Search Results for: blog the abcs of family bliss

Jesus Had Brothers and Sisters

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Do you think Jesus was an only child? The idea that Jesus had no half-brothers or half-sisters is a common misconception. This idea has been spread, in part, because some felt that it was necessary that Mary remain a perpetual virgin. However, this teaching is contrary to the Bible. Several times in the Bible Jesus’ siblings are referred to. In fact, it is very likely that two half-brothers of the Lord were even authors of New Testament books. In Matthew 12:47-49, Mark 3:31-35 and Luke 8:19 a Pharisee informs Jesus that His “mother and brethren” are waiting to speak to … Continue reading →

Provoke Someone Today!

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Did you know that the Bible instructs us to provoke each other? We are to provoke each other to love, that is. Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works.” What do you normally think of when you hear the word “provoke”? I usually picture an argument I have had with another person. There comes a point in a given argument when I make a decision: Do I let the conversation drop and walk away from it, or do I say something to further make my case and incense the other … Continue reading →

Why Should You Pray?

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Many blessings come from being a Christian. One of the richest and most rewarding blessings is being able to approach our God at any time of day or night in prayer. Not only can we come to God and lay our burdens before Him, but the Bible says that He wants us to pray to Him. I Peter 5:7 states that we are supposed to “cast” all of our cares on Him because He cares for us. If we have the weight of a difficult child, a turbulent friendship or even a disagreement with our spouse, God wants us to … Continue reading →

My Daughter Has a Toilet Seat Around Her Head, Should I Be Concerned?

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So, I was standing at the sink up to my elbows in dishwater mentally congratulating myself on all of my housekeeping and mothering achievements. It was mid-morning, the house was reasonably clean, the bills were already paid and in the mailbox and my two small children were happily playing independently in the living room. “Yes”, I thought, “I’m on top of everything today. Maybe I’ll even get to read a book during naptime,” I mused. My fanciful illusions were abruptly shattered as I heard a squeal and turned to see my twelve-month-old daughter, Evelyn, coming out of the bathroom with … Continue reading →

“You’re Not Still Nursing Her, Are You?”

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Immediately after church last week a dear older woman walked up to me and said, “You’re not still nursing her, are you?” Her tone was full of accusation and condemnation and her opinion was clear: If I was still putting my fourteen-month-old daughter to breast, I was completely deranged and likely damaging my daughter as well. As a breastfeeding advocate, I should have confidently replied, “Yes, and I’m proud of it because it’s the best thing for my baby.” Instead, I found myself completely defensive. I actually felt as though nursing my daughter at her age might be wrong. I … Continue reading →

It is Well With My Soul

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I love hymns. I find the message and scripture incorporated into them strengthens my faith, convicts me of sin, and encourages my spirit. Many of the greatest hymns of all time were born out of very difficult circumstances in the lives of the authors. The song “It is Well With My Soul” has a story behind it that touches my heart. Horatio Spafford was a well-known Christian lawyer in Chicago in the mid to late 1800s. He owned much real estate in the city and had dedicated his wealth and heart completely to the Lord. In the great fire that … Continue reading →

Parables: The New Cloth/Old Garment, New Wine/Old Bottles

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I have never really understood what Jesus was talking about when he gave the parable about not putting a piece of new cloth on an old garment. All four of the gospels record this parable, so the meaning must be important for us to understand. The text of Matthew 9:16-17 says, “No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment; for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth … Continue reading →

How Does an Independent Church Find a New Pastor?

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At the beginning of this year, the Pastor of our church resigned. Many of the church members felt that his resignation had been coming for a long time. The church has been in a “slump” lately. It was pretty obvious that people in the church were getting discouraged with the lack of growth in numbers and, perhaps, spiritually. Our Pastor has been in our church for thirteen years, so he has had a strong influence on the style and tone of the service, as well as the attitudes of people in the church. Since it is an Independent Baptist Church, … Continue reading →

The Names of Our God

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Did you know that God has several names in the Old Testament? For instance, when you see the word “God”, you are reading the Hebrew word “Elohim”. When you see the word “Lord”, you are reading the Hebrew word “Adonai”. Likewise when you see the word “LORD” with all capital letters, you are seeing the Hebrew word Yahweh or Jehovah. The Jehovah names of God are also broken down to several other, more specific names for God. The fascinating thing about the names of God is that they each have a specific meaning that teach us something about the character … Continue reading →

Week in Review: From the ABC’s to Mom’s Law

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The ABC’s of Family Bliss discussed several different attitudes and actions we can implement in our homes to provide a more loving, Christ-centered environment. Tips included things such as: Never nag, be joyful, listen without needing to comment, perceive the needs of each member of your family, and encourage your family members to serve each other. Leading a Child to Christ in 4 Steps laid out ideas on how to carefully and effectively bring a child to Jesus. You must show the child the plan of salvation from the Bible. Explain the verses and ask questions. If the child is … Continue reading →