Category: Christian Life

Christian Life · Husband · Pastor

Fess Up!

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I recently heard a story about a man who had been running from the police for over ten years. He was from Canada and came to the States where he completely changed his identity in order to continue to hide from authorities. He shared how that during that time, he was constantly looking over his shoulder; fearful someone would recognize him and arrest him for the things he had done.

You and I might not have that kind of criminal record, but have you ever worried that someone might find out what you are doing? Maybe you don’t want your husband to find the receipt in your wallet for the money you spent that you know you shouldn’t have. One might worry that the history on their computer might be checked, and they would be caught in the truth that they were viewing inappropriate material, or spending way too much time chatting on Facebook with an old friend.

I don’t need to drudge up scenarios. The Holy Spirit will bring to your mind and mine the things that we may be hiding that need to be confessed and forsaken. I love Proverbs 28:1 –

The wicked flee when no man pursues, 
but the righteous are bold as a lion. 

When we are doing what is right, we do not have to be afraid of who is watching, of where they might look into our personal things, or hear a conversation we have on the phone. We can be bold. However, if we are involved in sin, we should be afraid. Proverbs 15:3 – 

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

We cannot hide our sin from God. He sees and it will be discovered. The man I described in the beginning of this post was miserable due to the guilt. He confessed his sin to God, and turned himself in to the authorities where he received a lesser punishment for his crimes than what he really deserved. When we “fess up,” with God and others we’ve sinned against, we will be freed from the fear of being found out, our conscience is clear of the guilt, and we can move joyfully on with life!

Is your conscience clear, or did something come to your mind when you began reading today’s post?

Proverbs 28:13 – 
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Fess (confess) up, forsake, and get back to living!

Pastor’s Encouragement: Pray that your pastor will earnestly seek God’s will and be committed to instant and complete obedience-ready for God to work powerfully in and through his ministry.

Husband Encouragement: There are lots of tough guys in the world, but true courage comes from the Lord. Does your husband exhibit the courage to take an unpopular stand alone against evil? Is he courageous in his faith? Does he work hard to change injustice? Is he a stickler for the truth? Does he protect you or your family from the attacks of the enemy?

Psalm 27:14 says this kind of courage comes from “waiting on the Lord for His strength.” Such spiritual courage is a gift and blessing to you – thank the Lord of it and praise your husband for the covering he supplies.

With love,

Christian Life

A Peek From (of) My Porch

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Before we moved into our house, we used to sit in the driveway and dream about the day when we could move in and begin to make this house a home.  A month and a half ago, 
this is what the front porch looked like…
Now, thanks to some folks in a couple Sunday school classes at our church, we have two lovely rocking chairs to sit in and enjoy the view from the porch!
On Monday morning, though it was cool, I took my Bible out there 
and enjoyed the quiet of the morning while rocking. I read my devotions while watching the fog in the field across the street lift like a sleeping child waking from his slumber.
It was wonderfully quiet and peaceful.

This is what we had dreamed about doing before we’d moved in!  Now it is a sweet reality.

Do you ever daydream about heaven?  Do you think about what it will be like to sit at Jesus’ feet and worship Him, talk with Him, and spend eternity with Him?  One day that will be a reality for those that have received Christ as their Savior.  It could happen today – in a moment.  It will be far better than sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch – but it will be just as real!  So park your thoughts in the driveway of heaven and keep on dreaming and living for that Day!  One Day it will be actuality – it will be Home!  Jesus is coming soon!

If you have questions about heaven and wonder what it will be like or what we’ll do, I would highly recommend Randy Alcorn’s book simply entitled, Heaven.

What do you think about most in reference to being in heaven?

Pastor’s Encouragement:  Pray that your pastor will not give in to discouragement but will deal with inevitable criticism and conflict by committing himself into the hands of God, who judges righteously.

Husband’s Encouragement:  Remember, “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). Present your husband before others today in a strong, positive manner. Slip in a good word for your spouse. Resist the urge to correct or belittle him in front of others. 

With love from my country porch,

Christian Life

A Grace List

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“Hi!  How are you?” That is a customary greeting in our country, but one that is probably abused. Last Sunday in my husband’s sermon, he gave a great challenge: Instead of asking someone how they’re doing, why not ask them instead, “How have you seen God’s grace in your life today?” I love that!

Paul often started his epistles out talking about God’s grace. We read in Philippians 1:2 –

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

If you are saved, you experience God’s grace every single day! Grace is what God does for me that I don’t deserve on the basis of the cross.
  • You are witness of His forgiveness! That’s grace!
  • You are the recipient of His love! That’s grace!
  • You have the promise of heaven! That’s grace!
  • You have access to His throne through prayer! That’s grace!
  • You witness answered prayers! That’s grace!
  • You have all your needs met! That’s grace!
  • You have 66 books to learn the depth of the riches of His love! That’s grace!
  • You have His wisdom! That’s grace!
  • You have been given a spiritual gift! That’s grace!

    • We could go on and on and on. Everything you and I have and enjoy is all of His grace. We don’t deserve it. That will give us LOTS to share with someone else if they ask. Why not ponder for a minute all the ways you’ve witnessed God’s grace in your life just today, then when someone asks you how you’re doing, share one or two on your “grace list.” We are blessed and need to acknowledge the Giver by telling others of His goodness.

    If you have not accepted God’s grace gift of salvation through His Son, He is waiting to pour His love and grace to you if you will only ask! “For whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord, will be saved.” Romans 10:13

    How have YOU seen God’s grace today? I’d love to hear!

    Show grace by sharing encouragement…here’s how:

    Pastor’s Encouragement: Pray that your pastor will be a “Great Commission man” – committed to personal evangelism and the equipping of the saints to seek the lost. Pray that he will have a heart to develop a thriving missions program in the church.
    Husband’s Encouragement:  Let me ask you a question: Do you have fun with your husband? Life is full of serious things—decisions to make, tasks to complete, work to do . . . and it can take all the joy out of our relationships. Are most conversations with your husband serious and task-centered? That’s a sure recipe for concocting a negative and critical spirit toward him. Instead of speaking negatively to your husband today, enjoy him! Encourage him! As you experience fullness of joy with God, share some of that joy with your husband.

    Does your husband have a playful side? A great sense of humor? Is there a “little boy” that wants to escape from time to time, reflecting the joy in his heart? This is a wonderful part of who he is and a great strength. Let him know that you appreciate his joyfulness and his playful spirit. Find opportunities to join him in positive play times.

    If your husband can sometimes be overly serious, coax him out occasionally for some play times. It will help him relieve stress and relax.

    No matter which one of you leans toward the serious side, fun is needed to infuse joy into your relationship.
    With love,
    Christian Life

    It’s Done!

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    A little peek inside MY kitchen!
    (Well, it’s mine and God’s!)

    Yesterday was a big day for the Cunningham household, because WE CLOSED ON OUR HOUSE! This was huge because there were little issues that only the Lord could answer – getting the correct paper with the correct insignia on it to the right person at a specific office. Sounds like I made that up, right? Um, nope. It was so detailed it was that ridiculous. We had 30 days from the time we signed the contract for it to close and our mortgage rate not go up. Yesterday was the 30th day!

    I had determined that our builder was going to hear at closing my story of how God answered my prayer for a house. Of how He answered in the perfect time and brought us to the perfect house for us. I shared my story and he graciously rejoiced with us.

    What details are you looking to the Lord to take care of today? It’s not so hard that it’s beyond His reach, nor is it too simplistic for Him to care about. He is involved and at work, and He will do it in His time so that He will get the glory. Don’t try to figure it out yourself. Keep waiting. Keep trusting. He is at work.

    Oh my soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him.  
    Psalm 62:5

    Christian Life

    Full of Excuses

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    Last Sunday night, we worked together as a church on “Operation Salvation.” We packed approximately 20,000 CD’s in their jackets, then loaded them into boxes so that these Gospel stories in French could be delivered to Haiti this Christmas. What a blessing to see the Body of Christ coming together to work and get the Gospel to Haiti!

    Take a look at some of our workers…

    (I think my husband is wondering why I’m not in my chair working!)

    Young children, teenagers, young adults and adults all worked together!

    In the midst of all the workers, I looked over and saw 
    this sweet couple – The Carter’s, overseeing all the work…

    Neither one of them is able to stand up to do this kind of work, and sweet Hope had hurt her hand recently and so was hindered there also. But did they just stay home? No way. They were there to support us, and I’m sure also pray for those that will receive these CD’s in a few months. They were as much an encouragement to my heart as the fastest packer there Sunday night!

    I’m not desiring to lift the Carter’s up, and they wouldn’t want that, but as I saw them come in, Rod with the help of his cane, and Hope with her bandaged hand, I couldn’t help but thank the Lord for them and their faithfulness to the Lord and Boones Creek Bible Church. They are there every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. They are faithful to special meetings, and extra-curricular activities. If they are absent, you can bank on it that something pretty extreme has happened in their world. Is it easy for them to get there? No. They are both dealing with trouble walking. Do they hear everything going on? No, but they want to be there to hear as much as possible of the preaching of the Word. Do they always feel like being there? I’m sure not, but they dismiss their feelings and get there just as often as they are able, which is about 95% of the time.

    If they can get there with their struggles, how valid are our excuses? I know not everyone is able to just will themselves to church. There are many very sick people. But I’m thinking of well-bodied people that come up with every reason under the sun to miss church. There are

    • reunions that are yearly
    • picnics are necessary
    • family members that are needy
    • vacation time that is pressing
    • overtime work that is compelling
    • weariness that is crushing
    • alarms that are unreliant 
    • babies that are fussy
    • weather that is contrary
    • Family time that is limited
    The list is infinite. But when it comes right down to it, it’s really that we just don’t want to be there. Period. Which side of the picture will you and I be?

    Are we full of excuses or faithful?

    Proverbs 20:6b 
    A faithful man, who can find?

    Oh, that we could raise our hand, as the Carter’s could, and say in answer to that verse – 
    “I’m right here!

    With love,