Friday, February 27, 2009

Working at Home

Genesis 2:18 says that God made the woman to be the "helper" for the man. God has designed a wife's role as her husband's helper. Working at home is one of those ways that a wife can be the helper to her husband. It's important for us to look at the kind of home we are making for our husband. Are we doing things in the home that make him happy? Maybe he prefers the dishes are always cleaned and put away, but you'd rather focus on the laundry. It's important to talk with your husband about what he would like done so you know how to focus your day. Then the question of "should I work outside the home?" comes up. We ought to ask ourselves some tough questions before making this decision. Carolyn Mahaney in her book, Feminine Appeal, writes " But whenever we contemplate opportunities outside of the home, we must first consider the consequences they might have on our families. We must also evaluate our motives. We should ask ourselves questions such as: 1) What are the reasons for considering this opportunity? Are they selfish or God-honoring? 2) Will pursuing this venture glorify God and honor the gospel? 3) Will it enhance and enrich the lives of my family? 4) Does this endeavor hinder my role as the caretaker of my family?" The answers to these questions will help you see if working outside the home is something the Lord would have you do. We'd like to hear from you. If you have any other Scripture or principles concerning this topic, please click on the comment link under this post and share your thoughts with us!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Purity

Being pure involves our thoughts, actions and communication to others. We ought to guard what we allow to influence our life. So ask yourself why do you do what you do? Why do you watch certain TV shows? Read magazines? Watch certain movies? Are those things pure according to God's Word? Do they follow the pattern of Philippians 4:8? "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (ESV) Be careful to guard your heart and purify your mind with God's Word. Being pure also applies to your sexual purity. Ephesians 5:1-4 is a great passage to study on the subject of purity. We pray God will help you as you seek to be pure in your thoughts, actions and words.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Self-Control

Self-control can only happen when we are Spirit-controlled. (Galatians 5:16-25) There are many areas of life that are affected when we lack self-control: eating habits, physical exercise, time, money, hobbies, communication, emotions, etc... What are some practical tips on staying self-controlled? How do you overcome the "desires of the flesh"?

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Loving My Children, part 2

Another aspect of loving our children involves spending time with them. What are some hindrances to spending quality time with your children? How can you overcome those hindrances?

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Loving My Children

Psalm 127:3-5b says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!" Children are a blessing from our Lord and as we seek to love them biblically how can we show love to them? We also talked today about biblically disciplining our children. Proverbs 13:24 says, "Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." How can we lovingly and diligently discipline our children to bring honor and glory to God? What is the goal of biblical discipline? Sometimes it is hard to continue in biblical discipline; how might you encourage a mother who is struggling in this area?

Friday, February 13, 2009

A Challenge

Communication with your husband takes work. Often we neglect to communicate because we are busy with other things such as care of the children, ministry activities, or housework. Yet, in order to grow in your relationship with your husband, you must communicate! Here's a challenge: Plan a date with your husband in the next 2 weeks (get a sitter for the kids!!). Then on your date ask your husband how you can be a better wife for him. Ask for his honest feedback and assure him you won't get angry at his response! Pray that God would help you to be open to what your husband says to you and to not make any excuses! Then come back here (if you want) and let us know how that went.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Loving My Husband

Our discussion today revolved around the practical ways that you can show love to your husband. You might be tempted to think that doing the laundry, picking up after him, or cooking his meals shows your love. Yet as we talked today, we see there are many other ways to show your love to him. What do you think?

Friday, February 6, 2009

Addictions

Romans 6:17-18 says, "But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness." (ESV) What are you a slave to? God's Word tells us that because we have been set free from sin, we become slaves of righteousness. Are you a slave of righteousness? If we have an addiction to something we know that God's truth will set us free. John 8:31-32 says "..."If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (ESV). The key is abiding in God's word. How can we help someone who is searching for freedom from an addiction?

Thursday, February 5, 2009

The Tongue

James 3:8-10 says "but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers,these things ought not to be so." (ESV) We talked today about how to control our tongue; to avoid slander. Why is it so hard to avoid gossip? How can I avoid gossip?

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Modesty

Today we touched on some practical ways to be sure you are be modest in your dress. Because you're modest doesn't mean you can't have style! So please share YOUR tips on how you can stay modest while being in style! On a personal note, I find it VERY difficult to find swimwear for summertime fun! Do biblical principles of of modesty apply even in our choice of a swim suit? I believe they do. We want to hear your thoughts on this, so please share!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Being Reverent

What does behaving reverently look like? As we discussed in our program today, we must have an awareness that God is dwelling inside me. It is acting according to the Truth of what I know about God. Can we be reverent in our daily chores? Washing dishes, changing diapers, caring for the elderly? Of course! How does behaving reverently affect our attitude, daily chores, our dress? Please share your answers! What other areas of life does reverent behavior affect?