Ladies Weekly Submission Devotional

Submitted and Committed

         Christian ladies in the Charles County, MD area have been coming together weekly to study the Word of God, particularly, what it has to say about wives being in submission to their husbands.  We decided to call the Bible study, “Submitted and Committed - Submitted to our husbands, Committed to Christ.”  The purpose of this Bible study was to come together as Christian ladies and encourage one another to obey God’s Word when it says in Ephesians 5:22-24  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the Saviour of the body.  Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

          It is important to begin with first things first and say that this Bible study is for CHRISTIAN ladies.  We emphasize Christian because the  Bible says in I Corinthians  1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  The concept of a wife submitting to her husband in a Biblical sense may seem to be foolishness, if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour.  If the Bible is your authority, then it quickly becomes clear what is required of a Christian wife.  It is a challenge, but God does not require of us things that we are unable to do.  I Corinthians 10:13 says There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  God has asked Christians to do some things that are hard and may even seem impossible but Philippians 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

          As a Christian wife, we are all called to be submitted to our husbands. (Ephesians 5:22-24)  Many have said that it is a mutual submission, kind of a give and take.  Though the Bible does say in Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves to one another in the fear of God, the very next verse speaks directly to wives.  Then the comparison is made between the husband and wife and Christ and the church.  That is a pretty strong comparison!  It is not one of equals submitting to one another, but one of vast difference in stature.  Christ is LORD.  The church is subject. The LORD is treated with reverence and respect.  We bow down at his feet and humbly seek his presence.  That is NOT how women expect to treat their husbands, but that is the kind of comparison the Bible makes.  

           Now that we have established Christ, the Bible, and a husband’s authority over the wife, we would like to share the notes from our weekly Bible study.  We hope they can be a blessing to you and your family.  If you have any questions or would like to tell your story, please email us at eyem4jesus@aol.com.  

 

July 10, 2008

Submission Through Faith 1 – A More Excellent Sacrifice

           The comparison the Bible makes between the husband and wife and Christ and the church had a strong impression on me, (Amanda) the teacher.  In the past lessons I have tried to show how, by submitting to our husbands, we are practicing submitting ourselves to Christ.  However well you submit to your husband, that’s how well you submit to the Christ.  Think about when your husband comes home from work and the reception he receives.  Do you even acknowledge his entrance?  Would you acknowledge Christ if he physically entered your home?  If your husband forgot to pick up the milk, do you yell at him?  If Christ didn’t bring something you expected him to bring, wouldn’t  you just do without it?  What if he was late coming home?  If Christ came to church later than expected, how would the church treat him?  (No doubt someone would point out his “lack of manners”, but what a fool they would seem)   Most people think that if Christ came over their house they would treat him as an honored guest.  If you think about it, though, Christ is a guest in your home daily.  Though we all admit we are sinners, I bet we think we submit ourselves to Christ better than we actually do.

             This lesson (and for several future lessons) I wanted to turn things around and talk about  people that God found faithful and how we relate their treatment of God to how we treat our husbands.   We looked at Hebrews Chapter 11, the Hall of Fame of Faith.  Our focus this week was on verses 1-4 which read Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good report.  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.  

              Faith has substance and evidence.  The people mentioned this chapter of Hebrews showed the evidence of their faith.  They didn’t just proclaim their faith and do nothing they got their hands dirty in the act of faith.  Vs. 2 talks about how by their faith these elders received a good report.  Their evidence had a good report not just among men, but by God.  In fact , vs. 4 said that Abel obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts.  God himself recognized Abel because of his faithfulness.

             You know, people will recognize when you are faithful to God’s Word.  They may not tell you, but they see it.  You are aware that people are quick to point out when your behavior does not become a Christian.  However, even if they say nothing, they are just as aware when you do things that show your faithfulness.  That is why God wants you to be faithful to His Word.  Not for your glory, but for His.  He wants people to see Christ in you, so they will come to know Christ.  Submission is so rare a thing nowadays that when people see it, they know it and are surprised.  Take a look around your local mall.  Most of the women there are alone doing as they please or with husbands following behind looking obviously as if they wished to be elsewhere.  I doubt you would see a Christian woman in submission to her husband.  Think about what that would look like.  Would people see evidence of your submission if you were with your husband?

              Let’s look at the story of Abel in Genesis 4:3-5 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.  And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof.  And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:  But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect.  And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

              Abel and Cain both made sacrifices to the Lord, but God had respect for Abel’s sacrifice.  Why?  The difference between the two was that Abel offered up the sacrifice that God wanted.  Cain offered up the sacrifice he wanted.  The difference was who was pleased.  Your submission to your husband is a sacrifice.  You are sacrificing your wants and desires to do that which is pleasing to your husband and therefore God.  If you think  that you can fool God by doing your will and calling it your husband’s will you are very wrong.  Beth, a lady in our group gave the example of a time that she had been of unwilling to do as her husband had asked.  She  was angrily scrubbing her home saying to the Lord how much she didn’t want  to submit, but God opened her heart and she said, “Lord, I will do this for you. “  God gave her peace at that moment and she was able to submit.  That is exactly the reason we should be submitting.  Even when it doesn’t feel good, Even when you don’t want to.  You do as God says because he is God.  

                               

          

July 17, 2008

Submission through faith 2 – A walk to please

           This week we are returning to Hebrews chapter 11 and reading in verses 5 & 6 which say, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated  him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

          Lets first say Wow! What a testimony!  I mean why was Enoch so pleasing to God.  Lets go to the Old Testament and find where he’s mentioned there.  In Genesis chapter 5 and verses 21 through 24 we read, And Enoch lived sixty and five years and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.  If you notice it says twice in this passage he WALKED with God.  I think this is the key.  If you stop to think of a walk, or walking, you could take this in a literal sense or spiritual.  Enoch could have physically walked with God , and or spiritually walked with God.  Throughout the old testament God showed Himself to one person or another for whatever reason.  In todays day and age we must walk through faith.  As stated in an earlier lesson we learn that Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.  So when you walk by faith you are not walking by sight.  If you are trying to walk by sight you will fall.  Jesus Christ himself said to Thomas, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29.  This is faith.

         Now having said that we know our walk here on Earth can only be through faith.  The scripture then states that Enoch pleased God.  So we learn that when Enoch walked with God he was pleasing to God.  That is also to say that Enoch if he didn’t physically walk with God then he always had the presence of mind that God was always right beside him walking with him.  So whatever he did God was right there. 

       So what does this have to do with us and our husbands?  Well, if we always had our husbands in mind, as if he was always right next to you.  You would think more of your husbands and less of yourself.  You would think about your husband working long and hard at work and would probably love a glass of tea or lemonade when he walked in through the door.  He wouldn’t have to explain to you how long and hard he worked.  You would keep in mind how he needs work clothes and wash some clothes and not have to be asked or reminded.  You may be better at these types of things than others, but the object is to always have the presence of mind that your husband is always there and we would get ourselves into a lot less trouble. 

      Now in turn when we keep our husbands in our peripheral we are pleasing our husbands and in turn pleasing God.  So even as Enoch walked with God and pleased God.  We when we walk with our husbands, are pleasing are husbands and pleasing God as well.  This also demonstrates our walk with God. 

 

July 24, 2008

Submission through Faith 3 – Moved with Fear

We are going to continue our study in Hebrew 11:7 Which states, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”  Now lets read Genesis 6 verses 8 and 22 and Genesis chapter 7 in verse 5.  Verse 8 says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”  verse 22, “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.”  And lastly in Chapter 7 verse 5, “And Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him.”

Okay first we see God told Noah things that wouldn’t have made sense, things he had never seen.  But the Bible says he moved with fear.  We also read in Genesis, that Noah did all that God commanded him.  If you notice each time God told Noah to do something, Noah did it.  There were no excuses mentioned, no questions and no back talk.  It didn’t matter what Noah thought.  He did as God told him to do.  As well, we should do as God tells us to do without question or opinion, even when we don’t understand. 

What did Noah do? He prepared an ark with his own two hands.  He made a safe haven.  This is what women should do.  They should build their homes.  Lets read Proverbs 14:1, ” Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.”  We need to prepare our house instead of destorying it. 

Why did Noah do as God said? For the saving of his house.  We want to prepare our homes for the saving of our own house.  We are the Godly example to our husbands and children.  That is why the scripture says in 1 Peter 3 verse 2 a woman may win her husband by her chaste conversation.  If we take a look at the other end of the spectrum Adam followed Eve’s disobedient example and it kicked them out of the garden of Eden forever.  Which example do we want to set? 

Matthew 5 in verses 13 through 16 talks about how we are the salt of the earth.  It says if the salt have lost its savour wherewith shall it be salted?  It is therefore good for nothing.  If we consider this in our homes will we be the good salt that our children can follow after? Will they be saved in spite of our example?  Lets not give them something to have an excuse where can fall or stumble. 

So this week I would try to encourage every one reading this to be a godly example to our children by doing exactly what our husbands ask of us, without opinion or complaint.  Let’s take the time to show our children how we can help to build our husbands up, rather than tearing him down.  Let’s try to point out all of his good attributes.  Let’s give our children a godly example to follow so that they may know how they should treat their husbands.  Consider this thought,  Do your children back talk you?  Do you ever back talk to your husband?  You may say well he doesn’t understand me.  I have other things to do. I’m going to be late. Do you ever talk down about your husbands to your children?  Let us keep this in mind this week. 

 

July 31, 2008

Noah’s wife

I’m going to skip Hebrews this week and come back maybe next week or so.  I would like to take the time to discuss some examples of women in the Bible.  I think the Bible is a good reference point for us to follow.  It’s kind of funny how you can make lots of connections through the scripture like how we used examples of the Old Testament saints faith and made it apply to our life here.  I think that this is good, but I also think that sometimes it’s good to use the examples God gives us plainly and clearly. 

I thought that since we discussed Noah and his faith last week, that his wife would be a good place to start.  You see there is not much mentioned of Noah’s wife.  There are a couple of verses, but her name is not even mentioned.  I’m not sure why, but there was something I noticed about this story when I was reading it through one of the last times, that was very intriguing to me.  Take a look at Genesis Chapter 7 in verse 7, ” And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark because of the waters of the flood.”  Now lets skip to chapter 8 in verse 16, “Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons’ wives with thee.”  Again in chapter 8 verse 18, “And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him:” 

Now the reason we read all of that scripture was to point out that everytime God commanded Noah to do something, you notice that Noah didn’t complain, but neither did his wife.  Where ever Noah went, so did his wife.  What ever Noah did, so did his wife.  His wife never stated her own will or way.  She never tried to convince Noah of a better way.  In the same sense so did her children.  Now this is truly saying something.  Noah’s wife is not mentioned for saying anything, but yet she spoke so much through her example.  Everytime she is mentioned so is her children.  We can see she must have done something right for all of her children to also be in subjection to her and Noah even when they are grown.  There was obviously some example for the sons wives to follow.  Wow when we look back at her there is something to be said for her. 

I mean think of it today.  If our husbands told us he was going to quit working and build a big, big boat.  We would think he has lost his mind.  How would we survive?  We also see how faithful his wife was.  She stood by her man every step of the way.  Do we do that? 

Now I would like to draw our attention back to Genesis chapter 7 in verse 1, “And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.”  Now if we follow our husbands in everything and lets say there may be times where he may not have been right , we are still obligated to follow.  Our husbands will have to stand judgement for all the decisions he makes in our home.  But at the same token if we disobey and say that the decision he made was wrong and we will not follow.  We will stand judgement for directly disobeying the word of God and Gods will for our lives.  What I mean by that is the scripture clearly states that women are to honor, submit, obey, reverence, love and in to be in subjection to our husbands.  Those are commands of the scripture.  Your husband is responsible for the rest. 

Now back what I said earlier, God said he saw Noah righteous before Him in this generation. Wouldn’t it be great if the same could be said of our husband.  If we as wives were so faithful to our husbands and the Lord could say that God saw him righteous before him.  Your relationship with your husband can also help or hurt his relationship with God.  I bet we never thought of it that way before.  The bible says in I Peter chapter 3 verse 7 that our husbands prayers can be hindered if he is dwelling with his wife right.  So lets not give our husbands any oppurtunity to do wrong.  Let’s try to embrace them as Noah’s wife did.

Don’t tease about teas!!!!

Our family loves tea and even before we knew much about it, we would drink it constantly. Growing up tea was a summer beverage and as our young family has developed, we continue to embrace it for our own. Overtime we have learned some great things about the effects tea has on our bodies. Below and in detail I would like to carefully discuss some varieties of teas I think you will take great interest in.

Tea is among the richest natural sources of antioxidants. You may ask what are antioxidants, and what do they do to my health? Well, naturally occurring antioxidants are found in most plants, fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants found in Green tea and Black tea are 8 to 10 times greater in polyphenols, or antioxidants, than that of fruits and vegetables. First, let me explain that the process of breaking down food for energy creates free radicals and perioxides in your body happens everyday. Antioxidants help your body keep these harmful substances in check. They bind free radicals and peroxides both of which are oxygen containing molecules in your body that can damage your DNA, lipid and protein.

All teas are rich in antioxidants, including a class of antioxidants called flavonoids. White tea contains the most antioxidants of the teas that come from the Camellia Sinenis plant. The highest concentration of antioxidants found in any one tea are contained in Roobios. Antioxidants have been linked with cancer prevention, decreased risk of strokes and reducing blood cholestrol. Scientific research shows that tea and tea flavonoids strengthen the body’s immune system, protect teeth by preventing plaque bacteria, fight free radicals, and increase calories burned during everyday activities.

The first of these I would like to futher discuss is White tea. White tea comes from the Camellia Sinenis Plant. White tea is havested from the buds and young tea leaves, shortly before the buds have fully opened. This tea is minimally processed by lightly steaming or sometimes just drying the leaves. For this reason, white tea retains the greatest levels of antioxidants and the lowest levels of caffeine than any other tea from the camellia sinenis plant. It is very effective in ridding the body of free radicals and it is known for its anti-aging and skin protecting properties.

Next on the list is Green tea. Green tea is also made by steaming, rather than fermenting the tea leaves, and because of that it is able to retain the powerful antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate, or (EGCG). EGCG has been proven to inhibit cancer cell growth as well as kill active cancer cells without harming any healthy tissue. It is effective in lowering cholestrol levels, reducing the risk of Heart Attacks and strokes. Research also supports that drinking green tea also improves the ratio of good (HDL) cholestrol to bad (LDL) cholestrol. Green tea also contains fluoride helping to prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria that causes plaque.

Oolong tea comes between Green tea and Black tea. Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea and contains the flavor and health benefits of both Green tea and Black tea. One distinct difference is that during the final stage of processing, the leaves are twisted giving them a larger, stringyer appearance than black teas. Some true tea lovers often rave over Oolong partly because is contains qualities of both Black and Green tea. Recent studies done on Oolong tea were most interesting. In comparison, Oolong appeared to increase energy expenditure by 10%, green tea by 4% and water not at all. The conclusion drawn was that you burn more fat when you drink oolong tea versus green tea after a meal. This is mainly due to the higher levels of polyphenols found in oolong tea than those found in green tea. The study also found that oolong tea has half the caffeine of green tea and only half the levels of EGCG, green teas cancer killing compound. Oolong tea still has high number of antioxidants, which help to protect healthy skin cells and slow the aging pocess.

What could then be said of Black tea? Well, for staters regular consumption of black tea reduces the risk of stroke. High levels of antioxidants in Black tea have been found to not only improve artery function, but also to lower the risks of cancers. They have the ability to stop oxidation which damages DNA and turns normal cells into cancer cells. Black tea can also help prevent tooth decay. It contains fluoride and works better than the antibiotic tetracycline. Tea also fights bacteria in the mouth that causes gum disease and cavity causing bacteria. Black tea is known for its therapuetic effects on gastric and intestinal illnesses. The longer processing of black tea generates a full bodied, robustier flavor than those of Green tea and Oolong tea. The oxidation that the leaves undergo to make black tea converts the simple flavonoids into more complex varieties called theaflavins and thearubigins.

Last of all we come to Roobios tea. Roobios comes from a shrub in South Africa. It is naturally caffeine free making it an excellent choice for Pregnant and Nursing mothers. Studies have shown that it has anti HIV activity, has the potential to protect the body from tumors and may protect against brain damage. Roobios contains almost no oxalic acid, which makes it good for people prone to kidney stones. Roobios contains the following minerals: fluoride, zinc, copper, potassium, iron, calcium, alphahydroxy, manganese and magnesium. The tea can also be applied to help alleviate the following skin conditions: itchy skin, eczema, acne, diaper rash and sunburns. It contains antioxidants which help to slow the aging process and boost the immune system. Roobios has also been shown to aid in some health issues like irritability, nervous tension, insomnia, headaches and hypertension. More studies have also shown this tea contains antispasmodic agents which can relieve stomach cramping and colic in infants. Since Roobios contains no colors, additives or preservatives it makes and excellent all around good natural beverage.

Looking at the effects and benefits tea has on our bodies, I’ve come to believe it was designed by God for our use. I almost can’t believe how much good comes out of just a couple of plants. It will definetly be our life long drink. Here’s to tea!

 

 

 

 

Feel Great! Lose Weight! Eat Right!

      

My husband and I started our online business to help others try to do what’s best for them and their families. I would like to give you a little of how it all started.

We have a very open home. Families we don’t know, that have come in contact with our church ministry, often come and stay with us. In 2004, one such family came to visit with us who at the time had 9 children. We were just starting our family our second daughter was only 1 month at the time of the visit. The family was really nice but really needy as well. They did not have much money and others from the church helped out by purchasing some groceries to help them and us. They stayed with our family for just over a week and in that time went through almost everything in the house and explained the damage it was doing to our health. At the time we laughed and wrote them off as being strange and picky. Curiosity shortly ignited, and we did slowly begin at that time to examine contents of foods and other details surrounding what we regularly eat.

The first change was our sugar intake. We took refined sugars and changed to artificial sweeteners. Later we learned of the dangers of this alternative, and switched to raw sugar and Stevia. The benefit of Raw sugar is it takes longer for your body to process; therefore your body is burning calories rather than just collecting them. It also has lots of natural mi9nerals like molasses, iron, calcium, etc. It is still good to be moderate in the amount you take in any sugar. On the other hand, stevia has no known negative effects, and benefits your health with Vitamin C, calcium, beta-carotene, chromium, fiber, iron, magnesium, niacin, potassium, protein, and silicon. This is natural and can be beneficial to your health. I haven’t cooked with it much, but I have some recipes I am interested in trying.

After the sugar we changed our grains. We switched from white flour to whole wheat and Rye. We switched from store bought cereals to homemade granola, rolled oats and steel cut oats. We use brown rice instead of white rice. The benefits largely outweigh that of the white. I try to bake all of our bread but when I don’t have time we make sure to pick up bread that does not contain High fructose corn syrup. Note for consumer, even if it says all natural it still could contain high fructose corn syrup. Be sure to read the ingredient label.

Some of the other changes include unrefined, unbleached, naturally iodized salt, local low-processed honey, lard rather than vegetable oil or shortening, and so on. We now use only farm fresh free roaming eggs rather than eggs from caged, grain fed, chickens. We bought our own dairy goats for fresh milk and we also supplement with Fresh cows milk

We all like coffee. We also know 1 to 2 cups is okay and may reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s disease, Colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, diabetes, and cirrhosis of the liver. When adding creamers to your coffee, watch out for those hidden partially hydrogenated oils that have been linked to some cancers.

We are still working out other kinks in our diet. One day we hope to attain a pure diet, if there is such a thing. I said all of this to say, when I first started removing vasts amounts of sugar from my diet, I started losing weight. I didn’t even follow through with everything else, the whole-wheat flour, brown rice, rolled oats, etc. I have had 4 children in 7 years and I do have a few extra pounds, but I don’t feel unhealthy. I am not overweight just not where I once used to be. I don’t know if I will ever get back there but at least I feel as though I am making the right choice for our children and us. I hope this makes sense to someone out there in cyber space, and please take the time to share your thoughts and experiences with us!

Raw milk: Liquid Gold or Poison?

          In this world full of peril disease and danger, there is a dangerous substance that the FDA has gone further to control than many others…….unpasturized, unhomogenized…milk! …….breif pause for heart rate to regulate….. Ok, back on line now. It  has become quite the controversy among many people from many walks of life.  From farmers to legislators, health nuts and nuts in general, it is a hot topic. Flyers are being distributed in some public schools warning children about its dangers!  Penalties for carrying raw milk across state lines with intent to distribute are a kin to drug laws. Does this sound like a really poor grade movie? Maybe someone in cyberspace can better explain this to me, but I dont get it.  WIth all the proven dangers of legal alcohol, tobacco, artifical sweetners, high fructose corn syrup, food colorings,anything from MCDONALDS, why all the fuss about pure, I mean, RAW milk? I will stop for now, but please dont hesitate to straighten me out, or contribute.