Are you appropriately dressed?

There's a lot happening in the world today, both in the natural and the spiritual world. The times are fast paced and frightening.

There is a movement (though not a new one) of the evil one to make being a Christian even harder and we can see and feel the battle between good versus evil.

We cannot stand without putting on the full armor of God. But what exactly is this? Let us find out.

In Ephesians 6, we are told what to do to withstand the evil in each day by making sure we are dressed appropriately for spiritual battle...

• Firstly, we are to strengthen ourselves in the LORD so that through Him we will have strength.

  ¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  This means we are to spend time with Him. In prayer. In worship. In the Word.

• We are to put on the whole armor of  God, preparing ourselves for battle, for we are in a battle with the forces of darkness.

¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. We have all experienced the cunningness of the devil. The appeal to the senses, the drive to try to separate us from the good Shepherd. It is a constant battle to resist him.

•  We must recognise that the battle is not carnal, but spiritual in unseen wicked spiritual hosts in the heavenly places. Our enemy is unseen, but very real- and active.
  

¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Although our enemy is unseen, he is not unfelt nor are the results of his influence unnoticed.  Where there is hatred in all its forms, deceit and lies and confusion, there we will know that the enemy is at work, doing what he does best.

• At the end of the day, we must be able to stand. To endure. To live for God another day

¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. We are to be strong and resolute and daily putting on the armor is the way we can do this!

So what are we to put on exactly in order to stand in the evil day? 

¹⁴ Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  We must remember that we have Truth on our side, our heart protected by the breastplate of righteousness.

¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; We are to be peaceable people, bringing the gospel of peace to all, living it, breathing it, sharing it.

¹⁶ above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  We must have our faith intact, a shield that will quench the darts of doubt, fear and double mindedness

¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; We must go in the joy of our salvation, having been redeemed by the precious Blood of Christ, wielding the sword of the Spirit, deeply ingrained by and knowledgeable of the Word of God.

¹⁸ praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints  We are to be a person of prayer, in the Spirit and watchful. Constantly praying for ourselves and the saints of God.

 If we faithfully dress in the armor of God, we will stand, knowing that:

⁸ We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-  2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We have been told how to withstand the evil in these days and it is imperative that we do what the  Word says in order to stand until our fight is done. Are you appropriately dressed? 

  

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

What's in your heart?

I love this verse and I was reflecting on it today. Asking myself what do I treasure in my heart? It amounted to a few basic things that I cherish as dear in my life.

Firstly, I keep my love of Jesus in my heart as a treasure above all things.

After that, I cherish my husband and my marriage.

My grown children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren are also my treasures and will be no matter how old they are.

There are many things that I am fond of such as Xena our cat, but basically my treasures are the above.

As I reflected on this, it occurred to me that Jesus had similar treasures in His heart- but in a greater degree, no doubt.

He loved His Father and treasured His relationship with Him.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One...My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all.  No one can snatch them out of My Father's hand.  John 10:30

He cherishes believers as His Bride and says we are betrothed to Him.

And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. Hosea 2:19

His love is that of a Father and we are also called sons and daughters of Christ. He prays for us.

 

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. John 17:9

Animals are pictured as needing to be cherished as well. He is the Good Shepherd after all. 

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10 

I realised today that I am not materialistic, as I enjoy my home but don't treasure it like I do people.

The Word is a treasure to me and I do keep it in my heart, but mateial things don't really float my boat. 

Just wondering, what treasures are in your heart? are you a people person or materialistic? Check what's in your mind most of all, for there you will find your heart.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks 

'For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" Matthew 6:21

 

God loves the widow

 

A few of my friends have become widows. Sad as it is, it is a part of life and I feel for them, but I miss my friends' husbands too, for they were a team and I can't think of my friend without her late husband.

Having widows as friends, I often was asked why God allowed them to lose their spouses and some questioned their faith and were angry with Him. Some even thought that God was punishing them. So in order to help, I decided to do a study on how God sees the widow..

* He is protective of widows.

You have sent widows away empty, and the strength of the fatherless was crushed. Job 22:9

* He is a defender of widows.

A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. Psalm 68:5

“who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” Luke 20:47

* He judges those who exploit widows.

And I will come near you for judgement; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien— because they do not fear Me,” says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:5

You have sent widows away empty, and the strength of the fatherless was crushed. Job 22:9

To rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of My people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless. Isaiah 10:2

* He raised the dead because of widows.

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. Acts 9:39-41

* He honours them.

Honor widows who are really widows. 1 Timothy 5:3

* He provides for them.

Leave your fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let your widows trust in Me.” Jeremiah 49:11

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Acts 6:1

* He loves them and wants the Body of Christ to love them..

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

I was glad I did the study because I was able to tell my friends that God really loves them and will be a husband to them and a Father to the fatherless...

For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth. Isaiah 54:5

A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. Psalm 68:5

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

It lights our path to Him

Over the last 42 years, since I have been a Christian, I have underlined, highlighted or commented on nearly every page of my Bible.

The pages were coming apart and it has been repaired, but I don't want to get another one because there are a lot of sermons, prayers and answers to prayers in it. It's like an old friend. 

These days, when I read it, those marked verses still speak to me, or remind me of key truths in a sermon heard years before. It is in fact, like a journal of my faith journey until today.

Some of my comments seem basic and show how my faith has now matured and how bit by bit, verse on verse and precept on precept, the Word has grown me and sustained me.

My favourite version of Bible is the King James Version as I find that has been translated most accurately. When I quote scripture in my writings, you will find it is New King James  because a lot of people say they cannot understand the thees and thous,  hitherto and forthwith in it. 

Whatever version you prefer, the basic message is still the Word. We would all do well to study it and learn from it regardless of version. Because precept upon precept, verse on verse, we will grow and find it lights our path to Him.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little.” Isaiah 28:10

Tending to our spirit

When reading the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:40, many people think that Jesus was rebuking Martha in a negative way. But I don't believe this is so. He in fact, was liberating her from her perfectionism and showing her that there is more to life than just the mundane.

You may recall that Martha was busy serving and preparing the evening meal, whereas Mary was simply enjoying listening to Jesus. Martha was doing an important job, as do we wives and mothers when we manage our households and serve our families. 

We all know that preparing three meals a day, washing and ironing, cleaning and tidying the house, as well as caring for those of our household- and even extended households sometimes, is mundane. But no one would suggest it wasn't important. So Jesus wasn't undermining its' importance, but He was saying that putting the things of the LORD first is a better way.....

Have you ever thought about how we can so easily get too involved with the practical aspects and lose out on the social and spiritual side? I often plan to make time for Bible reading, or playing with my grandchildren or spending time with Chris, only to find that I have found something else to do. I need to prioritise my life. 

So, we must look at the Titus 2 order of priorities- love God, love your husband, love your children, then be a worker at home! This layout of priorities also emphasises the importance that our husbands be our first priority after God! That means my children are second to the needs of my husband. To clarify- that does not mean if a child is crying or needs something that we don't attend to them. It means we defer to our husband and put his wishes before our children's. Children do not run the household- you do! 

Often times we get so busy serving our husbands and children that we overlook enjoying them! Take time to enjoy the other important things in life, your children: they will grow up fast, and this season will be short! Leave the household chores that aren’t urgent to the children's nap times, and spend time enjoying them while they are awake! Make time for your husband. He will be happier for it, you will feel more fulfilled and your children will have a happier home life because you have a good marriage!

And remember to spend time with God, for He is our firm foundation. God wants us to enjoy our life. Let us then be balanced and live under His Umbrella of Protection. For in Gods' Divine Order, we will find the balance we need for the other important things.We need to tend to the mundane things like housework, but we see that Jesus says it's important to tend to our spirit too. 

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. Luke 10:40

She got her answers!

The unnamed woman who touched Jesus's hem and was healed inspires me greatly. Not only a woman of faith, but of courage. 

In Jewish family purity law, a woman who has an issue of blood is considered unclean and is set apart from many functions. She is not considered clean until she has immersed herself in a ritual bath called a mikvah ten days after her issue has ceased. This is called Niddah.

For a woman to have an issue of blood for any reason meant she was virtually an outcast until after she was cleansed at the mikvah. Sadly, this woman would have been a lonely and desperate woman who had used all her livelihood on physicians who couldn't heal her.

I can just imagine her thoughts: can I be healed? I have seen Him do miracles. What if He is angry with me for defiling Him? Should I not touch His Hem? But what if He heals me- even me? What do I do?

Such was her desperation, that she risked the humiliation and condemnation by reaching out in faith- and her issue of blood was stanched immediately.

Jesus perceived that the woman had touched Him in faith and He stopped and asked who had touched Him. So many people around, yet Christ knew the touch of faith was different from the usual touch.

Fearfully, the woman confessed in front of all why she had touched His garment. Instead of anger, our LORD answered the woman, comforting her and declaring that through faith in Him, she was indeed healed.

This brave and faithful woman was never named, but her faith has been included in the gospels in Matthew 9:20, Mark 5:25, Luke 8:43-44.

I love the kindness of Christ in healing and comforting a woman suffering from a very lonely and personal condition. Her faith must have pleased Him immensely and it is no mistake that she was mentioned in those 3 gospels as a woman of faith. 

...Can I be healed? I have seen Him do miracles. What if He is angry with me for defiling Him? Should I not touch His Hem? But what if He heals me- even me? What do I do? - her thoughts and fears were met with Love, Grace, healing and no condemnation. What Compassion and Love of the Saviour! 

As I reflect on her story, I marvel that God did not allow her to be named because it would embarrass her, yet He honoured her with an eternal memorial in His Word.  Three times in fact!  Yes, I believe she got her answers! 

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, if I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. Matthew 9:20-22 

On His young Shoulders

Luke 2:43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;              

Luke 2:44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.

Luke 2:45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

Luke 2:46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

Luke 2:47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

Luke 2:48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 

Luke 2:49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

Luke 2:50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

We see here a 12 year old Child who is already aware that His Father is not Joseph, but God.  A Child growing in stature and wisdom and grace- one who has more wisdom for spiritual matters than the Jewish teachers of the Law.

Seeing the response of the Child to His Mother, there can be no doubt that He knew even then that He was the Suffering Servant and the Passover Lamb. Yet He never wavered from that path.

Let us give thanks that this Child- the Son of God, chose to obey and honour His Father so that we too may call Him our Father!

If you do not know Jesus as your LORD and Saviour, now would be a good time to do it. Read this link and don't waste His sacrifice, for when He died, He had you on His mind. 

Let us all not waste a minute longer living in sin and fear for the Age of Grace is almost over and the darkness of the anti Christ is about to begin for those who do not believe. Christ is coming for His Bride, the Church. Be among those of us who believe and live with Christ forever.

Let us all believe on Him and love the little Boy, Who took away the sins of the world-  at 33 in His Body and with being only 12, the weight of that knowledge on His young Shoulders!

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

 Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31

You still are her!

I know that we women who suffer from chronic illness and pain often fret because we want with all our hearts to be like the Proverbs 31 woman. Yet no matter how hard we try, we feel we cannot be like her. We then either give up completely, or sink into a deep depression… Sometimes we are far too hard on ourselves, even demanding more of ourselves than God does. After all, He understands us- He knows our frame and remembers we are but dust.

Another  thing that we tend to do  is to  take man’s standard of being a good wife,  mother  and homemaker and  we,  on finding we cannot  keep  up with our healthier Sisters,  wilt  under the strain.  This is a  shame because Jesus says  to come to Him all  who are  weary and  He will give us rest.  His yoke is light. But the perfectionism of man isn’t. Wouldn’t it be sad for us to constantly feel false guilt because we can’t keep up our homes like Martha Stewart? But here is some good news: we may very well find out after looking into the scriptures that we are closer to being a Proverbs 31 woman than we think….

Firstly,  we must remember  that the  Word of  God is  the  first and last authority in our lives. What exactly does God say about the godly woman? In Proverbs 31:10-31 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies… Is your heart yearning to be a virtuous woman? Are you seeking to serve God despite your pain? If you are, then your price is far above rubies!

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil… Do you seek to be a blessing to your husband?  Can he trust you with his heart, his dreams and fears,  raising his children and keeping   his home  to the best of your ability? Then your husband will be blessed for you already  have his trust. That too is a truly precious thing!

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life… Do you try to be a help meet for him? Are you consistently thinking the best of him, serving him in love and trying to be as unselfish as you can be, even in your worst times of illness or pain? If so, you are emulating that seemingly elusive Proverbs 31 woman!

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands… When you are feeling reasonably well, do you try to do something creative that will benefit your family? Do you work willingly even though it hurts? Willingness is a matter of heart, not productivity. If you work willingly no matter how small the job, you have the spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman!

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar... This one can be a toughie, especially with illness at its height. But I also believe that the ill woman who seeks out coupons and directs those who are able to help with the purchasing of groceries to shop at the cheapest but best for money supermarkets, is living this verse to the best of her ability. She is like the merchant’s ships- charting their course from her bed or buying her food online!

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens… Again, a seeming impossibility for the chronically ill woman. But again the spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman is seen in not in the early rising per se but in the planning of the godly woman as she directs her helpers in conducting the running of the home. She or someone else must have a plan of action and I take that as giving meat and portions to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard… There is nothing to stop an ill woman having a say in business matters or running a home business from her sick bed if at all possible. She may not be able to plant a vineyard with her own hands but the spirit of this wonderful woman of God can be seen in the planning, thought and effort in being business savvy, and this is her toil. She is still emulating her!

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms… This is a tough one for those of us with chronic illness and pain. But again I see us being that woman of God in taking care of our bodies, managing our illness, seeking knowledge from medical professionals or naturopaths and making sure we do precisely what we are told to do. That includes getting rest and trying to cast our cares on the LORD so as to strengthen ourselves!

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night... As we survey our efforts in managing our home and family, we will see that we have done well- for it is so much harder than for those of able body. We need our rest but our candle not going out at night means that we are diligent in the overseeing of our home and our eyes are ever vigilant to see just what goes on around us- even when we are taking our rest!

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff…Whenever possible, we seek to be as diligent as possible keeping watch over our household, our children and our husband. We work as much as is humanly possible but we do not fret if we cannot honestly cope with work at any particular time. Again, I see this as a matter of heart. … The godly woman who suffers from chronic illness and pain but who seeks to serve the LORD despite her pain- is more like the Proverbs 31 woman than she could ever imagine….

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy... Kindness and compassion is a matter of heart and the heart of the giver is one of compassion. I see no reason why the chronically ill woman cannot extend her hands to the needy in special offerings or acts of kindness.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet...Again, the chronically ill woman can take comfort in knowing her family is well clothed. It is relatively easy to shop by catalogue or online through ebay. Planning and diligence in being observant to your family’s needs and sizes will pay off in knowing that they are warm and well-presented.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple…Again, this making of tapestries etc would depend on how severe the sufferer’s illness and pain was, but I feel that the essence of this verse is that we can still take a pride in our appearance in spite of our illness. I know sometimes this can be one of the last things on our minds, but I think it is important to ourselves and our husbands to try to keep tidy.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land…A husband who is well-loved will usually be willing to learn how to iron his shirt in times of his wife’s illness’s flare. If not, there are laundries that press shirts. A husband of a godly woman will never be known for an untidy and unkempt appearance. It is just harder for us as we have to be super diligent. If we can’t help our men retain honour by being well-presented, we should seek out helpers who will either volunteer or help for a small fee.

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant… Again, this is often difficult for the ill woman to achieve but I believe the spirit of the Proverbs 31 woman is shown in the extra planning and eye for detail in watching over her family and household. As we know, everything is more difficult and the ill woman will be ever seeking to cut corners in order to have her home run well.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come...The chronically ill woman works harder than most for she starts her day at a disadvantage- usually lack of sleep due to pain. She has medications to take that can have disastrous side-effects such as making her sleep when she needs to be awake or nausea. But she works diligently as best she can to keep the home fires burning and the family happy. She is often the most selfless of women! She will be able to take pleasure in times to come, knowing that she did her best before God, to be His woman! She is a woman who should be honoured above all others, in life and in the one to come!

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness...I believe the godly chronically ill woman who reads the Word and keeps close to the LORD will open her mouth with wisdom, she will speak with kindness despite feeling unwell, for the LORD Himself will strengthen her spiritually.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness... Even though the chronically ill Christian woman may be bedridden, she can still look well to the ways of her household. By being attentive and delegating responsibilities wherever possible, she will never eat the bread of idleness. Being bedridden does not necessarily mean that one is idle. Indeed, running a home from your sick bed is a feat that surpasses the strength and vigilance of healthier stronger women!

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her… As children grow and your husband sees your efforts and realises the sacrifices that you have made- and the extra pain it has caused to ensure their upbringing is well done and that they are all comfortable and well looked after, they will bless and praise you. You are such a blessing to them!

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all, favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD she shall be praised.… Indeed, many women will have done virtuously, but you have put it in harder than most- you surely you do excel them all! When many would just crumble, you have kept striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates...You see, you will have the fruit of hands and your own works will praise you in the gates- because despite all obstacles, you have run the race and won- for you really *are* a Proverbs 31 woman!

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

 

God values the homemaker

All of us Christian wives who are seeking to live life according to God’s Word, are bombarded by feminist teaching and other unscriptural advice. We are further alienated from our sisters who work part-time because society sees them as contributing whereas it portrays us as parasitic!

So great is the attack on us, that often we sit scratching our heads and wondering if they could be right. As in all things, we would do well to seek what the Word of God says.

I have compiled some feminist and ungodly views and I have answered them with the Word. As always, we see the Truth of a housewife’s value in God’s sight is revealed in His Word. I am sure you can find other verses such as Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 that show how God feels about our work in the home.

Feminist and worldly view

“A parasite sucking out the living strength of another organism…the housewife’s labor does not even tend toward the creation of anything durable…. Woman’s work within the home is not directly useful to society, produces nothing. The housewife is subordinate, secondary, and parasitic. It is for their common welfare that the situation must be altered by prohibiting marriage as a ‘career’ for woman.” The Second Sex, 1949 by Simone de Beauvoir
Isaiah 3:11-13 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.

“[The] housewife is a nobody, and [housework] is a dead-end job. It may actually have a deteriorating effect on her mind…rendering her incapable of prolonged concentration on any single task. [She] comes to seem dumb as well as dull. [B]eing a housewife makes women sick.” — Sociologist Jessie Bernard in The Future of Marriage, 1982.
Proverbs 31:27 “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat of the bread of idleness.”

“[As long as the woman] is the primary caretaker of childhood, she is prevented from being a free human being.” — Kate Millett, Sexual Politics, 1969.
Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise and call her blessed…”

“[Housewives] are dependent creatures who are still children…parasites.” — Gloria Steinham, “What It Would Be Like If Women Win,” Time, August 31, 1970.
Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes

“[Housewives] are mindless and thing-hungry…not people. [Housework] is peculiarly suited to the capacities of feeble-minded girls. [It] arrests their development at an infantile level, short of personal identity with an inevitably weak core of self…. [Housewives] are in as much danger as the millions who walked to their own death in the concentration camps. [The] conditions which destroyed the human identity of so many prisoners were not the torture and brutality, but conditions similar to those which destroy the identity of the American housewife.” — Betty Frieden, The Feminine Mystique, 1963.
Psalm 127: 3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

“[A]s long as the family and the myth of the family and the myth of maternity and the maternal instinct are not destroyed, women will still be oppressed…. No woman should be authorized to stay at home and raise her children. Society should be totally different. Women should not have that choice, precisely because if there is such a choice, too many women will make that one. It is a way of forcing women in a certain direction.” — Simone de Beauvoir, “Sex, Society, and the Female Dilemma,” Saturday Review, June 14, 1975
Titus 2:4-5 “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”

[I]f even 10 percent of American women remain full-time homemakers, this will reinforce traditional views of what women ought to do and encourage other women to become full-time homemakers at least while their children are very young…. If women disproportionately take time off from their careers to have children, or if they work less hard than men at their careers while their children are young, this will put them at a competitive disadvantage vis-a-vis men, particularly men whose wives do all the homemaking and child care…. This means that no matter how any individual feminist might feel about child care and housework, the movement as a whole had reasons to discourage full-time homemaking.” — Jane J. Mansbridge, Why We Lost the ERA, 1986.
1 Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

We who make marriage and home our career usually do so at great personal expense. It is much more difficult to make ends meet on one wage and it is often made more difficult because of society’s general view of the stay at home wife and mother.  We become unwise when we look at our life's work in service to God and family through the world's eyes, not God's.  We must bring our thoughts into captivity of Christ....

In order to grasp the freedom and beauty of being a full time homemaker, we must come back periodically to the Word. Only in doing so will we see the true value of our calling in Christ, Who Himself came as a Servant to redeem us...

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Philippians 2: 7

Talking of sin- a study part 2

Yet we DO sin....I think the stumbling block here is the definition of sin- We do not make a habit of sinning. It is not our intention to sin- (yet because we are not perfect just forgiven and living in a state of Grace and kept by God,) but we do sin. However, we are seen by Him to be perfect. But we are not. We are seen by God to be perfect by what Jesus did for us. There is only One Who is perfect- we battle sin constantly. That is why Ephesians tells us how to put on the armour of God. We battle against the flesh and the devil daily.

We are to continue in prayer and resist evil. Why? Because we are still in the world. And until the day of Glory, Christ's work in us is not finished. If we say we have no sin, then the Truth is not in us. Now the definition of sin is falling short of the mark of the Glory of God. There are none of us without sin YET. Not ongoing sin, but repented sin. We cannot live without sinning.

Can you say before God that you never have a sinful thought? A tiny bit 'testy' or short with others when tired or overwhelmed or premenstrual? Have you ever had a moment's irritation at traffic lights and thought evil of a driver who cuts you off on the freeway? Have you never ONCE rolled your eyes as you strip the wet bed off after your child has had an accident twice in the one night? Wished that you had some help around the house and felt testy because DH gets to watch TV and you are laundering the sheets? Of course you have. We all have! Why? Because we are human. We are not perfect- only in God's sight! Our family and friends have seen the true us- unless they are blind! Do they still love us? Of course- at least one would sincerely hope so.

Sin is sin- but it is covered by the Atonement of Christ. We all need the keeping power of God. Praise God, He does it for us. Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He keeps us and helps us daily. One of my favourite verses is this one here. "For the eyes of the LORD range thoughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him." 2 Chronicles 16:9 Why does the LORD strengthen our hearts? Because He knows our frame- He knows we are but dust. He has compassion on us because He too was human- yet without sin.

If you can honestly say you never get selfishly angry, complain or have had ONE evil thought cross your mind- or been irritated at the check out operator's slowness, then perhaps you would be right in saying you do not sin. But if I make you angry by saying that we do sin - and you really want to 'show me' something- then perhaps a close look at your heart will reveal that you are not perfect. That's precisely what I mean. It is a definition of terms. Certainly not the type of sin which would preclude us from seeing our Saviour.

I have written in this way merely to point out that we do sin- not to make you hate me or upset you! Let us rejoice in our celebration of God's love and enjoy our salvation. There is NO ONE SIN that cannot be covered by the blood and forgiven. Praise God! The Blood Of Jesus can save the vilest sinner if they will only believe, repent and confess.

I am going to quote a friend who helped me understand forgiveness and God’s mercy- a godly lady and a wonderful teacher. She told me: and I quote:

"If you are concerned about your spiritual state, then God is still speaking to you. He is still leading. The very fact that you are concerned about it, tells that you have not committed the "unpardonable sin". I don't believe that any child of God need spend sleepless hours fretting and wondering about their security. God promises eternal security of all believers, and I believe it! I don't believe that it is at all that easy to lose your salvation though. The unpardonable sin (the ONLY sin that is unpardonable ) is a spiritual condition in contrast to a specific sin. It consists of an attitude that continually says "I will continue to sin because I know that God will forgive me". Hence the warning: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? " Romans 6:1-2

For by us having free will, we have the option to turn from God. Becoming apostate. Then no matter how much God speaks to you, no matter how often He wounds your heart and draws you near to Himself, no matter how much He softens your heart and troubles your mind, you continue on to a certain point and God says He is finished with you and will not speak to you again.

Being apostate and losing your salvation and "backsliding" are two totally different things. Backsliding is allowing the old man- carnality- to take over in our lives and committing sin. Backsliding is curable when the backslider repents. But at what point do we become apostate and lose our salvation? When does the liar become one of the liars who will not inherit eternal life as mentioned in Revelation? I don't know. None of us does. God's mercy extends a long way, longer than we can imagine. I contend that God's Word ways that where there is true repentance there is forgiveness, no matter if it's after one time of sin or a thousand times. But there is a time according to scripture when God will not speak to a person any more. I don't think it's the norm, but I do think it happens.”  End of quote. (by Sylvia Britton)

Because of God's rich mercy and understanding of our human frailties and struggles- those Christians who seem (to us) unreachable to God, in every case, have the watchful love and concern of God over them. They were redeemed on the cross and belong to God. It is not up to us to judge how far they wander before they go too far. That is for God to know and decide. For which I praise and love Him even more- We all need our Saviour- He won't kick us out of the Kingdom unless WE decide we don't want it- EVER! Praise God for His mercy!

Let us rejoice that we have a God Who intercedes for us- no matter how soiled by the world we have become or how far we have strayed- yet He through His mercy finds us! Rejoice in Him...walk in integrity and faith, don't give way to fear. And if you see your Brother or Sister sinning, lovingly go to their aid- don't stand by in judgement- for by the grace of God go I...and you...and you too. When we enter the Kingdom of God, I think we will all be holding each other up. With the world getting steadily darker and godless, let us support each other, pray for each other and learn to live as the Body of Christ in the bond of love and peace!

I was saved in a Pentecostal church where the preaching was often fearful and the general consensus was that if you so much as looked sideways- you could lose your salvation! So then I went to the other camps- Episcopal and Baptist. Much more comforting- but in stark contrast to what they had said. So I studied about if for myself and it has taken a long time to actually relax in the LORD to the point where I am no longer in fear of losing my salvation through misunderstanding the Word or feeling unforgiven. I really feel that I don't want other Christians to go through the anxieties I went through, and yes, I am wordy. When you are trying to stand up for something or someone, it often becomes that way. And I am standing up for any here who are afraid of sinning and losing their salvation like I once was! I don’t want that for you! That is torment!

We all have to base the ultimate authority on God's Word, not a specific denomination or leaning. I think where there is no fruit of salvation, it would have to be asked if that person has had a true regeneration of his/her spirit ie. born- again experience. Because it is written that by their fruits we will know them. If true regeneration of our spirit has taken place there has to be a natural outward flow of fruits of the spirit- salvation. So to 'lose' one's salvation may possibly be that there wasn't a true salvation experience to lose anyway.

Anyway, I believe that it is the person's turning away from God- not God chucking him or her out of the Kingdom. Only God knows a man's heart really...after all, not all who say Lord Lord will be saved. Personally, I have finally come to a place in my own walk to know that in everything, I have God's watchful eye of concern over me! And for that I am very thankful! And I try to live beyond reproach, be honest and fair, be loving to all, both saved and unsaved...not to earn my salvation- but because I want to please Him Who saved me! That's the key in this, I feel- self-will. Both to know and love or to deny and curse.

I believe that for all of us who meditate on the things of God, who search doctrines and yearn for knowledge and to be like Christ- have no need to fear sinning too much and turning away- and for the brief periods that we do unwillingly sin- we can rest secure that God's Hand is still on us and His love and salvation are still with us.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? " Romans 6:1-2

Talking of sin- a study part 1

Often the world sees Christians as hypocrites and fakes because we sin and miss the mark in being perfect. But that does not make us anything other than human. We are still Christians when we sin. God's grace knows no bounds. The Holy Spirit will convict us of sin, and on repentance of that sin, we are forgiven. It is because we all fail and sin that we need our Saviour. Where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even further. I believe that we can overstep the mark and become so far from the ways of God that we will not heed the conviction of the Spirit, and that is a dangerous place to be, but to say that someone who is sinning is not a Christian and has lost his/her salvation is simply not true.

We sin every day. All of us. We live by God's grace and are saved by His blood and faith. We don't earn it- it is a free gift of God. To be that far away from the things of God that you are in danger of losing your salvation is a very rare occurrence, Praise God. My belief from the Scriptures is that we will always have the Spirit yearning over us and bringing us back into the fold. Backsliders always have God's eye of concern over them. He doesn't love the sin, but loves the sinner. It is not as if one day we are tucked up in the bed saved and roll over to land on the floor unsaved. God's grace and love is deeper than we can imagine- which one of us would have willingly sent our only Son to die for anyone as He did? I sin every day- for I am not perfect! But I repent and get right back on track! We all sin- because there is only One Who is perfect! Thank God that He is our Judge, and not man! What a sorry state we all would be in!

God’s Word says, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick...For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." (Matthew 9:12-13)

God's Word also says that, "There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3:10)

God's Word also says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Grace is God working in us to accomplish His purposes at the expense of Christ. Would we doubt that He has that power? Would we belittle the sacrifice He made on the cross for us?
Certainly a Christian can sin - much of the New Testament is an instruction manual for Christians, because God knew we would need it. And backsliding, well I guess that depends on perspective. In God's eyes, all sin is equal. Murder is equal to a less than pleasant thought about another person. So when is backsliding, well, backsliding? Is it when you or I deem it so based on our own personal standards? Or is it when we sin at all? Backsliding is when we stop walking in the Spirit and walk in the flesh. We go our own way! But it is forgiven as soon as the backslider repents.

God's Word also says that we inherited Adam's sin nature, death. (Romans 5:12-13; actually all of Romans 5 really explains this well) We are born sinful, and as long as we are on this earth we cannot separate ourselves from our inherited nature.

When we become Christians, God's Word never promises we would be without sin, just that we would have the Holy Spirit ever-present in our lives to help us (Romans 8:11) and that Jesus would be sitting at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven pleading on our behalf to forgive our sins (Romans 8:34). Furthermore, God's Word says, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)

We have been given an amazing gift that none of us can comprehend from who else but the all-powerful, all-knowing, holy, righteous, sovereign, and perfect God. Will any one of us ever be deserving of this gift, this honour? Absolutely not. But He has given it to us regardless of what we have done or what we will do, because of His inexplicable love for us.

The scripture teaches us that we were bought by Christ through His redemption of us by His Blood. We belong to Him. We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. Christ dwells in us and we in Him. However, because we are human and flesh, we DO sin. We all sin everyday- no matter how hard we try not to. We try not to sin and be perfect even as the Father is perfect- yet we cannot help ourselves. Sin can be anything- thoughts, words, actions- some so subtle that we don't realise that we have sinned. Even to gossip, look at anything unsavoury in a book or film, cuss or just feel a sense of selfish anger or pride- is sin. We can't help but sin. That is not to say we all go out and murder or have adulterous affairs or whatever. Sin is a part of our life- no matter how hard we try not to.

If we deny that we sin, then the truth is not in us! Christians do sin- we are not perfect- just forgiven! Because Christ has redeemed us on the Cross, we belong to Him. He promises that whoever eats and drinks of His flesh and blood will have Everlasting life. I believe that! God's forgiveness and compassion is there for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who backslide- backsliding is repented of as soon as one returns to God. The Holy Spirit never leaves us- God promised that to us. He said, I will send you the Helper! Why? Because we need His help! He said He would not leave us orphans- He didn't. And although it sometimes feels like God has deserted us, it is always us who have done the moving! That is a good time to check our life and pray through it. God does not leave us because we have sinned. He convicts us and yearns jealously over us! Why? Because we belong to Him and He loves us. He tells us that we can never be separated from His love.

I used to battle with fear over the Unpardonable Sin. I didn't understand it. But there is only one way you can commit that-by totally turning away from all things of God, Forever. God just can’t reach you. I don't think any of us who worry about sinning need lose any sleep over this. We obviously still are tender to the things of God. I believe that it is an extremely rare thing for God to reject that which He has redeemed and sealed with His Spirit. Backsliding is not the Unpardonable Sin. There is always hope for the backslider, in fact, as long as we live, there is hope for everyone who has breath!

It seems to me that some Christians are dwelling on some theology that is grounded on fear and until you come to realise how loved we all are in the LORD, you will not enjoy that glorious feeling of acceptance, love and forgiveness in all its fullness. Don't let Jesus's invitation of peace and joy in your salvation be spoilt by misunderstanding the scriptures. I did that for years. We have God's grace and are covered by His Blood, adopted as joint heirs with Christ as Sons (or daughters) of God, and we are justified through that covering. However, we continue to be under a state of grace and justification because God keeps us redeemed and sealed by His Spirit.  More next post....

© Glenys Robyn Hicks