The Sound of Silence

There are times in remembrance, solidarity, or reflection that society observes a moment of silence. This is commonly used to honor victims of tragedies, war, or public leaders. The moment of silence usually lasts no more than a minute or two. I recall it occurring more often during my childhood than it does now, and I think this reflects the times we are living in. Seldom are we silent. Seldom do we stop the noise. Seldom do we allow ourselves to be still and quiet.

News bombards us at every turn. You cannot pick up your phone, log into the internet, listen to the radio, watch TV, or read an email without being met with the relentless noise and clamor of the world. Even worse is the arrogant mindset that everyone’s opinions and comments on every subject imaginable are necessary. We live in a world where people feel compelled to blast their unsolicited thoughts and views daily.

As a writer, I fall into the temptation of hypocrisy when it comes to the balance of sharing my published thoughts and embracing stillness and quiet. Yet, the scriptures remind us that to everything there is a season, a time to keep silence, and a time to speak,” Ecclesiastes 3:7. The challenge lies in having biblical discernment to distinguish which is appropriate.

Yesterday, I was asked my thoughts on a certain hot topic among believers. There was a point in my youth that I would dogmatically proclaim my thoughts on this and every subject; yet time and wisdom have taught me that I don’t know everything. While there are absolute truths and sound doctrine that every Christian can boldly cling to, there are also unknowns and mysteries in this world that God doesn’t reveal to everyone. These are the matters that must be handled with genuine humility.

In that humility comes the wisdom to be quiet. “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding,” Proverbs 17:27-28. I strive to be wise in a chaotic, foolish world. Therefore, I must guard my lips and flood my heart and mind with the truth from God’s Word.

Even when I choose silence and manage to shut out the world to come to God in prayer and worship, the thoughts and sounds in my mind are still deafening. I have so much to say, so much to ask for, and so much to plead.  Oh, how I want to quiet my mind, to dwell on the Most Holy One, and to listen to that still small voice.  “Be still and know that I am God.”  Even our worship is filled with noise. If asked, most will define worship as singing praises to God.  Some might even expand that definition to include praying as well.  But I submit it is much more.  True worship involves singing and praying, but also giving, repenting, surrendering, and quietly listening. 

It is in the hushed stillness of our souls that the Lord of Glory often speaks to us. The most extraordinary prayers are ones of silence.  It is in the most profound reverence that God receives the most praise, adoration, awe, and worship.  As I meditate upon these truths, may I diligently seek Him, silently adore Him.  In the secret, in the quiet place, in the stillness, He is there. The Prophet Habakkuk declares, “The LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him,” Habakkuk 2:20. In silence, may I learn to know Him more. Then, with heavenly wisdom, may I strive in humility to make Him known to a people and world desperate for truth.

Salvation is Personal: The Christian Life is Not

In a few days, my third grandbaby will be born. When he makes his anticipated entrance into this world, he will be placed in the nurturing arms of his mother. He will be held by his father and surrounded by loving siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be well loved, cared for, fed, and protected. This is by God’s design. When we are born into the world, we are born into a family.

The day we are born is significant. Most celebrate it each year. Yet, Christians understand that their physical birth is only their first birth. Every Christian has a spiritual birth. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God,” John 3:3. This new birth changes everything. Old things have passed away; all things have become new. Stony hearts are replaced with hearts of flesh. And where we were once children of wrath, the new birth makes us children of God, granting us eternal life with Him.

When we are born again, we should also be joined to a family of believers.  In this family, we are fed by elders (1 Peter 5:2), and the older teach the younger (Titus 2).  The strong in the faith help restore those overtaken in faults (Galatians 6:1).  The brethren lovingly exhort and warn the unruly (I Thessalonians 5:14).  We encourage one another daily so that sin will not harden hearts (Hebrews 3:12-13).  And we love those in sin enough to have compassion and make a difference in their life.  Jude 22-23 says, “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”

The idea of experiencing salvation without belonging to a local church is foreign in the New Testament. When individuals repented and believed in Christ, they were baptized and added to the church (Acts 2:41, 47; 16:5). They did not live out a private commitment to Christ. They joined formally with other believers in a local assembly and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).

It is also important to note that the New Testament epistles were written to churches, not individuals. In them, we read about the significance of one another. The scriptures call us to love one another, honor one another, edify one another, admonish one another, care for one another, serve one another, restore one another, bear one another’s burdens, and be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward one another.  We are to teach one another, comfort one another, exhort one another, and consider one another.  The Bible says we are to confess our sins to one another, have compassion with one another, be hospitable to one another, minister to one another, and fellowship with one another.[i] It is easy to see a theme here.

Salvation is personal, but the Christian life is not. Just as children who are orphaned, abandoned, and left to themselves can face harm or failure to thrive, so can children of God without a family. God designed us for accountability.  We need each other.  It was never intended for the child of God to be an island unto themselves.  I can’t imagine my grandson being born and left to himself without love, care, and protection. I can’t imagine him not having nourishment or his needs provided for.  Every child born needs and deserves a nurturing family to thrive. In the same way, every born-again child of God needs to be a part of a family, the local church.


[i] John 13:34, Romans 12:10, Romans 14:19, Romans 15:14, I Corinthians 12:25, Galatians 5:13, Galatians 6:1-2, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:16, I Thessalonians 4:18, Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 10:24, James 5:16, I Peter 3:8, I Peter 4:9-10, I John 1:7

Hating, Losing & Fighting: The Key to a Strong Marriage

My husband and I just celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary. It’s been an exciting and glorious journey that began when we were just young kids. We’ve grown up together not only in age, but also in our Christian walk. We’ve raised 3 children and walked, hand-in-hand, through this life leaning on the Lord. Our marriage has been filled with laughter, tears, joy, pain, dreams, disaster, anticipation over the future, and fear of the unknown. At times it was too easy to be true and at other times it was harder than we thought we could bear. We learned early that fleshing out “two becoming one” was sometimes messy. We recognize that the sin nature we all have, along with living in this dark world, often makes marriage difficult. It’s not easy and having a God-honoring marriage is even harder.

If you and your spouse strive to live in a way that honors God, be prepared for a spiritual attack. Biblical marriage points people toward God. He ordained marriage. It is a picture and witness to this world of Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). It is good and holy. And Satan hates everything about it. He wishes to destroy your marriage (along with your life, testimony, and family). We need to be watchful because our adversary, the devil, is a roaring lion, walking about seeking people to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He often uses the troubles of this world to divide husband and wife. He’s crafty and knows how to tear couples apart. He would love nothing more than for you to give up on each other, throw in the towel, and say that marriage is too hard.

The enemy is against us; the world is against us; and our own weak flesh battles against us. It is tempting to live in defeat. But, if you are a child of God, in Christ you are victorious! He has already overcome the enemy (Revelation 20:10). Those that are born of God have overcome the world (1 John 5:4). And even our flesh has been defeated (Romans 6:6). We can walk from victory unto victory if we choose.

My husband and I have seen our share of trials and troubles over the past 32 years. Through it all, we’ve grown closer to Jesus and each other. Our love is deeper and stronger with each trial. And we’ve learned the important aspect of hating, losing, and fighting in our marriage.  That’s right, you didn’t misread this.

To be victorious you must first learn how to hate. Did you know that love and hate go hand in hand? If you love children, then you will hate seeing children abused or murdered in the womb. If you love freedom, then you will hate bondage and slavery. If you love God, then you will hate the things that are against God. To have a strong, godly marriage you must hate how the world has tried to distort marriage. You must hate divorce. You must hate the things that tear marriage apart and you must both stand on that conviction when marriage gets hard.

You also must learn how to lose. I know, we live in a win-at-all-cost society, but a couple who lives victoriously will lose. They will lose their pride. They will lose their selfishness. And they will lose all things that try to pull them away from God and each other.

And finally, you need to fight! When troubles come, and life gets hard, our eyes often become fixed on our problems. Words get spoken in haste and fighting begins. It may even seem that your spouse is the enemy. But, dear Christian, our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). Don’t fight each other. Work together. Build your marriage on the foundation of Christ. Position yourselves at the door of your home and press back against the darkness of this world. Fight the enemy with the Word of God. Stand with conviction, be committed to the cause, and take courage, dear saints. When life gets hard, remember that the battle is the Lord’s. 

Find out more about having a biblical, God-honoring marriage from Dana & Kimberly’s book The Eden Concept: Marriage God’s Way athttps://www.amazon.com/dp/1983938343

I Can’t Afford It

Advent

Tempus Fugit.  In Latin it means, time flies. How true it is! Here we find ourselves at the end of a year almost gone. As it winds down it is a good time to pause and reflect on the year’s blessings and on the things that matter most in life. That’s why I love the Advent season observed for the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas.

Advent is a season of faith, reminding us of Christ’s humble birth. Our Lord emptied himself. He came to earth and was born in a lowly stable. Surrounded by filthy animals and meek shepherds, He took on the form of a servant.

Advent is a season of peace, reminding us that God’s Son came to suffer and die on a criminal’s cross. He humbled himself and was obedient so we might be reconciled with Him. It is only through Him that we find true peace on earth.

Advent is a season of hope, reminding us that all the prophecies concerning Christ’s first coming were fulfilled. And, we have full confidence that the prophecies yet to be fulfilled will soon come to pass. We look forward with hope and eager anticipation of His second coming.

Because time truly does fly, I find it important to reflect upon my life this holiday season.  As I celebrate, am I celebrating the true meaning of Christmas?  As I give gifts, do I stop and ask the Lord what He wants me to give Him?  And as I pray for God to shower blessings upon me, is my heart’s desire to be a blessing to Him?  These are the things that will matter when time is no more.

God has filled this year with open doors, joy, laughter, and too many blessing to count! He is good, all the time! But the truth is that this year has also been filled with shut doors, lost loved ones, pain, disappointment, and tears that only He knows about. This is life, but it’s also why the Advent season is so wonderful. Yes, it’s a celebration of what was done but also an anticipation of what is to come. One day very soon God will wipe away all tears. There will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. The former things will pass away, and He will make all things new!

Are you prepared for His coming? Tempus Fugit. It is the most important question you can ask yourself. God who is rich in mercy, sent Jesus to suffer and die so He might take the punishment for our sin. On the third day He rose from the dead—showing the penalty of sin fully paid. God commands men everywhere to repent and put their faith in Christ alone for salvation. May I plead with you to cry out of God, confess, and forsake your sins. Trust in what Jesus did for salvation, not in your own deeds. If you do that God promises eternal life, true peace, and a new heart that will desire righteousness. And then may your heart cry out with mine this Advent season — O come, O come, Emmanuel.

Contentment & Great Gain

Did you know that global advertising spending was estimated at 781 billion last year and is expected to reach 885 billion US dollars by the end of 2024? The United States makes up between 250-300 billion of that advertisement spending alone.

I don’t know about you, but I struggle with comprehending just how much a billion is, much less 885 billion. Let’s try to visualize it.

  • Sixty (60) seconds equal one minute.
  • One thousand (1,000) seconds is equal to 16 minutes and 40 seconds.
  • One hundred thousand (100,000) seconds equals almost 28 hours.
  • One million (1,000,000) seconds equals 11 ½ days.
  • One billion (1,000,000,000) seconds is almost 32 years.
  • 885 billion (885,000,000,000) seconds is equal to 28,320 years.

Why is so much money poured into marketing? I surmise that it’s because it works. We’re all guilty. We see a new advertisement on our phones, an ad in a magazine, or hear about the latest gadget on the radio and immediately start wanting it. Our eyes are drawn to our neighbor’s newest vehicle, our friend’s newest furniture piece, or a co-worker’s newest electronic device. We are consumer driven.

If not careful, all this advertising can lead to covetousness. God’s Word tells us not to covet. It is the 10th Commandment (Exodus 20:17). In the book of Hebrews, we are admonished to keep our life free from coveting and to be content with such things we have because God has told us He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). A covetous person is an unthankful person.

The sin of covetousness kills a Christian’s testimony. It also hinders spiritual growth. I know this because when I have my eyes on the things of this world, my eyes are off God. When I focus on my wants, I’m not content with my needs. When I store up treasures for myself here on earth, I neglect to store up heavenly treasures. In it all, I become worldly minded, not spiritually minded.

If we could just learn contentment. Oh, what a treasure it is. Contentment makes the poorest man wealthy. In contrast, covetousness makes a wealthy man poor, never satisfied, and never content.

The Apostle Paul knew a lot about contentment. While in prison for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul wrote to the Philippian church. He told them that he had learned in whatever situation, in any and every circumstance, and in abundance or in need to be content. He said it was possible through the strength of Christ (Philippians 4:11-13). In 1 Timothy, he writes to his son in the faith on the same subject. “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content,” 1 Timothy 6:6-8. Godliness with contentment is great gain. What a statement! Unfortunately, too many Christians have it backwards. They live a life that says, “I’m content with my godliness. Just give me great gain!”

God help me strive to be godly, for you tell me to be holy for You are holy.  Lord, help me to make every effort to live a pure life in this world.  Father, help me to be content with the things that You give me.  I realize that every perfect gift comes from above.  Help me to give you honor and glory in my life and live as a light set on a hill in this dark world.  Help me to take to heart that godliness with contentment IS great gain and help me live accordingly. 

Silent Night. Quiet Morning.

It’s Christmas morning. Piano music drifts sweetly from the Alexa in the kitchen as I sip a cup of coffee. All is calm. My husband sits in his recliner reading something while the pups chew on a new water buffalo horn. All is quiet.

Years past looked different. I would fall into bed exhausted on Christmas Eve after finally getting everyone ready for bed. I’d wait for the children to fall asleep and sneak into the living room to grab the stockings. Filled with goodies and gifts I’d quietly return them to the living room. Christmas morning came early and burst with excited children, laughter, homemade cinnamon rolls, presents, stockings, candy, toys, and games. Then we would be off to visit grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

But I blinked and my children grew up. They spent Christmas Eve with other family and significant others last night. As my husband and I sat quietly at the breakfast table this morning we reminded each other that this is exactly what we worked so hard for. Our goal was to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and have fun doing it. Then shoot them out into the world as arrows in the hand of a mighty man. We want them to have their own families and their own Christmas traditions. We want them to look forward to coming back home to visit.  I’m at peace with this quiet Christmas morning and season of life.

Every season is beautiful. As I contemplate the years my mind wonders to things the mother of Jesus kept in her heart. After the birth of Christ and the visit by the Shepherds, scripture tells us that “Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart,” Luke 2:19. No doubt that as her Son grew and begin His earthly ministry she reflected on those early wonders. No doubt that as she beheld Him upon the criminals cross her mind went back to the cradle and the prophetic words of Simeon that, “Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,” Luke 2:35. And there is no doubt that after the resurrection of Christ there were mornings Mary sat in silence and pondered the fleeting years with her Son. How she must have anticipated the day she would once again behold His glory face to face.

Likewise, I look with anticipation to the day we shall behold Him—the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. My prayer is that until then, I live a life pointing others to Him. I pray that my children and grandchildren see Jesus in me and that my days are filled with service to Him. I’ll spend this quiet morning in prayer for them and ask God to continue to shine His face upon them. Then tonight we’ll all gather at church for a special candlelight service. Afterwards, they will spend the evening and next day at home once again.

Christmas pups, 2022

Submission

submission-amy-bell

Submission is an ugly word.

At least, that is what most people think. But, for the Christian, who has a submitted life to Christ, it is a beautiful term.

God ordained the institution of marriage. He established it, created it, and set the rules for it. When we follow his ways, it works beautifully. It takes a Christian husband and wife working together to fulfill the marriage plan as God intended. However, we can only implement change in ourselves. A wife cannot control who her husband is or what he does. A husband cannot change his wife. Both can, however, live their lives in a way that promotes change.

Over at The Eden Concept, Amy Lee Bell, blogger and free-lance writer, shares her thoughts on the role a wife plays in submission.

What should you do when you feel that your husband isn’t treating you right? Maybe you can sense a reoccurring streak of selfishness, or maybe it’s as bad as a complete disregard for how you feel. Worse than that, perhaps you can see that he is making poor choices or ignoring the mandates set forth in God’s Word. How can you make him understand?

Click here to read the rest of the article.

 

Finally!

bookThose who have followed my blog know that this has been a work in progress over the past several years.  I’ve been writing about marriage since 2008 and over 2 1/2 years ago I shared about a new book my husband and I started working on HERE.

Well, it is almost here! The Eden Concept: Marriage God’s Way will be launched on February 1, 2018.

Here is what a few people are already saying about the book:

“This is the best book and most comprehensive teaching on marriage I have ever had the pleasure to consume. I absolutely loved it!”  Matthew Christian Harding, author of ThePeleg Chronicles

“Dana and Kimberly each join male and female perspectives with their own personal and creative abilities, presenting a scriptural and enlightening work on a much needed topic. Even if your marriage is already good, read The Eden Concept, then use it for a better marriage.  Dr. Joseph Harris, D.Min., pastor

“Eden Concept refocuses couples in God’s intention for a beautiful, lasting relationship. Dana and Kimberly Williams prefer practical, biblical advice to strengthen every marriage at every stage.” Lea Ann Garfias, author of Rocking Ordinary

“The Eden Concept: Marriage God’s Way is a refreshing read in today’s culture that includes Biblical accuracy throughout. Dana and Kimberly have captured the essence of a godly marriage that paints the picture of a fulfilling marriage at any age. I highly recommend this engaging, motivating, and inspiring book for any marriage wanting more than the status quo.” Dollie Freeman, author and blogger at Joy in the Home

 “The Eden Concept is strikingly relevant for the church today. Practical and Christ-centered, this book should be put into the hands of anyone who is considering marriage or who is already married. Woven together with the hopeful thread of biblical truth, this book is both a teacher and a lifeline for marriages everywhere.” Leah Highfill,  author and blogger at Embracing Grace

“The Eden concept is full of takeaways. It’s a no nonsense look at the beauty in the design of marriage as it was intended from the beginning.

I love that the book was written by Dana and Kimberly together. There is a unity of voice that serves as an example of what we should strive for in marriage. The book is perfect for small group studies. It holds fast to a biblical vision for family. If you have had your fill of pop psychology type relationship commentary, you will find this book refreshing.” Paul Bass,  Writer, Producer, CTN TV-45

Through the month of December, I am looking for Christian bloggers who would like to join the Launch Team and help spread the word. Our Launch Team application is now open, and Dana and I would LOVE to have you join the team. Get all the details here:  https://theedenconcept.com/join-the-book-launch-team/

When Your Marriage is in Trouble

marriage trouble

Have you ever sat with a wife sobbing uncontrollably because her husband just walked out? Have you ever counseled with a man whose wife left him for another? Have you ever talked to a young person who is broken over their parent’s divorce? Have you ever comforted a friend who is living with past regrets? Have you witnessed the devastation that a broken marriage has brought to a family?

I have…

Marriage troubles are devastating. In fact, recently I posted an online marriage survey and the responses would break your heart.  People are hurting. Men and women are giving up. And, every month or two I hear of another marriage ripped apart.

Ripped apart by sin.

Ripped apart by selfishness.

Ripped apart by worldly influences.

Perhaps, you are in the middle of marriage heartache right now and in need of a friend and biblical encouragement. Let me be that friend who points you to the One with all the answers.

Call out to the Lord

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3)

 

Cast your cares on Him

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1Peter 5:7)

 

Cease from anger

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. (Psalms 37:8)

 

Cling to His mercies

Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. (Psams 69:16)

 

Commit your ways

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalms 37:5)

I don’t know what you are going through right now. But, I do know that life gets extremely difficult when your marriage is in trouble. You are not alone. The Lord knows what you are going through. He cares about your marriage. He wants to do a work in your life for His glory. Go to His Word. Seek out His answers and trust in Him, dear friend. He cares for you and He will never fail you.

eden logo

If you haven’t already, click here to fill out my simple, 8 question survey on marriage. It is completely anonymous and just takes a few minutes.  My next book (and first one co-authored with my husband) is called The Eden Concept: Marriage God’s Way. Be watching for announcements on a coming launch!