In the salvation of man's soul there are 2 necessary parts: God's part and man's part. God's part is the big part, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift if God; not of works, that no man should glory" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love which God felt for man led him to send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute God's part in salvation.

Though God's part is the big part, man's part is also necessary if man is to reach heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon which the Lord has announced. Man's part can clearly set forth in the following steps:

Hear  the Gospel. "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).

Believe. "And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Repent  of past sins. "The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:30).

Confess  Jesus as Lord. "Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).

Be baptized  for the remission of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

Live a Christian life. "Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

          Initially it seemed that Proverbs had little to say to the woman who sought to discern the qualities of a godly husband. I have come to see that this is not at all the case. In general, we can say that a woman should seek a man who is wise. Since we have already studied the characteristics of the wise, we will only summarize them here. These seem especially applicable to marriage:

1. A wise husband is kind and compassionate (12:10).

2. A wise husband is honest (29:24).

3. A wise husband is hard-working (12:11; 27:23-27).

4. A wise husband is truthful (12:17,19).

5. A wise husband exercises self-control (12:15; 16:32).

6. A wise husband has a gentle tongue (12:18; 15:1-2,4).

7. A wise husband is generous (14:21; 28:27).

8. A wise husband is willing to be corrected (even by his wife) and listens to counsel (12:15; 15:12,31-32; 28:13; 29:1).

9. A wise husband is a man of integrity (19:1; 20:7).

10. A wise husband is faithful and reliable (17:17; 29:3; contrast 25:19; 31:3).

11. A wise husband is forgiving (19:11).

12. A wise husband is willing to admit he is wrong (28:13).

13. A wise husband is humble (15:25,33; 16:18-19; 18:12; 29:23).

14. A wise husband is not contentious, but a peacemaker (17:1; 18:1,19).

15. A wise husband has control of his temper (14:29; 16:32; 17:27; 29:11).

16. A wise husband is a man who avoids excesses (20:1; 23:20-21, 29-35; 31:3-9).

17. A wise husband has a concern for others, especially the poor and the oppressed (29:7).

18. A wise husband can keep a confidence (17:9; 26:20).

19. A wise husband fears God and is obedient to His Word (13:13; 14:26; 16:20; 28:25; 31:30).

20. A wise husband is not a jealous man (27:4).

21. A The wise husband has a positive outlook on life (15:15; 17:22; 18:14).

As I look at these characteristics of the wise I am reminded of the qualifications laid down by the apostle Paul for elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3.I find a great similarity between the qualifications for church leaders and the characteristics of the wise in Proverbs. But should this come as a surprise? After all, isn’t Proverbs written to young men who will be leaders, instructing them about wisdom? In this sense 1 Timothy 3 only summarizes what Proverbs has taught in greater detail.

Proverbs is most specific with regard to the qualities of the godly wife. These are highlighted by contrasting the moral flaws of a woman who is far from virtuous.

1. A GODLY WIFE IS GODLY. Godliness begins with a proper relationship to God. A godly wife is, first and foremost, a woman who fears God.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised (31:30).

In contrast, the woman to avoid is the one who does not know or fear God. She is sometimes referred to as a “strange woman,” that is a foreigner, one who has no knowledge of the God of Israel (cf. 2:25; 5:3,20; 7:5). She is actively evil and has no grasp of the way of the Lord.

She does not ponder the path of life; Her ways are unstable, she does not know it (5:6).

To keep you from the evil woman, From the smooth tongue of the adulteress (6:24).

While perhaps not synonymous with a fear of God, the godly wife is referred to as virtuous or excellent (12:4; 31:10). This seems to describe the moral excellence of the godly wife, a result of her godliness.

2. A GODLY WIFE IS WISE. You will recall that wisdom is personified as a woman in the Book of Proverbs (cf. 1:20-33; 8:1-36; 9:1-6). So also the ideal wife is characterized as a woman of wisdom.

The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands (14:1).

She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue (31:26).

The opposite of the godly woman is the woman of folly.

The woman of folly is boisterous, She is naive, and knows nothing (9:13).

As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion (11:22).

3. A GODLY WIFE HONORS HER HUSBAND. A man who has married a godly wife has a wife who will bring honor to him. She is truly a helper to her husband.

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is as rottenness in his bones (12:4).

The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack, of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life (31:11-12).

An ungodly wife humiliates and harasses her husband. She is not a helper but a hindrance to her mate. She is “as rottenness in his bones” (12:4). By her haranguing, she makes him miserable:

A foolish son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping (19:13).

4. A GODLY WIFE IS GRACIOUS. One reason honor is given the godly woman is that she is known for her graciousness.

A gracious woman attains honor, And violent men attain riches (11:16).

The ungodly woman is spoken of in very unbecoming terms. She is vexing, due to her contentious nature:

It is better to live in a corner of a roof, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman (21:9; cf. 25:24).

It is better to live in a desert land, Than with a contentious and vexing woman (21:19).

5. A GODLY WIFE IS FAITHFUL TO HER HUSBAND. This is most clearly shown by contrast with the woman of folly who is an adulteress.

To deliver you from the strange woman, From the adulteress who flatters with her words; That leaves the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God (2:16-17).

To keep you from the evil woman, From the smooth tongue of the adulteress (6:24).

“Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with caresses For the man is not at home. . . ” (7:18-19).

While it is not stated explicitly, it is implied and assumed that a godly wife is one who maintains sexual purity. She is a woman who is virtuous or excellent (31:10), in whom her husband has complete trust (31:11). She does her husband only good and not evil (31:12).She teaches her son the virtues of sexual purity (31:3). Certainly she is a woman of sexual purity.

Premarital counseling usually falls under the office of the minister or Bishop of a local congregation. In some congregations, the minister will not undertake to perform a marriage ceremony unless the engaged couple submits to a series of counseling sessions.

Ministers are aware of the high divorce rate, even in "Christian" marriages, and they are concerned that those they join in marriage have the best chance of remaining "married." They see premarital counseling as an important part of getting a young couple off on the right foot.

The Apostle Paul in his pastoral instructions to Titus tells him to equip others to teach the younger generation (Titus 2:1-6). This is counseling which has at its core the idea of teaching biblical truth, standards or absolutes in one’s relationship to others. This is especially important in a premarital situation because we cannot use what we do not know, and adulthood is not a guarantee of maturity. It is therefore important that the couple who intend to form a union making them one in God’s eyes (Genesis 2:23-24; Mark 10:6-8) be instructed in God’s viewpoint concerning marriage.

Premarital counseling based upon sound biblical principles outlines the roles of the husband and wife as they relate to each other and to their prospective children (Ephesians 5:22–6:4; Colossians 3:18-21). Ministerial counseling should be in addition to the nurturing and godly wisdom the couple has (hopefully) received from their own parents. Parents are responsible before God to prepare children for adulthood, and that includes marriage.

Premarital counseling is an excellent way to clear the misconceptions about the roles we are to play in marriage and distinguish between God’s standards and those of the world. Therefore, it is crucial that the minister or elder doing the premarital counseling be doctrinally solid, secure in his own marriage and family relationships (1 Timothy 3:4-5; Titus 1:7), and in obedience to God’s Word so that he is equipped to impart God’s viewpoint clearly and without equivocation.

Solid, biblical premarital counseling may very well be the difference between a couple that seeks to put God’s principles first in their marriage and a marriage based on human viewpoints and worldly standards that put relationships in jeopardy. Serious consideration on the part of the prospective bride and groom to commit to a time of spiritual premarital counseling—and their agreement to model their marriage after God’s order—will bring clarity to how each views the other in their “oneness” in the eyes of God.

Minister Terrance McClain of Oakland Church of Christ is a certified license counselor available to assist you. Call his office today to make an appointment. 248 356 9225

Marriage is more than just a living arrangement or a legal document:  Marriage is a creation of God.  God knows how marriage works in and out.  He knows what it takes for marriages to succeed not just in enhancing the happiness of the family, but in fully reflecting the depth of His love.

We all bring our opinions and past experiences with us into marriage.  How do you sort out disagreements over leadership, work, money, kids, vacations, and more?  You TRUST GOD.  We Must Give God Control.  Study Genesis 12:1,11-20, Genesis 16:1-2, Joshua 23:6 and look at the importance of following God’s word.  When you choose to trust God together, conflicts are decreased and a bad choices are avoided.  You are set free to follow the wonderful path the Lord has for your marriage.

Trust God In Your Roles: Philippians 2:3-4
Trust God In Your Money: Matthew 6:33

The Bible is really clear that we reap what we sow.  If you are not taking time to care for your marriage and help it grow and be fruitful, then you won’t like the end results. (Ephesians 5:16, Galatians 6:7)

Consider The Consequences of Your Sowing: If you do less at work you may end with lower pay or less prestige, but if you do less at home you could lose everything! Sowing less at home can cost us our spouse, our children, our peace!  Men and women need to make the clear and courageous choice to Hurry Home!

Hurry Home: Put Our Family Before Our Finances – What good will a high income job if it cost you everything you truly love?
Hurry Home: Use Our Talents First At Home – Don’t give you boss your full attention and respect, only to give your spouse a hot-headed answer or left-over energy.  Make time to give your family your best.

Not everyone is a natural born communicator, but we can all make our time together more meaningful and rewarding with 4 easy tips.

• Make A Point In Your Speech To Be Gracious (Colossians 4:6)
• Make A Place In Your Heart For Loving Criticism (Proverbs 27:6)
• Make A Practice Of Giving Your Spouse Your Undivided Attention (Proverbs 4:1-5)
• Make A Principle In Your Marriage: Full Openness (Colossians 3:9-10)

Don’t save romantic cards, calls, and dinners for your anniversary.  Make expressing your love to your spouse a daily event. Look to Bible books like the Song of Solomon or passages like Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 for the beauty of romance in a marriage.

Romance can be our biggest ally or enemy. Consider the Great Blessing: Proverbs 30:18-19 or the Complete Ruin: Proverbs 7:21-23 God describes.  When you aren’t sure how to be romantic, remember that romance thrives in selfless devotion, so put the preferences of your spouse first. (1 Peter 3:8-9)  There is no need to let the romance in your marriage fizzle.  Exercise wisdom and nurture romance.

David told God, “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” (Psalms 139:14)  But, have we told our spouse? Have we told our spouse that even though we don’t always see eye-to-eye on every situation we love the unique point of view they bring into our lives.  We love the strength they bring when we are weak. We love the tenderness they bring when we are stubborn.  God made men and women differently, but perfectly for each other.  Just as every organ in our body serves a different purpose to keep us healthy, every distinction between men and women fulfill their own roles for making two better than one.  The differences in our organs enhance our health, and the differences in our marriage can enhance our relationship! (1 Corinthians 12:14-26, James 1:19-20)

Our society may treat marriage and divorce lightly, but God does not.  He wants us to work through our problems and cross the finish line together!  Purpose to be different from the world around you. Purpose to Finish Together!

• Together We Can Serve The Lord (1 Corinthians 9:5, Acts 18:26)
• Together We Can Work Anything Out (Hebrews 12:1-2)
• Together We Can Receive The Reward (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Isn’t it time you fully brought Christ into your home, to help guide you in growing your marriage?

We’d love to help, and invite you to join us soon at any of our assemblies.

Jesus understands our suffering and heartaches perfectly.  He lived a sinless life, and yet endured mistreatment, injustice, cruelty and disappointment.  He wept at the loss of friends and prayed in agony during difficult decisions.  He is the perfect Friend to come to when we are down.

If you need immediate prayer or help please contact us, and we will do our best to help lighten your burden. If you would like to set up a Bible study to find help in handling a major life events such as a divorce or the death of a loved one, please contact one of our elders or our evangelist. If you are simply in need of a refreshed spirit then may we recommend that you meditate on the following thoughts and join us at one of our assemblies soon for more detailed encouragement.

·        (1 Peter 1:6-9) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

·        (Psalms 138:7) Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.

·        (John 14:1) “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.

·        (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

·        (Hebrews 10:35-36) Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

·        WHEN I FEEL WORRIED

·        (1 Peter 5:6-7) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

·        (Colossians 3:15) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

·        (Isaiah 26:3) “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.

·        (Psalms 4:8) In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.

·        (Matthew 6:25-34) “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

·        (John 14:27) “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

• (James 1:19-20) This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.(Ephesians 4:26) BE ANGRY, AND YET DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
• (Proverbs 15:1) A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
• (Proverbs 14:29) He who is slow to anger has great understanding, But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.
• (Romans 12:19) Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.
• (Colossians 3:8) But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.

Bible Verses for Grief

'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever

John 11:25-26  Jesus said to her,  “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

John 14:1-3  “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

John 6:35-40 Jesus said to them,  “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.  All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. ForI have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me,  that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, butraise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father,  that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

At some point in our lives, we all have to face the reality of losing a friend or family member to death. The idea of losing someone we love, however, can make even the most impervious people feel uncomfortable, confused, and afraid. Yet only when we confront death can we truly understand the value and meaning of life itself.

While we all need to work through our loss, there is no set way to deal with the death of someone we love. In experiencing grief people go through a range of jarring, contradictory emotions such as denial, anger, sorrow, guilt, and relief. People may fluctuate from feeling stable to being depressed.

Ultimately, however, the key to dealing with death is the ability to accept, and adapt to, change. We must accept our loss, and we know we have achieved this when we can see the life of our loved one as a fond memory rather than as a harsh reality. Some or all of the following emotions emerge throughout the course of a normal grieving process:

•   Shock and surprise People are rarely braced for someone’s death. In fact, the reality of death may not occur to a person for a number of days afterward.

•   Emotional release The healthy release of tension and other emotions usually occurs at the funeral or with family and friends, but this is only the beginning of the grieving process.

•   Physical distress and anxiety During some more advanced stages of the grieving process, a person may feel so lonesome that he or she appears to develop symptoms of physical distress.

• Loneliness After the funeral, when family and friends have gone home, feelings of emptiness, isolation, and depression may occur.

•   Panic It may become difficult to concentrate because of constant memories of the deceased. In fact, this may cause a person to worry about his or her own stability. Not knowing what is happening or what to do can result in panic and weakened self-esteem.

•   Guilt Oftentimes survivors of the deceased dwell on the things they could have done differently and may even feel responsible for the person’s death.

•   Hostility and projection This is one of the most difficult stages for relatives and friends because the survivor suddenly becomes hostile to those whom he or she thinks could have helped prevent the death. Family and friends should be tolerant and non-defensive.

•   Fatigue Usually the survivor suffers in silence, weary from the depression and frustration. Becoming more active is part of the answer.

•   Gradual overcoming of grief Through the affection and encouragement of friends and family, gradually a new meaning of life unfolds.

•   Readjustment to reality Recalling the deceased becomes a pleasant experience and planning for the future becomes more realistic.

• If you, a family member or friend are experiencing any of these symptoms, realize they are all part of the normal, healthy, and absolutely necessary process of grieving.

Minister Terrance McClain of Oakland Church of Christ is a certified license counselor available to assist you. Call his office today to make an appointment. 248 356 9225

1. Do not defile your body, either with excessive foods, tobacco or alcohol, that your days may be long in the house which your husband provides for you.

2. Put your husband before your mother, your father, your daughter, and your son, for he is your lifelong companion.

3. You shall not nag.

4. Permit no one to tell you that you are having a bad time of it; neither your mother, your sister, nor your neighbor, for the Judge will not hold her guiltless who lets another disparage her husband.

5. You shall not withhold affection from your husband, for every man loves to be loved.

6. Do not forget the virtue of cleanliness and modest attire.

7. Forgive with grace, for who among us does not need forgiveness?

8. Remember that the frank approval of your husband is worth more to you than the admiring glances of a hundred strangers.

9. Keep your home in good order, for out of it come the joys of your old age.

10. Honor the Lord your God all the days of your life and your children will raise up and call you blessed.


Included in sermon, “Heaven In Your Home,” by Terrance R. McClain, Minister, on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at the Oakland Church of Christ in Southfield, Michigan.

1. Remember that your wife is your partner and not your property.

2. Do not expect your wife to be wife and wage earner at the same time.

3. Do not think that your business is none of your wife’s business..

4. You shall hold your wife’s love by the same means that you won it.

5. You shall make the building of your “home” your first business.

6. You shall cooperate with your wife in establishing family discipline.

7. You shall enter into your house with cheerfulness.

8. You shall not let anyone criticize your wife and get away with it; neither your father nor your mother, nor your brothers, nor your sisters, nor your children.

9. You shall not take your wife for granted.

10. Remember your home and keep it holy.

Included in sermon, “Heaven In Your Home,” by Terrance R. McClain, Minister, on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at the Oakland Church of Christ in Southfield, Michigan.

Every parent knows there are highs and lows that come with raising children. We want to help you win the greatest victory: Raising children who love and obey God.  We invite you to take a few moments and consider God’s interactions with His children in the Bible.

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
TRAIN UP: Teach Towards Maturity
CHILD: You Provide Leadership, Because In Youth They Are Often Foolish
WAY: You Provide Wisdom and Guidance For Their Future

INSTRUCTION: Establish Healthy Roles, Give Clear Commands & Consequences, Provide Demonstrations For Their Learning, Repeat
OPPORTUNITY: Review Commands & Consequences, Test Their Obedience, Give Them Time To Reflect & Choose, Evaluate Their Choice With Them, Repeat (Hebrews 5:14)
JUSTICE: Depending On Their Choices, Provide Punishment or Praise. Encourage Repentance or Rejoicing

Love – (Deut. 6:5)
Authority – (Ex. 3:5-6, 14)
Trust – (Ex. 14:1-14)
Self-Control – (Gen. 3:11)
Spiritual Growth – (Deut. 6:6-13)
Following Directions – (Col. 2:20-23)
Special Occasions – (Ex. 12:1-11)
Food – (Deut. 8:1-5)
Discipline – (Pr. 23:13-14, Pr. 13:24, Pr. 19:18)
Wisdom – (Pr. 1:8)

This doesn’t mean all Christians will be physically rich, but it does mean we can all benefit from following the Lord’s directions in managing money.  Are you managing the money God has entrusted you with, the way that God directs?

Financial Stewardship:

Stewards seek God’s profit (not their own) and trust in His generous reward.
Luke 14:27-30, Luke 16:10-12, Matt. 25:14-15, Pr. 23:1-5, Pr. 28:22
God Wants Us To Understand: Spiritual treasure is more valuable than physical treasure.
God Wants Us To Appreciate: God is the source of our blessings. (Deut. 8:11, 17-18)
God Wants Us To Labor: God uses work to bless us.
God Wants Us To Manage: God expects us to manage our money wisely.

6 Steps To Godly Stewardship

1. Trust In God :: Reward of Contentment
God Has the Power To Help: Pr. 11:28
God Has the Power To Bless: Deut. 8:17-18
God Has the Power To Grow: 1 Chron. 29:11-12
God, Not Money, Deserves Our Love: Heb. 13:5

2. Make Good Plans :: Reward of Opportunity
Consultation: Pr. 15:22, Pr. 20:18
Thinking Ahead: Pr. 30:25
Paying Attention:  Pr. 27:23-24

3. Do Honest Work :: Reward of Peace
Proverbs 13:11, 14:23, 15:6,7, Eph. 4:28

4. Give Generously :: Reward of Grace
Pr. 11:24-25

5. Eliminate Debt :: Reward of Freedom
Rom. 13:6-8

6. Enjoy God’s Blessings :: Reward of Thanks
1 Tim. 6:17

Above All, Steward Your Soul.

(Mark 8:36) “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?”  Don’t obey God simply for an earthly benefit.  The treasures of this world are worthless compared to the value of our soul.  Make sure you invest you soul into Jesus Christ by being baptized for the forgiveness of your sins! (Colossians 2:12) “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”

The Bible teaches that repentance has always been a prerequisite for forgiveness being granted by God (Psalm 51; Jonah 3:10; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 8:22; Acts 17:30; 2 Timothy 2:25; 1 John 1:9. Our Lord gives us the criteria for forgiving others who sin against us in Luke 17:3-4, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him.”

In Matthew 18:15-22, the Lord gives us instructions on how to deal with a brother who trespasses against us. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asked, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but Until seventy times seven.”

The number, “seven,” was the most sacred number to the Hebrews, symbolizing God’s completion and perfection. In other words, as often as our brother repents and asks our forgiveness, we are to forgive our brother. The duty of forgiveness has no limit, save in the want of penitence in the offender. We should also remember that in no instance should a Christian harbor malice or retain resentment toward a sincere penitent offender (Colossians 3:13). We should have the loving attitude of our heavenly Father in this regard; when He forgives, He forgets (Hebrews 8:12; Hebrews 10:17; cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34).

Ways To Build Early Self Esteem and Self-Reliance

1.      Reward your child. Give praise, recognition, a special privilege or increase responsibility for a job well done. Emphasize the good things they do, not the bad.          Matt 25:21 / 2 Cort. 7:15

2.       Take their ideas, emotions and feelings seriously. Don't belittle them by saying, "You'll grow out of it" or "It is not as bad as you think." Psalm 17:14

3.       Define limits and rules clearly, and enforce them. But do allow leeway for our child within these limits.  Deut. 12:28

4.       Be a good role model. Let you child know that you feel good about yourself. Also let them see that you too can make mistakes and can learn from them.   Matt 5:16

5.       Teach your child how to deal with time and money. Help them to set reachable goals so they can achieve success. Matt 25:23

6.       Have reasonable expectations for your child. Help them to set reachable goals so they can achieve success.             Luke 19:17

7.       Help your child develop tolerance toward those with different values, backgrounds and norms. point out other people's strengths.    Luke 6:35

8.      Give your child responsibility. They will feel useful, and valued. John 10:37, John 10:25

9.      Be available for your child. Give support when children need it. Eccl 3:1

10.    Show them that what they do is important to you. Talk with them about their activities and interests. Go to their games, parent's day at school, drama presentations, concerts, award ceremonies.            Eccl 3:1-3

11.    Express your values, but go beyond "do this" or "I want you to do that" Describe the experience that determine your values, the decisions you made to accept certain beliefs, the reasons behind your feelings.     Proverb 22:6

13.    Discuss problems without placing blame or commenting on a child's  character. If the child know that there is a problem but don't feel attacked, they are more likely to help look for solutions. Eph 6:4

14.     Use phrases that build self-esteem, such as "Thank you for helping" or "That was an excellent idea!": "Good job"; Avoid phases that hurt self-esteem: "Why are you so stupid?"; "How many times have I told you?"     Phil 4:8

15.    Show how much you care about them. Hug them. Tell them they are terrific and that you live them. 2 Peter 1:17

One of the first things to consider is which resume format will work best for your particular circumstance.

The chronological resume highlights your work history in reverse chronological order, the most recent experience first. This is the most popular among hiring managers.

The functional resume is beneficial if you are re-entering the work force after an extended period; it is organized according to your skills and accomplishments. This type of resume requires a great deal of preparation and thought; if not put together properly it runs the risk of being confusing and hard to follow.

The combination resume features your skills and accomplishments while including an abbreviated version of your work history; including dates of employment.

Whichever type of resume you decide works best for you; making sure it is free of grammatical and spelling errors is essential.

Preparing to write a resume is similar to preparing for an interview. Before beginning to write your resume take an inventory of your key skills, abilities and strengths. List them and think about how to highlight them on your resume. Take time to list all of your previous positions and what the critical functions were in each position. If you have previous performance appraisals, read them and look for feedback that can be used as quotes to back-up your statements. Any volunteer work and special projects should also be included in a section on your resume, especially as it pertains to the position you are applying for.

Keys To A Successful Job Interview

Much like the keys to writing a good resume; preparation is the key to a successful interview. On a positive note; your resume was good enough to get the hiring manager’s attention, now all you have to do is keep it and live up to and preferably exceed the expectations of the interviewers.

Make sure that you have a copy of your resume with you during to interview because they will. You want to be able to refer to it as they discuss the areas of interest to them. You will also want to point out things that may be missed during their questioning of your knowledge, skills and abilities.

If you have past performance appraisals, letters of commendation, letters or notes written by customers or satisfied clients; have those with you in a folder and be prepared to share them with the interviewer.

Be prepared to give examples of real-life experiences that highlight your qualifications for the position.

As you answer the questions, make sure that you make eye contact with everyone who is participating in the interview. Be serious but not stiff, it is okay to let your personality show during the interview! 

If it has been a long time since you’ve had an interview, role-play with someone who has experience conducting interviews. Ask them for honest, constructive feedback.

If you have had interviews recently but have not been selected for the position(s); contact a few of the people that interviewed you and ask for feedback and/or suggestions on what you could have done differently.

Two of the most important things you can do before an interview is research the company and prepare a list of questions. Please make sure that the questions you prepare are not already answered on the company’s website. Your questions should relate to the position (why it’s open, etc.), opportunity for growth within the organization (specific to the type of work you do), goals and objectives (again only those not mentioned on the website) and most importantly when they will look to make a decision. This preparation will take time but will set you apart from the rest; especially if your questions are well-thought out and articulated properly.

Lastly, the single most important thing you can do after the interview is send a personalized thank you note referencing things that were mentioned during the interview.

Remember to follow-up (with a phone call) with one of the interviewers based on their answer regarding the hiring process and how long it would be before a decision is made.