My Husband Is Going to Iraq: Guest Blogger Lani Quimby

A touching letter from a wife who loves her husband through her love of God

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Dale's trip to Iraq and lessons the Lord taught me about letting him go.

A few months ago, Dale was working unexpectedly on a Saturday and I was home reading the news and having my heart broken for the people of Iraq and the atrocities that were going on there. I spent the afternoon looking up charities and praying and asking the LORD how we could help, what we could do or give. At that point, I felt the answer was to pray for the refugees, for the country, for the attackers. So when Dale came home from a Men’s conference weeks later and told me there was a work trip to Iraq to finish up construction on a refugee center I was so excited about the prospect of getting to help those we had been praying for. We don’t have much money we can send, but we do have a willingness to send and be sent.

We spent some time praying about if he should go, we asked the LORD to work out the details if He wanted Dale to go. We asked that he would be able to get 2 weeks off work, they approved it. We asked for the money he would need both for the trip and for us here at home. It came. And the scripture that we were reading in our daily readings kept saying “Do not be afraid”.

During that prayer time I got real with God, “Lord, what if Dale dies there?  My kids need a father.”  (As if the Lord doesn't know what my kids need even more than I do.) I felt like He told me that what my kids need the most is to see that the HE is worthy to be worshiped, served, and followed, no matter the cost. My kids need to know that their Papa is willing to obey wherever the Lord calls him to go. They need to know that the LORD is our safety, not our location. They need to know that HE is our Provider, our Comforter, our Refuge, our Protector, our Shield, our Buckler, our Savior, our Father, and our Friend.

“By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are My friends, if you do what I command you" John 15:8-14.

Years ago, as a newly married woman trying to get used to being married and the new role I had as a wife, I read the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer from 1 Samuel 14. In this story the Israelite army is encamped against the Philistines and Jonathan asks his armor bearer to go with him and see what the Lord might do. He speaks out in faith saying, “Come, let’s go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.” And his armor bearer says, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul."

They asked for the Lord’s guidance and went forward believing that He would deliver the Philistines into their hands and rescue them; and He did, amazingly.

I love Jonathan’s boldness in even the thought of going out, just the two of them, in anticipation of the LORD working on their behalf, conquering armies for them. So years ago, as a new bride reading this story, I felt the LORD speak to me and tell me one of my roles as my husband’s wife was to be like this armor bearer; so that in the future when my honey would come and say:

• “Let’s go see what the Lord may want to do."
• "Let’s move across the ocean while you’re pregnant."
• "Let’s move back across the ocean while you’re pregnant again."
• "I want to go to Uganda to help kids while you’re pregnant."
• "I want to go to the Philippines."
• "Mission trips to Ukraine and Austria?"
• "Let’s move south."
• "Let’s go see what the Lord wants to do…”

I wanted my response to be, “Do all that is in your heart…I am with you heart and soul…let’s go see what the LORD will do.” Sometimes I failed, sometimes I didn't.

Years passed, babies were born 15 months apart and I may have been pregnant again, and I grew forgetful. I was weary. I was home a lot nursing and changing diapers. Life was planned around nap times. When we went to church the kids would get sick and we would be out of commission for a few weeks and the cycle continued over and over.

Dale was working a full time job and then would go to all the services at church and I got jealous.  And felt unfruitful. Sometimes as Dale was getting ready to go to an evening service I would try to make him feel guilty for leaving me home alone with these sick kids again. It was ugly. I was angry when he left one night, and the Lord convicted me deeply.

I repented. I told Him I wanted to worship Him with my life; I wanted to give Him

something. I wanted to give Him my best but didn't even feel like I had a best in my weariness and busyness of motherhood. He asked me to give Him my husband and reminded me of my role as Dale’s armor bearer. Would I give Him my husband? Would I tell Dale, “Do all that is in your heart, I am with you heart and soul”, even if it meant time spent apart?

Yes, I would.

I did then and continue to do so now.

That heart change has given me such joy. I can stay home and do all this mothering in

worship to my Lord. I can let my husband know that I am with him and support him, and pray for him as he goes and worships the Lord with his life. As we each are ministering to the LORD, giving drinks of water in His name, we are unified and it is lovely.

I love that the Lord chooses to use foolish, weak vessels, in doing so His glory shines all the brighter.  I am so glad He shows me my sin and softens my heart. Yielding to Him is such a fight for me but is so wonderful when I do it. He has allowed us to take part in His work here on earth. There have been so many times I have allowed fear to hold me back from surrendering to the Lord, but there is such freedom to be found in constant surrender. The LORD is so worthy to be trusted.

"Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; Matthew 6: for Yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever" Matthew 6: 9-13.

"Amen"

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Lani and Dale have been married 14 years. They live in southern Maine where they Homeschool their four children. They moved to Alfred five years ago and began Grace Fellowship where Dale is currently pastoring.  

Visit Grace Fellowship website @ http://www.gracefellowshipme.com/

Re-Post: They Missed Christmas. originally posted 12/14/13

They Missed Christmas

   The innkeeper missed Christmas. He turned away a woman heavy with child because she and her husband could not pay enough for him to bother to oust another paying guest.

   The guests of the inn missed Christmas. Not one of them took pity on the woman to give up their room for her comfort.

   The town of Bethlehem missed Christmas. When the shepherds came into the city seeking the wondrous thing proclaimed by the angels, no one ventured to search out why they were excited.

   Months later, the Priests and Scribes missed Christmas.

An entourage of men, Astrologers from another country, came because of a new star that had appeared. They knew the prophecy that this new star announced the birth of the King of the Jews. When questioned by Herod about what these travelers were talking about, the Priests and Scribes answered correctly that the King would be born in Bethlehem. Nevertheless, they never went to see for themselves.

   Herod missed Christmas. He believed the Travelers about the new King and out of jealousy, he tried to kill the baby to get rid of the threat to his reign.

   Many people on December 25 will miss Christmas. Millions will have parties; laugh and exchange gifts but they will miss the real gift of Christmas.

  

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and whoever believes on Him will not die but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Let us not miss Christmas.

Anger and the Lost

"Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord,we persuade men" 

2 Corinthians 5: 11.

Ever get angry that your ministry is so hard? Ever feel like everything is working against you getting the gospel out? Ever feel like a total failure because it appears you're stumbling around and not gaining anything?

Anger is a first response.

• Why God? 
• If I'm doing this for you, why isn't it working? 
• What is all this trouble I'm having? 
• Why am I getting stonewalled?

I don't have any good answer, yet I know the enemy is angry at me for working for God to save the lost forever and ever.

Even in the face of troubles and hardships, I know what will happen to the lost for all eternity if they never accept God's salvation. So I strive through the struggles to get the gospel to the lost despite the enemy.

God wants all saved, so He will move to get them to hear the gospel. I am an instrument for that work. It's called work, service, serving, waiting, doing, walking. All these words are verbs, they mean you are going against stagnation, inertia, stickiness, friction, or deadness.

Though God's wrath is against His enemies and the sin of mankind, God is love, not anger.

It may not be easy. We may never see the fruit of our labor in this life but serve Him anyway.

We serve The Awesome, Almighty God

5 Bible Study Books for Groups or Individuals

(The Bereans), were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" Acts 17:11

* * * * *

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2:15

* * * * * 

When I became a Christian, I certainly didn't know what God had in store for me. Looking back over the way God has used me and the things He has taught me, I amazed where I am today. I am amazed that God has done things with me that I never dreamed possible before my salvation.

Bible study is an essential for any growth in a Christian's life. You cannot get out from your babyhood without at least reading the Bible. Taking me from my intense fear of people, in His sovereign knowledge, God has given me the privilege of disciplining others, a ministry I would never have picked for myself. Where God has put me, I now know how diligent teaching is a major ministry for the church. 

"The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, 

... teachers of good things, that they admonish the young women 

to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word 

of God may not be blasphemed" Titus 2: 3,4.

Here are five study books I recommend for teachers and students of the Bible. As a Home Bible study teacher, I have received approval for these guide books from my pastor and elders of my home church.

This list is in no particular order or preference.

* * * * * 

1. Design for Discipleship (Navpress).

Through a Discipleship class at our church, my Husband and I were introduced to this study first for our own benefit. When we opened our house for God's use, we used this series with a neighbor couple who would come once a week. Then the opportunity for me to lead a Ladies Home Bible study, I chose to begin the group with this series. There are seven books in this series, and includes a teacher's guide.
If you are new to leading a Bible study group, this is a great starter for teachers as well as new Christians. The layout is well presented and the Guide has many helps for the structure of the group and offers Leadership organization and tips.

Can be found at Navpress.com
or Amazon

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2. Ruth, Esther: (Shepherd's Notes published by Holman Reference)

This book was chosen by the girl's Sunday School class. They wanted to know more about Ruth and agreed on this study for the class. I enjoyed it, and the discussion among the girls was interesting as to Ruth's manners, way of life, and the extreme changes she went through to her maturity in worshiping God. Being teenagers, the changes were something the girls had a hard time accepting but the questions brought up during this study made the book of Ruth come alive for them. 

Found at Amazon & 

Bible Books stores

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3. Becoming a Woman of Influence: (Navpress) 

My former pastor's wife taught the Ladies Bible study group through this book. In this study, I discovered the joy of Scripture memorization. I learned the important fact that to disciple, or witness to anyone, Scripture memorization is major. Using the Bible as center in our conversations will help others in all aspects of life. I had to know Scripture to have the correct tools to teach/help/mentor others.

Found at Navpress & Amazon
* * * * * 

4. The Mind of Christ: (Discovery Series Bible Study) 

This little book brought out much conversation among our Home Study group. There were some in attendance who had never known so much about Jesus' character, and the depth of His sacrifice. I recommend this study for a group or individual who wants to learn about Jesus' example to His church. It is a good basis for explaining proper Christ-like conduct and discovering how to better serve one another in the church. Further, this is a good study if you desire to search out your own ministry.

Found at DiscoverySeries.org 


* * * * * 

5. Giving Christ First Place: First Place Bible Study  (Guiding Light)

This Study series was brought to my attention in our church as helpful in learning self control and moderation. It is a good guide for prioritizing holiness and prayer over the desires of self. It emphasizes accountability, kindness, and bearing one another's burdens.

I found it helpful in teaching me about the food I was eating and the manner I consumed it. I believe there are seven books in this series but I have only gone through the first two.

I still use two of the aspects of these books. Because I collect cookbooks, I like the recipe sections. Another thing I like is at the back of each book is a Commitment Record where the participant takes stock of certain aspects of food, exercise, prayer, Bible reading and memorization.

If possible, I recommend getting original copies that contain a CD of the memorization Scripture set to music.

Found at Amazon

* * * * * 

Bonus title:

6. A Life Changing Encounter with God's Word from the Book of PROVERBS  (Navpress)

There are multiple studies in the Life Changing Series that take lessons from specific books of the Bible, all of which are great for group study and discussion. I was introduced to this series as a participant in a Ladies Home group, and our teacher had us go through this particular study book of Proverbs. 

The questions presented ask for the participant to really dig deep for the knowledge of God in the word. As suggested in the title, it is designed for teaching a person to identify their needs to change and gives Biblical reasoning for the good of the change.

Found at Navpress.com

* * * * * 

There is no excuse for a Christian not to study the word if they have the freedom to do so. God desires all of His children to 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'. (2 Peter 3:18)

The Best Man for the Job

"I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting" 1 Timothy 2:8.

Ever consider how much God knew and trusted Joseph to be the step-father of His Son on earth?

In the account of how Joseph became aware of his betroth's pregnancy, it says he thought about these things. At one point he even contemplated a private divorce. This man was hurting.

While their marriage was likely arranged, at some point, he must have loved this girl, even now pregnant with someone else's child. We can assume the situation estranged them from their families. It is possible they didn't have a big wedding party or feast among family and friends. Even though they hadn't been sexually intimate, with the exception of her cousin Elizabeth, it would be normal that no one else believed them.

God knew something about Joseph that no one else knew and He chose the man who would provide the early home for the baby Jesus. As Jesus grew into a young man, Mary and Joseph loved Him as their son. So much so, there came a day when Jesus had to remind them both of who He was and why He came. (Luke 2:41-49)

As little as we're told about him, though with a major roll to play, Joseph is easily overlooked in the Christmas story. There was no way around it, Mary needed a Husband. And with the most important infant to be born into the world on the way, she needed a strong Spiritual leader, and he had to be a man who would trust in God through the tough times. And here we see God's knowledge of men's hearts as He Mary Joseph. God knew Joesph's heart as well as He knew Mary's heart.

Matthew 1:20 says Joseph was thinking about the problem of the pregnancy and certainly his meditation included prayers for help, asking God what he's to do about Mary. His answer came through the dream appearance of the angel sent to tell him not to fear marriage to Mary.

The Scriptures says Joseph when he found out about the baby, he thought about quietly separating from Mary but the angel confirmed Mary's words of how she is pregnant. Joseph's response is a beautiful picture of a godly man trusting his God. He must have been looking for the Messiah and now he learns he's to be part of the fulfillment of prophecy.

And as Mary was obedient, Joseph also believed God and did all he was told.

God knew Joesph was the Best Man for the job

What an example of trust and obedience in times when a stand against the norm is needed.

Guest Post by Grant Norsworthy: Do I believe In Jesus?

Do I believe in Jesus?

Originally Posted on November 6, 2014 @http://grantnorsworthy.wordpress.com/     This post reprinted by permission

Christians very easily say that they believe in Jesus. We might comfortably accept that the historical account – the recorded stories about Jesus – are true. We consider the lessons that Jesus taught to be correct, good and worthwhile and even do our best to live by them. Our belief probably inspires us to affiliate ourselves with Christianity in some way – probably through membership of a local Christian Church congregation. But is this what it means to truly believe in Jesus?

Within the common context and definition of the word “believe, it’s easy to see why John 3:16 is the Christian Church’s favorite and most memorized verse. If you’re reading this, you probably know it by heart, but I’ll quote it anyway:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

For many years of my church-raised life, John 3:16 was the only verse I had memorized from the Bible. That is still the case for many Christians. It seems that many hold on to this single verse from scripture as an assurance that, because I believe in Jesus, I am saved.

But there are tough questions that need to be asked:

1. Is my belief truly grounded in a living, vital intimacy with the risen Jesus Himself?
2. Or do I just accept as true the historical accounts about Him?
3. Or is my belief merely an intellectual agreement with His teachings?
4. Or perhaps my belief is based only on my personal decision to be connected with the religious organization that recognizes Him as it’s most important historical character?

Jesus said to her [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

The belief that Jesus describes and calls His followers to goes far beyond our common vernacular and understanding of what it means to believe. Belief in Jesus requires committed “oneness” with Him and nothing else. Oneness with Him will incorporate acceptance of the historical record, agreement that His teachings are true and an active connection with The Church. But true belief in Jesus the Christ must not be limited to or based on any of these lesser things.

In the words of Oswald Chambers from today’s My Utmost For His Highest:

“To believe is to commit. In the area of intellectual learning I commit myself mentally, and reject anything not related to that belief. In the realm of personal belief I commit myself morally to my convictions and refuse to compromise. But in intimate personal belief I commit myself spiritually to Jesus Christ and make a determination to be dominated by Him alone.

Then, when I stand face to face with Jesus Christ and He says to me, “Do you believe this?” I find that faith is as natural as breathing. And I am staggered when I think how foolish I have been in not trusting Him earlier.” 

Read the whole Ozzie Chambers piece here.

“Our temptation is to look eagerly for the minimum that will be accepted.” C.S.Lewis

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Profile taken from Grant's webpage (slightly modified)

Grant Norsworthy & Son
Photo used by permission

Grant Norsworthy is an engaging and unique speaker with a Grammy® nomination and Dove Award who also loves to sing songs. No matter what the audience’s age or background, Grant Norsworthy is sure to connect and make a difference.

As the bassist with top CCM (Christian Contemporary Music) bands such as PC3 (Paul Colman Trio) and Sonicflood and as a solo artist, Grant Norsworthy’s musical achievements are notable. In the process of producing a body of critically acclaimed and much-loved music, he has gathered a Grammy® nomination and a Dove Award.

Grant’s teachings and thoughts often find their way into written form, both in blogging and in published magazines. Grant is currently working on his first book.

Visit http://grantnorsworthy.wordpress.com/ for Grant's blogging.

Also @ his official website http://www.grantnorsworthy.com/ 

Strange Occurances

Philippians 2: 4; And look out for each other's interests, and not for your own interests.

In today's public and social areas, kindness seems a strange occurrence. When it does show itself, sometimes the recipient is surprised and may not know how to respond correctly. There are times when unselfishness is rudely degraded and the giver scorned, as a letting another driver coming from an on-ramp onto the busy street or highway. The recipient of your yielding can return a rude gesture or never acknowledge your sacrifice at all. 

This failure of courtesy on another's part should never deter a Christian from being kind to others. It is the easiest form of blessing and the simplest form of imitation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There is special feeling you can get from expressing kindness to people who do not expect it.

• Pick up something someone has dropped. (Servant) 
• Hand someone pocket change. (Giving) 
• Open doors. (Courtesy) 
• Move out of the way, or leave space for them in a crowded area.            (Unselfishness) 
• Smile on a rainy day. (Encouragement)
• Surprise with respect those who expecting rudeness, selfishness, greed, or coldness. (Christ-likeness)

Because all born again Christians have the Holy Spirit indwelling them, (John 14:16), manifesting God's love should come naturally. The fruit of the Spirit, (Gal 5:22,23), is a single product of God's changing an old flesh to a new creature,(2 Cor 5:17). 

As much as possible, try to walk through your day as Jesus walked through Israel in His days on earth. He blessed the unloved and ignored. He was kind to those never thanked Him, and many who treated Him dishonorably. 

• Look for ways to bless with simple kindness. 
• Look for ways to imitate Christ.

Jesus was the greatest example of humbly blessing the ones who didn't love Him in return. 

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were 

yet sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8.