Degeneration or Regeneration?
Someone has said that “one generation is a generation away from regeneration.” I have seen this happen in my lifetime As a child growing up in our little town of New Zealand it was the shock of the town if someone got involved in adultery. This was not only the sentiment of church folk but of everyone in town. Now, hardly anyone bats an eyelid when this happens in the church! Is this not degeneration? When I was a child believers did not go to the movie theater. When my mother died at 83 years of age she had never been in a movie theater. One time, when an adult, I said to my mother, “Mum, there are some good movies that you could perhaps watch without being defiled.” “Oh no,” she replied, “What if the Lord was to come and find me in the movie theater!” Now, it seems the norm for Christians to go to nearly every movie that comes to town. And if they don’t do that, they watch them in the privacy of their homes! I am not saying that we cannot watch a wholesome movie, but we certainly must use discernment and scrutiny. When I was a child we hadn’t even heard of the word ‘pornography’. It was never mentioned. Now, it is a word that is part of every day language and a bondage that has gripped thousands of men in the church today. What degeneration! We know that there have always been backyard abortions, but when we were children we never heard the word spoken aloud. It wasn’t practiced in the church. Now many church-going women have abortions! Forty-three percent of women obtaining abortions say they are Protestant and 27 percent say they are Catholic! Although pagan societies have always accepted abortion, it was an antipathy in the early church. W. E. H. Lecky (1838-1903), the Irish Historian, although not always agreeing with Christian doctrine, wrote,"…it was one of the most important services of Christianity, that… it definitely and dogmatically asserted the sinfulness of all destruction of human life as a matter of amusement, or of simple convenience, and thereby formed a new standard higher than any which then existed in the world. The influence of Christianity in this respect began with the very earliest stage of human life…With unwavering consistency and with the strongest emphasis, they denounced the practice, not simply as inhuman, but as definitely murder." We have degenerated greatly. I believe it is time we got some backbone back into the church and into society. Why do God’s people surrender to the climate of society and take that for their standard rather than the eternal Word of God? Have we become “cream puffs” or “jelly fish” as my husband often says? It comes back to the Parents!How do we get back to God’s ways? David cried out in Psalm 11:3, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” I believe we have to build the foundations again. How do we do this? It starts with us parents. We are responsible to pass on the baton of God’s truth and standards to the next generation. If we fail to do this, we fail God and this generation. It is God’s plan that each generation of parents pass on His ways to the next generation, establishing godly generations in the earth. It’s no use sending our children to church or Sunday School or telling them what to do if they do not see it operating in our lives. They will follow who we are and what we do. They see through any compromise and hypocrisy. Ephesians 6:13 says, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Can I share one or two other translations with you? Weymouth’s translation says, “Put on therefore the complete armour of God, so that you may be able to stand your ground on the day of battle, and, having fought to the end, to remain victors on the field.” J.B. Phillips’ says, “Therefore you must wear the whole armour of God that you may be able to resist evil in its day of power, and that even when you have fought to a standstill you may still stand your ground.” That’s the essence of this Scripture--to be still standing up even after the fight. Stand your Ground!That’s what we have to do. Hold our ground. Hold on to our convictions. Never let them go. While we are taken up with our excessive addiction to sports, movies and entertainment, we have become soft and flabby and have forgotten how to fight for morality and righteousness. We would rather play than pray. While we have our heads in the sand the enemy is having a heyday. We are in a battle, but we are losing ground. Many have given up the fight. Perhaps you are struggling to fight the good fight of faith? Don’t give up. Keep standing your ground. We must also impart to our children the ability to fight and contend for the faith. We are the example for them to follow. Evil is becoming more rampant. But God has told us in Isaiah 60:1-2 to arise and shine in the dark times. Will we shine in this evil day? Or will we hide our light and succumb to the darkness? Ephesians 5:11 says, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose, convict) them.” May God save us from getting so used to the climate we live in that we think it is normal. May He open our eyes to see His standards, and hold on to them. May He save us from assimilation, the most subtle of the enemy’s strategies. May He anoint us to expose the evil around us. Everything today has to be politically correct. In other words, we have to fit into what the world is doing! This is not Bible. This is not New Testament Christianity. This is apathy. It is being luke-warm which makes God sick. We don’t have to be politically correct. We must be Biblically correct, even if we face persecution. Most Christians do not condone adultery, abortion, and homosexuality. They would never do these things themselves. But they don’t want to make a scene. I hear many saying, “Well, I wouldn’t do that, but that is their personal choice. If that’s what they want to do, I have to accept it.” And now these things have become acceptable! All because we did not take a stand! We did not fight for God’s truth! We assimilated to the popular trend! May God help us to once again be a holy people, filled with God’s truth and His Spirit, who will push back evil rather than yielding to it. Don’t Drop the Baton!Dear parents, don’t let the baton drop! Keep up the great work of imparting God’s life-giving commandments to your family. Keep passing them on down the generations. You are doing a great work. My husband and I pray daily for our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren yet to be born. We are passionate about seeing the godly generation continuing down the years that our children, even those yet unborn, will be mighty for God, holding up the banner of God’s truth and fighting against evil. We pray that your offspring will be “mighty upon the earth” too! NANCY CAMPBELL STANDING POWERThe morals of this world are going downhill Against God’s Holy Word and His divine will, No longer black and white, it’s now mushy gray, God’s eternal absolutes many shun today. Will you stand against this tide when others are crumbling? Will you stand on God’s Word when many are stumbling? Will you stand against sin and the devil’s deceptions? Making no excuses or subtle exceptions? Never be intimated, never be fooled… Neutralized, Fraternized, Mediocre-ized Or your fire be cooled! When there’s no justice and only confusion And God’s people are hiding their light in seclusion, Will you rise up and be counted, open wide your mouth And proclaim God’s truth to the north and the south? Will you be strong in the Lord and the power of His might? Always standing up for that which is right? Rich in discernment, wisdom never ignored, And walking daily in the fear of the Lord? Never be wimpy or crumble at the knees… Normalized, Traumatized Luke-warmized, And the devil never appease! Will you stand the test when you are wronged and hurt? When you are persecuted and treated like dirt? Will you have backbone when the pressure comes on? Or be a spineless jellyfish with purpose all gone? Will you keep on standing if you’re the only one? Lifting up the name of Jesus, God’s only Son? Will you stand true now, holding on to the end? No matter what it costs, God’s truth to defend! Nancy Campbell
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Are You Building Up or Pulling Down?
ARE YOU BUILDING UP OR PULLING DOWN? “Every wise woman builds her home, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.” (Proverbs 14:1) Are you building up your marriage and home, or destroying them with your words and actions? What kind of a home are you building? An angry home or an anointed home? A boring home or a bountiful home? A cynical home or a celebrating home? A depressing home or a delightful home? An empty home or an encouraging home? A fretful home or a flourishing home? A grumbling home or a gladsome home? A harassed home or a happy home? An impoverished home or an interesting home? A jaded home or a jubilant home? A kill-joy home or a kind-hearted home? A legalistic home or a loving home? A mournful home or a merry home? A negative home or a nurturing home? An oppressive home or an overcoming home? A prayer-less home or a prayer-filled home? A quarrelling home or a queenly home? A rebellious home or a restful home? A sour home or a sweet home? A troublesome home or a tender home? An unstable home or a united home? A vexed home or virtuous home? A worrisome home or a wonderful home? An exhausting home or an exhilarating home? Is your home yielded to the Sovereign Lord? Are you zealously guarding your home? Nancy Campbell
Heaven's Nursery
HEAVEN'S NURSERY
In Heaven there must surely be
A special place, a nursery
Where 'little spirits' not fully grown
Go to live in their Heavenly home.
The angels must attend with love
Tiny spirits on wings of doves,
The choir of angels must sing lullabies
Maybe quieten their tiny cries.
The Father must come by each day
To cuddle and play in a special way
These tiny spirits left earth too soon
Little ones called Home from the womb.
These sparks of life did not perish
But came to the Father's love to cherish,
To grow and be taught in His own arms
Safely away from all earthly harm.
The comforter was sent to earth at once
To the parents who lost their little one
Their hearts so ache, t heir arms feel empty
The question 'why' seems so tempting.
Then all at once in the midst of tears
There comes a peace that stills the fears
The parents share the Father's own need
To hold their tiny spirit being.
They relinquish their own desperate hold
And release their baby to the Father's fold,
Then comes an angel to whisper the truth
Of a nursery in Heaven bearing rich fruit
Of tiny spirits chosen to worship the Father
A place that couldn't be filled by another,
Called to be spared from the struggles of earth,
Chosen to be one of Heaven's births.
So Father, whisper words of love from me
To our unborn 'life' in your nursery.
By Rebekah Milne, Mildura, SA, Australia, written after her own miscarriage.
The Burden Bearer - No. 105
Psalm 55:22, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Is your burden heavy, is it weighing you down? Do you no longer smile, all you wear is a frown? Are you feeling stressed out? Your body’s in pain? Are you confused, tormented, feel like going insane? Hang on a minute! You don’t have to bear this strain, There is a Burden-bearer who will carry your pain. He left the glory of heaven to come and die for your sin, And carry your burdens, your anguish and sorrows on Him. Give your heartache to God, He’s promised to carry it all, To try on your own, you’ll only stumble and fall. He’ll not only carry your burden, but sustain you too, Holding you up in His arms to see from His point of view. All you have to do is come to the foot of the cross, Hand over your burden and all that is dross, Give up your rights to do it your own way, Trust your life to His hands and He’ll lead each day. He is your Savior, Deliverer, your Resting Place, Your Fortress, your Shield and your Hiding Place, Your Sustainer and Helper with stretched out arms Who’ll carry your through storms and bring you to calm. He is your Fountain, the fresh Eternal Spring Who takes your sadness and makes you sing. He is your Comforter, Healer and He is the Dew Who comes with His mercies each morning anew. He is your Hope, your Refuge, your Song, Strengthener and Shepherd who carries you along. He is Almighty God who will carry your sorrow, Give it to Him today, don’t wait ‘til tomorrow. I love how The Message Bible translates this Scripture, “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders – He’ll carry your load, He’ll help you out.” Love from NANCY CAMPBELL PRAYER: “How I thank you, Lord, that you are my Burden bearer. I give my burdens, sorrows and worries to you today. They are too heavy for me to carry. Amen.”
AFFIRMATION: I have given my burdens to the Lord and I will not take them back.
Look Up - No. 98
Isaiah 41:10, “Be not dismayed; for I am your God.”
The Hebrew word for “be dismayed” means “to gaze about, to be non-plussed, to look around in amazement or bewilderment.” Where are you looking, dear mother? Are you looking in despair at all you have to do? Are you looking at the difficulties you face and worrying how you can cope? Or are you looking up? God, who is our Rock, our Fortress, our Savior and our Deliverer specifically tells us to stop looking at what we see – and look to Him. He is God. He is in control. We can trust Him unreservedly with our lives and all our problems. How can I do it? I have too much to do, I’m overwhelmed and feeling real blue, I’m stuck in this house like super glue. Don’t look around – LOOK UP! The dishes and laundry are piled up high, When I look ‘round the house I have to sigh, And for supper my husband’s expecting a pie! Don’t look around – LOOK UP! We can’t pay the mortgage; bills are overdue, I’m tired and have headaches, not a few, These children are driving me crazy too! Don’t look around – LOOK UP! My husband comes home late; he doesn’t care, He doesn’t help with the children; it’s not fair! I don’t want to smile; I just want to glare! Don’t look around – LOOK UP! Take your eyes off your problems, look up to Him, God’s presence is with you, even in the din! Confess your bad mood and He’ll cleanse your sin. He is your God – LOOK UP! He will show you how to order your place, He will give you direction as you seek His face, He wants to pour upon you His anointing of grace. He is your God – LOOK UP! Keep your eyes fixed on Him; He is your Stay, He is your Wisdom for problems each day, He will bring His presence right into your fray. He is your God – LOOK UP! Each morning He comes as the refreshing Dew To revive your body, and your spirit too, He is your Deliverer and He’ll make you new, He is your God – LOOK UP! Love from NANCY CAMPBELL PRAYER: “Oh God, forgive me for looking at everything, except You. Oh God, help me to remember that you are bigger than my circumstances and the problems that I face. I thank you that you are my God. You are in control of my life and every situation. I look to you, Lord, as my Source and my Deliverer. Amen.”
AFFIRMATION: I’m going for the up-look!
God Is Close To The Broken-Hearted - No. 93
Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Dear sweet mother, why do you cry? Don’t you know that your God is nigh? He is closer to you than your very breath, He will never forsake you, not even in death. He created you for His joy and pleasure And has chosen you as a special treasure. He has graven your name on His very own palm, He’ll come to your aid with His mighty right arm. He is your Source, He will fill your cup, When you are down, He will lift you up. You don’t have to stay sad, for He is your Joy, He’ll help you conquer those things that annoy. God has given you children, which are your glory To enrich your life and help write your story. You’re in God’s perfect will, this is your calling, He’ll help you each day and keep you from falling. You can’t do it alone, your strength is weak, Trust in the Lord and things won’t seem so bleak. Look to the Lord, not the problems you face, You’ll be amazed how He will give you His grace. A joyful mother is what He wants you to be, Filling your home with gladness and glee, Counting your blessings and praising the Lord For His daily mercies and love out-poured. Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL PRAYER: “Oh Lord, I thank you that you know when my heart is broken and that you feel my pain. I thank you that you have promised to come close to me in these times. I thank you for your nearness and comfort. Amen.”’
AFFIRMATION: There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God; A place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God.”
Far Greater, Pt 2 - No. 58
Joshua 24:15, “Choose you this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Who is your master? You have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness that is ruled by the deceiver and the destroyer. You no longer have to be ruled by this kingdom. You now belong to a new kingdom, the kingdom of our great God. Let Him be your God. May you be reminded again today of your great Deliverer. Acknowledge who He is to you. Praise Him out loud. The devil is a Liar.
Our God is Lord of lords and Lord of all the earth.
He is the Lord of the armies of heaven.
He is the Lord of glory.
He is Lord of all.
He is the Life-Giver.
He is our Life.
He is the Looser of the prisoners.
He is Lovingkindness.
He is the Lifter of our heads.
He is the Lover of our souls.
The devil is the Murderer from the beginning.
Our God is the Mighty God.
He is our Maker.
He is Merciful.
He is clothed with Majesty.
The devil is an Oppressor. He is called the Old serpent.
Our Lord God is Omnipotent.
He is Omnipresent.
He is Omnicient.
He is the Opener of blind eyes.
The devil is the Polluter of minds.
God is our Protector.
He is our Provider.
He is the God of Peace.
He is the Purifier of the sons of Levi.
He is the Pourer forth of His Spirit.
He is our Part, our Portion and our Possession.
He is our Praise.
He is the blessed and only Potentate!
The devil is a Robber.
He is the Ruler of darkness.
Our God is the Ruler of all rulers.
He is our Redeemer, Reconciler and the Restorer of our souls.
He is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
He is the Raiser up of those who are bowed down.
He is the Releaser of the Captives.
He is the Revealer of truth.
He is the Reliever of the fatherless and the widows.
He is the Resurrecter of the dead.
He is our Refuge.
He is our Rock.
He is our Refiner.
He is our Reward.
And He is Righteous.
The devil is the Seducer.
He is a Slanderer.
God is our Savior.
He is our Satisfier and our Satiater.
He is our Shield.
He is our Strengthener.
He is our Shepherd.
He is our Shelter.
He is our Sustainer.
He is our Supplier.
He is our Shade upon our right hand.
He is our Safety.
He is our Song.
He is our Sufficiency and our Stay.
He is the Self-existent One.
He is the Supreme Being on the universe.
The devil is the Tempter.
He is a Trickster.
He is the Thief.
God is our high Tower of protection.
He is our Trainer for war.
He is full of Tender mercies.
He is Truth.
The devil is called the Wicked one.
Our God is called Wonderful.
He is the only Wise God.
His Word is perfect and all His Ways are just.
He is the Worthy One.
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL PRAYER:“Oh God, I acknowledge today that you are my life. You are my breath. You are my Savior. You are my Sustainer. You are my Strength. You are my Everything. I thank you that I do not need to turn to anyone else. I do not need to go to the world for my counsel, for you are my Counselor. You truly are the God who is Enough. I put my life in your hands and trust you completely. Amen.” AFFIRMATION:“Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.”
Far Greater, Pt 1 - No. 57
Numbers 24:7, “His king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.”HH
Just as the term Pharaoh was used for all the kings of Egypt, so Agag was used for the kings of the Amalekites who were the most powerful of all the desert tribes. The God of the Israelites was greater than all gods. He is the great God, the ruler of the universe. His ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. And yet so often we bring God down to the level of our puny thinking. We run to the counsel of the world before we seek His infinite counsel. We live in doubt and fear rather than acknowledging His ultimate sovereignty and Lordship. We pattern ourselves according to the fashion of this world rather than lining ourselves up with God’s Ways. Who is our God? He is greater than Agag. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom that will not pass away. It shall never be destroyed and all dominions shall serve and obey Him. I think it would be a good idea to remind ourselves of the taskmaster from whom we have been delivered and the might of our great God whom we now serve. Lift up your eyes and praise your God. The devil is the Accuser. He is our Adversary. He is called Abaddon and Apollyon (which means “the destroyer”) Our God is Awesome. He is the Almighty. He is the Architect of the universe. He is the Ancient of days, and the Alpha and Omega. He is the Anointer of our heads. The devil is called Beelzebub and Belial. Our God is Beautiful in majesty. He is our Breath. He is our Buckler. He is our Burden bearer. He is the Blesser of those who fear Him. He is the Beginning and the end. The devil is the Condemner. He is a Conniver. Our God is the Creator. He is our Comforter. He is our Counselor. He is our Cup filler. He is our Covenant keeper. He is a God of Compassion and Consolation. The devil is the Deceiver – of the elect and the whole world. He is the Destroyer and the Devourer. He is also the Disguiser and even comes as an angel of light. He is called the Dragon. God is our Deliverer. He is our Defender. He is the Delighter of those who seek Him. He is the Desire of all nations. He is the Disposer of blessings. He is the Dew that refreshes us each morning. The devil is the Enslaver. He is our Enemy. He is called the Evil one. Our God is Emmanuel – God with us. He is the Executer of judgment for the oppressed. He is the God who is Enough. He is the Everlasting Father. The devil is a Fear Monger. God is our Faith imparter. He is the Father of all the families in heaven and earth. He is the Fountain of living waters. He is the Forgiver of sin. He is our Feeder. He is our Fortress. He is Faithful and He is our Friend. The devil is the Hater of my soul. God is the Helper of the helpless. He is the Healer of the broken-hearted. He is the Healer of all our diseases. He is our Hope. He is our Habitation. He is the Hearer and answerer of our prayers. He is High and lifted up. He is the Holy One of Israel. The devil is a Killer. God is our Keeper.
He is King of kings. We will continue next week to see more of our mighty God. Love from NANCY CAMPBELL PRAYER: “Oh thank you, Lord, that you are the mighty God of the universe. You are the Sovereign Lord. I thank you that my life is safe in your hands. I can trust you totally. Oh God, please save me from making any other person or thing a god in my life. I want you to be God in every part of my life. Amen.”
AFFIRMATION: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky, and sea: Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, Blessed Trinity! Bishop Heber
Above Only, Pt 3 - No. 18
Proverbs 31:10, “Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies.”
Dear mother, when you walk in victory and authority in your home, you are above rubies and above all other women in the home. Let’s read Deuteronomy 28:13 again, “If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord… and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, and never at the bottom.” (NIV) One of the greatest secrets to live above your daily problems is your confession. What you speak has power to affect your life, your circumstances and the lives of your children in your home. Make sure you confession is positive. Here are some affirmations for you to speak out loud today… and every day! I am ABOVE the disposition of grumbling, complaining and self-pity. I am ABOVE listening to negative thoughts about my husband and our marriage. I am bound by covenant. I am ABOVE the lure of being squeezed into the mold of this world’s system. I am ABOVE being intimidated by the antagonists of God’s truth. I am ABOVE the fallacy that I am “just a housewife.” I am training children to affect the course of this nation. I am ABOVE the temptation to leave my divine career of motherhood for a lesser career that only brings earthly reward. I am ABOVE the deceiving humanistic philosophies that infiltrate the media and society around me. I am ABOVE the trials and frustrations that encompass me about. I am ABOVE the tales and petty talk of the gossipers. I am ABOVE self-preoccupation. I will give room in my heart and mind for the needs of others. I am ABOVE the pressure to “keep up with the Joneses”. I don’t have to have everything everyone else has.
Don’t forget to speak these affirmations out loud. It is not enough to think them in your mind. Love from NANCY CAMPBELL PRAYER: “Lord, help me today to speak positive words. Help to speak only words of victory. Amen.”
QUOTE: Dear mothers, here is a little poem which I taught to our children when they were young. Whenever they faced a challenge, we would quote this poem. I am sure that they can all still quote it today. It shows us the power of our confession. Perhaps you could teach it to your children too. However, I know it will encourage you as much as your children. Two little men stood looking at a hill, One was named, Can’t and one was named, Will. Can’t said, “I never in the world can climb this hill,” So there he is at the bottom of it still! Will said, “I’ll get to the top because I will.” Two little men are living by the hill, At the bottom is Can’t, at the top is Will!
Enjoy An Un-Week - No. 11
Page 1 of 7 How would you like to have an "un" week? Why not try it? Here’s a different "un" for each day of this week. Check in each day of this week for a new "un" to work out in your life for the day. DAY 1 – UNHURRIED Hebrews 4:9 "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
Slow down today. Create an "unhurried" atmosphere. "How can I do that?" you sigh. "I’ve got so much to do. I just don’t know how I can get through it all." Dear mother, you don’t have to do everything. I guess you write lists. If you do, write down the most important things you have to do today but don’t be disappointed if you don’t get them all done. When you have little ones all around you, you accomplish an amazing fete if you only get one extra thing done in a day. You’ll find your children will all be more relaxed and happier when you calm down and get out of your frenzied attitude. In my mothering days I used to find that when I was hurrying the children up to get this or that done or get ready to go here and there, that that was when I had the most behavior problems. When I got off my "high horse" and stopped the great hurry, the children were happier and easier to handle. Now I’m not talking about laziness. Of course you have to work and accomplish your household chores. But you’ll find that you’ll accomplish a lot more if you do them with an "unhurried" attitude, rather than a frantic attitude. When your children are restless or irritable, stop what you are doing, sit down together and read them a story. This will calm you and the children. I love these lines… "You may have tangible wealth untold, Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold, Richer than I you can never be, I had a mother who read to me." Take a few minutes out of each day to enjoy watching your children. Watch them play. It is more entertaining than TV. Take some time for the special moments. I remember reading about a man of God who used to sign his letters, "Restfully busy." Learn to be busy with a restful heart. This is your right as a child of God. God has provided a rest for you. Hebrews 4:9 says, "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God." God lives in rest. He is not in a hurry. And He lives in you and you live in Him. Acknowledge this and start living in the rest that God has ordained for you. PRAYER: "Thank you, Lord, that you live in rest. Thank you that you live in me and I live in you. Lord, help me to embrace the rest that you have provided for me. Help me to live with an unhurried attitude today. Fill my heart with your peace and rest. Fill our home with your calm and serenity. Put an anointing of peace upon all our children. Thank you, Lord, for the rest and peace we are going to enjoy today. Amen." QUOTE: THE TRYING DAYS By Patience Strong The trying days, the sighing days, the days when things go wrong, The hurry days, the worry days, the days when you’re off song, The busy, dizzy days that you go rushing madly through – Trying to catch up on all the jobs you have to do. The trying days, the flying days – the clock goes twice its pace, But when you start to feel you are competing in a race – Slow down for a moment. Let your tangled thoughts unwind. You’ll get through in half the time if you’ve a quiet mind. ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯
Don't Give In To Satan's Doubts - No. 10
Genesis 3:1-6 Genesis 3:1 says that the enemy is subtle. He doesn’t blatantly deceive us. He does it subtly. He starts off with putting doubts in our mind about what God says, e.g. "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?"
This was the first temptation to man, and this is the way deceiver of our souls continues to tempt us. He always starts by putting a doubt in our hearts. Am I really saved? Can God truly provide for me? We must be careful to watch out for his doubts. He will make his temptation sound very plausible. In fact – it will sound good, it will feel pleasant and desirable, it will seem wise, and of course he will also touch us at the core of the desire of our heart.
E.g. Verse 6 says, "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise…." Satan always makes his temptations seem good and wise. In fact, it will often be very wise according to this world’s ways, but God’s Word is mostly opposite to the way we feel, and is totally opposite to the way of the world. This is true in nearly every situation of life. We see an example of this in our response to the first command that God ever gave to man. God’s Word says, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth." God is the author of life. God loves life. Satan, who comes to "steal, kill and destroy" is the destroyer of life and hates these words. So he puts doubts in the hearts of God’s people. "Does God really mean that? If you have one son and one daughter, you have done your part…" and so on. It seems very wise to delay your family and then limit your family. You will have more time to fulfill your career or do things you have planned. You will have more money to build a better house, buy a better car and save for college education for your children. It feels good because you will have less work to do and you won’t have to go through so many sleepless nights. It will seem desirable because it will give you more time to do want you want in life. But, it is deception and it is contrary to God’s Word. It is amazing that the Christian church has imbibed this deception and now thinks that it is truth. Pre-marital counseling in most churches includes teaching on birth control! What scriptures do they have for this? How incredibly Satan has imbedded his deceptions into the church! Once Satan has sown the seed of doubt in our hearts, he then begins to deliberately contradict God’s Word totally. We would not receive this contradiction if we didn’t first have doubts about what God says. In verse 4, we read that the serpent said, "Ye shall not surely die." This was in total rebellion to God’s direct word, "Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." We see how Satan works. First he starts with doubts, then it leads to rebellion, and we become totally deceived to the true Word of God. The distortion of God’s truth leads the defecting of His commands, and then the degeneration and destruction of His design. I love these words… If Jesus said it, I’ll believe it, I’ll believe it till I die! It is written in the Bible, His Word can never lie! Though the mountains be removed and cast into the sea, If Jesus said it, I’ll believe it, I’ll believe eternally! Learn these lines and quote them out loud all this week. Teach them to your children too. Love from NANCY CAMPBELL PRAYER: "Lord, please help me to discern the doubts and deceptions that the devil brings to my mind. Give me the courage to denounce them. Help me to be a woman of truth, not tossed to and fro, but standing strong in Your Word. May my children see that I am not swayed by the philosophies of this world but may they see that I honor Your Word no matter what the cost. Amen." QUOTE: "The Word of God will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Word of God."
A Wimp Lacks Courage! - No. 02
I believe the word ‘wimp’ comes from the word ‘whimper’ which means ‘to cry or sob, to whine, to complain.” But the wimp that I am writing about seriously lacks courage. All he sees through the eye of his negative imaginations are lions, tigers and giants. Proverbs 22:13 says, “The slothful man says, There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!”
A Wimp Buckles Under Pressure - No. 01
Wimpiness has plagued the lives of men throughout all ages. Even Adam, the first created man, was struck by this serious weakness in the Garden of Eden when he allowed Eve to receive the forbidden fruit and then received it from her hand. And to top it all off, he even blamed his wife. What a wimp!
I'm Drinking From My Saucer
I'm Drinking From My Saucer! I've never made a fortune And it's probably too late now. But I don't worry much about that, For I'm happy anyhow. And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, "’Cause my cup has overflowed." I haven’t got a lot of riches, And sometimes the going's tough, But I've got loving ones around me, And that makes me rich enough. I thank God for his blessings, And the mercies He's bestowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, "’Cause my cup has overflowed." I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin. But all at once the dark clouds broke, And sun peeped through again. So help me not to gripe, oh Lord, About the tough rows that I've hoed. I'm drinking from my saucer, "’Cause my cup has overflowed." If God gives me strength and courage, When the way grows steep and rough. I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough. And may I never be too busy, To help others bear their loads. Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, "’Cause my cup has overflowed." Source Unknown.
Ouch!
OUCH! "Ouch!" says the lump of clay as the Potter throws it back on the wheel. The wheel spins faster and faster as the firm hand of the Potter begins to shape the clay. "Stop it, I can’t take any more". "I am creating a vessel of honour - an instrument of great unsurpassed beauty to be of service in the courts of the King." "Not my will, but thine be done." "Ouch!" says the ruby as the Craftsman chips away at the unwanted matter. The sharp instrument grinds deeper as the firm hand of the Craftsman transforms the ruby. "Stop it, I can’t take any more". "I chose you to be a priceless gem in the palace of the King - a radiant, beautiful treasure of great worth." "Not my will, but thine be done " "Ouch!" says the gold as the Refiner places it in the furnace. The dross drips away as the Refiner turns up the heat. "Stop it, I can’t take any more". "You are being fashioned to shine forever in the King’s domain where you will reign together in spender and majesty." "Not my will, but thine be done." "Ouch!" says the tree as the Gardener prunes another branch. The saw cuts away at the flesh causing great pain. "Stop it, I can’t take any more." "This must be done in order for you to bear more fruit in the garden of the King." "Not my will, but thine be done." "Ouch!" says the woman as her Father prizes out a root of rebellion from her heart. The procedure is agonizingly painful. "Stop it, I can’t take any more." "My precious daughter" replies her Father, "I need to do this to transform you into the image of My own dear Son. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Whom the Lord loves, He chastens. The loving discipline may hurt, but it is necessary, for the end result will be glorious. I must bring to your attention the things that hinder your maturity so that I can purge them from your heart forever. I am adorning My glorious bride to rule and reign with Me in My Kingdom. I am taking you from glory to glory - from strength to strength. I am stamping my own image upon your heart as you yield to My hand upon your life." "Not my will, but thine be done." By DELWYN McALISTER – reflecting recent trials Griffith, New South Wales, Australia God has blessed Brent and Delwyn with Marguerite (13), Rosanne (10 ½), Gloria (6), Christy-Anne (3) and sweet baby Ruby (6 months). Delwyn edits a magazine for mothers called, Keepers at Home to provide Christian women with a forum for sharing and encouraging each other in being a wife and mother. Available for $25.00 a year from: KEEPERS AT HOME P O Box 225 Tokoroa NZ P O Box 2207 Griffith NSW Australia Fax Australia 02 69629720 Email-
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Web site www.keepersathome.firm.tc
Me Instead Of You
ME INSTEAD OF YOU! There’s one odd fact in life I’ve found – ‘Tis sad but very true – The faults that lie in each of us Seem so much worse in you. If you tell me a thing or two, You’re heartless as can be, But when I tell you all your faults, I’m honest, don’t you see? When tests and trials come your way And you feel very low, "Why be so weak and spineless?" Is what I’d like to know. But when it’s me who’s down and out Somehow it’s not the same’ It’s just that folks don’t treat me right – I’m really not to blame. When you set out to tackle The impossible it seems, You’re trifling and you’re careless And full of idle dreams But when I do the very same, It’s faith I’m clinging to; Now isn’t it strange the change it makes When it’s me instead of you? Author unknown.
Wait...
Wait… Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried: Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied. I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate, And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait". "Wait? You say, wait! " my indignant reply. "Lord, I need answers, I need to know why! Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard? By faith, I have asked, and am claiming your Word. My future and all to which I can relate Hangs in the balance, and You tell me to WAIT? I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign, Or even a 'no' to which I can resign. And Lord, You promised that if we believe We need but to ask, and we shall receive. And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry: I'm weary of asking! I need a reply! Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate As my Master replied once again, "You must wait." So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting.... for what?" He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine, And he tenderly said, "I could give you a sign. I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun. I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run. All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be. You would have what you want - But you wouldn't know Me. You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint; You'd not know the power that I give to the faint; You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair; You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there; You'd not know the joy of resting in Me When darkness and silence were all you could see. You'd never experience that fullness of love As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove; You'd know that I give and I save.... (for a start), But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart. The glow of My comfort late into the night, The faith that I give when you walk without sight, The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST. You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee, What it means that "My grace is sufficient for Thee." Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true, But, Oh, the loss! If I lost what I'm doing in you! So, be silent, My child, and in time you will see That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me. And though oft' may My answers seem terribly late, My most precious answer of all is still, "WAIT." Author Unknown
What A Baby Costs
WHAT A BABY COSTS By Edgar Guest "How much do babies cost?" said he The other night upon my knee; And then I said: "They cost a lot; A lot of watching by a cot, A lot of sleepless hours and care, A lot of heartache and despair, A lot of fear and trying dread, And sometimes many tears are shed In payment for our babies small, But every one is worth it all. "For babies people have to pay A heavy price from day to day - There is no way to get one cheap. Why, sometimes when they're fast asleep You have to get up in the night And go and see that they're all right. But what they cost in constant care And worry, does not half compare With what they bring of joy and bless - You'd pay much more for just a kiss. "Who buys a baby has to pay A portion of the bill each day; He has to give his time and thought Unto the little one he's bought. He has to stand a lot of pain Inside his heart and not complain; And pay with lonely days and sad For all the happy hours he's had. All this a baby costs, and yet His smile is worth it all, you bet."
The Rose
THE ROSE It is only a tiny rosebud, A flower of God's design, But I cannot unfold the petals With these clumsy hands of mine. - The secret of unfolding flowers Is not known to such as I, The flower God opens so sweetly, In my hands would fade and die. - I cannot unfold a rosebud, This flower of God's design, Then how can I have wisdom To unfold this life of mine? - So I'll trust Him for His leading Each moment of every day And I'll look to Him for His guidance Each step of the pilgrim way. - For the pathway that lies before me My heavenly Father knows I'll trust Him to unfold the moments Just as He unfolds the rose. Anonymous.
Miscarriage
MISCARRIAGE Little baby fastened in my womb Partaker of my life Though hidden from my view Changer of my course Expander of my waist Enlarger And developer of my faith. Oh little one who rented out my room I never thought our lives would be Untied so soon. You left in sudden haste And emptied out my small domain. Child of ours, What is your name? For though I've longed to carry you once more You've already been perfected In the presence of the Lord So my goal for you is gained In a place of great delight And soon in glory We will Re-unite. Written by Janet Carlton, Emily, Minnesota, USA.
Help!
HELP! "Sometimes, dear Lord, it seems as tho' the children never stop! They ask and ask, and ask again, until my ears near pop! - "Mum, fix my shoe," "Help brush my hair." "I want another drink." "Come quickly, Mum, I think the cat has fallen in the sink!" - Demands, demands, and more demands, Help, Lord, it's getting tough. I know that mothers should be kind, but this one's had enough! - What's that, Lord? You mean to say These children are in Your plan? To help me learn to grow into A more mature woman? - Dear Lord, I know You gave and gave, Had so much patience too. Help me to see a mother's job can make me more like You. By Jenny Hodgkinson Auckland, New Zealand.
The God Who Is Enough
THE GOD WHO IS ENOUGH 'Tis better far to let Him choose the way that we should ; If only we leave our life with Him, He will guide without mistake. We, in our blindness, would never choose a pathway dark or rough, And so we should never find in Him the GOD WHO IS ENOUGH! In disappointment, trouble, or pain, we turn to the Changeless One, And prove how faithful, loving and true is God's beloved Son.
Blessed To Be A Mother
BLESSED TO BE A MOTHER I could have been a major - but I chose to be a mother. I used to make a living - but now I'm making lives. I've traded airmen's salutes for children's hugs and kisses. Instead of giving orders - I'm giving all I am. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of being a mother. By Cynthia Flanagan Canfield, Ohio, USA. Before Cynthia was a mother, she was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force.
Afternoon Nap
AFTERNOON NAP I have a good book That I'd really like to read So I carry you and the book to the bedroom. We lay on the big bed together And your mouth opens wide Searching eagerly for my breast. Your left arm is tucked in at your side Your right arm rests on my breast With your tiny hand curled around my left thumb. My fingers caress the soft skin On the back of your hand. You look up at me with your big blue eyes And smile Then drink in the warm, sweet milk Designed especially for you. Your eyelids grow heavy And soon you are sleeping So quietly and peacefully That time seems to stand still. I want to memorize this moment And hold it in my mind forever. I stroke the downy hair On the back of your head As I watch The rhythmic rising and falling Of your little chest. I am awestruck once again By the miracle you truly are. Created by God in His image You are perfect in every detail... Delicate eyelashes Turned up button nose Sweet pink rosebud mouth Peaches and cream skin The tiny curl in the middle of your forehead Baby toes that like to be kissed and tickled. I thank the Lord For entrusting me with your care And I strive to be worthy of such a high calling. My heart overflows with love for you My firstborn daughter My Megan girl. Your name means "God's pearl" And you are a precious part of our family. I snuggle closer Content to be here with you. The book I was so eager to read Is laid aside for another day And I too drift off to sleep As we enjoy our afternoon nap Together. By Wendy Jo Minotte Duluth, Minnesota, USA.
A Mother's Fears!
A MOTHER'S FEARS Today I took my little boy and held him in my arms,
I looked in to those big brown eyes and was captured by their charm.
Then all at once it hit me that one day he'd be a man,
It was with this amazing thought that all my fears began.
Would I teach him properly the way to love a wife,
The way to raise their children, and live a godly life?
How to listen to the voice of the Father up above,
And how to introduce to friends the wonders of His love?
Would he earn an honest quid, and put food upon the table,
And serve the Lord and others, the best that he was able?
Would he make a godly mark on the world in which he dwelt?
As I thought about these things, my fears began to melt.
God has given ME this child, because no other could,
Mold his heart and character, and teach him to be good.
Or show him how to read and write or how to play with others.
God had choosen ME to be his only mother.
So now I hold my child close and think of how I can,
Teach my tiny son, how to be a godly man.
My fears are healed by the knowledge that somewhere up above,
God had given ME the job of this little child to love.
By Maria Dowse. Bathurst, NSW, Australia. Maria has two little children, Joshua James (3 years) and Kiyana Grace (3 months).
Motherhood is not for Wimps!
Motherhood is not for wimps! _________________________ There are those who would spurn the vocation of mothers And say of careers, it’s inferior to others, I'll have to admit that it's not easy work, It's relentless and from it you cannot shirk. It takes all of your energy being a mother and wife, Requiring daily commitment and a disciplined life, It demands all your resources of patience and love, Long-suffering and wisdom from the Father above. It takes self-control and continual endurance, It needs constant faith and great perseverance, It means total sacrifice, forgetting your self, Sometimes you think that you’re left on the shelf! And what about time? It’s no longer yours, It belongs to all those who come in your doors. Claim your own rights? No, they're all gone too, Like your right to sleep the whole night through! It's not so easy to crawl into bed with a book Or go off and dream in some quiet little nook. It seems like you're totally losing your life To be a good mother and a submissive wife. But oh, faithful mother, please do not despair, In God's perfect plan you do have a share, To fulfil your destiny planned from creation Which is to nurture children and BUILD A NATION! You’re walking in the footsteps of Jesus your Lord Who sacrificed all, His life He out-poured, He didn't cling to His rights with selfish futility He didn’t claim any privilege but walked in humility. He gave up His life to save millions of others, This principle works in the lives of all mothers, When you lose your own life you'll find it again, A rewarding life, without guilt or shame. So lift up your head, embrace your calling so high, You're in God's perfect will, there’s no reason to sigh! You may often feel worthless - don't listen to this lie, Your influence goes higher than the clouds in the sky! As you nurture and train your God-given seed, As you sharpen these 'arrows' by word and by deed, You shape the nation - you determine its course, Your mothering’s not wasted, it’s a great mighty force! As your children leave home and go into the world The proof of your training will soon be unfurled You’ll influence countries where you've never been, And down the generations its effect will be seen. Your work is so powerful, no wonder it's tough, But God is behind you, He's the GOD WHO IS ENOUGH, His strength and His wisdom He will give to you, He stands by His promises which are totally true. He'll always be with you right through to the end As you follow His leading and deny the world's trend, Each morning you wake, your strength He'll renew. He'll fill your home with His presence and His blessed peace too. ______________________ Love from Nancy Campbell |