Partnership in Parenting

Another quality of the man that God calls to spiritual leadership in the local church is "...one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence."  (1 Timothy 3:4)

You are part of this “house”.  Are you supporting your husband as the leader in your home?  If you want your children to respect and submit to authority, then you must respect and submit to your husband’s authority in the home.  Your attitudes and example as a wife have immeasurable impact on your children.  They are always watching you- and they don’t miss a thing! 

The word “rule” in this verse means to stand before, to lead, and indicates that this is done with care and diligence.  God commands us as parents in Ephesians 6:4 to bring up our children “in the training and admonition of the Lord”.  This is very much a partnership between you and your husband.  You must be in agreement in the raising of your children and it must be done purposefully.  Do your children see the reality of your personal relationship with the Lord?  Do you have a plan to systematically teach them the Word of God?  Do you pray for them and with them regularly?  Are you balanced and consistent in your discipline- not being harsh or threatening, and at the same time, not being permissive or making excuses for sin? 

Parenting is an area in which I have been completely cast upon the Lord.  I’ve had to remind myself that I am to be training my children for their good and not my glory; for spiritual reality in their lives and not for appearances.  Unfortunately, sometimes when my children have been involved in sin, my first reaction has been embarrassment because of how their actions reflected on me.  That was simply pride on my part.  The children of elders, deacons, and full-time workers are not perfect.  They are sinners and they are going to sin.  The important thing is what you, as the parent, do when that happens.  We need to respond in a way that honors the Lord and follow Biblical principles in dealing with the situation.  And when my children do make a choice to obey the Lord in a certain area, I need to humbly thank God for working in their lives and for them responding to Him, rather than giving myself credit. 

So, if your children are small, I would encourage you to ask the Lord to help you lay aside any selfishness or laziness on your part and be diligent to pick up a paddle and use it according to the directives in God’s Word.  Believe His Word and trust Him to work in your child’s heart.  As your children get older, don’t think that your job is done.  A teenager needs you just as much as a toddler, if not more.  Again, ask the Lord to help you be willing to set aside your own plans in order to be available for them when they need you.  And never, never, never stop praying for them.

Daily Reading Chart

It is good to spend time reading in your Bible every day.  You may already be doing this.  You can use this chart to help you read through the book of Mark.  Before you read, remember to pray and ask God to teach you something from His Word.  Then read the verses that are written in the box.  It's not a lot to read, so read the verses carefully and really think about what God is saying.  Especially look for things that tell you what the Lord Jesus is like.  Then write down one thing you learn in the box.  Writing things down helps you remember them.  After you read, pray again and thank God for what He has shown you.  Ask Him to help you obey what you learned.  You can also share with someone else what God is teaching you.  If you do this each day, you will soon have read through and thought about the entire book of Mark!  This is something you can do with every book of the Bible.  God wants you to know His Word so that you can know Him better.  He loves you so much!

Practical Help for the Little Broken-Hearted Ones

In the last post, we looked at a broken-hearted child in a broken home.  We looked at Scriptural truths that she can cling to.  When you work with children you know how very real their pain is.  In your heart you say, "Oh, I just wish I could take them all home with me!"  But the reality is that we cannot.   So what are some practical helps we can give them to not just survive, but thrive, in the homes in which God has chosen to place them.

1. First, determine whether the child knows the Lord Jesus as their own Saviour.  Only then will they have the power of God to draw upon to help them have victory through the difficulties of this life.  Remind them that God the Holy Spirit lives in them.  Remind them of how very much God loves them and that they belong to Him.  Remind them of Jesus' promise that He will never leave them nor forsake them.  Remind them that they have been given a new life in Christ to live for His glory.  

2. Encourage the child to be in the Word of God daily and give them a plan to use so they can actually do it.  I have a chart made up that goes through the book of Mark.  It tells what verses to read each day and has a space in which the child can write down one thing that they learn from those verses.  The child only reads about 10 verses each day, so it is very do-able.  You can do that for any book of the Bible.  Ask the child what God has been teaching them from His Word the next time you see them.  

3. Pray with the child right there and then when they talk with you about their situation or difficulty.  Tell them you will continue to pray for them, and then make sure you DO!

4. Encourage the child to pray when the difficulty raises its ugly head again.  Give them suggestions as to how they can pray.  
If it's a people issue, encourage them to pray for the  the person who troubles them.  Encourage them to pray that God will be at work in that person's life for good, and for their salvation.  They can ask God to give them grace and patience to respond to that person in a kind way.  
If it's a circumstance, the child can pray for God to give them wisdom, peace, and the strength to endure.                             

5. I tell the child that people are watching them.  If they say that they know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, others will watch to see if knowing Christ really makes a difference in a life.  If they can respond to difficulties in a way that honors God, they will have opportunity to tell others about Him.  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

God is not arbitrary.  He has chosen this home for this child.  He knows what He is doing. He knows what He is preparing them for.   He is using these difficulties in their lives for their good- to grow them to be more like the Lord Jesus.   

Our job is to uphold these little ones in prayer, to be available to counsel and encourage them in the Word of God, and to be there for them when they need a shoulder to cry on and arms to wrap around them in love.  

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good 

to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined 

to become conformed to the image of His Son..." 

(Romans 8:28-29)

I know Someone who can mend broken hearts

This world is full of heartache.  It's all around us.  Every person we encounter carries some sort of burden.  Why is that so, and what can be done about it?

I was speaking to a little girl in our after-school Bible club.  She is one of my thinkers.  I asked her what she was thinking about concerning the things we were studying in club.  She told me that she had trusted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, but there was something that troubled her.  She said, "Every Monday after club I go home and pray to God that I will have a good day...but I never do."  She had tears in her eyes as she spoke.  We talked about her situation at home.  Unfortunately, it is typical of most of the children we work with- she was being raised by her grandmother, her mother was in and out of the picture, she didn't know her father, other cousins were also in and out of the home, she was constantly surrounded by arguing, anger, and frustration.  

Does God hear the cries of this heart-broken little girl?  Does He care?  Why doesn't He do something?

First of all, God does hear. 
Psalm 34:15-  "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry."
Psalm 69:33- "For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise His who are prisoners."

Secondly, He does care.
Mark 10:13-14- "Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.'"
Mark 9:42- "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea."

So...why doesn't He do something?

To begin with, we must understand that when God created this world it was a perfect, wonderful place.  People are the ones that ruined it.  We are the ones who brought in sin when we chose to disobey God.  There are consequences to sin.  When sin entered the world, it brought with it sorrow, sickness, pain, and death.   Sin destroys everything that is good and beautiful.  Worst of all, it separates us from God.

So God did do something- He sent His own perfect Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who went to the cross, giving His life to pay the penalty for our sins.  The Lord Jesus died and was buried, but on the third day, He rose from the dead.  Now He lives to give new life- eternal life- to anyone who will put their trust in Him as the only Saviour.  This is God's promise- "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

This little girl and I talked about the wonderful promises God has given to her.  She has the Spirit of God Himself living within her who is working to make her character more and more like that of the Lord Jesus.  She cannot control the people in her life or the circumstances she finds herself in, but she can rest in the love that God has for her.  Though there is turmoil all around her, she can have the peace that passes all understanding.  Jesus said in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  And one day, she will too.

Into Thy Hands I Commit My Children

This morning I watched a son walk out the door, get into his packed-to-the-brim car, and start out on an 800+ mile drive that would take him into the next stage of his life.  Different friends have asked, "Isn't it hard for you to have your children live so far away?"  It is true that I do miss being able to see them regularly and be a part of their daily lives, but this is what we raised them for- to live their own lives before the Lord.  My desire is for them to be who, where, and what God wants them to be.  If they are in the center of His will, I must let them go- whether it be a 10-minute drive from my house, or half-way around the world.  Though I am not with them physically, the Spirit of God is.  The Lord Himself has promised to never leave them nor forsake them.  And I can always surround them with my prayers.  

I have always loved Psalm 84:3- "Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young- even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God."  I can learn a lesson from these little birds.  The very best place for me to place my children is before the Lord.  The altar is a place of sacrifice and offering.  Our children have been given to us as a gift, a stewardship, that we might offer them back to the Lord.  May He use them for His glory.  

Reaching Children with the Gospel

Do you have a heart to reach children in your area with the gospel?  
Then you need to go to where they are.

This past school year, I was blessed to work with one of my sisters-in-law teaching a Bible club that meets in a public elementary school.  We do it under the auspices of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF).  CEF is a Bible-centered ministry that reaches out to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with children throughout the world.  The goal is to see children brought to faith in Christ, and then discipled and established in a Bible-believing local church.  

Did you say public school?  Is that legal?  
Yes, I did, and yes, it is!

In 2001 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Good News Clubs v. Milford Central School that Good News Clubs can meet in public schools in the United States after school hours on the same terms as other community groups. Children attend Good News Club only with their parents' permission.  (Excerpt taken from Child Evangelism Fellowship website) 

Good News Club is the name of the after-school Bible clubs affiliated with CEF which meet after school hours once a week in the public schools.  To help in a Good News Club, some training is required, but I found it to be extremely beneficial and personally encouraging.  

During the club time, the children sing songs which teach doctrinal truths, are taught and work on memorizing a Bible verse, have a Bible lesson (using CEF materials, which I have found to be very well-written), and then play a review game to reinforce what they have learned.  

Working with these children can be physically and emotionally draining.  It can be heart-breaking as they share with you some of the situations they deal with in their homes on a daily basis.  But it is an opportunity for you to share the love of Christ with them and to let them see, through His Word and through your own life, the reality of who He is.  

If you have any questions as to how you can start, or be part of, a Good News Club in your area, check out the CEF website for more information at www.cefonline.com.

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; 

for of such is the kingdom of God."

(Mark 10:14b)

Memorizing Scripture with your Child- WARNING!

As you work on memorizing God's Word, there is something very dangerous you need to be aware of.

Beware of pride (both parent and child)!  

1 Corinthians 8:1 is very clear: "Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies." 

God wants us to use His Word to build one another up in the Lord.  It is not to be used for us to show off how much we know, or to cut someone else down and "put them in their place".  These things are done to promote self.  Make sure that your child understands that God sees this as sin.  Knowing a lot of Bible verses does not make someone spiritual- Satan is able to quote Scripture too.

One reason we memorize God's Word is to be able to share it with others. Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another..."  When the Lord Jesus spoke, His words of truth were always tempered by grace. And that's how we should speak His words to others as well- lovingly, graciously, and prayerfully.  We must teach our children to do the same.  They will follow the example we set.

Our children should understand what a privilege it is to have God’s Word and the ability to memorize it.  It is a most precious gift that God has given us because He loves us and wants us to know Him.  Encourage your child to be thankful for the Word and to let God use it to do His work in their heart.  

Do remember as you work with your child to help them learn God's Word that you are making an eternal investment in their lives.  Help them heap up the treasure of God's Word in their heart.  It will be of great benefit and blessing to them in this life, as well as for eternity.  

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

-Matthew 6:21

Memorizing Scripture with your Child- part 5

In order for your child to really tuck God’s Word away in their heart, they will need to regularly practice the verses they are learning.  It is most helpful if they have a consistent time each day set aside to work on their memory verses. 

Children have different learning styles. The main learning styles I was introduced to when I took education classes in college were: Visual (learning by seeing), Auditory (learning by hearing), and Kinesthetic (learning by movement).  If you understand the way that your child learns best, you can work with them on practicing their memory verse using that particular learning style.  Most children learn using a mixture of these styles. 

The added bonus: as you help your child learn Bible verses, you are learning them too!

For the visual learner:

• They can write out the verse on an index card and read it aloud several times.  This lets them see a picture of the words in their mind. 
• You can have your child draw a picture or series of pictures that illustrate the verse. 

Here is an example of Proverbs 6:16-19 that my kids illustrated on flashcards several years ago.  I would hold up the flashcards as they said the verses.  The words are written on the back of the index cards so that I could make sure they were saying it word perfect.

Proverbs 6:16-19:

"These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue (this tongue is saying "I didn't do it" but in my mind, "I did."), hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies.  And one who sows discord among brethren."

For the auditory learner:

•   You say a section of the verse.  Have your child listen, and then repeat it after you.  Go through the verse section by section.  Then increase the length of what you say and have them repeat until they can say the entire verse on their own.
• Put the words of the verse to music.  Then sing it throughout the day.  If you do this, be sure to include the reference in the song as well.

     If you don't know a song that goes with the verse, just put the words to a tune you already know.     

     For example:  Sing Ephesians 2:8-9 to "If You're Happy and You Know it, Clap Your Hands".  

     For by grace you have been saved through faith, (Clap, Clap)

     And that not of yourselves; (Clap, Clap)

     It is the gift of God, not of works,

     Lest anyone should boast. (Clap, Clap)

     (Then add on the end:) Ephesians 2:8 and 9 (Clap, Clap)

     For the kinesthetic learner:

•            Say the verse using appropriate hand motions- ones that give you a clue about the word each motion goes with.  Again, at the end, put your hands together and then open them up like a little book while saying the verse’s reference.
•      Do different forms of exercise while saying the verse to the rhythm of the exercise.  Do jumping jacks, march in place, touch your toes, jump rope.

These are just a few simple ideas.  I would love to hear what other things you have done that your children have benefitted from.  

"Your Word I have hidden in my heart..."

-Psalm 119:11a

Memorizing Scripture with your Child- part 4

We have looked at the why, when, and where of memorizing verses.  Now let’s talk about the HOW. 

When working with your child on a new verse, the first thing I recommend is to have them get their Bible and look it up.  They need to understand that what they’re learning is God’s Word.  Read the verse together right from the Bible.

 

Next, explain what the verse means.  Define any words that your child may not understand, and then talk about the meaning of the verse as a whole.

Also, discuss how this verse applies to them personally. 

You can use the following questions to help with application.  I’ve included some sample verses that would fall into each category.

• ·         Does this verse teach something about God’s character? (Genesis 1:1- God is the creator of all things.)
• ·         Does this verse teach something about how God views me? (Romans 3:23- I have sinned.)                                                                                     
• ·         Is this a promise that I can make my own? (John 3:15- I do believe in the Lord Jesus as my Saviour- God says that I have eternal life.)
• ·         Is this a command I need to obey? (Ephesians 6:1- God says that I should obey my parents.)
• ·         Is this a warning of something I should avoid? (Proverbs 28:13- God says if I try to cover up my sin, things will not go well for me.)
• ·         Is this an example for me to follow? (John 9:38- This man believed on the Lord Jesus and worshipped Him.)
• ·         Is this a prayer/request that I can make my own? (Psalm 19:14- Lord, please help me to have thoughts and words that are pleasing to You.)

The goal is not to turn your child into a verse-saying

parrot, repeating a string of words that have no meaning; it is for your child to understand and be able to apply God’s Word to their life situations.

These are the mechanics of actually teaching the verse.  Next time, we'll look at some ideas for ways you can practice the verse with your child to help them remember what it says.

So Philip ran to him…and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

And he said, “How can I unless someone guides me?”

-Acts 8:30-31

Memorizing Scripture with your Child- part 3

Our family is very busy- when am I supposed to add this in? 

I know that time is a very valuable commodity in each of our homes, but I also know that we all want our children to understand the value of God’s Word and of having it hidden in their hearts.  You can help your son or daughter determine when would be a good time in their schedule (or your schedule, if your child does not yet read) to set aside a few minutes each day to work on memorizing verses. 

When I homeschooled my children, I made memory verse practice part of our school day.  We would open the day in prayer, then have verse time.  When my kids started going to a small Christian school, I would have them write out their memory verse on an index card which we kept in the van and they would practice it on the drive to school each morning.  You could also do this if your child is involved in any type of extracurricular activity that you have to transport them to. For the children in my Sunday school class who attended public school, I put their memory verses on small cards, punched a hole in the corner, and put it on a key ring they could clip to their backpack.  I encouraged them to use their bus ride to school as a time to practice their verses.  They could even ask a friend to listen to them and see if they were getting it right.  Verse memorization can also be incorporated into your family devotion time. 

No matter what age your child is, you can help them develop the habit of making room in their day for the things that are the most important- the things of God.  

"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."

-Deuteronomy 6:7

Memorizing Scripture with your Child- part 2

Is learning the verse’s reference that important?

It is true that the reference (where the verse lives in the Bible) is not part of the inspired Word of God.  But when I teach children a memory verse, I do emphasize having them say the reference along with the verse so that they are able to find it on their own in their own Bible.  I want them to know where the verse is so that they can share it with others with confidence (and, of course, with grace- Colossians 4:6).  I ask them, “What would you do if you were sharing the gospel with a friend and they said, ‘You’re just making that up.  I don’t believe that the Bible really says that.’?”  If they know the reference, they can turn to it in the Bible and have their friend read it for himself.  For older children, knowing the verse’s reference also helps them be more aware of the verse’s context- the passage that surrounds it and where it falls within the whole of Scripture.  

"I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word."

-Psalm 119:16

Memorizing Scripture with your Child: part 1

What is the value of my taking time consistently to help my child memorize God’s Word?

Let me ask you a question- “Do you want your child to be saved and then go on well for God?”  Memorizing God’s Word is a key component in seeing these things become a reality. 

First of all, Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”  The Spirit of God has promised to use the Word of God to convict people of their sin, give them a true understanding of who Christ is and the work He has done, and bring them to salvation.  Our explanations and illustrations may be helpful, but they can never pierce a heart like the living and powerful Word of God can.

Secondly, Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”  As a believer, God’s Word helps us to live a life that pleases Him.  You will not always be with your child to give them instruction as to how to respond in a given situation.  But if they have been grounded in the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will bring those truths to their remembrance and help them make the choice that would honor the Lord.

If you have helped your children memorize God's Word, it is tucked away in their hearts for eternity.  It is available for the Spirit of God to use for His purposes in their lives today.  It is something that no one can ever take from them, and that they themselves can never run away from.  However much time you spend helping them memorize Scripture, you can know that it is NEVER time that has been wasted.  

Words of Wisdom

This is my prayer this morning. There have been fights, fussing and messes already, and I am ready to start the morning over.

Oh, give me patience when wee  hands
Tug at me with their small demands.
And give me gentle and smiling eyes.
Keep my lips from hasty replies.
And let not weariness, confusion, or noise
Obscure my vision of life's fleeting joys.
So, when in years to come-
My house is still-
No bitter memories its room may fill.
-Unknown Author

The Value of Spiritual Mothering

Until I, Deborah, arose, Arose a mother in Israel.  –Judges 5:7

The summer I turned 40, I once again served as a counselor at a week of Bible Camp.  It was difficult.  Experiencing the realities of getting older, I was having trouble sleeping at night.  I didn’t have the energy that I once had to keep up with the kids.  I saw myself as neither fun nor cool.  As I lay in my bunk, feeling discouraged, I asked the Lord, “Why am I here?  Do you have a purpose for me or is it time for me to move on and let a younger person take over this job?”  Later that night there was a knock on my cabin door.  A little girl in the cabin next to mine was homesick and could not stop crying.  The young counselor had run out of ideas and asked me if I could help.  So I sat with the little girl on a bench outside the cabin.  I talked with her, prayed with her, dried her tears, and tucked her back in bed.  The next day another younger counselor approached me.  “There’s a situation in my cabin and I just don’t know what to do.  I know that I need the Lord’s wisdom and I’ve prayed with some of the other counselors.  But I’m overwhelmed and I feel so inadequate.  I just need a mom to talk to.”  I put my arm around her and we talked and prayed together about the situation.  And it was then that the Lord answered the question that I had put to Him the night before.  “You are here to be a mother.” 

Today’s culture idolizes youth.  It is very difficult for women in our society to grow older.  Deborah gives Christian women the perspective that the Lord wants us to have as we mature in years.   Deborah was not a woman who was pushing her way up the corporate or political ladder as some have characterized her.  Judges 5:7 tells us how she saw herself- as “a mother in Israel.”  The Church needs older women today who are willing to take on the role of spiritual mothers. 

Deborah’s story can be found in the book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5.  The first thing we learn about Deborah is that she was a prophetess.  She was a woman who knew God and knew His Word.  The children of Israel came to her for judgment.  God could trust her to faithfully share His words with His people. 

Are you a woman who knows God intimately?  God wants you to know Him, not just know about Him.  And so He has given us His Word. Do you know and love the Word of God?   The Bible is not a book containing lists of “dos” and don’ts”; it reveals to us who God is. When you enter into this Book, you are entering into the heart of God Himself.  Are you faithful to share God’s Word with others?  People should receive more than just your opinion when they come to you with a problem.  In order to give true spiritual help, you will need to direct others to the Lord and to His Word.

          Deborah was available and approachable.  Ideally, that’s the kind of relationship we should have with our natural mother.  It is also what the Lord wants of us as spiritual mothers.  A mother is someone who knows you, yet loves you unconditionally.  Someone who wants what is best for you.  Someone who is always there to listen and who can be counted on to give you wise counsel.  This kind of relationship takes time to build.  Are you investing in the young people around you?  Do you know what’s going on in their lives?  Do you pray for them?  Encourage them?  Love them instead of being critical of them?  The fact that love is the key was brought home to me one evening at our children’s Bible Club.  I overheard one of the “outreach” girls speaking about the club leaders to a friend that she had invited.  “See, I told you that they love you here.”  It wasn’t the fun and games that had impressed this girl.  She kept coming because she was loved.

          As a mother in Israel, Deborah was an encourager.  She understood the plan that God had for Barak and charged him to follow the Lord God fully in it.  She knew what a blessing one man’s obedience could be to the nation.  She understood his fear, and instead of despising him for it, agreed to go with him into the battle.  And yet she was also faithful to exhort Barak, telling him what would happen since he had failed to trust God wholly.

          As we work with young people, their strengths and weaknesses will soon become evident.  Though they would like to come across as having everything together, they tend to be very insecure.  They need lots of encouragement.  If they know the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour, they have received spiritual gifts from Him.  These gifts need to be developed. As spiritual mothers, we can come alongside and point out opportunities for them to use their gifts in ways that will glorify the Lord and build up His Body. 

          One of a mother’s goals is to help her children move toward independence.  As spiritual mothers, we want the young people we work with to know that we will always be there for them but that they must learn to rely, not on us, but on the Lord Himself.  Still, wherever they go, we can assure them that our prayers will go with them.

          Just like a natural mother, spiritual mothers need to be faithful to rebuke and correct when necessary.  We need to love our young friends enough to warn them if we see them starting to wander down the wrong path- a path that if followed, will lead to great heartache and sorrow.  Their spiritual well-being must be more important to us than maintaining a comfortable, pleasant relationship with them.  For indeed, it may be that the Lord has given us that relationship “for such a time as this.”  I’ve had to come alongside girls who say they belong to the Saviour, hopefully in a gracious and loving manner, and take them to the Word of God to show them the consequences of pursuing a relationship with a young man which would place them in an unequal yoke.  It’s not an easy thing to do.  But love will do the hard thing if it is the right thing to do and the best thing for those we love. 

          When the dust cloud of battle had settled, the Lord was shown to have given Israel the victory over their enemies, just as He had promised.  Deborah and Barak together sang a song of praise to their God.  When our young people experience a victory in the spiritual battle, we need to rejoice with them, being careful to direct their praise to the One who truly deserves the glory.

          The world places very little value on motherhood and often looks down on women who choose to give their lives to that work.  But God regards it as a great and noble undertaking.  A spiritual mother is not looking for recognition or applause.  She is content to remain in the background, quietly laboring on.   Her joy comes from seeing those “children” that God has given her going on well for Him.  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Welcome

Welcome to Peanut Butter in the Pantry. Teaching what is good is our motto from Titus 2. We want to share things we have learned and are learning in our endeavor to become women who bring glory to God, from basic practical things to the more spiritual just as outlined in our theme verses.

  Titus 2: 3-5 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.