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Recently Day Spring® contacted me and requested I review some of their latest Back-to-School products. Included in this review are pictures of the samples I received as well as information on other school supplies offered by Day Spring®.

The supplies on the left include 1 folder and 1 pencil pouch from the Love is Real (John 3:16) collection and 1 folder from the Life Goes on Forever (John 17:3) collection. Each collection includes:
  • 1", 3-ring binder w/2 interior pockets and vinyl cover
  • 2-pocket folders w/glossy finish
  • 80 page spiral notebook w/glossy finish
  • Composition notebook w/glossy finish
  • Pencil pouch
These two folders are from 2 of the 4 designs Day Spring® offers for girls of all ages. All the designs are pretty, tasteful, fun, and bright. Whether you have girls in elementary school or secondary school, they will all be able to find something they like...or they may want to mix and match from all 4 collections. If you'd like to purchase these items online, Day Spring® is currently having a sale on the sets of 6 from various collections for 30% off the regular price! So, you can now purchase these sets for only $12.21! Each set includes 2 binders, 2 spiral notebooks and 2 folders. For those of you who have girls and boys in your family, they also offer sets that include designs for both genders. There's truly something for everyone.
Above, is a picture of 2 of the 3 designs Day Spring® offers for boys: Come Follow Me (Matthew 4:19), I Am the Way (John 14:6), and Citizen of Heaven shown below (1 Peter 2:11, Colossians 3:1-3, 1 John 2:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Philippians 3:20).

The 1", 3-ring binder is very durable and nice looking. It has a  high quality, crisp design that clearly displays the Bible verse. The binder does not have safety lock rings, so if you have children who often drop their binders, this one may not be for them. Currently, Day Spring® does not offer binders that are larger than 1" for those of you who have Middle School/High School students who need 2" - 3" binders for many of their classes. I did, however, put in a request with Day Spring® for larger binders, so hopefully, we'll be seeing some in the future.

The 80-page, wide-ruled, spiral notebook is of good quality with a sturdy spiral wire that should hold up nicely. It is rather small with only 80 pages, so it may be best used for Elementary aged students or Secondary school students who need a smaller notebook for specific writing assignments in their Language Arts classes or Science classes for experiments and notes for projects. The spiral notebook does not fit in the 1" binder, but will fit nicely in a 1½" - 2" EZ-TurnTM ring binder or a 3" D-ring binder.

I found the 100 page, Citizen of Heaven composition notebook to be quite unique. The front, inside flap includes all the books of the Bible, Bible statistics (i.e., last word in the Bible, number of times "God" appears, number of words in the Bible, etc.), Things to Pray About, and Answers to Prayer. The inside, back flap includes great Scriptures to encourage your children to walk faithfully in the Lord throughout their lives (i.e., "Being a good friend is a very good thing." ~ 1 Thess 5:11, "Take a risk. Dare to be unique in Jesus." ~ 1 Cor 11:1, "You are SO loved. That's a good reason to smile." ~ 1 Thess 5:16-18).

The composition notebooks are going quick and most of them are currently sold out (online), so if you want these, I suggest you order them soon.
Here is a picture of the back of the pencil pouches. All the pencil pouches have stunning and invigorating, front designs your children will enjoy, as well as a clear PVC back so they can easily see all their items in the pouch.

The pencil pouches also include a mesh divider on one side where your child could put a small ruler, compass or Gospel tracts (shown in this photo: pink & blue curved illusions, The Atheist Test, Rome vs. the Bible) to share with friends before school, after school, at lunch or recess. Secondary school students who attend public schools can pass out and share tracts in the hallways and between classes (definitely in TX, but I'm not sure about the other states, so you'll have to check with your local school district's policies).

This pencil pouch measures 9" x 4½" x 2" and is made of 15% canvas, 25% polyester and 60% PVC. As you can see, the pencil pouch holds quite a few items including a 24-pack of colored pencils, large highlighters, pens, etc. With all that I packed in the pencil pouch shown above, there was still plenty of room for crayons, a 6" ruler, and much more. This pouch is definitely a good size. I would however, like to see Day Spring® make pencil pouches that have more dividers with front and back zipper pockets for secondary school students who have multiple classes.

Overall, I really enjoyed reviewing these back-to-school supplies from Day Spring®. The binders have a nice vinyl cover, while the folders, composition and spiral notebooks have a nice glossy finish on the covers for easy clean up in case of spills. The contemporary, inviting designs and practical functions of these supplies will appeal to boys and girls from elementary school to high school.  They have been made with excellence; as all things should be for anything that bears the name of our great and awesome Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The entire collection of Day Spring® back-to-school supplies are available online, Walmart, and select Christian stores. Below are some other school supplies offered online:
  • Water bottles (2 designs) currently being offered online for $3.99 (60% discount)
  • "Surviving Middle School" gift book and soundtrack for $14.95
  • Christian journals for youth and graduates from $4.99 (discounted) - $16.99
Whether your children attend home school, private school or public school, these products will not only keep your kids organized, but also serves as good "ice-breakers" to talk about their faith in Christ... and they can do it, in style! ☺
There is often a heated debate within the Christian community as to which type of education is best for our children:
  • Homeschool,
  • Private Christian School or,
  • Public School
Parents within all positions seem to have very strong opinions regarding this topic, specifically, the parents who Homeschool their children versus the parents who send their children to Public School. Sadly, this topic has been used by Satan to divide the children of God on a matter which should unify us in much prayer, comfort and encouragement for one another. But alas, like Silly String, careless and belittling words are strewn all over the priceless and exquisite mantle of Christ’s love—rather than thoughtful, kind and considerate words of God’s wisdom (James 3:17-18).

Here's a sampling of judgmental and holier than thou accusations and condemnations that have flown out of the mouths of both parties who seem to be the most up at arms with one another: Homeschoolers vs. Public Schoolers. It goes something like this:


Public Schoolers: Our children are less socially awkward than homeschooled children.

Homeschoolers: Our children are kinder, more mature and know no strangers.

Public Schoolers: Our children are smarter because they don’t have lazy, unskilled, unorganized parents teaching them. Our children are taught by professionals who know what they’re doing.

Homeschoolers: Our children are smarter than yours because we have a smaller student-to-teacher ratio and can meet the specific needs of each child.

And on and on the debate, condemnation and self-promotion goes. If we're all honest, we'll readily admit that we've seen socially awkward children from both camps; mature, kind and thoughtful children from both camps; and mean, disrespectful children from both camps. We all know hard-working, organized homeschool parents, and we also know lazy, disorganized homeschool parents. We also are fully aware of hard-working, organized public school teachers as well as lazy, disorganized public school teachers. Neither party is perfect in all that they do.

That is why as God's children we ought to remember this:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
~ Ephesians 4:29
According to the Scripture above, children of the Most High God should keep corrupting (defiling, destructive) talk from coming out of our mouths, and instead have speech that is full of God’s grace (words that are “for” the person listening so that the hearer may gain the greatest benefit).

Regardless of where you stand in this debate, it is either pure ignorance or sheer arrogance that causes any person to believe that they can take the place of the Holy Spirit’s guidance in someone else’s life; or in this case, the life of other people’s children (1 Corinthians 2:13, 15).

Although it has been stated by many on both sides that Scripture specifically supports one over the other; neither party is correct. Whether specifically noted or exampled, there is no place in God’s Word that advocates one and condemns the other. And as God’s holy children, neither should we. Instead, we ought to humbly, lovingly and compassionately support one another in prayer and words of comfort (if necessary) as we see fellow sojourners of Christ, striving to live their utmost for God’s highest, no matter the cost—no matter the sacrifice.

It’s difficult enough living daily on this earth; fighting the sin in our flesh, fighting the corruption of the world and fighting our vilest adversary, the devil. Let us not, as God’s children, also tear one another apart with ungodly words based on our own personal passions or opinions (Galatians 5:14-15). Let us rather, prove to the world that we are united in Christ, united in prayer for one another, and all because we are united in our Savior’s love for us.

“By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another...

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit...that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another...And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful...Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor...Never be wise in your own sight...If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
~ John 13:35, 1 Corinthians 12:13, 1 Corinthians 12:25,
Colossians 3:15, Romans 12:9-10, 8, 18

In the next post, I will discuss in more detail the Scriptures that have most often been misused, misinterpreted and used out of context to support homeschooling versus public schooling and vice versa. I will also share how both forms of education include heartaches and trials for parents, as well as include some insights and practical applications on how public school parents can fulfill the mandate of Deuteronomy 6:5-9.

**On a side note: we have public schooled our sons (K-12) in accordance with God’s direction to us through much prayer and studying His word; conversely, our most dearest and closest friends all homeschool their children. This is why this debate that has caused me so much pain; I hate to see God’s children quarreling like the world does. I am not a proponent of one method of education over the other. The only thing I advocate is that parents be in much prayer and remain faithful to carefully search through God’s Word for His direction for their family, rather than choosing one form of education over the other out of fear or personal preference.**
When our husband's come home from a long, hard day at work, what are they expecting? Is it what they find when they get home?

I'm often asked about being a biblically submissive wife and what does it "look like". The following,  are some of the questions that arise quite often from mothers with younger children:
  1. How can we lay a welcome mat of love for our husbands after a long day of hard work?
  2. How can we make our homes inviting places where Daddy longs to be at the end of a long day?
  3. How can we involve our children in this process and teach them to show reverence to their Daddy?

"The heart of her husband trusts her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."
~Proverbs 31:11-12

About fifteen years ago when I set out to becoming a Proverbs 31, biblically submissive wife, I not only apologized to my husband for the specific ungodly acts I committed against him, but I also asked him what things brought him the greatest pleasure and what things brought him the greatest grief. I thought instead of just trying to "guess" at what he wanted, it would be best to use the highest form of communication God has given mankind -- the use of language. Too often, us wives assume we know what's best for our husbands, but it's usually based on our own misconceptions that are birthed from the things that are most comfortable and preferable for us. And since I had already resolved to crucify my old, dead self and it's arrogant thinking that I knew everything there was to know about my husband, I chose to consider him first and just ask him as a sign of my love, devotion and willing submission to him and his authority. This was my way of letting him know that what he wanted not only mattered to me, but was very important to me.

"Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
~ Philippians 2:3

I'll share a couple of things he told me:
  • When he calls me during the day, don't' complain to him about things he can't "fix". He loves me and it frustrates him to hear me stressed and know he can't do anything to help me right there and then.
  • Upon entering the house, give him just a few minutes to "wind down" from his day at work.
As I prayerfully considered what he said, I remembered the Apostle Paul's words to Philemon:

"Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say."
~ Philemon 1:21

I so desperately wanted God to say that about me, so I ventured to do more than my husband requested and apply his "homecoming" celebration to start when he woke up!

The following are things I applied and though not perfectly, strive daily to remain faithful to:
  1. Rise when he does and have my praise and quiet time. Although we don't have our quiet time together since this is our personal time with God, I make sure I'm up as well because he enjoys just knowing I'm there too.
  2. Make him breakfast if he wants it that morning.
  3. Daily make his lunch and write him a "lovie note". In the note, I make sure I'm not preaching to him, but telling him how much I love him and appreciate him and share with him the graciousness of God I see in his life. Then I end with telling him how I can't wait for him to come home to me. I also draw hearts or other silly pictures on it. Then I make the boys their lunch.
  4. Send him "love" emails, text or phone calls just to listen to him instead of laying out a laundry list of what I'm going through.
  5. ALWAYS answer when he calls and I answer with "Hello darling, how are you?" or "Is this my favorite person?" or "Hey there boyfriend! I have a crush on you!"....well, you get the picture. And I answer this way regardless of whether I'm alone or in a crowd. I don't care how silly others may think I sound, I'm more concerned with lifting my husband up.
  6. Make it a priority to do whatever he's asked me to do first during the day and let him know the status as soon as possible, so he doesn't have to concern himself with that issue.
  7. Make a hot breakfast for the boys and start our breakfast devotional as my husband is getting ready to leave for work. We always immediately stop what we're doing and say good-bye to him and often walk him to the door.
  8. Have a hot meal prepared by the time he gets home.
  9. Make sure all my work (including housework, volunteer work, errands, etc.) are all done before I pick up the boys from school so they can have my undivided attention. I make the boys a snack, snuggle them, listen to them about their day and help them get their homework started if necessary. Sometimes, they just want me to sit in the same room with them because it makes them feel better. I do anything I can to help them settle down for the day, so they're in a better mood when Daddy gets home and are prepared to serve him and not be in need themselves. I also share with them any details of my husband's day if he's had a particularly difficult one and we all plan something special for him!
  10. Train the children to be attentive to when he arrives home, so we can all immediately stop what we're doing, run outside clapping and cheering. I get him whatever drink he prefers that day, while the kids take his lunch bag and any other thing they can carry into the house for him. Then they get him his slippers if he likes (sometime he doesn't) and I take off his shoes and socks and massage his feet for a few minutes as he tells me about his day. We put him in a recliner and I make the final touches to our dinner and we all eat at the table. Our boys are 15 (sophomore) and 13 (8th. grade) and we still do this! The welcome home celebration in the driveway tickles my husband because our oldest son is now taller than him (he's 5'11" and still growing) and still loves to clap and cheer because Daddy's home! We all love it and just crack up and laugh as we all walk in the house ready to serve Daddy and bless him beyond what he expected or ever asked for!
  11. Train the kids to ask Daddy first how his day was before anyone shares theirs. After my darling husband has shared his day, he asks about mine and the boys and they tell him all about how they worshipped our King Jesus that day and how they saw the Holy Spirit working in their lives. Once we're finished, my wonderful husband leads us in a family devotional time by reading to us and opening up discussions on how we can all better love, honor and give glory to our awesome God. Currently, we're reading C.J. Mahaney's book entitled, "Humility: True Greatness". It's on my "bookshelf" (to the right) if you'd like to find out more about it.
  12. Train the children to do the dishes and wipe down the table and all the counters so my husband and I can relax and spend some time talking. I usually use this time to get out the massage oil and give him a hand and/or foot massage (depending on his preference). I've been giving my husband massages for 16 years. And started giving him foot baths with full foot massages about 14 years ago.
Meal Preparation:
One of the things I've done to help have meals prepared on time is make a menu. I first take our family calendar and look at it before making the menu so I can decide the days I need to make slow cooked meals and the days we'll have leftovers, etc. I make a two week menu (because that's how often he gets paid). This way, I can make sure it's nutritious, economical and no food is thrown away. I then make my grocery list out of this menu, which cuts down on shopping time. Then the menu is posted on the refrigerator because everyone loves to see what we're having!

Training Children to Revere Their Father:
Since my oldest son was 2 years old, I taught both boys the Scriptures that spoke of revering and honoring their father and what happened to children in the Old Testament who didn't. I would share with them God's grace and mercy and how we don't stone rebellious sons anymore, but that was done to show the Israelites what an abomination a rebellious child was before the sight of our holy God, but what a blessing an obedient son is to his father and our God who is in Heaven. (Deuteronomy 21:18-21, Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 3:1-12, Proverbs 19:13, Proverbs 23:24, Proverbs 28:7)

All of their lives I would spend a lot of time telling them how wonderful their father is. I've taught them how difficult and stressful his job can be, as well as share with them how hard he works for our family and we ought to be thankful. I make it a point to identify good character traits of their father I see in them. I never discuss his faults as I believe that's my husband's place, not mine. If I want to share faults or sin patterns, I share my own since I have so many to choose from and I know them better.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The thing my husband appreciates most is my commitment in becoming a biblically submissive woman based on Proverbs 31:10-31. This passion I have causes me to do all the things that would cause my husband to truly view our home as his castle...his sanctuary....a place he prefers to be above all else.

Oh, and what does my husband do with all my love notes? He tapes them to his computer monitor at work so he can be encouraged all day. As a matter of fact, I found out only because his work mates began to call him all the lovie names I used in my notes. About 20 years ago, the boys at work masculinized one of the names and that's what he still likes to use today..."with the guys".

Unfortunately, I don't always succeed at this and fail from time to time. I am a wretched woman who's a living sacrifice that often crawls off the alter to do my own will. When this happens, I apologize and ask for his forgiveness and commit to diminish the occurrences of such ugly sin that not only burdens my wonderful husband, but also grieves my awesome, holy, good and gracious Father God.

I've really been burdened this last year, because due to my health issues (which included two surgeries in 7 months), I've not be able to be very consistent in all these areas. But one thing that encourages me is that our boys have learned to love, respect and honor their father. And due to this, they have pitched in quite a bit to do many of the things I haven't been able to. Isn't our God awesome?

WARNING:
Please, please, please do not attempt to do any of these things without much preparation in prayer. If not for Christ and His resurrecting power living in me, I would absolutely NOT be able to accomplish even one of these things without resentment, judgment, fatigue, criticism, complaining and self-righteousness. Prayerfully consider all these things, empty yourself of yourself and commit to becoming a biblically submissive, Proverbs 31 wife before attempting any of these things. As Scripture says, nothing is impossible with God, but oh, there are so many a things that are impossible for us without Christ! Can I get an "Amen!"?

“I have been with my present husband for 18 years. About 2 years ago he had an affair with another woman. It was hard for me but I dug in deep and leaned on my church for support. I have forgiven him but there are signs that maybe something is happening again (hides his cell phone, never uses it in my presence). He is also emotionally abusive at times. I am trying to hang in there. I attend church regularly and read my Bible and pray every day. He is a believer but does not share in my spiritual hunger or devotion. I am anticipating on leaving and divorcing him but I want to seek God and what His word says before I jump and make this move. Please help me.”

Dearest sister C,

My husband and I have been in much prayer for both you and your husband since I received your email. Your situation unfortunately, seems to be a common one, even amongst believers. And my husband and I often pray for God to help His children live as lights of this world, strangers, those who are so different that those who do not belong to Him, will ask where our hope comes from and where our trust and joy lie, even in the midst of painful trials.

It is truly sad that children of the Most High God do not often live as if we are; that is, live victorious lives in Christ, rather than floundering around in the mire pit from whence we came. But I don’t want you to be one of these sad children of God who are not living in your true life, your real life, the victorious life Christ died to give you. I want to exhort you and encourage you by God’s love and Christ’s perseverance, so that you too may rise above the ashes and see the beauty of your life, just as our Lord Jesus has given it you – for He gave you His life, and there is nothing more beautiful than that.

You stated that you are “anticipating on leaving and divorcing him but I want to seek God and what His word says before I jump and make this move.” This is very wise sister, and God will bless you for trusting Him and His word over the current pain of your circumstances and over your own personal emotions and desires. Here is what the word of God says about what you’ve asked:

Romans 7:2
“For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage.”

1 Corinthians 7:10, 39
“To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband…A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”

So, the simple and obvious answer according to God’s word, you must stay with your husband sister and not seek to divorce him. I know that this answer seems quite daunting in the light of what you are enduring right now precious friend, so I want to encourage you also with how the Lord desires for you to stay in your current situation by addressing some of the other things you mentioned in your email.

Sister C: I counseled with one of my female Pastors at my Church alone. She mentioned that she and her husband (who is also one of the Pastors) would be happy to meet with my husband and myself for couples counseling. My husband would not agree to it, but she did tell me that I need to continue praying and seeking Gods guidance on the matter. God blesses a marriage union and together he and I should not allow the enemy to come between us and destroy what God has blessed.

Sunny: You were wise in seeking help from your church, for this is the purpose of the fellowship of believers in which God has provided for you. Although it is not biblical for a woman to be a Pastor you received good and wise counsel from them sister. God truly blesses marriages and it was good that you were exhorted to stay the course, for your battle is not with your husband or the other woman (although it may seem that way), but it is with our enemy Satan, just as the Scriptures say:

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ”

Ephesians 6:12
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

And while it is true and ideal, what your Pastor said, that “together” you and your husband should battle the enemy, this is not always possible if the husband is not willing to repent and turn to the Lord for forgiveness and help. But because God is truly the God of all comfort and because He is true to His word, regardless if we or our spouses are true to ours/theirs, we can always trust and live by what our LORD God says and not how our spouses behave. For God has promised to give a woman an extra special measure of faith, grace, mercy and wisdom so that she may not only endure the pain of her husband’s sin(s), but so that she may also be strengthened by His word to fiercely wage war against the true enemy who brought this battle; Satan alone, and not her husband.

Here is the assurance and hope God provides for a wife who is married to a man who is not obedient to God’s word:

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear – but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.”
~ 1 Peter 3:1-6
(emphasis added)

Sister C: I know the Lord will never leave me or forsake me and I hold tightly to that promise, I just feel that my husband is hindering my spiritual walk.

Sunny: No, my beautiful sister, it is not your husband that is trying to hinder your spiritual walk it is Satan alone, for only Satan benefits and is pleased if you do not draw near to the Lord. Your husband has no personal gain from preventing your spiritual walk, only Satan does, for the word of God says:

Revelation 12:9-10
“And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world – he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.”

Sister C: I guess I am just looking for instant results and resolution but our time is not the Lords time and our thoughts are not His thoughts. It just gets really hard when I am called bad and insulting names; that’s when I just want to walk away from the marriage. It is a constant battle with the flesh and the spirit daily.

Sunny: Yes my beloved sister, it is – a constant battle with the flesh and the Spirit of Christ that dwells within us. And we must battle against our flesh and Satan, by abiding in Christ and His word, just as He commanded us. We must press on, no matter the circumstance, for Christ our God has promised that He will comfort us, strengthen us and He alone will win the battle for us, if only we die to ourselves, our pain, our sorrows and live fully and only in His joy; that is, to faithfully, lovingly and willingly obey the Father. Our Lord Jesus understands and knows about our sorrows, much deeper and more grievous than we could ever comprehend, for we will never suffer as He suffered to save our souls. Therefore, let us stand on His word alone, so that we might not be shaken and let us fix our eyes on the Founder and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Here are some Scriptures to comfort and strengthen you when you are weary from the battle against your flesh and the enemy:

Psalm 16:8-9
“I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.”

And though your flesh and Satan tempt you to disobey God’s command to you as a wife, do not give in sister, do not waver, but hold fast to our Lord’s promise and His words of hope, comfort and exhortation:

1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Beloved sister C, you are very wise in discerning God’s truth as you stated that you know that God’s timing and thoughts are not the same as our timing and thoughts; just as the LORD spoke through the prophet Isaiah:

Isaiah 55:8-11
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

As far as the insults you have endured, sister, I understand. I have been there too. The LORD our God was merciful and gracious to me when He allowed me to endure 13 years of severe physical, emotional and verbal abuse by my entire family – this all due to the fact that I alone am a Christian amongst my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. It is not easy to endure daily spears of wicked words being hurled at you. But it is humbling to consider the same words and even worse words were hurled at our Savior. And when I am humbled by this thought, I remember what He taught me through His word and I pray this comforts you as well and directs your heart toward God’s love and Christ’s perseverance (2 Thessalonians 3:5).

“For to this you have been called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.”
~ 1 Peter 2:21-23

I would like to close with this thought my beautiful sister, remember what you are living for – Christ Jesus alone, for His glory alone and for His pleasure alone in order to demonstrate the measure of your gratitude toward God our Father who gave His only begotten Son, so that we might all live above and beyond the trials of this world and live in His glorious light. We live for THAT day, not THIS day, for THAT day is quickly approaching, and THIS day and all its troubles will pass faster than a mist. Therefore, let us set our hearts and minds on all that is above, always preparing ourselves for the Day of the Lord; that our lives may be considered as something beautiful in the sight of our the Lord Jesus (Mark 14:6).

2 Peter 3:10, 14
“But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed…Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace.”

Mindful of the above passage, I want to spur you on sister, knowing that the Day of the Lord is near (Hebrews 10:23-25). And to live not as those without hope or trust in the One True God, but as a daughter of God Most High who trusts her Father’s words over her own emotions, feelings, thoughts and weary soul.

If you would like further and continued support as you travel this road, I think you would greatly benefit from participating in my online Bible study, My Second Love: A Proverbs 31 Study so that you will have continual encouragement from God’s word to stay your course and press on. ♥

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

May the grace and peace of our most merciful God and Father, keep you dear sister. And may our precious and beloved Jesus strengthen you with the power of His grace.
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