Thankful Thursday - The Resurrection and Passover

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

I am thrilled to be hosting Thankful Thursday in April. I have been crazy busy and plan to jump back into blogging this month and earnestly look forward to visiting all of you are reading your praises. Next month we will meet with Laurie at Women Taking A Stand and then in June we will share our thanks over at Iris of Grace Alone.

As I prepare this post it's Wednesday. The middle of the Holy Week. Also, the observance of Passover coincides with the week leading up to Easter. It would have been on a Wednesday that Jesus and his disciples sat for a Seder meal.

I became quite curious about the Jewish traditions of Passover and began chatting with a friend, Kathryn, who describes herself as a Christian with a heart for unity between Jews and Gentiles, who provided me with insight into the ancient customs. After speaking to her, I decided I wanted to experience some of the traditions and how they point to Christ with my small group from church. So I did. You can see the photos below (Thanks Tanya for grabbing my camera and firing off a few photos).

The following is from Kathryn:

I'm so glad you are blessed by this! That would be very meaningful to share the matza and juice with your group. 

Because the seder has always been done in the same order (the word seder means order), we can know at what point Jesus did what. 

For example, before the seder begins, there is a ritual washing of hands. That's when Jesus washed his disciples' feet. 

It's overwhelming to me that Passover rituals that have been kept for millennia point to Jesus. He had it all in place before He came. Even the matza used for the seder is kept in a special linen with three compartments, and is called "echad" which means one. Three in one. Jews have no explanation for it. That's the way it's always been done. And why break the middle matza, wrap it in linen, hide it away, then redeem it and partake of it? Just tradition, they say. 

Jesus didn't bring a new meaning to Passover. 

It was about Him all along. 

It's always been about Him. 

If you're interested in knowing more, I recommend reading Christ in the Passover by Ceil and Moishe Rosen. You might also want to browse around my website at Precious Holidays. Hugs back, Kathy

It is true. I am overwhelmed as well and delighted to share this life changing week with my small group and now with you my friends who participate in Thankful Thursday. This week I give thanks for the Resurrection. It's always been about Him! AMEN!

Peter Looked Away

One of the most famous stories we have of Peter is when he walked on water. I think I’ve read more commentaries and devotionals on the story than I can remember.

Well, bear with me as I add another one to the list, because a nuance of this story hit me afresh recently. Like I’ve said in the past, God brings multiple layers to everything in the Bible and symbolism is his strength. In fact, I think the Bible should be given credit for setting the precedent on symbolism.

Anyway, onward with Peter. If you’ve read the story, then you’re familiar with how Peter boldly (did he do things any other way?) stepped out of the boat when Jesus told him to come to Him. I might add as well, that Peter is the one who asked to go to Jesus first. Gotta love this guy’s moxy.

So Peter steps onto the water and everything’s going fine until the wind caught his attention. Imagine if you will, that you’re Peter, and you’re not just talking the talk, you’re walking the walk! You’ve got the groove of life working for you and have figured out how to stay upright.

Then a gust comes a long and unsettles your momentum. Suddenly that walk isn’t so smooth anymore. The storms of life have hit you full force and the waves are taking you down. Shakey finances, a bad health report, a failing marriage…

Where are your eyes? Where’s your focus?

Let’s go back to Peter, specifically the first part of verse 30:

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!” — Matthew 14:29-30.

Where were Peter’s eyes? He was doing fine as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. He stayed above water. But the minute the wind took his focus off Jesus, he grew fearful and started sinking down fast, about to drown.

I’ve read this story so many times but only now appreciate the depth of the imagery here. Our lives can be pretty tough in this world. Add the element of being spiritually mismatched and on the front lines of spiritual warfare, and life can seem unbearable at times. But like Peter, we can walk on those troubled waters of life as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus. Plus, when we start to sink, we can cry out to Jesus to save us.

So next time the waters of life are threatening to pull you under, call out to Jesus. Then keep your eyes on Him and start walking in confidence!

Praying and believing,
Dineen

*Photo by Marcos Santos

Passover - me, Easter Blues!

I started thinking about this thing….. “The Easter Blues.” Scroll down to read the article by Dineen. 

It has been a long while since I have thought about how difficult this holiday is and how I struggle in a mismatched marriage to bring meaning and celebration into our home. But, as I was pondering and praying over my marriage, and Easter Sunday, and the week leading up to the most profound event in history, the Lord placed a very old memory before me. Whoa! God has a way of doing that. 

I was young, before my prodigal days. It was an early morning and I opened the front door of my home and found this: 

 

A tiny Easter basket. 

I have saved this simple basket now for almost 30 years. It is precious to me. It arrived on an Easter morning just for me. The card reads: 

At that time in my young life, I was indeed seeking to know God’s will. Little did I know the enemy was plotting to take me down the prodigal path and he did so shortly after. However, on this particular day I slowly bent down, picked up the basket and marveled. I felt like the most love girl on the entire planet. 

Jesus sent me a personal message on Easter morning. 

I had no idea who left the basket for me. I don’t remember if there was anything in it besides the simple cross. But, I will never forget how special it made me feel. Strong feelings well up in me still today when I take this little basket out of the closet and read that card. 

I called my mother that morning long ago, “Mom, it was you wasn’t it? You left this basket for me didn’t you?” I just knew she would admit it when I pinned her down. My mom is like that. 

“No, I didn’t. I don’t know who did.”  

I was perplexed. I never found out who put forth this effort to love me on that Easter morning so long ago, but I will never forget it. 

It was Jesus. 

So why am I telling you this story? The Lord said to me, “Shake the Easter Blues by giving a basket to someone just like the one you received many years ago. Give it anonymously. Give it to one or two or even three people who absolutely would never expect it. Leave it on their front door and let Me love them.” 

Today is Monday. Easter week is upon us and we can make it extraordinary. You can do this with me. You can buy cheap supplies at any store. A simple basket, a candy egg if you want, and hand write a small card and attach it to the basket. On Saturday night, take your basket(s) and leave it at the front door of a neighbor, a church friend, or better yet, a complete stranger. 

Let the Lord love on someone this Easter and watch your Easter Blues disappear.

I have kept this cheap but priceless basket for years. It holds great meaning to me because someone made the effort and I felt loved by Jesus. And now, I hear the Lord calling, “Now, go and do likewise.” 

If you leave a basket on a door this week, please drop me a note here in the comments and say, “The Lord loved on someone this Easter.” Let’s celebrate the resurrection in a personal and profound way this year. 

Let’s let Jesus love on someone and I bet the Easter Blues will Passover. Hugs, Lynn

Winning Him Without Words

As I prepare this post, Dineen and I (Lynn) are utterly humbled. All of you know we are just ordinary gals. Yet, we serve the most extraordinary God. Out of His rich kindness and desire to help others, God has allowed us to take our stories and put them into a book so we can encourage others who have been unable to find us here on the internet. 

Today, we are thrilled to share with you the cover artwork and title of our book, anticipated release date, early, 2011.   

Winning Him Without Words ~Ten Keys to Thriving in Your Spiritually Mismatch Marriage.

I can promise you that we prayed for every word poured into this book. I begged God to give us words. 

He gave. 

Dineen and I love our Editor, Kim Bangs. She saw our vision and has been the absolute best cheerleader from the start. The team at Regal Books rocks and God purposely placed us together. Their passion is to transform lives through the power of Jesus Christ. This is our passion as well.  

We are so excited to share the content with you. Much of the writing is fresh and I share stories in the book I haven’t written about here at SUM. The book also offers study questions. Real questions that deal with the real issues we face. 

So today, Dineen and I thank you for helping us make this book happen. Your words, wisdom, and encouragement are part of this book as well. Thank you to all of you who contributed and prayed for us to see the process through. 

Finally, may the Lord, Almighty, His Son, and Spirit be honored in the pages of this book. It is our love offering to Him and to you. Hugs, Lynn and Dineen.

Easter Blues

Holidays can stir up turmoil in any marriage, but “religious” holidays can bring about huge conflict in a spiritual mismatch. Of all the holidays throughout the year, I think Easter is the most awkward for my household. When my girls were little, we focused on Easter baskets and spending the morning together as a family. I worked around missing the Easter service by attending the Good Friday service with my daughters in tow.

But as they’ve have gotten older (20 and 16), Easter’s become less of an event and resembles most other Sundays. This breaks my heart because I know this is the whole reason we have to celebrate life! A saved life!

My oldest daughter has her own church now so she goes her own way. My youngest will most likely go with me if nothing else winds up planned. I guess the good side is that I’ve been able to go to Easter services the last couple years, but I find the day still falls kind of flat in meaning.

This year I’d like to prepare a little better and go into Easter with a plan, so I need your help. Do you struggle with Easter in your family? Got any ideas for this sister in Christ who has a touch of the Easter blues? What have you found that works for you and your family?

And thank you so much for sharing and helping me out! I’m really at a loss this year.
Praying and believing,
Dineen

Donna's Story -- Get Ready to Applaud Jesus!

I am constantly inspired and amazed by all of you who stop by here to read. The men and women who visit us here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage have some of the most fantastic testimonies. You live out your faith under circumstances that, for me, seem utterly impossible. But, like me, you greatly desire to honor Jesus within your marriage and through your lives.

Last week I asked all of you to share your conversion stories. I wasn't sure how this might sit and I wondered if anyone would share. God placed it on the hearts of several to honor Him through the sharing of your lives. I was blown away. (To read all the stories, scroll down.) But before you do, I want to share Donna's story with you today. I am humbled and so thankful Donna took time to encourage all of us through the sharing of her life. I love you Donna. Thank you. And, thank you everyone who shared your story. I had tears in my eyes as I read each one. Hugs, Lynn

-----

Donna: I was raised in home filled with anger. Although I was forced to attend Sunday school in Methodist Church...I never once heard the "Gospel" or the words "born again" uttered! My father forced us to attend w/our mother but he never went..Talk about confused!

My mother's sister & her husband were Pentecostal Pastors that lived 4hrs north My sister & I would visit for 2wks in the summer. We both went forward during a Sunday night service and accepted Jesus as our Savior. She was 10y, I was 9yrs. I knew something new had happened to me..but when we returned home, we were never taught and we were "stifled". My sister & I both walked onward into a life far from GOD..but HE never left us! FAST FORWARD 30yrs!

The LORD moved my family 1500miles south and then one night 9mos after our move to FL..the LORD spoke to me on my outside Lanai! I was actually angry, confused about life..and i was smoking a cigarette and holding a glass of wine.. and I held them both up toward the night sky...and hollered at God! I said ..."Are you even REAL God?...Are you even there?!!!"

Well, to my utter astonishment and amazement, He answered me! lol He spoke very tenderly, yet firmly ..2 Words!

"I AM" !!!!

Ladies!... I couldn't believe GOD actually was speaking to me! It was not audible...but it was so loud in my mind, heart and inner spirit.. i almost fell down!

I continued to "meet with GOD" on my Lanai very late at night..when the family was sleeping..and HE continued to speak to me.. He actually spoke to me gently, yet firmly and very "scripturally"...thought I didn't know it because I had never read a bible.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY spoke to me and told me I had to give up living my way of living & seek HIM and that I would not be able to do it without JESUS! He also added one thing at the end.. He told me I was going to be "persecuted"... but I did not know or understand what HE actually meant by that last comment.. I was so excited that HE was actually talking to me and I was so intent on knowing that I was going to listen...the last part about "persecution" just didn't mean much.

I was 40yrs old when the LORD brought me out the wilderness! What a glorious year!

When I initially told my husband that GOD was talking to me on the Lanai at night.. he only had one response... "you need to lay off the Beringers (wine) lol

It wasn't until I mentioned to Dave the Name of "JESUS" that he became enraged...you see my husband is Jewish.(not practicing) I never knew how little I actually "knew" my husband until I uttered my Savior's name.. I was astonished & somewhat frightened.

From that time on a "wall" became erected in my husband's heart toward me...and things have never been the same. There has been division ever since..that was 7yrs ago.

I have not seen his family in 7yrs..Only one sister has ever contacted him while visiting in FL and I have seen her..she & her husband inquired about my belief so I was able to witness & give my testimony.

All of my daughters have accepted Christ Jesus as their Savior, as well as my niece.
My mother has re-dedicated her life to Christ as well....The LORD is on the move in my family!

This has been one of the hardest places i've ever been in my life, being yoked w/a husband who struggles with my faith, but at the same time.. the most amazing testimony of God's grace, love and mercy.... ALL of which HE is teaching me to extend to my confused, strongwilled husband.

I am believing GOD that my husband actually does know that Jesus is the Messiah..he is struggling with the rejection he has seen come upon me and he fears his family's persecution.

By the way...GOD delivered me from my smoking addiction of 25yrs..as well as from desiring any consumption of alcohol in any form.. All in one week back when HE first spoke to me!!!!! That alone threw my husband into fury..He was glad about the deliverance from smoking...but not from abstaining from drinking wine!

Anyway.. I pray this bring glory to my LORD & Savior and King of Kings!

Blessings to you all!
In His grace & service,
Donna

Weekend Devo — Holy

 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit. Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name. — Psalm 30:3-4 

God of wonders beyond our galaxy 
You are Holy, Holy
The universe declares your Majesty
And you are holy holy
(song—God of Wonders) 

One of my favorite descriptive words for God is holy. The word contains such a reverence for our Lord and Savior. Whether I speak or sing it, the word holy resonates with deep within my spirit.

How about you? What words do you associate with God? Make a list or sing them in your heart and mind. Our God deserves all our praise for He is mighty indeed and mighty to save! 

 Praying and believing,
 Dineen

It's Time

You know it occurred to me that so many of you have not shared with me your story. And, I find that as we lead up to Easter, NOW our time to give Jesus honor and glory for all He has done in our lives.

So, I have two questions. Share with me your salvation experience. Honor Jesus by posting your story here online. Second, when was it that you realized you were unequally yoked and the implications there of? 

Most of you know my story. I am a prodigal child. Oh, how I wish I never left the path toward righteousness but alas, I did. I suffered much because of that choice and unfortunately many others suffered as well. But, the Lord Jesus is faithful and He waits even for stubborn, blonde, idiotic, girls like me.

TOADY, honor Jesus. Leave your story below and let the world and the angels rejoice in your testimony. Can't wait to read them. Hugs and may this Easter be more profound in your life than any other before. Hugs, Lynn

 

 

Thankful Thursday - Dirt

Let us give thanks. It is Thankful Thursday.

In this beautiful month of early spring we are gathering to give thanks at Laurie's place, Women Taking A Stand. Find Thankful Thursday here in April and back to Grace Alone, with Iris in the lovely month of May.

This is one of my sweetest joys in life. My garden. I added a new box, changed the path way, added a white picket fence. This year I planted new stuff like, red potatoes and Yukon Golds, red onions and lettuce.

I also have tomatoes, yellow peppers, zucchini, pumpkins, corn and some others I can't remember right now. I am so very thankful for my garden.

Have a blessed Thursday. Hugs, Lynn

A Life That Speaks

Recently we sang the song “Blessed Be His Name” in my church. As in the story of Job, one part of the song conveys the words that God gives and takes away. I have to admit this part always bothered me. It always seemed so harsh to me that God took away Job’s family and home, that God takes away anything good.

But as I grow closer to Him, I’m realizing that often what we cling to as good isn’t God’s best. (I’m not referring to Job here.) I’ve also learned that anytime God removes something from my life, even if it’s something that seems good, it’s for my best or for a greater good.

Unfortunately, the idea of giving something up for a greater good doesn’t fly well in today’s philosophy of pursuing happiness. The idea of sacrificing something for someone we love is considered repugnant when it means we can’t have what we want too.

Ironically, the very act of sacrificial love brings more satisfaction and fulfillment because we’re ultimately serving God, not ourselves. But it’s not easy. Especially in our mismatched marriages, it can be downright painful. Those are the times that try our faith and make it the most difficult to keep our eyes on God and trust him in our situation and circumstances.

But like Job, those are the times that call us to stand the strongest in our faith and hold on to God for dear life. What I want to tell you is that God is faithful. He will reward those times, as he did Job who lost so much but wound up with even more than we he had to start with.

The key is in trusting God completely and knowing that he only desires what’s best in our lives. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy, comfortable, or even rewarding at first. But I’ve found over time, that these are also the times that bring growth, change and miracles.

I think living a surrendered life is our greatest challenge in life and in our mismatched marriages, but that’s the life that speaks the loudest of God’s presence.

Praying and believing,
Dineen