Day 13: Ladies of Calvary - 30 Day Marriage Challenge

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 13


Today we will be veering from our regular format to issue our new Memory Verse and Challenge Project for the upcoming week of study. I hope that you had a successful week of study (despite interruptions in posting - sorry) and that you were able to glean much from the Word of God.

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We will briefly discuss our Challenge Project from last week. Then, I will be asking you to complete another Challenge Project & then to begin memorizing the Memory Verse for the upcoming week.

Our previous challenge was:

“Review Your Wedding Vows”

• “Write out your wedding vows. If you do not remember your vows, try to find them or copy one. (Try the internet or email Sister Mac for ideas)


• Write down specific ways in which you are fulfilling each portion of your vows.


• Write down specific ways in which you are failing to fulfill your vows.


• Pray over these lists and repent of your failings.


• Make a list of specific actions you can take to more faithfully fulfill your vows.


• With God’s help, put these actions into practice.


• Renew your vows with your husband. This can be a simple confession of your failings and a verbal commitment to better serve your husband. You could also make the renewal of vows more formal or memorable with a special meal or surprise date.”

I had some difficulty recalling what I had committed to, so I dug deep in the archives and rescued my wedding vows from the file folder they were tucked away in. I spent time reflecting and allowing God to renew (and restore, where needed) my covenant with my husband. The gentle reminder that “Love never fails” was an encouraging hope brought to my mind while reading my vows once again. It is amazing the clarity that God’s Word brings, coupled with the experience of 10 years of marriage (this coming year).

I have prepared a plan of action, with the Holy Spirit’s leading, to begin restoring the failings that I have had in fulfilling my vows to my husband, in the past. Next, I took time to prepare my vows by writing them in calligraphy on parchment paper, placed them in a frame and I am giving them to my husband as a gift during the holidays. (I am also planning a secret date once my family comes to help out during the winter break. *Shhhsh* don’t tell!)

I also wanted to share the outcome of my “mini” challenge from Day 11 (if you missed it, check out the post here). Pictured below is my daily visual reminder. It hangs now on my bathroom mirror and helps me to stay focused on my purpose, given by God, throughout the day.

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This week’s Challenge Project is inspired by a book that I completed back in 2009 called The Love Dare by: Stephen & Alex Kendrick (The makers of the movie Fireproof, Courageous & Facing the Giants). This book can be completed alone or with your spouse. I will be featuring this book during February and conducting an online “Love Dare” Challenge on my blog – so tune in for that.

Challenge Project #2:


Make a Praise List

Take pen and paper and begin making a list of all the positive attributes that your husband possesses. Make the list as long as you possibly can. Take the sheet of paper and hide it away in a secret place (we will be recalling it later in our study). Now, choose from your list one positive quality from your list and find a moment or two, during the course of the week, to thank your husband for possessing this quality. Use this list, as needed, to begin giving thanks for all that God has provided for you already, through your husband.

• The above statement is “revised” quote for the book The Love Dare by: Stephen and Alex Kendrick

Memory Verse

Proverbs 10:19

“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”

Commit this scripture to memory during the course of this week, asking the Lord to plant His Word deep in your heart.

• Join our devotional study tomorrow as we tackle two more points in “Reverence in Word”.
• Quotations used that are italicized are from the book As Unto the Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

Day 12: Ladies of Calvary - 30 Day Marriage Challenge

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 12



Reverence in Word, Part 5

Please forgive me for being off schedule (again)! I was in desperate need of a “sick” day days away from the computer. I will be playing catch-up today by preparing the next 5 lessons and pre-scheduling them to post during the holidays. That way I do not fall further behind during upcoming family gatherings and with visitors in my home. Thank you for your understanding.

I hope and pray that each of you is carrying away much wisdom from our study of “Reverence in Word”. Today we will continue this portion of study. We will have 2 more lessons, after today, in “Reverence in Word”, then move on to “Reverence in Behavior”. I will also post a new Memory Verse and new Challenge Project later today.

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1. “Do I talk too much?”

Scripture references – Proverbs 25:17, Proverbs 17:27, Job 13:5, Proverbs 21:23

Focus today on Proverbs 10:19

“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 NKJV

2. “Do I talk enough to my husband, remaining open with him, carefully communicating important information to him, encouraging him, praising him, and seeking his counsel?”

Scripture reference – Proverbs 15:17, Proverbs 15:14

Focus scripture Proverbs 10:32

“The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh forwardness.” Proverbs 10:32 NKJV

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We have much to feed on today in Proverbs. This book seems to have much to lend to our study and our walk as wives in the Lord’s service. I would love to study this book with you, my sisters, later next year, more in depth. The wisdom of God, as He imparted it to Solomon, speaks to each generation and confirms over and over the lasting truth in God’s Word. For today though, the scriptures are doing much to pierce my own heart with my particular struggles in this precept of God.



“Do I talk too much?” Yes! And that could still be a slight understatement of the reality on how much I actually do communicate verbally, that I ought not to! (Again, no comments necessary Victoria . . . don’t you just LOVE your friends that hold you accountable. I do! :) LOL!) One strong indication that this is true in my life, is the jubilant excitement experienced by both my dear husband and my children when I loose my voice (due to illness or overuse). Ouch! That one hurt.

The Lord has done much growth on me in this area, but like so much in my life, He still has much to finish in me in regard to this precept. I am thankful that He does not tire, nor slumber, nor sleep; fore, I have continually kept Him at His work!

Of course, the focus of our study today communicates our need as wives to have the leading of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives to enable us to rightly balance talking too much, and then not communicating enough. The key to this issue for me is self-control, coupled with the wisdom needed (as communicated very well in the scripture references for today). I force myself bring to remembrance all the wonderful attributes my husband does possesses and begin to thank God for the blessings He has give to me, through my husband. Five beautiful children, a comfortable home, physical provision . . . the fact that after over ten years he STILL laughs at my jokes regardless of how many times he has heard them before. Thankfulness begins to light that spark of worship and praise in my heart, igniting the leading of the Holy Spirit, which then enables me to speak (or not speak) with the wisdom given of Jesus Christ, Himself!

Amazing that we have the Holy Spirit, the very same power that raised Jesus from the grave, able to help lead my mouth in proper “Reverence in Word” to my husband . . . believe me, it would take no less for me!!!

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*Remember your Weekly Challenge? Challenge Project #1:“Review Your Wedding Vows” - - - Please come sign on the blog and share your experience. What did you do to complete this project? How was it received by your hubby? What did you like best about this challenge? What did you like the least?

Did you miss the Challenge Project? Go back and check it out to join in! I will be posting on Monday this coming week to share my own Challenge Project outcome & post our new project.

NEW CHALLENGE PROJECT & MEMORY VERSE COMING LATER TODAY!

In Christ’s service,

Sister Mac

(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)

Tomorrow, we will continue with Reverence of Word and examine our willingness to wait for the right time to speak and respect in our appeals to our husband.

*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible. Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog. Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*

• Quotations used that are italicized are from the book As Unto the Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.



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Change the CULTURE!!!

Day 11: Ladies of Calvary - 30 Day Marriage Challenge

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 11

Reverence in Word, Part 4

We are rolling right along, dear sisters, in our hope of changing the culture in our marriage and bringing glory to God.  I have been encouraged and challenged by the precepts we are learning more about each day.  I am amazed at the blessings (however small they may seem to others) that following God’s Word in my marriage brings to my family and home.  I am blessed this week to be laughing more with my own husband and enjoy more quiet moments in sweet fellowship.  I am blessed to be finding it easier to “let things slide” and keep my mind and heart focused in a more honoring way.  God is so good!

Let’s move forward now in examining and practicing “Reverence in Word” and cover some ground in using words with the right purpose of heart.

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1. “In all the words that I speak to my husband is my purpose to humbly serve him, to build him up, and to be a minister of God’s grace in his life?”

Scripture references – Romans 14:19, Matthew 20:28, Proverbs 31:12

Focus today on Ephesians 4:29

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”  Ephesians 4:29NKJV

2. “Do I keep my word with my husband?  Do I honor the promises and commitments that I have made?”

Scripture reference – Deuteronomy 23:23, Proverbs 25:14

Focus scripture Psalm 15:1, 4b, 5b

“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? . . . He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. . . He that doeth these things shall never be moved.”  Psalm 15:1, 4b, 5b NKJV

3. “Am I honest with my husband, not withholding information and being careful to always say what is clearly true?”

Scripture references – 2 Corinthians 8:21, Psalm 51:6, Proverbs 16:13

Focus scripture Ephesians 4:25

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.”  Ephesians 4:25 NKJV

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What is it about our nature that thinks it is completely acceptable to be contemptuous with those closest to us?  We have all been there at one time or another, finding ourselves saying the most deplorable comments to those we love the most.  I have found that purposing to build up my husband in order to “be a minister of God’s grace in his life” can be easily said, but more difficultly done at times.  

I am a visual learner.  You can tell me how to do something a million times a day and it will not sink in (are you glimpsing the struggles of my previous instructors), but if you show me . . . well, then we are all good to go.  The same method is best when walking out my own faith and God’s precepts in my life.  Example: I need scripture surrounding me, even on the walls of my home, to be a visual reminder of the spiritual truths that God has so mercifully revealed in my life.  

I will now apply this learning method to this portion of our study.  In order to remind myself of the commitment and purpose to “humbly serve”, “build up” and “be a minister of God’s grace” I have created a visual daily reminder to use.  I took pictures of my husband and children and made a little scrapbook page.  Then I surrounded these pictures with words and scriptures that daily remind me of my purpose and plan in God’s will.  Words like: edify, encourage, and lift-up.  Then I selected a prominent area of my home that I see consistently throughout the day (the bathroom mirror) in order to be visual reminder. When I visually connect with these pictures and words then, I begin to spiritually connect to this excellent truth and precept of God.  The Lord then touches my spirit making it easier to crucify my flesh and will, swallow my pride and keep moving forward in His promises.

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Memory Verse

Do not forget to commit our memory verse to your heart this week.  We will have a new verse Sunday.

Ephesians 5:21-22

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”

*Remember your Weekly Challenge? Challenge Project #1:“Review Your Wedding Vows” - - - Please come sign on the blog and share your experience.  What did you do to complete this project?  How was it received by your hubby?  What did you like best about this challenge?  What did you like the least?

Did you miss the Challenge Project?  Go back and check it out to join in!  I will be posting on Monday this coming week to share my own Challenge Project outcome & post our new project.

In Christ’s service,

Sister Mac

(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)

Tomorrow, we will continue with Reverence of Word by asking some of our more difficult questions, asking ourselves if we talk to much, or not enough. 

*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible.  Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog.  Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*

·        Quotations used that are italicized are from the book As Unto the Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

Day 10 - Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Marriage Challenge

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 10


Reverence in Word, Part 3

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1. “Do I pray for wisdom and weigh my words carefully before speaking to my husband?”

Scripture references – Proverbs 10:31, Ecclesiastes 10:12, Proverbs 10:32

Focus today on Psalm 141:3

“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”  Psalm 141:3 NKJV

2. “Will I, without shame, be able to give an account to God for every word I have spoken to my husband?”

Scripture reference – Psalm 55:21

Focus scripture Matthew 12:36-37

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account threreof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”  Matthew 12:36-37

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This study is convicting me everyday, to let the Spirit grow me, in just about every precept we have examined together.  Wow!  This is another area where God has done much with me, and yet, I still have so far to go.  I once saw a sweatshirt that I probably should have purchased, it stated, “Dear Lord, put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth!”  Do I hear an Amen there sisters?  The whole of it is this; let it be left un-said if, later, it cannot be un-done.  Here is a quick tip for you: Words cannot be un-done, end of story!

We must account for every word spoke in idleness and vanity.  My need to please God and be accountable for the words I speak SHOULD usurp my need to be right or justified in my marriage.  These are good rules for life in general, but for this study, just begin applying these precepts, today, in your marriage.  The road may be long to recovering your husband’s trust in regard to the words you speak, but ultimately the oneness God intended for your marriage will out shine the hard work done to arrive at that place of glory.

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Memory Verse

Do not forget to commit our memory verse to your heart this week.  We will have a new verse Sunday.

Ephesians 5:21-22

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”

*Remember your Weekly Challenge? Challenge Project #1:“Review Your Wedding Vows” - - - Please come sign on the blog and share your experience.  What did you do to complete this project?  How was it received by your hubby?  What did you like best about this challenge?  What did you like the least?

Did you miss the Challenge Project?  Go back and check it out to join in!  I will be posting on Monday next week to share my own Challenge Project outcome & post our new project.

In Christ’s service,

Sister Mac
(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)

Tomorrow, we will continue with Reverence of Word by examining the purpose of our words, keeping our promises and being honest with our husbands.

*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible.  Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog.  Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*

Quotations used that are italicized are from the book As Unto the Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

Day 9 - Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Marriage Challenge

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 9


Reverence in Word, Part 2


Welcome back, my beloved sisters.  I hope everyone is enjoying this time of fellowship.  Yesterday we began an examination into “the honor which I owe to my husband is: All Due Reverence in Word.”

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1. “Do the words I speak to my husband reflect reverence for him as God’s gracious gift and appointed authority over me?”

Focus today on 1 Peter 3:5-6

“For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.” 1 Peter 3:5-6 NKJV

2. “Do I speak to my husband with a respectful tone of voice?”


Scripture reference – Read Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 22:11

Focus scripture Romans 13:7

“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”  Romans 13:7 NKJV

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When I look at 1 Peter 3:5-6, I am comforted by the words that I read.  It touches me deeply to know that surrendered wives have a long and distinguished heritage that, I am now a part of . . . and so are you!  Let us examine some actual words that speak to reflecting reverence for our husbands, lifting him up as “God’s gracious gift and appointed authority over me”.  Once we have these words added to our tool belt, then we can examine our tone of voice and the importance of using it to communicate respect to our husbands.
Avoiding words that are negative is definitely one step to take in beginning to speak words that will reflect reverence for your husband.  The next step is to rise above and purposefully use words that are edifying, encouraging and that “build-up” your man.  The words themselves are not complicated, but being out of practice in using them, they may feel “out of place” or it may not feel natural saying them to your husband.  This is a good thing; do not be content with merely feeling “natural” but allow the supernatural Holy Spirit to lead you in words spoken to your husband.

Thank you, wonderful, excellent, awesome, sweet, handsome, great, super, grateful, charming, good-looking, lovely, hard-working, provider, amazing, and marvelous.

All are edifying and encouraging to any one, especially a husband who is not expecting to hear them.  Be prepared that your dear hubby may be unaccustomed to these newly edifying words that you have discovered and may be waiting for the other proverbial “shoe-to-drop”.  (P.S.  This is EXACTLY how my sweet hubby responded the first couple of months I began edifying him in word.)  Do not tire of doing well and he will become accustomed to being encouraged by his own wife; however foreign the idea may seem to him now. (wink*wink*)

Remember, when presenting these words to be aware of your tone.  This is another precept that I continually stumble on as well . . . delivering edifying words with a hint of sarcasm.  Ah, sarcasm . . . one of my many FREE services!  Just like any other fruit given of the Spirit, self-control grows over time and effort.  Allow the Holy Spirit to encourage you and take your leading to edify your husband from God’s Word.  Do not tire of doing what is right and the Lord will honor these actions.  For His good will and ultimate glory!

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Memory Verse


Do not forget to commit our memory verse to your heart this week.  We will have a new verse Sunday.
Ephesians 5:22

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”

*Remember your Weekly Challenge? Challenge Project #1:“Review Your Wedding Vows” - - - Please come sign on the blog and share your experience.  What did you do to complete this project?  How was it received by your hubby?  What did you like best about this challenge?  What did you like the least?
Did you miss the Challenge Project?  Go back and check it out to join in!  I will be posting on Monday next week to share my own Challenge Project outcome & post our new project.

In Christ’s service,

Sister Mac
(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)

Tomorrow, we will continue with Reverence of Word by looking at praying for wisdom and giving an account to God for words spoken to my husband.

*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible.  Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog.  Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*

Quotations used that are italicized are from the book As Unto the Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

Day 8 - Ladies of Calvary: 30 Marriage Challenge

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 8


Reverence in Word, Part 1


Greetings to you all in the name of Jesus Christ!  I am excited that we have reached a new step in our bible study.  Today we will begin examining a new concept - “the honor which I owe to my husband is: All Due Reverence in Word.”

I will be referencing the Noah Webster 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language to define the new words and concepts for our study today.

We will start “Reverence in Word” by defining several words properly in order to understand what we are committing ourselves to begin.  Some of these words we defined earlier in our study, but I will review them for those who may have missed that portion of the study.

Definitions:

Due:  n. 1. That which is owed; that which one contracts to pay, do or perform to another; that which law of justice requires to be paid or done.
2. That which office, rank, station, social relations, or established rules of right or decorum, require to be given, paid or done.
3. That which law or custom requires; as toll, tribute, fees of office, or other legal prerequisites.

Reverence:  n. Fear mingled with respect and esteem; veneration.

Veneration:  n. The highest degree of respect and reverence; respect mingled with some degree of awe; a feeling or sentiment excited by the dignity and superiority of a person, or by the sacredness of his character, and with regard to place, by its consecration to sacred services.

Word: n. 1. An articulate or vocal sound, or a combination of articulate and vocal sounds, uttered by the human voice, and by custom expressing an idea or ideas; a single component part of human speech or language.
2.  Talk; discourse.
3.  Language; living speech; oral expression.
4.  Promise.
*The preceding quotes were taken directly from Noah Webster 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language.

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“Do the words I speak to my husband reflect a quiet trust in God as the sovereign controller of all that takes place in my life?”


Scripture references – Read Luke 6:45, 1 Peter 3:3-4

Focus today on 1 Peter 3:3-4

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV

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Let me just start by saying this particular concept of “Reverence in Word”, can be a difficult one for me personally.  I trip on this concept, in my own life, (NOT just my marriage) quite frequently.  First, those who know me personally know that I have A LOT to say (no comments Victoria).  That, of course, leads me to the “foot in my mouth” disease that seems to constantly plague me.  Secondly, well, let’s just say that a “meek and quiet spirit” is just not my cup of tea either!  This is one of those fleshly issues for me that must be crucified daily, and I do mean DAILY.  If it is in my own strength, shutting up is just not within my power, but with the Spirit at the helm, I can be steered into “meek and quiet” waters.

Having a conscious effort to tame the words coming from my mouth, was the first step toward healing in this area.  When I first repented over the words I spoke to my husband, I had to take small “baby steps” toward controlling my tongue.  When a situation arose with my husband where words were pivotal, I had to make a choice (I applied the rule each of us were taught early in life): “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything”.  I held back words that did not edify or encourage and if I could not find a positive word, I would stay silent or say, “Whatever you think honey.”  For this very reason, I am convinced that I have a permanent scar across my tongue from the constant biting back of my own negative words . . . no, really, I do!

Once the fruit of self-control became a more permanent fixture in my conversations with my husband, I was then able to move on to “bigger steps”.  The next step was not just controlling my tongue, but purposefully using words (and not using others). When speaking with my husband, I began to choose words that would communicate the respect for his authority and trust in God’s sovereign hand.  Now that these precepts are planted deep in my heart, the consistent practice of using edifying words, crucifying the flesh and allowing the Holy Spirit to steer me into “meek and quiet” waters have become like second nature a more frequent occurrence.

Let me give you a quick litmus test to use on yourself before you speak to your husband.  I still use this method quite frequently in my own mind before treading into “dangerous” verbal waters.  I simply ask myself, “Do you want to be right, or do you want to be married?”  There is no other choice, so please do not ask for one.  Hopefully the answer, in your mind, will be the latter; therefore, choosing edifying words in your marriage should begin to be a more frequent pattern.  I know it may sound extreme, but the fact is that God has a purpose for marriage and the wife being “right” constantly is NOT one of them.  There, I said it, label me as “extreme” if you like, but it really does not bother me to be called names – if one sister gains and inch toward having a more godly and fulfilling marriage, then it is worth the “sticks & stones” anyone might throw.

Memory Verse
Do not forget to commit your memory verse to your heart this week.  We will have a new verse next Sunday.

Ephesians 5:22
“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”

In Christ’s service,











Sister Mac
(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)

Tomorrow, we will continue with Reverence of Word.  We will examine the use of words that help communicate thanksgiving and discuss using a respectful tone of voice when speaking with our husbands.

*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible.  Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog.  Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*

Quotations used that are italicized are from the book As Unto the Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Marriage Challenge - Day 7

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 7


Good day, my beloved sisters in the Lord! I hope and pray that the LORD is touching you daily with His Word during this study. You are each so precious to Him in every way and I know He is pleased with your fervent seeking of His blessings in your marriage and life. He is good and greatly to be praised. Let us each give Him thanks today for His perfect plan for our lives and dive into His Word with one accord.

Reverence in Heart, Part 7

1. “Do I trust God to lead me through my husband, working ALL things out for my ultimate good?”

Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20

Focus scripture Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you and expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

2. “Am I choosing to honor my husband’s position as head over me (even when his actions, or lack of them, may be sinful) because of my desire to obey God?”

1 Peter 2:18-19

Focus scripture: Ephesians 5:22

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord.” Ephesians 5:22 NKJV

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Trusting the LORD to lead us, using our husbands, to work it all out for our good can really be a “tall order” for many of us . . . I’m raising my hand in agreement over here too! Ultimately my dear husband is, in fact, a man. The LORD says in His Word that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). My husband is included in this, as well as I. This is exactly why God commands me, as wife and helper to my husband, to keep my eyes solely focused on Him! This is also why we began our study with asking ourselves, “Where am I, individually, with my relationship to Christ?”

The foundational truth to changing the culture of your marriage is this, trust the LORD and walk with Him daily, and He will see it all right in His time. Now, you either trust that this is so, or you do not. If you are having a difficult time believing this, please let me encourage you, you are not alone. A wife who finds herself discouraged and having a difficult time trusting the Lord’s promises must take heart, for we have all (at one time or another) been there too. Hold on tightly to God’s promises and speak them daily over your life and marriage.

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:” Psalm 37:7

When you seek the Lord’s favor and blessing in your marriage then you must seek to obey Him alone. Do not surrender to the worries, hurts or wrongs that have been done to you. When you submit yourself, and your marriage, fully to the working of the Holy Spirit in your life then you are moving toward God completing the work He has started in you. The old adage about “good” coming to those who wait is proven true over and over again in God’s Word. (See Joseph, Moses, Abraham, Naomi and more!) God may not work on your timetable, nor in the way you might expect, but He ALWAYS keeps His promises!

Pray fervently, and daily, specifically for your husband and do not give up. You may want to give up when you do not immediately see God “working it out” or when you do not see “fruit” in your husband’s life. God will honor YOUR faithfulness, even when your husband is not being faithful. Do not reach for bitterness, worry, despair, or anger. Do “not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

You are called of God to fulfill His commands in your own life, regardless of your husband’s actions. My husband’s obedience to God, or lack thereof, does not determine weather I should be faithful myself. I, myself, am responsible for following God’s Word and His leading in my life. This means too, that you must trust God to bring your husband around to His will in His time. That comes through conviction given of the Holy Spirit – it does not come from you! You must put your faith fully in the LORD, for He alone knows and changes the hearts and minds of men.

Submit to the Lord in your life and the “peace that passes all understanding” will rule and reign in your heart, even when circumstances say otherwise. God is creating in you a thankfulness and ability to see the blessings in your life amidst unwanted circumstances. Trust in Christ alone, for He loves you and cares for you. God knows what is best in each one of our lives, trust sister, that this is so. Give Him glory for all of it and commit it fully to His hands, and He will be faithful to His Word in your life . . . ALWAYS!

Memory Verse

Do not forget to commit your memory verse to your heart this week. We will have a new verse next Sunday.

Ephesians 5:22

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”

In Christ’s service,

Sister Mac
(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)


*Join our 30 Day Challenge tomorrow as we move on the giving our husbands “Reverence in Word”.
• All quotes in italics are taken directly from the book As Unto The Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

Philippians 2:13

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

Ladies of Calvary - 30 Day Marriage Challenge - Day 6

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 6

Today we will be taking a big hunk out of our Bible Study, so get ready for a hearty "spiritual" meal.  The focus of today’s devotional deals with serious issues of the heart, which means we are moving on beyond spiritual “milk”, to that of greater sustenance sisters.  Rejoice! 

Before we begin, let me clarify again that I am a partner and disciple in this study, coming alongside each of you.  I am joining in this journey out of my own need to submit to God’s direction for my own life and to be obedient to His calling alone.  Please realize I join humbly with each of you, and nothing is said in condemnation, but in truth, partnership and prayer.

Reverence in Heart, Part 6

1. “Do I recognize and seek to fulfill my God-given role as helper to my husband?”

Genesis 2:18, 1 Corinthians 11:8-9

2. “Do I seek to submit to my husband in the same way that Jesus submitted to the Spirit?”

1 Peter 2:23b and 31:1a, John 4:34

Focus scripture Matthew 11:29

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29 NKJV

3. “Is my attitude toward my husband an accurate picture of the believer’s reverence and love for Christ?”

Ephesians 5:24

Focus scripture: Ephesians 5:31-32

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”  Ephesians 5:31-32

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Whew!  See, I told you it was a lot.

The steps leading to trusting and obeying the Lord in these matters will take much courage and conviction to change.  The fact that you are still reading these devotionals and committing them to your spirit is a testimony and proof that you are seeking the Lord in your life and marriage.  Be encouraged that faith is pleasing to God and He will honor these faithful acts in your life.  

All of that being said, let’s get down to the “tough-stuff”.  Let us take these devotionals and question ourselves, asking how we have conducted our hearts in our own marriage.  Have I been a proper help meet?  Have I let the kingdom of God rule and reign in your heart and guide your obedience to your husband’s requests?  Have I been a helper that does not question the authority of your husband?  Do I submit to his requests and preferences, even when it seems insignificant?  Here is a hint for you my beloved sister, being submitted is significant no matter what the request.

Example.  My husband prefers that I keep the vehicle clean and organized, even amidst the strife of hauling three kids around town, it is what he prefers.  This is not an easy feat when considering the constant commute with the three messiest sweetest children known to humanity (slight exaggeration).  In the grand scheme of things, one could write-this-one-off as not truly important to obey.  However; what is important are consistent actions that communicate to my husband that I respect his authority over our family.  In realization, the 5 minutes it ACTUALLY takes to clean out the car with the kids after each use, is far less significant an amount of time to sacrifice, compared to the end result of painting a more accurate picture of respect toward my husband, right?  My children, as well as myself, stand to gain much more from submitting to what my husband prefers, rather than spending needless moments in rebellion just “because we can”.

Choosing submission means choosing the leading of the Spirit, just as Jesus did.  We must surrender the flesh of our own wants and even desires, in order to bring Him glory and to receive all that I truly do need in my marriage.

*Join in our study tomorrow as we complete our “Reverence in Heart” check-up. *

In Christ’s service,

Sister Mac

(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)

·        All quotes in italics are taken directly from the book As Unto The Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

Philippians 2:13

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Marriage Challenge - Day 5

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 5


What a mighty God we serve! I am walking today is His “Amazing Grace” and ecstatic at the truth of His Word working in each of our lives today. I want to dive into His Word with you today and savor the sweetness of His mercies in our lives. It’s better than even the darkest chocolate! (Even better than Green & Black's Organic 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate. . . to be specific.)

Reverence in Heart, Part 5

“Do I recognize and honor the covenant made with my husband before God?”

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, Psalm 61:5 and 8

I would like to focus on Matthew 19:6 this morning.

“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Matthew 19:6 NKJV

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Today’s devotional will be going down a different path than we have gone before. Today I will be asking you all to complete a Challenge Project & then to begin memorizing the Memory Verse for the upcoming week. (No worries, I am asking this of myself as well.)

This week’s Challenge Project goes hand-in-hand with our devotional thought.

Challenge Project #1:

“Review Your Wedding Vows


• Write out your wedding vows. If you do not remember your vows, try to find them or copy one. (Try the internet or email Sister Mac for ideas)

• Write down specific ways in which you are fulfilling each portion of your vows.

• Write down specific ways in which you are failing to fulfill your vows.

• Pray over these lists and repent of your failings.

• Make a list of specific actions you can take to more faithfully fulfill your vows.

• With God’s help, put these actions into practice.

• Renew your vows with your husband. This can be a simple confession of your failings and a verbal commitment to better serve your husband. You could also make the renewal of vows more formal or memorable with a special meal or surprise date.”

Memory Verse

Ephesians 5:22

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”

Commit this scripture to memory during the course of this week, asking the Lord to plant His Word deep in your heart.

Join our devotional tomorrow as we begin to wrap up our Reverence in Heart check-up with a look at fulfilling our role as helper, seeking to submit as Christ did and evaluating our attitude toward our own husband.

In Christ’s service,

Sister Mac

(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)

• All quotes in italics are taken directly from the book As Unto The Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

Philippians 2:13

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”



Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Marriage Challenge - Day 4

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 4


Today we welcome a few new ladies to our Bible study. I am overjoyed to have so many sisters joining, with one mind, to seek the Lord in our lives and marriages. Please do not hesitate to email me with prayer requests, comments or suggestions, as well as commenting directly to these blog posts. Let us pray for the LORD’s almighty hand to be with us as we begin today’s devotional.

Reverence in Heart, Part 4

1. “Do I daily study the Bible, seeking to understand God’s Word and His will for my life? Does God’s Word govern my relationship with my husband?”

Psalm 119:130, Psalm 143:10, Proverbs 4:7, Proverbs 31:17, Psalm 40:8, Job 23:12b

I would like to focus on Isaiah 55:11 this morning.

“So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 NKJV

2. “Do I acknowledge and humbly rest in the fact that God, in His loving sovereignty, has placed my husband over me?”

1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:23, Hebrews 13:17

Focus scripture: Psalm 131:1-2

“LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.” Psalm 131:1-2 NKJV

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I am praying specifically today that the LORD would grant us all wisdom, knowledge and understanding in these matters. Stepping forward and asking for God to reveal these great mysteries to us as wives and help meets, is the first step to submitting ourselves to God’s government in ruling our marriages and lives. Trusting and obeying God’s commands and design for marriage will only come when we are, with our hearts, actively seeking to gain wisdom in these matters that, at times (more when you are me), are far beyond our physical realm of understanding.

Today’s devotional readings and thoughts spoke to my heart in two different areas of need in my own life. First, the need of leaning on God’s Word is paramount to a life that seeks to please Him, alone, in every way. Circumstances that surround me do not determine whether God’s Word is true or relevant in my life. God’s Word NEVER returns void – stand on that truth today and never let it go! Speak the promises of God over your own life, family, church and marriage – no matter what the external circumstances. The LORD will ALWAYS honor His Word and bless those who speak it out in faith!

The second “gem” from today for me was the reminder for me to submit, wholeheartedly, to the fact that God’s pattern for my marriage is good and meant to bring peace to my soul. Look, I am NOT married to a perfect man . . . *gasp* . . . are you shocked? Well, sorry but he is not perfect and neither am I, but God has placed him over me in marriage. Why should I then, be a comforted? This world says, “You are a woman, equal to man, and you can do anything better than him.” That is NOT what God’s Word says and that is no longer the system that I will live by nor submit to. I am comforted that the LORD says that I do not have to worry about things that are “lofty” and “too high for me”. I want the blessings that the LORD will give to she that willfully surrenders to His will and pattern for her life.

Lord, my Savior and King Jesus, I am small, humble and meek. Here I am LORD, have your way with my life and my marriage. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38)

In Christ’s service,

Sister Mac

(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)
• All quotes in italics are taken directly from the book As Unto The Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

Philippians 2:13

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

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Here are some for titles from Pam Forester that we love:

         

Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Challenge - Day 3

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 3


Reverence in Heart, Part 3

Today I am struck with the magnitude of what is being attempted, in the Lord’s presence, during this Bible study.  I am in awe struck wonder of the amazing way God can change a heart and I am enthralled by His Presence working in our lives today.  In my own heart, He has already done great things and I am praying great things for each of you.

My dear hubby mentioned just a couple of mornings ago, that I may be “over-communicating” during our lesson time online.  Many of you, who know him personally, know what a sweet natured, even tempered man that he is.  What you may not know is that he is my biggest fan, and biggest critic!  What kind of example would I be though, in the light of this study, to not heed the call of my own husband’s advice?   With obedience in mind, I will be spending more time today on letting the LORD lead you through these powerful scriptures and focus less on my “two-cent” worth of an opinion. LOL!

Let’s dive straight in and relish together in the faithfulness of our LORD.

Today we will be answering the questions in our own heart and minds in reference to our “Reverence in Heart” check-up.  Pray-fully consider as we are touching on these points, what is it the LORD has for you in these matters and read each scripture as if it were an amazing feast for your soul.

1. “Is my goal in my marriage to please God or to please myself?”

Revelation 4:11, Philippians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 8:8, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
I would like to focus on John 15:16 this morning.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you.”  John 15:16 NKJV

2. “Do I recognize that I can bring glory to God by honoring and obeying my husband?”


Titus 2:5, Titus 2:10

Focus scripture: Matthew 5:16

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NKJV

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What touches my heart in reading these scriptures is that the LORD continually reveals new and amazing truths almost every time He leads me to them.  As a wife, the knowledge and understanding that God, He – Himself, chose me out of darkness, while I was still a sinner completely knocks me over with awestruck wonder! (John 15:16)  Time and time again God is faithful to remind me that it is NOT about ME . . . P.S. It’s not about YOU either.  This entire life is about bringing glory, honor, worship and praise to the ONLY ONE who is worthy, JESUS!  I don’t know about you sister, but this gives me tremendous comfort and relief.

In a society that says it is “All about me” and I am “entitled”, I can take comfort that God has taken that huge burden off of me.  We all know how exhausting it can be when the whole of your life is centered on you, myself included.  God has released me, and you, to be solely-focused on Him!  When my life is lived for the glory of Jesus Christ, then all pressure is gone from needing to make myself look good.  It is just too small and shallow a goal to live for yourself and to make yourself happy. . . divorce courts all over the country have proven this to be true.

Relish today, my beloved sisters, in that you were chosen and made to worship Him that is worthy of all praise!  Give Him thanks today for the blessings He has bestowed to you and the blessings yet to come!
Stay tuned tomorrow, we will be continuing our “Reverence in Heart” check-up with dedicating ourselves to God’s “government” in our life and marriage.

In Christ’s service,

Sister Mac
(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)


All quotes in italics are taken directly from the book As Unto The Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

Philippians 2:13 

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Challenge - Day 2

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 2

Reverence in Heart

Greetings my beloved sisters! I am praying that you all received a touch from the LORD yesterday during the course of studying His Word together. I, myself, spent the evening practicing the concepts we have just begun to discuss in this study and felt humbled at all I still have to learn. The practice of surrender is never easy (especially for those old-school independent types - Know anyone like that? – wink, wink), but the blessings of a surrendered life unto the LORD are well worth any amount of pride swallowing that must occur.

To begin our devotional today, I wanted to discuss the power of words and give us a solid base for defining some of the more difficult concepts we are about to tackle. I heard a Creation scientist once say, “God promised to preserve His Word, not the English language.” This spoke volumes to me as a Christian. I hear many words through the course of being taught as a disciple, but the meaning of these words to me as a Christian (living in a “double-minded” society) can get a bit more than “watered-down” in their literal meanings. Our words have power, but the English language no longer carries the same powerful meanings with it, as it did when the Bible itself was translated to English so many years ago. With this in mind, I will be referencing the Noah Webster 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language
when defining words and new concepts for our study.

Today we will start off where we left off in “Reverence in Heart”. In order to understand what we are committing ourselves to, let me define a few choice words . . . so we can all be on the same page. I will be highlighting the definition that best applies to our study.

Definitions:

Due: n. 1. That which is owed; that which one contracts to pay, do or perform to another; that which law of justice requires to be paid or done.

2. That which office, rank, station, social relations, or established rules of right or decorum, require to be given, paid or done.

3. That which law or custom requires; as toll, tribute, fees of office, or other legal prerequisites.

Reverence: n. Fear mingled with respect and esteem; veneration.

Veneration: n. The highest degree of respect and reverence; respect mingled with some degree of awe; a feeling or sentiment excited by the dignity and superiority of a person, or by the sacredness of his character, and with regard to place, by its consecration to sacred services.

Heart: n. 4. The seat of the affections and passions, as of love, joy, grief, enmity, courage, pleasure, etc. Example [“The heart is deceitful above all things. Every imagination of the thoughts of the heart is evil continually.” Scripture]

6. The seat of the understanding; as an understanding heart.

7. The seat of the will; hence, secret purposes, intention or designs. Examples [“There are many devices in a man’s heart. The heart of kings in unsearchable. The Lord tries and searches the heart. David had it in his heart to build a house of rest for the ark,” Scripture]

*The preceding quotes were taken directly from Noah Webster 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language.

We established in our study yesterday that Reverence in Heart must begin with Christ. I posed the question from our study “Have I put my faith in Christ’s death and resurrection as the only means of salvation?” I will not assume that all who read this study online are equally yoked in all areas, therefore; we must establish the foundation of all reverence to be given, begins with JESUS CHRIST. He is the Rock on which all has been built and the grace given by God through which we are saved. Once we have established, in our own hearts that all faith has been put into Jesus Christ, only then may me move to the next point in showing Reverence in Heart. Now we can move to today’s devotional questions and scriptures:

“Do I truly fear God and seek, by His grace, to obey Him? Is my relationship with Him even more important to me than my relationship with my husband?”

The scriptures for this devotional are as follows – Matthew 10:37, Proverbs 31:30, Exodus 20:3, Colossians 3:2 – Take the time to pray and read each of these scriptures. The focus scripture I will be using is Mark 12:30.

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30 NKJV

I consider this scripture, as I’m sure do most of you, essential to all Christian living. It is the first and greatest commandment according to Christ Himself. (Matthew 22:37-40) In regard to our point of study, I find it has great significance. When you first fear and seek God in obedience, only then will “all these things be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:32-33) Seeking God and being in right relationship to Him is pivotal to our lives, our marriages and the heritage we give to our children. If this one point is out of sync, all of our other relationships will, eventually, falter and fail.

In regards to changing the culture in your marriage, which is the focus of this study, if your focus is solely on your spouse or yourself, then you are spending your time idly. It was explained to me once, in this very simple manner. When your eyes are focused on God and your husband’s focused on God, you will eventually meet one another where God is.

You may be saying to yourself, “That is all well and good, but my husband is not seeking God. Now what do I do?” Well, in short, you follow the same steps and requirements with being reverent in heart, as the rest of us. Please, let me explain.

God’s requirements of me as His child and as the help meet to my husband, DO NOT hinge on whether or not my husband is being obedient to God’s Word. God requires obedience of me without regard to my husband’s behavior. Please know that if this is the case in your marriage, I would love to share my own personal testimony and join you in prayer. Take comfort, my dear friend, in the fact that God is able and willing to deliver you and your husband. Trust in Him fully and focus on His goodness, His mercy and His faithfulness in and through all the circumstances of your life.

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2 NKJV

Let us together sisters, pray that the LORD would push out all fear, discontent, discouragement, bitterness and rebellion in our own hearts. Let God shine His Light into your heart and help you uncover that which hinders your reverence to Him. I pray that we will all together, be rightly aligned with God’s Word, and seek Him this day first, and all the days there after.

Be sure to use the checklist given in yesterday’s study. Use it each day to daily affirm your commitment to submitting yourself in your marriage, “As Unto the Lord”.

May blessings flow to you, your husband and family as we continue this journey together, in Jesus’ name.

In Christ’s service,

Sister Mac

(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)

Tomorrow, we will continue with Reverence of Heart. We will be discussing pleasing God, bringing Him glory through your marriage. I will also be posting our first weekly Memory Verse.

*Please remember to make comments directly to this blog if possible. Simply click on the title of this post above (in the email) and you will be redirected to the blog. Once there, you can post a comment at the bottom of the lesson.*

• Quotations used are taken directly from the book As Unto the Lordby Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

Marriage is a Gift from God



Ladies of Calvary: 30 Day Challenge - Day 1

Greetings & Welcome to our first lesson in “As Unto the Lord”! I am blessed and humbled to be leading you in this study and I am praying for the mighty hand of God to lead us every step of the way. This online study is meant to be a resource tool for you to use during our 30 DAY CHALLENGE to CHANGE the CULTURE of YOUR MARRIAGE. I will be posting daily (twice on Saturday, in order to observe the Sabbath) to this blog to bring you a devotional lesson (taken in part from the book As Unto the Lord: A Tool for Wives Who Want to Glorify God by Pam Forster), scripture reading and prayer requests from other sisters participating in this challenge. We will also have a weekly memory verse and a weekly Project CHALLENGE, more on that later. Please feel free to comment on all of our lesson blogs and email Sister Mac with ANY questions, comments or prayer requests.


Now that we have some housekeeping out of the way let’s buckle down and get started on our challenge!

30 Day Challenge: As Unto the Lord – Day 1

God created man and then woman, for man.

“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.” Genesis 2:18 NKJV

We were created to be a help meet, a servant and co-heir of God’s will with our husbands. God’s pattern for marriage is ultimately to reflect, here on earth, the perfect relationship of Christ to His Church. This is a beautiful pattern and a masterpiece painted over and again in scripture. Practical application of this pattern however, in today’s society especially, can begin to look far different than the LORD intended . . . even in the Church. Consider yourself and how your own marriage (or relationship with Christ, if you are unmarried) has fulfilled this picture of the Church’s relationship to Jesus. Is it an accurate picture? Are you and your spouse “pointing others to the Savior as [you] live [your life] together?”

This is not a comment of stern condemnation, for most of you know and would agree I do not have a totally accurate “picture” in my own marriage. There is no perfect marriage here upon this earth. We can all now breathe a sigh of relief together * sigh *. These lessons are meant to present scriptures and tools to help guide and encourage you in painting a more accurate picture in your own marriage. These lessons are NOT meant to condemn or convict, that is the Holy Spirit’s job and I will leave that to the LORD’s capable hands. With all of this in mind and heart, let us look forward to the prospect that, “we are given the privilege of bringing glory to God while we enjoy the blessings of ‘being heirs together of the grace of life’”.

Let us step forward in our challenge today and commit to demolishing the “insurmountable” issues in our own life and marriage that start small then become a fleshly, out-of-control monster over time. “Selfishness, harsh words, self-pity, ungratefulness”, un-forgiveness, a victim spirit or a sense of entitlement - - - all of these can later become “bitterness and rebellion. The unchecked growth of bitterness and rebellion will choke out the godly love that must be at the heart of a marriage”.


“Our spiritual health depends on our daily communion with God through prayer and study of His Word, and our humble response, by the Holy Spirit’s enabling, to His Word through confession, repentance, and obedience. The purpose of this [online study] is to help wives in that process.”

As our daily challenge begins let us raise ourselves, my beloved sisters, beyond mere spiritual “milk”. Let us all, in one accord, dive into God’s Word ready to receive healing and restoration in our lives, while setting our sites on a closer walk with Him and our chosen husband. Yes, at one time YOU did choose your dear hubby! Promise me you will recall those words this week when his most grating habits are before you. *hugs*

Today’s devotional Reading:

We are beginning our study by examining our own hearts. Have you truly put all of your faith in Christ’s death and resurrection as your ONLY means of salvation?

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

Next, step in our challenge? Use the following checklist as we move daily through our challenge to examine your own heart and intentions.

Today I will . . .

 Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness.

 Exalt and fear the LORD above all.

 Stay to the goal of pleasing God in my marriage, not myself.

 Bring God glory by honoring my husband, and obeying him.

 Allow God’s Word and His will to govern my relationship with my husband.

 Humbly rest in the fact that God, in His loving sovereignty, has placed my husband over me.

 Recognize and honor the covenant made with my husband, before God.

 Recognize and seek to fulfill my God-given role as helper to my husband.

 Seek to submit to my husband in the same way that Jesus submitted to God.

 Strive in order that my attitude toward my husband will be an accurate picture of the believer’s reverence and love for Christ!

 Trust God to lead me, through my husband, working ALL things out for my ultimate good and HIS glory.

 Choose to honor my husband’s position as head over me because of my desire to obey God.

I know this was a lot to swallow in one day, but I have faith that the LORD will move in our hearts and I have faith that He is able to reveal and reward all that fervently seek him. I am praying for you this day as we move forward in this challenge together.

In Christ’s service,

Sister Mac

(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)

. . . Tomorrow’s Challenge: Reverence in Heart – Now What?

• All quotes are taken directly from the book As Unto The Lord by Pam Forester unless otherwise sited in this post.

As Unto the LORD: Up for a Challenge?

A 30 Day Challenge to Reset the Culture in Your Marriage“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the LORD.” Ephesians 5:22

Are you ready to take your marriage to the next level? Do you want to experience a greater oneness with the man you entered into covenant marriage with before God? Then, let’s get back to the basics . . . God has a perfect plan for your marriage. Want to know what it is? Join us for an online challenge to help “reset” the culture in your marriage.

Are you ready to take the challenge?

Our online challenge will begin December 2nd through December 31st. Live classes will be determined according to the number of ladies interested in participating. Please pray about attending. It will be a blessed fellowship and a wonderful way to begin the New Year.

Email Sister Mac to join the study and challenge - or - leave a comment below
“Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10

 

In Christ's service,

Sister Mac

(a.k.a. Joyful Socks Mom)

This challenge and study will be based on the book As Unto the Lord: A Tool for Wives Who Want to Glorify God by Pam Forster

A Sneetch is a Sneetch: Literacy Bag Project

Project #1
A Sneetch is a Sneetch

We have recently added Literacy Bags to our repartee as a fun & educational way to read and learn!  They encourage the fun of reading and learning together as a family . . . that's my favorite!  I made 7 different bags for my students at our local Christian Homeschool Cooperative.  I teach 2nd Grade and I am having a blast with the best and brightest 7 Second Graders the world has ever seen.  To encourage my students to read more and learn outside of our classrooms I am giving extra "Super Student" points if they choose to take a Literacy Bag home that week.  The Bug (my own child, a Super Second Grader), of course, opted to bring a bag home and once her homework was completed, she went straight to that bag . . . heaven help anyone getting in that child's way if there is a book involved!  I will be featuring a new Literacy Bag with printables, activities, games and resources every week to two weeks here on our home blog.  Hope you enjoy!

Here are the steps she took in completing the Literacy Bag and you can too:

1.  Reading . . . of course.

This selection she was able to read to me, however; mommy read it again out loud anyhow later that evening
. . . for nostalgia's sake.

The Sneetches and Other Stories

2.  Writing prompt in Classroom Journal.  I had the student respond to the questions using a journal, rather than just writing a paragraph on a piece of paper - that way the next students who complete that bag can read about what their peer's ideas are on "Sneetches".

Writing Prompts for Sneetches:

3.  Use these fun online printable resources to have some Sneetchy fun.  Just click on the title to Download for FREE from Seussville.

Sneetches Same or Different? Worsheet

Mr. McMonkey McBean Which One is Different? - Worksheet
Which Two Are The Same? - Worksheet
Sneetch Ball - Game

4.  Have a Sneetches on the Beach Picnic with your family.

This was the Bug's favorite part and the most fun for everyone . . . it became quite the family team effort!
(I guess that's the whole idea, huh?)

You can Download this FREE Sneetchy Menu here

Sneetch Menu: Star Belly & Plain Belly PBJ sandwiches, Sandy Beach Choclate Chip Cookies, Deviled Eggs (or, as we call them, "Stomp on the Devil" Eggs), Mr. McMonkey McBean Macaroni Salad Veggie Chips (The Bug wanted nothing to do with the previously mentioned recipe), Sneetch Lemonade & Sneetchy Smores

Here is the Bug putting in some serious "elbow grease" to create a tasty beverage.

Adding a little lemon juice to make some lemonade for our Sneetch on the Beach picnic.

We were supposed to have Starbelly Sugarcookies, but the Bug believes no recipe is complete without chocolate chips . . . that's my girl!

Big sis (the Squeaker) pitched in with the more difficult kitchen jobs.

Here she is with her creation.  She wanted Hawaiian rolls for her sandwiches, making it difficult to create stars, so she sacrificed for taste.  We also substituted McMonkey McBean salad for Veggie Chips - alas, she is learning slowly to broaden her taste in food.  One step at a time.

The men helped out with the fire after our Sneetch on the Beach Picnic by starting the fire and roasting our marshmallows for s'mores.  Perfect!

Enjoy this Literacy Bag Project and let us know how you enjoyed it by commenting below.  Do you have more fun games, activities or resources to add?  Post your comments, we love to hear your ideas!!!

aka The Joyful Socks Mom

www.TheMacRak.com

www.freeclassicaled.blogspot.com

www.mombooksmartstore.com