Truth and Song - Melissa's Articles

... and a Happy New Year

2012-01-11T23:21:00.014-07:00

So, this was going to be a Christmas letter, but Rick was the only responsible person this Christmas and he did all the shopping and I managed to not get the Christmas cards out. Sigh. This in turn is a HAPPY NEW YEAR (11 days after New Year) letter / thank you card. I sadly admit, that with my record so far, this is apt to be my best chance at telling anyone thank you for the absolutely wonderful gifts and cards and love they shared this here Christmas. :)

As I look at my “Christmas Card Door” I can’t help but to feel blessed. We have such great friends, family and a wonderful church. It’s nice to be surrounded by people we love. This Christmas reminds me how God supplies our needs, and then He uses His people to show that His grace is not just sufficient, it is bountiful.

What a year, right? It’s hard to believe all that has happened. It was just last year that we were waiting for Rick’s first book to be printed, and since then things seem to being moving in warp speed. DayStar published two more of our books, and both Rick’s e-books are best sellers on Amazon, and Roadmap Through Revelation ended the year as the #1 New Testament Commentary on Kindle. I remember my brother, Jeremy, say once, “What I love about being in the ministry is that you get do something you love and that you would do for free, but you get to do it for a living.” That’s how we feel about writing. We write because we love it, but it’s so nice that people buy them too.

This year I turned 31, had my 8^th anniversary, gave birth to my 4^th child, wrote my 1^st book, got our 1^st king size bed for Christmas (thanks mom and grandma S), got like 7 new outfits that make me not feel like a frumpy mom. I also got to spend a day as an 18 year old. (That’s me in the picture wearing Brooke’s clothes as I was her for a day and she was me. All moms should be able to do that. Super Fun!!!) All around this has been an awesome year. I seriously feel that God just keeps blessing me more than I can ever thank Him for.

In July our first boy, Silas Richard, was born. He is such a good baby. He loves to smile and be talked to, but his absolute favorite things are being naked and being upside down. Which we’ve never tried simultaneously, but I’m sure he’d love it. J

Charlotte turned two this year. She is extremely attached to her mommy, and her “mee mee” (her blanket). She is without a doubt the family clown; always making faces and dancing to make people laugh. We have to keep our eyes peeled, because she tries to fly under the radar and be naughty. Some distinct things about Charlotte are that 1. She talks all the time, but never uses consonants, and 2. If she is silent she is either taking off her clothes somewhere, going potty somewhere other than the bathroom or stealing someone’s snacks.

Lily is four and seems to have grown up dramatically this year. She is no longer a little girl, but a preschooler. She is still our most serious child, best known for her contrariness and creativity. Her Master club and Sunday school teachers always tell me how much they enjoy her friendly, social attitude. We love to take her out alone on dates and hear her non-stop chitter-chatter and story telling. Her major areas of weakness are that she vocalizes everything she feels (and she feels a whole lot) and she lives so in the present that she often makes a mess and moves on to the next project without looking back. She constantly hears her mommy saying two things; “Lily, feel the uncomfortable feelings and do right anyway.” and “Lily, I think you forgot to do something before you left the room.” to which she returns and cleans up.

Kiera will be turning six in April. She is very compassionate, concerned about doing right, and learns so quickly that she draws illustrations on her worksheets to keep herself from being entirely bored. We work on Math and Spelling, which she does to humor me because she really wants to play “Ratchet and Clank” with her daddy. She is very good at UNO and pretty much anything she puts her mind to. Yet, her curiosity is also her greatest weakness. If there is any trouble going on in the house, I can usually ask, “Kiera, what are your two rules?” She replies, “Don’t touch people, and don’t touch their stuff.” After her reminder, peace seems to come over everyone. Christmas was especially difficult for her because there was so much new stuff that needed to be explored and touched, but she had to keep her hands off. I love that girl.

Brooke Jean, who wins friends around the Schworer house mostly because she’s awesome at video games, has also brought a lot of fun, hugs, wet willies, wrestling, bruises, late nights, texting, and someone to talk to who is over five. Her friendship to Rick, the girls and I has had a circular effect. She is an encouragement and help to us, and we in turn have been able to encourage her personal walk with the Lord. It’s exciting to see God’s hand be so real in her life.

That's it. That's the updates for the year at the Schworer household.

SO MERRY CHRISTMAS / HAPPY NEW YEAR / THANKS Y'ALL FO DA AMAZINESS??

You Won't Lose This Change in the Dryer.

2011-10-23T14:27:00.000-06:00

I have been known a time or two or three thousand to get so excited about something that I want to tell everyone in the world. I want to shout it from the rooftops. This is probably why I have a blog. It saves all of my friends and family from having to hear the newest thing that I have learned, and it saves me from getting discouraged by people’s responses to my excitement.

There just doesn’t seem to be anything worse than when you share something life changing and the other person gets defensive, annoyed, embarrassed, apathetic or anything but enthusiastic about the idea that this too can change their life.

There are a couple of specific topics about which I have a great burden. They weigh upon me so terribly that I have at times been unable to find the words to pray. I find myself at the hands at the Holy Spirit as I sob to the Lord. Tragically these are areas that are of such sensitive nature that my husband has given me strict guidelines about communicating them.

I wrestled with the question, “Lord, if no one is talking about these things, than how will anyone ever know?” I was broken. I felt no hope.

My dilemma: How do we invoke change if we can’t instigate it?

The solution: Grace

Even a month ago, I would have looked at my dilemma and the solution and thought, “Um, these two things have nothing to do with each other. Lord, could you give me something more practical than that?”

Then He opened my eyes. He showed me how grace is extremely practical.

1. Grace and Humility are good friends, and they help restore communication.

Imagine fiery Flesh, beautiful Grace, and quiet Humility walking with fundamental Baptist (Fundie) down the road. On their way to church they neared energetic Evangelical (Evan).

Fundie slows down because he remembers the last time he bumped into Evan. Fundie didn’t have Grace and Humility with him last time and things did not go well.

Evan was excited about a Christian concert that he had just been too and Fundie had started in on how he didn’t agree that “Christian” was an accurate adjective for the group Evan had seen.

Evan, frustrated by Fundie’s typical response, asked him sarcastically, “Well, tell me then what did you do this weekend? Let me guess: attend a potluck at church? You know that’s all you Baptists do, right? Eat. Maybe, you should spend some time studying gluttony rather than preaching to me about my music.”

Fundie grimaced as he remembered his retort to Evan about how he would rather attend a potluck at his own church than sip coffee at the newly installed Starbucks at Evan’s (quote-unquote) church.

A lot had happened in Fundie’s life since that conversation. He had gotten himself into a terrible mess, because of some hasty decisions he had made. He painfully reaped the consequences of the seeds he had sown.

God had really spoken to him about being hasty. It seemed every time he opened his Bible, God showed him something new about hastiness.

Pro 14:29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Pro 21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Pro 29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Ecc 5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Ecc 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

“How humbling” he sighed to God. With a repentant spirit he pleaded to the Lord, “Please, Lord. I appreciate your mercy with me that I still have my home and family, but may I ask for one more thing? I plead with you for Your grace, for something that I don’t deserve? Could you please use me, even though I screwed up?

He remembered how God had opened up the door for a new ministry that required patience and diligence. Fundie had felt so grateful for the opportunity that he made a practice of searching the Scriptures, praying and seeking out Godly counsel before making any new decision. He had spent his whole life being hasty, but because God gave him a second chance Fundie determined to change.

Coming out of his thoughts Fundie kept walking toward Evan.

Flesh whispered in Fundie’s ear about how he couldn’t believe what Evan was wearing. Didn’t he know Christians represented Christ, not the latest fashion craze?

Before Fundie had time to think about that Humility responded, “Yes, but God’s still working in Evan’s life. We all have things to work on, don’t we?”

Fundie was glad Humility had reminded him about that.

Flesh retorted, “Well, God can work with a willing spirit, but will God work with someone who will never change?”

Grace turned to Fundie and smiled. They both remembered the time when people thought he would never change. Had it not been for Grace, tragically, he might not have. But every time he looked at beautiful Grace, he remembered how God had been good to him, even though he had not deserved it. Fundie had changed because he wanted to give God something back.

Evan seemed to hesitate before coming any closer. Fundie reached out his hand and said, “Hey man. I’m sorry for how things went the last time we saw each other.”

Evan relaxed and smiled, “Me too, Fundie. Me too.”

This leads me to the second point.

2. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Let’s go back to the previous illustration. Let’s imagine that Evan and Fundie got over the past and got along well enough to where they became friends on Facebook. In fact, they had even taken turns inviting each other over to play games with their families.

Furthermore as long as Grace and Humility were around, they even enjoyed some good doctrinal discussions. They began to learn about each other’s hobbies and found that they had a couple of things in common.

And then it happened.

Evan had noticed in his visits with Fundie that there were some real differences in their Bibles. Looking for some answers, Evan had gone to Google and typed in, “Why do people say the King James version is a better version of the Bible?”

This search led him to a Christian forum, where he asked the same question. A well meaning pastor who didn’t know Evan’s history jumped in and started in on him. The pastor assumed that Evan was a liberal, King James hater and started in by saying that only heretics would question God’s pure word.

Taken back by the pastor’s offensive monologue, Evan got on Facebook and updated his status to say, “King James only people are so judgmental.”

Fundie logged in later that day and saw Evan’s status. After having a particularly exciting Sunday at church that week that had focused on the purity of the King James version, Fundie jumped in and started commenting about this, that, and the other thing.

26 comments later from anyone who had ever heard of the debate, Evan was so disgusted that he deleted his original status update and went to bed.

The problem here was again, the lack of grace.

How many of us have left a conversation with the following verses ringing in our hearts.

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

And
Eph 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.

We often forget the process of edification when we get talking about areas in which we know we are right. If you want people to know that you care about them rather than that only care about being right remember these two things:

DO edify grace to the hearer.
DON’T use sarcasm and personal cuts.

This becomes really obvious in discussions between husbands and wives, in-laws, and teenagers. My how our conversations would change if we would not talk until we asked the question, “How would this make me feel if they said these exact words to me?”

No one finds it easy to learn or change when they are reeling from a passive aggressive cut they received. Instead they often stop listening entirely and usually come back with a not so passive blow aimed directly at you.

These rules are especially good to follow on places like forums and Facebook where you may just be blowing off some steam. Our steam should be released to God alone. Satan can’t use it if it isn’t out there to be used.

3. People change from within.

There are two major reasons people change:

They are so uncomfortable in their current state that the prospect of changing seems like the lesser of two evils.
They want to please someone.

I have noticed a pattern. It does not matter how many times the discussions of separation, dispensationalism, music, eternal security, birth control, or finances come up, the same people always chime in with their same opinions every time.

Yet, it is so natural to try to get people to change. My absolute favorite comic depicts it so well.

I heard a pastor say in a sermon once, “I have heard many good sermons on bitterness and forgiveness, but the only time I seem to see people change is when God humbles their hearts and brings them to the point when they get their eyes off of themselves and on to Him.”

We spend too much time trying to change our spouses, church acquaintances, and sometimes even our pastors. We try to manipulate outward circumstances to cause inward conviction when instead we should be working on our own lives and allowing God to change theirs.

Mar_9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

This brings me back to my original dilemma. My life had been changing and I experienced so much joy from it that I wanted to share it with everyone. I wanted everyone to change.

What happened though when I started to do the job of the Holy Spirit was that people did more than not change, they resisted the message.

What’s a well meaning person to do?

DO pray, pray, and pray some more.
DON’T push, push, and push.

God is many things. He is the Potter who puts His vessel through the fire. (Rom. 9:21) His Word is a hammer. (Jer. 23:29) Still, many times God is like a clock maker. If He finds that the clock is not working properly, He doesn’t start right away hitting at it with the hammer. He gently takes it apart until the fault is exposed. Once the clock is open and the flaw is available to fix, He is able to do His best work.

When we pray that God will convict someone’s heart, He will hear our prayer. When we pray that God will use us as He desires, He will hear our prayer.

This is where my fourth point comes to play.

4. We are a tool in God’s tool box.

Now, I do not know much about mechanics, but I know enough to see the difference between a plunger and a plumbing snake. I know that a flathead screwdriver will not work with and Philips head screw. I know that a chainsaw and a sawsall serve completely different purposes.

The same is true of a body. A foot keeps us moving forward. A hand keeps us productive. An eye keeps us from harm. The list can go on and on.

When God looks at the body of Christ, He sees tools gifted with individual skills. When He is ready to repair one of His workmen (or clocks in my example), He chooses specifically the tool best suited to restore His handiwork to its proper use.

What I needed to learn from Humility was that I was not the tool that God wanted to use for everyone. I needed to sit back and wait until I was chosen.

What exactly does that mean?

I have seen in my own life that when God starts taking me apart and causing me to be open and vulnerable, when He reveals within me an area that needs to be changed, I am compelled to find a solution. I start asking questions. I seek people out who seem to have succeeded in the area that I am failing. I look for people who exude grace and kindness and who will not scold me for my failures, but encourage me in my growth. Those are God’s chosen tools for me.

What do we need to remember as tools?

DO be a useful tool, filled with the fruit of the Spirit.

Gal 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, V23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

DON’T abuse your gift.

This may sound crazy, but did you know that the gift of giving can be misused. You can actually over give.

Rom 12:6 - 8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; V7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; V8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Why did God make a point to express this? Because you can become an unuseful tool when it is your opportunity to be used.

My pastor said the other day that what often happens in marriages is that both parties have walls built. Finally one decides to take down their wall and be vulnerable; willing to change. Sadly, rather than taking down their own wall, the other party stands behind their line levels their shotgun and blows the other person down.

A person seeking to change knows they are wrong. They know they are undeserving. God has done that internal work. They need unmerited favor. They need to know Grace. Be a tool that ministers grace.

Let me leave you with this passage.

1Pe 4:7 – 11, But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. V8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. V9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. V10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. V11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

What's been up.

2011-09-03T20:01:00.000-06:00

This is the first time I've really written anything personal per se', but it's been a long time since I've been on here. I figured I'd just give a brief update of what has been up in our lives.

After what seemed like an endless nine months we delivered a wonderful baby boy on July 10.

Before I had Silas, Rick and I worked diligently to use my articles on Faith and Finance and update them into a book. I had learned more and also wanted to add some illustrations and personal experiences. I submitted it to Daystar Publishing and they accepted it to be published.

It was sweet. My absolute favorite part was when they sent back their book review and said that the most outstanding thing about the book was how much Scriptural support I had for my views. As if that wasn't exciting enough (because that was the best thing they could have ever said), then they said that it was apparent throughout the book that I had a compassion to help others. WooHoo. I told my husband so many times that I didn't want to be "sounding brass."

Rick and I have worked together and it is finally ready to be printed and is up on Amazon as an e-book.

Link to Kindle version of book

Mostly I have been adjusting to having four kids and a new born again. It has been so much fun, and I forgot how easy it is to fall asleep on the couch sitting up with a baby in your arms.

I have to head out now. I am in the McDs parking lot using their WiFi and now I've got to go back home and give the girls and little boy a bath, get clothes out for church and then maybe my husband will be home with a great success story of the Boise State game tonight.

Thanks for your time.

The Neck Does Not Turn the Head. The difference between a man leading a home and running it.

2011-07-17T14:47:00.001-06:00

I haven't had a whole lot of time to write this article, but I wanted to put in this poem to plant the basic thought that a man "making the final decision" and a man "leading the home" are two different things. Both are reliant upon the attitude, temperence and prayers of a wife.

Your Home in the Shoe

By Melissa Schworer

07-09-11

There once was a lady who lived in a shoe

Who was very careful not to tell her husband what he ought to do.

But on many occasion she would start a discussion

That would make any man feel that he had a concussion.

You see the lady had seen from the top of her shoe,

A sign from the Lord and knew just what they should do.

So she sat down her husband and began to expound

On all that she knew and all she had found.

She explained how wise a decision he’d make,

If only it was her advice he would take.

Well, the man had heard that for a happy life

A man must first have a happy wife.

He knew he had only a few routes he could take,

But was uncertain about what decisions to make

You see, he had not yet seen from the top of the shoe

The plan that the Lord would have led him to do.

But his wife seemed so certain, and her points were so clear.

So, he prayed for a while and sat down with his dear.

“I hear your suggestions and none seem so bad.

In fact to take them makes me feel quite glad.

How nice it is that you’ve done all this praying

For my prayers now are easy, I can just hear God saying…”

“I know you have read in the Bible before

That I would tell YOU first about all your open doors

But after these years I’ve decided to change

Now I will tell your wife what I say.

You see, her voice is much louder than mine

And I don’t have to wait in line for your time.

She just has to convince you as only a wife could

Of all your potential, and all of your good.

No longer do you need to seek for My face

Of pray for direction, or pray for my grace.

You won’t have to grow as a leader or man

You don’t even have to wait for My plan.

In fact this is easier for your wife in a way

Because she also will not have to wait when she prays.

I’ll speak to her, and she’ll speak to you,

And all will be well in your home in the shoe."

Article to be continued ...

Mom Wanted! Signed "Your Children"

2010-12-14T20:53:00.001-07:00

I have prayed about this topic for over a year and the burden in my heart is continually increased. Yet, I feel that it is an idea that can be misconstrued if not read in the proper context.

I want to say what this article is not. It is not meant to degrade any ladies in any way. It is not meant to intrude into the liberty of a husband and wife to determine how many children that they can properly raise for the Lord. It is not meant to burden women with guilt for past sins that are under the blood of Christ.

What this article is is a call for women to come home again; not just in body, but in heart.

I hope to get past the smoke to see clearly the fiery darts of Satan that he shoots at his enemy: the mother and child.

Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

DAYS GONE BY

There is nothing like the bond of a mother and a child. No one knows the needs of that baby more than the mother. The father can hold a crying baby and the mother comes in with that special knowledge of how the child likes to be held or rocked and the baby calms immediately.

A mother has gone from having a buddy in her belly to having a daily companion with whom to share her activities. She bathes the child, applies ointment to a sore bottom, and is the first to jump when he bonks his forehead for the first time. She loses her night’s sleep wondering if her child has died the first time he sleeps through the night.

She has a special helper who stares at the toilet when his mom (expecting again) is facing morning nausea with a toddler in the mix. He rubs her belly as it grows and is excited when he gets his first new friend at the hospital. He’s a big brother now you know!

The mother watches the child grows and learns his character flaws as well as the joyful part of his personality. She gets to sing him songs about Jesus when he is still in her arms, and hear him ask when he can ask Jesus into his heart as he grows. She watches his heart develop and as he understands the sweetness of the cross that he has learned at home and church since he was a toddler.

It is the mother who teaches her children how to behave with other children as she hears the first cry, “He hit me!” from an older sibling. She molds their character and actions because she has spent quantity time with her children and knows them.

She remembers reading books to them. She remembers teaching them their first memory verses. She remembers driving them to piano lessons and hearing them practice imperfectly. She remembers sharing the leftover brownie batter with a group of excited little faces. She remembers the battles of the wills that she faced with each of them, and she remembers the hugs and the sincere, “I’m sorry” between sobs when the victory had been won. Those children are hers for better or for worse. She gave them her heart, her tears, her time and her prayers.

THE MODERN MOM

SCENARIO ONE:

I remember seeing a television show where a new set of parents were at an interview at the “best day care in town.” They really wanted their child to be able to go there because they wanted “the best for their baby.” Six weeks of maternity leave had ended and that precious baby was shuffled off to strangers. That doesn’t sound like the “best” to me. Some kids are “lucky” and get to stay with a grandma or a friend. The mom misses the largest portion of the child’s day and gets to give them a bath and send them off to bed. This pattern continues through pre-school, kindergarten, Jr. High and High School. The mom makes it there for special games and plays, and is a chauffer on weekends. She makes sure they have the best clothes, and the best after school activities.

This mom wanted a family in a picture, but not a family at home.

SCENARIO TWO:

I was in a store the other day and saw a book ascribing stay at home mom’s as “Mommy Martyrs.” The idea of the book was how to find your “me time” and an identity outside of a being a glorified burp cloth. They knew that their child needed someone to take care of their needs, so the “mommy” became the “martyr.” Someone had to take the grueling job of raising a baby. Yet, a woman couldn’t be satisfied having an identity that revolved around the home. This was a book of how to escape becoming just another “mommy martyr.”

This stay at home mom resented being stuck at home with her child. That poor child will someday have to read that book and see how his mom felt about him.

SCENARIO THREE:

I remember very briefly getting involved in a “work from home” business when I first got married. I balked at the idea and said that I didn’t want to get involved in something that I couldn’t do in the day time. They assured me that this business could be run successfully during children’s naps.

After I got my first order and went to a training seminar I heard the “successful” women saying that all they ask for is “three nights a week.” She went on to say how your children will see their mom as a hard working individual and learn the value of work ethic. They will see that their mom cares about herself and therefore the children will learn self respect. She said that the money you will make will “buy opportunities” for your children that they could have otherwise not afforded. She spent twenty or so minutes trying to convince these “work from home” moms why they should abandon their husbands and children in the evenings to create a successful business.

That “successful home business” mom was actually a harried, not home, saleswoman / delivery driver with children who were taxied back and forth in the car and left alone with a single dad in the evenings. But don’t worry, they were all at church together… most of the time.

SCENARIO FOUR:

A young couple is planning on getting married and the biggest decision they need to make sure of before the honeymoon is what birth control they should use. They don’t want children for several years after they get married so that they can focus on each other. The wife has a job so that they can have extras and maybe pay off that new car they bought.

Several years have passed and they went off birth control. They have a new baby, and the mother is now at home. She struggles with guilt, because she misses the freedom she used to have and is beginning to resent how things have changed. She wonders if things will ever be the same with her husband. She made sure she got back on birth control as soon as the baby was born, because she doesn’t think she can handle another baby. The husband fully supports the idea because he isn’t too comfortable only having one income at this point. It is hard to go backwards once you have had so many extras. They spend time reminiscing about how things “used to be.”

This family isn’t sure if a child really “fit” into their plan.

SCENARIO FIVE:

A young mother has had her “two and a half” children and has done her duty of raising them. The youngest has just gone off to kindergarten and off mom heads to her first job interview in seven years. She’s looking for a part time job so that she can drop her children off at school and make sure that she’s able to pick them up from school.

She finds herself exhausted after having gotten up with the children at 6:00am and gotten everyone home at 4:30pm after lessons. She hasn’t figured out what to eat for dinner. The laundry is piling up. The kids need help with their homework. Then dad comes home and wraps his arms around her in the kitchen only to get the evil eye, because she’s too exhausted to play games with him.

This mom could have stayed home, got her housework completed, taken a nap, helped a neighbor, had dinner ready and been rested for her family when their time of need arrived.

SCENARIO SIX:

The young wife just finished college and has finished the first two years of her career. She is making decent money and has earned a little bit of respect in the work place. With her job they were able to get approved for a nice house and bought some furniture. The only problem is is that she is reaching that point of life where she wanted to have children.

She talks it over with her husband and they realize that with her student loan and her leaving the workforce that they can’t afford insurance, let alone the cost of a birth. Feeling trapped the young wife becomes discontented with her job and convinces her husband that “everything will be okay. God will work it all out. Children ARE a blessing, you know.”

They proceed in their grand life plan and start a family only to find that the husband is never home because he had to pick up an extra job to pay for both their student loans, the insurance, the medical bills and the cost of formula. The husband starts resenting the baby because he has lost all his freedom and his wife. The wife’s bliss has worn off as she realizes that she is now a married, single mom.

This mom is living the trap of getting a career and then having a family. What she really ends up with is no career, and half a family.

QUANTITY TIME CREATES QUALITY TIME

I remember reading Dr. Laura’s book In Praise of Stay at Home Moms and there was a letter from a mother who said she remembers when her daughter was little and had first discovered her hands. The child stared at her hands and moved them back and forth with delight. The mother stooped next to her child and shared in the new adventure.

That little girl ended up with a disability that caused her to struggle to move her hands well: to write, play sports or instruments. As she grew her mother encouraged her by reminding her of that day when they both sat together seeing the miracle of the hands God had given her. The mother said that if she had not been there with her child and taken the time to BE with her child while she was at home that she would have missed that moment. She could not have been able to be the cheerleader she was to her daughter as she overcame her handicap because she would have missed the moment.

We moms tend to get overly occupied with our responsibilities. We spend time with our children like we spend time watching a football game with our husband. We are there, but we aren’t REALLY paying attention. Children become distractions that interfere with our interests.

A news anchor did an interview with children about the effect of cell phones and Facebook on families. In the middle of the interview the lady received a text and had to return a call. She turned to the children and said something like, “Hold on just a minute. I really need to get this. I’ll be right back.”

The children all rolled their eyes and started talking to each other and doing whatever they wanted because they knew what this meant. They had been pushed aside again until the lady was done. They knew the scenario all too well. Those children had become orphans of technology. Their moms had all the time in the world, but spent it in front of a windshield or screen. Their quality time opportunities had passed them by.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE MOTHERS GONE?

Mother’s hearts have largely left their homes. I don’t think it is a purposeful decision on the part of most ladies. I believe it is part of an agenda that our mothers were raised to believe and have taught us. It has gone past women’s lib. It has become an “anti-life” movement; an anti-children movement.

WHY ATTACK CHILDREN?

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. From the beginning of time Satan has tried to turn the natural affection of a mother away from her child. You can see from Leviticus and throughout the Old Testament how as a nation turned away from God they “passed their children through the fire to Molech” and God heard the cries of “innocent blood.” Satan has practiced his art and has been successful in every nation in history.

Children are our future. How we raised our children reflects everything we hold as valuable in life. We try to give them the opportunities and lessons that we never had. We try to break the cycle of bad parenting when a child enters our home. We choose to be less selfish when we choose parenting. We finally understand what growing up means when we sacrifice more than we ever knew we could for someone so small. We realize the importance of salvation when we think of our children or grandchildren ending up in hell.

Children are a picture of innocence and Satan hates innocence. God loves children and Satan hates God.

A wise older pastor once told a younger pastor that he needn’t worry unless there were no longer babies in the nursery. A church with no babies was in the process of becoming a monument to things of the past. Growing families are a bedrock of a growing church and a growing outreach of the gospel.

There are so many reasons that Satan focuses on promoting an anti-children home. (By this I mean lessening a family’s desire for the children they DO have, creating a desire for NO children, and overcoming their desire for more children.)

Let me reiterate that I believe that God leads each Christian husband and wife in the area of their family size. He has a different plan for each family’s life, and God is a PRESENT God and leads us daily as our lives and situations change. His focus is consistently on Christ and the gospel. Children are a natural bi-product of a marriage and a blessing of the Lord; they are not the point of a marriage. (That is a whole study all in itself. This is just my conclusion of the Scriptures.)

Having said that, I do believe that if something is a blessing of the Lord than it is NOT something that we need to fear or resent. My pastor said it best, “Have as many children as you can take care of.”

This is where I think we have erred. CHILDREN … ARE … A … BLESSING. A family is a blessing. A home is a blessing.

Psa 127:3 - 4 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. V4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Psa 128:3 -4 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. V4. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.

Pro 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Mat 18:5 - 6 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. V6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Isn’t it horrible that these verses have been placed in front of us so many times that Christians almost roll their eyes in disgust.

I bet you that that is probably how the Israelites felt whenever a godly king came to the throne and he destroyed their idols, cast out the sodomites, tour down the high places and rebuilt the temple; all the while reminding them that God has a blessing for His people if only they would trust and obey.

They had heard about God’s blessing enough and had decided that what they wanted was the way of the world. God’s blessing was overrated.

If Christians become more entangled in the affairs of this world and what society deems as important and further away from the home and what God deems as important Satan can eventually have them as his servants and not as God’s. No man can serve two masters.

FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO

I am a mother. I understand the mental battles we have. I understand the exhaustion, the lack of focus, the lack of silence, the fear of failure, and having to claim the verse “sufficient unto the day” for ALL of my needs. Children have limitless needs and to them, you are their supplier. Yet, you wonder if you have what it takes to raise these individuals for the Lord.

Raising children is a grave responsibility. Yet, if God has led your family to have them, than God will supply you everything you need to fulfill your responsibility.

I would venture to say that God WOULD like to bless Christian families with more children, but WE limit God’s blessings. God sees great parents and would love for more children to be raised by them, but the parents have every excuse in the world NOT to have any more. I’m not being extreme. I am being realistic.

I was talking to a group of teenage girls the other day and they were making fun of a family with a lot of children saying that they only wanted two or maybe three children. I asked them, “Well, what if God wanted you to have four or five … or eight?”

We are so used to what “WE want” that we just assume that God is okay with that. What if it is not HIS plan? I want to challenge husbands and wives to look at what THEY want INSTEAD of the blessing that GOD may have for them.

There are real legitimate reasons to limit your family size. Even if your reasons are not all that spiritual, it is still with in your biblical liberty. What I want to point out is that the mother (and even the father’s) hearts have turned AWAY from what God says is important TOWARD treasures on which God places little value.

Children are the only thing that God gives us with eternal value.

Children are the only thing that we can take with us to heaven.

Children are the only people who will share our legacy after we are gone.

Children are the one’s who will check up on you and take care of you when you are old.

Childhood moments are what parents reminisce about when the home is quiet.

Children are what cause adults to grow into mature, selfless adults.

Children are the life and fullness of a home.

Children bring purpose to the lives of a husband a wife.

How many older people do you know who say that it went by in the blink of an eye and how their greatest, most productive years were the years of raising their family?

No one will overlook your mistakes and love you like your child.

EACH NEW CHILD BRINGS A SPECIAL NEW SOMETHING TO A HOME. Once that special something is in your home, you could never imagine your home without it.

In comparison:

Do you remember your favorite outfit from three years ago?
Do you remember that night you went out to dinner with your husband one year ago?
Will you sit down with your husband in twenty years and talk about how great it was to have acrylic fingernails or the greatest hairstylist and perfect highlights?
Do you remember what you bought two months ago for which your credit card company is now delivering a statement?
How great was that “girl’s day out?” Boy, that feeling just lasted and lasted didn’t it? Probably not, but what about the crazy thing your toddler just did yesterday, and the day before. You can’t help but smile.
Do you remember your honeymoon, or that cruise you went on? Wasn’t it just life changing? It took you a year or more to save up for it and two week for it to be completed. Your child probably took the same amount of time to pay for but he will be a part of you even past death.

TREASURES OF THE WORLD

THE TREASURES THAT TURN OUR HEARTS FROM OUR HOMES ARE USUALLY SELFISH IN NATURE.

Eph 6:14 - 17 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; V15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; V16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. V17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Pro 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

We want more …

Let me say that again. WE WANT MORE …

Of what do we want more? Anything! We just want MORE, but the biggest things I see are STUFF, and ME-TIME.

NUMBER ONE: WE WANT MORE STUFF

We have a continual stream of media in magazines, internet, television, radio and movies surrounding us telling us:

how large a home we need,
how many garages we should have
what color we should paint our home,
what type of furniture we should have
how large a TV will make us happy
what video game console is the best for our family
with what kind of accessories we should decorate
what clothes we should wear, what car we should drive,
what a family vacation should be like,
what our children want for their birthday and how large of party we should have
what every one else is getting for Christmas
what type of food we should eat
what a successful woman is
that college is a must for every human being
that children won’t be happy without brand name clothing

Our hearts, left unguarded amongst the seemingly innocent media have subconsciously become selfish, covetous, and discontented. If I can say the one word that REPEATEDLY comes to mind that Satan has used to lessen our desire for our children it is “STUFF.” We Want More Stuff.

Mar 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. V7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. V8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. V9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. V10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

God warned us of this trick of the Devil. We have been blessed with so much for so long that the pursuit of “bigger and better” has drawn our desire away from our children and toward the things of the world that will not last for eternity.

1Jn 2:15 - 16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. V16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

He spoke that it was an issue of the heart. He specifically commanded us NOT to make our treasures things of this earth, because when we focus on material, earthly things we lose focus on what GOD DEEMS VALUABLE.

Mat 6:19 - 21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: V20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: V21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

It is not that having “stuff” is wrong but God says throughout His word that riches cast a snare into our life due to their deceitful lure. Rather than being satisfied with our husband and the children with whom God has blessed us, we become discontented.

1Ti 6:17 -19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; V18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; V19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Riches are not an end of themselves. We are a conduit of God’s and He entrusts us with the finances we need for our basic needs of food and raiment. He does not place a stipulation on family size. Money is for the needs of our family (which has eternal value), good works (which has eternal value) and for enjoyment (which has no eternal value.) Yet, we as a whole CONSISTENTLY CHOOSE LESS of what GOD deems as important to CHOOSE MORE of what God burns up in the fire.

NUMBER TWO: WE WANT MORE ME-TIME

Let’s face it. When the children are at the grandparent’s or at school (if you don’t homeschool) six hours can pass without you realizing it, but the time between naps and your husband coming home for dinner seems endless.

I laughed every year at an office supply commercial that rang “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” at back to school season. It was funny. It really was. Parent’s need some alone time to rejuvenate and appreciate their hard work.

Ecc 3:13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

But as we tend to do with most things that are given to us, we like it so much that we want more. We woman could do more with our children. We could spend less time on our “at home businesses.” We could dramatically scale down on ours and our children’s screen time. We probably have the energy and time to take care of a new-born if that was the direction in which God led our family. WE JUST LIKE OUR FREE TIME.

Pregnancies are hard on our bodies, emotions and routine. Babies cannot do anything for themselves. Toddlers need potty trained. Little kids constantly want you to “look at me.” Children talk our ear off. Teenagers overreact and argue … regardless if they are right or wrong.

Yet, our clients aren’t going to drop by on Thanksgiving and say they are thankful for the time we spent on them.
Our Facebook friends are going to post new statuses tomorrow, and what you miss today won’t even matter. They won’t remember that you didn’t “look at me” when they learned how to climb up the wall between the furniture, but your child will.
You will probably regret many a message texted, but will never regret the time you spend holding your newborn.
You will smile with joy when your child sits quietly at a restaurant knowing you took the time and practiced “quiet time” with them. Yet, that same time in the evenings spent watching movies or your favorite sitcoms will seem wasted when it is YOUR child that has no attention span to sit and obey without a TV in front of him.

I’m not trying to be judgmental. I am being realistic about our priorities, habits, and oft-times the results it has on our children who deserve more from us.

You will hear me say this over and over, but ME-TIME is not all that biblical. ME-TIME is selfish, and although we justify or shrug off selfishness, it is rooted in sin and pride. Just as Satan thought about what he wanted rather than the role for which God had created him, we do the same thing.

The truth is; we are servants! We are not our own. We are bought with a price, and we are to pray for God’s will in our life and then do it with all our might for the glory of God. We shouldn’t skate by balancing our children with our wants. We should serve our family. YOU SEE! Did your pride just kick at you? Did you feel like a slave? That is the way the world has deceived us.

There is a profound truth with which all mothers should become acquainted. This is our identity: SERVANT. It’s a humble identity, but we rub shoulders with the very best.

Heb 3:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

Jas 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Jud 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

AND CHRIST HIMSELF

Php 2:7 -8 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: V8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Christ was an OBEDIENT servant and took up his cross. Yet, our cross is nothing in comparison. We get kisses, snuggles, toddler language, baby giggles, tales from pre-teens, long talks with teenagers and an occasional nap. What a blessing.

Yet, many of our hearts have LEFT OUR HOME and we don’t see our home and children as a blessing; but as bondage; something to survive, not something to enjoy. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your children and husband and home be your treasure.

Routine vs. Schedule

2010-11-06T10:02:00.010-06:00

ROUTINE VS. SCHEDULE

A learning spirit is so important to parenting. If we were to carry around a “purse of gold” (wisdom) from which to draw, I don’t believe that one could do any better than to draw from the wealth of wisdom they have readily before them in books, older Christian parents and Christian peers.

“Christian Parenting” authors and “older-wisers” in the church have so much experience and results from which they can draw and teach. Good Christian peer’s child training styles and opinions are the “iron against our iron” that can grind against us and cause our biblical beliefs to be strengthened or wear down our rough edges.

You see, this learning spirit is necessary because as a parent has their first child, many times they try to “undo the wrongs of their parents” by doing things “differently” in their own home. Yet, rather than being reactionary against one’s upbringing and going the opposite direction, a parent needs to seek TRUTH and WISDOM from their available resources and LEARN THE BEST WAY to parent and use their God-given personality and gifts to adapt it into their home environment.

The important truths of child training that are consistent throughout many Christian child training books as well as the advice given from many of my “older-wisers” include:

1. You need to be proactive and provide your children opportunities to learn how to behave properly. This is how training is practiced in schools, business and the military. Homes should take note. (A good way to do this is by having them by your side as you work. This let’s them learn a humble, teachable spirit and to learn things by someone with experience, rather than from “the school of hard knox.” This is especially helpful as they grow older and have from experience learned to trust your opinion and guidance rather than venturing out on their own to find their “own path.”)

2. Know your child’s heart, and allow the “rod of correction” correct the attitude more than the action. (The best way to know your child’s heart is by spending time doing things with them. You will hear them talk, see their responses to your directions, and be near them when their habitual responses rear their ugly heads. You can stop bad habits / actions before they start, by seeing the heart symptoms and teaching them the BIBLE’S WAY to respond.)

3. Have joy in your home: smile at your children, let them know they are a blessing and a gift. Never degrade them: especially to others. (A child will not want to grow up like mommy and daddy if the children see the parents as worried, irritable, yellers who moan about the burdens of children, church and finances. They will find the quickest route to their bedroom, their friend’s house, and later a love interest or the sparkling world and all it’s deception. Let them know that the joy of the Lord is your strength and be an example of the fruit of the spirit.)

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH A FAMILY ROUTINE?

Everything we adapt as parents must have a “WHY” behind the “HOW.” (If you have something that works for your family; than that is wonderful. If you are struggling to get it all done with a good attitude, this may be just what you need.)

Why a family routine?

1. A routine supplies an environment of order. (I Cor 14:40)

2. A routine allows for a structure of home management or “guiding.” (I Tim 5:14)

3. Proper home management provides every opportunity to fulfill your household responsibilities and “train” your child in proper habits for life. (Prov 22:6)

4. A well oiled machine requires less maintenance. If your children are busy getting ready, tidying their room, having family devotions (or quiet time), and being “good helpers” to mom with the household chores (even if it takes WAY longer), they aren’t busy learning habits and responses of dawdling, hitting, screaming or pestering each other AND you.

They often seem like the wicked widow that the Bible speaks against.

1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

God’s way of keeping these actions from happening was by giving the women something to do. (I Tim 5:14) We need to learn from God’s example.

5. A routine causes a mom to cherish their children as life-long companions rather than frustrating distractions.

Moms get irritable when they are trying to “get things done” and children constantly interrupt. If the mom tries to find a moment of peace, the children try to get her attention and the mom feels guilty because she hasn’t spent any time with the children. How can she? SHE HAS SO MUCH TO GET DONE.

A family routine keeps children working with the mom. Then when quiet time comes, it is a deserved and enjoyed quiet time for all.

1Th 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

6. A routine keeps a mom’s mind from being split into a million directions; which in turn provides JOY.

3Jn 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Example 1: The house is a mess and soon dinner preparation will need to occur. Before dinner the house has a quick “clean up.” This is just what the family does before dinner prep; no questions asked. The children come to mom and she “guides” them as to which chore they fulfill. When they are done, they come back and ask her what else they can do. This instills teamwork, a timeframe of accountability, and a mom who can ensure that all is done with obedience and a good attitude. End result: The house is picked up BEFORE dinner prep, and now they can all move onto the next task at hand.

Example 2: Dinner needs to start. The house is a mess: school books on the table, toys on the floor, mom’s project on the counter, and everyone just came in from the car. Kids wander off and the mother hears distant thuds, yelling, and she sighs an overwhelmed sigh. “What am I supposed to do about dinner?” She starts picking up and in a raised voice says, “KID’S COME CLEAN UP YOUR STUFF.” She continues picking up her project off the counter. Fifteen minutes later she realizes that the kids still have not picked up their stuff. “KID’S GET IN HERE. NOW! FASTER. RIGHT HERE. Okay, now you see that stuff. PUT … IT … AWAY.”

Mom’s frustration and feeling of hopelessness builds as she realizes that she did not require first time obedience and the children are still dawdling as they haphazardly and half-heartedly put away their belongings. She knows that dinner time will not be better because the children will continually distract her with arguments while she tries to make dinner. She thinks, “I WONDER IF I SHOULD JUST PUT ON A MOVIE. That always keeps them quiet.”

Rather than opportunities of training, teamwork and a sense of family accomplishment, the mother has pushed of her child training responsibilities and surrendered to “raising” them and allowing the movies to “teach them what life is REALLY about.”

WHY NOT A SCHEDULE

1. Running your life by a clock brings continual stress and failure.

Some weeks there are late night church activities and getting up at the same time every morning just does not happen.

The “rod of correction” apparently has not become friends with “time frame”. (Smile)

A child peeing their pants (and the dining room chair) runs outside of the “breakfast” time allotment.

Your daydreamer just looked up and said, “Yeah, I read the instructions. I just forgot.” And you realize that math today is going to take a little longer.

Who knew the only line open at the grocery store was the “coupon specialist” aisle.

You tried being “hospitable” last night and now you realize that you have two loads of dishes to UNLOAD and then RELOAD before you can finish breakfast.

2. A schedule tends towards micromanagement, and who likes to be micromanaged? (Susie needs to be done brushing her teeth by 8:30 and start making her bed, so that Freddy can get into the bathroom. Freddy can take his shower and be out by 8:50 and Charlie can get in the bathroom so that school can start at 9:15.)

“SUSIE, AREN’T YOU DONE YET??!!!!!” “FREDDY! MARCH! GET IN THE BATHROOM NOW!” “SUSIE, OUT! I DON’T CARE IF YOU AREN’T DONE. WE ARE GOING TO START SCHOOL ON TIME AT LEAST ONCE THIS WEEK.”

If your husband is lucky, he can get caught in the mix and find that he is “managed” as well when he gets home from work.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY A FAMILY ROUTINE?

The idea of a family routine is one where the family works together as a team.

Everyone has a responsibility in each task. (This is a bit more difficult with younger children. Mom or an older child will rotate spending time with the younger children to train them in life skills.)

Let’s look at an example:

1. Breakfast / Load of laundry / Proverb for day – Children and mom work together and set table, get drinks, make breakfast, eat, read a Proverb, clear and wipe table, empty and load dishwasher, sweep floor and start a load of laundry.

2. Devotional time – Older children and mom take turns reading Bible aloud for designated time and take time for quiet prayer time. Children have a quiet, play time then family works together to teach little children to clean up afterwards.

3. Get dressed and Tidy room – Everyone works together to help get this accomplished. Mom teaches younger children while older children fulfill their responsibilities and then as mom gets ready they switch and the older help teach younger children how to get dressed, brush their teeth, make their bed and put clothes in appropriate place.

4. Next is whatever has been deemed as the most important responsibility in your routine for that day. (After lunch continue working through your priority list until all is accomplished.)

· Is it school? Then bring the smaller children to the table and have them do something with you while you teach?

· Is it chores? All children “report to mom” to seek a “duty.” Mom manages children ask they complete their tasks and work together to complete the chores. As one chore is completed, the children come back and ask for another chore. They work as a TEAM to get things finished. Mom works alongside smaller children to “train” them how to be “good helpers” and in turn teach them how to accomplish their “chore.”

· Is it time to exercise or play outside? Then everyone gets involved.

5. Lunch / Fold load of laundry / Start new load of laundry – Similar to breakfast, but as the lunch tasks are designated someone also folds the load of laundry started at breakfast, and someone puts it away and starts a new load. Meals take a while to prepare and clean up; therefore they are a perfect time to multi-task with laundry.

6. Naps are a quiet time in the home. They can become a “family quiet time” by having children read their literature, color, play quietly and if necessary a mom can take a quick nap.

7. Pre-dinner clean up. (as described earlier)

8. Dinner / Last load of laundry folded and put away

9. Evening activity

10. Prayer and time with father

The key is TEAMWORK. If it is time to do homework/ tidy rooms / etc.; there is nothing else to be done. There is no excuse but slothfulness or disobedience for not accomplishing the task at hand. If a child has inner motivation and accomplishes their responsibilities ahead of time; than they can be rewarded by free time during that part of the routine. You are TRAINING your child in habits, skills, teamwork, a positive attitude, and self discipline. ALL OF THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH A WISE USE OF A FAMILY ROUTINE.

HOW DO YOU DEVELOP YOUR OWN FAMILY ROUTINE?

What to avoid. :)

1. Look at your husband’s work schedule. This will lend you to an approximate sleep / wake up time.

2. Gauge what approximate times you eat on which days. Sleep and food are your relative anchors, everything else is more flexible.

3. Look at your family’s daily responsibilities.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Food preparation and meat thawing.
Family Devotions
Everyone get’s dressed.
Room’s picked up
A major chore
A load or two of laundry
School
Nap or Reading Time
Pre dinner cleanup
Evening activities seem to include Church, Family or School
Showers
Bed
Alone Time with Husband

4. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. Ask God and your husband what should be your first priorities and the most efficient layout for your day.

5. Develop a rough daily ideal: Don’t be an overachiever and don’t be an underachiever. Be realistic; remembering it is not JUST about getting things done but training your children in HABITS AND SKILLS FOR LIFE.

6. Day by Day

This is the most important part of a routine: daily flexibility and adaptation.

· Daily Direction:

Part of your morning routine needs to be training your children in the importance of daily devotional time with the Lord. (see my article on How to Have Personal Devotions with Children in the Home) We personally NEED to come each morning and have a quiet time of prayer: TO SEEK GOD’S WILL FOR OUR DAY.

We need our heart and will to yield to the word of God, so that we can abide in the strength of the Lord that comes through the vine of Christ. We can then freely ask God what HE WOULD HAVE FOR OUR DAY and then as He leads, write down the top five or six things that need to be done that day in your routine.

As we ask for His will to be accomplished in our life, we can confidently know that whatever comes our way that day IS PART OF HIS WILL FOR OUR LIVES.

Joh 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

If sin, dissention in the ranks, costly repairs, inconvenient interruptions, a moody spouse, or a clash of wills with you child arise; you can smile inside and say, “I know this is part of GOD’S WILL in my routine today. I can just meet it with a godly attitude, be a good example and train my children how to deal with rough circumstances.” (James 1:2-4)

· Daily Strength:

Sometimes a day as a mother feels a little like the description of the following verses.

Psa 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; (we find we have no help outside of God)

Psa 17:7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. (you being the former, your children being the latter)

Daily devotions and prayer in the morning not only give us a direction in our routine at the start of the day, they also provide us with a refreshed, renewed mind and a restored hope for the day.

Psa 119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

Psa 119:107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

In God’s word, we see that it is that God gives us what we need for the day, but He does not promise or allude to giving us any grace, direction or strength for the next day. He gives us DAY BY DAY what we need.

Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Luk 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

This principle helps us to understand that nothing is set in concrete; especially not a routine. God guides us each day and gives us the strength and grace we need to fulfill our responsibilities.

HOW DO YOU ACCOMPLISH YOUR OWN FAMILY ROUTINE?

1. Diligence

Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

2. A sense of humor and a smile.

Just for fun.

Jas 1:2 – 4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; V3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. V4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

GOD IS CLEAN: HOW ABOUT OUR ENTERTAINMENT?

2010-10-29T16:33:00.000-06:00

IT’S NOT YOU, BABY… IT’S ME. WE’VE JUST GROWN APART. - WALKING AWAY ALWAYS HURTS.

Have you ever turned a movie off in the middle of a good story? It is extremely frustrating. You want to know the end of the plot. You feel like you wasted your time. You have a sense of disappointment because you were hoping to have a nice relaxing event and enjoy being entertained, AND NONE OF IT HAPPENED.

I have been there; over and over. My journey concerning the question of entertainment is not a new one. I remember inconsistencies all over the place growing up.

One family would not GO TO the movies, but they watched movies of questionable character at home.

One family fought over the idea that ALL MOVIES were “wicked” but than watched romantic TV shows.

One family banned HALF HOUR SITCOMS because they were degrading towards fathers but allowed James Bond movies.

One family would never allow the word “gosh” spoken by their children, but allowed profanity stream through the living room without the bat of an eye, because they “didn’t even notice it any more.”

I remember one day after I had conquered the battle of swearing sitting down to watch a movie with a Christian family and after the first “GD” and “F-bomb” I just couldn’t handle it any more. Hadn’t I just come out from this because it wasn’t good for a Christian and now I felt like a “holy roller” or an over-zealous freak because I was itching to get away from this movie? I knew if I got up to walk away that they would think that I was being judgmental or that I thought I was “better than them.” That wasn’t it. I just couldn’t handle the filth.

This was a whole new ballgame for me. I had watched the nastiest of films and some repeatedly. When people said that they “heard swearing and seen immodesty all around them, therefore it didn’t affect them on TV” I nodded my head in agreement. YET, I WAS WRONG. Just because I didn’t FEEL THE AFFECT didn’t mean that it wasn’t affecting me.

A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENETH THE WHOLE LUMP

If there is one thing that I know is true it is that THE BIBLE IS NEVER WRONG. When it says something, it is true. When God repeats it, it is important AND true.

1Co 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Gal 5:7 - 9 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

I have prayed about this truth concerning “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” a lot recently and I have pondered how far it reaches, and I can’t say that I have all the answers. Yet, here is WHAT I DO KNOW.

1. I know that God hates the lukewarmness of Christianity today.

Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

2. He hates mixing the world’s sin with Christian lives.

2 Co 6:15 - 17 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

3. I know that two times He said that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

4. I know that He tells us to put off the old man

Col 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

5. I know that He not only tells us to put off the old man and its filth, but that He tells us to put on righteousness and holiness.

Eph 4:22 - 24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

6. I know that part of putting off the world and putting on the new man has to do with the renewing of our minds.

7. I know that the renewing of our minds is THE KEY to being transformed into a living sacrifice and that sacrifice is considered REASONABLE SERVICE.

Rom 12:1 – 2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

8. I know from deductive reasoning that putting off the old man and therefore having our minds renewed is what keeps us from conforming to this world. Therefore, the little leaven of the world, whether we feel like it affects us or not, is causing a conformation to the world and keeps us from fully transforming into the new man “WHICH AFTER GOD IS CREATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUE HOLINESS.

“OPEN MY EYES THAT I MIGHT SEE”: TRUE HOLINESS - (I sing this line to an old hymn often)

A preacher came to our church recently and he said that the big thing that churches had to fight for when he first got out of Bible College (in the 50’s) was the doctrine of the second coming. Later on in his ministry he had to fight the fight for God’s preserved word, the King James Bible. Now he says that the fight the churches need to fight for is holiness.

I remember praying a while ago that God would open my eyes and the pastor’s and Christian’s around the country so that we could see sin as He sees it. I truly desired to be holy. I wanted to be salt to the earth. I desperately wanted to be a “vessel fit for the master’s use. What’s funny is that I am married and don’t struggle with the same temptations of dating, music or even swearing, but I knew that my life was not “purged” or HOLY.

2 Ti 2:21- 22, If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Well, my goodness I went to my closet one morning and I know without a shadow of a doubt that God told me to get rid of three shirts and one dress. They weren’t even that bad. I had had compliments on them from people at church, and my husband hadn’t even mentioned anything. Yet God said, “Get rid of them.” I replied, “Seriously?!!!! I won’t have anything to wear. I JUST GOT THESE AND DON’T HAVE ANY MORE MONEY.” Off they went.

Then came my entertainment. We as a family decided a long time ago that if the TV Guardian (a language filter) did not work on a movie, we would not watch it, and if it said ANY FORM OF NUDITY (even funny nudity, old lady nudity, male butt nudity, brief nudity or partial nudity) that it would not come into our home.

(Isn’t it crazy?! Some of you would gasp that nudity would have EVER been in the home of a Christian, and some of you would gasp that you can’t believe that funny male butt nudity would be such a big deal.)

Pro 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

Pro 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

We had been our own judge and have not looked through the filter of God’s Word, now God was opening up our family’s eyes to the truth. The truth may make you free, but freedom always comes with a price.

By purging our entertainment, we have had to:

Feel alienated from some friends and social events

Have those uncomfortable conversations with other Christian’s about why we haven’t seen that movie or why we would appreciate it if we could just play a game instead.

Make new friends that understood the “clean home” idea.

Miss the ends of a few “favorite” TV series because of what they contained.

Miss many exciting movies and TV shows that peeked our interest.

Find new things to do for fun (this is a hard one)

Examine ourselves and our motives so as to not just jump on the “NO TV” bandwagon because the extreme is always easier than discernment. BUT DID I MENTION IT WOULD BE EASIER.

Start a movie and have to frustratingly stop it halfway through because the rating description on the back and the reviews of people were not quite accurate.

Sacrifice old favorite movies that we wanted our children to watch when we realized the subtlety of Satan (and sometimes not so subtle) in children’s programming.

Feel like social rejects (no jokes please)

Before I continue, I want to ask you two questions, as I did in my series on music.

First, if there was any inclination that something that you were viewing was not to God’s liking or was shown to lean towards the works of the flesh, would you:

1. Err on the side of going the extra mile to please God and sacrificing maybe a little more than might be necessary, OR

2. Keep your entertainment because in your opinion it’s not as big of a deal as people make it out to be.

Second, what would you say is more important in your life: your entertainment or God?

THE PURIFYING PROCESS: STEPPING TOWARD A RENEWED MIND

STEP ONE: EDIFICATION

Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Eph 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.

1Co 10:22 - 23 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Not all movies or television programs are sinful. The best description I have heard concerning what is good to watch is this: EDIFYING. Does it edify the spirit?

What I did not ask was this. Do you enjoy it? Was it fun? Do you feel convicted after you watch it? That is irrelevant. Many people have seared consciences concerning sin (especially after years of being desensitized to it by this exact thing.)

By edifying, I mean;

Do you feel encouraged in the Lord?
Are you just as clean after you watched it as you were before you watched it?
Have you had to compromise with sin to be entertained?

STEP TWO: GOD’S FILTER: THE WORD OF GOD

A. I WILL SET NO WICKED THING BEFORE MINE EYES

You know what I love about God and about the King James Bible? You can count on EVERY WORD. God is as contemporary now as He was thousands of years ago. God knows history before it happens. He knows the heart of man (and woman) and gives us Scripture to combat sin.

Here, David, a man after God’s own heart, makes a commitment to God concerning his eyes. This is especially poignant after he fell into adultery because of his eyes.

Psa 101:1-3 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

I want to take note of a few things.

1. The word “set.” Our television is called a TV SET. It is because we set it in front of us. When I first pondered this verse, I mentioned to my husband how no Christian man in his right mind would SET a picture of an immodest actress on his dresser. Even if he shielded his eyes or “fast forwarded” past her in the morning, it would not change the fact that he SET her there.

Why is it wrong to SET something sinful in front of you? Because GOD SAID SO, and HE KNEW ONE DAY YOUR FLESH WILL WIN!

Rom 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Job was another man esteemed highly by God and he said, “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Job 31:1

Job’s boundaries / commitment / precautions are WISE. (“ I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way”)

2. David HATES THE WORK OF THEM that turn aside.

The only way a Christian can win the battle against the sin in entertainment is to recognize it as an enemy and hate it. Just as God wants to spue the sinful lukewarm from His mouth we need to develop a distaste for NOT JUST THE WORLD, but THE WORKS OF THE WORLD.

This reminds me of the passage in Romans 1:

Rom 1:28 - 31, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:”

Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Now as you read this passage, it is easy to see that most of Hollywood fits into the description in V28-31, but did you see yourself in there. I know that I did. It was in verse 32 where it said “have pleasure in them that do them.”

David HATES the work of them and we HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM; their acting, their production, and their plot lines that display their sins and the fruit of a corrupt tree.

3. David said that the work of them WILL NOT CLEAVE to him.

This is the point in which I found myself. It was not easy giving up so many movies and TV shows. It physically altered my mood. I felt sad. I felt annoyed. Breaking up was hard to do. The entertainment was CLEAVING to my flesh.

2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

How ridiculous this seems, but HOW TRUE IT IS. If you don’t think it has cleaved to you, then I challenge you to take the next step. I would dare say that you may feel like the classic alcoholic that says, “I can give it up any time I want. I just don’t feel like I need to give it up.”

B. BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM.

Mat 7:16 - 20 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

I could go into the fruit of Hollywood and their screwed up lives. I could talk about the influence of demons in the work of an actor. I could talk of the wicked people in the entertainment industry that don’t allow their children to watch TV because THEY KNOW IT IS WICKED AND BEARS NO GOOD FRUIT. Yet, not everyone knows the lives of all of the actors and actresses. Not everyone knows the motivations behind every movie written.

What we can see is the fruit (the actual program) that is a result of these writers and actresses.

HERE GOES. Take a deep breath, because this REALLY STINKS when you are taking the big plunge into how GOD VIEWS OUR VIEWING HABITS. This IS NOT EASY. It seems ridiculous, pharisaical, legalistic… every excuse the flesh will throw at you and with which peers will accuse you is going to come into mind.

Gal 5:19 - 21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Here are some questions to help you see this in a practical light.

Should a Christian:

1. Be known as a Peeping Tom and watch other’s “doing the deed” or foreplay?

2. Partake in “swinging” or “swapping?”

3. Allow two unmarried people or teens in the church make out in front of them?

4. Allow two married people in their church make out with some one else’s’ spouse?

5. Appreciate their pastor, friend’s or friend’s children saying, “O.M.G.” or some other form of the Lord’s name in vain in front of them or on facebook?

6. Listen to worldly music or attend their dance parties just for fun?

7. Tell or stand by listening to perverted jokes?

8. Allow their children to have friends or frequent influences that back talk or have a rebellious attitude toward parents?

9. Allow an Ouija board in their home?

10. Watch a live séance or attend a satanistic ceremony?

11. Attend parties where alcohol is being served?

12. Get to know a serial killer or child molester?

13. Be discontent with what they own because they keep looking at what other people have?

14. Invite a person who is known for wearing immodest clothes over every week for dinner?

Because I know the flesh, I know that some Christians are cheering “BRING IT ON. AMEN” and others are rolling their eyes saying, “Yeah! I’ve heard all this before. Give me a break.”

BUT TO THOSE TENDER IN HEART WHO ARE EARNESTLY SEEKING THE TRUTH, here is what I learned. If you determine in your heart not to allow it to CLEAVE to you, your LIVING SACRIFICE will seem a little more REASONABLE.


THIS IS HOW MOST CHRISTIAN'S JUSTIFY THERE TELEVISION STANDARDS.	YET, GOD'S WORD IS THE ONLY VERSION OF TRUTH.

THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD. This is where prayer, discernment, honesty and a yielded heart need to guide you. When you meet these situations, you need to look at them in light of the filter of God’s word and ask God’s help to strengthen your resolve against the works of the flesh.

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

1. You hear any swearing or suggestive / perverted jokes and innuendos. (Filthy communication)

2. If it is the type of a show that will allow the Lord’s name in vain.

3. There is nudity. (Fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness) God tells us clearly that we are not to look upon anyone other than our spouse.

4. There is immodesty, which GOD COUNTS AS NUDITY. (Uncleanness, lasciviousness) I know this pretty much rules out almost everything. It especially seems irrelevant when it is not blatantly sexual; like on reality / competition shows. Yet, IT IS SIN and A CHRISTIAN HAS NO PLACE SETTING IT BEFORE THEM.

5. There are any homosexuals. (Unnatural use of the flesh) This is increasingly difficult, because Satan pushes this agenda through any avenue possible. It is in almost everything and we are desensitized to it, especially in forms of humor.

6. There is any teen sex. We have come to expect teen romance, drama, immodesty and even girl on girl kissing. We almost view it as hum-drum or roll our eyes at the “obvious agenda” of Hollywood, but we rarely actually stop watching a series because of it.

7. The show is promoting an “anti-hero.” A story that magnifies the mystery or mind of a serial killer or child molester. (i.e. Hannibal Lector, Charles Manson, Law and Order S.V.U.). (Prov. 6:17, 18; Prov. 8:13)

8. There are unmarried / married actors being intimate. This includes touching, petting, taking off clothes, making out, kissing, dancing erotically or intimately, laying on top of each other, pressing together against a wall, and etc. (fornication, adultery).

(I am not yelling here; Just emphasizing words of importance.)

I want to take a little time to explain this, because we are SO DESENSITIZED to this. THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT MARRIED. I don’t care if they are married in the story line. THEY ARE NOT MARRIED. Hollywood is full of broken homes and marriages because WE WATCH THEM COMMIT ADULTERY and PAY TO WATCH IT.

Not only should we NOT WATCH IT because it is none of our business to watch any couple’s intimacy, but we should not watch it because we are PAYING PEOPLE TO PIMP THEMSELVES. We PROMOTE BROKEN HOMES. We promote TEENS wanting a relationship that has romantic moment’s LIKE THE MOVIES. We promote an avenue for kid’s and husband’s and even women to feed the flesh and its desire toward porn. ALL they seem to be are romance novels: WITH PICTURES.

8. There are witches partaking in realistic spells and magic or that promotes and focuses on demonism and “dark” themes. (Witchcraft, emulations) This “power” has a strong pull; especially for young imaginations. It takes innocent fantasy and imagination and draws children into a dark preoccupation with the power and mystery of Satan.

Pro 4:26 – 27, Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

As I said earlier, this journey concerning entertainment is not a new one for me. GOD HAS LED ME STEP BY STEP. He has asked reasonable sacrifice of me and as I have submitted each step, He has strengthened my path. It is not all or nothing. IT IS A JOURNEY: a step by step yielded journey. Ask God what He wants of you.

CONCLUSION: UM, SO WHAT CAN I DO FOR FUN IN THE MEANTIME?

This was my big question.

This is why Christians are known for gluttony.

People think that Christians / God take away everything fun and the only thing left to do is eat and “fellowship.” Yet, Television Addiction isn't just happening to Christians.

25 Things to Do Besides Watch Television: Associated Content

This is my conclusion.

Satan’s way is always the “easy” path. He seems to give you everything you want without waiting; sex, nice cars, big homes, parties, music, expensive clothes, and entertainment. You name it. He’s got it. What he doesn’t tell you is that your flesh is never satisfied and that you will always want more and you will never REALLY find happiness.

God’s way comes with a cross. He promises tribulation. His way is narrow. His way takes study and time. His way is a race that is to be run; not watched on the sidelines. His way takes prayer and discernment. His way takes effort to “press” toward the mark. His way takes courage as a soldier for the cross. His way requires good stewardship and investment. His way leaves no way for waste.

It takes effort, but the payoff is amazing.

When it comes to how you dress, it takes more effort and money.
When it comes to your music, it takes effort to avoid the bad and find the good.
When it comes to eating, it takes effort to plan ahead or say “No thank you. I’m full.”
When it comes to sex, it takes effort to avoid temptation and pitfalls.
When it comes to your marriage, it takes effort to communicate and meet someone else’s needs FIRST.
When it comes to your children, it takes effort to train them properly.
When it comes to soul winning, it takes effort to open your mouth.
When it comes to your free time, IT TAKES EFFORT to do it WITHOUT COMPROMISING WITH SIN.

Ecc 3:13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

Ecc 5:18 -19 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

It is not wrong to kick back and enjoy what God has given you. It just seems that God’s way takes effort.

1. Games

2. Clean books

3. Athletics

4. Hunting

5. Horse back riding

6. Gardening

7. Walking

8. Sailing

9. Clean Movies and TV

10. Blogging J

More IDEAS...

http://schools.nlsd.org/nlsd_admin/WellnessAdvisoryCouncil/PDFs/101_Things_to_Do_Instead_of_TV.pdf

All of these things require involvement in some form. They are not A-musement. They are recreation.

That is what I have seen as the major difference. Satan’s main form of controlling our time stewardship and desensitization / conformation to the world is through entertainment. It has cleaved to us and has taken more time from us than we would like to admit. We choose it over our devotions, over friendships, over our children’s innocence, over our consciences, and sometimes over our families requests, AND IT’S EASY TO DO SO.

I encourage you to take the narrow path. God’s ways are ALWAYS the better ways. They have benefits to your heart, your mind, your spirit, your health and your family.

Gal 5:22 - 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

From Chronic Despair to Continuous Joy

2010-10-24T16:08:00.000-06:00

FROM CHRONIC DESPAIR TO CONTINUOUS JOY

PIECE ONE – BROKEN

I have always been a relatively happy person. By nature I am both very serious and studious and on the flip side very much an airhead. I tend to have perfectionist standards for myself as far as what I believe the Bible counts as important. Still, I am able most days to have a joyful disposition. I have borne three children and outside of exhaustion I have not struggled with a prolonged state of sadness, nor even post-partum blues.

Imagine my confusion and discouragement when suddenly it seemed that every day I awoke with a feeling of hopelessness. I felt that the day was lost before it was even begun. I struggled with thoughts like, “What is wrong with me?” “What’s the use?” “Why should I even try to accomplish anything?” “Everything is just too much.” “OH NO! The children are awake. I can’t handle being responsible right now when I can’t even think.”

I remember praying and saying, “LORD, I LOVE YOU. I know that there is no viable sin that I am harboring in my heart. I am thankful for my home, my children, and my husband. I would rather be a stay at home mom than anything in the world. I am not discontent. WHY AM I SO SAD?!!!!”

I would sing songs, play music and quote, “Commit thy works unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established.” That verse was MY PROMISE that if I just kept pressing toward the mark that eventually I would regain joy.

This same struggle went EVERY MORNING AND ALL DAY for four months. I would tell my husband that I didn’t feel DEPRESSED, I felt OPPRESSED. It was something from which I could not get away no matter what I did.

Worse yet I had feelings of internal rage that I had never before experienced. While thankfully I was able to keep that rage within; I was ill tempered, impatient and had no grace in my heart for anyone. The words “I HATE, I HATE, I HATE…” would echo in my head over and over, Oh, I sorrow just now thinking about the pain that my heart held because I truly did not hate anything. I could not think of one single thing that I hated. SO WHY DID I HAVE HATE INSIDE?

There would be a day where I would learn something new and I would think, “YES! THIS IS IT. I HAVE FOUND THE SECRET TO JOY.” Then within a day or two I would be back with the same hopeless, discouraged feelings that haunted me.

I was reading a book called “Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret” and at the end of the chapter called “Days of Darkness” there was a letter recorded to Hudson’s mother which said,

“My position becomes continually more and more responsible, and my need greater of special grace to fill it. But I have continually to mourn that I follow at such a distance and learn so slowly to imitate my precious Master.

I cannot tell you how I am buffeted sometimes by temptation. I never knew how bad a heart I have. Yet I do know that I love God and love His work, and desire to serve Him only and in all things.”

That was me. I found hope in that a renowned missionary who started a tremendous work for God struggled just as I was struggling.

Then later in the chapter “Exchanged Life” he was writing his sister and he said,

“… my mind has been greatly exercised for six or eight months past, feeling the need personally … of more holiness, life, power in our souls. But personal need stood first and was the greatest. I felt the ingratitude, the danger, the sin of not living nearer to God. I prayed, agonized, fasted, strove, made resolutions, read the Word more diligently, sought more time for meditation – but all without avail. Every day, almost every hour, the consciousness of sin oppressed me.

I knew that if only I could abide in Christ all would be well, but I could not. I would begin the day with prayer, determined not to take my eye off Him for a moment, but pressure of duties, sometimes very trying, and constant interruptions apt to be so wearing, caused me to forget Him. Then one’s nerves get so fretted in this climate that temptations to irritability, hard thoughts and sometimes unkind words are all the more difficult to control. Each day brought its register of sin and failure, of lack of power. To will was indeed “present with me,” but how to perform I found not.

Then came the question, is there no rescue? Must it be thus to the end – constant conflict, and too often defeat? How could I preach with sincerity that, to those who receive Jesus, “to them gave he power to become the sons of God” (i.e., Godlike) when it was not so in my own experience? … my heart would cry, in spite of all, ‘Abba, Father.’ But to rise to my privileges as a child, I was utterly powerless.

… And sometimes there were seasons not only of peace but of joy in the Lord; but they were transitory, and at best there was a sad lack of power. Oh, how good the Lord has been in bringing this conflict to an end!”

MY SOUL LONGED FOR WHAT HE HAD. HOW HAD HIS MISERY COME TO AN END?!!!

PIECE TWO – IT IS NOT OUR FAITH THAT RESULTS IN ANSWERED PRAYERS, BUT OUR STANDING IN CHRIST.

Hudson Taylor spoke of coming to the greater understanding of John 15.

John 15:4 – 11

V4. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

V5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

V6. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

V7. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

V8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

V9. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

V10. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

V11. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

He said,

“When my agony of soul was at its height… God revealed to me the truth of our ONENESS WITH JESUS as I had never known it before…

…But how to get faith strengthened? Not by striving after faith, but by resting on the Faithful One.”

He spoke of II Timothy 2:13, If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

He integrated this verse with I John 5:14 – 15, And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Further in the book, Hudson wrote this,

“… it is a wonderful thing to be really one with a risen and exalted Saviour, to be a member of Christ! Think what it involves. Can Christ be rich and I poor? Can your right hand be rich and your left poor? Or your head be well fed while your body starves? Again, think of its bearing on prayer. Could a bank clerk say to a customer, ‘It was only your hand, not you that wrote that check’; or ‘I cannot pay this sum to your hand, but only to yourself’? No more can your prayers or mine be discredited if offered in the name of Jesus (i.e., not for the sake of Jesus merely, but on the ground that we are His, His members) SO LONG AS WE KEEP WITHIN THE LIMITS OF CHRIST’S CREDIT – A TOLERABLY WIDE LIMIT! If we ask for anything unscriptural, or not in accordance with the will of God, CHRIST HIMSELF COULD NOT DO THAT. But ‘if we ask anything according to his will … we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

THIS WAS THE KEY, but I still did not grasp what it really meant or how to apply it to my life.

I prayed and cried and asked God to help me understood why these verses which answered all Hudson Taylors answers to peace and joy just did not make sense to me at all. I prayed for wisdom and understanding. I prayed even more for freedom from this oppressive despair.

GOD GRANTED ME MY PRAYER.

PIECE THREE – IF I PRAY IN THE NAME OF JESUS FOR GOD’S WILL IN MY LIFE, GOD IS BOUND BY HIS PROMISE THAT IT WILL BE GRANTED.

God always keeps His word.

I just couldn’t believe that John 15:7 (which says, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”) was actually true.

Now, I am a dispensationalist and any time a verse that makes such blatant promises in regard to prayer are given, I tend to say, “Yes. That was true for the disciples, but not for me.” That may be true for some aspects of Scripture, but God says that this is true for all those who abide in Him. I am saved. I harbor no iniquity in my heart. THEREFORE THIS MEANS ME, NOT JUST THE DISCIPLES.

So, my natural question was this: “If I pray in Jesus’ name and ask anything in your will, you have obligated Yourself that it shall be done unto me? Is that true?” His reply was this, “I CANNOT DENY MYSELF.”

Now before you stop reading this article or cry heresy, it took a little bit more information for me to understand how this REALLY APPLIED TO ME.

PIECE FOUR – GIVING UP “MY HAPPINESS” TO ACCEPT GOD’S WILL.

It was later by chance that I was perusing through a friend’s bookshelf and I borrowed a pile of books. One such book was, “The Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie OMartian.”

I have a wonderful husband, but as is true in most marriages, he is my opposite. The way I would do things is not the way that he does them. The way I search for God’s direction is not the way that he does. The way he communicates God’s dealings in his heart is not the way that I would. The things that I think are important may not even make a speck on his priority radar. Still, he is my best friend, and I would rather have him than anyone. He is just different.

The odd thing about marriage is this: when we marry, we become one. His direction in life becomes my direction in life. My stewardship can never overcome or rise above his stewardship. My ministry can never go further than his. Our identities are intertwined to where his success is mine and mine is his. Where I am lacking, he feels it. Where he is lacking, I feel it.

When I started reading “The Power of a Praying Wife”, I knew that I already had a good marriage but I didn’t realize that those things in my life that I hoped WOULD SOMEDAY CHANGE had such a grasp upon me.

There is a sample prayer at the end of each chapter in praying for your husband and the first chapter is to pray for “his wife.” One section that especially spoke to my heart was this,

“I lay all my expectations at Your cross. I release my husband from the burden of fulfilling me in areas where I should be looking to You. Help me to accept him the way he is and not try to change him. I REALIZE THAT IN SOME WAYS HE MAY NEVER CHANGE, but at the same time, I release him to change in ways I never thought he could. I leave any changing that needs to be done in Your hands, fully accepting that neither of us is perfect and never will be.”

When I got to the part that said, “HE MAY NEVER CHANGE” I broke down. You see, my hopes and dreams are intertwined into my life with him and to me this meant that if he never changed THAN MY DREAMS WOULD NEVER BE REALIZED. I would never be truly happy. I would never have the life that I always wanted. I would have to settle.

Oh, how horrible I felt when I brought my wonderful husband so low in my heart. How horrible, how selfish, how ugly my flesh revealed itself to be. I was content with my life for the moment, but not content for it to be that way always. Certainly, I thought, “God would give me the desires of my heart.” Yet, how could I have the desires of my heart if HE MAY NEVER CHANGE?”

I had to surrender to never getting what I wanted and to trust that God could make me happy in spite of it: surrendering to self denial.

PIECE FIVE: TRUSTING GOD TO FULFILL MY DESIRES THROUGH HIS LEADING OF MY HUSBAND. NOT THROUGH MY CONVERSATIONS WITH MY HUSBAND.

It's hard not to be able to trust what YOU feel.

Throughout this process, and I didn’t realize it at the time, God was working on this puzzle in my life. He had given me what seemed like disjointed pieces of things that I recognized as little nuggets, but I couldn’t even recognize them as pieces to the same puzzle.

Out of nowhere one evening as I was struggling with the idea of surrendering my ideals of what it would take for me to be happy, I was reading I Peter 3:4 - 6:

V4. 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.

V5. 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:

V6. 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.

For some reason in my broken state when I hit the words “which is in the sight of God of great price” I stopped and just started crying. Didn’t God understand that that was all I wanted? I wanted God to be happy with me. I wanted to be worth something to God. Why was my spirit in such distress?

I read further about “the holy women also, WHO TRUSTED IN GOD,” and just stopped.

‘WHO TRUSTED IN GOD!” I did not trust in God. I kind of trusted God: THROUGH MY TWO CENTS.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

A story that illustrates real trust:

My two heroes are Hudson Taylor and George Mueller. I did not know it, but George Mueller greatly influenced Hudson Taylor’s life. George Mueller started as a pastor of a small church and was paid from the money the church received through “pew renting.” He told the church that he would no longer allow pew renting because it made it impossible for the poor people to get close to the front to hear the gospel. He wanted the church to be no respecter of persons. By getting rid of pew renting, he also got rid of his income. From that point on he asked no one but God for any want or need. God brought him very low to try his faith, but by the end of George Mueller’s life he had established and was running orphanages that held thousands of children AND he was giving thousands of pounds monthly to missionaries, including Hudson Taylor.

Hudson Taylor was younger than George Mueller but through coming to understand God’s view of debt, he stepped away from the mission agency that was going into debt to support him and their other missionaries. He trusted that it was God’s will for his life to be a missionary and that God would support him in a way that lined up with Scriptures. He brought his wants and his needs to God alone in prayer. By the end of his life the China Inland Mission had asked God for thousands of missionaries to volunteer to China, and God granted them their prayer. They also financially supported those missionaries with hundreds of thousands of dollars a month from donors without EVER ASKING ANYONE FOR ANYTHING, and they NEVER went into debt.

Hudson told one of the young missionary helpers, “NEVER TELL ANYONE YOUR WANTS BUT GOD.”

____________________________________________________________________________________

When I read about those holy women “who trusted God” the doors opened up and I saw truth clearly for the first time. I had to TRUST GOD to grant me my desires THROUGH MY HUSBAND’S DIRECTION IN LIFE, because my husband leads our life’s direction.

This went back to Piece Four – Giving Up My Happiness to Accept God’s Will

You see, this just seemed hopeless. How in the world could God grant me my desires if it hinged upon my husband hearing my will in his devotions? Did you get that? He couldn’t hear MY WILL in his devotions at all. He would have to hear God’s will in God’s time. (I want to emphasize God’s time, because many men pray about many other matters that women don’t see as the most important things and therefore God’s leading seems to come too slowly.)

Ultimately, this meant that I had to start keeping my mouth shut and wait patiently while telling my wants only to God.

You may ask, “WHY?” Why shouldn’t I tell my husband my wants? What? Am I a doormat? Aren’t I his help meet for his needs? What if I see something that he doesn’t? Didn’t God put us together as opposites so that I could help balance out the areas in which he is lacking? If I don’t say something, WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAPPEN?!!!!!

My reply is this: I do give my opinion to my husband. What I am talking about here is the major areas of leading or disagreement in our home. I asked that God would lead my husband without my input and I trust that my husband will ask my input after he senses God’s leading. This is in contrast to many situations in which women “the neck” turn the husband “the head” in the direction in which they would like to go and then ask, convince, threaten or demand to the husband as to why this is “God’s will.”

This went back to Piece Three - IF I PRAY IN THE NAME OF JESUS FOR GOD’S WILL IN MY LIFE, GOD IS BOUND BY HIS PROMISE THAT IT WILL BE DONE UNTO ME.

PIECE SIX – PRAYER BRINGS HOPE

Children Find Joy in Their Parent's Hands

I knew:

That God was bound to His will being done in my life if I prayed for it in Jesus’ name.
God’s promise to grant me my desires if I delighted myself in Him.
That I could not truly pray for His will if I did not surrender what I wanted to accept what HE wanted.
That God could not get the glory and that I would bear a grave responsibility unless I brought my wants to God alone.
That in spite of it all, I was still afraid.

I started praying every day for different areas in my husband’s life; following the pattern in “The Power of the Praying Wife.” I prayed through the each chapter:

His Work – His Finances – His Sexuality – His Affection – His Temptations – His Mind – His Fears – His Purpose – His Choices – His Health – His Protection – His Trials – His Integrity – His Reputation – His Priorities – His Relationships – His Fatherhood – His Past – His Attitude – His Marriage – His Emotions – His Walk – His Talk – His Repentance – His Deliverance – His Obedience – His Self-Image – His Faith – His Future.

I realized that as I prayed for his finances, I was praying for mine. As I prayed for his purpose, I was praying for ours. As I prayed for his priorities, health, trials, integrity, and his future that God was bringing hope to my heart that He was hearing my desires and that He did indeed care. I started praying, “Lord, whatever ‘exceedingly abundantly above all I can ask or think’ means for our life, I LEAVE THAT IN YOUR HANDS. I pray that YOUR WILL BE DONE IN OUR LIVES.

I started making prayer a priority in my devotions and ordered our routine to include my “sweet hour of prayer” that I talk about in a different article. I began to feel like God was my friend and that He wanted to be with me. I was plagued with insecurity, but I began to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

PIECE SEVEN – SUBMIT YOURSELVES TO THE LORD, AND RESIST THE DEVIL

I recently heard an evangelist preaching and he asked us how a Christian can cause the devil to flee from their lives. We answered, “By resisting him.” He said that that was only part of it and made us read the whole verse.

He explained, “You see how it says, ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” You must submit your lives first.

He gave this illustration:

Imagine you are in your home and someone comes and knocks on the back door. You open the door and it is the devil. He says to you, “I can give you riches, fun, fame and success. All you have to do is give your life over to me.” Now you know that along with all that he offers eventually comes heartache, broken homes, despair and hell, but if you tell him “No!” he will just keep knocking and eventually wear you down.

At the same time, you hear a knock on the front door. You open it and it is God. He says, “I can offer you peace, joy, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith and eternity with Me. All you have to do is give your life over to me.” Still, along with the fruit of the spirit you are promised tribulations, sufferings and persecution and a race to run.

You ponder and pray and you turn to God and say, “I give my life to you. It is yours to do as You will.”

At this point you hear the familiar knock on the back door and you open it. Satan makes you the same offer. This time you reply, “My life is no longer mine to give. Go ask God for it!”

THAT IS WHY SATAN FLEES.

What does this have to do with overcoming despair and gaining joy, you may ask?

It was when I got to the chapter in the book on “His Mind” that I had a break through. Now let me premise this by saying that I am not of the Charismatic persuasion that all ails are spiritual and that demons are the cause of all my problems. Many of my problems are self inflicted by my own flesh. Yet, a few months before when I told my husband that I felt like I wasn’t “depressed, but rather oppressed” I did a study on the armour of God. (Ephesians 6:13) I prayed and I really believed that I was operating as an armoured soldier yet I could gain no real victory.

So as I read this chapter on “His Mind” the author said that many men don’t always see the traps of an enemy who wants him to believe that what he faces is insurmountable. His mind fills with words like ‘hopeless,’ ‘no good,’ ‘failure,’ ‘impossible,’ ‘it’s over’ and ‘why try?’ A wife can pray that her husband will DISCERN THE LIES and hear words like ‘hope, purpose, prosperity…’

Then in the sample prayer she said “By that authority given to me in Jesus Christ, I command all lying spirits away.”

I don’t believe I have any real authority, but in desperation I thought, “Lord, if there is any truth to this, if there is any chance that there really could be spiritual oppression over me than let this work.” I CRIED OUT, “IF YOU ARE REALLY OUT THERE. IF YOU ARE A LYING SPIRIT, THAN I PLEAD THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. I AM CLAIMING, James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. I HAVE SUBMITTED MY LIFE TO GOD EVEN IF IT MEANS I DENY MY WANTS. GO TAKE THIS UP WITH HIM!!!

PART TWO: PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

The next day I woke up and the cloud was gone. I felt like I could breathe. I wasn’t drowning in the thick darkness that came from within me. I wasn’t sure if it would be lasting or not, because it just seemed too free. Day after day and a few weeks passed and I still had joy. Even my husband noticed that something was different. I had won.

It was through my daily devotions that I put the pieces together.

I have my reasons as to why I believe there was spiritual oppression in my life. I can look back over this year and look at the things that my husband and I were studying in the Bible. I see the sacrifices that we had to choose. I see the questions we were asking God about ministry and the purpose for our lives. I see where we were and where we are today and how if we had believed lies instead of patiently waiting and searching out the truth no matter how hard God’s Word was to believe that we could have shipwrecked our future.

A scary truth that I also saw was that I COULD HAVE SHIPWRECKED OUR FUTURE by being a stumblingblock to my husband. I say this over and over again; a wife is a powerful thing. She can break a good man and she can build a weak man.

Just as Eve was deceived by Satan and then persuaded Adam to follow her direction, we to can do the same to our husbands. We know how we can wear them down. God put them as our head for a reason. We are easily deceived. I WAS THE EMOTIONAL WRECK. I WAS THE ONE BEING DECEIVED. If I had allowed my emotions to ride over into our home and marriage, my husband could have made bad decisions. Keep your attitude, tongue and spirit in check and TAKE IT TO THE LORD IN PRAYER.

I had to learn that even if I lacked faith, that through my position and prayer in Christ, God was faithful to bring His will in my life. (Although this did not mean that others in my life would be in His will, but that daily I could expect His will and my attitude could reflect that knowledge.) He would not ask anything of me that He would not give me the tools with which to accomplish them.
God’s promise gave me the confidence to start praying, and I made “quiet time” a part of my and my children’s morning routine.
If I had not had the confidence to start praying, than I would not have had to face my fears that “my wants” would never come to pass.
If I had not surrendered my wants, I could not have claimed “my desires” that God promised, by faith.
If I had not claimed “my desires” than I would not have trusted that God could bring them to pass any way He wanted… and He wanted to do it through my husband: trusting God like the holy women of old. (You may not have a husband, but if you are a woman; you probably have a male head or authority by whom you should seek counsel concerning your large life decisions. Yielding to their wisdom may come at a cost.)
If I had not trusted God and submitted to His order of leadership than I could not have found REST IN PRAYER. It is that rest that enables the meek and quiet spirit: no longer being at your wit’s end about matters.
If I had not submitted to God’s entire leadership and believed His will for my life was “exceedingly abundantly above all I could ask or think” and that He would bring it about through the leadership of my husband than I would have had no power in claiming James 4:7 and the oppression would still be upon me.
If the oppression was still upon me I would not have the joy in seeing God’s glory and truth in my life. I would instead be submitting to the fiery darts of lies.

MY ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU

Commit your works unto the Lord and your thoughts shall be established.
Read my article on Devotions and commit to bringing everything to God in prayer.
Bring your wants to God only.
As you share with God your wants, start trading them for His will.
Ask God’s will for you day each day and then as trials come, accept them as part of His will. Receive His grace knowing that He will not ask of you a task for which He will not supply you the resources to complete. That is true in every area; your marriage, child training, finances, homemaking skills or ministry.
Remember that you can ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS TRUST GOD. Songs I listened to for encouragement were: If You Never Tell Me Why (Talley Trio), Yet Will I Trust Him (Mark Rogers), Trust His Heart (Mark Rogers), The Potter Knows the Clay (The Perrys), He Will Hide Me (The Perrys), I Surrender All, Holy Holy Holy, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Hold On (Dani and Matt Craig), and I Am Crucified With Christ (Dani and Matt Craig)

God is Clean. Why Shouldn't Your Music Be? The Messenger of the Music

2010-09-23T15:04:00.001-06:00

THE MESSENGER

There are two areas that relate to the messenger of the music. The first is the testimony of the person. The second is how they relay the message.

POINT ONE – LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD SAY SO: THEIR TESTIMONY.

WAIT A MINUTE! WHO IS THAT BOY SITTING WITH MY DAUGHTER?

You have probably heard of boys who come to church just so that they can date someone’s daughter. Every Christian parent’s security alert should go off when a Christian girl raised in church has decided that this non-Christian boy isn’t so bad after all.

The story goes like this:

She was out with some friends or was at school and she was introduced to him. She is sure that his intentions aren’t anything but transparent and he might even be a Christian after all because he seems like such a good guy.

As time goes by she notices some negative things about him, but the bad things have been far outweighed by the great time they have together and how she feels when she is with him. Why are people being so picky and judgmental about him anyway? They don’t know him like she does.

She decides; the church is just full of hypocrites who don’t even care about her as much as he does. So despite her loving family who fell in love with her the moment they laid eyes on her, who taught her to ride a bike, who prayed with her before she went to bed, who cheered as she set a spike in volleyball, who tentatively offered her the keys to their nearly paid off vehicle as she got her driver’s permit; she disregards all their concern and CHOOSES THE BOY.

Who is this boy?

He certainly isn’t respectful of the parent’s wishes. He certainly does not care about her upbringing. He certainly doesn’t care about the danger of rebellion. He doesn’t care about the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life. In fact, he thinks that there isn’t anything wrong with any of them. They make things more fun. He cares about the here and now.

Regardless of who this boy is we know one thing. He is not a “child of the King.” He does not have the wisdom that comes with the fear of God. He is not a servant of the cross. Sadly, this boy is a child of disobedience. He is a slave to the prince and power of the air. His master, whether he knows it or not is SATAN.

A good pastor once said, “A CHILD OF GOD HAS NO BUSINESS MARRYING A CHILD OF THE DEVIL.”

THIS NEW FLAME MAY BE STRONGER BUT THAT OLD FLAME HAS BEEN BURNING LONGER.


The Eternal Flame

I have mentioned previously about the passage in I Corinthians 6 which tells us to come out and be separate from the world and all unrighteousness.

I want to point out that when it says in verse 14, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” THIS DOES NOT JUST REFER TO MARRIAGE.

If you have read the section in this about my testimony you will remember the control that music had over me. It had become a part of who I was and was personally connected to my memories and experiences.

As a love song played, I romanticized about the singer and how passionate they were. As someone angrily sang of a break up and betrayal I bonded with them because they understood me and had been there too. When I wanted to feel crazy and free I turned to the singer who just “got it” and their music made me want to dance or be rambunctious.

They didn’t know who I was but I knew who they were. I read about them. I followed their stories online. I watched their biographies on television. Their stories BECAME PART OF MY STORY. I had grown up with them and they helped shape me. We were yoked together in a way from which I have yet to become free.

When I am in the store and I hear a familiar song, my mind goes back. When I hear the name of an “old friend” performer my ears perk up to see how they are doing. They are like the old flame that never dies.

SO WHAT’S YOUR POINT MELISSA?

My point is this. If your close friends should be Christians, if your spouse or future spouse should be a Christian, if your pastor (who you listen to LESS THAN YOUR MUSIC) should be a Christian, than the people who sing a message to you over and over should also be Christians. A CHILD OF GOD HAS NO BUSINESS BEING YOKED WITH A CHILD OF THE DEVIL.

Here is the good part about this though, IF…

1. You have gone through your lyrics and only have words that are honoring to God. You should no longer have the message of fornication, drugs, drinking, partying, or death piping in your ears.

2. You have analyzed your music and have gone through the battle of getting rid of any that have a sensuous or driving rhythm.

… THAN YOU PROBABLY DON’T HAVE MANY PEOPLE WHO AREN’T SAVED IN YOUR PLAYLIST.

POINT TWO – HOW THEY EXPRESS THE MESSAGE

FOR SOME REASON I CAN’T IMAGINE MARILYN MONROE SINGING HOLY, HOLY, HOLY.

Boy is it hard to find a decent picture of Marilyn Monroe.

I wasn’t alive back then, but I have heard stories and seen parodies of Marilyn Monroe singing “Happy Birthday” to a president. She sang in a sultry, breathy voice exuding “bedroom talk.” I was reminded of this when I briefly heard Jessica Simpson singing “O Holy Night.” When I was in college there was a girl who sang “People Need the Lord” in a way that made the congregation blush.

There is something to be said for the presentation of a song.

IDENTIFYING SATAN’S VOICE

I don’t want to reiterate too much of what I said in the “music” section, but I want to remind you that Satan’s fruit is very different than the fruit of the Spirit. EVERYTHING SATAN DOES IN UNCLEAN.

Satan’s fruit promotes:

Sensuality: God refers to this as “chambering” (Romans 13:13). It is when the holy, undefiled, sensuality of the marriage bed that God was open, yet discreet about throughout the Bible becomes public knowledge. It is when the man’s bed chamber is open to all. HELLO HOLLYWOOD ANYONE?

War Without: Bitterness, wrath, anger, malice, clamour, evil speaking, filthy communications.

War Within: Sadness, depression, suicide. These are the opposite of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, gentleness, and faith.

THAT PREACHER WAS SO DRY HE STARTED TO CRACK

I want to briefly divert from what type of vocal expression is Satan’s and speak about the ideology of emotions within music. I remember a teacher in college that taught on a subject that could have been exciting. In fact this section of the Bible is one of my favorite places to read. Yet the teacher recited off an outline that we were to hand copy into our notes. There was very little expository explanation and even less were the illustrations and stories that brought the subject to life. This man loved the Bible, no doubt. Yet, he lacked PASSION in his delivery. I don’t think I learned a thing.

On the flip side we see evangelists that God calls into the ministry. They preach the same messages over and over. They are “professional preachers.” Initially that term “professional preachers” could make you feel that they are sell outs, artificial, proud in their ability, or maybe relying solely on their “gift or oration.” Their professionalism must somehow make them less spiritual or heartfelt.

The truth is that God has just allowed their livelihood to be their ministry as well, and they just do a good job doing what God has called them to do. They could get dry and repetitive as they have probably told the same illustration one hundred times already that year, but GOD GIVES THEM PASSION about what they preach. Only their family knows how many times they preached that same message that year. As a listener, we feel that God meant that message for us, AND GOD DID MEAN IT FOR US, and the preacher fulfilled his calling and delivered the message well.

The same is true for singing. God said for us to sing skillfully with a loud noise (Psalm 33:3). He didn’t JUST say to sing with a joyful noise. (Psalm 98:44) Just as the preacher works to better his message, the singer should do the same. This does not make the singer less spiritual.

In the same light, just because a singer sings with emotion does not mean that the singer is being sensuous or prideful. If a singer strictly sang the notes with no emotion, passion or zeal but with skill that would make it no better than one who sang with conviction or interpretation. When a preacher preaches dynamically with voice inflection and fervor to some it may be the enthusiasm the drives the message home and to another it may be a distraction. Yet, it does not mean the preacher was wrong in how he preached. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all shared the same message but in a different way.

MY HUSBAND DOESN’T LIKE TOMATOES, BUT I DO…

There are good choral arrangements sung with precision and skill. There are some great quartet arrangements sung with joy and harmony. There are more soothing hymns sung with solos and various arrangements. There are solo pieces that reach into the heart in a prayerful way or bring glory to the majesty of God. There are some uplifting praise and worship songs that edify the Lord in a holy way, and there are instrumental pieces that bring awe of God’s mathematical genius in the intricacies of orchestration. All are acceptable, but all may not meet your personal taste.

Someone recently told me this illustration and I thought it was very good. Biblical guidelines about music are indeed black and white. Yet, once you filter through those steps, God allows personal taste. Music boundaries are not like the center line of a highway, they are instead like a road set within the two white outside lines. Your individual tastes have liberty within GOD’S BOUNDARIES.

STAY OFF THE SHOULDER

Outside of the white lines on a road you will find what is called the shoulder. This is the small edge before you go off of the road.

What type of singing is outside of God’s boundaries; the shoulder so to speak. Let me reemphasize this GOD IS CLEAN. A VOICE SHOULD BE CLEAN when it is expressing any message.

1. Breathiness – There is a type of breathiness that exudes sensuality. This type of expression should be left between a husband and a wife alone. It has no place in music.

2. Yelling, Raging, Screaming – This is not singing. It is not a way in which we would / should communicate to our children, family or friends. It is not holy communication. It is not uplifting. It should have no place in our music.

3. Sadness – The fruit of the spirit is that of joy and hope. Yet many singers sing in a husky, unclear, almost whiny voice that brings attention to the emotion of the song and the singer. Yet, the emotion it conveys is not one of joy. The emotion it brings across is angst and sadness. Look for a clear voice that comes naturally from within that expresses cleanly a positive lyric.

GOD IS CLEAN – WHY SHOULDN’T YOUR MUSIC BE: CONCLUSION AND CHALLENGE

I hope you understand my heart and that I want everyone to be free from the power of the flesh and understand how to steer clear of Satan’s music. It is a tool that is part of him that he precisely wields and at which he has become an expert in the past thousands of years. If you haven’t read MY TESTIMONY yet, please do so.

You have had the opportunity to look at THE LYRICS of your music and recognize that GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR THE MESSAGE within music. We should limit our idle listening and feed our spirit with words that bring glory to God and peace to our hearts.

THE MUSIC BEHIND THE LYRICS has been explained to help identify Satan’s music, and I have answered some questions from some readers to further clarify that SATAN DOES INDEED HAVE A MUSIC – HOW TO IDENTIFY IT. This section of purging your music would tend to be the most difficult because the pull of Satan’s music is a strong one. It seems so innocent and fun, yet it is not playing with you.

The importance of separating from the world and not becoming “yoked” with children of disobedience has been focused upon here in THE MESSENGER OF THE MUSIC. Also, you should be discerning about the voices and expression of the singer and look to see if it comes from a good tree or a corrupt tree by analyzing it’s fruit; sensuality, war without or war within.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE HOW TO BE FREE FROM YOUR MUSIC AND WHAT MUSIC IS AVAILABLE THAT MEETS GOD’S GUIDELINES, I would recommend a few steps.

1. Take a month off from music and pray that God gives you victory over the power of music.

2. Spend the next month listening to music like that which can be found on www.oldchristianradio.com a 24 hour on-line radio station. The music on this station is available to purchase through the site and it is ALL above board.

3. After that second month, start picking and choosing from other Christian music genres like “The Wilds,” “Ron Hamilton or Frank Garlock, Greater Vision, The Perrys, The Cathedrals, Mark Rogers, or The Mark Trammel Trio. NOT ALL ALBUMS ARE 100% ALL THE TIME: SPIT OUT THE BONES. With prayer you should be able to spot that which is clean and that which is not.

4. ENJOY THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT AND COUNT EVERY DAY WITHOUT SATAN’S MUSIC A VICTORY AGAINST THE FLESH.

Music and Rhythm ... Response to Comments

2010-09-13T23:28:00.002-06:00

This file was too large to put as a comment, so I made it a post.

First I would like to thank you all for being so respectful in your comments. I hope you find my heart to be the same. I also hope this makes sense as I wrote it quickly and late at night.

I would dare to say that "A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still." Therefore, I do not believe that what I am about to say will change your opinion.

I am responding for those who may not be "fully persuaded" (Romans 14) in their conscience.

I typed in African Dance and after several pictures with nudity, I came across this "cleaner" one. I want to point out that much African rhythm bear fruit of the holiness of God. That does not say that all "negro" music is the same.

Tamra: I can honestly say that the thought about syncopation being racist never came to my mind. I don't consider music a matter of race, but a core part that speaks to human nature (whether that nature be the flesh or the spirit.)

That being said, I do believe that there are clean negro spirituals. I believe that many predominantly black churches have a beautiful sound to their choir, and that God has given that race a very special gift.

For Instance this video of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has the historic "negro" harmony, but they have a clean rhythm. It is edifying to God and does not promote a sensual movement.

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - I'm Amazed

What I said about rhythm I believe to be the truth regardless of if it comes out of Ray Charles', Elvis's or Gerald Wolf's recording. There are many parts of music and all should be scrutinized according to God's Word.

I hope you do not feel as if I glazed over your comment lightly. I just want to further explain my point about rhythm in relation to Derby's comment as it is a certain rhythm (regardless of it's origin) is the matter in question.

Derby:

I love how your organized your content. I am going to respond to a couple of points. You said that you feel a part of my argument is;

"1) Music with certain (driving or sensuous) beats influences persons in certain ways.

2) A thing that influences persons in these certain ways is evil.

3) Music with certain beats is evil."

I want to point out that the above parts of what I said are in relation to JUST the fruit of a music.

I would like to go back to the foundation for the article. It is:

1. God has one way of doing things.

2. Satan has a completely separate way of doing things. He takes what God has made good and perverts it.

3. God want NOTHING to do with ANY PART of Satan's perversions.

Therefore,

1. God has a music.

2. Satan has a music.

TRUE?

Going back to Exodus (paraphrase), Joshua said, "It is the noise of war," "Moses replied,

Crazy, but there is a "Screamo" style "Christian music."

Does this look like God wants ANYTHING to do with it? Who's fruit is here? You know what the underlying rhythm of Screamo is? Check out "Flight of the Bumblebee" on the previous Music post.

Exodus 32:18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.

It is very clear that it was not the confusion in the camp that sounded like war, it was the sound of their singing that was like the "noise of war."

I also am aware that it was Aaron that told them to take off their clothes to show their shame.

I wanted to show a correlation (and it is an easy one to see) that the music caused dancing, was related to idol worship and brought them to shame and nakedness.

THAT IS THE FRUIT OF THE DEVIL!

Again I would like to point out that this was one of the "cleanest" pictures I could find. Satan's sensual music does not bear the fruit of holiness. If you took the words out of your music, could you dance this kind of dance to it?

If it is indeed true that:

1. Satan has a music.

2. A corrupt tree CANNOT bring forth good fruit.

3. God gave this illustration of Satan's music being involved with idolatry, a type of dancing, and the shame of nakedness.

Can we not all see what other type of music brings forth this same fruit? Therefore, it MUST BE from Satan's music.

RHYTHM: I BETTER NOT CATCH YOU TAPPING YOUR TOE! (Sarcasm)

I believe you misunderstood me as you commented,

"It follows that rhythm is also good when it is used in a proper way. Yet you reach the opposite conclusion:"

I do not have a different conclusion than "rhythm is also good when it is used in a proper way." That WAS my point of the illustration of a marriage bed.

My point was this: A PERVERTED RHYTHM is wrong.

So I go back to the natural question;

"What is a perverted rhythm?"

1. One that sounds like war.

2. One that causes sensuality.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Now on that point, I know that I spoke specifically of the nudity in Exodus, but my goodness, it is OBVIOUS that Satan uses sensuality and all forms of sensuality to pervert Christians. THAT IS HIS MAJOR TOOL. That is why God speaks so much about abstaining from touching, fornication, lasciviousness, and all manners of sexual filth.

I didn't think I needed to talk much about sensuality, because it is common knowledge that Satan uses it.

How do I know that he uses it's rhythm in his music?

This is where I go back to the fruit aspect of the argument. It is not the key of my argument, it is in addition to the foundation.

Satan HAS A MUSIC. I hope it is not at this point that we disagree.

Yet, could you tell me what his music is? Neither Moses nor Joshua heard the words, they heard the singing / music first.

So, here is the question again.

Outside of it sounding like war or promoting sensuality / fornication, how do you identify it?

The Bible answers: "By it's fruit you shall know them."

What is the fruit of a rock rhythm? Sex, drugs and suicide. This is statistically true.

Again, what is the fruit of a sensual rhythm? Kids in the backseat of a car after dances, adultery, Hollywood.

If this is the fruit of that rhythm, (and it is a very obvious one to the world. It seems to be only Christians who argue it) than it is the fruit of a corrupt tree.

SOME CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN...

Look at the pictures. Can you identify which one is NOT the Christian rock concert?

This one ISN'T.

How than can Rich Mullins seem to have a different fruit?

Because God's Word can not return void.

GOD'S WORD HAS FRUIT.

Yet, it doesn't mean that God was pleased with a music that mixes His message with Satan's rhythm.

He is the one who stated five different ways in II Corinthians 6 that He DID NOT want ANYTHING to do with Satan and his perversions. GOD is the one who said that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. GOD SAID in Revelation that,

Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

He doesn't want a mixture. He wants it all clean or all world. It is vile to Him to have the mixture.

I personally believe that many forms (not all) of Contemporary Christian are WORSE than blatant music like Slipnot because it goes specifically against what God wants. He would rather spew it out of His mouth than have it sung "in HIS name."

My pastor said that some people say that "Christian Rock" is a bridge for lost people to God, but it is more true that it is a bridge the other direction.

In conclusion in response to your reference that music with wrath seems appropriate;

I would like to point out that wrath is fine for God, but not for the Christian.

Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Col 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Col 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

Col 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Music should not provoke that within us which God has told us to put away.

God is Clean. Why Shouldn't Your Music Be? The music behind the lyrics

2010-09-08T02:12:00.009-06:00

THE MUSIC

I have labored over this section. It is without a doubt the hardest part to explain with just words. It is a little longer than my other points, but it is honest, informative and well worth it.

It is not just a difficult point to describe; it is a difficult point to accept. It doesn’t take much discernment to understand whether lyrics are good or bad. Still, while it doesn’t take a ton of discernment to recognize Satan’s music, it does take some. Even so, once you recognize his beat, it is still hard to admit to it as such.

I groan inside when I hear people say the following, “Music is a gray area in the Bible.” It’s a lie. I want to say that again, because I think it is important. THAT IS A LIE. The Bible has a lot to say about music. If you don’t believe me, go reread the Scriptures under the “Lyrics” section. Please do not fall into this trap.

THE TRAP IS SET

I want to tell you a story.

We have a cat. We like our cat. She is trained to go to the bathroom outside. You can imagine our frustration upon waking up in the morning and smelling that potent smell of cat urine in our family room. It was frustrating the first day; it was infuriating several months into it.

Yet, it was not what it seemed to be. It was not our cat. It was Tom Cats in the neighborhood coming to our cat door and spraying it. They sprayed our entire patio as well as our shed door. One time they sprayed right into our screen while our bedroom window was open at night.

Our mother-in-law got us this awesome grill with a grill cover for fifteen dollars. It was an answer to prayer and we were so happy to have it. The very next day we woke up and had “spray” every six inches on our grill cover.

We tried cayenne pepper in tuna, bleach, gasoline, special stuff you sprinkle around your house to detract cats and nothing worked. I love animals, but I HATED these cats.

Then one day while talking to a friend about our problem, they told me about this cat trap they had. It was a wire, rectangular cage with a trap door. You set it on the ground, place tuna fish at the far end of it. As the cats walk on the weight / lever release the door closes. “MUHAHAHA,” I wickedly laughed in my head. This will get them! (Did I mention I HATED these cats? I hated waking up to urine around the outside of my house. I hated the thought of them. I wanted them dead; humanely of course.)

So, the night I got the trap I set it up. I put the tuna fish in the end of it. I covered it with a camouflage blanket. I opened my door to sneak inside and MY STUPID CAT GOT OUT. BAH! I thought, “NOOOOO! I’m going to have to stay out here all night and catch my cat.”

No sooner than the thought ran through my head, I saw my cat peek around the corner with her nose in the air. I could just imagine her thinking, “What IS that delicious smell?” She followed her nose to the end of the camouflaged trap. She sniffed every inch of that blanket as I thought, “Oh my goodness. This is EXACTLY how Satan must view us; an EASY catch.” All I needed was a little tuna and a lot of camouflage and it took less then five minutes. I grabbed my cat as she stuck her head in the front of the trap.

The next morning the main Tom Cat was also trapped. Every time we set the trap, without fail we would wake up to a very annoyed cat and we gladly hauled them off.

Music is Satan's trap. It's so enjoyable and doesn't seem like a trap at all. We just ease right into it a little bit at a time. Yet, the Bible says, "Commit thy works unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established." We need to use our head and study what the Bible DOES have to say about the subject rather than being duped by Satan into thinking it's "just a gray area."

The Bible says in II Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

WHO WANTS TO EAT FOOD THAT HAS SOMEONE’S HAIR IN IT?

Satan is a copycat in everything that God does. His version is never as good as God’s, but still has a lure. If you recognize it for what it is, you will see the difference is that everything that Satan does leads to filth and everything that God does leads to cleanliness and holiness.

God wants NOTHING to do with ANY BIT of Satan’s FILTH.

If our bodies are the Temple of God, we should handle Satan's music like Hazardous Material.

II Corinthians 6:13 - 18

V13. Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
V14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
V15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
V16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
V17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
V18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Just as a person’s stomach turns as they have to pull out just ONE strand of hair from its obvious invasion in a plate of food, so does God with JUST ONE beat of Satan’s beat intermingled with His. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

1 Corinthians 5:6 – 8

V6. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
V7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
V8. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

God’s music has no likeness or mixture with unrighteousness, darkness or uncleanliness.

MOSES WASN’T AN IDIOT. HE WAS THE GREATEST LEADER IN HISTORY.

People try to say that the music doesn’t matter as long as the words are good. They try to say that God created all music therefore it is all good.

God created Satan and he rebelled.

Yet, God created Adam and he sinned.

Furthermore, God’s word shows that there is a music that is no good as well as a sinful type of dancing and dress or lack of it that goes with it.

Exodus 32:17 – 20, 25

V17. And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.
V18. And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
V19. And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
V25. And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)

I LOVE THIS NEXT PART …

Exodus 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me…

Moses asked those who were on the Lord’s side to come out from the filth, the riotous music, and the naked, idolatrous dancing.

Sound familiar?

II Corinthians 6:17, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate…”

WELL, HOW DO WE KNOW WHICH MUSIC IS GOD’S AND WHICH IS SATAN’S THEN?

This mention of music in Exodus is the first time that music is ever mentioned in the Bible. God’s wisdom never ceases to amaze me in how He encompasses every part of Satan’s tools in this brief description. Satan doesn’t use all of these aspects in every one of his songs, but he uses at least one of them in each.

FIRST: “There is a noise of war in the camp.” The driving rhythm.

I don’t know if you’ve watched many live sports events, X games, played an adrenalin laden video game, gone to a secular team practice or seen footage of a rebel camp in Africa training children for war; they all play the same type of music.

It is a driving music. It amps you up. You don’t tap your toe, your head starts moving in a methodic way, your body starts reacting, your pulse raises, your ready … your ready… your ready… let’s go, go, GO, GO, GO, GOOOOOOO! RAAHHHHHHHHHH!

STOP!

It’s not clean. It’s not harmonic; it’s noise. It’s noise of war.

SECOND: “… he saw the calf and the dancing… the people were naked…” A rhythm that still drives, but sensually.

There is a clean type of dancing.

There is an unclean type of dancing.

Why do you think there is a token dance scene in children’s movies? It’s because SATAN WANTS CHILDREN dirty. Do you really think that God is going to have anything to do with putting a dance scene in a child’s movie, or any movie for that fact?

Who is behind fornication, pedophiles, teen sex, adultery, pornography, and every lurid sexual act? Satan? How does he get them there? One step at a time. Where does he start? With your very basic sensual awakening.

Satan’s rhythm is a driving rhythm. In this case it drives your body in a sensual way.

______________________________________________________________________________

You’ve got NuMusic, Pop, HipHop, Rock and Country all are very different, but all have the same underlying rhythm.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN AN UNDERLYING RHYTHM?

I haven’t really paid attention to secular music much since I went “cold turkey.” As my heart wanted to serve God, I just said, “If it sounds like a secular station, regardless of the words I won’t listen to it at all.”

Well, except I found that I couldn’t figure out a couple of inconsistencies.

NPR (National Public Radio) is a secular station for sure, but it played some classical music that I considered good and some that I considered bad. How could that be? (Audio examples to follow)

Bluegrass (front porch music) was often good Christian music with no sensual or riotous rhythm, but there was also secular music with the same sound.

I liked quartet music, but what about the barbershop quartets? Weren’t they secular?

The other day when I was going through the gigantic 1,000 song purge with my good friend lasting into the wee hours of the morning it became OBVIOUS to the BOTH OF US the difference between good music and bad music. It wasn’t the style of the music it was the BEAT of the music. It didn’t matter if it was a slow song or a fast song it was how the beat was emphasized.

If it wasn’t all throughout a song, without a doubt about halfway through the song we would enter a chorus where the song reached its climax and it didn’t matter if it was Linkin Park, Eminem, Lady Gaga, B.o.B., Def Leopard, The Eagles, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner or Rich Mullins they all started this rhythm. It was as if nearly every beat was emphasized.

Here is an example of Amy Grant. You will hear the driving beat at around the 20 second mark and than a variation of the rhythm at 1.20 second mark when you hear the full song.

Amy Grant - Sing Praise to the Lord

God's rhythm was different. The rhythm was a clean, straightforward mathematical one. (Tap and count out loud and accent the count that is in bold to get the feeling.)

1, 2, 3, 4: 1, 2, 3, 4: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 1, 2, 3: 1, 2, 3: 1, 2, 3: 1, 2, 3: or 1, 2: 1, 2: or even a mildly syncopated rhythm like 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &:

Satan's was:

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &: or Bah du du da da, Bah du du da da, etc. and anyway that any extra beats could be added and emphasized therein.

(Now, PLEASE do not send me hateful comments about "How I shouldn't have put these here." I tried to find clean videos with the best description I could find of how Satan can pervert anything, even good classical music.) There are many variations of these rhythms in Satan's music, but this will give you a good understanding of the "underlying theme."

CANON IN D - Originally. A true masterpiece of mathematics and beauty.

CANON IN D - With Satan's Sensual Rythm on YouTube

or

FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE - Originally: Fun and clean

FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE - Songs of War Rhythm. YouTube

Do you see how the rhythm DRIVES THE MUSIC.

SO DOES THAT MEAN THAT DRUMS AND GUITARS ARE BAD?

10 STRING GUITAR

If there is anything that I hear just as much as “music is a gray area in the Bible” it is this ideology; "Because guitars and drums are rhythmic instruments they must be bad." Some go so far as to say that any instrument is not good because it pulls at the heart and feeds the flesh. That is just foolish. Because just like the “marriage bed” is great within “the marriage,” rhythm is also good when it is clean. It is Satan who perverts its natural use.

You see, some people with good intentions go to extremes that God never intended. In fact, I can’t think of an extreme that ever is really good.

God says Himself,

Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his
delight.

Proverbs 20:23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

We see in 1Ti 6:17 that it is “the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”

To take from God’s people what He gave them to enjoy and which truly glorifies Him by presenting His awesomeness and mathematical brilliance and harmony, we would in turn lose balance and become an abomination. Then Satan would have even more power to wield with his tool as we are naturally created with a love for music.

What God really said about instruments was this;

Psa 33:2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

Psa 92:3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

2Sa 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.

1Chronicles 16:42 And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were porters.

2Chronicles 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;

In these passages there are all manner of instruments including stringed instruments, timbrels and cymbals; all which are used for rhythm. RHYTHM IS NOT BAD. SATAN’S RHYTHM IS.

It is hard to be sensual or driven with a standard march 4/4 rhythm, a 3/4 : 6/8 waltz rhythm, or an upbeat 2/2. One does not cause another to lust nor incite rioting by tapping his or her toe or clapping one’s hands in joy.

ROTTEN APPLES AND WASTED LIVES

I ask you to be honest with yourself and see if you are willing to surrender all? I know it’s easy to say, “Yes, I surrender all, but what you are saying is just YOUR interpretation of the Bible. I don’t REALLY have to give up music because the Bible doesn’t mean what you are saying it means. I have surrendered my all, and God hasn’t asked me to give up music.”

If you need further proof that there is a music that is Satan’s and therefore needs to be purged as the “old leaven” that it is then let’s look at more Scripture.

Matthew 7:17-20

V17. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
V18. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
V19. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
V20. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

The Bible says that it a good tree CANNOT bring forth evil fruit.

Let’s look at the fruit of God’s music.

Gal 5:22-24
V22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
V23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
V.24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

I was trying to explain it to my friend this way. Many people who make the switch from Satan’s music to God’s music say this. “BUT IT’S SOOOOOO BORING.”

It is because God’s music is clean and peaceful. It is meant that way on purpose. The music is not the driving factor. It is in the background and is meant to emphasize the words, not to detract from them. When the rhythm builds it is in anticipation of the message and the majesty of God. Even the faster more upbeat songs seem odd because they are clear cut and almost childlike, but they exude joy and goodness.

God’s music is clear so that it can minister to you with the words and message of God.

It can take you from a place of turmoil and tear down the walls of your heart and bring you to the “Haven of Rest for your soul.”
When you sing “Grace, grace, God’s grace” you can endure longsuffering.
When you sing “What a Friend we have in Jesus” or “Sweet Hour of Prayer” you can feel the gentleness of your One True Friend.
When you sing “Rescue the Perishing Care for the Dying” that charitable, unnatural love that brings you through discomfort to courage and “Victory in Jesus” to “Bring in the Sheaves” BEARS FRUIT of that “tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Which brings me to the second point…

Psalm 1:4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Satan’s music does not bring you peace in the midst of your trials. It DISTRACTS YOU FROM THEM. It says loudly, “LISTEN TO ME, LISTEN TO ME! LISTEN TO ME!” “I’M FUN! YOUR PROBLEMS DON’T MEAN ANYTHING WHILE YOU HAVE ME WITH YOU.”

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

Your parents are still getting a divorce.

You wonder if there really is “someone out there for you.”

Your wife shows you no respect.

Your husband still spends too much time on the computer.

Your paycheck isn’t getting any higher.

Will you ever measure up?

Your anxiety and depression still makes you want to go straight to bed when you get home and plug your Ipod back into your ears.

While you are distracted with Satan’s “fun for a season” the mountain of problems gets higher and higher until one day it is quiet.

What do you do when it is quiet and there is nothing to distract you?

Where does your mind go?

Your mind goes to that mountain of despair. You heard someone say once that God could help you through anything, but you know deep down inside that THERE IS NO HOPE.

That is the fruit of Satan’s tree of music; DEATH. No one can hide it. Look at how many of the world’s musicians commit suicide or die at an early death. Look at their cover art. It's all death.

Listen to the words of their music; it is sadness, despair, heartache, revenge, rebellion, drinking, drugs, fornication which all lead to disease and death. A CORRUPT TREE CANNOT BRING FORTH GOOD FRUIT.

Heavy Metal Group "Slip Not" in Concert.

That is why I am writing this. That is why my heart aches right now. That is why I want to warn every naïve and hurting person and say it is nothing but a trap. It is Satan’s smoke in glass. Satan and Death walk hand in hand. The only one who has beaten them is CHRIST. THERE IS HOPE.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Isaiah 26:3 -4

V3. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
V.4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

I told my husband the other day that I was just feeling discouraged about something and that I needed to listen to music. I have several playlists and one specifically is called "Hope and Trust." It is MY way of having my "mind stayed on" God.

I know that I can trust the message of those songs, and I also find comfort in knowing that those singing have experienced the same things that I have and are able to minister to my heart.

(Updated: After a few comments from readers, I answered, on the linked post, their questions concerning the idea that there ARE sinful rhythms.)

CONTINUED: MUSIC AND RHYTHM - Response to comments

Next I will cover that exact point; the MESSENGER of the music.

Music: God is clean. Why shouldn't your music be? - Intro: A personal testimony ...

2010-09-02T22:04:00.010-06:00

MY TESTIMONY

This section on music is meant to help those Christians who:

Are already interested in only having music which helps them further their walk with God.
Are struggling with their music collection; knowing that it is not all honoring to God, but they don't know how or what to toss.

It is meant to exhort all Christians to ponder their own music to see if it is in line with God's Word, not just man's ideas, and consider if there is anything that they may need to purge.

I remember driving in the car with my parents listening to old cassette tapes of Squire Parsons singing “Beulah Land.” I remember belting out, “John saw jasper walls …” with the Gold City. I remember sitting in my bedroom at the age of five listening to “The Kingsmen Quartet” sing “What a Day That Will Be.”

I remember going to Christian book stores with my family and my brother, my sister and I would go to the Contemporary Christian aisle and laugh at the ridiculous album covers of such groups as “Petra” and “Stryper.” We would put the demo tapes in the store cassette player and say, “Who do they think they are kidding? This isn’t Christian.”

I also remember when I was ten years old and a new friend from church told me that she listened to “Fly92,” a local pop station. I asked my older wiser brother about it and he told me that it was a bad station, but it didn’t “seem that bad to me.”

That was the beginning of Satan’s grasp on my life. As I look back, I am terrified to see how his tentacles weave into the very fiber of people’s lives. Music was created within him. (Ezekiel 28:13-15) He is the prince and power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) and the “air” is full of his music.

I recently went to the mall with my niece and girls. Every store had its own style of music piped through the speakers. Each style of music represented a different style of person. Each genre represented an identity to which the buyer related.

What type of music do you imagine is at a rodeo? What kind of music do you imagine is at a hockey / basketball / football game? What kind of music do you imagine is playing in the ghettos? What kind of music do you imagine is playing while two teenagers are alone in a car? What kind of music plays in most heart yearning part of a romantic comedy? What kind of music tugs the hearts of those scorned?

We would be foolish to think that when a tool wields as much precise control as music does that it would not be used by Satan to manipulate people away from God and toward hell.

That is exactly what Satan began to do in my life as I took my first taste of the soft stuff; pop music, and soft rock.

I remember my dad finding my walkman with a tape of BonJovi in it. He furiously asked what I was doing with that trash and confiscated it. I just got another copy.

I remember when I was twelve or thirteen praying to God to help me not to listen to that kind of music any more, but I knew I couldn’t do it on my own. I had a tape in my alarm / radio / tape player that would wake me up to Mariah Carey the following morning. That night I dreamt that the alarm went off to the exact song at the exact spot that my alarm would be going off the next morning. I heard God say with grief, “Melissa, I am disappointed in you.” Terrified, as Isaiah was before God’s holiness, I bolted to my parent’s room too ashamed to explain my fear.

I remember them saying that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of love and a sound mind.” They prayed with me and I went to bed. Yet, this was not just any fear, it was “the fear of the Lord.” I had asked the Lord for help, yet I had not followed His leading.

You would think that would have been the end of it. I would have thrown out my tapes, gotten rid of my radio and listened to only Christian music. Yet, once Satan has his grasps on your life, he does not let go so easily.

It was seven years later at Bible College while I was sitting the parking lot at church that I felt I hit my “rock bottom.” I was skipping through radio stations going from one Christian station to the next when my radio landed on one of those old adrenalin pumping, heart holding songs. I KNEW that I didn’t WANT to listen to it, but I COULD NOT change the station because I loved the FEELINGS that it stirred in my heart. The song truly “remembers when.” I realized that I had no control over the music, the music had control over me.

Now, this may not be your story. Music may not affect you to the same extent, but you would be erroneous if you refused to admit that music does not affect you at all.

I am so thankful that at my college there were many students who did have good Christian music to which they listened. While I don’t believe in stealing copyrighted music, my first step back to God was ironically a bootlegged tape of quartet music.

You see, God wanted control of my life and I wanted to give it to Him. God just had to bring me back to cleanliness, holiness, peace, joy, comfort and encouragement.

The same tool that Satan uses to encourage his will to be accomplished in our lives is the same tool God created for the same purpose; to accomplish GOD’s will in our lives.

Satan just did with music what he has done to everything God meant for good. He perverted it.

WHAT NOW? WHERE CAN I GO FROM HERE?

Now, I would be lying if I said that I knew right away what “good” music was. I have heard or gone through trains of thought like:

“No lyrics are good unless they speak of God, including ‘Happy Birthday.”

“Only Hymns, ALL the time.”

“Classical music must be wrong too, because it was once considered ‘worldly.”

“Wait a minute! What about love songs for me and my husband?”

“But that ‘artist’ is a Christian! Shouldn’t their music be okay?”

“I know that they are a bad person, but some of their songs are good.”

“Bluegrass and country music are the same. Why should one be okay and not the other?”

“What about contemporary Christian, because ‘their rock is not as our Rock,’ (Deut 32:31) you know?”

“So long as the lyrics are good, it doesn’t matter what the music sounds like.”

“Showing emotion while singing music is sensual and therefore of Satan.”

“Any breathiness while singing music is sensual and therefore of Satan.”

“Any form of skill or professionalism in music shows pride and must therefore be of Satan.”

Get the picture? There are a lot of opinions about music. I wasn’t exactly sure what to choose or how to sing, but I knew that I wanted to do what was right.

HOW DOES THIS EFFECT YOU?

Before I continue, I want to ask you two questions. First, if there was any inclination that something that you were listening to was not to God’s liking or was shown to lean towards Satan’s music, would you:

1. Err on the side of going the extra mile to please God and sacrificing maybe a little more than might be necessary, OR

2. Keep your music because in your opinion it’s not as big of a deal as people make it out to be.

Second, what would you say is more important in your life: your music or God?

If your answer is the former than the steps I am writing about will aid you in peeling away layer by layer the mask that hides who really is behind your music; God or Satan.

Continued: Music: God is clean. Why shouldn't your music be? - Lyrics