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Thursday, December 1, 2005

"A Suitable Helper"

"The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him'" (Genesis 2:18).

Brooksyne and I have a complimentarian approach to marriage and ministry. That is, we have each been gifted differently and our gifts compliment each other. I truly see her as a very suitable helper and recognize the great wisdom of God's first statement that ever acknowledged something not being good.

In regards to our household she has many, many gifts, but I have several as well. Yesterday I mentioned that we had a mouse problem, something we've had everywhere we've ever lived. Although mice are small and furry Brooksyne just won't accept them as pets (which would be a neat perspective). When there's any evidence of an intrusion it's my duty to do something about it.

I enjoy this because it makes me feel important. Although it doesn't seem to me that setting a mouse trap takes a lot of skill Brooksyne and Ester just won't touch them. That's my "manly" duty.

This morning I checked the closet where I had set the trap and was so happy to see I got one. I took it up to demonstrate to my girls and of course I got a scream that could be heard a county away. Just like my grandpa, I have never stopped being a rascal in certain areas!

In marriage and in life we really do need each other. We are all dependent, in one way or another, on the giftings of other people. This is true in marriage and the home, in the church, and in all of civilization. Today pause for a moment and consider all the ways others are contributing to your life and rejoice in your role in serving others. Even if that role is mouse catcher!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the interdependence we have in a marriage relationship, in healthy families, and in good work relationships.  You've given each of us gifts where we can put forth our best not only for our own interest but also for the interest of others.  Help us to be team members working together in unity and love so that we achieve a common goal.  In Your name, Jesus, I pray.  Amen.

Brooksyne's Personal Note:  So often we forget the chores that our spouse does unless he (or she) is not there to perform it.  I remember when Stephen had several surgeries in 2002 & 2003 and I had the unpleasant job of bringing buckets of coal each day.  I also had to throw away the ashes daily from the coal burner.  It's interesting that I don't pay any attention to Stephen doing that job.  He doesn't mention it and I just expect it. What a blessing when we work together to accomplish the work that is always present in any setting.  Yes, and I'm glad he's willing to assume the patriarchal role of "Mouse Detective"!!



When I prepare these messages I often like to consider a song that will reinforce the message and today I recalled a song from my earliest days as a believer titled "We Really Do Need Each Other". However I was unable to find it on the internet. It seemed like it was by a musician named Ray Hildebrand if I recall.  I just suppose someone out there has heard the song and can find it for me!

I asked Brooksyne and she recalled another song related to this theme that's now over 20 years old called, "We Will Stand".  Here's an audio sample for old-time reminiscing! (I notice though that the older I get that the old songs don't sound that old.)



PS: I sure wanted to take a photo of my mouse and share it with you but my suitable helper advised against it.


 

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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