November 2002
Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-26, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
I love DCHEA Moms Night Outs. The emphasis on “DCHEA.” When Tiffani was much younger I belonged to a Mom’s organization and their MNOs never appealed to me. Their emphasis was so self-focused – getting away from the kids and unkind remarks about the husbands. I didn’t have an intense desire to be away from Tiffani and I had nothing but kind things to say about Jeff.
DCHEA MNOs are so different. The focus is not us, but Jesus. How he helps us in our home educating and personal relationships. And because, we make Him the focus, how the Holy Spirit does minister during these very special times of fellowship.
Already this year, we’ve had the blessing of two MNO opportunities and I was especially blessed at the one a couple days ago, since we had such fervent prayer time. I appreciate the openness of the moms that attend. Each one I’ve attended has had a mom or two in need of loving encouragement and/or gentle correction. No mom should ever feel afraid to speak during a DCHEA MNO.
Likewise, I would encourage attending moms to be careful of having a critical attitude about anything that is shared at an MNO. A critical attitude does not allow us to “keep in step with the Spirit” as we are commanded in Galatians. It is especially harmful when self-control is lost and that critical attitude is shared when you get back home with your spouse or children. If you feel compelled to share something that you have learned about a mom or their family at a DCHEA MNO, please take it first to God in prayer.
“Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is above to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:11-12
We should have a feeling of grace and peace within our little group of sisters in Christ. I am awed at how the Lord orchestrates the perfect godly woman to be in attendance for the mom that needs the encouraging and correcting.
The “right” scriptures seem to be called to mind and “right” tone of voice is applied. And since God’s word “…is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work,” (II Timothy 3:16-17) when we hear the ministering responses, we are also being equipped, whether we have that immediate need or not.
It has been my personal commitment since last year to keep all the moms of DCHEA in prayer on a monthly basis. Maybe that is why I make a special effort to attend as many MNOs as I can. I love to hear how the Lord is working in your lives. It blesses me beyond belief to hear with my own ears, answers to prayer. And I am equally blessed to have the privilege to pray for those in need. I know that the Lord hears our fervent prayers lifted up before Him.
Through my recent prayer time and Bible study, it has been on my heart to encourage you, as well as, continually remind myself to live each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit. If we do this, His Word will be in our minds, His love will be demonstrated in our actions and His power will help aid us in self-control. A new friend reminded me just yesterday, that our obedience to Him not only blesses us, but blesses those around us as well.
My prayer is that we’ll strive to be ever obedient to our Lord Jesus and through that obedience, our families and those in our presence will be blessed. We are our children’s closest example, thankfully so. Are we spoiling them with our sour fruit? Or are we nourishing them with His sweetness? Praise God that we can be made more accountable, knowing that our children are closely watching our daily walk with Him.
Lovingly, Traci J