my wings are made of faith

Chasing the Kingdom

In January, I was asked the question, “What would you do this year if you knew you couldn’t fail?”  As I began really praying about my answer, I knew clearly that I would go back to Lima, Peru where I have been once before to do mission work.  

Since January, the Lord has confirmed my dream many times over.  We have even had the pleasure of hosting in our home the Pastor and his dear family from Lima.  Long story short: my son and I are leaving on Friday to go back to Lima.  We are thrilled to see the child that we sponsor whom I met on the first trip.  We ask for your prayers from this Friday, May 25th to next Thursday, May 31.  

As I have sought the Lord over the details of this trip, I recognize that I have lived Matthew 6:33-34 which says,

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

In closing, I challenge you to examine the question, “What would you do, dear friend, if you knew you couldn’t fail?” God opens huge doors when we seek His kingdom first. 

My Prayer:  God, thank you for the opportunity to go back to Lima.  I praise you for preparing my heart over the past few months.  We rejoice that we will see our friends and fellow Kingdom workers again.  Holy Spirit, I boldly ask you to show others how to impact the world with just a dream or vision without the possibility of failing.  In Jesus Name!

Pushing Back at Life

For many of us, life comes at us fast.  We have busy schedules with many demands and responsibilities.  All of these things are fine as long as we have balance.  

If you have every watched a wrestling match, you have seen a wrestler bend his knees and get ready to fight back.  This proper stance assures him that he will have a better chance for victory against his opponent.  

The enemy will try to catch us unguarded or unprepared and wrestle the daylights out of us, but we don’t have to live this way.  We are not victims in Christ: we are over comers.  We can make time to spend time in the Word and renew our minds.  We can prepare healthy meals so that our bodies are fighting against disease.  We can schedule times to relax and spend with our families.  These are all examples of pushing back at life.  Each of these things puts us in the defensive position against the enemy’s schemes.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says,

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

In other words, life’s stresses are expected, but do not have to be tolerated.  Our challenge is to push back at life with healthy strategies.

My Prayer:  God, show me when life is pushing me into unhealthy decisions.  Give me courage to change some things so that I can push back victoriously.  Thank you that through Jesus, I am not a victim.  Holy Spirit, remind me when I’m flying too fast and guide me through the process of renewing my mind, body, and spirit.  I pray boldly for those who feel like they are trapped.  Give each of them the courage to gird up in a defensive position to take care of their precious lives according to Your Will.  Be very specific in changes for each burdened person with a clear message that comes from you.  In Jesus Name!

The Key to the Balancing Act of Life

As a teacher (AND mom and wife), this time of year gets hectic and busy.  Often I find myself so tired and having trouble keeping my head above the waters of life.  In addition to all of my every day duties, I am preparing for a mission trip to Lima, Peru in two weeks.  How do we survive when life gets busy?

Nehemiah 8 says,

“The joy of the Lord is our strength.”

We all face times when we are hectic.  I’m ok with that fact as long as I don’t stay there too long.  The challenge we have is reflecting Christ in the midst of this fast season.  According to Scripture, the key is to focus on the joy of the Lord.  It is very tempting to begin complaining and grumbling.  This attitude doesn’t reflect our relationship with Jesus.  

The best way to display the joy of the Lord is to spend time with Him every single day.  Ask God to renew your mind and heart.  Beg Him to adjust your attitude to one that reflects His joy.  I also spend time praying for my sleep to be restful and renewing sleep each night.

Billy Graham said, “Life is short; none of us knows how long we have.  Live each day as if it were your last-for someday it will be.”

My Prayer:  God, show me how to balance all of the responsibilities you have placed in my lfie.  Order my steps each day.  I ask that you renew my mind and heart.  Let your joy be evident to others.  I pray that my rest be peaceful and protected so that I feel renewed each morning.  In Jesus Name!

 

Sitting in God's Waiting Room

For the past two years, I’ve been waiting on God.  I’ve felt His presence, I’ve sensed His leading, I’ve been in the Word and in communion with Him, but I’ve been waiting on a couple of areas of my life to come around to reveal His will and plan.  Sometimes the God’s waiting room is crowded with the companionship of fellow sojourners and sometimes it’s lonely and quiet.  

There have been times in the past two years when I’ve busied myself with good things like studying and praying and other times when I’ve felt sorry for myself and pouted a bit.

Psalm 27:14 says,

“Wait for the Lord;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the Lord.”

In other words, don’t let the waiting drag you into depression, but allow it to strengthen you.

Isaiah 40:31 says, 

“But those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.”

This is God’s plan for the times in our lives spent in His waiting room: serve, hope, and worship.  These key elements build up our strength so that when He reveals His plan we are ready to go.

My Prayer:  God, thank you for reminding me that I need to keep focused on you while I am waiting.  I choose to serve and worship you every day especially while I’m waiting on your plan to be revealed.  Thank you for the strength that will rise as I wait for you. I pray for your Holy Spirit to encourage every person who reads this that is waiting on you.  In Jesus Name!

 

Love in Any Language

As I write this post, my house has seven guests from Peru.  They are our friends- my brother and sisters in Christ- that are part of a church in Lima.  After spending time with them, God continues to remind me of how big His plan is for His children.  Our cultures are very different, but our hearts are exactly the same because we serve and love the same God.

This week as we visited with our friends, we have laughed, eaten, and attempted to understand one another’s language.  My daughter jumped with them on the trampoline.  I took them shopping at Walmart.  One night we spend hours talking about the similarities and differences of our countries and our hearts in serving God wherever we are.

As I take a deep breath and reflect on our visit, I can say this: love is spoken in any language.  Jesus says in John 13:34-35,

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Simple and easy: the answer is always love.  Our challenge is to lay down all of life’s complications and embrace the solution that encompasses the character of Jesus which is love.

My Prayer: God, I pray that the language I speak to others is saturated with love.  Thank you for the experience of not being able to always communicate with words so that my actions and my heart speak more loudly.  Holy Spirit, remind me to default to love in the midst of life’s difficulties.  Jesus, thank you for teaching us about love through your perfect example.  In Jesus name!

 

Living in Freedom

When I began going through some inner healing work as a Christian, I liken the experience to seeing in color after viewing the world in black and white.  I saw myself differently: as a daughter of the King.  I looked at others differently: through the lens of grace.  I viewed my God differently: as a loving Father who intimately cares for His children.  These shifts all fall under the umbrella of freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17 says,

“Now where the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

What an amazing promise!  So often, we observe Christianity as a list of rules when the exact opposite is true.  Recognizing our position in the Kingdom should bring about a feeling of freedom.  Our challenge is to ask God to change our viewpoints to that of His own and to continue to rewire our thoughts and renew our minds to be more like His.

My Prayer:  God, continue to show me ways to break the chains and limitations I put on myself.  Thank you for the Spirit of freedom that comes from knowing you.  I pray for a renewed mind each day.  Holy Spirit, release in my heart a peace that comes from freedom.  In Jesus name!

The Moment of Truth

Eleven years ago, I became involved in a Bible study at my church.  One night after completing my Bible study homework, I bowed my head and said, “Lord, why does it feel like my prayers are not being heard?”  The Lord spoke very clearly to my heart and said, “Because you have never asked me into your life as your Savior.”  

I knew this message was truth and I got on my knees in my kitchen floor cluttered with leftover goldfish and Cheerio crumbs from my (then) toddlers and prayed to receive Jesus into my heart.  From that moment on, my life has been in complete overhaul with God.

I continue to make mistakes, but my heart seeks Jesus every day.  When we correctly view Jesus’s death on the cross, we can never be the same.  God’s Will for Jesus was that He would be crucified, dead for three days and would rise from the tomb, walk among His people, and ascend to heaven.

Billy Graham said, “The ground is level at the foot of the cross.”  This challenge remains for those who haven’t humbled themselves and asked for a Savior.  I pray that as you read this post, you will search your heart to make sure that you know the Almighty Jesus who purchased our lives with the cross and, if you know you do, pray for those people in your life, who haven’t had that moment of truth yet.

My Prayer:  God, thank you for my salvation!  My happiness is renewed every year when I think about Easter and Jesus’s great sacrifice.  I pray that you would reveal yourself mightily to the lost.  Let today reign as a moment of eternal truths for those prayed for today.  We rejoice with the angels!  In Jesus Name!

 

Dancing in the Freedom of Forgiveness

A few years ago, I went through a major overhaul of my thought process.  I used to view myself as saved by grace, but often cloaked myself in unforgiveness- not from God, but from myself.  I offered tons more grace to others than I extended myself.  This is a very unhealthy thought pattern and is a lie.  

When we repent and ask God for forgiveness, that’s it!  The penalty is paid through the cross.  I heard Pastor Charles Stanley teach about forgiveness and he said that God doesn’t command us to forgive ourselves, but we cannot be living in the freedom of grace when we hold our offenses against ourselves.  This thought pattern, therefore; does not permit us to live abundantly in God’s will.

Billy Graham said, “In one bold stroke, forgiveness obliterates the past and permits us to enter the land of new beginnings.”

Changing our thought patterns can be done as nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37).  The key is to saturate yourself with God’s word and truths that apply to your situation.  Read these verses over yourself every morning and night.  Tuck them under your pillow, if you want.  I prefer to write my verses on note cards and carry them with me all day.

The other element to change your thoughts is to ask the Lord to protect your mind and renew your heart each day.  The enemy would like to see you beaten to a pulp as you would pose no threat to his evil work.  Take heart, dear friend, God has already overcome the enemy and wants you to live victoriously.  I John 4:4 says,

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

The battle of changing my thoughts seemed long and hard, but was so worth the reward of living in freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says,

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

My Prayer: Lord, I pray for every person who reads this to seek the forgiveness and freedom that comes from a relationship with you.  Free us from our negative thoughts, Lord and cleanse us from our unrighteousness.  Renew our hearts and mind and hide your Word in our hearts.  Holy Spirit, help us stay on the track for abundant living.  May we be like David and dance in the freedom of forgiveness.  In Jesus name.

The Walls of Sin

As I teach children about the effects of sin, I use the analogy that when we sin it’s like a placing a layer of insulation in our wall between God and ourselves.  As we continue on in sin, layer by layer, we become more distant from hearing God’s voice through this wall.  God is still speaking, but we are unable to hear because our insulation has “sound-proofed” our ears to the Savior.

I Corinthians 10:13 says, 

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

This truth shows us that we are not bound by sin, but are able to overcome it with help from the Lord.  Our lines of communication don’t have to be blocked by sinful choices because we have way out.  Our challenge is recognizing the warning signs and standing firm against them.

Our Prayer:  Thank you, Lord, for providing a rescue when we are tempted to sin.  We choose communion with you.  We repent of the times we failed and desire to walk in freedom from sin.  Holy Spirit, show us when we are being tempted.  Speak to our hearts and let us be broken by our sins only to be restored by our Savior.  In Jesus name!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blessed By the Fire and Reaching for the Prize

Very often my life feels like one trial after another.  As soon as I overcome a difficult hurtle, the next lurks in the horizon.  I think life is just that way. I find myself focused on how hard life can be and lose sight of what God promises us.

James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” 

The word “blessed” means "praiseworthy, happy, wonderful, or divine favor."  In other words we are receiving divine favor from God when we persevere the trials of life.  As Christians, we don’t have to think of life as a series of problems, but opportunities to serve the Lord: leaning on and overcoming difficulties with a Heavenly Father who adores us. The reward is simple but delightful: heaven. 

So why do I feel so pressed down by life when I know that the end promise for me is heaven?  After years of waking up grumbling, complaining, and begging my alarm clock for ten more minutes, I began a new ritual when I awaken.  Before my feet hit the floor, I begin thanking the Lord for everything I can possibly think of, seriously, right down to the carpet under my feet.  I have found that this attitude adjustment is the ticket to turning my grumbling heart into a heart ready to receive the divine favor mentioned above. Dear friends in the faith, we are blessed by God!  Our challenge is to prepare our attitudes each day to persevere to the crown of life.  Our focus should be on the prize, not the fire.

My prayer:  God, I confess that I allow myself to be consumed with the trials instead of the prize.  I choose to focus my heart on persevering with a great attitude knowing my reward is much greater than any difficulty on earth.  Holy Spirit, I ask that you guide my heart and prepare my spirit for what each day holds.  Remind me the importance of having a heart open to being blessed.  Jesus, thank you for being the perfect example of dealing with trials while honoring your Father the entire time.  Let my attitude be modeled after yours.  In Jesus Name!

 

Standing on God's Promises

Philippians 4:4-7 says,

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  An the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

We can very often become consumed with worry throughout our day to day lives.  As a Christian, I find so many wonderful promises from the Lord in these verses.

First of all the Lord promises that He is near.  No matter what circumstances we are dealing with, God is faithful and He is true to His word.  Hebrews 13: 5 says,

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

The second promise is that when we seek the Lord with prayer and petition, we will have peace that transcends all understanding.  

The following is a footnote from my Bible about this peace.  "God's peace is different from the world's peace.  True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings.  It comes from knowing that God is in control.  Our citizenship in Christ's kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin.  Let God's peace guard your heart against anxiety."

As we are moving closer to Easter, let's focus on God's promises that are secured to us because of Jesus.

My prayer:  Lord, I lay my anxiety at the foot of the cross.  Thank you that you will never leave or forsake me.  I also thank you for the peace that comes following my prayers and petitions.  Holy Spirit, remind me when my heart goes astray.  Jesus, thank you for being the ultimate sacrifice.  In Jesus name!

 

Peace, be still!

I’m at a place in my life where I am so busy.  I work full time teaching kindergarteners.  My children are both involved in sports.  I also make time to go to the chiropractor three times a week, take a Bible study, go to Sunday School and church, take aerobics, and write blog articles. I haven’t even mentioned the mountains of laundry or housework that has to be done.  Whew! I’m tired just talking about it!

I know that if many of our readers documented their days, they probably would have more activities than I do.  How do we abide in God’s peace in the midst of life’s demands?

Mark 4:35-39 says,

“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.’ Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm”.

We are often like the disciples who say, “God, do you see that I’m drowning in life’s demands?”  His response?  “Yes, child, I was waiting on you to ask.”  The same Jesus that commanded the storm be calmed is willing and able to breathe peace over our lives when we ask him. Our challenge is to carve out time in our lives to meet with our living God, our Heavenly Father, the giver of all good things and Peace Everlasting.

My prayer:  God thank you for reminding us of the peace you offer.  I ask you to breath that calmness over my life.  You know my responsibilities, help me to prioritize those with you being at the top of the list.  Holy Spirit, make me aware of the need to allow the peace of God to permeate my life on a daily basis.  In Jesus Name!

 

Adjusting My Focus

Many times the struggles I have deal with fear and worry.  This week my chiropractor sent out a message with this poem in it:

“There are two days in every week

About which we should not worry,
Two days which should be kept free
From fear and apprehension

One of these days is "Yesterday"
With its mistakes and cares,
Its faults and blunders,
Its aches and pains.

Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control.
All the money in the world could not bring back Yesterday.
We cannot undo a single act we performed;
We cannot erase a single word we said.
Yesterday is gone.

The other word we should not worry about is Tomorrow

With its possible adversities, its burdens,
its large promise and poor performance.
Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control.
Tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendor or
Behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise.
Until it does we have no stake in Tomorrow,
For it is unborn.

This leaves only one day, "Today",
And anyone can fight the battles of just one day.
It is only when you and I add the burdens or those
awful eternities, Yesterday, and Tomorrow, that we break down.
It is not the experience of today that drives people mad,
It is the remorse and bitterness for something
which happened Yesterday and the dread of what
Tomorrow may bring.
Let us, therefore, live but one day at a time.”

-Author unknown-

As I read it, I began to see the Biblical point from Matthew more clearly.  Matthew 6:34 says,

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 If we mourn our past mistakes and failures and refuse to release ourselves, we cannot be living abundantly in the Lord.  There’s no way that having a poor attitude towards ourselves honors our Heavenly Father.  If we swing the pendulum the other way, stressing over the future robs us of “our today” and steals our joy.  Likewise, this focus cannot bring glory to God.  Quite possibly, both scenarios can make us physically and emotionally sick.

Our challenge is simply our focus.  Spending a few minutes thanking God for His blessings each morning is a wonderful attitude adjuster.  In addition to that, putting one foot in front of the other and living for God with the idea that it’s just for that one day will center our thoughts to a Kingdom lens.

My Prayer:  God, help me let go of the mistakes of the past and anxieties of the future.  I know that you have commanded me to worry only about today.  I repent of the many times I have failed to obey.  Thank you that my past and future are all covered with the blood of Jesus.  Holy Spirit, remind me when my thoughts stray to that of guilt or anxiety.  I choose, Lord, to live abundantly each day.  In Jesus name!

 

Growing Deeper

When I first became a Christian I wanted to understand more about God’s Word.  I often felt confused and embarrassed because it seemed that other people comprehended so much more than I did about Biblical issues.  Right out of the salvation gate, I felt beaten down and inadequate.  

As the years have passed, I still do not have all of the answers, but there are certain resources that I use to help me when I’m stuck.  The first and most important resource I use is God’s Word itself.  I know this sounds like a strange starting point, but the Bible will never contradict itself.  It is perfectly complete and can be applied to every situation you will ever face.  The Holy Spirit, our helper, is there to help us understand the Bible when we are stuck.

The next resource I often use is the wisdom from other believers.  Like Jesus, I rely on three very close friends who are entrenched in God’s Word.  They not only study, but are strong prayer warriors.  All three of these women have testimonies of the Lord’s works in their lives.  

The last resource is wisdom from trusted authors.  Some of my favorite authors are people that I have taken Bible studies that they’ve written, know personally, or attended conferences where I felt the Holy Spirit relating my spirit to their spoken words.  This list is just my preferences, but a good place to start if you are feeling confused in going deeper with the Lord.

Books and Bible studies that I love include:

Praying God’s Word, Breaking Free, Get Out of That Pit, When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, and Believing God                                                                                         Author: Beth Moore (Living Proof Ministries)

His Imprint, My Expression, Israel My Beloved, and Lord, I Want to Know You                                                                                                  Author: Kay Arthur (Precept Ministries)

Big Girls Don’t Whine and Look At It This Way            Author: Jan Silivious

Experiencing the Love Jesus Knew            Author: Vikki Waters (Growing in Grace Ministries, Chattanooga, TN)

Power of the Praying Woman (Wife, and Mother too), The Prayer that Changes Everything, Praying God’s Will for your Life, and Just Enough Light For the Step I’m On                        Author: Stormie OMartian

I believe that when we are earnestly seeking the Lord, we are where we are supposed to be which is in fellowship with Him.  This doesn’t minimize our consequences or difficulties, but allows God to offer peace along the journey.  In other words, although you may feel inadequate or stuck, you aren’t when you are seeking God.

My Prayer:  God, thank you for your precious fellowship.  We praise you for giving us your perfect Word and other resources to help encourage and enlighten us in our journeys.  I rebuke the lie of inadequacy for believers because we know that we are where we are supposed to be when you have called us according to your purpose.  Holy Spirit, lead and direct us to deeper understanding and fellowship withe the King.  In Jesus name!

 

 

 

 

A Perfect Beginning

In Genesis Chapter 1, we are introduced to Adam and Eve: the very first human beings created.  I love how Genesis explains Eve,

“But for Adam no suitable helper was found.  So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh.  Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man and he brought her to the man.

The man said, 

‘This is now bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh;

she shall be called ‘woman,’

for she was taken out of man.”

We all know how the Garden of Eden thing ended, but what a perfect beginning!  A woman who was created by our God with this particular man’s taste and preferences in mind!

The same God that created a woman for Adam: He’s still our God!  He sees our hearts and hears our cries.  Just like Adam and Eve, God has great plans for our lives. 

Jeremiah 29:13 says,

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Our Prayer:  Thank you, Father, that you are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  I trust that your plans for me are good: just like when you created Adam and Eve.  Like Adam and Eve, our love stories are not perfect.  Thank you for your eternal forgiveness and mercy.  In Jesus name!

 

Love in action

I John 3:18 says,

"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

During this time in February, we are often bombarded with chocolate hearts, stuffed animals, jewelry and Valentine's Day cards.  Although romantic love is enticing, the question remains, how do we love each other the rest of the year?

You've probably heard the saying, "Love is a verb." I believe that's exactly what the apostle John meant when he said, "Let us love with actions and in truth."

It seems like it's easy to love others when life is great and not stressed, but how do we react when unplanned complications occur?  The times when circumstances are difficult are direct reflections of the Christ filled love in our hearts.

Our challenge today is to reflect on all of the relationships in our lives and examine our love and communication in each one carefully lining up with the Holy Spirit.  Let's choose to be known by the way we love others.

My Prayer: God, thank you for reminding me of the importance of loving others well.  Pour your spirit out through me and into the lives of those I love and have been called to minister to.  I confess that I fall short so often.  Holy Spirit, show me how to react with love.  Jesus, thank you for being the best model of human love in your sacrifice on the cross.  In Jesus name!

 

Pursuing the Proverbs: Day 30

Proverbs 30:5 says,

"Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him."

As we find ourselves at the close of our Proverbs study, I pray that you have seen how we have read, studied, and pondered over each chapter finding verses that were meaningful to us.  After much prayer and cooperation with the Holy Spirit, we brought forth messages to encourage ourselves and our readers to be in the Word.

God's Word is perfect for every occasion and each season.  It never goes out of style and has been tested to be absolute, unchanged TRUTH.

Dear friends, God is your shield: trust Him and take refuge in Him.  He is all that you will ever need.

Today's reflection and prayer:  God, You are our shield.  We believe every bit of your Word is absolutely true and full of hope.  Please continue to speak to us through your word and the Holy Spirit throughout the rest of the year.  Every day we will choose to place our trust in you, Heavenly Father.  We take refuge in You from the situations in our lives that trouble us.  We also choose to praise You and rejoice in you for the circumstances when we feel victorious and happy.  In Jesus name!

 

Pursuing the Proverbs: Day 26

I love to laugh and I love a good joke.  However I think we need to look carefully at our humor in light of Scripture.  

Proverbs 26:18-19 says,

"Like a madman shooting
firebrands or deadly arrows
is a man who deceives his neighbor 
and says, 'I was only joking!'"

Today's Reflection: Too often humor is used as speaking the intended truth and stamping "A JOKE!" when someone becomes sensitive or hurt by the comment.  What difference would it make if we were honest and spoke the truth in love instead of using sarcasm?

Today's Prayer:  God, make the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight.  Holy Spirit, guard my words especially in my jokes.  Give me the courage to have real conversations to address problems. In Jesus name!

For more wisdom, read Proverbs chapter 26.

Pursuing the Proverbs: Day 23

Proverbs 23:13-14 says,

"Do not withhold discipline from a child;

if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

Punish him with the erode

and save his soul from death."

Now that my children are older, I appreciate the fact that my husband and I were consistent in discipline when they were young.  People often notice that my kids are respectful to those in authority over them.  Setting proper boundaries for children is crucial since it establishes expected behaviors for authority figures for their entire lives.

Since we are God's children, Scripture clearly teaches us that God, our Father, also disciplines us in Hebrews 12:5-6,

"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

because the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

Today's reflection:  Our challenge is to accept times when consequences or the discipline occurs and instead of being angry or becoming bitter, acknowledge that experience one of a child who is loved by God.

Today's Prayer:  Lord, help me to see when you are making a course correction in my heart and life.  Guard my heart from becoming bitter and help me to grow in your love and wisdom.  In Jesus name!

For more wisdom, read Proverbs chapter 23.

Pursuing the Proverbs: Day 19

It seems like in today’s society, people are always offended. As the church, we should take a close look at times when we are tempted to be offended and respond with a Christlike attitude.

Proverbs 19:11 says,

“A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger,
And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.”

People are going to hurt us with words and actions-that’s life. When we examine Scripture, we see that God wants us to overlook transgressions, set up proper boundaries, releasing the other person to the Lord, and move on. Remaining in a state of being offended can fertilize the roots of bitterness and unforgiveness.

Today’s reflection:  What would the church look like if we followed this principle?  What impact would we make on the world if we loved the way Jesus loves us?

Today’s prayer:  Lord, help me to walk away from the attitude of being offended! Remind me of the Truth that says it is to MY GLORY to overlook a transgression.  Holy Spirit, remind me and correct me because it is my desire to live a life that reflects the Your love. In Jesus name!

For more wisdom, read Proverbs chapter 19.

 

Pursuing the Proverbs: Day 16

This verse doesn’t mean that whatever whim we conjure up will be successful when we stamp God’s name on it.  Instead God provides success for those who seek Him daily and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. I believe God loves it when we earnestly seek Him for all the details of our lives.  Our success may be on earth, but it may also be in heaven when we are recognized for having a heart for Him.

Today’s reflection: Today take a moment and ask God about your plans.  Are you following HIs will?  Do you need to make any course corrections?  Do you need to wait until you know what to do next?

Today’s prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding us to be people who seek after their Father’s business!  I choose to commit my plans for today to you.  Holy Spirit, guide me and help me make a kingdom difference because that’s where I want my success to be.  In Jesus name!

For more wisdom, read Proverbs chapter 16.

Pursuing the Proverbs: Day 12

All it takes is fifteen minutes of local news reports to see that we are living in a time where people do whatever feels right to them at the time. This is very dangerous thinking that often leads to broken relationships and destroyed lives.

Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”

Today’s reflection: It’s easy to react to situations that the world throws at us, but a wise man seeks the Lord and the advice of carefully chosen people in an effort to respond to life.  Correct responses have the power to heal and bring life to difficult circumstances.  Poor reactions are satan's tools to steal, kill, and destroy.

Today’s prayer: Lord, help me become a person who seeks Godly advice before I respond. Holy Spirit, guide my reactions and mold them to be like my Heavenly Father. In Jesus name!

For more wisdom, read Proverbs chapter 12.

Pursuing the Proverbs: Day 9

Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

When we think of the word “fear” perhaps we think of a person being trembling and scared.  Although God is one to be feared in certain circumstances, in this verse the word “fear” means “to respect or honor.”  When we respect the Lord for who He is, we are at the starting point of wisdom.

The definition for wisdom is “the ability to make good use of knowledge; ability to recognize right from wrong; good judgement.”  

Today’s reflection:  Prophetically, we are moving rapidly toward a time when people do what is right in their own eyes without regard to God.  As Christians, our challenge is to ask God to see Him in the right, healthy respect He deserves.  With that vision, comes the first step toward wisdom.

Today’s prayer:  God, help us to honor you for who you are.  Change our hearts to be that of respectful children.  Show us the correct paths as we seek you first each day.  Thank you for offering wisdom when we view you with honor.  In Jesus name! 

For more wisdom, read Proverbs chapter 9.

 

Pursuing the Proverbs: Day 5

 

I have the cutest, but not most innocent puppy named Eleanor.  She sneaks around sometimes and tries to pretend she isn’t getting into mischief when I know what she’s into.  Every time she is doing something she knows she shouldn’t be, Eleanor looks at me with a certain look and I know that she’s into trouble.

Isn’t that how we are with God sometimes?  We, like Adam and Eve, try to hide our sins when God knows everything about us all the time.  

Today’s reflection:  what if we lived our lives realizing and acting like children who know that our actions are in full view of a Holy God?  Would we hang around different people?  Would we watch different television programs or movies?  Would we talk about different topics?  Would we drive our cars with a different attitude?  The fact is that God sees it all, our sins, shortcomings, and failures and loves us anyway.  We are His beloved children.  Take a moment today and ask God to help you see yourself the way He sees you.

Today’s prayer:  God, remind me that you are in all things: every area and detail of my life.  Show me the way you see me and give me the confidence of living in Your grace each day.  Thank you for seeing all parts of me and loving me anyway.  In Jesus name!

 

"Out with the old and in with the new"

As we begin thinking about our New Year’s resolutions, we often hear the phrase, “Out with the old, and in with the new.”  The beginning of a new year seems like a great time to form new habits like being healthier either physically or spiritually.  

The good news is that, as Christians, we can have a fresh start every single day with a simple prayer of confession and repentance.  

Lamentations 3:22-23 says,

“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.”

Our challenge is to believe that God is in a good mood each day and loves us more than we can imagine.  We are covered under the blood of Christ.  He is our Daddy, shield, and defender.  

My Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your unending mercies.  We praise you that we don’t need a new year to start fresh with you.  Thank you for being in a good mood with us.  Holy Spirit, remind us to walk as confident, forgiven children of the God Most High.  In Jesus Name!

 

 

The Bent Branches of a Family Tree

Today as I was studying the lineage of Jesus, I believe that the Lord wanted me to share a message of encouragement to those wrestling with past failures and regrets.  As we look at the lineage of Christ in Matthew 1:1-18, we can examine several distinct women who may have struggled with God’s plan, judgement from others, self worth, fear, and past mistakes.

Tamar (Genesis 38:1-30, Matthew 1:3), tried to control and manipulate the Lord’s plan for her life by tricking her father in law to sleep with her so that she would have a child with the family’s birthright.  

Rahab (Joshua 6:17-25, Matthew 1:5), was known as a prostitute (Joshua 6:17) and hid Joshua’s spies.  The Lord ordered that her life and her family’s lives be spared because of her bravery in secretly harboring the men.

Ruth (Ruth 4:13-22, Matthew 1:5), a young widow honored her deceased husband by following her mother in law and gleaning food from Boaz until the Lord offered the opportunity for her to be remarried. 

Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11 and 12, Matthew 1:7), a beautiful married woman and wife of Uriah, committed adultery with King David and became pregnant.  David sent Uriah out to the front lines of a battle where he perished.  They, then became married, and had King Solomon after the first child died.

Mary (Matthew 1:16, Luke Chapter 1 and 2:1-39), the precious, selfless mother of Jesus who committed herself to the Lord’s plan.  As a young engaged woman (probably 13 or 14) followed the directions of God even knowing that she could be disowned by her family, stoned to death, and denied marriage by her fiance, Joseph.

Each of these women of Jesus’s family tree probably represents a quality in us: brokenness, poor past choices, judged by others, trying to find self worth, fear, control issues, etc.  Just like these women, we are not condemned by our circumstances or decisions.  We, dear friends, are covered by the grace from being in the lineage of Christ under the new covenant.  

Our challenge today is to walk with the confidence and dignity that comes from being a daughter of the Most High King.

My Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the birth of your precious son, Jesus.  We praise you that through this child, our Savior came to live a sinless life.  God, thank you for showing us that even Jesus’s family tree has bent branches of people who, like us, just need a Savior.  Holy Spirit, remind us to take our positions in the kingdom as redeemed daughters.  Lift our heads high today as our hearts are reunited with your grace and mercy.  Jesus, thank you for the sacrifice of dying on the cross so that our all of our sins are covered.  In Jesus Name!

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; 

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

~Psalm 34:8

 

 

 

Where's Your Heart at Christmas?

It seems like this Christmas season I have seen numerous distractions from the real meaning of Christmas.  This week in the news there have been reports of Skyping with Santa, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, cards with “Warmest Winter Wishes,” and, my personal favorite, a Miami woman arrested for stealing her neighbor’s inflatable Christmas decorations. (Where was she going to put it?)

As we move toward Jesus’s birthday, our challenge is to break away from all of the nonsense and dive into the river of peace that comes with the season of Christmas.  A few ways to accomplish this include: making bead candy canes with a Bible verse on them to hand to neighbors or cashiers at stores where you shop, research the Advent and discuss it at dinner with your family, make a birthday cake for Jesus, watch the movie, “The Nativity,” and ask a waiter or waitress how you can pray for them and then leave them a substantial tip.

As Christians, let’s decide to exude the peace that derives from a relationship with Christ during this time of busyness and exhaustion.

My prayer:  Lord, thank you for the peace that comes from knowing you!  We continue to remember the miracle of Jesus during this holiday season.  Enlighten us to traditions that will make Jesus’s birthday memorable to our families.  Holy Spirit, we are grateful that you remain as our Comforter and Helper.  We confess the times that we get wrapped up in the hype and choose to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.  In Jesus name!

"For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
   there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
   and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
   with justice and righteousness
   from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
   will accomplish this."

                                        ~Isaiah 9:6-7

The Comforter

This week, my small town was shaken by the abduction of a seven year old little girl that was later found brutally beaten to death after being sexually assaulted.  Our community cries out in anguish as we weep along with the family.  Yesterday after the police arrested a twenty year old man for this horrific crime, our hearts still break for the innocent loss of this precious girl.

I do not personally know this family, but this crime hits too close to home.  As I hug my children a little tighter, I pray fervently for God, our Comforter, to pour out His abundant grace and mercy on this grieving family.

As we wander through our lives, incidents like this remind us just how quickly a life altering tragedy can occur.  We know in our minds that God is in control, but do our hearts fully acknowledge that He is still on the throne even in the midst of heartbreaking loss?  Our challenge is to abide in the Lord knowing that His plans for us are good even in the deepest trials and tribulations.  

As you read this today, please take a moment to pray for the Rivera family as they lay their child to rest and begin the process of the seeking justice.

My prayer:  God, we ask that you pour out exceeding grace on the Rivera family during this season.  Reveal yourself to them mightily.  We know, Father, that you see all things and are in control of every situation, but our heart breaks for such an untimely, senseless death.  Remind us to lift this family up in prayer as the Holy Spirit reminds us.  In Jesus name!

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."                                                                         ~Romans 8:28

The Lord's Business

My husband had the opportunity to have a very godly grandmother named Ruby.  She was an absolute treat and spoiled him rotten when he would stay at her house every weekend eating pizza, ice cream, and coke floats  and working puzzles.  Grandmother attended church every Sunday, without fail.  Her faith in God still remains a legacy.

When I was pregnant with our oldest son, Grandmother would call and check on me and when she was finished talking on the phone, she would just hang up.  She always said that she didn’t believe in saying good-bye.  The Lord called Grandmother home when I was about to give birth to my oldest child through a massive heart attack.

Over Thanksgiving, we visited Eric’s aunt and uncle who live in Grandmother’s former house.  As we drove down the street, we noticed that about a quarter of a mile from her house, the landscape was demolished in the recent North Georgia outbreak of tornadoes.  When I mentioned the destruction to Eric’s aunt, she replied, “Like Grandmother used to say, ‘The storm is the Lord’s business.’ We weren’t worried at all.”

I began to ponder this idea of the Lord’s business, God began to prick my heart about all of the things that I worry about that I can’t control or fix.  2 Peter 1:2-4 says,

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

You see, as children of God, we are given the grace and peace to live godly lives because we have a relationship with our Father.  Every detail of our lives is “The Lord’s business.”

Our challenge is to keep our focus on the Lord instead of the troubles and storms of life.  Paul said it wonderfully in 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 when he asked God for a thorn or painful ailment to be removed from his life, 

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

God’s strength is magnified in us when we are stripped down, out of ideas, fatigued, and totally dependent on Him.  His promise is that His grace is enough and that our storms of life are “The Lord’s business.”

My prayer:   Lord, I confess my sin of worrying over things that I cannot control nor change.  I thank you for the godly legacy and wisdom left by Grandmother Ruby and we know that you are fellowshipping with her in heaven right now.  Holy Spirit, remind me when I am trespassing on the Lord’s business with my ideas of solving God-size storms.  Thank you Jesus for being the perfect example of a man who relied on the Heavenly Father for every situation.  In Jesus name!

 

The Grateful Heart of a Believer

“Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom. 

He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.”

                                                        ~Isaiah 40: 28-31:

This week as I ponder the things in my life that I am truly thankful for I pause and admire the omnipotence of God.  It truly amazes me that our God spoke this world into existence by just simple words.

Our beloved earth sits pleasantly at a specific distance from the sun so that we are neither too hot or cold.  The planet rotates at a certain axis providing our days, nights, and seasons.  We live on a miraculous creation every moment by a God who loves us enough to create us and place us where we are on the earth.  

 “But God made the earth by his power;
He founded the world by His wisdom
and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.
When He thunders, the waters in the heavens roar;
He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.
He sends lightning with the rain 
and brings out the wind from His storehouses.”

                                                            ~Jeremiah 10:12-13

These verses reveal to us that God not only created the earth and everything in it, but He still sustains and reigns over His creations. 

As believers, when we recognize the power that God has displayed, we are more grateful for the ability to have a personal relationship with the Father through Jesus.

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.  After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

                                                            ~Hebrews 1:3

God doesn’t sit passively in heaven, He gave us road maps- the Holy Spirit and His holy word to guide us through life.  God gifted us a way to bridge the gap of sins and selfishness through Jesus.

So often, we struggle like toddlers wrestling free from watchful parents to do life our own way.  When all it takes is one health scare, one job loss, one soured relationship, one thing, to bring us running to the foot of the cross in prayer and petition.

Billy Graham said, “When thanksgiving is filled with true meaning and is not just the formality of a polite ‘thank you,’ it is the recognition of dependence.”

This year as we are naming the things we are most thankful for and treasure the most, let’s lift up a prayer to God revealing the heart of a grateful believer to an omnipotent Father and Creator.

My prayer:  God, I confess to you the sin of trying to live my life the way I see fit.  Thank you for creating this earth and every detail of it.  Thank you for taking such care in sustaining it.  I need you, Father, every minute of every day.  I want my life to be an example of a woman living completely dependent on you, the sustainer of my life.  Thank you Lord for sending us guides in the Holy Spirit and your word.  Thank you, Father, for Jesus who bridges the gap between our sinful nature and eternal life.  Thank you for hearing our prayers.  Let them be a sweet song to your ears.  In Jesus name.