FMF Summer 2026

July 31 Afford 

What could Abigail afford to do when confronted with the devastating reality of her husband's wicked actions?  Maybe it is the age I grew up in, but I never thought of her defying her husband as a lack of submission; that is what it was.  She actively defied her husband, going behind his back to save him and her household from Nabal's greed.

Nabal refused the customary hospitality required of the day, as David and his men had protected his property and family. For the insult, David was going to wipe out his family. 

Abigail knew the difference between blind obedience and true submission to God first. She was Nabal's perfect helper. She was a woman who possessed the wisdom that Nabal lacked. She preserved her husband even in the face of his own greed and arrogance. David's men had earned his favor, but Nabal chose not to support them.

Abigail acted; she prepared a feast, took it to David's men, and saved Nabal's life. Abigail knew the difference between blind obedience and true submission to God first. God honored that.

July 24 Phrase

Phases of life differ dramatically in length, intensity, and value. Caring for infants and toddlers has a daily intensity that seems long until you look back.

It’s like a newborn stage that is so short that you almost miss it as rapidly as your kids grow into adulthood. The fun years of helping to wash dishes, wanting to learn something new every day, followed by the outward-focused teenager.

Life’s movements and rhythms seem to flow at different speeds, and as you look back, your perspective changes and you understand why family life is important. God established the family long before the church.

The family is where God’s love is rooted and carried forward, passed on and lived out daily.