Tag: Christian Commentary

Hold Fast

Published on by marciasettles5 Comments

Yesterday in church I felt the leading to pray privately for Holy Spirit to be at work in the service. I prayed for a miracle of some sort. Something so obvious all in attendance would recognize it and glorify God. I was concerned when a member suddenly up and left in the middle of the service, having been given the word they were mad about something. I prayed even harder. I do not write of my prayer so as to draw attention to myself. I’m simply relaying how it was. For all I know, others were praying as well.

Our miracle came in the form of a young lady coming forward and confessing Jesus as Lord, repenting, and asking to be baptised. That is miracle enough, but there is more to her story. She comes from a deeply troubled past that includes abuse in all its forms as well as neglect. She and her siblings were rescued from unimaginable conditions and adopted by a loving couple. They moved to our area about a year ago and have been fellowshipping with us. This particular young lady has suffered from severe PTSD and, if I understand correctly, dissociative disorder as a result of her hellish past. She has known multiple personalities that have manifested themselves. In the short time we’ve known her, she has ran away and attempted suicide at least twice that I know. Suffice it to say, she’s had/has a lot of people praying for her. Her actions yesterday were indeed a miracle for which only God Almighty can receive credit and glory!

Yesterday’s events did not end there, however. When such an event happens, the spirit world is affected. We know the angels rejoice when someone comes to Christ. Likewise, evil entities are enraged. I suspect whatever evil spirits harassed this girl were especially angry. As it were, I faced intense spiritual warfare last night. I do not know exactly why they chose to attack me, of all people, but it was an obvious attack. Maybe they were mad at me over my prayer. Perhaps others were attacked as well. I do not know. I just know I was left feeling totally battered and facing a decision. I had to rely on Holy Spirit to both advise me and speak to Father on my behalf. (Romans 8:26) I was at a crossroad. My fleshly intellect wanted to doubt. Everything. But then I would be leaning on my own understanding, and I am at least smart enough to know my own understanding isn’t worth a “hill of beans”, as they say. So, I chose faith. I choose faith. I have enough experience to know God’s word is True and He is faithful and it is all REAL. ALL OF IT! Even that which I do not understand.

Today, after a good night’s sleep, I am reminded that the Christian walk is not an easy one. We will be persecuted and battered. Sometimes we will receive a beating, for reasons we may not understand. But we have a choice. We can take the beating while counting it pure joy (James 1:2-4), or we can hand the enemy a small victory at our expense. The trials and warfare we in America face, after all, cannot compare to the persecutions our brothers and sisters across the world endure.

I choose to have faith that:

being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6 KJVA
https://bible.com/bible/546/php.1.6.KJVA

So, keep running the race, Dear Ones.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18 KJVA
https://bible.com/bible/546/rom.8.18.KJVA

Maranatha! ❤

My #1 Responsibility As a Wife

Published on by marciasettles1 Comment

I am between stages, I think, as a woman of God. Titus 2 gives an outline regarding the proper behavior of Christian wives/mothers.

The conduct described above is of course virtuous for all women, regardless of age. Still, I find myself between ages. At 42, I’m hardly a young woman, yet there are plenty older than me and from whom I can still learn. So, I do my best to advise those younger than me. Sometimes the “age” has less to do with physical years, but rather spiritual years and maturity and unfortunately genuine Titus 2 older women are difficult to come by. I thank the sexual revolution for that. But I digress.

If I could pinpoint my #1 responsibility to my husband, and thus advise other women concerning the same, it may be different from what one might expect.

Yes, having a home which is clean, comfortable, and peaceful is important. Yes, loving him and the children are important. Yes, wholesome meals and meeting his physical needs are important. Being kind, gentle, and respectful are important. The fruits of the Spirit should be present in every Christian marriage, exhibited by both spouses.

But that isn’t my top priority.

My top priority is that from which all the above virtues naturally flow.

If a Christian woman wants to be a godly wife and true helpmeet to her husband, she encourages, and allows, and does everything she can to see to it that he is able to spend adequate time alone with God, in study and prayer. The God-assigned task as head of the household is a serious responsibility for which he will be held accountable. How can he possibly lead with Godly wisdom if he is lacking in true, intimate fellowship with God? Even if he doesn’t understand or take his role seriously, a woman belonging to the Lord should encourage him in it.

Of course, a woman who is deliberate and faithful with her own private time with the Lord understands how precious and important that time is.

The days are evil and we simply cannot expect to fight the good fight of faith and remain standing if we do not spend time in the secret place of the Most High.

Yes, if a woman loves her husband, this should be her priority for the sake of the entire household.

Maranatha! ❤