wholly follow Him, and reject the festivals of death! |
Monday, August 4, 2008
God is the Ultimate Parent
I Greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. I want to thank you for visiting this site. The following sermon was preached for Mothers Day, 2008 by the author of "Women Are Spiritual Bridges." I pray that something is written that will help you in your spiritual growth!
Scripture Referencess: Luke 11:27-28; Colossians 1:16
Opening Statement: I never thought much about being a woman or a wife or even a mother, for that matter. Not until I began to encounter the story of women in the Bible through sermons and studying the Word of God. When I attended Hood Seminary, I became fascinated with studying the feminist movement (also known as the Women's Movement or Women's Liberation). I learned that the movement was a series of campaigns on issues such as reproductive rights (including abortion), domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, sexual harassment, and sexual violence, and gender free language, just to name a few. The movement had a profound effect on religion and paved the way for women clergy. The goals of the movement vary from country to country, e.g. opposition to female genital cutting in Sudan or to the glass ceiling in Western countries. Until then, even though I grew up in this 20th century – a century where we women supposedly came into our own, I struggled to learn who I was, why I was born, and what role I was to play by being born a woman here on earth.
But through the Word of God, I learned that the liberation of woman really began long before the twentieth Century. It really began with Christianity when a very young girl – a girl by today’s standards would have been considered too young to bear such an awesome responsibility – was chosen to bear in her body, and to raise the Savior of all mankind. We know her as Mary, the mother of Jesus.
And because Jesus was both human and divine, the Bible tells us that He grew in wisdom and stature. I believe that this means He had to be told of His true identity, at some point. At some point, He had to choose, by faith, to believe that He was, indeed, the Son of God. Mary had the awesome understanding that even though she bore this child in her body, that she and Joseph were really His caretakers on earth – but that Ultimately, God was His Father.
I believe this babe, who was born in a manger, came through a bloody birth canal; and that He received nourishment, by suckling from the breasts of this young human girl. Many times, Mary held His tiny, fragile hands, and smiled down into the very eyes of this helpless, trusting, eternal child.
I believe that Jesus had to go through many childhood experiences, that all humans go through. He had to be potty trained, taught how to dress Himself, etc. His little hands had to be tapped; and he had to be told, “That’s a no-no,” when he reached for something that he should not touch.
I also believe that as Jesus grew, He heard the whispers of the people in the streets. Those, who originally wanted to stone His mother to death when they found out she was unwed and pregnant. [It’s funny how gossip and rumors can die down for a while, but they have a habit of coming back up when you least expect them.]
Much like today, the people wanted to tell Jesus that he was a bastard child. They wanted Him to believe that His mother was a whore who got pregnant by some other man other than her husband. They wanted Jesus to be confused about who He really was. Surely, He must have come running in to His mother one day crying, “Mother is it true?” “Am I a bastard?” “Mother, what’s a bastard?”
Mary had to have an awesome faith. She could not have known the challenges she would have to go through as a mother when she said “Be it unto me,” when the Angel Gabriel told her she was about to give birth, through the power of the Holy Spirit. At some point, she had the awesome task of telling her son, “Listen Jesus, you’re not like other children.”
Surely, as a little boy, Jesus must have run around in the dusty streets of Nazareth; playing and fighting with his half- brothers and sisters. The Bible tells us that James came to believe in his elder brother, but only after His death and resurrection.
After His death, Jesus' brother James became one of the great elders of the church in Jerusalem; he presided at the Jerusalem Council; and was among those awaiting the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. You can read his thoughts about His big brother in the Book of James at Chapter 1, verse 1.
As children go, Mary had to deal with jealousies and hurtful words. She had to separate the boys, and make them learn how to play together. She had to work hard, for she was poor, to provide for her children. We know that she became a widow, and therefore, a single parent.
And when her son grew up, He accorded her with such glory, that down through the ages, she was revered, protected and loved. Women wanted to think of her as different from themselves – better, made of finer, more delicate, clay.
But Jesus dealt with women of all backgrounds in a gentle, kind and loving manner. His very gaze, into their eyes – connected, in the same gentle, compassionate, and loving manner, that he had learned from gazing into the eyes of His own mother. It was a gaze that said, “I understand your struggles; I understand your pain.”
To the woman with the issue of blood, He said, “Daughter, be of good cheer, your faith has made you whole.” He surprised His disciples, by even speaking to the Samaritan woman.” To the woman caught in adultery, he said “Woman, where are your accusers?” To the woman at the well, He gave the privilege of becoming the first Evangelist.
The Bible tells us that though He was God, He humbled Himself and became obedient – even unto death. I believe Jesus learned compassion and humility from bonding with His own mother. From watching her struggles, watching her strength, and imitating her faith.
In our passage of Scripture today, Mary could indeed be proud of how her Son had turned out. The unnamed woman, intended to compliment Jesus, in saying, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you.” It was common in the first century to praise an individual by praising his or her parents. It’s the same today. First thing someone wants to know when they meet you is “Who are your people?” “Who is your Mama or your daddy?” “Where are you from?”
Even though this unnamed woman interrupted His sermon, this woman was praising Jesus’ upbringing, by giving honor to his mother. No doubt, the words, from His sermon, were burning in her heart. It was just like fire shut up in her bones; and she couldn’t help but cry out!
In responding to this unnamed woman, Jesus did not dishonor his mother. But it was a teachable moment. He took the opportunity to take the spotlight off of Himself – and off of his mother, because He knew that these people viewed Him, only as a human man, standing before them. He wanted to put their minds back on the "God message" that he was delivering, by reminding them of the true source of all blessings.
Jesus was saying “Even though I am the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation; It is the divine image – the God part of me – which is not visible to you now - the divine part, that has created all things in Heaven and on earth – visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by me, and for me. I am before all things (even my own human mother], and in me, all things hold together. I am head of the body, the church; and I am the beginning, I will be the firstborn from the dead, so that I will come to have first place in everything through shedding my own blood on the cross.”
Jesus was saying “Don’t praise the human me, but “Listen to what I say; and go and do likewise!” In effect, he was saying “Don’t praise my human mother, but listen to the Word!”
There are a few things we can learn through reading about Mary and Jesus’ relationship.
First, Mary teaches mothers today to stand for what they believe about God in relation to their Children. Many of us worry about our children, but we can rest assured that God is on the job. He is able today, Church, to take care of them. God allowed us to work out our own testimony - somebody worried about us! And He is doing the same for our children. I write to let you know that God will come through!
Regardless of the odds against our children, and the pressures that tear at their existence, God is there! Many times, our children tear at our hearts. They do things we tell them not to do; they take risks that we never would have taken at their age; and they make us move when we would rather stay in bed. Many times, we want to slap the fire out of them for talking to us in such disrespectful ways. And some of us have done just that. But regardless of our feelings, though, they are ours; and we can’t give up on them.
Now, I know a certain amount of rejection of parental authority is going to occur during the teenage years, regardless of what kind of home a parent provides. Kids are gonna test their wings so to speak. But the Bible says “If you train them up in the way they should go, when they are old, they will not depart from it.
What we, as parents, have to realize, is that God loves our children more than we do! That’s a new idea for some of us. Many of us want to believe that there is nobody that will love our children more than we do! So we fret and we worry. May I remind you that in part of Jesus’ sermon, before He was interrupted by the unnamed woman, He said, “If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit – the Ultimate gift, to those who ask Him?” We humans, can’t love more, or better, than God! God is love! He is the One that teaches us how to love and not smother or squash our children’s God-given gifts and talents.
The Second thing, Mary teaches mothers today is that “Like the mother, the child, really belongs to God”.[1] All things created, visible and invisible, were created by Him. “Mothers (and Fathers), we are our children’s caretakers here on earth.” While we are our children’s earthly parents, God is ultimately their Heavenly Father. He chose for them to be here. In Psalms 139, God is inside the mother’s womb, and sees the unborn child’s form, even before it is shaped. He has chosen, not us.
As Parents, we are entrusted with nurturing, but more importantly, with training our children God’s way, and walking upright before them, so God will be able to use them. “How will they be able to distinguish God’s voice from the enemy’s voice in their life, if we do not expose them to God’s Word?” We need to let them see us pray and cry out to God. They need to know that we are totally dependent on Him. Let them see us praise Him, and show gratitude to Him, for all He has done for us! How else will they learn to love themselves, God and others?
A Third thing that, Mary teaches us is, that God’s will and His power for our lives, and for the lives of our children, is not limited by our feelings, attitudes or beliefs about Him. God is faithful even when we are unfaithful.
Many of us are suffering now because of things we did when we were young parents and still in the world. We now see things we should’ve done, or things we should’ve said. I know because I was one of those young parents. I was once filled with guilt because I still have a son in prison. Satan kept beating me up and keeping me in the past about how bad a mother I was. For years I was driven by these feelings of guilt. I can honestly say that I was one of those clever young mothers who thought I knew everything. I was sassy and more than a little bit disrespectful when others tried to talk to me. I call it spiritual dyslexia. I saw everything backwards. I seemed to believe I did not need to learn from my elders about how to be a parent. By the time I knew better, I had already made lots of mistakes and I am sure my children suffered because of it.
Where was the church when I was a young wife and mother? The church couldn't help me because I wouldn't go - not consistently anyway - and I wouldn't listen. I was hurting so badly by life (worries about being rejected, abandoned, fear of not having enough money, loneliness, no job security, etc.) that I could not fully focus on the needs of my children. Oh, I took care of their physical needs, but I was not there for them emotionally. My healing started to come when I faced these facts. I had to learn to get beyond my mistakes. Not become so paralyzed by regret that I could not enjoy the time left with my children and grandchildren and help them get over the spiritual and emotional humps they would encounter in life. God had need of my experiences - as painful as they were; otherwise what benefit would come of them? I had to learn that what the devil meant for evil God mean for my good and the good of my family!
Fortunately for me, God sent me a Godly woman who visited my home, and helped me understand that God’s plans for my children are bigger than my mistakes! That He will see my children through. Just like he took care me, when I was in rebellion, He will take care of them? When our children are not quite there yet – when they are running around in the street, doing drugs, and doing God-only-knows what else, we have to realize that they’re in God’s hands if we pray and intercede on their behalf. Let God allow them to work out their testimonies – the same way he kept us and allowed us to work out our testimonies! I was blessed to receive support but only because I was willing to listen; but so many other mothers don’t have that support.
In times like these I want to remind you that, “We will faint in the land of the living without the Holy Spirit to sustain us!” Mothers must know they can pray for their children and believe that God answers prayer. They can pray over their children, anoint them, speak protection and God’s blessings over them. Mothers must know that the Holy Spirit can go across the ocean to where our children are fighting in a war; He can go into prison cells and into hospital rooms. He can search the streets for them; intercede in broken homes and intercede in the school house and in the court room! God is able to do anything but fail!
we must believe the Holy Spirit is able to comfort, to advise, to protect, and intercede on their behalf. Oh mother, where is your faith? God is the ultimate parent, and He knows how to take care of you and your children!
On the other side of the coin, a Fourth thing Mary teaches us, is to never assume that we’ve got it all together. It’s a privilege to serve God and raise His children. Some parents steal God’s glory in our children’s lives by making the children believe we are God. We should never forget that we are raising God’s children. He wants us to meet a need in their lives. Their ultimate need is to be in relationship with Him! Children need to be raised in a Godly home, with a Godly example. Then, they will recognize the voice of their ultimate parent, when He speaks to them. Then, they will respect authority, and know their purpose for being in the world [come on, somebody!].
God invites us to raise our children, His way. Some parents need to get out of God’s way! I’ve seen babies not quite walking good, weighed down with heavy “bling bling” necklaces, tight clothing, and brogan shoes! The TV is their babysitter and they become insensitive to violence, cursing and baring their little bodies. I’ve heard mothers cursing their children in stores and restaurants! It was all I could do not to interfere, knowing I would only make their anger worse towards their children.
As parents we must learn the difference between wisdom decisions vs. flesh decisions. True wisdom comes from God. Parents have the power to break their children’s spirits, and cause them to rebel against God. If so, they will become God’s enemies. And it would be tragic to raise up children who will eventually be destroyed because of disobedience.
When these children grow up, they are not so much rejecting God, but rejecting their parents who treated them harshly – and now you want to tell them about the love of Jesus? Come on, now! Let’s be for real? We must learn to walk humbly before our children; admit our mistakes, and teach them how God picked us up; turned us around, and placed our feet on solid ground! That’s why we have a testimony!
A Fifth thing, Mary teaches us is to consider what types of biases we are bringing to the relationships that we have with our children? Did you know that 7 out of 10 parents who were abused as children - verbally and physically – abuse their own children in the same way? As African Americans, we are still suffering from the ill-treatments passed down to us by our fore-parents, who were abused? This same society causes us lots of stress that we may not be aware that we are taking out on our children. Where is the church in all this? If a parent is in church spewing venom on everybody, don’t you know that parent is doing the same thing at home to their children? Christian women, as hard as it may be to do so, we must surround this mother with love so that our example will help her to start treating her children right. Don't turn away or she and her children may be lost.
She must learn as we had to, that only through the Holy Spirit can we get our moods and emotions in order. Thus, creating a God-fearing family environment through which God can work to save the entire household. But first, we must be willing to surrender our worldly ideas and attitudes. Stop believing that we must be equal with men; or that we can do it all by ourselves! “All by ourselves” leaves the Holy Spirit out! We must stop weighing God’s Word against the cunning ways of the serpent, who is a part of this world. Emancipation of Women is good. I don’t have anything to say against anyone who is trying to make it better for women in this world. However, God’s way is best!
Sixth, Mary teaches us that as parents, we are pregnant with the power to deliver our family through Jesus Christ. From little bitty things, we have our children's trust and their ears. We must make the most of it while we can and before the world and their peers get a hild of them. In pain (sacrifice), we are able to deliver them from the jaws of sin and death by teaching them about Jesus Christ. He may not come when we want Him to, But He’s always on time. But we must believe God - teach our children about Him and stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
Seventh, Mary teaches us that the way our children see us respond to other people, especially authority figures – and even more critically to the head of household – has a direct influence on how they respond to people and how they handle authority - at school, with the police, a boss on a job, and even in their own future relationships.[2] It is unrealistic to expect them to respond positively if they have seen disrespect for authority modeled in their own household. The world is unfair. They must learn to sometimes recognize unfair treatment, and at the same time, learn positive ways of dealing with it. Ways that will not destroy their self-esteem or God’s plans for their future.
Eighth, Mary teaches us to speak those things that are not as though they are. We can’t always see God working behind the scenes for our children. But we must believe through faith that he is there, and that He has the best plans for our children’s lives. Always speak positively over your children. Renew your mind! We must understand that our words are powerful.
Ninth, refrain from discussing grown up matters in front of or with them so that they will not become embittered and confused emotionally. A child is developing and they don’t have the capacity to understand grown up situations.
And finally, the Tenth , parents influence their children’s own relationships and eventual marriages through how they deal with others. They teach their children how to be loving, and how to handle conflict: walk out or turn it over to Jesus? Let them “Learn how to walk through adversity!” “Let them see you pray and cry out to God! “Share breakthroughs when God blesses you or answers prayer.” “This is how they will learn humility and how to praise God in the midst of their storms.”
One of the greatest ways we show them how to respect and treat us is through how they see us deal with our own mothers. The relationships we have with our own mothers and mothers in law, for better or worse, will have a direct bearing on how our children and their spouses, learn to treat us after they become adults. Sometimes, we need to submit to what we perceive as unfair treatment! Turning the other cheek can take on a whole new meaning to you when you understand that it is not all about you. But it’s about what God wants to do with your children through you. The most sacrificial thing you can do, is love your husband’s mother.
Conclusion: That unnamed woman’s heart, was burning with the words of Jesus that day. I can understand why because one day, He picked me up; turned me around and set my feet on solid ground. When I think about the goodness of Jesus in my own heart, my soul cries out . . . Hallelujah! I thank God for saving Me.
A prayer for healing: God help us to respond to you in submission and in obedience. We give you glory and honor because your Word teaches us that you are the ultimate parent responsible, for our very being. Create in us a clean heart Oh Lord. Help us, at the very least, to understand that we don't know what we should know and to pray for understanding in all that we do.
Benediction: God is the Ultimate Parent because all things created, invisible and visible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by Him and for Him. I am before all things (even my own human mother], and in me all things hold together. Through my Word, “Listen to what I say,” and go and do likewise.
And now to Him who died, was buried and was raised again; to Him who has washed us in His own blood and is able to make us stand faultless before His Father in Heaven; to Him be power, glory and dominion forever and ever – Let the church say, “Amen!”
[1] Psalm 139:13; Ezekiel 18:4
[2] Romans 13:1
Scripture Referencess: Luke 11:27-28; Colossians 1:16
Opening Statement: I never thought much about being a woman or a wife or even a mother, for that matter. Not until I began to encounter the story of women in the Bible through sermons and studying the Word of God. When I attended Hood Seminary, I became fascinated with studying the feminist movement (also known as the Women's Movement or Women's Liberation). I learned that the movement was a series of campaigns on issues such as reproductive rights (including abortion), domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, sexual harassment, and sexual violence, and gender free language, just to name a few. The movement had a profound effect on religion and paved the way for women clergy. The goals of the movement vary from country to country, e.g. opposition to female genital cutting in Sudan or to the glass ceiling in Western countries. Until then, even though I grew up in this 20th century – a century where we women supposedly came into our own, I struggled to learn who I was, why I was born, and what role I was to play by being born a woman here on earth.
But through the Word of God, I learned that the liberation of woman really began long before the twentieth Century. It really began with Christianity when a very young girl – a girl by today’s standards would have been considered too young to bear such an awesome responsibility – was chosen to bear in her body, and to raise the Savior of all mankind. We know her as Mary, the mother of Jesus.
And because Jesus was both human and divine, the Bible tells us that He grew in wisdom and stature. I believe that this means He had to be told of His true identity, at some point. At some point, He had to choose, by faith, to believe that He was, indeed, the Son of God. Mary had the awesome understanding that even though she bore this child in her body, that she and Joseph were really His caretakers on earth – but that Ultimately, God was His Father.
I believe this babe, who was born in a manger, came through a bloody birth canal; and that He received nourishment, by suckling from the breasts of this young human girl. Many times, Mary held His tiny, fragile hands, and smiled down into the very eyes of this helpless, trusting, eternal child.
I believe that Jesus had to go through many childhood experiences, that all humans go through. He had to be potty trained, taught how to dress Himself, etc. His little hands had to be tapped; and he had to be told, “That’s a no-no,” when he reached for something that he should not touch.
I also believe that as Jesus grew, He heard the whispers of the people in the streets. Those, who originally wanted to stone His mother to death when they found out she was unwed and pregnant. [It’s funny how gossip and rumors can die down for a while, but they have a habit of coming back up when you least expect them.]
Much like today, the people wanted to tell Jesus that he was a bastard child. They wanted Him to believe that His mother was a whore who got pregnant by some other man other than her husband. They wanted Jesus to be confused about who He really was. Surely, He must have come running in to His mother one day crying, “Mother is it true?” “Am I a bastard?” “Mother, what’s a bastard?”
Mary had to have an awesome faith. She could not have known the challenges she would have to go through as a mother when she said “Be it unto me,” when the Angel Gabriel told her she was about to give birth, through the power of the Holy Spirit. At some point, she had the awesome task of telling her son, “Listen Jesus, you’re not like other children.”
Surely, as a little boy, Jesus must have run around in the dusty streets of Nazareth; playing and fighting with his half- brothers and sisters. The Bible tells us that James came to believe in his elder brother, but only after His death and resurrection.
After His death, Jesus' brother James became one of the great elders of the church in Jerusalem; he presided at the Jerusalem Council; and was among those awaiting the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. You can read his thoughts about His big brother in the Book of James at Chapter 1, verse 1.
As children go, Mary had to deal with jealousies and hurtful words. She had to separate the boys, and make them learn how to play together. She had to work hard, for she was poor, to provide for her children. We know that she became a widow, and therefore, a single parent.
And when her son grew up, He accorded her with such glory, that down through the ages, she was revered, protected and loved. Women wanted to think of her as different from themselves – better, made of finer, more delicate, clay.
But Jesus dealt with women of all backgrounds in a gentle, kind and loving manner. His very gaze, into their eyes – connected, in the same gentle, compassionate, and loving manner, that he had learned from gazing into the eyes of His own mother. It was a gaze that said, “I understand your struggles; I understand your pain.”
To the woman with the issue of blood, He said, “Daughter, be of good cheer, your faith has made you whole.” He surprised His disciples, by even speaking to the Samaritan woman.” To the woman caught in adultery, he said “Woman, where are your accusers?” To the woman at the well, He gave the privilege of becoming the first Evangelist.
The Bible tells us that though He was God, He humbled Himself and became obedient – even unto death. I believe Jesus learned compassion and humility from bonding with His own mother. From watching her struggles, watching her strength, and imitating her faith.
In our passage of Scripture today, Mary could indeed be proud of how her Son had turned out. The unnamed woman, intended to compliment Jesus, in saying, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you.” It was common in the first century to praise an individual by praising his or her parents. It’s the same today. First thing someone wants to know when they meet you is “Who are your people?” “Who is your Mama or your daddy?” “Where are you from?”
Even though this unnamed woman interrupted His sermon, this woman was praising Jesus’ upbringing, by giving honor to his mother. No doubt, the words, from His sermon, were burning in her heart. It was just like fire shut up in her bones; and she couldn’t help but cry out!
In responding to this unnamed woman, Jesus did not dishonor his mother. But it was a teachable moment. He took the opportunity to take the spotlight off of Himself – and off of his mother, because He knew that these people viewed Him, only as a human man, standing before them. He wanted to put their minds back on the "God message" that he was delivering, by reminding them of the true source of all blessings.
Jesus was saying “Even though I am the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation; It is the divine image – the God part of me – which is not visible to you now - the divine part, that has created all things in Heaven and on earth – visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by me, and for me. I am before all things (even my own human mother], and in me, all things hold together. I am head of the body, the church; and I am the beginning, I will be the firstborn from the dead, so that I will come to have first place in everything through shedding my own blood on the cross.”
Jesus was saying “Don’t praise the human me, but “Listen to what I say; and go and do likewise!” In effect, he was saying “Don’t praise my human mother, but listen to the Word!”
There are a few things we can learn through reading about Mary and Jesus’ relationship.
First, Mary teaches mothers today to stand for what they believe about God in relation to their Children. Many of us worry about our children, but we can rest assured that God is on the job. He is able today, Church, to take care of them. God allowed us to work out our own testimony - somebody worried about us! And He is doing the same for our children. I write to let you know that God will come through!
Regardless of the odds against our children, and the pressures that tear at their existence, God is there! Many times, our children tear at our hearts. They do things we tell them not to do; they take risks that we never would have taken at their age; and they make us move when we would rather stay in bed. Many times, we want to slap the fire out of them for talking to us in such disrespectful ways. And some of us have done just that. But regardless of our feelings, though, they are ours; and we can’t give up on them.
Now, I know a certain amount of rejection of parental authority is going to occur during the teenage years, regardless of what kind of home a parent provides. Kids are gonna test their wings so to speak. But the Bible says “If you train them up in the way they should go, when they are old, they will not depart from it.
What we, as parents, have to realize, is that God loves our children more than we do! That’s a new idea for some of us. Many of us want to believe that there is nobody that will love our children more than we do! So we fret and we worry. May I remind you that in part of Jesus’ sermon, before He was interrupted by the unnamed woman, He said, “If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit – the Ultimate gift, to those who ask Him?” We humans, can’t love more, or better, than God! God is love! He is the One that teaches us how to love and not smother or squash our children’s God-given gifts and talents.
The Second thing, Mary teaches mothers today is that “Like the mother, the child, really belongs to God”.[1] All things created, visible and invisible, were created by Him. “Mothers (and Fathers), we are our children’s caretakers here on earth.” While we are our children’s earthly parents, God is ultimately their Heavenly Father. He chose for them to be here. In Psalms 139, God is inside the mother’s womb, and sees the unborn child’s form, even before it is shaped. He has chosen, not us.
As Parents, we are entrusted with nurturing, but more importantly, with training our children God’s way, and walking upright before them, so God will be able to use them. “How will they be able to distinguish God’s voice from the enemy’s voice in their life, if we do not expose them to God’s Word?” We need to let them see us pray and cry out to God. They need to know that we are totally dependent on Him. Let them see us praise Him, and show gratitude to Him, for all He has done for us! How else will they learn to love themselves, God and others?
A Third thing that, Mary teaches us is, that God’s will and His power for our lives, and for the lives of our children, is not limited by our feelings, attitudes or beliefs about Him. God is faithful even when we are unfaithful.
Many of us are suffering now because of things we did when we were young parents and still in the world. We now see things we should’ve done, or things we should’ve said. I know because I was one of those young parents. I was once filled with guilt because I still have a son in prison. Satan kept beating me up and keeping me in the past about how bad a mother I was. For years I was driven by these feelings of guilt. I can honestly say that I was one of those clever young mothers who thought I knew everything. I was sassy and more than a little bit disrespectful when others tried to talk to me. I call it spiritual dyslexia. I saw everything backwards. I seemed to believe I did not need to learn from my elders about how to be a parent. By the time I knew better, I had already made lots of mistakes and I am sure my children suffered because of it.
Where was the church when I was a young wife and mother? The church couldn't help me because I wouldn't go - not consistently anyway - and I wouldn't listen. I was hurting so badly by life (worries about being rejected, abandoned, fear of not having enough money, loneliness, no job security, etc.) that I could not fully focus on the needs of my children. Oh, I took care of their physical needs, but I was not there for them emotionally. My healing started to come when I faced these facts. I had to learn to get beyond my mistakes. Not become so paralyzed by regret that I could not enjoy the time left with my children and grandchildren and help them get over the spiritual and emotional humps they would encounter in life. God had need of my experiences - as painful as they were; otherwise what benefit would come of them? I had to learn that what the devil meant for evil God mean for my good and the good of my family!
Fortunately for me, God sent me a Godly woman who visited my home, and helped me understand that God’s plans for my children are bigger than my mistakes! That He will see my children through. Just like he took care me, when I was in rebellion, He will take care of them? When our children are not quite there yet – when they are running around in the street, doing drugs, and doing God-only-knows what else, we have to realize that they’re in God’s hands if we pray and intercede on their behalf. Let God allow them to work out their testimonies – the same way he kept us and allowed us to work out our testimonies! I was blessed to receive support but only because I was willing to listen; but so many other mothers don’t have that support.
In times like these I want to remind you that, “We will faint in the land of the living without the Holy Spirit to sustain us!” Mothers must know they can pray for their children and believe that God answers prayer. They can pray over their children, anoint them, speak protection and God’s blessings over them. Mothers must know that the Holy Spirit can go across the ocean to where our children are fighting in a war; He can go into prison cells and into hospital rooms. He can search the streets for them; intercede in broken homes and intercede in the school house and in the court room! God is able to do anything but fail!
we must believe the Holy Spirit is able to comfort, to advise, to protect, and intercede on their behalf. Oh mother, where is your faith? God is the ultimate parent, and He knows how to take care of you and your children!
On the other side of the coin, a Fourth thing Mary teaches us, is to never assume that we’ve got it all together. It’s a privilege to serve God and raise His children. Some parents steal God’s glory in our children’s lives by making the children believe we are God. We should never forget that we are raising God’s children. He wants us to meet a need in their lives. Their ultimate need is to be in relationship with Him! Children need to be raised in a Godly home, with a Godly example. Then, they will recognize the voice of their ultimate parent, when He speaks to them. Then, they will respect authority, and know their purpose for being in the world [come on, somebody!].
God invites us to raise our children, His way. Some parents need to get out of God’s way! I’ve seen babies not quite walking good, weighed down with heavy “bling bling” necklaces, tight clothing, and brogan shoes! The TV is their babysitter and they become insensitive to violence, cursing and baring their little bodies. I’ve heard mothers cursing their children in stores and restaurants! It was all I could do not to interfere, knowing I would only make their anger worse towards their children.
As parents we must learn the difference between wisdom decisions vs. flesh decisions. True wisdom comes from God. Parents have the power to break their children’s spirits, and cause them to rebel against God. If so, they will become God’s enemies. And it would be tragic to raise up children who will eventually be destroyed because of disobedience.
When these children grow up, they are not so much rejecting God, but rejecting their parents who treated them harshly – and now you want to tell them about the love of Jesus? Come on, now! Let’s be for real? We must learn to walk humbly before our children; admit our mistakes, and teach them how God picked us up; turned us around, and placed our feet on solid ground! That’s why we have a testimony!
A Fifth thing, Mary teaches us is to consider what types of biases we are bringing to the relationships that we have with our children? Did you know that 7 out of 10 parents who were abused as children - verbally and physically – abuse their own children in the same way? As African Americans, we are still suffering from the ill-treatments passed down to us by our fore-parents, who were abused? This same society causes us lots of stress that we may not be aware that we are taking out on our children. Where is the church in all this? If a parent is in church spewing venom on everybody, don’t you know that parent is doing the same thing at home to their children? Christian women, as hard as it may be to do so, we must surround this mother with love so that our example will help her to start treating her children right. Don't turn away or she and her children may be lost.
She must learn as we had to, that only through the Holy Spirit can we get our moods and emotions in order. Thus, creating a God-fearing family environment through which God can work to save the entire household. But first, we must be willing to surrender our worldly ideas and attitudes. Stop believing that we must be equal with men; or that we can do it all by ourselves! “All by ourselves” leaves the Holy Spirit out! We must stop weighing God’s Word against the cunning ways of the serpent, who is a part of this world. Emancipation of Women is good. I don’t have anything to say against anyone who is trying to make it better for women in this world. However, God’s way is best!
Sixth, Mary teaches us that as parents, we are pregnant with the power to deliver our family through Jesus Christ. From little bitty things, we have our children's trust and their ears. We must make the most of it while we can and before the world and their peers get a hild of them. In pain (sacrifice), we are able to deliver them from the jaws of sin and death by teaching them about Jesus Christ. He may not come when we want Him to, But He’s always on time. But we must believe God - teach our children about Him and stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
Seventh, Mary teaches us that the way our children see us respond to other people, especially authority figures – and even more critically to the head of household – has a direct influence on how they respond to people and how they handle authority - at school, with the police, a boss on a job, and even in their own future relationships.[2] It is unrealistic to expect them to respond positively if they have seen disrespect for authority modeled in their own household. The world is unfair. They must learn to sometimes recognize unfair treatment, and at the same time, learn positive ways of dealing with it. Ways that will not destroy their self-esteem or God’s plans for their future.
Eighth, Mary teaches us to speak those things that are not as though they are. We can’t always see God working behind the scenes for our children. But we must believe through faith that he is there, and that He has the best plans for our children’s lives. Always speak positively over your children. Renew your mind! We must understand that our words are powerful.
Ninth, refrain from discussing grown up matters in front of or with them so that they will not become embittered and confused emotionally. A child is developing and they don’t have the capacity to understand grown up situations.
And finally, the Tenth , parents influence their children’s own relationships and eventual marriages through how they deal with others. They teach their children how to be loving, and how to handle conflict: walk out or turn it over to Jesus? Let them “Learn how to walk through adversity!” “Let them see you pray and cry out to God! “Share breakthroughs when God blesses you or answers prayer.” “This is how they will learn humility and how to praise God in the midst of their storms.”
One of the greatest ways we show them how to respect and treat us is through how they see us deal with our own mothers. The relationships we have with our own mothers and mothers in law, for better or worse, will have a direct bearing on how our children and their spouses, learn to treat us after they become adults. Sometimes, we need to submit to what we perceive as unfair treatment! Turning the other cheek can take on a whole new meaning to you when you understand that it is not all about you. But it’s about what God wants to do with your children through you. The most sacrificial thing you can do, is love your husband’s mother.
Conclusion: That unnamed woman’s heart, was burning with the words of Jesus that day. I can understand why because one day, He picked me up; turned me around and set my feet on solid ground. When I think about the goodness of Jesus in my own heart, my soul cries out . . . Hallelujah! I thank God for saving Me.
A prayer for healing: God help us to respond to you in submission and in obedience. We give you glory and honor because your Word teaches us that you are the ultimate parent responsible, for our very being. Create in us a clean heart Oh Lord. Help us, at the very least, to understand that we don't know what we should know and to pray for understanding in all that we do.
Benediction: God is the Ultimate Parent because all things created, invisible and visible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by Him and for Him. I am before all things (even my own human mother], and in me all things hold together. Through my Word, “Listen to what I say,” and go and do likewise.
And now to Him who died, was buried and was raised again; to Him who has washed us in His own blood and is able to make us stand faultless before His Father in Heaven; to Him be power, glory and dominion forever and ever – Let the church say, “Amen!”
[1] Psalm 139:13; Ezekiel 18:4
[2] Romans 13:1
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Women Are Spiritual Bridges
Bren Gandy-Wilson sees a bridge as a means of connection or transition; and spiritual discernment as being able to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and comprehend that which is not evident to the carnal mind. In time this ability to grasp and understand leads to a deepening humility and an understanding that faith in Christ Jesus is the only way to Salvation. Bren believes spiritual discernment makes one a spiritual bridge through which the power of God can flow and draw others unto salvation.
In her book, Women Are Spiritual Bridges, Bren takes the reader through her very troubled childhood, family and marriage relationships. Through reading the Word of God, coupled with counseling sessions from a female remnant of God, she came to understand that it is only through redemption that a woman is able to renew her mind, thereby making her conscience captive to the Will of God. Without this transformation, it is impossible to please God or make a perfected change. Bren came to know that if she lived the Word by faith, love and devotion to others, she could become a Spiritual Bridge. After years and years of struggle in the world, she finally turned to God.
By making Jesus Christ, Head of her life and Head of her household, Bren crossed a spiritual bridge out from under the Old Testament Law of Sin and Death (the old covenant), into the New Testament (New Covenant) Spirit of everlasting life. As a Spiritual Bridge, she was then able to take seriously the Great Commission in which Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 18:18-20)
As Spiritual Bridges, Bren believes that it has been granted to Women of God, the right to suffer for Christ’s sake (Phil. 1:29). Yet, when she suffers, if she faithfully represents the message of Christ thru word and example, the fruit she will bear in herself and in others will far outweigh the cost. If she endures, her afflictions will seem light compared to the glory she will receive with Christ.
According to her faith, Bren came to understand that she had been given a most unique mission; to spread the Gospel to those closest to her – her own family. She was able to claim all the rights and privileges afforded her in the offices she occupied as “wife” and “mother.” Through the most trying of circumstances, God saved both she and her spouse and also resurrected the marriage. "Women Are Spiritual Bridges" will be available for sale in the near future.
In her book, Women Are Spiritual Bridges, Bren takes the reader through her very troubled childhood, family and marriage relationships. Through reading the Word of God, coupled with counseling sessions from a female remnant of God, she came to understand that it is only through redemption that a woman is able to renew her mind, thereby making her conscience captive to the Will of God. Without this transformation, it is impossible to please God or make a perfected change. Bren came to know that if she lived the Word by faith, love and devotion to others, she could become a Spiritual Bridge. After years and years of struggle in the world, she finally turned to God.
By making Jesus Christ, Head of her life and Head of her household, Bren crossed a spiritual bridge out from under the Old Testament Law of Sin and Death (the old covenant), into the New Testament (New Covenant) Spirit of everlasting life. As a Spiritual Bridge, she was then able to take seriously the Great Commission in which Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 18:18-20)
As Spiritual Bridges, Bren believes that it has been granted to Women of God, the right to suffer for Christ’s sake (Phil. 1:29). Yet, when she suffers, if she faithfully represents the message of Christ thru word and example, the fruit she will bear in herself and in others will far outweigh the cost. If she endures, her afflictions will seem light compared to the glory she will receive with Christ.
According to her faith, Bren came to understand that she had been given a most unique mission; to spread the Gospel to those closest to her – her own family. She was able to claim all the rights and privileges afforded her in the offices she occupied as “wife” and “mother.” Through the most trying of circumstances, God saved both she and her spouse and also resurrected the marriage. "Women Are Spiritual Bridges" will be available for sale in the near future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
