From No to Yes

Two years of "No way, Lane" turned into a "Yes, God" this past fall. God had laid marriage ministry on my husband's heart. I am a women's ministry girl all the way, and I already had a few years of that under my "belt of comfortable places". Not to mention, I know my husband - and all of his faults, and well, lets just rest at I did NOT think he was ready to begin a ministry. Did I love him, you might ask. Of course, I loved him. I just knew him, and perfect...he is definitely not!

Well, eventually, the Holy Spirit started prompting me with feelings like some of you quicker learners may already be having. "Denise, just who do you even think you are", "Denise, he is your head" "Denise, I made it that way for a reason", and "Denise, will you obey Me". Of course, God, of course, I'll obey you. "Then submit to your husband".

Not exactly an easy task for a strong-willed and self-reliant person like me. But God made me realize that He doesn't work with "perfect" people. Not me, not my husband, not anyone. He works through people, people who are fully devoted and fully relying on Him and His will, done His way. My first big step in obedience to God, was submitting to my husband. Taking that leap of faith that said "Yes, Lane" was actually the same leap of faith that said "Yes, God".

Did Lane change overnight? No. Does he still have imperfections? Yes. BUT - ah yes, I love the "buts" - before my very eyes, my husband is becoming a man after God's own heart. He still struggles with a "thorn in the flesh", but he and God will eventually overcome that and I promise you it will be used to glorify God and benefit man in a strong, strong way someday. I know it is part of God's plan. I am convinced that I am seeing things in my man, that would have taken much, much longer for me to see. Strongholds being defeated that would have been defeated anyway, just later.

Do I think God could have done this with my husband anyway? You bet He could have. He didn't need me at all. He wanted me! He wanted this team of "two who had become one" to start the good fight alongside Him. He just wanted my obedience. And, in the order that He has set up - Christ, husband, wife. Like it or not, it is the way it is. He is God, and His ways are so worth following.

"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you (us) will continue until the day of Jesus Christ, developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you (us)." Philippians 1:6

Fireproof Your Marriage

You're Invited - Fireproof Your Marriage the Lifegroup will begin Monday nights at New Life Church. We will meet at 7 p.m. beginning February 9th with a showing of the movie Fireproof.
Fireproof Your Marriage will challenge couples in how to show, and ultimately achieve real love. Join us as we learn Biblical principles for strong, God-centered, lifelong marriages. Sign up at New Life Church on February 8th or send a note to Lane or Denise Keeter.

"Shadowfeet" by Brooke Fraser

Walking,stumbling on these shadowfeet
toward home,a land that i've never seen
I am changing: less and less asleep
made of different stuff than when i began
and i have sensed it all along
fast approaching is the day

[CHORUS]
when the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
when the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you

Theres distraction buzzing in my head
saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
but I've heard rumours of true reality
whispers of a well-lit way

[CHORUS]

You make all things new

[CHORUS]

[CHORUS 2]
When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
Every fear and accusation under my feet
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you