There really are so many times that I get really bogged down with the details and drudgery of things that I forget to step back and have the Lord help me see the big picture. It's easier for me to keep pressing on working my butt off to make things good and right.
But this devotion is a great reminder that although we are to press on, we need to step back first and allow the Lord to a) work in us; b) work through us; c) be our strength; d) be our vision; and e) be our hope.
Today I pray we will all step back and see how we are (and if we are) allowing the Lord to do and be the above---and allow Him to show us the bigger picture. Amen!-----LL
Marketplace Meditations 9/30
September 30
Seeing the Big Picture
Genesis 42:36 ..."Everything is against me!"
Jacob had come to the end of his rope. He had lost Joseph. Simeon was in jail in Egypt. Now, in order to free Simeon, Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son, would have to go to Egypt. It was more than Jacob could handle. Jacob could not see the years of preparation for what would be the most exciting time of his life and the life of a nation. The darkest hour is the hour just before daybreak. Jacob was in his darkest hour just before God's daybreak in his life. God's big picture is often too big for us to comprehend. The heartaches don't seem to add up, but Jacob was about to understand the big picture.
Eventually, Benjamin along with Jacob's other sons learned that their brother Joseph was second in command in Egypt. Joseph revealed his identity, and Jacob was reunited with his son whom he had not seen for more than 13 years. He had thought Joseph to be dead.
So often we believe our dreams are dead. There seems to be nothing left in our world to live for. Everything appears to be against us. During these times, God is doing His deepest behind-the-scenes work. During these times, God is performing a deeper work in each of us-a work that cannot be seen.
When clients began leaving my ad agency and it dried up for no apparent reason, it appeared "everything was against me." I could not see that God was orchestrating a whole new calling on my life. At the moment, it seemed like the worst thing in the world. It seemed that I had been a failure. But God said, "No." All the years before had been preparation for what God's ultimate calling would be. One of God's methods for directing His children's steps is through drying up resources: a job loss, a career change, or a disaster. In these times we are willing to listen more intently, and to seek God in ways we would not normally do. C.S. Lewis once wrote, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." [C.S.Lewis, The Problem of Pain (New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1962), 93.]
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Burdens
Streams in the Desert - Sept. 29
Devil's Burden
"There remaineth, therefore, a rest to the people of God" (Heb. 4:9).
The rest includes victory, "And the Lord gave them rest round about; ...the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand" (Joshua 21:44).
"He will beautify the meek with victory" (Ps. 149:4). (Rotherham, margin)
An eminent Christian worker tells of his mother who was a very anxious and troubled Christian. He would talk with her by the hour trying to convince her of the sinfulness of fretting, but to no avail. She was like the old lady who once said she had suffered so much, especially from the troubles that never came.
But one morning the mother came down to breakfast wreathed in smiles. He asked her what had happened, and she told him that in the night she had a dream.
She was walking along a highway with a great crowd of people who seemed so tired and burdened. They were nearly all carrying little black bundles, and she noticed that there were numerous repulsive looking beings which she thought were demons dropping these black bundles for the people to pick up and carry. Like the rest, she too had her needless load, and was weighed down with the devil's bundles. Looking up, after a while, she saw a Man with a bright and loving face, passing hither and thither through the crowd, and comforting the people.
At last He came near her, and she saw that it was her Saviour. She looked up and told Him how tired she was, and He smiled sadly and said: "My dear child, I did not give you these loads; you have no need of them. They are the devil's burdens and they are wearing out your life. Just drop them; refuse to touch them with one of your fingers and you will find the path easy and you will be as if borne on eagle's wings."
He touched her hand, and lo, peace and joy thrilled her frame and, flinging down her burden, she was about to throw herself at His feet in joyful thanksgiving, when suddenly she awoke and found that all her cares were gone. From that day to the close of her life she was the most cheerful and happy member of the household. And the night shall be filled with music, And the cares that infest the day, Shall fold their tents like the Arabs, And as silently steal away. --Longfellow
Devil's Burden
"There remaineth, therefore, a rest to the people of God" (Heb. 4:9).
The rest includes victory, "And the Lord gave them rest round about; ...the Lord delivered all their enemies into their hand" (Joshua 21:44).
"He will beautify the meek with victory" (Ps. 149:4). (Rotherham, margin)
An eminent Christian worker tells of his mother who was a very anxious and troubled Christian. He would talk with her by the hour trying to convince her of the sinfulness of fretting, but to no avail. She was like the old lady who once said she had suffered so much, especially from the troubles that never came.
But one morning the mother came down to breakfast wreathed in smiles. He asked her what had happened, and she told him that in the night she had a dream.
She was walking along a highway with a great crowd of people who seemed so tired and burdened. They were nearly all carrying little black bundles, and she noticed that there were numerous repulsive looking beings which she thought were demons dropping these black bundles for the people to pick up and carry. Like the rest, she too had her needless load, and was weighed down with the devil's bundles. Looking up, after a while, she saw a Man with a bright and loving face, passing hither and thither through the crowd, and comforting the people.
At last He came near her, and she saw that it was her Saviour. She looked up and told Him how tired she was, and He smiled sadly and said: "My dear child, I did not give you these loads; you have no need of them. They are the devil's burdens and they are wearing out your life. Just drop them; refuse to touch them with one of your fingers and you will find the path easy and you will be as if borne on eagle's wings."
He touched her hand, and lo, peace and joy thrilled her frame and, flinging down her burden, she was about to throw herself at His feet in joyful thanksgiving, when suddenly she awoke and found that all her cares were gone. From that day to the close of her life she was the most cheerful and happy member of the household. And the night shall be filled with music, And the cares that infest the day, Shall fold their tents like the Arabs, And as silently steal away. --Longfellow
Friday, September 28, 2007
Intimacy with God
TGIF!----and have an awesome weekend!--LL
Marketplace Meditations 9/28
September 28
A Gift Basket From Heaven
Hosea 2:19-20 I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.
My wife came to know Jesus in the workplace when her boss led her in the sinner's prayer to receive Christ. She was 29 and had no idea who God was. She was a professional single woman who had always had a boyfriend. When Christ came into her life, He gradually began to change her life in very significant ways-especially in the area of relationships. As she began her first Bible study, she read in Matthew 7 that if she asked, she would receive (see Mt. 7:7). She prayed for a husband and the Lord spoke to her through His Word. The next verse in her study was "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10a).
Over time, the Lord began to show her that He wanted to become her Husband. After two and one-half years without a boyfriend, she asked the Lord to show her how to fall in love with Him. Days later, she received a phone call from someone asking her if she could go on a three-day retreat. She instantly knew God was answering her prayer. He showed her that she could have the same kind of intimacy with Him that she could have with a human husband. She thought this to be strange for the obvious reasons most would think it strange. However, God began to demonstrate to her a level of intimacy that she never thought possible.
It was Valentine's Day, and she would normally leave such occasions to the married couples to celebrate. However, on this occasion, her church was having a Valentine's Day dinner. She felt impressed to go as a single. Actually, she knew the Lord was her escort. Because she had made a decision not to date in order to develop her intimacy with the Lord, she no longer received perfume as gifts. Lord, I know You would not take me to a Valentine's Day banquet without giving me a gift, she thought to herself. That evening, there was a drawing, and Angie won a beautiful gift basket full of fragrances.
On another occasion, she went to a company banquet alone. She was considered by this time rather weird for her commitment not to date. She often joked, "If it weren't for back rubs, I would never have need of a man." (You have to know Angie to appreciate that statement.) That evening, she won a gift certificate for a massage. Her friends looked at her and said, "How do you do that?"
Intimacy with God is not a fairy tale God teases us with in the Bible. He really desires to have intimacy with you and me. Ask God to reveal Himself to you in personal and intimate ways. He desires to do this.
Marketplace Meditations 9/28
September 28
A Gift Basket From Heaven
Hosea 2:19-20 I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.
My wife came to know Jesus in the workplace when her boss led her in the sinner's prayer to receive Christ. She was 29 and had no idea who God was. She was a professional single woman who had always had a boyfriend. When Christ came into her life, He gradually began to change her life in very significant ways-especially in the area of relationships. As she began her first Bible study, she read in Matthew 7 that if she asked, she would receive (see Mt. 7:7). She prayed for a husband and the Lord spoke to her through His Word. The next verse in her study was "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10a).
Over time, the Lord began to show her that He wanted to become her Husband. After two and one-half years without a boyfriend, she asked the Lord to show her how to fall in love with Him. Days later, she received a phone call from someone asking her if she could go on a three-day retreat. She instantly knew God was answering her prayer. He showed her that she could have the same kind of intimacy with Him that she could have with a human husband. She thought this to be strange for the obvious reasons most would think it strange. However, God began to demonstrate to her a level of intimacy that she never thought possible.
It was Valentine's Day, and she would normally leave such occasions to the married couples to celebrate. However, on this occasion, her church was having a Valentine's Day dinner. She felt impressed to go as a single. Actually, she knew the Lord was her escort. Because she had made a decision not to date in order to develop her intimacy with the Lord, she no longer received perfume as gifts. Lord, I know You would not take me to a Valentine's Day banquet without giving me a gift, she thought to herself. That evening, there was a drawing, and Angie won a beautiful gift basket full of fragrances.
On another occasion, she went to a company banquet alone. She was considered by this time rather weird for her commitment not to date. She often joked, "If it weren't for back rubs, I would never have need of a man." (You have to know Angie to appreciate that statement.) That evening, she won a gift certificate for a massage. Her friends looked at her and said, "How do you do that?"
Intimacy with God is not a fairy tale God teases us with in the Bible. He really desires to have intimacy with you and me. Ask God to reveal Himself to you in personal and intimate ways. He desires to do this.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Delegating
Wow---I was thinking about all the Homecoming stuff I'm trying to coordinate and feeling like I will end up doing it all when I read this. What perfect timing and truth---about sharing the load to benefit ALL! I can also learn from this in other areas of my life--youth group, work, home, etc. Thank you Lord for this devotional!---LL
Living Free - Sept. 27, 2007
Today's Scripture
Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Exodus 18:17-18 NIV
Thoughts for Today
When Moses was leading God's people from Egypt to their homeland, he was overwhelmed with his responsibilities in caring for the needs of his people. In Exodus 18 Moses receives life-changing advice from his father-in-law. In essence, Jethro told Moses that this was a bad thing for Moses and for the people he was trying to help. It was wearing them all out!
Jethro presented a plan for delegation that Moses began to follow, and everyone was better off.
Consider this…Caregiving can be an overwhelming responsibility, but we might be hesitant to ask for help for any number of reasons. "If I don't do it, it won't be done right." "I don't need help." "My sister already has so much to do—I just hate to ask." "My brother lives so far away."
We can always come up with reasons why we shouldn't ask anyone else to help. But the fact is, our parents and we will all be better off if we share the load with others. We might even be depriving others of a blessing if we refuse their help!
Consider meeting with other family members and friends. Work out a plan in which each of you can do what you do best, or what circumstances will allow.
Moses learned that sharing the load was better—you will too.
Prayer
Father, I know that sometimes I'm too much of a "do it myself" person. I guess it may be a mixture of pride, a desire for control, and sometimes just not wanting to bother other people. Help me to recognize when the job is too much for me to do alone and to be willing to share the load. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from… Caregiving: Caring for Aging Parents by Charles Puchta. The purpose of this group curriculum is to provide hope and direction to those concerned about the health and well-being of aging parents or an ill spouse or relative. It addresses predominate issues most families face. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
Living Free - Sept. 27, 2007
Today's Scripture
Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Exodus 18:17-18 NIV
Thoughts for Today
When Moses was leading God's people from Egypt to their homeland, he was overwhelmed with his responsibilities in caring for the needs of his people. In Exodus 18 Moses receives life-changing advice from his father-in-law. In essence, Jethro told Moses that this was a bad thing for Moses and for the people he was trying to help. It was wearing them all out!
Jethro presented a plan for delegation that Moses began to follow, and everyone was better off.
Consider this…Caregiving can be an overwhelming responsibility, but we might be hesitant to ask for help for any number of reasons. "If I don't do it, it won't be done right." "I don't need help." "My sister already has so much to do—I just hate to ask." "My brother lives so far away."
We can always come up with reasons why we shouldn't ask anyone else to help. But the fact is, our parents and we will all be better off if we share the load with others. We might even be depriving others of a blessing if we refuse their help!
Consider meeting with other family members and friends. Work out a plan in which each of you can do what you do best, or what circumstances will allow.
Moses learned that sharing the load was better—you will too.
Prayer
Father, I know that sometimes I'm too much of a "do it myself" person. I guess it may be a mixture of pride, a desire for control, and sometimes just not wanting to bother other people. Help me to recognize when the job is too much for me to do alone and to be willing to share the load. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from… Caregiving: Caring for Aging Parents by Charles Puchta. The purpose of this group curriculum is to provide hope and direction to those concerned about the health and well-being of aging parents or an ill spouse or relative. It addresses predominate issues most families face. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Words for your man
This seems to be in line with my recent devotions regarding being a good helper and using my words to encourage and build up. Happy Hump Day!--LL
Girlfriends in God - Sept. 26, 2007
September 26, 2007
Words can Captivate Your Man
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10
Friend to Friend
Today, I want you to use your imagination. I want you to imagine your husband sitting at his desk or at a quiet place at work. Imagine him lost in thought about how blessed he is to have you as his wife. He holds your framed picture in his hand and moisture begins to pool in his eyes. He is captivated. All the riches in the world are not to be compared with the jewel I have in this woman, he muses. What did I ever do to deserve her? God has given me such a gift. All our married life, she has done nothing but love me, bring out the best in me, and look out for my best interest. All the guys at the office are envious of our relationship. I see the way their eyes soften when she comes by just to tell me hello, grabs my hand when we’re at office functions, or pecks me on the cheek for no apparent reason. I notice that her loving words to me are in stark contrast to some of the cutting remarks of other wives…and so do my friends. I look around at the accomplishments of my life, but having this woman as my wife is my greatest. Oh sure, there are many women out there in the world who are accomplishing great feats, but my wife…well, she surpasses them all.
What a picture! That’s the woman I want to be, don’t you? And amazingly my words can be the determining factor as to whether this scenario is possible or not. Did you know that there are words your husband longs to hear? Let me give you a few from my book, The Power of a Woman’s Words
Words Your Husband Longs to Hear
I’ve been thinking about you all day.
What can I do for you today?
How can I pray for you today?
The best part of my day is when you come home.
You are one of God’s most precious gifts to me.
You are so wonderful.
You look so handsome today.
I don’t feel complete without you.
I will always love you.
I trust your decisions.
Today, pick just one of these phrases. Try it out on your husband and watch his eyes light up! When you love your husband well, God says “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
Let’s Pray
Dear LORD, thank you for giving me the gift of my husband. Help me to never forget that one of the greatest places of ministry is in the home and that You are well pleased when I love my husband well. Help me to love my husband with my words and my actions today.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Just as there are words that your husband longs to hear, there are words that tear him down. I don’t think God looks at us and says “Well done,” when these words come out of our mouths. Here are just a few:
I told you so.
You’re always in a bad mood.
You just don’t think.
It’s all your fault.
What’s wrong with you?
All you ever do is complain.
I can’t do anything to please you.
You made your bed, now lie in it.
You should have thought about that before.
You never listen to me.
Now, go back up the list in the devotion. Which list more reflects the words that you speak to your husband?
Which list do you want to reflect the words that you speak to your husband?
Is there anything you need to do to change?
More from the Girlfriends
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to have a great marriage. However, so much depends on us. Many times the answer is right under our nose…our words. If you would like to learn more about how to use your words wisely, see Sharon’s book, The Power of a Woman’s Words and The Power of a Woman’s Words Bible study. Also, if your marriage could use a bit of sprucing up, consider Becoming the Woman of His Dreams – Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For.
Girlfriends in God - Sept. 26, 2007
September 26, 2007
Words can Captivate Your Man
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10
Friend to Friend
Today, I want you to use your imagination. I want you to imagine your husband sitting at his desk or at a quiet place at work. Imagine him lost in thought about how blessed he is to have you as his wife. He holds your framed picture in his hand and moisture begins to pool in his eyes. He is captivated. All the riches in the world are not to be compared with the jewel I have in this woman, he muses. What did I ever do to deserve her? God has given me such a gift. All our married life, she has done nothing but love me, bring out the best in me, and look out for my best interest. All the guys at the office are envious of our relationship. I see the way their eyes soften when she comes by just to tell me hello, grabs my hand when we’re at office functions, or pecks me on the cheek for no apparent reason. I notice that her loving words to me are in stark contrast to some of the cutting remarks of other wives…and so do my friends. I look around at the accomplishments of my life, but having this woman as my wife is my greatest. Oh sure, there are many women out there in the world who are accomplishing great feats, but my wife…well, she surpasses them all.
What a picture! That’s the woman I want to be, don’t you? And amazingly my words can be the determining factor as to whether this scenario is possible or not. Did you know that there are words your husband longs to hear? Let me give you a few from my book, The Power of a Woman’s Words
Words Your Husband Longs to Hear
I’ve been thinking about you all day.
What can I do for you today?
How can I pray for you today?
The best part of my day is when you come home.
You are one of God’s most precious gifts to me.
You are so wonderful.
You look so handsome today.
I don’t feel complete without you.
I will always love you.
I trust your decisions.
Today, pick just one of these phrases. Try it out on your husband and watch his eyes light up! When you love your husband well, God says “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
Let’s Pray
Dear LORD, thank you for giving me the gift of my husband. Help me to never forget that one of the greatest places of ministry is in the home and that You are well pleased when I love my husband well. Help me to love my husband with my words and my actions today.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Just as there are words that your husband longs to hear, there are words that tear him down. I don’t think God looks at us and says “Well done,” when these words come out of our mouths. Here are just a few:
I told you so.
You’re always in a bad mood.
You just don’t think.
It’s all your fault.
What’s wrong with you?
All you ever do is complain.
I can’t do anything to please you.
You made your bed, now lie in it.
You should have thought about that before.
You never listen to me.
Now, go back up the list in the devotion. Which list more reflects the words that you speak to your husband?
Which list do you want to reflect the words that you speak to your husband?
Is there anything you need to do to change?
More from the Girlfriends
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to have a great marriage. However, so much depends on us. Many times the answer is right under our nose…our words. If you would like to learn more about how to use your words wisely, see Sharon’s book, The Power of a Woman’s Words and The Power of a Woman’s Words Bible study. Also, if your marriage could use a bit of sprucing up, consider Becoming the Woman of His Dreams – Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Spending time with Each Other
Just another lesson to not be selfish! Have a great Tuesday--LL
Moments Together for Couples 9/25
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
September 25
Pleasing Your Mate (Part Two) by Barbara Rainey
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days.
One of the greatest forms of sacrifice you can make to please your mate is to give your time. You can make more money, and you can buy more flowers, but you can't make or buy more time. Each day is made up of 24 hours-nothing will change that.
We're all short of time. Psalm 90:12 admonishes us to "number our days." How many days do you have left? How will you use them?
I have always had an interest in art, and I enjoy looking at paintings in art galleries and museums. When we married, Dennis thought art museums were great places in which to get bored quickly. But to please me, he has spent time with me to visit quite a few museums.
In contrast, although Dennis has always loved fishing, I had no appreciation for the sport when we married. I tended to agree with the person who said, "A fisherman is a jerk on one end of a line waiting for a jerk on the other end."
But to please Dennis, I did a lot of fishing during the early years of our marriage. Later, when our expanding population of children made it impossible for me to go with him, I encouraged him to go alone or with other men, and later, as our children grew up, to take them along.
In the process of pleasing one another, we have become richer. Our horizons have expanded. I have learned that there is skill, patience, perseverance and reward in fishing. I no longer consider it to be a waste of time. Fishing has become important to me because it's part of what makes Dennis who he is. We have great vacation memories of fishing at night while our children were asleep.
To give of your time requires the greatest sacrifice. Take time for a quiet walk or a scenic drive. Above all else, simply take time for each other. If blood is the gift of life, then time is the gift of love.
Prayer:
That you will build your marriage around Jesus Christ and that you will develop some common interests that both of you can enjoy.
Discuss: What arrangements can you make to spend more time together during the next week? Each of you share one thing that you like to do that would give you some time together.
Moments Together for Couples 9/25
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
September 25
Pleasing Your Mate (Part Two) by Barbara Rainey
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days.
One of the greatest forms of sacrifice you can make to please your mate is to give your time. You can make more money, and you can buy more flowers, but you can't make or buy more time. Each day is made up of 24 hours-nothing will change that.
We're all short of time. Psalm 90:12 admonishes us to "number our days." How many days do you have left? How will you use them?
I have always had an interest in art, and I enjoy looking at paintings in art galleries and museums. When we married, Dennis thought art museums were great places in which to get bored quickly. But to please me, he has spent time with me to visit quite a few museums.
In contrast, although Dennis has always loved fishing, I had no appreciation for the sport when we married. I tended to agree with the person who said, "A fisherman is a jerk on one end of a line waiting for a jerk on the other end."
But to please Dennis, I did a lot of fishing during the early years of our marriage. Later, when our expanding population of children made it impossible for me to go with him, I encouraged him to go alone or with other men, and later, as our children grew up, to take them along.
In the process of pleasing one another, we have become richer. Our horizons have expanded. I have learned that there is skill, patience, perseverance and reward in fishing. I no longer consider it to be a waste of time. Fishing has become important to me because it's part of what makes Dennis who he is. We have great vacation memories of fishing at night while our children were asleep.
To give of your time requires the greatest sacrifice. Take time for a quiet walk or a scenic drive. Above all else, simply take time for each other. If blood is the gift of life, then time is the gift of love.
Prayer:
That you will build your marriage around Jesus Christ and that you will develop some common interests that both of you can enjoy.
Discuss: What arrangements can you make to spend more time together during the next week? Each of you share one thing that you like to do that would give you some time together.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Man's Helper
Girlfriends in God - Sept. 24, 2007
September 24, 2007
Man’s Best Friend
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“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 NIV
Friend to Friend
For thirteen years, our family was blessed with a Golden Retriever named Ginger. We gave her to our son, Steven, for Christmas when he was five-years-old and she still holds the blue ribbon as the best present ever. I can still remember the look of surprise on Steven’s cherub face when the “stuffed” animal began to move. “It’s a puppy!” he exclaimed. “It’s not a toy!”
And while Ginger was officially Steven’s dog, and I was unofficially her primary caretaker, it was my husband who held a special place in her heart. From the very beginning, Ginger loved my husband the best.
Ginger lollygagged her days away by sleeping in the driveway or lounging by the back stoop steps. However, when my husband’s car entered the neighborhood and turned the corner onto our shady Stratfordshire Drive, Ginger’s ears perked up and her eyes began to beam. Suddenly infused with a burst of anticipatory energy, she would jump to her feet and run in circles. “He’s home! He’s home!” she seemed to say.
When Steve pulled into the garage and opened his car door, Ginger whined, ran to greet him and rested her head on his left leg while he cooed and rubbed her ears. Steve’s homecoming was the highlight of her day.
No wonder dog is called “man’s best friend.” Ginger was loyal, didn’t nag, and loved Steve no matter how much or how little attention he paid to her on any given day. She was very forgiving and almost immediately forgot any injustice such as withholding our dinner when we ate in her presence or being left behind when we traveled on vacation. Often at the mere sight of Steve, Ginger rolled over on her back and beckoned him to rub her tummy. She always responded to his touch like it was heaven on earth. What man wouldn’t love such a response from “his girl?”
And yet, when God created Adam and placed him the garden, only to determine that “It is not good for man to be alone,” He did not create a dog to be his loyal companion. God created a woman to fill the void in his life. She was called an ezer in the Hebrew – the original language of the Old Testament. Most Bible translations render the word ezer as “helper,” however, the word is packed with so much more meaning than a mere helper.
Author, Carolyn Custis James reveals the following: Ezer appears twenty-one times in the Old Testament. Twice, in Genesis, it describes the woman (Genesis 2:18,20). But the majority of references (sixteen to be exact) refer to God, or Yahweh, as the helper of his people. The remaining three references appear in the books of the prophets, who use it to refer to military aid. If language means anything, then ezer, in every case, is not a flunky or junior assistant but a very strong helper.
We would be very remiss if we looked at the word ezer or helper in only domestic terms. Adam didn’t need someone to cook for him, clean up after him, or care for him. That was not the problem. The void in Adam’s life was that he did not have a companion to work with him, rule the earth with him, love with him, procreate with him, and after the fall – struggle with him. A dog might have been an easier adjustment for Adam, but God decided Adam needed someone with words.
As an ezer or a strong helper, how will we use our words? Will we use them to fortify or flatten, defend or defeat, complete or compete? The choice begins in our minds, runs through our hearts, and responds with our lips.
Let’s Pray
Dear LORD, I so want to be a good ezer – a good companion that is my husband’s completer. I want to be a help and not a hindrance. Help me to use my words in such a way that help him to be all that You can created him to be as we work together in life. In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
What do you think of when you think of the word “helper?”
Why do you think Adam needed a helper?
How have you been an ezer to your husband over the past week? (Not geezer, mind you. But ezer.)
You might want to ask him some ways that you could help him in the coming days?
More from the Girlfriends
How would you like to become the woman of your man’s dreams? Did you know that there are seven qualities that every man longs for? If you’d like to learn what your man longs for, see Sharon’s book, Becoming the Woman’s of His Dreams. You might be surprised!
September 24, 2007
Man’s Best Friend
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“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 NIV
Friend to Friend
For thirteen years, our family was blessed with a Golden Retriever named Ginger. We gave her to our son, Steven, for Christmas when he was five-years-old and she still holds the blue ribbon as the best present ever. I can still remember the look of surprise on Steven’s cherub face when the “stuffed” animal began to move. “It’s a puppy!” he exclaimed. “It’s not a toy!”
And while Ginger was officially Steven’s dog, and I was unofficially her primary caretaker, it was my husband who held a special place in her heart. From the very beginning, Ginger loved my husband the best.
Ginger lollygagged her days away by sleeping in the driveway or lounging by the back stoop steps. However, when my husband’s car entered the neighborhood and turned the corner onto our shady Stratfordshire Drive, Ginger’s ears perked up and her eyes began to beam. Suddenly infused with a burst of anticipatory energy, she would jump to her feet and run in circles. “He’s home! He’s home!” she seemed to say.
When Steve pulled into the garage and opened his car door, Ginger whined, ran to greet him and rested her head on his left leg while he cooed and rubbed her ears. Steve’s homecoming was the highlight of her day.
No wonder dog is called “man’s best friend.” Ginger was loyal, didn’t nag, and loved Steve no matter how much or how little attention he paid to her on any given day. She was very forgiving and almost immediately forgot any injustice such as withholding our dinner when we ate in her presence or being left behind when we traveled on vacation. Often at the mere sight of Steve, Ginger rolled over on her back and beckoned him to rub her tummy. She always responded to his touch like it was heaven on earth. What man wouldn’t love such a response from “his girl?”
And yet, when God created Adam and placed him the garden, only to determine that “It is not good for man to be alone,” He did not create a dog to be his loyal companion. God created a woman to fill the void in his life. She was called an ezer in the Hebrew – the original language of the Old Testament. Most Bible translations render the word ezer as “helper,” however, the word is packed with so much more meaning than a mere helper.
Author, Carolyn Custis James reveals the following: Ezer appears twenty-one times in the Old Testament. Twice, in Genesis, it describes the woman (Genesis 2:18,20). But the majority of references (sixteen to be exact) refer to God, or Yahweh, as the helper of his people. The remaining three references appear in the books of the prophets, who use it to refer to military aid. If language means anything, then ezer, in every case, is not a flunky or junior assistant but a very strong helper.
We would be very remiss if we looked at the word ezer or helper in only domestic terms. Adam didn’t need someone to cook for him, clean up after him, or care for him. That was not the problem. The void in Adam’s life was that he did not have a companion to work with him, rule the earth with him, love with him, procreate with him, and after the fall – struggle with him. A dog might have been an easier adjustment for Adam, but God decided Adam needed someone with words.
As an ezer or a strong helper, how will we use our words? Will we use them to fortify or flatten, defend or defeat, complete or compete? The choice begins in our minds, runs through our hearts, and responds with our lips.
Let’s Pray
Dear LORD, I so want to be a good ezer – a good companion that is my husband’s completer. I want to be a help and not a hindrance. Help me to use my words in such a way that help him to be all that You can created him to be as we work together in life. In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
What do you think of when you think of the word “helper?”
Why do you think Adam needed a helper?
How have you been an ezer to your husband over the past week? (Not geezer, mind you. But ezer.)
You might want to ask him some ways that you could help him in the coming days?
More from the Girlfriends
How would you like to become the woman of your man’s dreams? Did you know that there are seven qualities that every man longs for? If you’d like to learn what your man longs for, see Sharon’s book, Becoming the Woman’s of His Dreams. You might be surprised!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
OUr Help in Weakness
This is AWESOME! Just like the song, "I am weak and He is strong"-----I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit!----Happy Sunday :)
In Touch - Sept. 22-23, 2007
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
September 22-23, 2007 – Our Help in Weakness – John 14:16-17
Following the Last Supper, Jesus took time to teach the disciples more about His mission and what would happen after He left the earth. He knew their darkest times lay ahead. They would experience the loss of their beloved Teacher, despair at His death, great joy when He rose, and sorrow at His departure. Most difficult of all, bearing witness to His life would challenge their faith. So, in John 14-16, He promised them a Helper to stand alongside them in the coming trials.
We often face life with a stiff upper lip, trusting our own ingenuity and skills to get us through. But following the Lord means adopting a totally different mindset: We’re weaker than we could have imagined, but through the Holy Spirit, we are stronger than we dared to hope.
Whether our struggle is spiritual, emotional, or physical, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to help us. The apostle Paul gives us an example of what this looks like. When he was dealing with pain from a physical condition—which he called his “thorn”—he prayed that the Lord would take away the difficulty. Instead, God said His strength would be “perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Too many Christians operate under the misconception that God meets us when we have gone as far as we can go. In reality, His Spirit doesn’t add to our strength, like some kind of spiritual steroid. Instead, when we admit we are powerless to help ourselves, the Holy Spirit gives us the strength we need to face any challenge with absolute confidence in God.
In Touch - Sept. 22-23, 2007
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
September 22-23, 2007 – Our Help in Weakness – John 14:16-17
Following the Last Supper, Jesus took time to teach the disciples more about His mission and what would happen after He left the earth. He knew their darkest times lay ahead. They would experience the loss of their beloved Teacher, despair at His death, great joy when He rose, and sorrow at His departure. Most difficult of all, bearing witness to His life would challenge their faith. So, in John 14-16, He promised them a Helper to stand alongside them in the coming trials.
We often face life with a stiff upper lip, trusting our own ingenuity and skills to get us through. But following the Lord means adopting a totally different mindset: We’re weaker than we could have imagined, but through the Holy Spirit, we are stronger than we dared to hope.
Whether our struggle is spiritual, emotional, or physical, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to help us. The apostle Paul gives us an example of what this looks like. When he was dealing with pain from a physical condition—which he called his “thorn”—he prayed that the Lord would take away the difficulty. Instead, God said His strength would be “perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Too many Christians operate under the misconception that God meets us when we have gone as far as we can go. In reality, His Spirit doesn’t add to our strength, like some kind of spiritual steroid. Instead, when we admit we are powerless to help ourselves, the Holy Spirit gives us the strength we need to face any challenge with absolute confidence in God.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Persistent Prayer
Hmmmmm--my prayer life has been pretty pathetic--basically non-existent except for the little "thank-you Lord's" throughout the day---and "Oh Lord help me's" throughout the day. This was such a great reminder to set aside time for true fellowship/ prayer with our Lord and the Holy Spirit! Have a great weekend---LL
From His Heart - Week of Sept. 21
When You Feel Like Quitting
Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought topray and not give up. Luke 18:1
George Mueller was a great man of faith and prayer. He once prayed for a friend's salvation. The man did not respond to Christ but Mueller kept praying. For over 60 years he prayed confidently, earnestly and expectantly for his friend to be saved. At George Mueller's funeral, that friend he had prayed for all those 60+ years gave his heart to Christ.
BUT IT'S NOT WORKING!
How easy it is for us to look at the results of our prayers and conclude, "This is not working. God is not answering. I just need to quit!" Have you ever thought that and done that? Quit on your dream, your miracle, your marriage, your breakthrough? As one wise preacher has said, "It's always too early to quit."
Jesus told a parable of a widow who was being oppressed and cheated by another. She went to the judge for legal protection, and he was unwilling to help her. What did she do? Throw up her hands and quit? Curl up into a ball and detach from society? Curse God and die? NO!!! She kept coming back, day after day, to the judge and bombarded him with her request, "Give me legal protection from my opponent." Although the judge was unrighteous and unmoved in heart by her pleas, her persistence wore him out, and he gave her what she asked for legal protection.
Don't you know how easy it would have been for her to quit? She did not know that her persistence was wearing him down. She just knew that the judge was her only hope and she kept coming to Him. Obviously, what appeared from the outside observer to not be working, was indeed working and eventually, the judge granted her request.
KEEP PRAYING
My friend, when you are tempted to quit praying about something because you see no visible results DON'T! Keep trusting God, and keep bombarding heaven with your prayers. Remember, God is not an unrighteous judge who cares nothing for us. God is a good and loving Father who desires to answer us IF we will keep praying and calling out to Him. He is a God who loves persistent prayer because persistent prayer tells God you believe Him and trust Him regardless of the circumstances.
Have you thrown in the towel on something you used to pray about - a friend's salvation, a relationship to be restored, a career change, a prodigal son to return, revival in America? Pick up the towel and get back on your knees again. Pray according to His will with confidence and expectation of an answer (1 Jn. 5:14-15). God promises that He will not delay long over His elect who cry out to Him day and night. He will answer us at the right time with a mighty answer from heaven.
How do I know? Because He promised (Jer. 33:3)!
Love,
Jeff Schreve, Pastor
http://www.fromhisheart.org/
jmailto:jeff@fromhisheart.org
1-800-985-1530
From His Heart - Week of Sept. 21
When You Feel Like Quitting
Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought topray and not give up. Luke 18:1
George Mueller was a great man of faith and prayer. He once prayed for a friend's salvation. The man did not respond to Christ but Mueller kept praying. For over 60 years he prayed confidently, earnestly and expectantly for his friend to be saved. At George Mueller's funeral, that friend he had prayed for all those 60+ years gave his heart to Christ.
BUT IT'S NOT WORKING!
How easy it is for us to look at the results of our prayers and conclude, "This is not working. God is not answering. I just need to quit!" Have you ever thought that and done that? Quit on your dream, your miracle, your marriage, your breakthrough? As one wise preacher has said, "It's always too early to quit."
Jesus told a parable of a widow who was being oppressed and cheated by another. She went to the judge for legal protection, and he was unwilling to help her. What did she do? Throw up her hands and quit? Curl up into a ball and detach from society? Curse God and die? NO!!! She kept coming back, day after day, to the judge and bombarded him with her request, "Give me legal protection from my opponent." Although the judge was unrighteous and unmoved in heart by her pleas, her persistence wore him out, and he gave her what she asked for legal protection.
Don't you know how easy it would have been for her to quit? She did not know that her persistence was wearing him down. She just knew that the judge was her only hope and she kept coming to Him. Obviously, what appeared from the outside observer to not be working, was indeed working and eventually, the judge granted her request.
KEEP PRAYING
My friend, when you are tempted to quit praying about something because you see no visible results DON'T! Keep trusting God, and keep bombarding heaven with your prayers. Remember, God is not an unrighteous judge who cares nothing for us. God is a good and loving Father who desires to answer us IF we will keep praying and calling out to Him. He is a God who loves persistent prayer because persistent prayer tells God you believe Him and trust Him regardless of the circumstances.
Have you thrown in the towel on something you used to pray about - a friend's salvation, a relationship to be restored, a career change, a prodigal son to return, revival in America? Pick up the towel and get back on your knees again. Pray according to His will with confidence and expectation of an answer (1 Jn. 5:14-15). God promises that He will not delay long over His elect who cry out to Him day and night. He will answer us at the right time with a mighty answer from heaven.
How do I know? Because He promised (Jer. 33:3)!
Love,
Jeff Schreve, Pastor
http://www.fromhisheart.org/
jmailto:jeff@fromhisheart.org
1-800-985-1530
Friday, September 21, 2007
Be There
Encouragement for Today - Sept. 21, 2007
September 21, 2007
Be There
By Lysa TerKeurst
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, he praises her… Proverbs 31: 27-28 (NIV)
Devotion:
I always chuckle at speaking engagements when I hear the event coordinator introduce me as this award-winning author and nationally known speaker…blah, blah, blah. To those who know me best, I’m simply a carpooling mom of 5 kids whose husband rises to call me blessed if I can manage one monumental task…have clean underwear in his drawer every morning!
My life is not much different from any other woman. To be honest, some days when I think about all that needs to be done, I start feeling overwhelmed. Doing laundry, paying bills, answering e-mails or phone calls, returning library books, grocery shopping, packing lunches, making dinner, helping with that school project, writing a thank you note, buying a birthday gift, washing the car, and taking the dog to the vet. Whew! No wonder we keepers of the home have become masters doing many things at once.
Now, I’m all for multi-tasking but sometimes it can get us into trouble! Recently, while filling up at the gas station, I was trying to do so many things at once that I almost pulled away with the nozzle still attached to my car! Multi-tasking really does help me cross more things off of my never-ending to do list. But, I’ve found it’s not good to make it a habit when I’m with my family.
A wise friend once said to me, “Lysa when you’re with those you love - be there.” In other words, let the legacy you are creating with your family be one of love and attention, not a completed task list. Oh sure the jobs still need to get done but maybe we can learn to prioritize our to-do list, complete what we can and let other things wait. That way we can make sure that we are being what God designed women to be, the heart of the home.
Simple things can speak volumes of love and attest to our priorities with our families. When my husband comes home from work, I get off the phone. When I pick my kids up from school, I give them my full attention as they share a myriad of details from their day. And each morning I take time to read the Bible and talk to God first; even before throwing in a load of laundry or checking my e-mail. Then I can say with confidence to those I love, I’m really here for you.
Dear Lord, I dreamed my whole life of being a keeper of my home. Lord, I want to do this job in a way that honors You and showers love on those closest to me. Sometimes it’s hard having so many constant demands, but I know You can help me prioritize and complete my tasks. Will You help me know what needs to be done and what can be put off until later? Will You speak to my heart when I’m too wrapped up in my tasks and not attentive enough to my family? Help me create a legacy of truly being there for my family, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
God’s Purpose for Every Woman: a P31 Women’s Devotional Editors Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen
Women Who Do Too Much by Patricia Sprinkle
Do You Know Him?
Application Steps:
Take an honest look at your to-do list today. Prioritize your list into three categories: Must Do, Want to Do, Can Wait If Necessary. Then make an honest assessment of the time you are with your family and purpose to fully be there.
Reflection Points:
The One we need more than anyone else has so graciously given you His time and attention. How can you put aside a few minutes a day to give appropriate time and attention to those who need you the most? Work diligently today so that you can make proper commitments, not feeling so overwhelmed that you are compelled to break plans.
Power Verses:
Job 7:17-18, “What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much attention, that you examine him every morning and test him every moment?”
Proverbs 21:5, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Proverbs 27:23, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” (NIV)
Luke 10:38-40, “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (NIV)
September 21, 2007
Be There
By Lysa TerKeurst
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, he praises her… Proverbs 31: 27-28 (NIV)
Devotion:
I always chuckle at speaking engagements when I hear the event coordinator introduce me as this award-winning author and nationally known speaker…blah, blah, blah. To those who know me best, I’m simply a carpooling mom of 5 kids whose husband rises to call me blessed if I can manage one monumental task…have clean underwear in his drawer every morning!
My life is not much different from any other woman. To be honest, some days when I think about all that needs to be done, I start feeling overwhelmed. Doing laundry, paying bills, answering e-mails or phone calls, returning library books, grocery shopping, packing lunches, making dinner, helping with that school project, writing a thank you note, buying a birthday gift, washing the car, and taking the dog to the vet. Whew! No wonder we keepers of the home have become masters doing many things at once.
Now, I’m all for multi-tasking but sometimes it can get us into trouble! Recently, while filling up at the gas station, I was trying to do so many things at once that I almost pulled away with the nozzle still attached to my car! Multi-tasking really does help me cross more things off of my never-ending to do list. But, I’ve found it’s not good to make it a habit when I’m with my family.
A wise friend once said to me, “Lysa when you’re with those you love - be there.” In other words, let the legacy you are creating with your family be one of love and attention, not a completed task list. Oh sure the jobs still need to get done but maybe we can learn to prioritize our to-do list, complete what we can and let other things wait. That way we can make sure that we are being what God designed women to be, the heart of the home.
Simple things can speak volumes of love and attest to our priorities with our families. When my husband comes home from work, I get off the phone. When I pick my kids up from school, I give them my full attention as they share a myriad of details from their day. And each morning I take time to read the Bible and talk to God first; even before throwing in a load of laundry or checking my e-mail. Then I can say with confidence to those I love, I’m really here for you.
Dear Lord, I dreamed my whole life of being a keeper of my home. Lord, I want to do this job in a way that honors You and showers love on those closest to me. Sometimes it’s hard having so many constant demands, but I know You can help me prioritize and complete my tasks. Will You help me know what needs to be done and what can be put off until later? Will You speak to my heart when I’m too wrapped up in my tasks and not attentive enough to my family? Help me create a legacy of truly being there for my family, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
God’s Purpose for Every Woman: a P31 Women’s Devotional Editors Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen
Women Who Do Too Much by Patricia Sprinkle
Do You Know Him?
Application Steps:
Take an honest look at your to-do list today. Prioritize your list into three categories: Must Do, Want to Do, Can Wait If Necessary. Then make an honest assessment of the time you are with your family and purpose to fully be there.
Reflection Points:
The One we need more than anyone else has so graciously given you His time and attention. How can you put aside a few minutes a day to give appropriate time and attention to those who need you the most? Work diligently today so that you can make proper commitments, not feeling so overwhelmed that you are compelled to break plans.
Power Verses:
Job 7:17-18, “What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much attention, that you examine him every morning and test him every moment?”
Proverbs 21:5, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Proverbs 27:23, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” (NIV)
Luke 10:38-40, “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (NIV)
Thursday, September 20, 2007
When things go my way
Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Sept. 20, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Green Lights and Blue Skies
He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.
—Psalm 121:3
If I decided how my day were to go, I would never write in “crisis.” I would never write, “Get sick” here, or “Have my tire go flat” there, or “Have this unexpected disaster take place.” I would just write in all the good stuff in life. I would plan for everything to go my way. There would be no traffic on the freeways. It always would be green lights and blue skies.
But we are not in charge of our lives. God is. And He will let so-called “bad things” happen. But as time goes by, you will find that the significant things you learn in life did not come from the good times. They came from those times of crisis in which you were more dependent on God. Many of the bad times will, in retrospect, turn out to be good times, because it is through those so-called “bad times” that you will learn some of life’s most important lessons.
T
he things we experience are not random events that float in and out of our lives. Rather, they are specific events that have been chosen by God and are timely and purposeful. This means the good things as well as the bad things. It means the good times we experience as well as the bad times.
When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you come under His protective care. God is fully aware of everything that happens to you, and thankfully He is never asleep on the job. He pays careful attention to the smallest details of your life and is in complete in control of all circumstances that surround your life. He is aware of what you are going through.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Green Lights and Blue Skies
He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.
—Psalm 121:3
If I decided how my day were to go, I would never write in “crisis.” I would never write, “Get sick” here, or “Have my tire go flat” there, or “Have this unexpected disaster take place.” I would just write in all the good stuff in life. I would plan for everything to go my way. There would be no traffic on the freeways. It always would be green lights and blue skies.
But we are not in charge of our lives. God is. And He will let so-called “bad things” happen. But as time goes by, you will find that the significant things you learn in life did not come from the good times. They came from those times of crisis in which you were more dependent on God. Many of the bad times will, in retrospect, turn out to be good times, because it is through those so-called “bad times” that you will learn some of life’s most important lessons.
T
he things we experience are not random events that float in and out of our lives. Rather, they are specific events that have been chosen by God and are timely and purposeful. This means the good things as well as the bad things. It means the good times we experience as well as the bad times.
When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you come under His protective care. God is fully aware of everything that happens to you, and thankfully He is never asleep on the job. He pays careful attention to the smallest details of your life and is in complete in control of all circumstances that surround your life. He is aware of what you are going through.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Words of Encouragement
Heartlight Daily Verse 9/19
September 19
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Thoughts on today's verse
The goal in Christian communication is not merely clarity, but encouragment based on what the needs of the other person are.
Prayer:
Tender Shepherd, give me a heart that is pure so that my words may be pure. Give me a heart that is kind so that my words may be kind. Give me a heart that is full of joy and encouragement so that I may share these with those you bring to my path and with whom I share conversation. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
September 19
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Thoughts on today's verse
The goal in Christian communication is not merely clarity, but encouragment based on what the needs of the other person are.
Prayer:
Tender Shepherd, give me a heart that is pure so that my words may be pure. Give me a heart that is kind so that my words may be kind. Give me a heart that is full of joy and encouragement so that I may share these with those you bring to my path and with whom I share conversation. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Noise
HomeWord - Sept. 18, 2007
Noise
This devotional was written by Mike DeVries
Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
We live in a world filled with noise, don’t we? It seems like everywhere we turn, it is increasingly more difficult to find places of silence and solitude in our lives. Television. Cellphones. iPods. Radios. It is almost as if we are addicted to noise... and afraid of the silence.
I’ve started to do some thinking about this lately. Why is it that we fill our lives with noise? Why is it that we are afraid of silence? And more importantly, is there a connection between a lack of hearing God’s voice and the lack of silence in our lives?
Often, noise is our drug of choice. We self-medicate ourselves with noise because we are afraid of silence. Silence has a way of stripping us bare of all pretenses, forcing us to take a good long look in the mirror of our soul. For some of us, this is just too painful, just too raw for us to face. So we surround ourselves with noise, thinking that the longer we can drown out the voices, perhaps they might go away. But they rarely do!
I’m fascinated that the Scriptures are filled with people who heard from God. They connected with God is ways that were life-changing, and pretty much every one of those was in a moment of silence or solitude. God rarely speaks in the storm, one passage says – He is in the gentle whisper.
Silence. Solitude. These were regular rhythms Jesus had as a part of His life. They were not merely luxuries Jesus enjoyed; they were central rhythms of His life. In times of sorrow, in times of busyness, in times of stress, in times of reflection – Jesus often found the time to get alone, seeking out places of silence and solitude. This was not merely Jesus’ way of getting a break; He was demonstrating something far deeper. He was modeling the reality that at our very core, you and I were created with a hunger for silence and solitude.
Jesus knows this. This is why I believe He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11.28. He is inviting us to embrace His rhythm – and in this rhythm, to find rest for our weary souls. The question is this: can I truly find this kind of rest if I do not find places of silence and solitude?
Maybe, for most of us involved in the noisy day-to-day business of life, it’s time to stop... and listen.
Noise
This devotional was written by Mike DeVries
Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
We live in a world filled with noise, don’t we? It seems like everywhere we turn, it is increasingly more difficult to find places of silence and solitude in our lives. Television. Cellphones. iPods. Radios. It is almost as if we are addicted to noise... and afraid of the silence.
I’ve started to do some thinking about this lately. Why is it that we fill our lives with noise? Why is it that we are afraid of silence? And more importantly, is there a connection between a lack of hearing God’s voice and the lack of silence in our lives?
Often, noise is our drug of choice. We self-medicate ourselves with noise because we are afraid of silence. Silence has a way of stripping us bare of all pretenses, forcing us to take a good long look in the mirror of our soul. For some of us, this is just too painful, just too raw for us to face. So we surround ourselves with noise, thinking that the longer we can drown out the voices, perhaps they might go away. But they rarely do!
I’m fascinated that the Scriptures are filled with people who heard from God. They connected with God is ways that were life-changing, and pretty much every one of those was in a moment of silence or solitude. God rarely speaks in the storm, one passage says – He is in the gentle whisper.
Silence. Solitude. These were regular rhythms Jesus had as a part of His life. They were not merely luxuries Jesus enjoyed; they were central rhythms of His life. In times of sorrow, in times of busyness, in times of stress, in times of reflection – Jesus often found the time to get alone, seeking out places of silence and solitude. This was not merely Jesus’ way of getting a break; He was demonstrating something far deeper. He was modeling the reality that at our very core, you and I were created with a hunger for silence and solitude.
Jesus knows this. This is why I believe He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11.28. He is inviting us to embrace His rhythm – and in this rhythm, to find rest for our weary souls. The question is this: can I truly find this kind of rest if I do not find places of silence and solitude?
Maybe, for most of us involved in the noisy day-to-day business of life, it’s time to stop... and listen.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Affection
Morning and Evening 3/20 PM
March 20
Evening ...
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church.
What a golden example Christ gives to His disciples! Few masters could venture to say, "If you would practise my teaching, imitate my life;" but as the life of Jesus is the exact transcript of perfect virtue, He can point to Himself as the paragon of holiness, as well as the teacher of it. The Christian should take nothing short of Christ for his model. Under no circumstances ought we to be content unless we reflect the grace which was in Him.
As a husband, the Christian is to look upon the portrait of Christ Jesus, and he is to paint according to that copy. The true Christian is to be such a husband as Christ was to His church. The love of a husband is special. The Lord Jesus cherishes for the church a peculiar affection, which is set upon her above the rest of mankind: "I pray for them, I pray not for the world." The elect church is the favourite of heaven, the treasure of Christ, the crown of His head, the bracelet of His arm, the breastplate of His heart, the very centre and core of His love. A husband should love his wife with a constant love, for thus Jesus loves His church. He does not vary in His affection. He may change in His display of affection, but the affection itself is still the same. A husband should love his wife with an enduring love, for nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." A true husband loves his wife with a hearty love, fervent and intense. It is not mere lip-service. Ah! beloved, what more could Christ have done in proof of His love than He has done? Jesus has a delighted love towards His spouse: He prizes her affection, and delights in her with sweet complacence. Believer, you wonder at Jesus' love; you admire it-are you imitating it? In your domestic relationships is the rule and measure of your love-"even as Christ loved the church"?
March 20
Evening ...
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church.
What a golden example Christ gives to His disciples! Few masters could venture to say, "If you would practise my teaching, imitate my life;" but as the life of Jesus is the exact transcript of perfect virtue, He can point to Himself as the paragon of holiness, as well as the teacher of it. The Christian should take nothing short of Christ for his model. Under no circumstances ought we to be content unless we reflect the grace which was in Him.
As a husband, the Christian is to look upon the portrait of Christ Jesus, and he is to paint according to that copy. The true Christian is to be such a husband as Christ was to His church. The love of a husband is special. The Lord Jesus cherishes for the church a peculiar affection, which is set upon her above the rest of mankind: "I pray for them, I pray not for the world." The elect church is the favourite of heaven, the treasure of Christ, the crown of His head, the bracelet of His arm, the breastplate of His heart, the very centre and core of His love. A husband should love his wife with a constant love, for thus Jesus loves His church. He does not vary in His affection. He may change in His display of affection, but the affection itself is still the same. A husband should love his wife with an enduring love, for nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." A true husband loves his wife with a hearty love, fervent and intense. It is not mere lip-service. Ah! beloved, what more could Christ have done in proof of His love than He has done? Jesus has a delighted love towards His spouse: He prizes her affection, and delights in her with sweet complacence. Believer, you wonder at Jesus' love; you admire it-are you imitating it? In your domestic relationships is the rule and measure of your love-"even as Christ loved the church"?
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Trust
Wisdom from the Psalms 9/16
September 16
Psalm 116:11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.
Craig trusted no one. He had counted on friends to help him a number of times before, but they all disappointed him. The lesson: Never put your trust in others; trust only in yourself. Now Craig looked to no one for help, and he offered no help to others.
Many people in our world feel that way. They have been burned in their relationships, so they pull in and break off relations altogether. What a shame. If we cut ourselves off from others, then we deprive ourselves of a lot of wonderful experiences. This is why God places such emphasis on forgiveness. If we will learn to forgive others when they wrong us, then we can remain open to the possibility of relationships in which we won't be disappointed. If we have no forgiveness, then we will miss out on the blessings of good relationships. Ask God for the ability to forgive, and He will bless your life.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to share my life with others. Prevent me from being too hasty in my judgment of others. Help me to be open to new relationships wherever they might occur. Amen.
September 16
Psalm 116:11 I said in my haste, All men are liars.
Craig trusted no one. He had counted on friends to help him a number of times before, but they all disappointed him. The lesson: Never put your trust in others; trust only in yourself. Now Craig looked to no one for help, and he offered no help to others.
Many people in our world feel that way. They have been burned in their relationships, so they pull in and break off relations altogether. What a shame. If we cut ourselves off from others, then we deprive ourselves of a lot of wonderful experiences. This is why God places such emphasis on forgiveness. If we will learn to forgive others when they wrong us, then we can remain open to the possibility of relationships in which we won't be disappointed. If we have no forgiveness, then we will miss out on the blessings of good relationships. Ask God for the ability to forgive, and He will bless your life.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to share my life with others. Prevent me from being too hasty in my judgment of others. Help me to be open to new relationships wherever they might occur. Amen.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Our words: Construction vs Demolition?
TGIF! --LL
HomeWord - Sept. 14, 2007
What Business are You in - Construction or Demolition?
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt
Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life.—Proverbs 18:21 NLT
Recently, I saw the video of an old stadium somewhere being demolished. It was the kind of demolition where a team of experts strategically place explosives and set them off in a quick series of explosions. The stadium collapses on itself in a matter of seconds. I’m sure you’ve seen video of buildings being destroyed in this way. It is pretty amazing that it takes only a moment to destroy what took months or years to plan and build.
These video scenes reminded me that people’s words have the ability to build or destroy. By the use of our words we can either be in the “construction” or “demolition” business. With our words, we can build up other people over a lifetime. Or, in a moment – using strategically placed verbal explosions – we can destroy others.
My wife works in a high-rise building in downtown Seattle called the Washington Mutual Tower. Some high-rise buildings are rather plain and unimpressive. Not this building. When I look at that building, I think about the careful planning that went into the design and how it took the patient and hard work of human hands to create one of the most recognizable buildings of the Seattle skyline. Although I’m not an expert on building architecture, I have to say this building is beautiful.
Obviously, God calls His people to be in the “construction” business. With careful planning, patience and intentional hard work, each of us has the opportunity through our words to encourage and build up others so that they can fulfill the potential of becoming all that God has designed them to be. The result is a person of inner quality and beauty.
So, which business are you in: construction or demolition? The words you use with others will reflect your choice.
HomeWord - Sept. 14, 2007
What Business are You in - Construction or Demolition?
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt
Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life.—Proverbs 18:21 NLT
Recently, I saw the video of an old stadium somewhere being demolished. It was the kind of demolition where a team of experts strategically place explosives and set them off in a quick series of explosions. The stadium collapses on itself in a matter of seconds. I’m sure you’ve seen video of buildings being destroyed in this way. It is pretty amazing that it takes only a moment to destroy what took months or years to plan and build.
These video scenes reminded me that people’s words have the ability to build or destroy. By the use of our words we can either be in the “construction” or “demolition” business. With our words, we can build up other people over a lifetime. Or, in a moment – using strategically placed verbal explosions – we can destroy others.
My wife works in a high-rise building in downtown Seattle called the Washington Mutual Tower. Some high-rise buildings are rather plain and unimpressive. Not this building. When I look at that building, I think about the careful planning that went into the design and how it took the patient and hard work of human hands to create one of the most recognizable buildings of the Seattle skyline. Although I’m not an expert on building architecture, I have to say this building is beautiful.
Obviously, God calls His people to be in the “construction” business. With careful planning, patience and intentional hard work, each of us has the opportunity through our words to encourage and build up others so that they can fulfill the potential of becoming all that God has designed them to be. The result is a person of inner quality and beauty.
So, which business are you in: construction or demolition? The words you use with others will reflect your choice.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Accountability
This is soooo important! It's my belief that alot of people don't want to be accountable to anyone because of fear and pride---fear that people will think they are weak and screwed up (but hey--we're all sinners!)---and pride-that somehow we're supposed to be better than others, --who needs their advice!
Wake up call! We need each other, and we need accountability! Without it, Satan can go about his business because he's already distracted us to what God's called us to do---be in a relationship with Him and with other believers and be held accountable!
Have a great Thursday!--LL
Moments Together for Couples 9/13
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
September 13The Benefits of Accountability
Ephesians 5:21 And be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Back in the 1800s, a husband in a village of Pennsylvania Quakers was beating his wife. The other men in the village decided to take action. One man wrote, "...a bunch of us men went over there and took all of his clothes off and drug him through a field of thistles backwards. Then we told him, if he continued to deal unkindly with his wife, we were not going to take to it very lightly. We were going to get upset next time."
I'm not advocating such extreme measures when I encourage you to be accountable to other people. But I do think there are many benefits to it.
Look again at Ephesians 5:21 (above). People don't like the phrase "be subject to one another" these days. The independent "give me my rights" spirit in America conflicts with the thought of being subject to other people.
But accountability helps you in so many ways. For one thing, it helps protect you-from isolation, from pride, from sin, from giving in to temptation and weakness. One of the best ways I know to protect you from those weaknesses is to let someone know about them and ask that person to keep you accountable.
My friends Stu and Linda Weber shared how they were driving in a blizzard on a dangerous, narrow road in the mountains when their car spun out of control. Just as they were about to slide over the edge and to their deaths, the car smashed into a guardrail. That guardrail is just like a friend who can protect us from disaster and even death.
Accountability also helps you avoid extremes. Without someone who can give you an objective evaluation of who you are and what you do, you will have a difficult time keeping balance in your life. For example, if you are accountable to someone for your goals, that person can help you decide if your goals are realistic and how you should spend your time attempting to meet them.
A final benefit is that it can help you stay focused on your dreams. Are you getting so caught up in the minutia of life that you are not accomplishing what you feel like God called you to do? Nothing may help you more than to define your goals and stay accountable to someone for reaching them.
Accountability is absolutely essential if we are to experience all that God has created us to be and to do.
Prayer:
That God will lead you to some people who will love you enough to protect you and help you stay focused on what God wants to do through you.
Discuss: How would you personally benefit from accountability?
Wake up call! We need each other, and we need accountability! Without it, Satan can go about his business because he's already distracted us to what God's called us to do---be in a relationship with Him and with other believers and be held accountable!
Have a great Thursday!--LL
Moments Together for Couples 9/13
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
September 13The Benefits of Accountability
Ephesians 5:21 And be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Back in the 1800s, a husband in a village of Pennsylvania Quakers was beating his wife. The other men in the village decided to take action. One man wrote, "...a bunch of us men went over there and took all of his clothes off and drug him through a field of thistles backwards. Then we told him, if he continued to deal unkindly with his wife, we were not going to take to it very lightly. We were going to get upset next time."
I'm not advocating such extreme measures when I encourage you to be accountable to other people. But I do think there are many benefits to it.
Look again at Ephesians 5:21 (above). People don't like the phrase "be subject to one another" these days. The independent "give me my rights" spirit in America conflicts with the thought of being subject to other people.
But accountability helps you in so many ways. For one thing, it helps protect you-from isolation, from pride, from sin, from giving in to temptation and weakness. One of the best ways I know to protect you from those weaknesses is to let someone know about them and ask that person to keep you accountable.
My friends Stu and Linda Weber shared how they were driving in a blizzard on a dangerous, narrow road in the mountains when their car spun out of control. Just as they were about to slide over the edge and to their deaths, the car smashed into a guardrail. That guardrail is just like a friend who can protect us from disaster and even death.
Accountability also helps you avoid extremes. Without someone who can give you an objective evaluation of who you are and what you do, you will have a difficult time keeping balance in your life. For example, if you are accountable to someone for your goals, that person can help you decide if your goals are realistic and how you should spend your time attempting to meet them.
A final benefit is that it can help you stay focused on your dreams. Are you getting so caught up in the minutia of life that you are not accomplishing what you feel like God called you to do? Nothing may help you more than to define your goals and stay accountable to someone for reaching them.
Accountability is absolutely essential if we are to experience all that God has created us to be and to do.
Prayer:
That God will lead you to some people who will love you enough to protect you and help you stay focused on what God wants to do through you.
Discuss: How would you personally benefit from accountability?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Compromises
Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Sept. 12, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
One Bite at a Time
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
—Ephesians 5:15
If you find a person who has fallen into gross sin, I would say that in every situation that you can think of, it began with compromise. Very rarely do people fall away from God overnight. Sometimes it appears they do, but in reality, it doesn’t happen that way.
For instance, you may have seen someone at church last week, only to discover the next week they have gotten into some immoral lifestyle or are doing something they shouldn’t be doing. You think, I don’t get it. I just saw them in church last week. They were doing fine. I propose that compromise has been taking place over a long period of time in that person’s life, and he or she finally just caved in.
It is like a massive tree that had stood for some 400 years in Colorado, only to come crashing to the ground one day. No one could understand why a tree of that size would crash to the ground. After all, this tree had been struck by lightning on 14 different occasions. It had weathered countless storms and had never fallen. But one day, without warning, it just crashed. It turned out that the tree had been killed by beetles. Little insects had, over a prolonged period of time, chewed their way through its mighty fibers until it came crashing down.
That is how compromise works. The devil may be wicked, but he is not an idiot. He knows how to rip people off. He doesn’t tell you what he is up to in the beginning. Instead, he comes to you with a little enticement. He will infiltrate through compromise and then take you down, one bite at a time.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
One Bite at a Time
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
—Ephesians 5:15
If you find a person who has fallen into gross sin, I would say that in every situation that you can think of, it began with compromise. Very rarely do people fall away from God overnight. Sometimes it appears they do, but in reality, it doesn’t happen that way.
For instance, you may have seen someone at church last week, only to discover the next week they have gotten into some immoral lifestyle or are doing something they shouldn’t be doing. You think, I don’t get it. I just saw them in church last week. They were doing fine. I propose that compromise has been taking place over a long period of time in that person’s life, and he or she finally just caved in.
It is like a massive tree that had stood for some 400 years in Colorado, only to come crashing to the ground one day. No one could understand why a tree of that size would crash to the ground. After all, this tree had been struck by lightning on 14 different occasions. It had weathered countless storms and had never fallen. But one day, without warning, it just crashed. It turned out that the tree had been killed by beetles. Little insects had, over a prolonged period of time, chewed their way through its mighty fibers until it came crashing down.
That is how compromise works. The devil may be wicked, but he is not an idiot. He knows how to rip people off. He doesn’t tell you what he is up to in the beginning. Instead, he comes to you with a little enticement. He will infiltrate through compromise and then take you down, one bite at a time.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Crying out to God
I've been discouraged and frustrated with some people I volunteer/ serve with. In one instance, there is a person who I have persistently been requesting information from (and I can't proceed without this information)---but to no avail. This affects several people and involves money, so it's not like I can just let it go. But I dont' know what to do.
Then, I need help for some events coming up, and all the people who've told me "I really want to do this and that" aren't coming through. Right now I'm in a jam because I"ve made a commitment to one of my groups, and need to replace myself in another group. But I can't find a replacement!
So, I've been praying and asking for wisdom. This morning, I read the following:
"Thus says the Lord who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it (the Lord is His name): 'Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you great and might things, which you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3.
I"ve been half-heartedly seeking wisdom---and just pressing on in the flesh. It's a common pattern with me----being divinely inspired, divinely equipped to do something, and then occasionally (not all the time, nor every time) begin to complete it in the flesh. This was my "come-back" reminder----to turn these things back over to the Lord, knowing (as the verses say above) that He will answer.
Lord--I lift up all these things that have been frustrating me, discouraging me, and lay them at your feet. You've led me to be involved in these ministries and organizations---but I need Your strength and wisdom to press on. Teach me how to communicate in new ways---help me to put on love and patience and encouragement----and please help me to hear your voice and squash the enemy's. Thank you Lord---Lisa
Then, I need help for some events coming up, and all the people who've told me "I really want to do this and that" aren't coming through. Right now I'm in a jam because I"ve made a commitment to one of my groups, and need to replace myself in another group. But I can't find a replacement!
So, I've been praying and asking for wisdom. This morning, I read the following:
"Thus says the Lord who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it (the Lord is His name): 'Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you great and might things, which you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3.
I"ve been half-heartedly seeking wisdom---and just pressing on in the flesh. It's a common pattern with me----being divinely inspired, divinely equipped to do something, and then occasionally (not all the time, nor every time) begin to complete it in the flesh. This was my "come-back" reminder----to turn these things back over to the Lord, knowing (as the verses say above) that He will answer.
Lord--I lift up all these things that have been frustrating me, discouraging me, and lay them at your feet. You've led me to be involved in these ministries and organizations---but I need Your strength and wisdom to press on. Teach me how to communicate in new ways---help me to put on love and patience and encouragement----and please help me to hear your voice and squash the enemy's. Thank you Lord---Lisa
Monday, September 10, 2007
Emotional Promiscuity
Wow---this article seems to pull from several different books I've read over the last 2 years, such as "Every woman's battle", and "Captivating". This is a nice overview of what those books beautifully lay out.----I highly recommend those books!---LL
http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/women/11551996/
http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/women/11551996/
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Tithing
God wants to reward your giving
Giving to the church is a sensitive topic. It challenges the way donated money is spent after it's given and threatens our own selfish natures. Ultimately it's our concern that if we give too much away, we won't be able to make ends meet. God's Word teaches us that in His economy, He always provides. The Lord owns everything, and He will generously reward His faithful, obedient children spiritually, physically, and financially, even beyond our wildest imaginations. He's just waiting for our trust.
Reasons for giving:
It motivates greater faithfulness.
Jesus taught His followers to live by a higher standard than the one given in the Old Testament. For example, when the Law said "do not murder," Jesus said that anyone who hates his brother is a murderer. Would it be any less logical to give less than the Old Testament standard of tithing?
It releases God's financial blessing. He promises that as we tithe, He will be faithful to "throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it" (Mal. 3:10). He adds, "Test me in this!" This is one of the most remarkable passages in the Bible. God said they could check Him out and see if He was telling the truth. People who have taken Him at His word give testimony to His blessings, that go beyond worldly logic. Remember, you don't give to be blessed, you give because you are blessed.
It expands Kingdom work.
The average percentage of Christian giving is only 2.5%. It doesn't take a mathematical genius to see that churchwide tithing would allow ministry efforts to virtually explode. Imagine how much greater God would be glorified if the kingdom of Christ quadruples its resources.
It changes spending habits.
If your giving standard has been low, starting to tithe may seem to stretch you financially at first. But in the process of tithing, you will learn to prioritize your spending pattern and develop a sound financial budget. This will allow you more money to give. You'll also find that the discipline brought on by tithing will help you fight the materialistic urges prompted by the marketing gurus of our consumer-driven society.
Giving to the church is a sensitive topic. It challenges the way donated money is spent after it's given and threatens our own selfish natures. Ultimately it's our concern that if we give too much away, we won't be able to make ends meet. God's Word teaches us that in His economy, He always provides. The Lord owns everything, and He will generously reward His faithful, obedient children spiritually, physically, and financially, even beyond our wildest imaginations. He's just waiting for our trust.
Reasons for giving:
It motivates greater faithfulness.
Jesus taught His followers to live by a higher standard than the one given in the Old Testament. For example, when the Law said "do not murder," Jesus said that anyone who hates his brother is a murderer. Would it be any less logical to give less than the Old Testament standard of tithing?
It releases God's financial blessing. He promises that as we tithe, He will be faithful to "throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it" (Mal. 3:10). He adds, "Test me in this!" This is one of the most remarkable passages in the Bible. God said they could check Him out and see if He was telling the truth. People who have taken Him at His word give testimony to His blessings, that go beyond worldly logic. Remember, you don't give to be blessed, you give because you are blessed.
It expands Kingdom work.
The average percentage of Christian giving is only 2.5%. It doesn't take a mathematical genius to see that churchwide tithing would allow ministry efforts to virtually explode. Imagine how much greater God would be glorified if the kingdom of Christ quadruples its resources.
It changes spending habits.
If your giving standard has been low, starting to tithe may seem to stretch you financially at first. But in the process of tithing, you will learn to prioritize your spending pattern and develop a sound financial budget. This will allow you more money to give. You'll also find that the discipline brought on by tithing will help you fight the materialistic urges prompted by the marketing gurus of our consumer-driven society.
Friday, September 7, 2007
HOw to Handle a Wayward Child
How to Handle a Wayward Child
Dear Dr. Linda:
We raised our daughter to love God. She grew up in a Christian home, made a commitment of salvation and was very involved in her youth group. When she left home for college, everything changed. She rebelled against every moral principle taught and has made poor choices that grieve our hearts. What can we do?
Dr Linda's Response:
My heart goes out to you. No parent enjoys watching a once strong godly teenager make poor choices that negatively affect her life. But the reality is that once young adults leave home, they are in charge of their choices. Some are better than others at resisting temptation and standing firm on their convictions.
The biblical directive in Proverbs 22:6 is, "Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old, he will not depart from it." This verse warns us that children must be brought under parental and spiritual control. In some cases, that discipline is lacking in God-loving homes. Parents take their children to church, teach them about God but fail to break their will and properly discipline.
Other times, parents have been consistent disciplinarians and their child chooses a different way. In those cases, you pray that the godly foundation will eventually win out and the child will come back to his/her senses. Unfortunately that process can mean heartache for a time.
In other cases, family problems that were never addressed may be influencing your daughter. For example, families that don't deal well with conflict and don't get help when family conflict is out of control, produce adult kids unprepared to deal with conflict in their now adult lives. An unresolved family problems carry over to other relationships. One young woman was sexually assaulted as a child. The family never dealt with the trauma and covered it up. Later, that daughter had major boyfriend problems that could be traced back to her childhood sexual assault.
Also, remember every person has a free will and is ultimately responsible before God. Our role as parents is to insure we have done everything possible to shape our children for independent adult life. Take a quick inventory of your parenting: Were you consistent? Did you set godly examples? Did you break your child's will at a young age? Did you give in too often? Did you address family dysfunction?
Obviously you can't go back and redo inconsistent parenting but you can admit failure in those areas and ask your child for forgiveness. You can also talk about foundational principles that bring a happy life. Be honest when reacting to your daughter's poor choices. Point out the negative consequences that will result from ungodly living. Deal with family problems now. Accept her unconditionally but not her sinful behavior or lifestyle.
Above all, pray for her. Prayer is powerful. The Holy Spirit can remind her of her childhood learning and bring others into her life who will positively influence her. Get support from other parents who will agree to pray with you. She may go through difficulty but don't give up on God's best for her life. Continue to pray and intercede.
Dear Dr. Linda:
We raised our daughter to love God. She grew up in a Christian home, made a commitment of salvation and was very involved in her youth group. When she left home for college, everything changed. She rebelled against every moral principle taught and has made poor choices that grieve our hearts. What can we do?
Dr Linda's Response:
My heart goes out to you. No parent enjoys watching a once strong godly teenager make poor choices that negatively affect her life. But the reality is that once young adults leave home, they are in charge of their choices. Some are better than others at resisting temptation and standing firm on their convictions.
The biblical directive in Proverbs 22:6 is, "Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old, he will not depart from it." This verse warns us that children must be brought under parental and spiritual control. In some cases, that discipline is lacking in God-loving homes. Parents take their children to church, teach them about God but fail to break their will and properly discipline.
Other times, parents have been consistent disciplinarians and their child chooses a different way. In those cases, you pray that the godly foundation will eventually win out and the child will come back to his/her senses. Unfortunately that process can mean heartache for a time.
In other cases, family problems that were never addressed may be influencing your daughter. For example, families that don't deal well with conflict and don't get help when family conflict is out of control, produce adult kids unprepared to deal with conflict in their now adult lives. An unresolved family problems carry over to other relationships. One young woman was sexually assaulted as a child. The family never dealt with the trauma and covered it up. Later, that daughter had major boyfriend problems that could be traced back to her childhood sexual assault.
Also, remember every person has a free will and is ultimately responsible before God. Our role as parents is to insure we have done everything possible to shape our children for independent adult life. Take a quick inventory of your parenting: Were you consistent? Did you set godly examples? Did you break your child's will at a young age? Did you give in too often? Did you address family dysfunction?
Obviously you can't go back and redo inconsistent parenting but you can admit failure in those areas and ask your child for forgiveness. You can also talk about foundational principles that bring a happy life. Be honest when reacting to your daughter's poor choices. Point out the negative consequences that will result from ungodly living. Deal with family problems now. Accept her unconditionally but not her sinful behavior or lifestyle.
Above all, pray for her. Prayer is powerful. The Holy Spirit can remind her of her childhood learning and bring others into her life who will positively influence her. Get support from other parents who will agree to pray with you. She may go through difficulty but don't give up on God's best for her life. Continue to pray and intercede.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Programming our Minds
In Touch - Sept. 6, 2007
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
September 6, 2007
Programming Our Minds – Colossians 3:15-17
The mind is the control tower of life. Decisions determine actions, which in turn affect the immediate and distant future. The person each of us will be 20 years from now is impacted by how we think today. If we want our future self to be pleasing to the Lord, then we must begin at once to program our mind with godly thinking.
In Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:23, the apostle Paul says that believers need to reject worldly thinking and renew the mind. We’ve been given the capacity to think as Jesus thinks if we submit to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Our first act of submission is to seek the things of God. This means being intentional about opening our minds only to scripturally sound attitudes and philosophies. It’s important that we protect ourselves from the world’s self-serving mindset, because we are to be God’s servants.
The second way to submit is by sifting our thoughts through the Word and will of God. This is a practical step that will allow us to identify wrong thinking. We must consider whether an attitude or line of thinking is pleasing to the Lord and useful for making us into the person He has called us to be. Then, when a thought is unscriptural, we can choose to reject it (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Of course, the only way to know if a thought pleases the Lord is to read and meditate upon the Bible. In His Word, God provides examples of righteous living and thinking, and He offers guidance for choosing such patterns. Scripture is the instruction manual for our control tower.
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
September 6, 2007
Programming Our Minds – Colossians 3:15-17
The mind is the control tower of life. Decisions determine actions, which in turn affect the immediate and distant future. The person each of us will be 20 years from now is impacted by how we think today. If we want our future self to be pleasing to the Lord, then we must begin at once to program our mind with godly thinking.
In Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:23, the apostle Paul says that believers need to reject worldly thinking and renew the mind. We’ve been given the capacity to think as Jesus thinks if we submit to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Our first act of submission is to seek the things of God. This means being intentional about opening our minds only to scripturally sound attitudes and philosophies. It’s important that we protect ourselves from the world’s self-serving mindset, because we are to be God’s servants.
The second way to submit is by sifting our thoughts through the Word and will of God. This is a practical step that will allow us to identify wrong thinking. We must consider whether an attitude or line of thinking is pleasing to the Lord and useful for making us into the person He has called us to be. Then, when a thought is unscriptural, we can choose to reject it (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Of course, the only way to know if a thought pleases the Lord is to read and meditate upon the Bible. In His Word, God provides examples of righteous living and thinking, and He offers guidance for choosing such patterns. Scripture is the instruction manual for our control tower.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Our Thoughts
It is so hard to keep the junk and clutter out of my mind! When the bible says "take each thought captive and bring it into the obedience of Christ"---I know that it is moment by moment, thought by thought. So it's a good thing that we can renew our mind with God's Word!---Happy Hump Day--LL
In Touch - Sept. 5, 2007
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
September 5, 2007 – Our Thoughts – Philippians 4:8-9
The popular expression “You are what you eat” is an encouragement to give our physical bodies good food. The idea also applies to our mental wellbeing. The mind’s appetite is much like the stomach’s, which becomes accustomed to the diet we provide and craves more of the same. Dwelling on whatever is pure, lovely, and right develops a hunger to receive more of God’s goodness. But if we take in the garbage our culture calls excellent, we develop a taste for that instead.
The world presents some delicious-looking offerings—TV is one example. But mixed in with some fine educational programming is a lot of junk. Certain believers consider it okay to watch a show that violates scriptural values, since it’s “only entertainment.” However, everything our mind ingests shapes our views and values. Allowing incorrect teaching and sinful ideas into our thinking can eat away at our understanding of right and wrong.
If an idea, action, or activity is not true or honorable—that is, if it violates Scripture in some way—then God is not in it. And if God is absent, then Satan is present. The Enemy’s mission is to draw our focus away from the Lord. Once Satan has someone’s attention, he’ll keep presenting more tasty-looking “junk food” to keep that individual occupied while leading him further into depravity.
Everything the mind can focus upon—including entertainment, teachings, and philosophies—is either Satan’s garbage or the Lord’s goodness. Believers are wise to notice the difference and feast only on the things of God.
In Touch - Sept. 5, 2007
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
September 5, 2007 – Our Thoughts – Philippians 4:8-9
The popular expression “You are what you eat” is an encouragement to give our physical bodies good food. The idea also applies to our mental wellbeing. The mind’s appetite is much like the stomach’s, which becomes accustomed to the diet we provide and craves more of the same. Dwelling on whatever is pure, lovely, and right develops a hunger to receive more of God’s goodness. But if we take in the garbage our culture calls excellent, we develop a taste for that instead.
The world presents some delicious-looking offerings—TV is one example. But mixed in with some fine educational programming is a lot of junk. Certain believers consider it okay to watch a show that violates scriptural values, since it’s “only entertainment.” However, everything our mind ingests shapes our views and values. Allowing incorrect teaching and sinful ideas into our thinking can eat away at our understanding of right and wrong.
If an idea, action, or activity is not true or honorable—that is, if it violates Scripture in some way—then God is not in it. And if God is absent, then Satan is present. The Enemy’s mission is to draw our focus away from the Lord. Once Satan has someone’s attention, he’ll keep presenting more tasty-looking “junk food” to keep that individual occupied while leading him further into depravity.
Everything the mind can focus upon—including entertainment, teachings, and philosophies—is either Satan’s garbage or the Lord’s goodness. Believers are wise to notice the difference and feast only on the things of God.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Our Kids and the Image of God
Today Tony and I will be discussing the "rules" for him coming back home to live. Since he chose to not go to school, he's essentially chose to start living an adult life of work. I have so many things running through my head----this little checklist of what time he needs to be home, how he needs to start paying for all his stuff, how he needs to communicate with me----and on and on. But really, as valid as all those things are, ultimately what I want is for him to starting counting the cost of all his decisions and actions and start living for the Lord. This devotion is a help to me this morning.--LL
Kids and the Image of God
Genesis 1:27 And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
How do you communicate to your children that they are cherished and accepted both by you and by God, while still holding up realistic standards for them?
The world places a premium upon performance. As a result, three false values have arisen: intellect, beauty and athletic ability. You must respect your children's uniquenesses above the imposing pressures of the world's value system, showing that they are made in God's image regardless of performance.
It's also difficult to build self-esteem when parents have differing expectations. Consider the boy who grows up with a father who wants him to be aggressive, competitive and outgoing. Add a mother who desires a quiet, calm, "mommy's boy." The result is a son caught in a vice, unable to please either of his parents.
Your own upbringing influences your ability to communicate reasonable expectations. If your parents held unachievable standards over you, you will tend to do the same thing to your children, even though you fight fiercely to avoid it.
What can you do to correct unreal expectations? First, know your child. Know his or her true abilities and interests. Each child should be uniquely considered, apart from siblings.
Second, clearly verbalize your expectations. Unfortunately, many standards are never spoken until they are violated. One suggestion: Write down all the major expectations you hold for your child and post them on a personalized bulletin board.
Third, praise your children for genuine effort. Warm praise and respect will encourage the growth of positive self-esteem. You might ask yourself, "How many times do I positively reinforce my child for his or her efforts each day?" Don't be guilty of withholding your approval from your children. Lavishly grant approval of a "job well done."
Prayer:
That you can experience God's acceptance in order to communicate acceptance and self-esteem to your children.
Discuss: On a scale of 1-10 (1 = low), rank your parents' expectations of you as a child. Discuss with your mate how those expectations affect you and your parenting style today.
Moments Together for Couples 9/4
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
Kids and the Image of God
Genesis 1:27 And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
How do you communicate to your children that they are cherished and accepted both by you and by God, while still holding up realistic standards for them?
The world places a premium upon performance. As a result, three false values have arisen: intellect, beauty and athletic ability. You must respect your children's uniquenesses above the imposing pressures of the world's value system, showing that they are made in God's image regardless of performance.
It's also difficult to build self-esteem when parents have differing expectations. Consider the boy who grows up with a father who wants him to be aggressive, competitive and outgoing. Add a mother who desires a quiet, calm, "mommy's boy." The result is a son caught in a vice, unable to please either of his parents.
Your own upbringing influences your ability to communicate reasonable expectations. If your parents held unachievable standards over you, you will tend to do the same thing to your children, even though you fight fiercely to avoid it.
What can you do to correct unreal expectations? First, know your child. Know his or her true abilities and interests. Each child should be uniquely considered, apart from siblings.
Second, clearly verbalize your expectations. Unfortunately, many standards are never spoken until they are violated. One suggestion: Write down all the major expectations you hold for your child and post them on a personalized bulletin board.
Third, praise your children for genuine effort. Warm praise and respect will encourage the growth of positive self-esteem. You might ask yourself, "How many times do I positively reinforce my child for his or her efforts each day?" Don't be guilty of withholding your approval from your children. Lavishly grant approval of a "job well done."
Prayer:
That you can experience God's acceptance in order to communicate acceptance and self-esteem to your children.
Discuss: On a scale of 1-10 (1 = low), rank your parents' expectations of you as a child. Discuss with your mate how those expectations affect you and your parenting style today.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Our Day of Rest
I love Labor Day! At first I thought it was because it signals Fall, back-to-school, football games, and the world Series. But after reading this, I think it's because I love observing the sabbath every week, and this is a commercialized secular version of it.
Enjoy your day of rest and reflection---God had the right plan ALL ALONG! :)---LL
Encouragement for Today - Sept. 3, 2007
September 3, 2006
Labor Day
By Rachel Olsen
“And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” Genesis 2:3 (NIV)
Devotion:
In 1882 cabinet maker Peter McGuire introduced his idea for a new holiday saying, "Let us have a festive day during which a parade through the streets of the city would permit public tribute to American Industry." A dozen years later President Cleveland signed a bill into law designating the first Monday in September “Labor Day.” For many Americans today is a day off from work, a chance to cook-out and hang-out in the lingering warm weather of summer.
A day off from labor, however, was not a new concept when McGuire suggested his holiday of tribute to American workers. This concept of a day of rest was first declared by the Lord. In illustration, God rested the seventh day after creating the world and He deemed the day of rest holy (Gen. 2:2-3). He didn’t call it Labor Day - He called it the Sabbath.
Sabbath is a not a day of tribute to workers, it’s a day of tribute to their Maker. It’s a day to rest your body while renewing your mind by making the focus of the day your Maker and your relationship with Him. In the Jewish tradition, the Sabbath is the focal point of the week - not just a day of laundry or list-making to gear back up for the week ahead. The Jewish people spent three days preparing for Sabbath, and three days reflecting on what they had learned or encountered of God during the Sabbath. They were a Sabbath-focused people, and therefore a God-focused people.
Keri Wyatt Kent, author of Breathe, writes, “This creates a rhythm of life that puts our focus not on our stuff or our schedule but on the opportunity to meet with God.”
What does your Sabbath typically look like? Are you truly focused on God, beyond perhaps an hour or so of worship at your local church? Do you emerge renewed and energized by who God is and what He can do through your life? Or do you get to the end of the day feeling tired and regrettably resigned to start another week?
Kent reveals:
“We are created in the image of God, and he modeled for us a way of life that makes sense for how we are created. Here’s how to dance the dance of life, he said: work, be creative, use your imagination, throw yourself into it, whether you are washing dishes, reading to your kids and running a household, or trading stocks, reading corporate reports, and running a business. …At the end of each day, stop. Take a rest, eat a good meal, get enough sleep, and refresh yourself. Take time to think about your day, to notice where God was in it and where you were blessed, and to say, “It’s good.” Then go back at it the next day. And after six days, take a whole day off. And say, “It’s really good.” Spend a whole day just pausing, just reflecting on how really good it is, and then start the dance again, at a sustainable pace.”
That sounds really good to me. May this Labor Day mark the day that you and I decide to become Sabbath-focused people.
Dear Lord, I want to honor You by practicing Sabbath rest. Show me how to live this way. Meet me there in my time of contemplation, reflection, and worship. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Breathe by Keri Wyatt Kent
The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I am Feeling Drained by Lysa TerKeurst
My Life in Chapter and Verse by Rachel Olsen
Application Steps:
Like the Jewish people, spend a few days this week preparing for the Sabbath. Shop and plan ahead for the day. Can you put a meal in the crock pot the night before? Perhaps purchase a new journal to begin recording your Sabbath day discoveries. Go dig out some Dominos or board games to play together as a family as you reconnect with one another at the close of the week.
If you desire more on this topic, see Keri Wyatt Kent’s book Breathe offered in the Additional Resources link below.
Reflections:
What does Sabbath rest mean to you?
Do your Sabbath look like the rest of your days, except that you add church to the list of activities?
Is God prompting you to carve out a day to rest, bless your family, and focus on Him? Will you respond?
Power Verses:
Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (NIV)
Genesis 2:3, “And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” (NIV)
Jeremiah 6:16, “So now the Lord says, “Stop right where you are! Look for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NLT)
Enjoy your day of rest and reflection---God had the right plan ALL ALONG! :)---LL
Encouragement for Today - Sept. 3, 2007
September 3, 2006
Labor Day
By Rachel Olsen
“And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” Genesis 2:3 (NIV)
Devotion:
In 1882 cabinet maker Peter McGuire introduced his idea for a new holiday saying, "Let us have a festive day during which a parade through the streets of the city would permit public tribute to American Industry." A dozen years later President Cleveland signed a bill into law designating the first Monday in September “Labor Day.” For many Americans today is a day off from work, a chance to cook-out and hang-out in the lingering warm weather of summer.
A day off from labor, however, was not a new concept when McGuire suggested his holiday of tribute to American workers. This concept of a day of rest was first declared by the Lord. In illustration, God rested the seventh day after creating the world and He deemed the day of rest holy (Gen. 2:2-3). He didn’t call it Labor Day - He called it the Sabbath.
Sabbath is a not a day of tribute to workers, it’s a day of tribute to their Maker. It’s a day to rest your body while renewing your mind by making the focus of the day your Maker and your relationship with Him. In the Jewish tradition, the Sabbath is the focal point of the week - not just a day of laundry or list-making to gear back up for the week ahead. The Jewish people spent three days preparing for Sabbath, and three days reflecting on what they had learned or encountered of God during the Sabbath. They were a Sabbath-focused people, and therefore a God-focused people.
Keri Wyatt Kent, author of Breathe, writes, “This creates a rhythm of life that puts our focus not on our stuff or our schedule but on the opportunity to meet with God.”
What does your Sabbath typically look like? Are you truly focused on God, beyond perhaps an hour or so of worship at your local church? Do you emerge renewed and energized by who God is and what He can do through your life? Or do you get to the end of the day feeling tired and regrettably resigned to start another week?
Kent reveals:
“We are created in the image of God, and he modeled for us a way of life that makes sense for how we are created. Here’s how to dance the dance of life, he said: work, be creative, use your imagination, throw yourself into it, whether you are washing dishes, reading to your kids and running a household, or trading stocks, reading corporate reports, and running a business. …At the end of each day, stop. Take a rest, eat a good meal, get enough sleep, and refresh yourself. Take time to think about your day, to notice where God was in it and where you were blessed, and to say, “It’s good.” Then go back at it the next day. And after six days, take a whole day off. And say, “It’s really good.” Spend a whole day just pausing, just reflecting on how really good it is, and then start the dance again, at a sustainable pace.”
That sounds really good to me. May this Labor Day mark the day that you and I decide to become Sabbath-focused people.
Dear Lord, I want to honor You by practicing Sabbath rest. Show me how to live this way. Meet me there in my time of contemplation, reflection, and worship. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Breathe by Keri Wyatt Kent
The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I am Feeling Drained by Lysa TerKeurst
My Life in Chapter and Verse by Rachel Olsen
Application Steps:
Like the Jewish people, spend a few days this week preparing for the Sabbath. Shop and plan ahead for the day. Can you put a meal in the crock pot the night before? Perhaps purchase a new journal to begin recording your Sabbath day discoveries. Go dig out some Dominos or board games to play together as a family as you reconnect with one another at the close of the week.
If you desire more on this topic, see Keri Wyatt Kent’s book Breathe offered in the Additional Resources link below.
Reflections:
What does Sabbath rest mean to you?
Do your Sabbath look like the rest of your days, except that you add church to the list of activities?
Is God prompting you to carve out a day to rest, bless your family, and focus on Him? Will you respond?
Power Verses:
Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (NIV)
Genesis 2:3, “And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” (NIV)
Jeremiah 6:16, “So now the Lord says, “Stop right where you are! Look for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NLT)
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