Marriage & Submission (Evening CL Mtg 11/13)

Our November meeting for Evening Carelink began with Tanya sharing a devotion of how God uses us everyday – even when we do not feel like we are being used for His glory. It was a wonderful and gentle reminder that our everyday interactions & influences as well as the support we provide to our family and friends are ways that God may be using us for His purpose.  Everyday encouragement and influence is not Hollywood Fabulous but a humble experience as we work together to Honor our Lord.
 
Our guest speakers were Pastor Brent Warkentin and his wife, Joan. Pastor Brent was asked to talk about a controversial topic: submission in marriage:-)  

 
Pastor Brent reminded us that submission is a very complicated idea to live out. It originates in the Greek language. In a military use it means "to line up under the authority of.” Outside of the military usage it means "to voluntarily giving in and cooperate.” Submission when referred to in the Bible (and not regarding military) is more of an attitude…submission is not required but a “choice.” It is with humility and a spirit of cooperation. We are to have mutual respect for each other and not to define each other by roles but to encourage each other in our walk with Christ.
  
The way that Pastor Brent described the relationship between husband and wife was of real encouragement to me. Men are the protectors and spiritual leaders of their families, while wives are to cooperate with and respect their husband's leadership position within their families. He encouraged us to pray for our husbands. To pray that they would spend time in prayer with US and to read bible stories or pray with our children.

   Scriptures shared:
Wives: Ephesians 5:22-24; Colossians 3:18; 1 Tim 2:11-15; 1 Peter 3:1-6
Husbands: Ephesians 5:23; Ephesians 5:25-28; 1 Peter 3:7
Everyone: Ephesians 5:21; Colossians 3:12-14; Galatians 5:22-23

   I remember my mother once talked about how men are the “foundation” of families. If you take out the foundation your house has difficulty standing strong. It was an interesting metaphor.

   IMPORTANT DATES COMING UP:
November 27, 2012 – “SOCIAL” – Coffee/Dessert at Mead’s Corner (Douglas and Emporia) – 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – no childcare… mom’s night out.
   December 11, 2012 – Craft Night – We will be making Faith Bracelets. Look for your email to RSVP so that we can make sure we have enough kits.
   Peace Out! – Your Evening Carelink Blogger (ECB) – Kendra R.