Do churches need a great awakening? Do they need to be awakened to the fact that there are 143 million orphans? Many orphans are being cared for well. However, much more help and money is needed.
Orphanages are in need of support. There are orphanages without heat, hot water, and basic necessities. Some lack the staff needed to properly care for and love the children. Every year, thousands of children turn 16 and are forced out of the orphanage. Because they are young and unskilled, they are unable to financially support themselves. Therefore many of them commit crimes, turn to prostitution, or commit suicide.
Many orphans aren't fortunate enough to call an orphanage their home. India can't provide for it's 18 million orphaned children, so many of them fend for themselves by living on the streets. 12 million African children have been orphaned, mostly due to AIDs having killed their parents. A lot of them now live on the streets or have been forced into slavery. Yes. Slavery. I heard on the Family Life Today radio show that there is more slavery going on in the world than at any other time in history. Thankfully, Christian organizations like All Kids Can Learn International are helping by building orphan villages to provide homes for some of these children.
In my own country, the United States of America, we still have 118,000 foster children that are currently available for adoption. The U.S. seems to be busy pointing the fingers at everyone else's problems, yet we have our own orphan crisis here.
These are just some of the facts, but they can easily be changed. Over the years, Christian churches have shown compassion to less fortunate and hurting people. There is free help and services available for people who are hungry, homeless, poor, in need of counseling and support groups. Many churches are reaching out to sponsor orphanages and are encouraging their church members to adopt. But why is it taking so long for the rest of the churches to awaken to this crisis? Why are there still 143 million orphans?
Until every orphan has a home, churches need to make the orphan ministry a top priority. We have the money, the resources, and the ability to help. Now we need the initiative, the passion, and the commitment of every church. This is a problem that could disappear. God is waiting on us. He has already told us the need. He's already told us what to do. So why are there so many Christians still looking the other way?
If you're interested in starting an Orphan Ministry at your church you can order a book with DVD for $10 from Hope for Orphans
Individuals, families, and churches can find realistic ways to help orphans on my site How To Help Orphans
Does the Church Need a Great Awakening?
Should Women Preach?
What are some lies out in the world (secular views) today about women that contradict what God says in His word about how women should be/act? Diving a little deeper…What are some lies that are still out there in our Christian circles about women? (Feel free to talk from a single woman’s point of view or a married woman’s point of view.)
I'll concentrate on answering this part of the question:
I wonder how many women have been called to preach the Word of God, but are silenced in a church because "women are not supposed to preach".
Here are some of the popular Bible verses used to keep women from preaching in the church:
Women should remain silent in the churches.
1 Corinthians 14:33b-35 "The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. (NASB)
The entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 14 is about having order during the worship service so that people will not be distracted from worshiping God. It addresses speaking in tongues, prophecy, and doing things orderly so that the Lord will be edified. When it says "women should remain silent in the churches", it is not talking about preaching. It doesn't say exactly why Paul said this about the Corinthian women. Maybe they were disrupting the service, questioning what was being said, or trying to get attention on themselves. Paul's reasoning was based on a localized cultural issue. Paul also tells the entire Corinthian church to keep silent if there is no interpreter to tongues - 14:28 "But if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. (NASB) Silence is mentioned again in 14:30 " But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent."(NASB) During this chapter, Paul doesn't refer only to women when he talks about being silent in the church.
The Message Version of the Bible explains 1 Corinthians 14:34-36 this way. "Wives must not disrupt worship, talking when they should be listening, asking questions that could more appropriately be asked of their husbands at home. God's Book of the law guides our manners and customs here. Wives have no license to use the time of worship for unwarranted speaking. Do you—both women and men—imagine that you're a sacred oracle determining what's right and wrong? Do you think everything revolves around you?"
Women are not to teach or have authority over men.
1 Timothy 2:11-15 "A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety."
Paul was concerned about the Ephesian believers turning to false doctrines and religious beliefs. In 1 Timothy 1:3 Paul is telling Timothy that the Ephesians are not to teach any other doctrine other than the apostle's doctrine. In 1 Timothy 1:4 Paul wanted Timothy to make sure that they didn't get into other beliefs, since Ephesus was a center for different false religions. These other religions, in Ephesus, were being led by women and they involved sexual orgies. The women were deceiving men and drawing them into these false religions. This probably is why Paul had concerns about the women taking over in churches. Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:11 that he wants the Ephesian women to be submissive to the church leaders probably because of the current situations in Ephesus at that time.
The Message Version of the Bible explains 1 Timothy 2:11-15 this way "I don't let women take over and tell the men what to do. They should study to be quiet and obedient along with everyone else. Adam was made first, then Eve; woman was deceived first—our pioneer in sin!—with Adam right on her heels. On the other hand, her childbearing brought about salvation, reversing Eve. But this salvation only comes to those who continue in faith, love, and holiness, gathering it all into maturity. You can depend on this.
Ministers are to have one wife.
1 Timothy 3:12 "A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well."
Since the church leaders in Ephesus at this time were men, this verse refers to the deacons as husbands. Paul wants male church officers to be committed to their wives. He is saying that polygamy is not allowed. This verse was not meant to exclude single men or women from serving as preachers in the ministry.
If women aren't suppose to preach in churches, then we need to find the appropriate Bible verses to back up this belief. The above verses do not apply. They were written to deal with different issues and addressed to the early Christian church in Corinth and Ephesus.
I did not write this post to promote feminism or to dishonor men. My purpose was to prove the fact that these verses do not provide Biblical evidence to keep women from preaching in churches. It's important that we don't twist around the original meaning of verses to fit our desired beliefs.
Just like men, women need to seek God's will for their lives. They need to do what He is calling them to do. Does this mean that women should go against the popular cultural views of the church in order to obey God's leading?
Unplanned Pregnancies
Unplanned pregnancies can be very inconvenient and stressful.
There are different reasons why a baby may be unwanted:
- a premarital pregnancy
- an extra-marital pregnancy
- a crisis pregnancy - financial stress, health problems for the mother or baby, rape and incest
- an inconvenient pregnancy - due to the woman's age, college plans, career, marriage, family size
Maybe you know a woman who had an unplanned pregnancy.
I've known of a few women in this situation:
- A young woman who was raped during her college years. She kept the baby and that baby was a special blessing and helped her to heal.
- A woman who was told that she had to have an operation and the baby wouldn't survive. If she didn't have the operation, she would die. Well, she kept her baby and had the operation after she gave birth. Both the mother and child are just fine today.
- A woman who had no health insurance or way of taking care of a baby financially. But, she found community and government resources that were available and God provided for her and the baby.
- An unmarried Christian woman became pregnant and was worried about what her family would think. Her parents ended up inviting her to live with them and they helped her take care of the baby.
- Unplanned Pregnancy Website
- Your Local Pregnancy Care Centers (they offer free services, counseling, pregnancy tests, and Ultrasounds
- Book: I'm Pregnant...Now What?
- Unplanned Pregnancy Resources by Hope for the Heart
- Baby Center Site - The Everything Site about Pregnancy and Babies
Thankful Thursday: Modern-Day Christian Heroes
Thankful Thursday Meme
For this Thankful Thursday, I want to express my appreciation to some modern-day Christian heroes - those Christians who are so serious about living out their faith that they are willing to sacrifice their comforts or safety to serve the Lord.
I appreciate what you Christian heroes are doing to help people. You aren't doing it for fame or for an earthly rewards. You are doing it to serve Jesus, and with a sincere compassion for others.
I am thankful for:
Native Christian missionaries witnessing in their own countries - living on low incomes, using bicycles and their own feet for transportation, risking ridicule and physical abuse in countries where Christianity is not the norm. Gospel for Asia
Christians who go to places like Sudan - to bring comfort and relief aid to persecuted Christians, and to help them rebuild after their villages were attacked by Muslim soldiers. They go despite The Department of State warning them that it is too dangerous to travel in Sudan.
Voice of the Martyrs
Christian students working as modern-day abolitionists to end slavery - raising awareness, motivating students to do their part, and participating in activism. Yes. Slavery still exists. There are 27 million slaves worldwide - more people are in slavery now than during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Zach Hunter author of Be the Change
Christians who dedicate themselves to helping orphans by preparing them for adulthood - providing academic opportunities, life training skills, mentoring, career placement, and health programs. When orphans turn 16 many of them are kicked out of orphanages and state institutions. They are expected to fend for themselves. An estimated 60% of orphan girls turn to prostitution and 70% of orphan boys to crime. Orphan's Promise
13 Easy Recipes
I like meals that are quick and easy. Then, I have more time with the kids and for blogging. If it isn't easy, then I probably won't make it. My husband will agree to that. He ends up making the time consuming recipes like fettuccine or Chinese food.
These recipes really are easy and they don't use many ingredients. All 5 of my kids enjoy eating the recipes that I have listed.
- Easy Tater Tot Casserole
- Easy Chili Enchiladas
- Easy Chicken and Fries with Gravy
- Easy Chicken and Rice Soup
- Easy Chili Mac
- Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Easy Homemade Pizza
- Easy Chicken and Rice
- Easy Italian Rotelle
- Easy Potato Soup
- Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Easy Salmon Fillets
- Easy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (using a cake mix)
Free Online Bible Study Materials
Thru the Bible with Dr. J. Vernon McGee
This is a complete 5-year audio Bible study. You can join in any time. He usually rotates between an Old Testament book and a New Testament book.
Searchable Online Bibles at Bible Gateway
There are over 50 versions and 35 languages available to use. Search by keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
Online Audio Bibles at Bible Gateway
Listen to the entire Bible online. Choose from 7 translations and 4 languages. Pick the book and chapter you want to listen to.
Classic Bible Commentaries at Bible Gateway
Choose from famous commentary writers: Calvin, Darby, Geneva, Gill, Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown, Lightfoot, Johnson, Luther, Mathew Henry, Spurgeon, McGarvey and Pendleton, McGee, and Wesley
I Am - So You Don't Have to Be online Bible study at The Preacher's Wife Blog You can begin this online Bible study anytime and work at your own pace.
When Mama Prayed
My 11 year old loves this song and so do I.
Over the last year, I've been trying to pray consistently for my husband. Now it's time for me to get busy praying for my kids. I just love how Randy Travis expresses the importance of a mother's prayer in this song. Prayer does change things.
31 Ways to Pray for Your Children
Lyrics:
Daddy never went to church on Sunday
He said that's one thing I'll never do
But mama never gave up she said one day
He'll be sitting here beside of me and you
I can still hear mama softly talking
With her tears falling on her folded hands
So that Easter Sunday Daddy walked in
That's when I began to understand
When mama prayed, good things happen
When mama prayed, lives were changed
Not much more than five foot tall
But mountains big and small crumbled all away
When mama prayed
Seventeen and wild I hit the bottle
Doing anything I dang well please
Burning down life's highway at full throttle
While mama burned a candle on her knees
Then one night I came home half sober
I saw mama kneeling in the den
As I listened she and Jesus talked it over
And I knew my restless days were 'bout to end
When mama prayed, good things happen
When mama prayed, lives were changed
Not much more than five foot tall
But mountains big and small crumbled all away
When mama prayed
It isn't like every one of them got answered
But the times they weren't it seems to me were rare
You almost felt sorry for the devil
'Cause heaven knows he didn't have a prayer
When mama prayed
Not much more than five foot tall
But mountains big and small crumbled all away
When mama prayed
They crumbled all away
When mama prayed
Ministry Idea - Growing Vegetables
You can share your homegrown vegetables with your local Christian soup kitchen, neighbors, church workers, and food pantries (check first to see if they will accept fresh foods).
If you're unable to grow vegetables, then you can also participate by collecting canned food to donate. It doesn't take a big plan. Get the kids together and take along a box or pull a wagon. Just spend an hour going door to door and you'll be amazed at how much food you will be able to collect.
At harvest time, the family can go U picking and give away the fresh produce. Wouldn't it be special for people to eat fresh strawberry shortcake or freshly sliced peaches at a soup kitchen?
Lessons from Deborah
My Walk Monday
Yesterday, I was reading about Deborah in the book of Judges. I got curious as to what others thought about this story. So, I searched and read some blog posts about her.
It was very interesting to see so many different interpretations of the story. One post even said........ Deborah led, but only to promote male leadership. She actually wanted to keep herself in a subordinate role. Deborah's leadership role isn't portrayed as a good thing to be imitated by women later in history. (I'm not saying who said this, because I don't want to cause trouble.)
Hmmm. I didn't get that same message out of this Bible story. I think that God could have promoted male leadership through a man if He wanted to. Instead, God chose this woman to be a prophetess and a judge to the Israelites. Deborah made herself available to God and He used her. It was part of His will. It doesn't matter whether He chooses to use a woman or a man. If He is calling you to step into a Christian leadership role, then you'd better do it.
There is a lot of Christian work to be done, many leadership roles that aren't being filled. Is it possible that God has called Christians to fill these roles and they are not obeying? Why would He leave these important church and ministry positions vacant? I'm thinking that there may be a lot Christians ignoring the calling of the Lord.
Deborah was a good example for us. She yielded herself to God. As Christians, we just need to make ourselves available to Him. We don't need to be perfect, because He can do wonders with us when we are weak and ordinary. When God uses an imperfect nobody, He gets all of the glory for what is done.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul tells us - Each time He said,
The story of Deborah is found in Judges 4 and 5.
Join Carolyn for the My Walk Monday Meme. Write a post about your walk with the Savior - what you learned in your devotions, what you are struggling with, a new worship song you learned, a prayer request, a new Bible study you started, a praise report … anything that is helping you grow in your relationship with the Lord.Carry You to Jesus
Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme
I imagine most of you have already heard about the Chapman's tragedy, but for those who haven't...
They are hurting deeply. Maria, the youngest child in the family, died Wednesday. I can't even imagine the pain they are feeling.
"At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, transported by Life Flight, but died of her injuries there." (from the official Steven Curtis Chapman site)
It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maria's Miracle Fund at Shaohannah's Hope.
Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world.
Let God be glorified despite this tragedy.
You Tube Video: Carry You to Jesus by Steven Curtis Chapman
Thankful Thursday: Christian Women Servants
Today, I'm writing my Thankful Thursday post about Christian women who have dedicated themselves to serving the Lord.
I am thankful for the many Christian women who have followed God's will for their lives. They have used their spiritual gifts and have found true joy in serving Him. These women are inspiring examples for us to follow. Here are four women that I am thankful for:
Susana Wesley
Amy Carmichael
June Hunt
Stormie OmartianThis Christian author has written many best selling books teaching us how to pray. The Power of a Praying Wife encourages women to pray daily for their husbands. In this book, Stormie gives examples of what to pray about. Many woman have grown closer to their husbands by praying for them. And many husband's lives have been changed for the better, because their wives have been actively praying.
How about you? Which Christian women have made a positive impression on you? Which ones are you thankful to for their service to the Lord?
Lessons from Rahab
My Walk Monday
Earlier last week, I read about Rahab in the book of Joshua. Israelite spies went into Jericho and they needed a place to hide out. Rahab, a prostitute, agreed to hide the two spies in her house. She even lied about it when the king's men came to her asking where they were.
Rahab helped them because she feared their God.
Joshua 2:9-11 says “I know the Lord has given you this land,” she (Rahab) told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror. For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea (Sea of Reeds) when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, whose people you completely destroyed. No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below."
In return for helping them, she asked for her life and her family's lives to be spared during the destruction of Jericho. And the Israelites agreed that she and her family would be safe.
My Study Bible said this about Rahab's future:
"References to Rahab elsewhere in the Bible show that she gained a unique place in Jewish history. She and her family alone survived the battle of Jericho. By marrying a man named Salmon (possible a relative of the hero Caleb), she became a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). The authors of James (2:25) and Hebrews (11:31) hold up Rahab as an example of faith."
Matthew 1:5 "Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse."
James 2:25 "Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road."
Hebrews 11:31 "It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies."
I find it quite interesting that right before the destruction of Jericho, a prostitute made a decision that ended up sparing her and her family's lives and resulted in her becoming an ancestor of Jesus. God is wanting all of us to make the right decisions that will honor Him. Even if we are big sinners, He can forgive us and save us through Jesus, and use us to do His work.
This makes me think about how important decisions are. I need to be living in God's will daily, asking Him for wisdom and guidance to make the best decisions.Join Carolyn for the My Walk Monday Meme. Write a post about your walk with the Savior - what you learned in your devotions, what you are struggling with, a new worship song you learned, a prayer request, a new Bible study you started, a praise report … anything that is helping you grow in your relationship with the Lord.
You're Not Alone
Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme
I happened to stumble upon this song earlier this week - just when I needed to hear God say to me "You're Not Alone."
You Tube Video: You're Not Alone by Meredith Andrews
You're Not Alone Lyrics:
I search for love
When the night came and it closed in
I was alone
but you found me where I was hiding
and though I'll never ever be the same
It was the sweetest voice that called my name
singing
You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
and I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life
You cry yourself to sleep
cause the hurt is real
and the pain cuts deep
All hope seems lost
With heartache your closest friend
and everyone else long gone
You've had to face the music on your own
but there is a sweeter song that calls you home
sayin'
You're not alone
For I am here
let me wipe away your every tear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest nights
And I'm the one that's love you all your life
All your life
Faithful and true... Forever
For my love will carry you....
You're not alone
for I... I am here
let me wipe away every fear... Oh yeah
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through your darkest nights
Your darkest nights
And I'm the one that's loved you all your life
All of your life
Lord, I Have Faith In You
Then Sings My Soul Saturday Meme
This song is awesome - it's the words that I want to say to the Lord. Sometimes I just don't get what's going on in life. Sometimes I wonder when it's going to change or get better. But I keep trusting Him. I want you to know Lord, that no matter what - I Have Faith in You.
You Tube Video: Faith in You by Jami Smith
