"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." -Ephesians 4:11-16
The body of Christ is the Church. Each one of us are called to strengthen others in the faith thereby strengthening us all. What a beautiful picture of the Lord's gracious love! By standing firm on the gospel truth that we are loved by Christ and chosen in Him before the foundation of the world to be reconciled to God for HIS glory and praise, we are to encourage our brother and sister. This is how we grow to maturity by relying on the strength of the Church (Christ's body) so that we are held firmly and not tossed about by the schemes of the evil one nor cunning doctrines that hold no truth. We confess, repent, and receive from one another the truth of Christ. We also listen to our brother and sister confess, repent, and then we share the truth of Christ! Hold tight to the gospel of Christ, lovingly share the truth with the body of Christ, and receive well when the body shares truth with you!
Love you all!
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Struggle: The Lord and Marriage
My heart utterly breaks while thinking about the numerous conversations my husband and I have had over and over again in the last month. I have gone from complete security to feeling lost. I feel like my anchor is floating through the water with no ground to secure us to. All of this is due to the theological disagreement Michael and I are struggling with.
Our marriage has always been one of relative ease and joy. Michael truly is my best friend and I turn to him in almost every life situation; however during the conversations of the last little while, my emotions have pointed me in the opposite direction wanting me to run (by run, I mean shut down and not talk about the situation anymore and pretend it is not taking place....not physically running, but definitely emotionally running). On top of the confusion and fear, the Lord has revealed bitter ugliness in me. How complacent I can be in my walk with the Lord. I get into my routine of Bible Study, prayers (short throughout the day or a little longer during Bible study, but not true pour out your heart to the Lord prayers), and "Christian Action." My heart tends to fall back into this legalistic tendency without even realizing it and before I know it, my walk has become mundane. I stop and think, when was the last time the Spirit led my prayer life? When was the last time I heard the Lord speak? On top of the devastating emotional struggle this produces in me, I then begin to think about how much more Michael is pursuing the Lord. He truly seeks the Father and studies scripture often. Michael is truly seeking the Lord and with this theological struggle we are speaking of I begin to get scared. Is the Lord really showing Michael that this is truth? If so, why would he not show this to me as well and clear up the issue? Additionally, why hasn't the Lord revealed these things to be true to my heroes of the faith (Michaels too) like John Piper, Matt Chandler, C.S. Lewis? I have begun to really question these devout men of the Lord and whether or not it is safe to trust them (everything in me wants to fully trust them). At the same time I do realize that our hope should never be placed on man and that I should always read or listen to others with discernment. I so want to trust the Lord here, but really do not know which way is truth. They both seem like valid arguments and in the end, I do not think one belief versus the other disqualifies anyone for ministry....it does however change how you would act out ministry.
Please pray for us on this matter. I know I am being rather vague, but I hope you can see the sincere struggle in my heart over this. Please pray that the Lord lands us on the same ground and that it is complete truth! Please pray that the enemy will not gain a foothold in either of us nor our marriage. Please seek rest and peace for us. Lastly, please pray that the Father's purposes for the struggle will prevail and that this will become an important part of our sanctification.
Our marriage has always been one of relative ease and joy. Michael truly is my best friend and I turn to him in almost every life situation; however during the conversations of the last little while, my emotions have pointed me in the opposite direction wanting me to run (by run, I mean shut down and not talk about the situation anymore and pretend it is not taking place....not physically running, but definitely emotionally running). On top of the confusion and fear, the Lord has revealed bitter ugliness in me. How complacent I can be in my walk with the Lord. I get into my routine of Bible Study, prayers (short throughout the day or a little longer during Bible study, but not true pour out your heart to the Lord prayers), and "Christian Action." My heart tends to fall back into this legalistic tendency without even realizing it and before I know it, my walk has become mundane. I stop and think, when was the last time the Spirit led my prayer life? When was the last time I heard the Lord speak? On top of the devastating emotional struggle this produces in me, I then begin to think about how much more Michael is pursuing the Lord. He truly seeks the Father and studies scripture often. Michael is truly seeking the Lord and with this theological struggle we are speaking of I begin to get scared. Is the Lord really showing Michael that this is truth? If so, why would he not show this to me as well and clear up the issue? Additionally, why hasn't the Lord revealed these things to be true to my heroes of the faith (Michaels too) like John Piper, Matt Chandler, C.S. Lewis? I have begun to really question these devout men of the Lord and whether or not it is safe to trust them (everything in me wants to fully trust them). At the same time I do realize that our hope should never be placed on man and that I should always read or listen to others with discernment. I so want to trust the Lord here, but really do not know which way is truth. They both seem like valid arguments and in the end, I do not think one belief versus the other disqualifies anyone for ministry....it does however change how you would act out ministry.
Please pray for us on this matter. I know I am being rather vague, but I hope you can see the sincere struggle in my heart over this. Please pray that the Lord lands us on the same ground and that it is complete truth! Please pray that the enemy will not gain a foothold in either of us nor our marriage. Please seek rest and peace for us. Lastly, please pray that the Father's purposes for the struggle will prevail and that this will become an important part of our sanctification.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Mother's Day Weekend
This weekend was a joy! On Friday night, we had a homegroup slumber party (guys at one house, girls at another). The girls had so much fun eating italian food and talking for HOURS!! It was wonderful and exactly what we needed. I feel like we really bonded and will be more open to seeking each others help in times of need. After that, we spent the evening at Michael's parents house for Mother's Day dinner and games. It was a blast! I love getting together with the Presley clan and playing hilarious games....those Presley men can really make you laugh, especially when they are all together!
On Sunday, Ady and I went to church (Michael was ill). I honestly had an enjoyable time being able to fully care for my daughter and sing with her while we were driving. From there, we went to my parent's house and spent the afternoon eating and being with my family. I so enjoyed talking with my Granny and Papa! They are so wonderful to me. On an interesting note, my Granny had two children other than my mother that did not survive after birth. The most ironic thing in the world is that Ady was born on Richard's birthday (Richard is the boy my Granny lost) and now Ainsley is due on August 8th, which is close to when Mary Denise (the girl my Granny lost) was born (August 2nd)....I think Ainsley may make her appearance a few days early!! It is neat how the Lord redeems days and memories as he does. Thank you for taking a sorrowful day and turning it to joy!
More thoughts to come....
On Sunday, Ady and I went to church (Michael was ill). I honestly had an enjoyable time being able to fully care for my daughter and sing with her while we were driving. From there, we went to my parent's house and spent the afternoon eating and being with my family. I so enjoyed talking with my Granny and Papa! They are so wonderful to me. On an interesting note, my Granny had two children other than my mother that did not survive after birth. The most ironic thing in the world is that Ady was born on Richard's birthday (Richard is the boy my Granny lost) and now Ainsley is due on August 8th, which is close to when Mary Denise (the girl my Granny lost) was born (August 2nd)....I think Ainsley may make her appearance a few days early!! It is neat how the Lord redeems days and memories as he does. Thank you for taking a sorrowful day and turning it to joy!
More thoughts to come....
Friday, May 4, 2012
Pregnancy Takes It Out of You!
For those of you who do not know, I am 26 weeks pregnant with our second daughter, Ainsley. She is due August 8th, although I am sure hoping she comes a couple of weeks early!! As the Summer approaches my body begins to hurt more and more. Over the past few weeks I have been in some real pain from having back pains, my hips popping out of socket, and other pains (I won’t go into detail, but pregnant women should know what I’m talking about). However, every time I feel Ainsley turn over, kick, or elbow me I fall more and more in love with her! I am so excited to have two daughters and very excited about meeting Ainsley in the next few months.
The physical pain does make every movement harder for me, but the real struggle lately has been emotional stress. There is so much going on at work right now and I am really feeling the weight of the responsibility that I bare. Also, Michael and I have been going through a season of theological spiritual growth that has truly been taxing on our minds, strength, and will. However, the Lord is faithful and He provides us with the strength we need to make it through each day and once the "lesson" is over, we will have a deeper and richer understanding of the Lord and the Gospel.
I was reading through Psalm 5 this morning and was so encouraged that the Lord is who we call on to protect us from our enemy and those who do not fear the Lord. I hope the following passage is encouraging to you all.
"But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me." Psalm 5:7-8
When I am stressed to the max and the enemy is pushing down, The LORD protects and sustains me. He is my help and my strength. I pray that I will rely on Him moment by moment.
The physical pain does make every movement harder for me, but the real struggle lately has been emotional stress. There is so much going on at work right now and I am really feeling the weight of the responsibility that I bare. Also, Michael and I have been going through a season of theological spiritual growth that has truly been taxing on our minds, strength, and will. However, the Lord is faithful and He provides us with the strength we need to make it through each day and once the "lesson" is over, we will have a deeper and richer understanding of the Lord and the Gospel.
I was reading through Psalm 5 this morning and was so encouraged that the Lord is who we call on to protect us from our enemy and those who do not fear the Lord. I hope the following passage is encouraging to you all.
"But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me." Psalm 5:7-8
When I am stressed to the max and the enemy is pushing down, The LORD protects and sustains me. He is my help and my strength. I pray that I will rely on Him moment by moment.
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