Saturday, March 29, 2008

The Excellent Wife, Ch 1

I have joined a reading group, created by Leslie, Lux Venit Reading Group and when I figure out how to create a link, I will do that: http://luxvenit.blogspot.com/. I have to say I am still a bit reticent about having and maintaining this web log "blog" but this is the very reason I finally took the plunge. So that I could start this community with Christian women who, along with me desire to become more like Christ.

There is so much in the bible about the role of a wife and I am looking forward to weeding through them all with this book, The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace and this group.

Chapter 1 had plenty in it, several things that struck me in particular.

"God's will for every Christian wife is that her most important ministry be to her husband (Genesis 2:18). After a wife's own personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, nothing else should have greater priority. Her husband should be the primary benefactor of his wife's time and energy, not the recipient of what may be left over at the end of the day. Whether her husband is a faithful Christian man or an unbeliever, God wants every Christian woman to be a godly wife - an excellent wife."

Yes, I know this, BUT. And but. And but. Well, when it comes right down to it (which I'm afraid this book is going to do more and more!) those buts are sin.

"[Sin is] failing to trust in and do what God's word says. Sin is wanting to do things [my] own way rather than God's way." It presumes God will help me even when I've neglected His truth and it is thinking I am ok without God's help.

God's but: "God made Him (Jesus Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" 2 Cor 5:21 AND "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1 John 1:9. Amazing love and mercy!

Thankfully, He hasn't left me to figure it out on my own and "give it my best shot". He has given me the Holy Spirit to help me obey what His word says and "everything pertaining to life and godliness".

6 comments:

  1. Two things: "those buts are sin," and "he hasn't left me to give it my best shot." I am also guilty of having the same attitude -- that my excuses are working for me and that I'm doing this on my own. Thanks for sharing your heart after reading chapter 1. I'm looking forward to more!

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  2. I love your comment "those buts are sin." I can relate to that! This journey with our creator certainly gives us room to grow! Thanks for sharing your thoughts - I've enjoyed reading them. :0)

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  3. Hi Lisa, from another Lisa! I too am profoundly grateful our Lord has granted us His Spirit and His Word, thereby equipping us for everything--everything!--pertaining to life and godliness! I'm looking forward to our blog conversations as we seek excellence as wives...

    Blessings, Lisa

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  4. "Those buts are sin" - you just hit the nail on the head, how true this is - thank you for challenging me. So glad we are studying this book together.

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  5. So glad you are joining and welcome to the blog world!

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  6. Sorry to be so late. Wonderful words. Looking forward to hearing more. God Bless. Linda

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