It's been too long since our last issue. It seems that procrastination is something I struggle with too often. With spring break, birthdays, the school year ending, family illnesses, revival, and so many other things going on, I just couldn't get it all together to put together another issue of Vessels Unto Honour.
Since our last issue, the Lord has burdened me to
write a study concerning Psalms 127:1 (I'll let you look it up!).
It will actually be two studies in one as the Lord has lead me to
incorporate the adorning of a woman's spirit into the study. Look
for it on the web within the next few weeks. If you don't have
access to the Internet please request the study booklet. I will
gladly drop one in the mail to you.
Since this issue is so overdue, it will be a little longer than usual. I also want to say that with each issue you may notice some differences from the previous one. We are still getting a feel for this and will try new and different things as the Lord leads to see what will work and what will not.
Question of the month will be dropped as we did not get any response to that column. The poem and recipes this time come from a few sisters in the Lord that I met through the internet! If you ever feel that you have something that would be a blessing to others and you want to share it through this publication, please feel free to send it on over! I will gladly consider using it.
Now, having said all that, let's move on!
| Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. |
New Study! Are You Meet for the Master's Use? You can print it from the web page or request it in booklet form.
Missionary News & Updates... Not long ago our church was blessed to have this missionary visit us and preach both Sunday morning and Sunday evening. What makes his ministry such a blessing is that he reaches out to all of the cult religions such as Catholics and Mormons but he especially focuses on the Jehovah's Witnesses.
On his families prayer card is the following statement: "World Cult Evangelism is committed to reaching the unrelated through: Instruction, Research, Evangelism." Brother Weeks says that it is difficult to get support for his ministry because most churches think of missions as not only reaching the lost in other countries, but also those who have never heard of Christ. They have never considered cult churches as being a mission field. He also states that the reason most churches do not reach out to cult members is that church members are not properly equipped to reach out to these cults. This leads to improper methods of evangelizing those who have been brainwashed into believing a false doctrine. Witnessing to a JW is much different than witnessing to someone who has never even heard of Christ.
Brother Weeks actually started out as a missionary in a foreign field but was faced with witnessing to so many JW's and little knowledge of how to win them. The method that this brother uses to reach cult members is called the FFP. . . or the False Foundation Principal. What he teaches you to do through the book he has written on witnessing to JW's is to destroy the foundation of their religion. Then and only then will they listen to you as you present the true Gospel of Christ.
The book is called simply "Evangelizing J.W.'s". It is only one of the many resources available through his ministry. Included are tools to help you protect your children from being drawn into the cult religions. One that I find very interesting and totally unique is the "hot line" that J.W.'s can call.
I have always had a fear of witnessing to the J.W.'s because I didn't know "how" to even though I do know how to present the gospel to a lost person. However, as I stated earlier, witnessing to someone who is deceived and brainwashed is totally different than witnessing to someone who has never heard of Jesus. That is one of the blessings of this ministry! It is a great relief to know that there is someone out there to help me understand these cults better and to guide me in effective witnessing.
The Weeks' are sent out by
Meadow Baptist Church
2249 Hwy. 120
Duluth, Georgia 30136
and their missions board is
Macedonia World Baptist Missions
P.O. Box 551
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30246.
Even though this is an unusual mission field when it comes to the "traditional" missionary, it's truly a blessing. I know that they would appreciate your support.
In our first issue we featured John and Cathy O'Brien and their 4 beautiful children. Since that time this family has completed their missionary training with New Tribes and have been taken on by Macedonia World Baptist Missions. Currently their support level is at 20%. Please be in prayer for them concerning raising support and getting on the field within the next several months. The O'Briens will be traveling extensively this month and next and would appreciate your prayers. Also, brother O'Brien lost his mother to cancer just a few weeks ago, but we know that he rejoices in knowing that his mom is at the feet of her Saviour now! Please remember him during this time. Another prayer request that they have is that the doors to Russia may soon be closed due to a law pending there. But we know that all is in God's hands.
This family is such a blessing to us and we were able to spend 5 days with them this month while they were in our area. Please seek the Lord's will concerning supporting them. You can reach them by e-mail at romans44@dbytes.com. Drop them a line and let them know you're praying for them or that you would like to support them.
Shortly after the March newsletter went out, we received a prayer letter from the Bove family, who just happened to be featured in the last newsletter. I quote from the prayer letter: "The Roman Catholics and the anthropological community have presented a bill which calls for the expulsion of all New Tribes Missionaries from Venezuela, and especially from the state of the Amazonas. The Bill has already passed in the Venezuelan Senate, and the other house will soon meet to decide when to vote on the bill."
I have been told that this bill did indeed pass. However, I do not know the what the next step is for the Bove's. Please keep this precious family in your prayers. They have worked so hard to get where they are and it seems such a shame that it might possibly all be in vain. However, we serve a God who can do anything and He grants us the good things that we ask for! We also know that He holds the hearts of all the leaders in His hands. Pray for His will to be done.
From the kitchen. . . .With summer barbecue's and family get-together's, I thought I would give you some simple, tasty dishes to whip up. Both of these come from my dear friend and sister in Christ, Angela Gordon!
Be sure and send us your favorite recipe!
I slice my veggies while the noodles are cooking. Also cut up the pepperoni into small pieces. After mixing generously sprinkle with Salad Supreme. Don't skip this part, because thats what makes the pasta salad taste good! Pour in the whole bottle of dressing and stir. Let it sit for at least a couple hours to marinate before serving. (I usually prepare a day ahead.)
Take about 1 half of the juice from the can of fruit and mix it with the jello. After you have sliced your fresh fruit, pour in the jello mixture and refrigerate for at least an hour. This makes a delicious fruit salad!!
Do you have a homemaking tip that has simplified your life? I would love to hear from you and share your ideas. Just e-mail me or see me in person! It doesn't just have to be something practical, but it could be an idea to spruce up and brighten the home. Please share your ideas with other keepers at home!
Recently I wanted to add a little romantic touch to our home. What I did was to take one of a pair of sheers and slipped it over a wooden dowel rod. I nailed two small nails to the top of the outside of our bedroom door frame and hung up the sheer. I pulled it back to one side and secured it with a ribbon which I then nailed to the side of the door frame. It really added a nice, feminine touch.
Part of gift giving is finding creative ways to wrap it up and present it to the receiver. Here is a fun project that folks will love receiving:
First, clean any leftover paint from the paint can. Acrylic paint usually will peel off fairly easily. Now, spray paint the outside of the can, using 2 or 3 coats. After the paint has totally dried, use the paint brush to apply the glue/water mixture to the backs of the small pictures and arrange the pictures on the paint can. Allow to dry. Apply one coat of the glue mixture all over the outside of the can. After this has dried, spray finished product with acrylic sealant. (This will protect the pictures and make the outside waterproof).
Now you have a beautiful handmade gift container! Some ideas to fill it up include: Gardening tools and seeds; homemade candy or cookies; potted plant; stationary and writing utensils. The ideas are endless! Have fun!
Note: If you don't paint the inside, be sure to line the can with a square of material cut with pinking shears, a lacy hanky, or tissue paper.
Not long ago I heard a preacher preach how that we often get so busy trying to do something FOR God, that we forget to do something WITH God! Prayer, Bible study, fellowship with the Lord is so much more important than we realize. That thought brings to mind the reality that often I am so busy doing something FOR my children, that I forget to do something WITH them. If we, as mother's and keeper's at home, are always busy with chores and such, our children will soon come to resent the time we spend doing these things for them. To be honest with you, I can ALWAYS find something to do around our house but has God convicted me about spending more time playing, reading, and talking with the children. I often find that if there is some bit of housework that needs doing it is alot easier to do after I have spent some sweet time with the little ones.
There is a cross-stitched picture hanging in my bathroom. It reads: "Be not forgetful of little folk, for they bring thee great joy!". What a beautiful thought that is. May we always find our children a joy to us.
This poem comes from the Sword of the Lord book called "Under Construction" by Viola Walden. It is by Dianna Neal and was copied from the Pulpit Helps paper.
My precious boy with the golden hair
Came up one day beside my chair
And fell upon his fended knee
"O Mommy, please play with me!"
I said, "Not now, go on and play;
I've got so much to do today."
He smiled through tears in eyes so blue
When I said,
"We'll play when I get through."
But the chores lasted all through
the day . . . . .
And I never did find the time to play.
When supper was over and dishe done
I was much too tired for my little son.
I tucked him in and kissed his cheek
And watched my angel fall asleep.
As I tossed and turned upon my bed,
Those words kept ringing in my head,
"Not now, son, go on and play;
I've got so much to do today."
I fell asleep and, in a minute's span,
My little boy is a full-grown man.
No toys are there to clutter the floor;
No dirty fingerprints on the door;
No snacks to fix; no tears to dry;
The rooms just echo my lonely sign.
And now I've got the time to play;
But my precious boy is gone away.
I awoke myself with a pitiful scream
And realized it was just a dream;
For across the room in his little bed
lay my curly-haired boy the sleephead.
My work will wait 'til another day
For now I must find some time to play.
Here is a cool,
fun summer snack for the kids. It can also be used as a treat for
a little girl's tea party! Maybe you could have a Teddy Bear Day.
Let the children bring their favorite teddy and you can play
teddy bear games such as "Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear" with
the jump rope.
What you'll need:
What to do:
Put a scoop of ice cream into a dish or even a muffin tin liner. This will be the head. Next, use candies for eyes and nose. Cut a two inch piece of the red licorice for a mouth. Now sprinkle the coconut and sprinkles on top to resemble hair. Place on cookie sheet and put in freezer if you are not going to use right away.
This lovely, encouraging poem comes from an Internet friend of mine. So often we get discouraged in our trials and tribulations simply because things are out of our control. Well, that's the way it is supposed to be for Christians! It's comforting to know that we can allow someone much more powerful to be in control. Praise His holy name! Even in the midst of tragedy there can be comfort and peace as we hold to His hand. One of the most comforting verses to me is Psalms 37:23 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." Remember who is directing our lives and you'll have peace and comfort.
Don't let the troubles of life get you
down,
Know that the Lord will soon turn things around.
Learn to be patient and hold fast to His hand,
Know through it all, that God has a plan.
Learn not to lean on your own thoughts and ways,
For He is the author of all of your days.
In Him have faith, deliverance and rest,
Know through the trials, that you may be blessed.
Don't fret over things, not in your control,
God offers peace to mind, body, and soul.
He is our salvation, on Him we can depend,
All things work together with Him in the End.
| And we know that all things work together for good to them that are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) |
Written by: Tracy
I love the newspaper Sword of the Lord. Did you know that they also publish many books that cover a variety of subjects? Listed below are a few that I am currently reading.
Order in the Court, written by Sherry Hutson Camperson. If you want encouragement on becoming more organized and adding a little order to your life, this book is for you! It is 84 pages long and costs $3.95 from Sword publishers. You might also be able to find it as your local Christian book dealer. Uses scripture to show the important and reason for order and organization in your life and home.
The Right Romance in Marriage, by Cathy Rice. This book is perfect for either those that are already married and seeking to improve their marriage, or for single women who want to be prepared as she enters into marriage. There is even a chapter dedicated to those who are later in life. Just because your older does not mean you can't have romance in your life! This book is $2.95 and has 127 pages.
GOD in your Family, by John R. Rice. I have not yet started on this book but can tell that it will be wonderful. Gives Biblical, practical advice for a successful Christian home. It is $4.95 and 248 pages.
Call 1-800-24-SWORD to order these books or get a catalog of all their publications.
Are you uneasy about allowing your children to "date"? Here is a listing of 5 videos that offer alternatives to dating. Specifically, courtship and betrothal. All are by Dr. S. M. Davis and cost $18.00 for one, $16.00 each for two or more. Call 1-800-500-8853 for ordering information.
7 Bible Truths Violated by Christian Dating
Seeds of Disintegration Planted by the Boyfriend/Girlfriend Philosophy
God's Plan For Finding A Mate
Victory Over The Dating Spirit
Questions and Answers about Betrothing
Dating, courtship, and betrothing is a sensitive subject and decision that needs to be approached prayerfully. It's never too early to start thinking about it if you have children. Train them up now before it's too late!
As
usual, here are some sites of possible interest to you. Please
keep in mind that I don't necessarily agree with everything on
these pages. Use discernment!
Have you ever seen a Chick tract? If you have, then you know what a blessing they are. If not, drop by their web site: http://www.chick.com. You can place an order, check out some of their tracts, request a free catalog and tract sample, and much more!
Is birth control wrong? Should Christians use birth control? Visit this page called "Why do Christians Use Birth Control?" for a thought provoking article on this subject. Offers the most common excuses folks make in favor of using birth control along with information about the side effects of the most popular methods: http://www.spiritone.com/~lifeadvo/archives/terry.html.
Visit Virtual Hell! Caution: It will take you a good bit of time to get through this site but it's worth it. I'll not mention anything else about it, except good luck on finding your way out! http://www.wildstar.net/~pule.
Dial-the-truth is a great place to visit! There are alot of articles, tracts here, not to mention information on Bible versions, rock music, "Christian rock", and so on. I spent a good bit of time here the day I stopped by: http://www.av1611.org/. One link that I especially liked dealt with the subject of weather we can loose our salvation or not. Uses ALOT of scripture to prove that you cannot! These are found on the Electronic Tracts link.
Wonderful Word Bible Ministries is a publishing ministry. Visit their web page and request a free sample copy of their newspaper "The Gospel Guardian". I have really enjoyed reading mine. If you enjoy it too, I know that they would appreciate your support through requesting a paid subscription of the paper: http://users.southeast.net/~gld/. Also find out how to receive 1000 free gospel tracts. Make sure that you take the link to the Billy Sunday sermon!
For those of you who homeschool, ABeka Book has a web site: http://www.abeka.com. Find product information here, who your area representatives or when the next meeting will be in your area.
I have not had a chance to check out this site properly, but it looks interesting. It is called Jews for Jesus: http://www.jews-for-jesus.org/. You may possibly finding information here to aid you in witnessing to Jews.
Well, that ought to keep you busy till next time! Hope that you are blessed from visiting these pages. Send any URL's that you think folks might get a blessing from!
Please share your favorite web pages with us!
2 Peter
3:17 "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things
before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the
wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18: But grow in grace,
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him
be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
In the two previous issues of Vessels Unto Honour, we discussed the adorning of a woman's spirit in the Bible study section. This month that study will move to the "Word Study" column. Beginning this issue, the Bible study each month will feature a subject that we hope will help you "grow in grace and knowledge" of your Saviour.
1 Timothy 2:9 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10: But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."
1 Peter 3:1 "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; 2: While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3: Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4: But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."
Reading over the verses of scripture in 1 Peter 3, you will notice how God says a woman's conversation (conduct) can be used to win her husband to the Lord. If she wants to have an affect on him, then it cannot be through what he sees on the outside. It must come from the part of her that he cannot see. Can a pretty dress win him to the Lord? How about a piece of jewelry? A new hairdo No! It may gain his attention, but what he's seeing is the temporal and corruptible.
Godliness is not manifest through clothes, jewelry, or hair. However, what is in the heart makes itself manifest through actions, words, and deeds. Matthew 12:34 "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35: A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things." That is why God wants a woman not to be so concerned about her clothes and such. It is more important to be aware of her conduct.
Even if a wife's husband is saved, she must still adorn herself properly. Notice Proverbs 21:9 says "It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." This verse is repeated three times in Proverbs (21:19 and 25:24), with each one having a little variation in describing this woman's behaviour. Angry, brawling, and contentious are all used to tell us about the woman that nobody wants to live with! Now, I know that we all have bad days now and then, but I believe that the woman in these verses is probably like this all the time. She's the true nag!
What kind of example is she to her husband regardless of if he is lost or saved? One thing if for sure! He obviously does not like to be around her! Not only is she presenting a bad example, she probably can't even find him because he's hiding out from her.
I believe that 1 Peter 3 does not only apply to lost husbands, but also to saved husbands who may not be "obeying the word" and are currently back slidden and living in rebellion. How can you restore him and help him to see his error? Certainly you don't want to be like the woman in Proverbs 21:9, 19 or 25:24! That will just drive him further away. There is a right way.
You can take a woman, put her in costly garments and jewelry, give her a fancy hair style but nobody will want to be around her if she has an angry, contentious, brawling spirit. No manner of putting on of clothing, jewelry, and plaited hair will make her beautiful. Besides, these verses clearly instruct women "not" to use hair, jewelry, nor clothing to win over her husband. Her beauty comes from within and she will win him over by chaste conversation coupled with fear!
Strong's Concordance gives two meanings for adorn (1 Timothy 2:9). First it says it means "to put in proper order, as in decorate". It also is to "garnish or trim". "orderly arrangement". An interesting note about adorning is that it is derived from a base word that means "to tend, take care of".
Webster's Dictionary defines adorn "to decorate with ornaments; beautify". A side note says that adorn implies an enhancing by something beautiful in itself. In 1 Peter 3, God describes the meek and quite spirit as an ornament! An ornament is something that adds grace and beauty. Could it be that the Lord is telling us that we are to add grace and beauty through a meek and quiet spirit, and not through the fixing of the hair or wearing of gold? Hmmm. . . .
I think the definitions of "adorn" add an interesting twist to our understanding of these scriptures. Usually when we speak of adorn, what comes to mind is making one's self beautiful by the putting on of clothing, jewels, etc. But through understanding the true meaning of these words, we see that God, who loves things done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40), has instructed women to "beautify" herself in an orderly manner. That is, take care of the inside first and foremost. God wants people to see in women shamefacedness, sobriety good works, a spirit that is meek and quiet, and clothes that are modest. What I believe is that if you take special care to adorn your spirit properly, then the outward part will naturally fall into place.
Read the text again, substitute the definitions I gave in place of adorn.
Is God forbidding women to wear nice clothing, gold, pearls, braided hair? I do not think so, but I do believe He is cautioning about overdoing it. You see, women are to avoid excess in their dress. Modest also means "disliking praise or publicity; avoiding self-exposure; not outstanding". If you can wear something without it wrongly drawing attention to outward appearance, and if it is not excessive, then I would say it is modest and in line with God's order of adorning oneself.
Modesty is stressed over and over again in the Bible in reference to women. This would apply to their conduct as well as clothing, as one of the meanings of "meek" is modest. Her spirit is to be meek and quiet so as to not bring any unnecessary attention to herself. (I don't think that that brawling woman fits in here!) A quiet spirit is one that is calm, gentle, and easygoing. The woman who is meek and quiet most likely knows about shamefacedness, too. That is to say, she is bashful, or shrinks from public attention. It's interesting to see the way all of these words mingle together and compliment one another.
Those attributes go along well with sobriety, that is having self-control. Now, I believe that this is the area most women struggle with the most. God made us emotional beings and it is hard for us to control our emotions sometimes. How often do we end up in tears or snapping somebody's head off? This in turn leads to bringing unnecessary attention, especially in a public setting.
The angry, brawling, contentious woman certainly draws the attention to herself and often ends up embarrassing her husband, family, friends, and others around her. The properly adorned woman controls her spirit and thus avoids that unwanted attention.
Our loving heavenly Father said that whatever we do, we are to do it to His glory. 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." The woman who is meek and quiet possesses a quality of great price, and I believe that what makes it so priceless is that her conduct and her spirit bring glory to the Lord. The woman who dresses immodestly and does not control her spirit serves only to draw attention away from God, to herself, and that is sin.
As we close, look to Titus 2. The older woman teaches the younger, among other things, how to be good, chaste, and good so that "that the word of God be not blasphemed." How often is the LORD blasphemed due to our ungodly conduct?
Tend to yourself in an orderly way!
During my quiet
time in God's word sometime back, I began to keep a list of
questions to ask myself. Sometimes I become slack in my
fellowship, adoration, and praise of Him and need a little
reminder to get me back on track. I pray that, as you study over
this list and the accompanying references, some part of your
relationship with the Lord that you have been neglecting will be
restored! Add to the list any questions and scripture you find
during your study time.
When have you cried unto the Lord? (Psalms 28:1)
When have you praised the Lord to show forth the marvelous works He has done in your life? (Psalms 9:1)
When have you given thanks to the Lord? (Psalms 92:1)
When have you rejoiced in the Lord? (Psalms 9:2)
When have you trusted in the Lord? (Psalm 9:10)
When have you left the past behind? Philippians 3:13)
When have you humbled yourself before the Lord? (James 4:10)
When have you honoured the Lord? (Proverbs 3:9)
When have you poured out your heart to the Lord? (Psalms 62:8)
When have you asked God to teach you His ways? (Psalms 86:11)
When have you glorified the Lord? (Psalms 86:12)
I call this "What the dead cannot do!" For the sake of this exercise, we will refer to a dead person as someone who is either physically or spiritually dead. Read the following references and determine if both descriptions can fit the verses. Try to find verses to support your answers.
Psalms 115:17
Psalms 6:5
Psalms 88:10 - 12
Isaiah 38:18
To
those who are dead in sins and trespasses, I urge you to trust in
Christ today to deliver you from sin and death.
For those reading this who are born again, I encourage you quit straddling fences, and to get a little heartburn for Jesus! Don't act like those who are spiritually dead!
In the New Testament, somebody did have heartburn for Jesus. Can you find it?
May God go with you.
| Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God . . . |
The End
© 1997 by Julia M. Faulkner, Sonshine Publications