God’s ways are usually opposite to our way of thinking. To save our life we think we must cater to all our needs, pamper to our flesh, and have our own way. But God says we’ll save our life by losing it! That’s certainly the opposite to our way, isn’t it?
Jesus said in Mark 8:35: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” This Scripture has always been the greatest challenge of my life. It was the greatest test in my mothering. But I learned over the years that God’s way is right. It’s the best way. The only way. When we try to save ourselves we lose. When we try to find out who we are by catering to our needs, we become confused.
The way to abundant life is losing your own life by pouring it out for others. Jesus takes the challenge even further when He said in John 12:24, 25: “Truly, truly, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”
I love the lines from Elisabeth Elliot in her book “Love Has a Price Tag” where she writes: “The routines of housework and mothering may be seen as a kind of death, and it is appropriate that they should be, for they offer the chance, day after day, to lay down one’s life for others. Then they are no longer routines. By being done with love and offered up to God with praise, they are thereby hallowed as the vessels of the tabernacle were hallowed. A mother’s part in sustaining the life of her children and making it pleasant and comfortable is no triviality. It calls for self-sacrifice and humility, but it is the route, as was the humiliation of Jesus, to glory.”
In other words, it is the path to GLORY. Check out these Scriptures too: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Philippians 2:5-9; and 1 Peter 1:7.
We get another glimpse of the life in which God delights when we read the description of the older women God wants the church to provide for and to bless: “She must have been the faithful wife of one husband. She must have a reputation for good works. She can only be enrolled, if she has brought up children, if she has practiced hospitality, if she has been prepared to render the most menial service to God’s people, if she has been in the habit of helping people in trouble, if good works of every kind have been the aim and object of her life” (1 Timothy 5:9, 10 William Barclay trans.).
What kind of lifestyle do we live in our homes? Do we try to save ourselves or lay down our lives for others?
Blessings from Nancy Campbell
Painting: "Safe in Mother's Arms" by H. Anderson
Some time ago I asked our readers to share the little things they do to show their husbands they love them. The following are the replies I received. Each one of us are different personalities and therefore we show our love in different ways.
What is your ultimate vision for your children? To get them into the best college? Push them to get a degree and make a name for themselves? Or to see Christ formed in them? To see them walking in the truth? To see them passionate for Jesus Christ and His kingdom?
God promises us that He will strengthen us with "His glorious power." We couldn't want for a better promise. We need God's strength moment by moment, don't we? We need it physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Just a bud 
Cedars resist decay and repel Pests! This is another wonderful feature of the cedar. This quality is an important part of our marriage, too. Perhaps you are having a self-pity trip and dreaming that you deserve someone better than your husband. Resist this evil thought in the name of Jesus!
Today we continue our thoughts of likening our marriages to the cedars of Lebanon.
The public needs to know what the University of Tennessee in Knoxville is promoting:
Here, in my humble kitchen,
In Numbers 24:5-7 we read a beautiful description of the homes of the Israelites. One of the descriptions is that they will be “like cedar trees beside the waters” In the Bible cedar trees speak of majesty, beauty, and faithfulness. They are called “excellent” trees in Song of Solomon 5:15. I believe we can liken our marriage relationship to the cedar. Let’s look at some of the qualities of the cedar:
It's important to be reminded of who we are, isn't it? God gives us an amazing description of how He sees us in 1 Peter 2:9. This Scripture is written to all those who believe in Jesus Christ, collectively and personally: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, his own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
We want this for ourselves. We want it for each one of our children.
God tells us many things about His kingdom in His Word. One of the characteristics of God’s kingdom is that it embraces children. If you don’t like to be around children, you may have to question whether you are really in the kingdom.
Is the light in your soul dim? Or perhaps nearly out? What about your home? Does the light of Jesus burn brightly in your home, or is it fading?
We may not like to acknowledge the truth that our body does not belong to us. We are not free to do what we like. Well, we can if we want, but only to our detriment. God is the creator of our body. He created it perfectly. Gloriously. Wondrously, Amazingly. Honorably. Powerfully. And He wants us to use our bodies the way He created them to function.
Did you read the testimony by Pitana and Nadia Mutana on page 27 of the current Above Rubies, #94? They wrote about the power of naming their children.
What is pouring out of your mouth today, dear wife and mother? We build our marriages and homes with our words. It is one of our most powerful building tools. Many marriages have fallen apart and are broken today because of negative words.
Although I am an American citizen, I am still a British subject, belonging to the Commonwealth. Therefore, I hope you don’t mind my posting a picture of our lovely queen. She will be 92 years on 21 April.
The disciples of Jesus came to Him and asked him why he spoke in parables. Jesus answered: “Because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given” (Matthew 13:11). The wonderful news of God’s great salvation is called “the mystery of the gospel.” The truths of God’s kingdom are called “the mysteries of the kingdom.”