He makes everything beautiful in His time

He prayed for a loving wife, so tired of waiting to be loved again... he sought her out, eyes looking at faces in women who walked across his path... glancing for wedding rings... a glimpse of hope, a sign..... Not yet...Soon?

She prayed for a loving husband, wanting to find love for the first time in her life... she too searched faces and hands of those she met in her work.... ever seeking.... envious of gold bands on wedding fingers... sighing and lonely.... Not yet.. Soon?

They met at a local church's dinner for Christian singles.... a chance meeting perhaps one would think...but not so with these two.... for deep within themselves love reverberated with faith that God had heard their prayer for togetherness and love...Come now... Coming...

Together, they worked and planned and went to church... together they prayed and talked about God, love, family the past and their future... they married and continued in the faith....Together.... Forever...

And he loved her, nursing her through surgeries, heart problems and illness... shielding her as much as he could from the ravaging effects of her illnesses...Compassionate... Always...

And she in turn loved him deeply, passionately and faithfully, grateful to him and to God for bringing them together.... Tender... Loving Forever..

But the clouds came.... with rains that threatened to flood their lives with despair and sadness... for he was not truly of Christ.... although to her, he was her guardian angel. .. Always and forever...

With his questioning  the new birth and trying to understand it, she realised that once again she was unequally yoked... yet all the attributes of Christ were found in him.... So close. So close... yet

At worship he still sits with his arm around her.... head bowed as the preacher asks those who do not know the Saviour to raise their hand.... he does not move... she hardly breathes except to pray.... But not yet.  Not yet...

She lifts her head with glistening eyes.... in Your time, LORD... in Your time... So close...Not yet. Keep praying..... keep loving....for as long as it takes....Till we are truly one in Christ...Forever....Whenever You desire.

Written with the understanding of an unequally yoked wife...Loving and praying for my sweet Christopher...Always..........

You may wonder why I have not mentioned this previously: because really it is a matter between my husband and the LORD.  Although I am desperate for him to come to the LORD (especially with my heart problems, I want the assurance that Chris knows Jesus before He takes me home), I do not preach at him. I pray. And pray. And keep silent about spiritual matters....

Because I am not the Holy Spirit, I can leave that up to Him to convict and woo and draw my husband. My job as the wife of an unbeliever is to reverence, honour and love my husband..  Because Chris is a man of integrity as I mentioned, anything he asks me to do would not be sinful.... therefore, I willingly submit to him as the scriptures tell us to do... I would not submit to him if he asked me to sin, however....

I sometimes want to speed things along by talking too much about the necessity of being born again to truly be saved, but because I would only get in the Spirit's way, I back off and nearly bite my tongue off.  Who knows, God may very well bring my husband to a saving knowledge of Him through someone else...

It does get lonely, being unable to share biblical things a lot... but as Chris is questioning and searching, I often get the chance to witness to him.... I pray a lot that God gives me the right words and that I don't become vaccinated with a gramophone needle and talk too much!

My marriage is a real blessing, and both Chris and I believe that God caused us to meet...(see why I thought Chris was born-again... He prays to God always),  but it could be better.... but until Christ calls him to Himself, you will find me treating Chris the same as if he was a Christian already... and you will also find me on my knees- a lot!

It's in His time. In His time...Always

I wrote this post seven years ago and a lot of things have changed. Chris is born again, and loves the LORD. I praise God for this. My biggest challenge now is to keep my mouth shut from "preaching" at him and trying to make him run when he is crawling. He is still on milk, but is surprising me at times by his keen discernment of what is scriptural and what isn't.

We sometimes pray together and I would love this to be more often, but I am peddling slowly because I don't want to be pushy. Chris is encouraged to lead as the head of the home, but that is something that isn't new. He was created to lead in the home, and I have always encouraged that.

As a Christian since 1980, I am on a full meat diet, but I must be careful not to push my new born Christian husband too much. I am not the Holy Spirit. 

I think we unequally yoked wives who suddenly find our husbands have been saved, tend to want to push the envelope and have their man as spiritually advanced as them. But the whole thing is fraught with danger as it can frighten them off and they will retreat and keep their faith as a "private thing" and get back into their familiar comfort zone.

So allowing your husband to lead in prayer, say grace over a meal or have family devotions may take a long time- but it is important that we allow God to work in their life and not push it.

The same scriptures that tell us that we can win our husbands to Christ without a word still apply to him taking on the spiritual role of leading his family. We have to rein in that desire and be self-controlled. In time- God's time, your husband will gain confidence in his role and the whole being a Christian thing. We are to keep out of the Holy Spirit's way and allow Him to work in our husband's life. Likewise, ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 1 Peter 3:1

As in praying for your husband's salvation, we are to keep praying for our husband's growth in the faith. And we are to continue to support, love and respect him even if he shows no definite signs of being ready to eat meat. 

The LORD is faithful: all we have to do is allow Him to do His work in our husband's life and pray. So don't look at the time and how long his walk is taking: leave it in the LORD'S Hands and let Him call the shots.

As you enjoy your new equally yoked marriage, there will be times of joy and gratefulness and blessings along the way and it will seem like no time at all that you realise your man is eating meat with you. Then you will exclaim as I did recently,"Would you look at the time already?" And you will know: He makes everything beautiful in his time!" 

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:  Ecclesiastes 3:11a

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

Love was given a name: Jesus!

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Resting in the promises of God

When we are constantly bombarded with health problems and in constant pain, it is very easy to fall into the self-pity trap. We feel nobody understands us or that nobody cares and we can't live as we want. This makes us feel overwhelmed and we go down straight into the Pit of Despair.

Anyone who suffers chronic pain knows that the Pit of Despair is a real place that seeks to keep its guests captive. It is a very hard place to be in and a hard place to leave.

Once we have arrived at the Pit of Despair, we find that we have packed extra suitcases of Sorrow that we didn't realise we had packed. We knew that we had Sadness, False Guilt, Anger, Resentment and Disappointment on board in the luggage department, but we usually are surprised to find Desperation, Disbelief, Doubt and Denial have hitched a ride in our bags as well.

As the doorman greets us and the bags are carried up to our rooms, we feel sure we hear evil laughter in the background....

We can be sure that the Evil One delights in our arrival, for he knows that sooner or later, he will be able to torment us with doubts about his greatest enemy, God. He will torment us with thoughts that will shake us to the very core. For he knows that in times of trouble, we need to cling to Jesus.

By our arrival at the Pit of Despair, Satan knows that we are prime targets for Desperation, Disbelief, Doubt and Denial of the most extreme order: attacks on our Spirit and belief in Christ- doubts even whether God loves us and even if He has saved us.

To be sure, those thoughts have come fleetingly prior to entering the Pit of Despair, indeed, they have helped to lure us there. It is just a matter of time before those thoughts are so well entertained there that they threaten to overwhelm us in their intensity. For in times of trouble, where else can a Christian go than to the LORD? If Satan can get us to feel alone and that God doesn't care, then we are at the Pit's doorstep!

To avoid going to the Pit of Despair, it is imperative that we cling close to Jesus on a daily basis. Even when illness precludes bible reading or even listening to scripture, we should have enough of the Word inside of us to remember and to use against the Evil One. For we know that no matter what: God is for us and loves us!

We must put on the armour as described in Ephesians so that we can withstand the darts of the Evil One. And we must do this on a daily basis so that in the time of trouble, we WILL stand!

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

How does one get out of the Pit of Despair? you ask. By taking our thoughts captive and choosing to walk by faith and not by sight. Therefore [we are] always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 2 Corinthians 5:6-7

We must stand firm on the foundation of Christ Who loves us in spite of what our emotions are telling us. Emotions can and do lie. We have to learn to stand of the firm and solid foundation of the Word and not the sinking sands of emotion.

I know this sounds simplistic and as a fellow sufferer who has periodically visited the Pit of Despair, I know how easy it is to let your guard down and succumb to despair. But having been there, I can tell you that you can find your way out, but only with storing the Word in your heart to guard your mind and heart in times of trouble.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

The Pit of Despair has its doors open 24/7...it is a place that no one wants to visit. Don't unintentionally start packing your suitcases by allowing self-pitying thoughts control you! Make sure that you don't go there, stay close to the LORD, immerse yourself in the Word and prayer...that in the time of trouble, instead of finding yourself unsure of your place in Christ's affections, you will run to Him as a child to its father. You have His Word and promise to you that He will be there waiting for you, His Child. That's a Promise!

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15 For thou hast been a shelter for me, [and] a strong tower from the enemy. Psalm 61:3 The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

“Godly Womanhood” by Peter Marshall

I was greatly encouraged by this sermon. It has stood the test of time and is even more relevant today. ..

“Godly womanhood….the very phrase sounds strange in our ears. We never hear it now. We hear about every other type of women: beautiful women, smart women, sophisticated women, career women, talented women, divorced women. But so seldom do we hear of a godly women–or of a godly man either for that matter.

We believe women come nearer to fulfilling their God-given function in the home than anywhere else. It is a much nobler thing to be a good wife, than to be Miss America. It is a greater achievement to establish a Christian home than it is to produce a second-rate novel filled with filth. It is a far, far better thing in the realms of morals to be old-fashioned, than to be ultra modern.

The world has enough women who know how to be smart. It needs women who are willing to be simple. The world has enough women who know how to be brilliant. It needs some who will be brave. The world has enough women who are popular. It needs more who are pure.

We need woman, and men, too,who would rather be morally right than socially correct.” ~ U.S. Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall

Blessings, Glenys

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

They know!

I just read an article today written by a female abortion doctor who felt no qualms doing terminations when she herself was pregnant. To be honest, I believe this woman is unhinged and has a conscience that is seared. It's not like she didn't know what she was doing to the unborn fetus at the same stage of gestation as her own.

Likewise, the pro abortion fools aren't ill informed like women of years ago! These days we have the scientific evidence that a fetus is alive and human. They know it, and still they murder them or encourage others to. 

And whilst we pity the poor women faced with an unplanned pregnancy who aborted and suffer intensely for their decision, and who seek God's forgiveness (and receive it), we can't even pray "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!" for those who perform abortions.  They know!

These days, with the lack of babies to adopt, they know that there are thousands of couples who long to fill the empty cribs waiting in an empty nursery, who would open their hearts and homes to bring their child up. 

Even if there were no longer those who are waiting to adopt a child, there would be no shortage of older women who would still take on a child rather than see it aborted.

No longer do people have the excuse of seeing a fetus as "human like" "baby like" etc as this woman in the above article stated: they are human babies. Period. And each time they destroy a fetus, their consciences are seared further, because- they know! 

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee;  Isaiah 44: 2

A great reason to rejoice!

Most of us do not have a problem with racial prejudice. Indeed, it is something that I believe is a learned thing. Something that is passed on from older generation to younger.

I have seen babies of different colour and ethnicity play happily together in Church creches, oblivious to the fact that they are different in skin hue.

Sadly, by the time those children enter school, the stigma of being different and consequent racial prejudice is taking hold.

I myself have no problem with making friends with people of colour and they have no problem with me, even though I have the whitest of white skin and summer palette colouring. 

Indeed, some of my closest friends are a South African black couple and a Sri Lankan black woman. The latter being like a sister to me. 

On coming to Australia, all three people were incredulous that they weren't segregated into places and situations stipulated for coloureds only. The South Africans couldn't get over being able to swim with the whites and the Sri Lankan woman was amazed that we don't look down on her as was the custom in her home country.

I don't know why colour is such an issue, and I can only imagine that Jesus weeps over this sad state. After all, He died for all in every tribe, nation and tongue.

What I do know is that colour is not important to those of us who truly love the LORD. We are simply brothers and sisters in Christ.

And another thing we can be certain of is that there will be no apartheid and coloured sections in Heaven. And that's a great reason to rejoice! 

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

”My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart [shall be] of understanding. ” Psalm 49:3

Thoughts as the day comes to an end

I honestly never thought I would ever face the day I didn't have a bath or take a shower every day. Or put it on my to do list. Or have to factor it in, weighing up pros and cons of using too many spoons or not.

I never thought I would ever flake out on my bed after taking a bath or shower, too exhausted to dry myself, instead allowing the ducted air from the heater vent to dry me off.

Never did I envision myself too sore to put on a bra, or too stiff and sore to put my leg through my knickers or leggings, or having to call for assistance to put on my socks and shoes.

I could never have imagined my days spent in a dressing gown or house robe, with my slippers my only comfort in a world of pain. Forgoing clothes too hard to don and that make me itch mercilessly.

I can never imagine being thought of with compassion by outsiders who do not suffer from chronic illness or pain. Who judge without knowing facts. And their judgement is cruelly wrapped up in a word. Lazy.

Now I can never dream of doing these things that I took for granted in healthier years. But I can dream of things I can still do in the privacy of my home. Accept what is. Create my own new normal. Reach out to others like me. And pray.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

"So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom" Psalm 90:12

The everlasting engagement

Over the years I have noticed a growing trend in both Christian and non-Christian people to prolong their engagement over many years, and often not even to end up marrying.  Often there is an engagement party and the couple are asked if they have set a date for their wedding. Usually there is no real indication of when they plan to marry, just a vague wave of the hand and a casual "when we get around to it" attitude.

In biblical times a Jewish  betrothal was generally about 12 months. However, the betrothal was as if the couple were married and in fact to break the betrothal would require a divorce.  Sexual relations did not take place.  Indeed if a betrothed person was found to have had intercourse with someone not their betrothed, they could be stoned for adultery. 

A marriage contract was called a Ketubah   During this time, the groom would prepare a place for his betrothed wife.  There was never any doubt that a marriage would be consummated, but the exact date was usually known only to the groom.  The bride stayed with her parents and waited for her groom.

Today, there are no real expectations or enforcements of engagements.  They can be broken with a minimum of outward fuss- most fuss being internalised and emotional. Other times, the young couple will just cohabit as if married and there is no wedding ring- ever.  But an engagement is not a marriage.

For young Christians who become engaged, the temptation to become sexually involved is strong, and for this reason I believe an engagement shouldn't be prolonged. And just like marriage, an engagement shouldn't be entered into lightly or unadvisedly.  Christians are different from the unsaved in that when one gives a promise or their word, we should carry it through.

For those considering marriage, make sure that you are fully intending to marry and that your engagement isn't too long. Impurity and cohabitation are not in God's plan for our life: He wants us to marry and bear precious seed for Him.

Becoming engaged is a promise to marry, not a promise to be exclusively available for a "permanent" relationship, nor is it to be seen as a licence for cohabitation. Betrothal from the earliest times has been seen to precede a marriage.

Everlasting engagements can be the gateway to failure in being godly wives and mothers. They can lead to us being left with just our engagement ring and memories, and perhaps, with a baby or two in tow.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

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

Some things a mother never forgets

One of my favourite things is to go to Opportunity or Thrift Shops. Some of my best clothes have been second-hand: some even have been brand new with labels still on!

During one of these trips, I was trying on a dress in the change room. I overheard a conversation between the aged volunteer ladies who live in the grounds where they have their Op Shop. They made me chuckle and left me feeling strangely happy.....

"Myrtle, do you know where the spare coat hangers are? I thought I put them out the back, but I can't find them! I would leave my head at home if it weren't screwed on!"...

"Beryl, you put them under the counter this morning: here they are!".....tutt- tutt

"Myrtle, did I tell you that Maries' youngest daughter had her baby last night? Yep, a girl as that scan thing said....quite a big baby: 9lbs.....mmmmmm. My Barry was nearly 9lbs: nearly killed me....Cheryl was just over 8lbs: huh, I thought that was bad enough but Barry beat that!...Marie said Stacy is such a tiny girl to have a big baby like that....still you can't tell can ya? Some women have em real easy like that and then the bigger lassies need an Opera-tion! How much did your bubbies weigh, Myrtle?"

"Oh, Jack was 7lbs 6ozs and was a real long fella! 20 inches. I was having me pains for days before I took the tram to the Womens Hospital.... reckon he'd have been a cesssareann if I'd been havin' him now! Beth was so fast, I nearly had her on the tram!! Just goes to show ya how each kiddie is different, Beryl. Beth wasn't as long as Jack but he was a bit heavier....she was 7lbs. George gave me no trouble whatsoever: 8lbs 2.... Can you show me how to operate this till? I can't get the hang of it..."

Putting my purchases on the counter, I guessed Beryl and Myrtle to be nearly 80. Forgetful and playful, they made my day: but forgetful as they are- they proved a point. Even though their 'babies' were in their 60's, motherhood leaves an indelible mark on a woman's soul... and there are some things a mother never forgets!

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, [and to be] a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. Psalm 113:9

It's a Sacrifice

Let's remember God's great sacrifice every day, not just at Easter. Because of this, we who believe will have eternal life with him.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

"And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost". Luke 23:46