Remembering Who You Are

[Lotuspetal_uk]

I thought I'd post this for those times when, as believing spouses, we have those days when we really need some encouragement. This is taken from the book, "Victory Over the Darkness" by Dr Neil T Anderson. Chapter 2 answers the question "Who Am I?" Sometimes when we're feeling low, we may forget who we now are - here is a selection of little reminders :

Who Am I?

I am the salt of the earth (Mt 5:13)

I am the light of the world (Mt 5:14)

I am a child of G-d (Jn 1:12)

I am part of the true vine, a channel of Christ's life (Jn 15:1,5)

I am Christ's friend (Jn 15:15)

I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit (Jn 15:16)

I am a slave of righteousness (Rom 6:18)

I am enslaved to G-d (Rom 6:22)

I am a son/daughter of G-d; G-d is spiritually my Father (Rom 8:14,15; Gal 3:26; 4:6)

I am a new creation (2 Cor 5:17)

I am NOT the great "I AM" (Ex 3:14; Jn 8:24,28,58), but by the Grace of G-d, I am what I am (1 Cor 15:10)

G-d bless

 

[WashedClean]

Thanks for posting that Lotuspetal! That is one of my favorite books. I really need to read it again.

Today is my husband's fortieth birthday. Yesterday we went to my church's musical. It was very powerful. At the end, our minister came onstage and basically explained the Gospel in laymen's terms and offered a prayer for those who wished to accept Christ. I know my husband did not. He was fairly critical of the whole production, focusing on some of the long numbers. Although he did think it was well-done.

We seem to be bickering a lot lately. I'm so weary of this. I need some encouragement.... Sorry Lotus, I didn't mean to hijack this thread.

Thanks again for reminding us who we are in Christ.

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

Hi WC,

Not a problem at all !

I've just prayed for you - this was how I was feeling on Friday which was where I dusted off this book I likened the feeling to leaning into a storm. But what a merciful G-d we serve that we can lean on Him even more.

Stay encouraged and keep praying

LP

 

[WashedClean]

Hi WC,

Not a problem at all !

I've just prayed for you - this was how I was feeling on Friday which was where I dusted off this book I likened the feeling to leaning into a storm. But what a merciful G-d we serve that we can lean on Him even more.

Stay encouraged and keep praying

LP

Thanks so much Lotuspetal! I really appreciate the prayers. I have been praying for you as well and all the women on this forum. I wish we could get more people to come...

Today is much better. Praise God, His mercies are new each morning!

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

Thanks so much Lotuspetal! I really appreciate the prayers. I have been praying for you as well and all the women on this forum. I wish we could get more people to come...

Today is much better. Praise God, His mercies are new each morning!

Praise G-d that things have improved for you! The L-rd is ever merciful to those He loves.

I feel that what you've done here is an excellent thing, WC. Don't be discouraged by the numbers. There's probably more reading than posting here

Hope you have another blessed day

 

[WashedClean]

Thanks Lotuspetal!

I appreciate your support and prayers. How are things with you and your hubby?

Have a Christ-filled week!

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

Things were a little rocky on Friday but now are quiet (Praise G-d) I wanted to thank you also for your prayers because they are being heard

Be Blessed

LP

 

[WashedClean]

Things were a little rocky on Friday but now are quiet (Praise G-d) I wanted to thank you also for your prayers because they are being heard

Be Blessed

LP

That's wonderful LP, glad to hear it! I'll keep those prayers a comin'!!

God Bless

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

Thank you WC!

Yesterday was a little tough for me, more down to it being my fault and not letting go of grievances. Friday kept playing through my mine last night making me more and more angrier. The same old thoughts ran through my head (Why am I in this marriage? I'd be better off without him. Why can't I leave it? I don't need this hassle etc..). In the end I had to confront him about what he did to me and was met with no remorse which just fed my anger. Then he wanted to play an extremely violent video game in front of our baby - this is what gets on my last nerve. I'm not allowed to sing hymns to her and such like... but she can watch scenes of characters slicing each other up (he even tried to justify it by saying that there's no blood).

*sighs* The only comfort I got was when I prayed last night. I got the usual answer - this inner assurance that I can perservere because I am in the L-rd and that I must remain in the marriage until the L-rd Will is done.

So, thank you and please keep praying, as I will do for you.

G-d bless

 

[AwesomeGod]

Hello,

I haven't posted in awhile because this is finals week (i'm in college). I'm done now though.

Washed, you are very lucky that your husband will go to church with you. My husband will have nothing to do with church. I'm sure it's difficult sitting with him in church when you know he doesn't really believe, but remember that our God is amazing and every time your husband sits in church is an opportunity for God to enter into his presence. Also, remember that God is working in his heart in ways that your husband probably isn't willing to admit to you yet. Try not to imagine that your husband is always thinking negative thoughts about God. You don't know what he is thinking or what God is working in his heart. If he is really negative with what he says there is a good chance God has been working in his heart and he is not ready to let go and submit to God. You have the most loving and powerful being on your side working on your husband's behalf. There is infinite hope in that.

One thing that is really important is to pray that God will keep the enemy from your husband. God has given us power over the most destructive force working against our husbands' salvation.

I was reading in the post on the women's forum that you weren't sure whether to have kids or not. I feel the same way. I am young though and my husband doesn't want to have kids (which he decided after we got married), so I don't have to worry too much yet. I am not sure if I should bring kids into a marriage that doesn't have a father who is serving God. I have known several families where the father was not a christian and the kids still ended up christians because their mother followed the Lord.

I think that what is most important is knowing God's will for your situation. Knowing God's will for your situation requires you to be very close to God through prayer and studying the bible. I think if I am ever in the situation where I have to make that decision I will wait until I am sure it is God's will and his timing. I definately don't think that you should never have kids just because your husband is a nonbeliever, because having kids may be part of God's plan to reach your husband. Especially if they become christians.

God bless,

AwesomeGod

 

[Suzannah]

I have loved pretending that everything is okay in my marriage and that nothings wrong. I have enjoyed burying my head in the sand and pretending that I'm an ostrich so that I don't have to be God's woman. I've been reading through all your posts and I see myself in every single one of them and you have forced me, by your love for each other, to stop pretending My husband is a lapsed Christian and it gets worse by the day. I don't know what I am going to do or how its going to end up. He walked out this morning because I asked him to stop being inconsistent with our daughter. I can't even cry. I'm not even sure why I'm posting this. It's unusual for me to talk much about my personal self on these boards, but I'm sure that wherever this is all going in this post, it's only to the betterment of something.

 

[AwesomeGod]

Suzannah,

It sounds like your having a tough day. I'm not quite sure what your situation is but God knows. He knows your every struggle. He is there with open arms to comfort you and give you strength. No matter how bad it gets there is always hope in Jesus. There is no problem you can give to God that he can't handle.

Lord,
I pray that you will be with Suzannah now in a way that feels real to her. Comfort her. Fill her heart with hope. Give her strength. Help her to know your will for her life. Take Satan's influence from her life, her husband's life and her family's lives. Work in her heart and her husband's heart. Help them to remember they are on the same team whether or not they both are dedicated to you. Help them remember that you know them both better than they know themselves and each other. Remind them that you have a perfect plan for their lives. Help Suzannah to see that you have not forsaken her and that you can sustain her through whatever comes her way. Help Suzannah and her husband rekindle love that was lost through misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Lord be with Suzannah and give her hope.
In Jesus Christ's name,
Amen

AwesomeGod

 

[WashedClean]

Hello,

I haven't posted in awhile because this is finals week (i'm in college). I'm done now though.

Washed, you are very lucky that your husband will go to church with you. My husband will have nothing to do with church. I'm sure it's difficult sitting with him in church when you know he doesn't really believe, but remember that our God is amazing and every time your husband sits in church is an opportunity for God to enter into his presence. Also, remember that God is working in his heart in ways that your husband probably isn't willing to admit to you yet. Try not to imagine that your husband is always thinking negative thoughts about God. You don't know what he is thinking or what God is working in his heart. If he is really negative with what he says there is a good chance God has been working in his heart and he is not ready to let go and submit to God. You have the most loving and powerful being on your side working on your husband's behalf. There is infinite hope in that.

One thing that is really important is to pray that God will keep the enemy from your husband. God has given us power over the most destructive force working against our husbands' salvation.

I was reading in the post on the women's forum that you weren't sure whether to have kids or not. I feel the same way. I am young though and my husband doesn't want to have kids (which he decided after we got married), so I don't have to worry too much yet. I am not sure if I should bring kids into a marriage that doesn't have a father who is serving God. I have known several families where the father was not a christian and the kids still ended up christians because their mother followed the Lord.

I think that what is most important is knowing God's will for your situation. Knowing God's will for your situation requires you to be very close to God through prayer and studying the bible. I think if I am ever in the situation where I have to make that decision I will wait until I am sure it is God's will and his timing. I definately don't think that you should never have kids just because your husband is a nonbeliever, because having kids may be part of God's plan to reach your husband. Especially if they become christians.

God bless,

AwesomeGod

Hi Awesome God,

Thanks for your post, it was very encouraging. And thank you for the best advice so far about whether or not an unequally yoked marriage should have children. I agree with you, God may reach my husband through our children. Although I still have to figure out if I want to be a mother first!

I just wanted to clarify something. My husband has NEVER been to church with me . He went to a Christmas Pageant which we had at an auditorium. I'm not diminishing this because it was awesome and God is great. He (my husband) wanted to do something "spiritual" with his goddaughter (she's in her teens), so this was my suggestion. I'm amazed that he agreed. But he still won't come to church with me. I read some other woman's post who said her husband comes and is not a believer and that drives her crazy. Because he just sits there and doesn't sing or get involved. As much as I miss my husband when I'm at church, I would not want him there if he was uncomfortable.

The other amazing thing God did was bring my husband to my baptism in July. He wasn't planning to attend, and then about an hour before, he said, "I think I want to come". I was so grateful to God that he was there. So I do know that he's working in his life and heart. I just have to be patient!

Thanks again, Awesome God. You hang in there, because God can change your husband's heart too. Even toward having children.

Be blessed,

WashedClean

 

[WashedClean]

Thank you WC!

Yesterday was a little tough for me, more down to it being my fault and not letting go of grievances. Friday kept playing through my mine last night making me more and more angrier. The same old thoughts ran through my head (Why am I in this marriage? I'd be better off without him. Why can't I leave it? I don't need this hassle etc..). In the end I had to confront him about what he did to me and was met with no remorse which just fed my anger. Then he wanted to play an extremely violent video game in front of our baby - this is what gets on my last nerve. I'm not allowed to sing hymns to her and such like... but she can watch scenes of characters slicing each other up (he even tried to justify it by saying that there's no blood).

*sighs* The only comfort I got was when I prayed last night. I got the usual answer - this inner assurance that I can perservere because I am in the L-rd and that I must remain in the marriage until the L-rd Will is done.

So, thank you and please keep praying, as I will do for you.

G-d bless

Hi LP,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I can't imagine how frustrating that is (about the violent video games) and that you can't even sing hymns to her. But just remember, God will make a way. Just keep your eyes on Him.

Do you have any friends or family that are Christians? It sounds like you need some support.

I will keep you in my prayers. You have a deep heart for the Lord, that's obvious. He will honor that.

In Christ,

WashedClean

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

Hi LP,


Do you have any friends or family that are Christians? It sounds like you need some support.

In Christ,

WashedClean

Hi WC

Thank you again for your prayers WC I thank the L-rd that I am back on track again this morning

None of my immediate family are Christians - I only have one cousin who is but at the moment it's too expensive to regularly talk with her over the phone (we're overseas). None of my close friends are Christians. There is no strong Christian community where we are, so at the moment the only support I get is from here.

G-d willing I will be returning home Oct 04 but at the moment we're not too sure where his job will take him next.

How was your weekend? I pray that the L-rd blessed you.

 

[WashedClean]

Hi WC

Thank you again for your prayers WC I thank the L-rd that I am back on track again this morning

None of my immediate family are Christians - I only have one cousin who is but at the moment it's too expensive to regularly talk with her over the phone (we're overseas). None of my close friends are Christians. There is no strong Christian community where we are, so at the moment the only support I get is from here.

G-d willing I will be returning home Oct 04 but at the moment we're not too sure where his job will take him next.

How was your weekend? I pray that the L-rd blessed you.

Hi LP,

Glad today is better for you. Thanks for thinking of me. I had a good weekend, thank you. Just a little stressful getting ready for Christmas. I'm mostly worried about work, but that's another story!

I'm sorry to hear you don't have much in the way of support. Neither do I. My sister is saved, but she's over an hour away and although we are close, we're both so busy with our jobs that we hardly chat at all. My mother is also a Christian (I'm 99% sure lol) but she doesn't have the same enthusiasm I do. She does have a closeness with God, but it's not the same. Plus we aren't that close.

I have very few friends from church, mostly acquaintances. It's sooo big that it's hard to get connected. But I do have some contacts. I really wish I had a strong friendship with another Christian woman. I know the Lord is leading me to someone, I just haven't found them yet. I'm the only believer at work too, and that's really difficult.

Oh well, God will make a way... Keep up your great attitude, God will reward you LP!

Love in Christ,

WashedClean

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

Hi WC,

I pray that things are winding down a little for you now that you're two days away from Christmas I remember with my family that the only time the stress toned down was when everyone was tucking into the turkey


I'm thankful that the L-rd moved Erwin to set up this website. When us believers are far from loved ones, and not in a greatly supportive fellowship, at least we can still meet with fellow believers and offer (and receive) support and love.

G-d bless you

 

[faith177]

yes I am thankful for this forum too, its very encouraging to be able to come and talk with others that are searching truth and praising our Savior. Even just reading others posts helps keep me on track. I am struggling right now, have you ever felt like a yo yo mind. There are reasons that help me stay and reasons that make me wish I could leave and I think back and forth and wonder if its truly Gods will that I am here or if I was duped by the enemy and made a bad choice. I dont know Gods will for my life and it feels empty here sometimes. There are good things about it also, I was a single parent for ten years and it is nice to not be alone and have some help with the kids they are really good when he is around. I pray about it alot especially during the hard times and I dont feel a clear answer although when I picture my life as leaving it feels empty also. I dont know, I am just babbling my thoughts out. I hope you are all doing well Faith

 

[WashedClean]

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Hope everyone had a joyous day! I spent it with my family and actually had a very long talk with my nephew. He likes to debate about "religion" and I tried not to get into it too much with him, but I think I planted some seeds by the grace of God. My husband was in on the conversation also and a lot of what he said was encouraging to me. It gave me a lot of hope, which I think was a gift from God this Christmas day. Praise His Holy Name!

How is everyone doing? I'm grateful for each and every one of you who posts here. I've been soooooo busy the last few days that I haven't even been able to get on here. Thanks LotusPetal and Faith177 for your encouraging words. I feel your prayers and hope you sense mine also. God is really bringing us together. And you know what His word says, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19

Gracious Heavenly Father, we come together to praise You for You alone are worthy. Thank you for the gift of your Son, who takes away our sins and brings us back into a relationship with you. We ask you to guide us and strengthen us in our marriages. Give us your peace. Let us rejoice in the small victories and rays of hope we see in our husband's spiritual development. Help us to be good witnesses to our husbands so that they may be won over without a word as it states in your Word. Lord, we know that all things are possible with you. We trust you and believe in you, our King and Redeemer. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

Hi Everyone,

I hope that everyone has had a restful break. Christmas day was quiet for me but peaceful. My little baby took her first independant steps into my arms that day and that for me was all I could ever ask for

I am thankful to the L-rd that my husband actually helped out more than usual and although I'm far from my family, with all the phone calls it felt like they were right here! All in all I was pleasantly surprised by the past week.

I pray that everyone has a blessed New Year