Friday, April 11, 2008

A sermon that braught me to tears

Hey everyone!I have to post about a sermon I just listened to.Click HEREto listen to it.Paul Tripp used the book of Jonah as an illustration.First he described the city of Nineva and how huge it was.Then he went on to describe how week and powerless Jonah must of felt when he first entered the city.He began preaching Johnah 3:4...then in verse 5 the people of Nineva believed God!You see the point here is that Jonah was looking at this big city with wealthy and powerful people in it and thinking to himself "how will they ever hear little old me?" All he needed to do was do what God called him to do.It wasn`t up to him to try and change them,that is the work of God!How often are we like Jonah.Sitting down and saying the task that God has given us to do is too much for us!Shame on us!Go forth and do what God has called you to do!Leave the big stuff up to Him!
This really hit home for me because I often sit back and say that my children are more than I can handle,my housework is more than I can handle,driving is more than I can handle.Often times it feels like my fears of never being able to reach a goal of making my home a haven,or my children being obedient and living for the Lord,they hinder me from going forth and doing what God has called me to do!What a hard thing to come to realize!The bottom line is that no matter what God has brought before you don`t just sit back and say I can`t.Go,and leave the rest up to God!Jonah was going to preach the Word to a powerful,wealthy,rebellious city!He went,he preached and God did the rest!
It`s funny because there has been a lady in church that has been sitting with me and the kids for several weeks now.They are very disobedient in church.I think this is what she was trying to tell me though!Accept Gods call,don`t carry the weight of the task.Leave that up to your redeemer!
So,God has called me to be:
#1.Obedient to Him
#2.Be a loving,supportive,caring wife
#3.Instruct my children in the way of the Lord.Discipline them with mercy and love
#4.keep the home clean,organized,peaceful for my family,and provide nourishing meals.

Sound like a pretty large task,but we need to go forth praying and leaning on Him every step of the way!!all things are possible with God!!He is our strength!!

Also,I read a great post over at The country blossom that kind of goes along the same things.Also though she recommends a great devotional that she does along with her husband every morning.I think it would be such a blessing for those of you who have believing husbands!So,go check out her post when you get the chance!Now,I do need to go:)
Later on,I plan on doing a post with pictures of my home!!They are old ones from before we moved in.I plan on taking more pictures soon and posting them so you can see the changes we have made!Gotta run now!!Have a blessed day!!!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

A good reminder of God's strength and power.

Katy said...

love this post Toni!!!! And thank you for linking to me!!! ;)

Lorie said...

I love to read your blog and sometimes when I'm reading it, I see myself raising three precious kids sometimes on my own even and trying to live right and praying they turn out right. Two things I can share with you - prayer does work and This too shall pass. They have really been true in my life because God is good and He is able!!!!!
Be blessed-

Toni said...

Thanks to all of you for your comments!Lorie,thanks for stopping by today!I came across your blog yesterday and I loved it!I feel so blessed to have met so many great people here in blogland!!!

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

Sounds like a real spurt of growth here! God never asks us to do something that we cannot do. Oh yes, maybe we can't do it by ourselves. But with HIM, ALL THINGS are possible.

I have a little sign in my home. It says, "For this, I have Jesus!" I have learned that when something comes my way that I must do that I think I can't or don't have the ability, or time, or strength, I just whisper to myself, "For this, too, I have Jesus!"

As you grow in your walk of faith, you will strengthen in wisdom, grow in grace, your spirit will become more quiet and sure, and you will get more done in less time.

Just love your blog, and will visit often! Cora

Toni said...

Thanks for stopping by Cora!Thanks for your encouraging words!I`m glad you enjoy my blog!!Have a great weekend!Blessings!

Jubilee on Earth said...

Great post!!!! I lover sermons that are so touching like that. You're right... those of us that have husbands that are devout believers are truly blessed. Every single day I thank God for the awesome gift he gave me of my husband. Every day.

God bless you! Good luck with the house...

~Maria
Jubilee on Earth

Toni said...

Thanks for your comment maria!I`m so glad you stopped by!I enjoy your blog alot!!Hope your having a great weekend!!

Farmhouse Blessings said...

Toni, don't you just love the way the Lord speaks to us through his Word. Yes, sometimes our circumstances seem insurmountable, but with God all things are possible.

The goals you have set are so worthy and grounded in the word. Just take one day at time and the Lord will bless your efforts! You are an amazing woman!

Hugs,
Lea

Toni said...

God is amazing!!Thank you so much for your kind words Lea!!God bless!!