Exodus 2:11-22
What an incredible Sunday evening...worship, praise and watching the "manifestation" of the Holy Spirit taking over a service. The Potters House Sunday morning worship service was literally taken over by the Holy Spirit! It is not often that you can witness such a high time in the spirit of GOD!
The power was so strong that you did feel the power that was in that sanctuary with you if you went in with them. Personally, I feel that there is absolutely nothing like seeing a man "worship" GOD it is so POWERFUL to me and it is the ultimate place for man to be. I have noticed that in the last few months...Bishop Jakes services have been seemingly going back to more of how they were when I was first introduced to his ministry.
That good ole time HOLY GHOST service! It takes me back to my childhood COGIC days. However, the difference today is that I understand totally what is going on. The annointing that was in the Potters House on today, it would not surprise me of miracles all over the place even for the First Lady Jakes who is recovering from knee surgery.
It is truly amazing when you are seeking and asking GOD questions and if you seek HIM the answers are where you are seeking, and I am so glad I turned the tv off and the internet on! GODWINK
I suggest that if you want a blessing for the week....watch this Sunday's service and really make sure that there is not anything to distract you because you want to SOAK UP ALL OF THIS ONE! Moses, Moses! The burning bush has an incredible relevance to me because of something that happened last week before The Angels In Distress Radio Show.....talk about burning....YES there was something literally burning and I I get it.
The passion I have is burning inside of me and I want it to be manifested outside of me, I do know what GOD said. I will not address haters because they do NOT matter. But I pray blessings upon them and their lives. Although I know you are chattering......
Once the Holy Spirit took over Bishop's service...it was ONGOING and truly a blessing. My prayer is that you will listen to Sunday, April 15, 2012 sermon @www.thepottershouse.org.
Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready! OOOOWWWWEEEEEEE! Just keep moving, no matter what you have been through, because GOD is going to use your adversity for an OPPORTUNITY to bless someone!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
"JUST GO!"
It is truly amazing to me as I reflect on an opportunity that was afforded to me on last weekend. A colleague/friend of Beverly Cunningham Outreach sent an email asking that A.I.D, Inc. participate in a PSA SHOUT OUT against Domestic Violence. However, at the time transportation was not available. I said a prayer and left it with GOD because in my physical space it was not possible to reach the location from where I was looking. He called a couple of hours later to inform me that the Event Host would provide transportation for me if I was interested in the offer.
Are you serious? Of course I will accept that offer and do what I have been charged to do. The transportation was coordinated and the result was meeting another incredible woman who is fighting against domestic violence as well and A Listening Ear Counselor. It is amazing how GOD connects those that HE really wants to connect, particularly for HIS KINGDOM BUILDING!
It was such a blessing to see young people 'shouting out" against domestic violence and supporting an event to get the message out. Incredible young people with talents that were "awesome!"
The reason(s) to express my gratitude....
1. Purpose
2. Service
3. Provision
4. OBEDIENCE
My PURPOE is to educate the public wherever, whenever, however I can....in awareness and prevention of domestic abuse and domestic violence, and sometimes it seems that obstacles may get in the way.
It is always great to SERVE others in a capacity that will help change their lives.
There are times when we are charged and given DIVINE assignments that we do not know how we can make them happen in the physical realm. However, what GOD gives vision to HE makes PROVISION.
The ultimate decision that we can make when we are given assignments by GOD is to be 'OBEDIENT!' Obedience truly is better than sacrifice. Trust GOD even when you can't TRACE HIM!
I love it when HE "winks" at me.....the entire situation mapped out HIM winking and telling me......Janie be willing, obedient and do what I have charged you to do, because "I GOT YOU!" OOOOWWWEEEEE
GOD IS AWESOME!!!! I know many of you see me post on FB often How Amazing HE is...this is just one of the many situations.....WHY I MUST POST!
GOD IS AAAAAAMMMMMMMAAAAAAAZZZZZZIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGG! JUST GO!
Are you serious? Of course I will accept that offer and do what I have been charged to do. The transportation was coordinated and the result was meeting another incredible woman who is fighting against domestic violence as well and A Listening Ear Counselor. It is amazing how GOD connects those that HE really wants to connect, particularly for HIS KINGDOM BUILDING!
It was such a blessing to see young people 'shouting out" against domestic violence and supporting an event to get the message out. Incredible young people with talents that were "awesome!"
The reason(s) to express my gratitude....
1. Purpose
2. Service
3. Provision
4. OBEDIENCE
My PURPOE is to educate the public wherever, whenever, however I can....in awareness and prevention of domestic abuse and domestic violence, and sometimes it seems that obstacles may get in the way.
It is always great to SERVE others in a capacity that will help change their lives.
There are times when we are charged and given DIVINE assignments that we do not know how we can make them happen in the physical realm. However, what GOD gives vision to HE makes PROVISION.
The ultimate decision that we can make when we are given assignments by GOD is to be 'OBEDIENT!' Obedience truly is better than sacrifice. Trust GOD even when you can't TRACE HIM!
I love it when HE "winks" at me.....the entire situation mapped out HIM winking and telling me......Janie be willing, obedient and do what I have charged you to do, because "I GOT YOU!" OOOOWWWEEEEE
GOD IS AWESOME!!!! I know many of you see me post on FB often How Amazing HE is...this is just one of the many situations.....WHY I MUST POST!
GOD IS AAAAAAMMMMMMMAAAAAAAZZZZZZIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGG! JUST GO!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Marriage Without Myths
Marriage Without Myths
A look at true biblical submission
Jane Johnson Struck
ADVERTISEMENT
"I took a long time to realize I'd developed some distorted perceptions about biblical submission," admits Brenda Waggoner, author of The Myth of the Submissive Christian Woman (Tyndale). Because the issue of submission is so emotionally charged and hotly debated, I interviewed Brenda, a licensed Christian counselor and prolific author, to address what the Bible says about submission in marriage. Brenda shares not only her personal experiences but also her hard-won insights.
What do Christian wives think when they hear the word submission?
Many cringe when they hear it. Submission triggers negative thoughts—abuse, subservient treatment, or an overemphasis on the wife's duty to submit that downplays the husband's duty to love.
Many cringe when they hear it. Submission triggers negative thoughts—abuse, subservient treatment, or an overemphasis on the wife's duty to submit that downplays the husband's duty to love.
Are these negatives what you mean by "myth"?
I'm referring to distorted perceptions prevalent in the evangelical subculture, such as: I must always put others first, even if doing so means compromising myself and my needs, or I must follow precise role descriptions for relationships, even if doing so means ignoring my instincts about safety and emotional well-being.
I'm referring to distorted perceptions prevalent in the evangelical subculture, such as: I must always put others first, even if doing so means compromising myself and my needs, or I must follow precise role descriptions for relationships, even if doing so means ignoring my instincts about safety and emotional well-being.
Why do these myths mislead so many women?
They contain elements of truth, but take Bible verses out of context or use them as stand-alone proofs, which ignore the whole of Scripture. The Bible's teaching on submission doesn't change—but a woman's perception of that teaching can become distorted.
They contain elements of truth, but take Bible verses out of context or use them as stand-alone proofs, which ignore the whole of Scripture. The Bible's teaching on submission doesn't change—but a woman's perception of that teaching can become distorted.
How can wives best separate myth from biblical truth?
Your experiences, role models, pastor and other authority figures, and emotional makeup can color your perception of submission. So prayerfully inquire about what's going on in your heart, since this is God's primary concern. Is self-condemnation, self-rejection, self-destructive thinking or behavior present? God disciplines his children, but he doesn't devalue or demean us.
Your experiences, role models, pastor and other authority figures, and emotional makeup can color your perception of submission. So prayerfully inquire about what's going on in your heart, since this is God's primary concern. Is self-condemnation, self-rejection, self-destructive thinking or behavior present? God disciplines his children, but he doesn't devalue or demean us.
What false perceptions of submission did you have?
I became a Christian five years into my first marriage. As I studied the Bible and listened to sermons—especially passages about husband/wife relationships—I drastically changed my behavior. Previously, when my husband and I disagreed, we'd raise our voices; now I tried turning away my husband's wrath with a gentle answer. I defined submission as doing what my husband said. I thought by pleasing him, I was pleasing God.
I became a Christian five years into my first marriage. As I studied the Bible and listened to sermons—especially passages about husband/wife relationships—I drastically changed my behavior. Previously, when my husband and I disagreed, we'd raise our voices; now I tried turning away my husband's wrath with a gentle answer. I defined submission as doing what my husband said. I thought by pleasing him, I was pleasing God.
I didn't want to admit I was angry with my husband, so I pushed my feelings down and became depressed. Then, my husband became verbally and emotionally abusive. Finally, he left home and filed for divorce. I felt isolated from God; I couldn't understand how I'd failed so miserably as a wife and a Christian, when I'd tried so hard to obey the Bible.
But doesn't Ephesians 5 call wives to submit to their husbands?
The guidelines in Ephesians 5:22-24 shouldn't be taught to the exclusion of many other examples throughout the Bible. Biblical submission is a state of heart yielded to God; it's a decision to honor God above all else. Christ is the perfect example of biblical submission; he always put his Father's will first. Jesus never insisted on dominance or control, although, if anyone had that right, he did. Christian women should strive to be like Christ, submitting to God first and then to their husband, putting neither people nor idols before God.
The guidelines in Ephesians 5:22-24 shouldn't be taught to the exclusion of many other examples throughout the Bible. Biblical submission is a state of heart yielded to God; it's a decision to honor God above all else. Christ is the perfect example of biblical submission; he always put his Father's will first. Jesus never insisted on dominance or control, although, if anyone had that right, he did. Christian women should strive to be like Christ, submitting to God first and then to their husband, putting neither people nor idols before God.
Marriage Without Myths
A look at true biblical submission
Jane Johnson Struck
ADVERTISEMENT
When was your "aha moment" about this topic?
During my early years of marriage to my second husband, Frank. I tried to submit to him as my spiritual head. I coaxed Frank to "lead me" spiritually, to initiate daily prayer and Bible reading, but I ended up frustrated, critical, and controlling, because his leadership style is different from how I thought it should be. I realized I was trying to fit us into prescribed biblical "role models" and ignoring our God-given gifts and strengths. I needed to accept and respect the type of man Frank is. I also needed to express my opinions, especially when they differed from his. Doing so opened up a whole new way of relating for us; we got to know each other on a much deeper level.
During my early years of marriage to my second husband, Frank. I tried to submit to him as my spiritual head. I coaxed Frank to "lead me" spiritually, to initiate daily prayer and Bible reading, but I ended up frustrated, critical, and controlling, because his leadership style is different from how I thought it should be. I realized I was trying to fit us into prescribed biblical "role models" and ignoring our God-given gifts and strengths. I needed to accept and respect the type of man Frank is. I also needed to express my opinions, especially when they differed from his. Doing so opened up a whole new way of relating for us; we got to know each other on a much deeper level.
What's a husband's role in submission?
A Christian husband should first submit to Christ, just as his wife should (Ephesians 5:25-30). Loving his wife as Christ loves the church means valuing her opinions, as well as encouraging her to identify, develop, and share her strengths and spiritual gifts in the marriage and with others.
A Christian husband should first submit to Christ, just as his wife should (Ephesians 5:25-30). Loving his wife as Christ loves the church means valuing her opinions, as well as encouraging her to identify, develop, and share her strengths and spiritual gifts in the marriage and with others.
I'll never forget how Frank cherished me in an important issue in our marriage. When we married, he was building a house in the country. We agreed that when my sons finished high school, he and I would move there to continue the work. Although I savored the sunsets, collected abandoned bird nests, and often had friends out for dinner around a campfire, I always missed the cozy feel of being nestled among neighbors. After a nine-year trial of country living, Frank suggested we sell the house and move to a nearby town, where we've now lived for eight years. Our compromises to ensure each other's happiness model mutual, biblical submission—not insisting on dominance or control, but following God's will together.
What if a husband still embraces submission myths?
Set boundaries. Speak clearly, directly, and respectfully to your husband. For example, Christian women sometimes feel guilty or selfish if they're uncomfortable submitting to sex acts their husband wants them to do. Sometimes they force themselves to do the acts and later feel used, ashamed, or "dirty." In such situations, you need to have the courage and integrity to tell your husband the truth. Say something like, "I'm uncomfortable doing that because it seems wrong to me. I need to stay within the limits of lovemaking that are okay for both of us."
Set boundaries. Speak clearly, directly, and respectfully to your husband. For example, Christian women sometimes feel guilty or selfish if they're uncomfortable submitting to sex acts their husband wants them to do. Sometimes they force themselves to do the acts and later feel used, ashamed, or "dirty." In such situations, you need to have the courage and integrity to tell your husband the truth. Say something like, "I'm uncomfortable doing that because it seems wrong to me. I need to stay within the limits of lovemaking that are okay for both of us."
Marriage Without Myths
A look at true biblical submission
Jane Johnson Struck
ADVERTISEMENT
And if submission becomes an excuse for abuse?
If your husband's yelling, name-calling, and acting out of control, say, "I'm not going to stay here while you're acting like this. I'm taking the children for a drive, and we'll be back in two hours. I hope you'll have gained self-control by then."
If your husband's yelling, name-calling, and acting out of control, say, "I'm not going to stay here while you're acting like this. I'm taking the children for a drive, and we'll be back in two hours. I hope you'll have gained self-control by then."
If your husband hits you or your children in rage, you should immediately seek shelter in the home of a trustworthy, supportive friend or relative, and get professional help. A husband may angrily say to his wife, "Submitting to me is your duty!" implying he has license from God to be cruel and forceful. But in such situations, a husband's heart motivation is to bolster his fragile ego, not to honor God. True biblical submission is always God honoring. You're not disrespecting your husband or disobeying God by leaving an abusive situation; you're putting God's priorities first: your safety, your children's safety, and your husband's self-control.
How can women hesitant to speak out develop this strong yet submissive attitude?
Sometimes women fear being "strong" because that sounds like angry women's libbers. But Leviticus 19:18 implies self-care and self-respect, not self-abasement. Observe how Jesus moved among people while on earth. He set boundaries and didn't always do what people asked of him. His goal was always to obey and serve his Father. This should be your goal too.
Sometimes women fear being "strong" because that sounds like angry women's libbers. But Leviticus 19:18 implies self-care and self-respect, not self-abasement. Observe how Jesus moved among people while on earth. He set boundaries and didn't always do what people asked of him. His goal was always to obey and serve his Father. This should be your goal too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)