Supporting Missions

Contributor: John Book III

    The moment I hear the word missionary, another word always pops up in my head. That word is calling. Anyone who has chosen the path of ministry knows what I am talking about, but not all of us work in ministry. So the reason I say calling is because as much of a choice it was for me to have ignored my calling, it would be as ignorant as Jonah  when he ignored God and his calling. Yes, he ignored it at first and even tried to run away from it, but eventually he went. Much like my situation, I tried to ignore Gods calling in my life to minister to the Apache Indians in Arizona, but I eventually followed God's calling and I went. By the grace of God I am still here.

    Missions is a special kind of ministry. Everyday brings a different kind of challenge. Everyday the schedule is different. I promise you that I have not had the same day twice. This kind of ministry brings a difficult way of supporting myself. This is the job I have chosen and have been called to do, but the only way I can do this kind of work is through the generous support of individuals and churches who believe in the work God is doing here.

    Without support, missions would be hard pressed to exist. I know in my case, without support, I would not be where I am now. I'm pretty sure that would be the case in any other mission. Without support we could not do what we do- and I am not just talking about financial support. I am going to be honest with you, money is a big part of the support, but I know some people can not afford it. In today's economy it's hard enough to live and support yourself, but prayers do not cost anything but time. It seems the more I go to different churches, I see that we have started lose our faith in how powerful prayer can be. I did not say that we have stopped praying, but some Christians seem to downgrade prayer. Prayer is a very powerful weapon that we as the Church have at our disposal, and its high time we start to use it a little more.

    I think I speak for all missionaries when I say this: if it is difficult to support us financially, then please support us prayerfully. Even if you can support us financially, please also support us prayerfully. When I get a check in the mail to support what I do I thank God for the gift, but something that gives me goosebumps is getting messages on Facebook or emails saying that I am being prayed for. That to me is just as important.

    So please pray for those missionaries in the field, if it is just picking one mission a month, please pray. If you are not sure which one to pray for, pray for my mission: Apache Youth Ministries. We minister to the Apache Indians in Whiteriver, Arizona. And if you have been blessed beyond your means and you want to take an extra step to support Gods Church beyond the four walls of a chapel or auditorium, then please financially support a mission. I will also say, that if you have never been on a missions trip, then I urge you to do so. It will be one of the most rewarding things you have ever done, I guarantee it!

Your brother in Christ,

John Book III

Apache Youth Ministries

Serving Others

Contributor: Amos Smith

One of the biggest challenges that I have had to overcome in my life is serving others. Honestly, I would have to say that I have not done this very well for a majority of my life. I wish I could say that at every opportunity, I stepped up to meet the need of the church or community that knocked at my door, but I can’t. I remember seeing plenty of opportunities, but more often than not I would avoid doing anything about it. Rather, I would find some excuse to avoid helping or serving others. Although I saw opportunities for service everywhere I turned a blind eye to them, the extent of my involvement consisted in complaining about the issues - and the fact that no one was doing anything about it. I was all about serving, as long as I didn’t have to be the one to do it.

A huge change took place in me the day I sat down with Jake Deer, the then Residence Director at Florida Christian College. I asked him why there was such a problem with the lack of service both on campus and within the church body. Looking back, I was merely complaining and looking for an excuse to put the blame on others. Jake, in his wisdom, saw right through my façade of self-righteousness and called me out for my own lack of action and conviction. He told me that if I saw a need somewhere then I ought to be the one to step up and do something about it. Jake also said that I needed to stop waiting around for someone else to make a plan, and I would have to implement one myself - even if I had to act alone.

After that conversation I was convicted pretty hard of my own hypocrisy. More than that, I was challenged to do something about those needs that God had been placing in my path. One of those needs that God was calling me to was ministering to Sunnyside Homes. Sunnyside is a group home for foster kids who have no family to live with. I found out about it through a friend who shared with me that there were about forty kids between eleven and seventeen years of age. These kids were there because no one wanted them, or their families were too harmful for them to live with. I could see that there was a huge need at this place, that they needed someone to let them know that they mattered and were worth something in spite of what their families and others had showed them. After my talk with Jake, I realized that I was the one God had called to do something about it.

I would love to tell you that everything went as planned. I would love to say that I had a huge impact on all of the students there, and they all came to Jesus. That, however, is simply not true. Although a lot of good happened, it was much more difficult and demanding than I ever thought that it would be. It took time and persistency before I had any influence in their lives. There were many times I was cussed out, flicked off and threatened while spending time there. In spite of all the negative experiences, I was able to build relationships with them. The main thing that I learned by serving there was this: be consistent in loving the people that you are serving no matter what they do or the circumstance - that is how the love of Christ will be shown to them the most. One of the cool things that happened was, after I started serving there for awhile - I was able to gather a group of FCC students to come with me. It got to the point where there were ten or so students from FCC going there each week to spend time with the kids at Sunnyside.

The point I’m trying to get to is that (1) in order to be a leader you have to be a servant (2) in order to be a servant you have to serve. You can’t sit around and wait for someone else to step up and meet the needs that you see around you. You have to be the one to do something. You can’t wait till everyone else is on board and committed to do something before you commit. You need to be the first one to jump in, and you have to jump in knowing that no one else may follow you. The hardest aspect to overcome when it involves serving, is knowing that you may be doing it alone. The amazing thing to remember is that you are not alone, God is with you. God is the one calling us to jump in and do something. He is the one helping us to do what needs to be done. He gives us the strength and the words to say. Once you step up, however, you can’t quit the moment it gets hard or forces you to go out of your comfort zone. Being a servant leader means being consistent even if you have to sacrifice your time, money, or what you want to do. Only with that consistency will you be able to make a difference in the lives of the people you are serving. Don’t let fear or laziness hold you back from being a part of God’s plan of loving, serving and leading others to Jesus.

Controlling our Tongues

Contributor: Karle Hunter

“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. “ Proverbs 10: 19

For the past several weeks, I have found myself dwelling heavily on this one, simple, yet powerful verse. It is one that sounds so “easy,” yet as a Christian woman I find incredibly hard to practice day by day.

Amongst the chaos of work, college classes, friends, and family, it is incredibly easy to become a mile a minute “chatter box” that has no control over her tongue.

I’ve found myself involved in unnecessary conversations that have had nothing to do with me, listening to others complain about other people or even doing it myself, jumping to quickly share my knowledge about whatever, and honestly not giving one thought to what damage my tongue is creating.

Why is that? Why is it that when my surroundings get hectic my speech does as well?

It would be easy to blame it on my crazy life schedule or just the fact that everyone else talks, gossips, complains or judges. Or I could defend my talk by saying “Well…I’m just speaking the truth!” Have you ever thought that? That maybe if it were true it’s okay to say? Hmmm…

The above verse makes it very clear that where there is much talk sin is not absent and how true it is. It is way too easy for one simple, innocent conversation to take a downward spiral into something that is hurtful, or sinful for that matter.

So what can we do? We can’t control others right? If they say it and I don’t then it doesn’t count…right?

Well, I’d like to first point out that it is our heart that dictates our speech.

“For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks”

So whether its truth or not, our speech reflects deeply what is in our heart. Wow. I don’t’ know about you but some of the speech that leaves my mouth I’m embarrassed to say is hiding deep in my heart.

While our speech is a heart issue, I’d also like to give a few tips as to how we can train our tongues in times when words are many, so that we can be wise.

In Proverbs 10, there are several verse that combat negative speech. Let’s look at a few!

“The lips of the righteous nourish many…” (vs. 21)

“The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom…” (vs. 31)

“The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.” (vs. 32)

So powerful.

Our speech should nourish. When I think of nourishment, I think of a very relaxing vacation. Sandy beaches, sun, no stress, and refreshing waves. So if my tongue is supposed to provide nourishment to others, it should be like taking them on a mini vacation! Now, I’m not saying that we lie or stretch the truth to make others feel like they are on cloud nine all of the time, but when one deserves it or needs it, build them up through compliments and encouragement. Oh how a sweet word or comment can change a person’s day!

Our lips are also supposed to bring forth wisdom…no pressure right?! When I read this verse, all I can think of is the power of remaining in and reading scripture. How can we bring forth wisdom if we don’t’ know God’s word? That’s the place to start.

Finally, our lips should speak when appropriate. This is the hardest one to put in to practice in my opinion. Using discernment to know when to talk and when not to. Ugh. So tough. From experience, I’ve learned to stay quiet unless nudged by the Holy Spirit to give my thoughts. That may sound odd, it’s better to hold your tongue than to speak words that you cannot take back.

But how do you practice this when a conversation takes a dramatic turn for the worst? Well, I have always tried to change the subject or leave the situation. Eventually, the person will understand that you’re not going to participate in negative talk. You don’t have to do so with anger or bitterness, but with grace and leadership.

As we embrace the taming of our tongues, may we meditate on the above verses and pray them into our lives on a daily basis. The practice of having a wise tongue will not happen over night, but through a lifetime of prayer, patience, scripture reading and practice!



Why did Jesus have to die?

Contributor: Jeremy L. Smith

I imagine this question weighed heavy upon the disciples on the Road to Emmaus.(1) It was just a few days after the tragedy of the crucifixion of Jesus, and their confusion and befuddlement and heartbreak must have still been incredibly poignant. The loss of the one they thought to be the Messiah must have been a punch to the gut, a sweep of the rug from under their feet that left them flat on their back and dazed. “Why did Jesus have to die? Wasn’t he supposed to save us?!” These questions and more must have been on their hearts as they walked.

Then Jesus showed up.

They didn’t recognize him, at first. And through Jesus prodding (him “playing dumb” so to speak), the disciples begin to bemoan the loss of Jesus, the one whom they thought would redeem Israel, and to tell Jesus of the incredible reports of some crazy women who said they saw him alive again. They don’t know quite what to make of it, but Jesus retorts, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And then, “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”

What I wouldn’t give to be there for that! Jesus personally explaining from the complete Old Testament why the Messiah had to die before entering his glory? I would sign up for that class any day. One has to wonder what he might have said to the disciples that day, on the dusty road to Emmaus.

I am not going to try and venture a guess. I am sure there is much that might be said about the foreshadowing for the Messiah’s death (and glory) in the Old Testament. But a full blown explication of the Old Testament in light of Jesus is a bit outside my pay grade, and way above the scope of what can be covered in a blog. Why did Jesus have to die? How can we make sense of the Cross? These are gigantic questions. And the Christian discussion on them spans centuries. A survey of everything Christians have said through the years is also (regrettably) too big a task for a single blog post. So instead, let me offer some simple sketches for why Jesus had to die, and then a modest proposal for a helpful way of asking the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” that goes all the way back to Emmaus.

So, here’s the part where you should put your theology pants on. Don’t worry, it shouldn’t be too painful. Let’s go back to the garden.

We all know the story. God creates humanity and tells them to be creative, have kids, live life, and extend his wise rule over earth.(2) Oh, and also, not to eat from a particular tree in the garden, because on the day they do, death will overtake them. Then the Serpent comes, both Adam and Eve sin, and both enter into a cursed existence under the dominion of death. Humanity loses a life centered in the blessing of God, and things pretty much only get worse from there on out. The rest of Genesis (and even the whole Old Testament) shows how humanity goes further and further off the deep end, how we rebel more and more against God and each other, and how our community with God and others is dismantled and destroyed. Yet even in the Genesis account, God offers hope: He promises that one will come who will be victorious over all these things. (3)

From just the Genesis account, we can begin to identify the forces arrayed against us:

1)  There is the Serpent, or Satan, the tempter. There are evil forces in the cosmos who are emphatically NOT on our side.

2)  There is sin, our own destructive choices. In rebellion against God, we choose to sin—and our sin removes us from the blessing of God.

3)  Death. Sin leads to death. Our death physically, sure, but also our own spiritual death. Our hearts are corrupted, and we no longer have the kind of blessed, joyous, loving, full and complete life for which God intended us.

These three forces show up continually throughout Scripture, keeping humanity from God and from each other. Evil, Sin, and Death. This unholy trinity is the plague that haunts us throughout history. And there is nothing we can do about it. That is the real crux of the problem. Evil, Sin, and Death may be things outside of us, but they are also things inside of us. Now, way down deep, down in our very heart, we are dead, with a propensity to sin, and slavery to evil—as Jeremiah says, “the heart is deceitful above all things.”(4) Israel, as God’s chosen people, was supposed to reverse the situation and bring humanity back into the blessing of God. But they too found the task impossible, since their hearts were corrupted and dead, just like the rest of us.

So, overall, the Bible presents a host of problems for humanity:

Our sin is unpayable, a debt and offense for which it is impossible to pay.

Our sin is a disease and we are mired in the muck of it, our hands dirtied by our choices with no way for us to be clean.

Death stands hauntingly over us, the inevitable conclusion to all our lives, an unconquerable adversary.

Evil accosts us at every turn, and we are held captive by the spiritual forces of evil in the cosmos—enemies we cannot understand or fight.

Our hearts are irreformable. We cannot change ourselves, cannot escape the black-hole of Evil, Sin, and Death because these very things are in us now.

For all these reasons, Jesus had to die. We can see all of these themes brought to the forefront in Ephesians and Colossians:

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.” (Eph. 2:1-3)

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Col. 2:13-15)

The death of Christ is central to defeating all the forces of Evil, Sin, and Death. Through Christ’s death, our debt is paid, our sins are washed away, the Enemy is defeated, and (in light of the resurrection) Death itself is conquered. Through the Incarnation, God himself did what was impossible for us to do: He restored us. In Christ, God reconciled us to himself, bringing us into new life. As perhaps the most famous verse from the Bible puts it: “For God so loved the cosmos that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him shall not die, but have eternal life.”(5)

This is only the barest of sketch on “Why Jesus had to die.” I urge the intellectually curious to explore the question more (traditionally considered the issue of Atonement), and see how the thoughts of Christians through the ages might help us understand the work of the Cross more clearly.

As good as all of this theologizing is though, I would like to suggest that we as believers need to do more than offer a theology of the Cross. Instead of asking why Jesus died in purely intellectual and theological ways, we need to ask in personal terms. In other words, instead of asking one another the question, "Why did Jesus die anyways?" we should address our question to Jesus himself: "Why did you die for me? Why did you die for us?" The answer is astounding: “Because I love you, all of you.”

Jesus died for Love. In a very real sense, Jesus did not have to die. Jesus' death was not something forced upon him, it was not something he had to do—as if he had no choice in the matter. In fact just the opposite is true. Jesus did have a choice in the matter, and though he did not have to die for us--he chose to do so anyways. God was not forced or coerced to save us, and there was nothing in us that made us worthy of salvation or mercy, but because of his great love for us God mercifully chose to save us even while we were sinners (Rom. 5:6-8, Eph. 2:4).

Love is not something you merely understand with your head, and so, neither is the Cross. Love is at the heart of the Cross, for God is Love. We make a mistake if think we can simply grasp the statement “God loves us” in the same way we can grasp the statement, “Jeremy had eggs for breakfast.” Understanding the Love of God for us through the Cross is not something we do once, but many times, and we do it more and more deeply over the course of a lifetime.

We cannot ask why Jesus died dispassionately. We need to ask the question like the disciples on the Road to Emmaus did: with burning hearts and confused cries and befuddlement at the nature of the world. We need to not simply ask about Jesus, but we need to ask Jesus himself. We need to look for understanding, not in a single moment, but over the course of a journey. We, on the Emmaus Road, need to ask while walking with Jesus.

~J. L. Smith

---

(1) See Luke 24 for the whole “Emmaus Road” story.

(2) Gen. 1:28

(3) Gen. 3:15
(4) Jeremiah 17:9
(5) John 3:16

Advice to Bible College Students

Contributor: Crystal Hutcheson

ADVICE TO BIBLE COLLEGE STUDENTS

Putting aside what can be learned by reading my coveted class notes, my experience at Bible college shook my faith to its core.  My inner person, my spirit, my very reason for existence was put to the test...and in more than just a classroom.  The following is bits and pieces of things that I either DID, and found awesome, or did NOT do, and found myself wishing I had.

Take notes like you're getting paid to do it

Taking excellent notes is not only good for your grades, but they also make excellent resources for your future in ministry and life in general. Do you realize how many hours worth of class material one absorbs during 4 years?  There's no way you will be able to remember it all! So many Bible college grads use their old notes to create curriculum, lessons, book material, or teaching series later on.   Trust me...invest in the time it takes NOW to keep expansive notes, keep track of other sources that professors mention in class for further research, and keep all this info in some semblance of organization.  For my own personal study, I've started transferring some of my notes from Bible classes into a thick-margin Bible.  It's helpful, and reminds me of what I learned in classes in a quick-reference manner. 

No matter what field(s) you end up in, you will graduate with the basics of counselling, teaching, speech, writing, business, world religions...the list goes on.  No matter what you think now, you may need a bit of help remembering things from that one class you never thought you'd use later in life.

Get out of the bubble

One epidemic present on EVERY Bible college campus is “the bubble.”  Being part of a campus filled with people who believe mostly the same things as you means life can become the most seemingly spiritually fulfilling experience.  You can end up going to Bible classes, small groups, spontaneous worship experiences with friends...all without leaving campus.  It's a great feeling...but can lead to spiritual obesity.  Paul equated growing in your faith to eating food (1 Corinthians 3, Hebrews 5), so here's my analogy:  If all you do is eat this solid food that you get from the lifestyle of a Bible college student without exercising it out in the real world, you will become Spiritual McFatty.  Don't baby yourself and use 'the bubble' as protection from the real world, but rather use 'the bubble' in a proper manner – as encouragement for your activity outside of it.

Be part of the bubble

Get out of your room!  Live campus life! Literally walk around the campus from door to door, seeing what's going on. Grab your homework and work on it outside on a picnic bench...why on earth not?  Be a class officer or a student council representative. Attend sports events. Volunteer to help at on-campus events. Start a club or group that meets once a week. Plan dinner parties or movie nights in your apartment. Find some way to get involved! The more involved you are in school stuff, the more you will get out of your college experience.

Challenge yourself

There will never be a safer time for you to challenge yourself than when at Bible college.  Sure, it's required for you to do “Christian Service,” but try not to take the easy road.  I got tons of Christian Service from handing out bulletins at a local church on Sunday mornings my freshmen year. It wasn’t until I found the courage to explore other local ministry opportunities that I really started learning! Try out different ministries before getting stuck into one - try homeless ministry, look into 'Give Kids the World,' volunteer at an orphanage, sign up for mission trips...try something that scares you.  It's like you're given a giant blank check and space to “try on” these different ministries all along the learning process.  Even if you are 1,000% sure God has called you to one type of ministry, it's good to have a wide variety of experiences so that you can support and understand all aspects of kingdom work.

Get to know your professors!!

Take advantage of the time that you get to have with your professors!  Ask them out to lunch.  Stop by their offices just to say hi.  At FCC, this isn't brown-nosing...it's normal.  They genuinely want to be part of your life.  If you have struggles at all with assignments or life in general - - ASK them about it. They want to go out of their way to make your educational experience one that is tailor-made.  These men and women are at the TOP of their field, and could be getting paid much more for teaching the same types of classes at secular universities, yet they humbled themselves to accept the call to fight against the biggest enemy of the church today:  ignorant Christians. They are on your side, and will help you in any way they can.

Learn principles and resources, not just opinions

Culture is constantly changing.  Some of what you will learn (in any college, in any profession) will become outdated within a year or two after you've learned it!  Thankfully, our main subject material in Bible college is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Learn how to research and understand the Scriptures, no matter what the issue.  Something WILL come up in your life in the future that you didn't ever expect, and that you didn't hear directly from a professor (or even the Bible) about.  Learn how to face THOSE kinds of issues...the ones you don't know about yet.  What resources are available for you to use in the future? 

There you have my advice to any future or current Bible college student. I hope you find it to be helpful! May God bless you as you prepare to love and serve our Lord with all of your “heart, soul, strength and mind.” (Luke 10:27)

Leaving Drama Behind

Contributor: Lauren Gaines

 

Drama. We LOVE it on TV but in real life, it’s not so pretty. Here are some steps on how to avoid unnecessary drama.

1. If it’s something private, keep it private unless you are talking with someone you really trust.
   
   
2. Do not let “venting” be an excuse for gossip! Watch out- this can be a fine line.
   
   
3. If you heard something from someone that so and so said such and such, STOP right there. Remember learning about primary sources and their proximity to the truth?  That applies here. Go to the source and talk with your brother or sister. And when there is discussion or confrontation do it in love. Remember who you belong to.
   
   
4. Look at yourself and others. Learn to recognize manipulation for what it is. It’s a slippery slope and will never end well. This is treating people as a means to an end and that is not okay.
   
   
5. Unless it is a danger or potential danger, if your friend tells you something in confidence, keep it to yourself. Discretion is a viable skill. If you don’t think you can keep it to yourself, tell them. They will appreciate your honesty now rather than a fight and loss of trust later.
   
   
6. Seriously, think before you speak. This is something that everyone has struggled with, even hundreds of years ago so do not feel ashamed to remind yourself of this it is wisdom. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” James 1:19
   
   
7. Think about the things that push buttons with people. Don’t push those buttons to make a point or get the upper hand. Be fair.
   
   
8. Are those dirty dishes really going to cause you to lose a friendship? Don’t hate over the little things!
   
   
9. Learn to forgive when your roommate makes you irritated, your friend doesn’t contribute on that project, someone said something that they didn’t mean (in this case you already know it was a mistake). Bitterness and grudges will hinder you in the long run.

Get some rest and pray through whatever situation is causing drama or potential drama. Do not give the enemy a foot in the door. Instead, seek truth and love.

After all, no one likes a drama llama.

Photo Credit

Matthew 5

Contributor: Adam Parks

Growing up in Florida I couldn’t help but learn to fish.  I remember going to the lake as a young kid, sitting on the dock catching a bucket full of little bream using bread balls as bait.  The obsession only grew more intense as I got older.  I traded in fishing from the dock for fishing from the boat and the lakes for the ocean.  However, one thing has not changed and that is my constant hope that I will be able to land the the trophy fish that everyone will want to hear about!

Over the years I have collected a wide array of fishing gear: rods, reels, tackle boxes and baits.  I have shirts, hats and sunglasses specifically designed to give any angler an advantage on the open water.  I must say that at first glance I most likely appear able to conquer fight of the most challenging fish (or at least I hope)...

But as I have had the opportunity to gain experience, I have found that every angler, no matter how well prepared is only going to be as successful as the water will allow him.  Even with the latest gear or the best rigs the quality and condition of the water will determine how well the fish will bite on any given day.  The best fishing pole with the latest lure cannot overcome the wrong water clarity, temperature or algae levels. 

In much the same way when Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount to his followers in Matthew chapter five, he shared with a crowd familiar with religious professionals who knew the Law of God so well they had worked their way around it.  But God had taken notice...

When Jesus begins the sermon he describes for his followers the kind of people that are part of God’s Kingdom: “And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...’” (Matthew 5:2-3 ESV). 

He goes on to lay out for his listeners the way they are to live as citizens of that Kingdom taking their relationship with the Father far beyond outward appearance, instead transforming their hearts, everything they are to the likeness and the righteousness of God!

As he ushers in the new covenant, six times in Matthew chapter five Jesus teaches “You have heard that it was said, but I say to you...” making it clear that God’s intention was for his people to be fully devoted followers with surrendered hearts not merely offering good appearances.  Jesus taught that it was not enough to simply refrain from murdering a brother but every effort should be made to be reconciled to him.  Instead of drawing the line at adultery a surrendered heart remains free from lust.  Though the world expects us to hate and despise our enemies Jesus tells us to love them as they are also his children.

In fact, in every way a life devoted to Christ is radically different from the world and that is exactly the way Jesus intended it.  He wants his followers to be the light of the world, sharing the Kingdom of Heaven with those living in the confines of darkness.  He wants those who have the peace and hope that comes from a relationship with God to impact the world starving for truth. 

Just as catching the trophy fish requires more than just the latest gear but the right water conditions, a relationship with God requires more than just an outward adherence to his Law but a sold out devotion and surrendered heart! 

Qualities of a Godly Wife

Contributor: Bethany Jett

It starts with adding your crush’s last name to your first name. Mrs. So-and-So. Ahh. What a lovely ring it has to it.

Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or admiring a sparkling promise on your finger, we girls think about weddings and marriage probably more often than we’d like to admit.

What kind of house do you want to keep? Do you want to stay at home and raise children, pursue a career, or a little of both? What kind of job do you hope your husband will have? Where will you live?

The Bible talks about responsibilities of a wife. She must respect her husband and submit to him. Her body is no longer entirely hers, but that’s not a bad thing! In Proverbs 31, we’re shown a glimpse of the ideal godly wife. She takes care of the household. She is in direct sales, making clothes and selling them. She’s got it all together and sometimes her example can be overwhelming. Her husband and children praise and bless her. If this is what we want our life to be like, shouldn’t we start practicing now?

Yes.

And no.

We can start working on aspects of our character, but some things need to wait until the wedding ring is on the finger.

Respect

We can practice respecting our husbands by respecting our parents, professors, administrators, elders, and anyone in authority over us. God said that we are subject to governing authorities, and that all in authority have been instituted by God.[1] So it doesn’t matter if you dislike your teacher, boss, or parent. You have to respect their position.

It’s the same with whom you choose to marry. If you don’t respect a guy while you’re dating him, honey, do not marry him. Respecting means that you listen to his thoughts and ideas without making fun of him or putting him down. Respect means you value his input and save playful teasing for appropriate situations. Respecting your man, married or not, means not embarrassing or yelling at him in public. I submit the best advice I ever received: “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…except a man humiliated.”

Practice respect in small ways. Sometimes it’s being courteous and saying thank you for the little things he does. Don’t interrupt. Affirm his opinion even if it doesn’t match your own. And if you get into a fight, let your words be firm, but soft. A gentle answer turns away wrath[2] and I can’t tell you how many times God’s words of wisdom have kept a small disagreement from turning into a major fight because I responded gently instead of raising my voice. Holding hands helps, too. It’s hard to be mad at someone while their hand is wrapped around yours.

Gentleness is not weakness and if you speak softly, the other person has to shut up in order to hear you. J

Submission

Submission is for the wife, not the girlfriend. Not the fiancée.

Submission is such a dirty word in our society. But the worst thing we can do is redefine it and take it out of biblical context. When I hear the word, an image of the 50s and 60s housewife in a dress and apron comes to mind. Her husband demands dinner is on the table when he gets home after she’s stuck cleaning the house all day.

But that’s not what it means.

Submission means that you accept your husband’s role as the head of your household. As such, he is held to a higher standard by God in that his prayers can be hindered.[3] Seriously. Look it up!

Perhaps it is easier to define what submission isn’t. God never meant for women to be doormats to be walked on. Your husband is not your boss. I like to explain it like this: if your husband is offered a job halfway across the country from your family and friends, your job as his wife is to be in constant prayer with him. If your husband, after prayer and discussion, comes to the conclusion that your family needs to move, then you honor him and respect him by submitting to that decision.

I hear the objections: What about the woman’s job? Isn’t her life just as important as his? Of course! If the wife is offered a job in another place, you’d go through the same motions. Praying together, praying separately. The difference, and I want to be extremely clear here, the difference is that you have to trust that your husband is submitting to Christ in every decision and trusting that God will reveal to both of you the answer. This is why it’s imperative that you marry a man who seeks God’s will above his own.

There is a system of checks and balances here. As a Christian, men and women are both subject to God’s authority, but when it’s spelled out in the Scriptures, like man is subject to Christ, a wife is subject to her husband, and the head of Christ is God.[4] If your husband loves you the way he is supposed to, and you’re respecting him the way you’re supposed to, submission is a natural response. In the same way, we submit naturally to God’s laws because we love Him and we know that He loves us and has our best interest in mind.

Remember, submission is not for the unmarried. If you’re dating a guy, don’t practice submission to him. God has not given him that authority or role in your life. Until the wedding band is on your finger, your main authority figures are your parents and God.

Proverbs 31 Woman

Many a tale has been written about the ideal woman found in Proverbs. Can we attain her level of esteemed perfection? Until you’re married, there’s really not much to practice, although you can make decisions on what you’d like to do.

The Proverbs 31 woman provides for her family.[5] If you’re pursuing a career, you’ve taken a big step in making sure there will be income for yourself and a future family. If you choose to stay home and raise children, there are plenty of businesses that offer mothers a way to make money on their own schedule. The Proverbs woman was not idle, and by working in some capacity now, you prepare yourself to be in a position to take care of a family later.

Her character is noble and her husband has full confidence in her. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.[6]

I love that her husband respects her. We can infer that she is not a woman who wags her tongue with the neighboring women, gossiping and stirring up dissension. Instead, she busies herself with the affairs of her own house, as well as reaching out to the poor. She is hospitable and from reading the entire chapter, we can see that she is the epicenter of her family.

Interestingly enough, we know that she made a wise choice in a husband. He is respected at the city gates where he sits with the elders of the land.[7] Not only does she look toward the future with strength and dignity, she was looking to the future when she accepted the marriage proposal of her husband.

Ladies, don’t marry a man with no ambition. Don’t marry a man who wants to live off the profits of your hard work. Marry a man who wants to provide for you, has the same ideals and dreams about children and raising a family as you.

Marriage is about being part of a team, and while you’re dating and engaged, be watchful of how well you work together. When you’re married, remember that everything you do for each other and your family works towards the goals you have set up together.

Respect, submission (in it’s proper time and place), and the example of the Proverbs 31 woman, can help us be amazing godly women and wives. We need to live up to God’s expectations, not only for our sakes, but for the sakes of those coming up after us.

Bethany Jett is an author and speaker from Tampa, FL. Her college dating book for young women, The Cinderella Rule, releases April of 2013, and is available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com for pre-order. Find her at www.BethanyJett.com.

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[1] Romans 13:1-7 ESV

[2] Proverbs 15:1 ESV

[3] 1 Peter 3:7

[4] 1 Corinthians 11:3

[5] Proverbs 31:24

[6] Proverbs 31:10-12

[7] Proverbs 31:23



God is great, God is good.

Contributor: Dr. Ruth T. Reyes

                Do you remember the very first prayer you learned to say, perhaps with mom or dad coaching you along?  God is great, God is good. Let us thank Him for our food.  By His hands we all are fed, give us Lord our daily bread.  The ritual of saying “grace” before a meal affords the opportunity for little children to talk to God and learn to thank Him for providing for their needs, in this case, food!

                What about this next prayer?  Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.  If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.  And if the if I should die part is deemed too morbid for a child to say, a G-version goes like this:  guide me safely through the night, wake me with the morning light.  This prayer assures a kid that there is no need to be afraid at nighttime.  God is there to protect and watch over through the aloneness and fear of the dark.                                                                                                                                             

                In good time and a little growing up, one can only hope that our prayer life would also have developed.  The Bible reminds us how important prayer is to our Christian walk.  Jesus encouraged us to pray in Matt. 7:7, “Ask and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.”  Phil. 4:6 teaches us how to handle worry, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  What about the encouragement in I Thess. 5:17 to “pray without ceasing.” (NASB)

                Sometimes we find ourselves praying the same way, for the same thing, and maybe even not knowing what to say.  It is as though we are stuck in our childhood prayer routine, praying only for our food and for our protection, not quite developing the discipline of prayer.  The A.C.T.S. prayer format provides help in our understanding of prayer.  To include components of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication in our prayer not only expands our prayer vocabulary but also teaches us how to pray: to acknowledge who God is and let Him know how much we love Him, to recognize and confess our sins and failures so we can receive God’s forgiveness and reassurance, to let Him know how thankful we are for all He has done and do for us, and to pray for those we love, for those who need our intercession,  and that God’s will to be done in our lives.

                Sometimes, praying foregoes any pre-formatted intentions.  When you are anxious, when you are desperate, when you are angry, or when you are deeply hurt, sometimes what only makes sense is to pray like the psalmist, “Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord.  Lord, hear my voice!” (Psalm 130:1-2) as “deep calls to deep” (Ps. 42:7).  In times like these, when the words don’t readily come, I just pour over psalm after psalm and meditate on them.  When despair overcomes me, I also remember to pray, “Lord, come quickly!” 

                How is your prayer life?  If you don’t have one yet, begin today!  It will get you through the rest of the day.  It will get you through both the good and bad of life, for indeed, God is great and God is good!

Welcome!

We are pleased to welcome you to the first official Florida Christian College blog. We wish to be a resource to students as they are preparing for college, students who are in college, parents, and ministers. Our posts are written by students, staff, faculty, and friends of Florida Christian College and we are thrilled to share the wisdom from the writers with you.

What you can expect: You can expect a new blog post 2-3 times a week!
What you can do: Read the blogs and love them! Share them with your friends, your neighbors, your kids or your parents.

Have questions or comments? Would you like to contribute to the blog? Email Brittany Long at Brittany.Long@fcc.edu.