The Life of Sarah Edwards- Growing in Godliness

For years this woman has intrigued me. I found a message on her on Sovereign Grace and wow, what and encouragement. Years ago I listened to  Noel Pipers teaching on her, so I have included that as well.  Sarah and I listened to this message yesterday as we worked. Listening to sermons and teachings has been one of the things Sarah and I have both been implementing into our days to encourage us in Godliness. I cannot speak for Sarah,  but I personally cannot tell you what a blessing this has been to me to listen to Gospel centered teaching throughout the day. It is a way to preach the Gospel to yourself daily.

For those of you who have never heard of Sarah Edwards, I encourage you to to take the time to get to know her, we have so much we can learn from her.

Sarah Edwards was a lady of the 1700’s. She was the wife of the well known theologian Jonathan Edwards, who would many times be locked in his study for many hours of the day, sometime not even coming for dinner. Sarah was responsible for the the care of 11 children, she was an overseer of all areas of caring for and managing their home. She was indeed the Proverbs 31 woman. I think in the age of self indulgence and a society who desires to seek what feels good in his own mind, I think the life of Sarah has much to teach us as we pursuit God and learn to be more like Him.

Download Legacy of Sarah Edwards

Listen   |   Download  Noel Piper’s take on Sarah Edwards

 

Loving your enemies!

At the checkout of Walmart yesterday, I was greeted by the nicest cashier. She greeted me with a smile and laughed with me over trivial things as we engaged in conversation. I felt good that I talked with her and was able to make her smile, hoping and praying that somewhere down the road, a conversation of Christ might arise.

As I left, pride came in and I felt good about the way I conducted myself. Quickly, God brought these verses to mind and a time where I was not so gracious to a salesperson.

Luke 6:27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic [2] either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Almost a year ago, I had bought a shirt for my husband for Fathers day at the outlets. I don’t have a chance to shop there very often, so it is always great when I can make it there. After Eric opened his gift, we found that the sales person had left the security tag on the item. This was upsetting, since I wanted Eric to be able to wear the shirt that day. I did not know what to do, so I called the store and the girl who answered said well you need to bring it back to the store, which would mean that it would cost me an hour of travel time.

I proceeded to ask if I could have a discount toward my next purchase and she no, that I should have noticed before I left the store that the tag was still on. At this point, my irritation turned to anger and I can say my response to her and my tone was anything but loving, kind and gracious. I was not loving my enemy.

Point of the story, is that how kind our God is to pull us from pride and remind us that while were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He sheds His mercies and grace on us even while our heart is deceatfully wicked above all things.  God showed me while it was nice to be kind to the kind cashier, that how much greater to be kind to those who may not be kind.

God still has alot of work to do with this child. I am thankful, I am not left to myself for this, but he so wonderfully supplied to Holy Spirit, which gives power to do what I cannot in my flesh.

On a side note, my wonderful husband  saw my irritation and went outside and sawed the plastic tag apart, thus problem fixed and my irritation was for nought :(.

Keep seeking Him,

Laura

 

Submission is not a Dirty Word

When checking out the Girl Talk Blog, they were so wonderful as to point to a wonderful article by John Piper. What a beautiful guidance on what God has called us to as women as it relates to 1 Peter 3:1-7.

The Beautiful Faith of Fearless Submission   by John Piper

You can also listen to it by clicking here

Eric has done us well to teach on this , not long ago, and here is a fresh reminder. As Girl Talk did, here is a quote to bring on the hunger to read more.

“The deepest root of Christian womanhood mentioned in this text is hope in God. “Holy women who hoped in God.” A Christian woman does not put her hope in her husband, or in getting a husband. She does not put her hope in her looks. She puts her hope in the promises of God. She is described in Proverbs 31:25: “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” She laughs at everything the future will bring and might bring, because she hopes in God. “

Ladies, this is the woman that I want to be. Truly, this article is a MUST READ!!!!!

Laura