Moments Together for Couples 8/23
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 23Launching Our Arrows (Part One)
Psalm 127:4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.
I find it interesting that the Scripture describes children as "arrows" because arrows are meant to be released. As we raise our children, Barbara and I know we are responsible to prepare them to live independently.
All of our efforts as parents are made with the knowledge that, eventually, these "arrows" will be flying on their own. We make a conscious effort to give them skills in living and in making godly choices.
There's an important characteristic of an arrow: it is an offensive weapon. God wants every Christian to make an impact in our world for Christ, and He wants us parents to emphasize this vision as we raise our children.
When I drive our kids to school, I pray for them: "Lord, I pray that they will never forget that they are Your representatives at school today. I pray that they will be lights in the midst of the darkness."
Knowing we will release our kids, however, doesn't make it any easier when the time actually comes. The "twang" of our bowstring was first heard in August of 1993 when we took our oldest child, Ashley, to college. I remember the scene well: Barbara, Ashley and I stood in the dorm parking lot, huddled-up, arms entwined, sobbing. I was crying so hard that I couldn't pray; my own daughter had to pray for herself!
As we drove away from the dorm, my "little girl" stood on the sidewalk, waving good-bye. I turned to Barbara and said, "One down and five to go! Can you believe that in a year we've got to do this again with Benjamin?"
I paused for a moment. The tears were drying on my face, but the pain of the loss was fresh. "This hurts too much," I said. "I'm not doing it next year. I'm going to rent a dad for a day to do it for me!"
Prayer:
Thank God for the privilege of having influence on the direction your arrow flies. Ask Him to always keep His target in front of you.
Discuss: Are you preparing to launch your arrows as offensive weapons? What can you begin doing now to give your children a mind-set of helping reach people for Christ?
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Strongholds
I must say that when I read this I thought it was just another devotion on how important prayer was.
And then I came to the part about strongholds---WOW! I've gone to workshops on how to fight strongholds, but never had it broken down into such easy-to-identify categories:
Fear
Control
Rebellion
Insecurity
Idolatry
Pride
Bitterness
NOW I feel like I can better identify these trouble areas/ strongholds in my life and lift them up in prayer. I am so encouraged!--LL
Marketplace Meditations 8/6
August 6
Hindrances to Christ's Rule
2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
The Bible says when Christ comes to live in your heart, old things are passed away, all things become new (see 2 Cor. 5:17). The Lord has put a new Spirit in us. Previously, I could not understand why so many of us who proclaimed Christ had such little impact on the kingdom of darkness. It seemed to me that our culture should be impacted much more if His children walked in the light as Jesus did. Jesus impacted His culture like no other man.
I saw many businesspeople, who proclaimed Christ, living no differently than a person who had not claimed Him as Lord. These men and women had a form of religion, but little power that reflected Christ's rule in their lives. Then one day God took me through a time of testing that led to a discovery of generational influences that impacted the way I viewed people and circumstances on a subconscious basis. I discovered this was a stronghold that had been implanted many generations earlier. Because the stronghold operated on a subconscious level, it was not easily recognizable. Strongholds keep us from being free to reflect Christ in and through our lives because they require allegiance until they are dealt with. Strongholds can often be so hidden that we would not even identify them as evil. A stronghold of fear, control, rebellion, insecurity, idolatry, pride, or bitterness may be hidden until it is revealed through circumstances.
All strongholds are built in our lives as a result of seeking to meet one or more of seven basic needs God has created in us. Once we believe a lie that God cannot meet a need without our effort, we open our spirit to a stronghold. The more lies we believe, the more we invite these strongholds to take root in our lives.
Are you ineffective in your Christian experience? Are there besetting sins that seem to recur in your life? You may find that satan has built a fortress in your heart that has been there many generations. You must ask God's forgiveness for entertaining this stronghold, and you must renounce it. Then as Christ renews your mind and heart, you will see Christ's power released in your life like never before.
And then I came to the part about strongholds---WOW! I've gone to workshops on how to fight strongholds, but never had it broken down into such easy-to-identify categories:
Fear
Control
Rebellion
Insecurity
Idolatry
Pride
Bitterness
NOW I feel like I can better identify these trouble areas/ strongholds in my life and lift them up in prayer. I am so encouraged!--LL
Marketplace Meditations 8/6
August 6
Hindrances to Christ's Rule
2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
The Bible says when Christ comes to live in your heart, old things are passed away, all things become new (see 2 Cor. 5:17). The Lord has put a new Spirit in us. Previously, I could not understand why so many of us who proclaimed Christ had such little impact on the kingdom of darkness. It seemed to me that our culture should be impacted much more if His children walked in the light as Jesus did. Jesus impacted His culture like no other man.
I saw many businesspeople, who proclaimed Christ, living no differently than a person who had not claimed Him as Lord. These men and women had a form of religion, but little power that reflected Christ's rule in their lives. Then one day God took me through a time of testing that led to a discovery of generational influences that impacted the way I viewed people and circumstances on a subconscious basis. I discovered this was a stronghold that had been implanted many generations earlier. Because the stronghold operated on a subconscious level, it was not easily recognizable. Strongholds keep us from being free to reflect Christ in and through our lives because they require allegiance until they are dealt with. Strongholds can often be so hidden that we would not even identify them as evil. A stronghold of fear, control, rebellion, insecurity, idolatry, pride, or bitterness may be hidden until it is revealed through circumstances.
All strongholds are built in our lives as a result of seeking to meet one or more of seven basic needs God has created in us. Once we believe a lie that God cannot meet a need without our effort, we open our spirit to a stronghold. The more lies we believe, the more we invite these strongholds to take root in our lives.
Are you ineffective in your Christian experience? Are there besetting sins that seem to recur in your life? You may find that satan has built a fortress in your heart that has been there many generations. You must ask God's forgiveness for entertaining this stronghold, and you must renounce it. Then as Christ renews your mind and heart, you will see Christ's power released in your life like never before.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Storms: In God We (Nearly) Trust
Storms-----I love thunder and lightening storms---just feeling the power behind them, and sensing my powerlessness--- I love them because it reminds me in a physical way of God's power and my powerlessness.
I don't necessarily love the other storms in my life---unemployment, relationship strains, health issues----but sometimes it takes getting stripped down to a thread that brings me to that point of resting in God alone--His power and sovereignty. And God NEVER fails. This devotional was encouraging to me---have a great Friday!--LL
UpWords - Week of July 18-24
In God We (Nearly) Trust by Max Lucado
A few days before our wedding, Denalyn and I enjoyed and endured a sailing voyage. Milt, a Miami church friend, had invited Denalyn, her mom, and me to join him and a few others on a leisurely cruise along the Florida coast.
Initially it was just that. Leisure. We stretched out on cushions, hung feet over the side, caught some zzz’s and rays. Nice.
But then came the storm. The sky darkened, the rain started, and the flat ocean humped like a dragon’s neck. Sudden waves of water tilted the vessel up until we saw nothing but sky and then downward until we saw nothing but blue. I learned this about sailing: there is nothing swell about a swell. Tanning stopped. Napping ceased. Eyes turned first to the thunderclouds, then to the captain. We looked to Milt.
He was deliberate and decisive. He told some people where to sit, others what to do, and all of us to hang on. And we did what he said. Why? We knew he knew best. No one else knew the difference between starboard and stern. Only Milt did. We trusted him. We knew he knew.
And we knew we didn’t. Prior to the winds, we might have boasted about Boy Scout merit badges in sailing or bass-boat excursions. But once the storm hit, we shut up. (Except for Denalyn, who threw up.) We had no choice but to trust Milt. He knew what we didn’t—and he cared. The vessel was captained, not by a hireling or a stranger, but by a pal. Our safety mattered to him. So we trusted him.
Oh, that the choice were equally easy in life. Need I remind you about your westerly winds? With the speed of lightning and the force of a thunderclap, williwaws anger tranquil waters. Victims of sudden storms populate unemployment lines and ICU wards. You know the winds. You’ve felt the waves. Good-bye, smooth sailing. Hello, rough waters.
Such typhoons test our trust in the Captain. Does God know what he is doing? Can he get us out? Why did he allow the storm?
Can you say about God what I said about Milt? I know God knows what’s best.I know I don’t. I know he cares.
Such words come easily when the water is calm. But when you’re looking at a wrecked car or a suspicious-looking mole, when war breaks out or thieves break in, do you trust him?
To embrace God’s sovereignty is to drink from the well of his lordship and make a sailboat-in-the-storm decision. Not in regard to Milt and the sea, but in regard to God and life. You look toward the Captain and resolve: he knows what’s best.
I don't necessarily love the other storms in my life---unemployment, relationship strains, health issues----but sometimes it takes getting stripped down to a thread that brings me to that point of resting in God alone--His power and sovereignty. And God NEVER fails. This devotional was encouraging to me---have a great Friday!--LL
UpWords - Week of July 18-24
In God We (Nearly) Trust by Max Lucado
A few days before our wedding, Denalyn and I enjoyed and endured a sailing voyage. Milt, a Miami church friend, had invited Denalyn, her mom, and me to join him and a few others on a leisurely cruise along the Florida coast.
Initially it was just that. Leisure. We stretched out on cushions, hung feet over the side, caught some zzz’s and rays. Nice.
But then came the storm. The sky darkened, the rain started, and the flat ocean humped like a dragon’s neck. Sudden waves of water tilted the vessel up until we saw nothing but sky and then downward until we saw nothing but blue. I learned this about sailing: there is nothing swell about a swell. Tanning stopped. Napping ceased. Eyes turned first to the thunderclouds, then to the captain. We looked to Milt.
He was deliberate and decisive. He told some people where to sit, others what to do, and all of us to hang on. And we did what he said. Why? We knew he knew best. No one else knew the difference between starboard and stern. Only Milt did. We trusted him. We knew he knew.
And we knew we didn’t. Prior to the winds, we might have boasted about Boy Scout merit badges in sailing or bass-boat excursions. But once the storm hit, we shut up. (Except for Denalyn, who threw up.) We had no choice but to trust Milt. He knew what we didn’t—and he cared. The vessel was captained, not by a hireling or a stranger, but by a pal. Our safety mattered to him. So we trusted him.
Oh, that the choice were equally easy in life. Need I remind you about your westerly winds? With the speed of lightning and the force of a thunderclap, williwaws anger tranquil waters. Victims of sudden storms populate unemployment lines and ICU wards. You know the winds. You’ve felt the waves. Good-bye, smooth sailing. Hello, rough waters.
Such typhoons test our trust in the Captain. Does God know what he is doing? Can he get us out? Why did he allow the storm?
Can you say about God what I said about Milt? I know God knows what’s best.I know I don’t. I know he cares.
Such words come easily when the water is calm. But when you’re looking at a wrecked car or a suspicious-looking mole, when war breaks out or thieves break in, do you trust him?
To embrace God’s sovereignty is to drink from the well of his lordship and make a sailboat-in-the-storm decision. Not in regard to Milt and the sea, but in regard to God and life. You look toward the Captain and resolve: he knows what’s best.
Friday, July 11, 2008
When we Doubt
I can't remember exactly how it goes, but Gavin used to say "Believe your beliefs, and doubt your doubts." I like how this devotion points out the difference between doubts and unbelief---and how God's word helps us see clearly the difference. Have a great weekend!--LL
Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - July 11, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
When We Doubt
“Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. . . .” (1 Corinthians 13:12a)
Oswald Chambers said, “Doubt is not always a sign that a man is wrong. It may be a sign that he is thinking.”
There is a difference between doubt and unbelief. Doubt is a matter of the mind. Unbelief is a matter of the heart. Doubt is when we cannot understand what God is doing and why He is doing it. Unbelief is when we refuse to believe God’s Word and do what He tells us to do.
We must not confuse the two.
Remember the discouraged disciples on the Emmaus road? In their minds, Jesus had failed in His mission and had been crucified. Jesus joined them on that road and began to speak with them.
In the end, they said, “Didn’t our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32).
God dealt with their doubt through His Word. And God will deal with your doubt through His Word. When you are facing doubt, that is not the time to close the Bible. That is the time to open it and let God speak to you.
Maybe you have been doubting God’s ways in your life. Maybe you have been asking “why” a lot lately. Maybe His timing doesn’t seem to make any sense.
The Bible says, “All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now” (1 Corinthians 13:12b).
It all will be resolved in that final day when we stand before God. God doesn’t ask us to understand everything. He asks us to trust Him and follow Him.
Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - July 11, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
When We Doubt
“Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. . . .” (1 Corinthians 13:12a)
Oswald Chambers said, “Doubt is not always a sign that a man is wrong. It may be a sign that he is thinking.”
There is a difference between doubt and unbelief. Doubt is a matter of the mind. Unbelief is a matter of the heart. Doubt is when we cannot understand what God is doing and why He is doing it. Unbelief is when we refuse to believe God’s Word and do what He tells us to do.
We must not confuse the two.
Remember the discouraged disciples on the Emmaus road? In their minds, Jesus had failed in His mission and had been crucified. Jesus joined them on that road and began to speak with them.
In the end, they said, “Didn’t our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32).
God dealt with their doubt through His Word. And God will deal with your doubt through His Word. When you are facing doubt, that is not the time to close the Bible. That is the time to open it and let God speak to you.
Maybe you have been doubting God’s ways in your life. Maybe you have been asking “why” a lot lately. Maybe His timing doesn’t seem to make any sense.
The Bible says, “All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now” (1 Corinthians 13:12b).
It all will be resolved in that final day when we stand before God. God doesn’t ask us to understand everything. He asks us to trust Him and follow Him.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Surviving in our Culture
In Touch - July 2, 2008
July 2, 2008 – Surviving in Our Present Culture – Titus 1
Every day we’re influenced by our culture. Society’s prevailing philosophies and attitudes are everywhere— on radio and TV, in books and magazines, and even in conversations at the workplace and corner coffee shop. It’s difficult for believers to avoid the pressure to be and think like everyone else. But the Bible calls us to live in our culture without becoming part of it.
In his letter to Titus, Paul explained how we’re to accomplish this. Titus 1:9 says those who won’t participate in the sins of the culture must hold “fast the faithful word.” To survive the pull of our present culture, we must cling to God’s Word and apply His principles. The Bible is the revelation of God. He tells us what He thinks, how He acts, and what He expects of us. Reading and obeying the Bible ensures that believers will live righteously, identify error, and avoid sin.
The Bible can’t do any of these things if we never open it. Obeying God’s Word is a practical matter. We’re to read Scripture carefully and meditate upon it daily. In other words, we must think about the meaning of passages and apply their lessons to our daily life. To apply scriptural truths, we must not only believe the Word wholeheartedly but also obey it consistently. When we take practical steps to keep Scripture as the anchor of our belief system, we will not be swayed by culture.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Need to Control
Oooh--I don't have a need to control! (NOT!)------I am so convicted!---LL
Marketplace Meditations 7/1
July 1
The Need to Control
1 Samuel 13:13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said....
The prophet Samuel had anointed Saul the first king of Israel. Saul was now 30 years old and was leading the nation in battle against the Philistines. The Philistines had gathered at Micmash to come against Saul and his army. The Lord was directing Saul through the prophet Samuel. Samuel instructed Saul to go ahead of him to Micmash, and he would follow in seven days. He would then offer a burnt offering on behalf of the people of Israel.
The pressure began to build as the Philistines gathered around Micmash preparing for battle. The people of Israel grew fearful and began to scatter throughout the countryside. Saul was also afraid. Samuel did not show up on the morning of the seventh day. Finally, Saul, fearing the impending attack, took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering. After he had done this, Samuel showed up.
..."You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you hhad, He would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him leader of His people, because you have not kept the Lord's command" (1 Samuel 13:13-14).
Saul believed he needed to take control of the situation. Whenever we try to take control of a situation out of God's will, we demonstrate that we are led by fear. Many a boss is so driven by fear that he attempts to manage by overcontrolling his people. This results in codependent relationships in which the employees are fearful of making the wrong decisions, and are driven to please the manager at all costs. This results in loss of respect for the manager. Many times the employees make poor choices just to please their manager; as a result, resentment begins to build among the employees due to the manager's overcontrol.
Do you see any signs of overcontrol in how you relate to others? Can you allow others the freedom to fail? Do you find yourself changing directions in midstream when you see something you don't like? Are you fearful of failure? These are all symptoms of a Saul-control spirit. Pray that God will allow you to walk in the freedom of trusting in Him and those around you.
Marketplace Meditations 7/1
July 1
The Need to Control
1 Samuel 13:13 "You acted foolishly," Samuel said....
The prophet Samuel had anointed Saul the first king of Israel. Saul was now 30 years old and was leading the nation in battle against the Philistines. The Philistines had gathered at Micmash to come against Saul and his army. The Lord was directing Saul through the prophet Samuel. Samuel instructed Saul to go ahead of him to Micmash, and he would follow in seven days. He would then offer a burnt offering on behalf of the people of Israel.
The pressure began to build as the Philistines gathered around Micmash preparing for battle. The people of Israel grew fearful and began to scatter throughout the countryside. Saul was also afraid. Samuel did not show up on the morning of the seventh day. Finally, Saul, fearing the impending attack, took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering. After he had done this, Samuel showed up.
..."You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you hhad, He would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him leader of His people, because you have not kept the Lord's command" (1 Samuel 13:13-14).
Saul believed he needed to take control of the situation. Whenever we try to take control of a situation out of God's will, we demonstrate that we are led by fear. Many a boss is so driven by fear that he attempts to manage by overcontrolling his people. This results in codependent relationships in which the employees are fearful of making the wrong decisions, and are driven to please the manager at all costs. This results in loss of respect for the manager. Many times the employees make poor choices just to please their manager; as a result, resentment begins to build among the employees due to the manager's overcontrol.
Do you see any signs of overcontrol in how you relate to others? Can you allow others the freedom to fail? Do you find yourself changing directions in midstream when you see something you don't like? Are you fearful of failure? These are all symptoms of a Saul-control spirit. Pray that God will allow you to walk in the freedom of trusting in Him and those around you.
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Secret Places
All my problems in life were when I hid from the truth. This is a good one.
Encouragement for Today - June 30, 2008
June 30, 2008
Secret Places
By Lisa Whittle, She Speaks! Graduate
”He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light.”
Job 28:11
Devotion:
Have you ever noticed how often Satan uses secret things to trip us up on our journey…those secret places that reside deep within our soul that we keep hidden from others and even try to hide from God?
Think about it… pornography is usually done in secret. Excessive shopping can be done over the Internet, with no one watching. Eating disorders develop in isolation when we binge by ourselves, then purge with no one around. Or when we publicly pretend to eat, but privately starve ourselves.
The things we watch, what we think and how we spend our time are the “secret places” Satan can and will use against us. Yet often we continue in our secrecy, afraid to reach for Truth. Why?
Secret places seem safe. Secret places are familiar. Secret places feel comfortable to us. So we cling to them.
It’s not that we don’t want to be honest and get real about the secret places in our soul. It’s just sometimes easier to keep the truth hidden than it is to get real about things from the inside-out. Though most of us crave authenticity, our fears of being “found out” are what keep us living in secret, exactly where Satan wants us to stay. The crafty, conniving one knows that if he can get us to continue to bury our secret places deep within our heart, we can’t be effective for God. He knows that thoughts of our private sins will eventually eat away at us, causing us to feel fraudulent and unworthy of the love and acceptance of others, and most of all, our Heavenly Father. But the truth is, we are the ones who don’t love and accept ourselves. Not God.
Friends, the message of Jesus Christ is one of hope and restoration. It is one of freedom. It is one of unconditional love and acceptance. And it is one of Truth and spiritual exposure. What He is after from all of us is greater authenticity, greater genuineness, and the Truth, found in Him. In His sovereignty, He knows it is what we truly crave. “What you’re after is truth, from the inside-out” Psalm 51:6 (MSG).
So, how do we combat those secret keeping habits we’ve developed over time?
1) Practice telling the truth. Telling the truth is a choice and needs to be a conviction. Healthy habits can and will be formed when practiced repeatedly, and truth telling is an important habit to get into.
2) Develop a genuinely authentic faith. Recognize the importance of authenticity, and begin making it of utmost priority. Do things to strengthen your walk (prayer, Bible study, etc.) and guard your mind.
3) Recognize that no one has it all together. See Satan’s lie for what it is and determine not to get into the comparison trap with others. You cannot know what a person is all about by what they look like on the outside.
4) Stop trying to be perfect, act confident, appear happy, and seem super spiritual. These are some of the most common ways we, as women, pretend. It is only when we operate in a spirit of truth and openness that we will be able to live without pretense.
5) Determine to live your life with a genuineness that others will cling to and want to emulate. Honesty facilitates honesty. When you begin to get real and honest, hiding nothing in your relationship with God and others, people will begin to take notice and follow suit. This will strengthen all of your relationships and build up your self-esteem!
When we no longer hide in our “secret places,” we can venture down a different path of greater authenticity and truth, bringing us to a place of ultimate and lasting freedom. And it is in freedom that we find no value in being a secret keeper any more.
Lord Jesus, thank You for knowing me completely, and loving me just the same. Help me to seek Your Truth and deny my natural tendency to hide from You and others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Encouragement for Today - June 30, 2008
June 30, 2008
Secret Places
By Lisa Whittle, She Speaks! Graduate
”He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light.”
Job 28:11
Devotion:
Have you ever noticed how often Satan uses secret things to trip us up on our journey…those secret places that reside deep within our soul that we keep hidden from others and even try to hide from God?
Think about it… pornography is usually done in secret. Excessive shopping can be done over the Internet, with no one watching. Eating disorders develop in isolation when we binge by ourselves, then purge with no one around. Or when we publicly pretend to eat, but privately starve ourselves.
The things we watch, what we think and how we spend our time are the “secret places” Satan can and will use against us. Yet often we continue in our secrecy, afraid to reach for Truth. Why?
Secret places seem safe. Secret places are familiar. Secret places feel comfortable to us. So we cling to them.
It’s not that we don’t want to be honest and get real about the secret places in our soul. It’s just sometimes easier to keep the truth hidden than it is to get real about things from the inside-out. Though most of us crave authenticity, our fears of being “found out” are what keep us living in secret, exactly where Satan wants us to stay. The crafty, conniving one knows that if he can get us to continue to bury our secret places deep within our heart, we can’t be effective for God. He knows that thoughts of our private sins will eventually eat away at us, causing us to feel fraudulent and unworthy of the love and acceptance of others, and most of all, our Heavenly Father. But the truth is, we are the ones who don’t love and accept ourselves. Not God.
Friends, the message of Jesus Christ is one of hope and restoration. It is one of freedom. It is one of unconditional love and acceptance. And it is one of Truth and spiritual exposure. What He is after from all of us is greater authenticity, greater genuineness, and the Truth, found in Him. In His sovereignty, He knows it is what we truly crave. “What you’re after is truth, from the inside-out” Psalm 51:6 (MSG).
So, how do we combat those secret keeping habits we’ve developed over time?
1) Practice telling the truth. Telling the truth is a choice and needs to be a conviction. Healthy habits can and will be formed when practiced repeatedly, and truth telling is an important habit to get into.
2) Develop a genuinely authentic faith. Recognize the importance of authenticity, and begin making it of utmost priority. Do things to strengthen your walk (prayer, Bible study, etc.) and guard your mind.
3) Recognize that no one has it all together. See Satan’s lie for what it is and determine not to get into the comparison trap with others. You cannot know what a person is all about by what they look like on the outside.
4) Stop trying to be perfect, act confident, appear happy, and seem super spiritual. These are some of the most common ways we, as women, pretend. It is only when we operate in a spirit of truth and openness that we will be able to live without pretense.
5) Determine to live your life with a genuineness that others will cling to and want to emulate. Honesty facilitates honesty. When you begin to get real and honest, hiding nothing in your relationship with God and others, people will begin to take notice and follow suit. This will strengthen all of your relationships and build up your self-esteem!
When we no longer hide in our “secret places,” we can venture down a different path of greater authenticity and truth, bringing us to a place of ultimate and lasting freedom. And it is in freedom that we find no value in being a secret keeper any more.
Lord Jesus, thank You for knowing me completely, and loving me just the same. Help me to seek Your Truth and deny my natural tendency to hide from You and others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Friday, June 27, 2008
A Woman's Worth
I don't know about you---but I live on a roller coaster ride when it comes to my feelings of self-worth. Even though I know my position in Christ, my thoughts and emotions are constantly under attack from the enemy.
This is a long devotional--but I was totally thankful for this today. Have a great weekend--and never forget your position in Christ!--LL
Girlfriends in God - June 27, 2008
June 27, 2008
Worthless into Precious
Part 1
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
“You are precious and honored in my sight…” (Isaiah 43:4a, NIV).
Friend to Friend
Last winter, I bought my daughter a really cute jacket at the mall. It’s a hoodie that’s made of a cuddly fabric with cream, lavender, and mint green horizontal stripes. The jacket zips up in the front and is well crafted, stylish, and simply adorable.
When I bought it, I felt like the price on the tag was a fair one, so I gladly pulled out my wallet and paid the retail amount. I was a kid in a candy store on the way home. I fully anticipated a shriek of happiness from my little bag of beans when I gave it to her. Delightfully, I wasn’t disappointed. Kennedy loved her new coat, and I was pleased with my purchase. Happy dances all around…until a week later, when I saw the same jacket in the same store at a greatly reduced price. Are you tensing up with me? Suddenly, I felt schnookered! Ripped off. Taken advantage of. As soon as I saw the red line on the price tag of the unsold coats, everything changed – Kennedy’s jacket wasn’t worth what I paid for it.
When we speak of the worth of something, we often consider it to be a relative term. One that has shifting factors. For example: last week the cute jacket was thirty-nine dollars, and now it’s nineteen ninety-nine. The jacket didn’t change, but its perceived worth did.
Now, consider the worth of a woman. Are the factors that determine her value based upon variable, shifting factors or are they based upon fixed factors? Seems to be a silly question, doesn’t it? Fixed, of course! But, if the answer is so glaringly obvious, why do we struggle so much as women with feeling worthless? Why do we walk around feeling like that red lined jacket? I think it’s because we often allow variable earthly factors to define our worth.
What kind of variable factors?
There are so many reasons why women feel worthless:
Ø Because they’ve been abused (raped, molested, physically abused, verbally abused…)
Ø Because they’ve been told that they’re worthless (by a parent, spouse, sibling, teenage child, or another…)
Ø Because of choices they’ve made (divorce, infidelity, abortion, promiscuity, eating disorders, addictions, uncontrolled anger…)
Ø Because they’ve been cheated on (infidelity, internet affair, pornography…)
Ø Because they’re co-dependent (conclude their value based upon other people – “If my husband isn’t okay, I’m not okay.”)
Ø Because they don’t collect a paycheck (stay at home moms that have left the work force, laid off employees, displaced employees, those on disability…)
Ø Because they’ve battled an illness (unable to care for family, perform basic home duties, participate in ministry or Bible study like they once did, can’t drive, cook…)
Unfortunately, the variable factors that we use to define our worth are endless. Many of us feel worthless. Why? We’ve felt ignored, invisible, insignificant, useless, undesired, ugly, unloved, or forgotten. We girls are emotional, broken in many ways. Great portions of our identity and of our personal value are wrapped into combustible packages of emotion…how we feel about this or that. The truth is, our worth has nothing to do with our feelings.
Trust me, I’m not going to try to convince you that I know everything there is to know about feeling like a woman of worth. Or about being a woman of worth. I am in the trenches with you. I struggle with normal woman things. I don’t live a fancy schmancy, rose-colored wonder-life. I hit the snooze button several times each morning. I pack lunches for my kids. I spend countless hours of my life each year sitting in the car pool line. It’s a never-ending struggle for me to keep the laundry cleaned, and my kids often have to fish for a matching pair of socks in the clean-clothes basket. My husband is my soul mate, but is far from perfect. For that matter, Brad should win a lifetime achievement award for enduring the drama of me! And my kids bring me both great joy and great frustration on a daily basis.
Is this sounding at all familiar to you?
See – I’m just like you, and I’m walking this faith journey right beside you. In fact, the more I know God, the less inclined I am to pretend to have life or faith figured out. Amen? I’m constantly tempted to define my worth with activities, emotions, and accomplishments. I’ve come to realize, however, that way of thinking is a spiritual dead end road. Scripture tells us that anything we do in our own strength or of our own goodness is of no value to God. “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6a, emphasis mine).
What I do know is this: because of Jesus Christ, I’m a woman of highest worth. Not because of anything else. I’m a grace girl. Not perfect by a long stretch. I’ve been changed by the unconditional love of God and restored to perfect beauty through the shed blood of Jesus. Because of love, we are His daughters, precious in His sight. In light of this, we need to set aside feelings that diminish our value, and embrace our proper identity: child of the King of Kings.
Hear this, friend: feelings of worthlessness are from Satan himself. It burns me up that the enemy has such a strong grip on God’s daughters in this area. We need to associate the word worthless with the word lie. That’s exactly what it is, a big, fat lie! I talk to women all the time who bend a knee to negative feelings and live defeated lives because they don’t quite know how to overcome their sense of worthlessness. God wants every one of us to experience healing and have an appropriate sense of self-worth.
So let's go back to Kennedy's new coat for just a moment. Imagine walking into God's department store. There on the rack, you spy a coat that is just plain fabulous – I mean, stop-you-in-your-tracks fabulous! One-size fits all, the tag reads. Yeah, right, you whisper under your breath. Then you flip over the price tag and it’s crazy expensive. Way beyond what you could ever dream of paying…like, if you added up every dollar that ever passed through your hands – then multiplied that by ten thousand – that kind of expensive. Then imagine the storeowner walking over to you, slipping the coat off the rack and onto your shoulders.
“It's a perfect fit,” He smiles.
“Sir,” you manage with a whisper, “I could never afford such a coat. This is meant for royalty and I'm, well, just an ordinary girl.”
“Oh precious woman, this coat is made especially for you, and the price has already been paid in full.”
As the owner straightens the sleeves on your arms and adjusts the collar around your neck, you notice his hands...nail pierced hands. And suddenly you realize that this is the covering you were meant to wear all along.
You see, the Bible tells us that because of what Jesus did on the cross, we can be clothed with the “robe of righteousness.” The apostle Paul tells us that when we are reconciled to God, we become His righteousness. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). There’s no way we could ever afford or earn such a robe. But Jesus gave His life for us - He earned it for us. He paid the price and we receive the gift. Why? Because you’re worth it. You are precious and highly valuable in the eyes of the One who sees. And you never, never, never have to worry about being on anyone's bargain rack again.
This is a long devotional--but I was totally thankful for this today. Have a great weekend--and never forget your position in Christ!--LL
Girlfriends in God - June 27, 2008
June 27, 2008
Worthless into Precious
Part 1
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
“You are precious and honored in my sight…” (Isaiah 43:4a, NIV).
Friend to Friend
Last winter, I bought my daughter a really cute jacket at the mall. It’s a hoodie that’s made of a cuddly fabric with cream, lavender, and mint green horizontal stripes. The jacket zips up in the front and is well crafted, stylish, and simply adorable.
When I bought it, I felt like the price on the tag was a fair one, so I gladly pulled out my wallet and paid the retail amount. I was a kid in a candy store on the way home. I fully anticipated a shriek of happiness from my little bag of beans when I gave it to her. Delightfully, I wasn’t disappointed. Kennedy loved her new coat, and I was pleased with my purchase. Happy dances all around…until a week later, when I saw the same jacket in the same store at a greatly reduced price. Are you tensing up with me? Suddenly, I felt schnookered! Ripped off. Taken advantage of. As soon as I saw the red line on the price tag of the unsold coats, everything changed – Kennedy’s jacket wasn’t worth what I paid for it.
When we speak of the worth of something, we often consider it to be a relative term. One that has shifting factors. For example: last week the cute jacket was thirty-nine dollars, and now it’s nineteen ninety-nine. The jacket didn’t change, but its perceived worth did.
Now, consider the worth of a woman. Are the factors that determine her value based upon variable, shifting factors or are they based upon fixed factors? Seems to be a silly question, doesn’t it? Fixed, of course! But, if the answer is so glaringly obvious, why do we struggle so much as women with feeling worthless? Why do we walk around feeling like that red lined jacket? I think it’s because we often allow variable earthly factors to define our worth.
What kind of variable factors?
There are so many reasons why women feel worthless:
Ø Because they’ve been abused (raped, molested, physically abused, verbally abused…)
Ø Because they’ve been told that they’re worthless (by a parent, spouse, sibling, teenage child, or another…)
Ø Because of choices they’ve made (divorce, infidelity, abortion, promiscuity, eating disorders, addictions, uncontrolled anger…)
Ø Because they’ve been cheated on (infidelity, internet affair, pornography…)
Ø Because they’re co-dependent (conclude their value based upon other people – “If my husband isn’t okay, I’m not okay.”)
Ø Because they don’t collect a paycheck (stay at home moms that have left the work force, laid off employees, displaced employees, those on disability…)
Ø Because they’ve battled an illness (unable to care for family, perform basic home duties, participate in ministry or Bible study like they once did, can’t drive, cook…)
Unfortunately, the variable factors that we use to define our worth are endless. Many of us feel worthless. Why? We’ve felt ignored, invisible, insignificant, useless, undesired, ugly, unloved, or forgotten. We girls are emotional, broken in many ways. Great portions of our identity and of our personal value are wrapped into combustible packages of emotion…how we feel about this or that. The truth is, our worth has nothing to do with our feelings.
Trust me, I’m not going to try to convince you that I know everything there is to know about feeling like a woman of worth. Or about being a woman of worth. I am in the trenches with you. I struggle with normal woman things. I don’t live a fancy schmancy, rose-colored wonder-life. I hit the snooze button several times each morning. I pack lunches for my kids. I spend countless hours of my life each year sitting in the car pool line. It’s a never-ending struggle for me to keep the laundry cleaned, and my kids often have to fish for a matching pair of socks in the clean-clothes basket. My husband is my soul mate, but is far from perfect. For that matter, Brad should win a lifetime achievement award for enduring the drama of me! And my kids bring me both great joy and great frustration on a daily basis.
Is this sounding at all familiar to you?
See – I’m just like you, and I’m walking this faith journey right beside you. In fact, the more I know God, the less inclined I am to pretend to have life or faith figured out. Amen? I’m constantly tempted to define my worth with activities, emotions, and accomplishments. I’ve come to realize, however, that way of thinking is a spiritual dead end road. Scripture tells us that anything we do in our own strength or of our own goodness is of no value to God. “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6a, emphasis mine).
What I do know is this: because of Jesus Christ, I’m a woman of highest worth. Not because of anything else. I’m a grace girl. Not perfect by a long stretch. I’ve been changed by the unconditional love of God and restored to perfect beauty through the shed blood of Jesus. Because of love, we are His daughters, precious in His sight. In light of this, we need to set aside feelings that diminish our value, and embrace our proper identity: child of the King of Kings.
Hear this, friend: feelings of worthlessness are from Satan himself. It burns me up that the enemy has such a strong grip on God’s daughters in this area. We need to associate the word worthless with the word lie. That’s exactly what it is, a big, fat lie! I talk to women all the time who bend a knee to negative feelings and live defeated lives because they don’t quite know how to overcome their sense of worthlessness. God wants every one of us to experience healing and have an appropriate sense of self-worth.
So let's go back to Kennedy's new coat for just a moment. Imagine walking into God's department store. There on the rack, you spy a coat that is just plain fabulous – I mean, stop-you-in-your-tracks fabulous! One-size fits all, the tag reads. Yeah, right, you whisper under your breath. Then you flip over the price tag and it’s crazy expensive. Way beyond what you could ever dream of paying…like, if you added up every dollar that ever passed through your hands – then multiplied that by ten thousand – that kind of expensive. Then imagine the storeowner walking over to you, slipping the coat off the rack and onto your shoulders.
“It's a perfect fit,” He smiles.
“Sir,” you manage with a whisper, “I could never afford such a coat. This is meant for royalty and I'm, well, just an ordinary girl.”
“Oh precious woman, this coat is made especially for you, and the price has already been paid in full.”
As the owner straightens the sleeves on your arms and adjusts the collar around your neck, you notice his hands...nail pierced hands. And suddenly you realize that this is the covering you were meant to wear all along.
You see, the Bible tells us that because of what Jesus did on the cross, we can be clothed with the “robe of righteousness.” The apostle Paul tells us that when we are reconciled to God, we become His righteousness. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). There’s no way we could ever afford or earn such a robe. But Jesus gave His life for us - He earned it for us. He paid the price and we receive the gift. Why? Because you’re worth it. You are precious and highly valuable in the eyes of the One who sees. And you never, never, never have to worry about being on anyone's bargain rack again.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Bible and the Coal Basket
This is for Becky!!!
The Bible
This devotional was written by Leslie Snyder
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Heb. 4:12-13)
The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could. One day the grandson asked, “Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?” The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.” The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, “You will have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was “impossible to carry water in a basket,” and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, “See Papa, it’s useless!” “So you think it is useless?” The old man said, “Look at the basket.” The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean. “Son, that’s what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.”
Current statistics from pollster George Barna report that 45% of all Americans read the Bible at least once during the week. That is a hopeful statistic and one of the highest in recent times. How about you? Does the Bible take priority in your personal life outside of the church? How well do you know what it really says, or do you rely on someone else to tell you what it says? Are you allowing it to transform your life, like the dirty coal bucket in the above story?
The Bible
This devotional was written by Leslie Snyder
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Heb. 4:12-13)
The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could. One day the grandson asked, “Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?” The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water.” The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, “You will have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was “impossible to carry water in a basket,” and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, “See Papa, it’s useless!” “So you think it is useless?” The old man said, “Look at the basket.” The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean. “Son, that’s what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.”
Current statistics from pollster George Barna report that 45% of all Americans read the Bible at least once during the week. That is a hopeful statistic and one of the highest in recent times. How about you? Does the Bible take priority in your personal life outside of the church? How well do you know what it really says, or do you rely on someone else to tell you what it says? Are you allowing it to transform your life, like the dirty coal bucket in the above story?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Messy Lives
A year ago, my friend Shelly and I were talking about this whole topic of messy lives. We were discussing how so many times people (church family included) like to put on these facades that everything is ok---that people wear masks and hide the fact that life is messy. That's not to say that we don't have joy, fun times, and other wonderful things, but to hide the not so "fine and dandy" stuff is not facing the truth---and the truth is that in this life there will be tribulation---but take comfort because the Lord has overcome this world!!
Messy Lives
This devotional was written by Robin Dugall
“Turn to me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all. Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins…may integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:16-21
The other day, I woke up with a bad cold and an even worse mood. I don’t like having a cold. It makes me feel lethargic and it saps my initiative. Since I wasn't feeling too well, I laid around and watched one of my favorite musicals that just came out on DVD: The Phantom of the Opera. This operetta is deep, tragic and full of real life. I was talking with my wife after we watched the movie together, sharing with her the fact that movies or plays with unhappy endings are usually the ones we remember the most. I went through a whole laundry list of shows that we had seen together to prove my point. I noted Saving Private Ryan, Romeo and Juliet, Gladiator, The Patriot, Revenge of the Sith, and Braveheart (just to name a few). In every one of those movies, it is the same story of the reality and struggle of human existence. There is something about those types of artistic expressions that simply feels right.
Have you ever wondered why? It is because that is the way life is. Not every human story has a happy ending, what current culture wants us to believe. Our culture teaches that if you have the right system, laws, or technology, you can assure your own happy ending. Television and movies give us the impression that any and all human dilemmas are only 30 to 90 minutes from the happy ending they were meant to have. Many people have bought into the lie that happy endings are what every human being is entitled to live. Improvement, happiness, material blessings, easy living and progress are things God owes us. Unfortunately, this is the reason why much of modern culture is failing us: it is just NOT real. What is real is unpredictability...struggle and pain...brokenness and desperation...sometimes joy and sometimes weariness.
In a life of unpredictability, what can we count on? Jesus. As we journey through this life, Jesus is the only ONE upon whom we can surely bank. He and His Kingdom provide the only hope that can transform the shattered dreams and broken lives that accompany most of what we call “living.” Remember, Jesus understands what our lives are like. He could have spent his time on earth selling a new product that would have cured all of life’s problems, but He didn’t. Instead, he spent much of his time hanging out with people whose lives were complete messes – lives that look a lot like yours and mine. Why? He knew that what matters most wasn’t creating a happy ending in this life, but rather, the transformation of peoples’ souls in the midst of their struggles. Today, He’s still working that same plan. Now, that’s something I can buy into! How about you?
Messy Lives
This devotional was written by Robin Dugall
“Turn to me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all. Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins…may integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:16-21
The other day, I woke up with a bad cold and an even worse mood. I don’t like having a cold. It makes me feel lethargic and it saps my initiative. Since I wasn't feeling too well, I laid around and watched one of my favorite musicals that just came out on DVD: The Phantom of the Opera. This operetta is deep, tragic and full of real life. I was talking with my wife after we watched the movie together, sharing with her the fact that movies or plays with unhappy endings are usually the ones we remember the most. I went through a whole laundry list of shows that we had seen together to prove my point. I noted Saving Private Ryan, Romeo and Juliet, Gladiator, The Patriot, Revenge of the Sith, and Braveheart (just to name a few). In every one of those movies, it is the same story of the reality and struggle of human existence. There is something about those types of artistic expressions that simply feels right.
Have you ever wondered why? It is because that is the way life is. Not every human story has a happy ending, what current culture wants us to believe. Our culture teaches that if you have the right system, laws, or technology, you can assure your own happy ending. Television and movies give us the impression that any and all human dilemmas are only 30 to 90 minutes from the happy ending they were meant to have. Many people have bought into the lie that happy endings are what every human being is entitled to live. Improvement, happiness, material blessings, easy living and progress are things God owes us. Unfortunately, this is the reason why much of modern culture is failing us: it is just NOT real. What is real is unpredictability...struggle and pain...brokenness and desperation...sometimes joy and sometimes weariness.
In a life of unpredictability, what can we count on? Jesus. As we journey through this life, Jesus is the only ONE upon whom we can surely bank. He and His Kingdom provide the only hope that can transform the shattered dreams and broken lives that accompany most of what we call “living.” Remember, Jesus understands what our lives are like. He could have spent his time on earth selling a new product that would have cured all of life’s problems, but He didn’t. Instead, he spent much of his time hanging out with people whose lives were complete messes – lives that look a lot like yours and mine. Why? He knew that what matters most wasn’t creating a happy ending in this life, but rather, the transformation of peoples’ souls in the midst of their struggles. Today, He’s still working that same plan. Now, that’s something I can buy into! How about you?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Broken to be Mended
I have had many times in my life where I am so broken, helpless, discouraged and desperate. I remember Suzanne teaching at our women's retreat that desperate people pray differently. It's so true----when you are at your complete end, totally desperate---you cry out to God from the deepest of the deep of your soul.
And our great Lord hears those cries, comforts us, and ALWAYS provides what we need---and that is why I loved this simple devotional reminder!---LL
Moments Together for Couples 6/24
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
June 24Broken to Be Mended
Psalm 34:17,18 The righteous cry and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I still remember driving home from work after a series of challenging days in 1983. FamilyLife was long on problems and scarce on people to help solve them.
My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly that I can still recall the white knuckles in the twilight. "Why," I prayed, "does it seem that secular companies have no problem finding the types of leaders they need to make their millions, while we struggle to find people to join our staff? I'm losing heart-please send me some help. Please, Lord, help!"
And sure enough, He did. Like many answers to prayer, this one didn't come instantly or easily. But over the years God has called together an incredible team to work with the ministry here in Little Rock.
Since then, I've observed that one of God's most prized prayers is one that cries out to God in total desperation. This prayer can't be mindlessly recited from a book, because it comes from a condition of utter helplessness. It says, "Lord, I'm empty. I've come up short again. I haven't got it! Only You can provide the answer."
At one point in the mission of C. T. Studd, a British missionary in Africa, he and his family had absolutely run out of food. If the next mail didn't contain some relief, they faced starvation. They had a night of prayer, pleading for help.
The next day they received a check for 100 pounds from a man they had never heard of. In his note he said simply that God had told him to send the money.
Does God always respond to our requests as dramatically as that? No. But what He does respond to is humility that expresses utter dependence on Him.
Prayer:
Express these needs to God in prayer. Confess your own helplessness in dealing with them and your total trust in God's power to render aid.
Discuss: List the most urgent needs and problems you face right now. Have you found yourself grimly relying on your own inadequate strength to overcome them?
And our great Lord hears those cries, comforts us, and ALWAYS provides what we need---and that is why I loved this simple devotional reminder!---LL
Moments Together for Couples 6/24
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
June 24Broken to Be Mended
Psalm 34:17,18 The righteous cry and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I still remember driving home from work after a series of challenging days in 1983. FamilyLife was long on problems and scarce on people to help solve them.
My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly that I can still recall the white knuckles in the twilight. "Why," I prayed, "does it seem that secular companies have no problem finding the types of leaders they need to make their millions, while we struggle to find people to join our staff? I'm losing heart-please send me some help. Please, Lord, help!"
And sure enough, He did. Like many answers to prayer, this one didn't come instantly or easily. But over the years God has called together an incredible team to work with the ministry here in Little Rock.
Since then, I've observed that one of God's most prized prayers is one that cries out to God in total desperation. This prayer can't be mindlessly recited from a book, because it comes from a condition of utter helplessness. It says, "Lord, I'm empty. I've come up short again. I haven't got it! Only You can provide the answer."
At one point in the mission of C. T. Studd, a British missionary in Africa, he and his family had absolutely run out of food. If the next mail didn't contain some relief, they faced starvation. They had a night of prayer, pleading for help.
The next day they received a check for 100 pounds from a man they had never heard of. In his note he said simply that God had told him to send the money.
Does God always respond to our requests as dramatically as that? No. But what He does respond to is humility that expresses utter dependence on Him.
Prayer:
Express these needs to God in prayer. Confess your own helplessness in dealing with them and your total trust in God's power to render aid.
Discuss: List the most urgent needs and problems you face right now. Have you found yourself grimly relying on your own inadequate strength to overcome them?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Being God's Captive Audience
This spoke volumes to me. I know I keep a lot of plates spinning, and the visual of God holding my face in His hands was a beautiful picture of how I need to be His captive audience!---LL
Girlfriends in God - Apr. 15, 2008
April 15, 2008
A Captive Audience
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV).
Friend to Friend
I spin plates. Not real plates. Metaphorical plates. I spin lots of plates at the same time. I multi-task; whether it’s small household chores or big projects. Doesn’t matter. This has been both a blessing and a curse in my life. Sometimes my attention is divided in too many directions, while other times I feel invigorated, energized, and blessed by the amount of things I can get done in a small window of time.
Being a plate-spinning mom can be a real challenge at times.
Okay…all the time.
When my kids want me, they don’t like to wait for me to spin three more plates before I answer them. When they were smaller, they figured out a way to stop me mid task, no matter what I was doing. They would place their chubby little hands on my cheeks, look me in the eye, and demand my full attention. Then they would deliver their message or question to their captive audience.
God wants you to pause the plate spinning and be His captive audience in this very moment. He wants you to be still, gaze into His eyes, and hear about the love He has for you. Maybe you’ve known of His love for years. Maybe God’s love is all new to you. Regardless, it’s time to stop and smell the sweet Rose of Sharon. It’s time to stop for love.
I’d like you to imagine His strong yet gentle hands reaching for your cheeks, lifting your chin, and drawing your eyes to His. He wants you to fix your gaze on His blazing, mercy-filled eyes. He wants your full attention.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all of the times I fail to give you my attention. I shake my head at the very thought that you want to lock gazes with someone like me, yet Scripture clearly tells me that you desire to be sought after and found by me. I’m here. You have my full attention, please speak to my heart and help me to be your captive audience throughout the day.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Grab your Bible and read Psalm 103.
Write down your favorite verses from that chapter and journal about what they teach you.
Are you spinning any plates that you don’t need to spin? Learn to say “no” to opportunities that fall outside of your family, passion, and gifting.
Girlfriends in God - Apr. 15, 2008
April 15, 2008
A Captive Audience
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV).
Friend to Friend
I spin plates. Not real plates. Metaphorical plates. I spin lots of plates at the same time. I multi-task; whether it’s small household chores or big projects. Doesn’t matter. This has been both a blessing and a curse in my life. Sometimes my attention is divided in too many directions, while other times I feel invigorated, energized, and blessed by the amount of things I can get done in a small window of time.
Being a plate-spinning mom can be a real challenge at times.
Okay…all the time.
When my kids want me, they don’t like to wait for me to spin three more plates before I answer them. When they were smaller, they figured out a way to stop me mid task, no matter what I was doing. They would place their chubby little hands on my cheeks, look me in the eye, and demand my full attention. Then they would deliver their message or question to their captive audience.
God wants you to pause the plate spinning and be His captive audience in this very moment. He wants you to be still, gaze into His eyes, and hear about the love He has for you. Maybe you’ve known of His love for years. Maybe God’s love is all new to you. Regardless, it’s time to stop and smell the sweet Rose of Sharon. It’s time to stop for love.
I’d like you to imagine His strong yet gentle hands reaching for your cheeks, lifting your chin, and drawing your eyes to His. He wants you to fix your gaze on His blazing, mercy-filled eyes. He wants your full attention.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all of the times I fail to give you my attention. I shake my head at the very thought that you want to lock gazes with someone like me, yet Scripture clearly tells me that you desire to be sought after and found by me. I’m here. You have my full attention, please speak to my heart and help me to be your captive audience throughout the day.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Grab your Bible and read Psalm 103.
Write down your favorite verses from that chapter and journal about what they teach you.
Are you spinning any plates that you don’t need to spin? Learn to say “no” to opportunities that fall outside of your family, passion, and gifting.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Yielding to God
Moments Together for Couples 3/26
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
March 26Yielding to God
Philippians 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Did you know that the Scriptures include the words "Fear not" hundreds of times. Isaiah 35:4, for example, reads, "Say to those with anxious heart, 'Take courage, fear not.'"
When we become fearful, we first feel an overwhelming need for protection. Many people build tornado shelters, install fire alarms, buy bigger locks for their doors and purchase thousands of dollars of insurance for traveling. Yet, they are still fearful and want more protection from what "could happen."
Second, we tend to procrastinate and put off decisions we know we should make. Some people actually have a hard time going shopping because they fear they'll make the wrong choices.
Third, we find ourselves erecting barriers to keep others from knowing us. Many people are so afraid of rejection in their relationships that they will risk very little.
Fourth, we become obsessed with failing. This is common with anyone who has ever been fired from a job. Still others who actually do succeed, fear they'll lose it all!
Finally, this fear drives us away from God. Some people are afraid of God and His will for their lives. Yet, the best antidote to fear is praying and yielding our lives to God. Notice what Paul says in Philippians 4:6,7 about fear and worry.
How many things are you to worry about? Nothing. Zero. Instead, you should pray about "everything."
But look at the condition "with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." God is not just a personal slot machine in which we inject our prayers. He wants you to approach Him with an attitude of gratefulness for what He has done and for who He is.
As we pray and yield our lives to God, He will not allow fear to control us, but He will protect our hearts.
Prayer:
For one another that God would guard your hearts with His peace as you yield your lives to Him.
Discuss: How are your fears affecting you? How are they driving you away from God? How could you apply the truth from Philippians 4:6,7 in your life right now?
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
March 26Yielding to God
Philippians 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Did you know that the Scriptures include the words "Fear not" hundreds of times. Isaiah 35:4, for example, reads, "Say to those with anxious heart, 'Take courage, fear not.'"
When we become fearful, we first feel an overwhelming need for protection. Many people build tornado shelters, install fire alarms, buy bigger locks for their doors and purchase thousands of dollars of insurance for traveling. Yet, they are still fearful and want more protection from what "could happen."
Second, we tend to procrastinate and put off decisions we know we should make. Some people actually have a hard time going shopping because they fear they'll make the wrong choices.
Third, we find ourselves erecting barriers to keep others from knowing us. Many people are so afraid of rejection in their relationships that they will risk very little.
Fourth, we become obsessed with failing. This is common with anyone who has ever been fired from a job. Still others who actually do succeed, fear they'll lose it all!
Finally, this fear drives us away from God. Some people are afraid of God and His will for their lives. Yet, the best antidote to fear is praying and yielding our lives to God. Notice what Paul says in Philippians 4:6,7 about fear and worry.
How many things are you to worry about? Nothing. Zero. Instead, you should pray about "everything."
But look at the condition "with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." God is not just a personal slot machine in which we inject our prayers. He wants you to approach Him with an attitude of gratefulness for what He has done and for who He is.
As we pray and yield our lives to God, He will not allow fear to control us, but He will protect our hearts.
Prayer:
For one another that God would guard your hearts with His peace as you yield your lives to Him.
Discuss: How are your fears affecting you? How are they driving you away from God? How could you apply the truth from Philippians 4:6,7 in your life right now?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Our Counselor, the Holy Spirit
Marketplace Meditations 3/25
March 25Our Counselor
John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
I was driving down the interstate feeling discouraged from an appointment I had just had. A former employee's company was seeking to displace me and my company as their source for our services. It had been one of many difficult events during those months. As I was driving, some words popped into my mind, No weapon formed against you shall prosper. I could not tell you where those words came from other than I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking them to me; I knew they were in the Bible. I knew they were in the Old Testament.
When I returned to my office that day, I searched for the key words in my concordance and found the verse. "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you" (Is. 54:17a).
Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would remind us of the things He desires us to know. There are times in our lives when the Holy Spirit speaks into our spirit words designed to encourage us or give us what we need at the moment. That is just one of the roles of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The more you know God's Word, the more often you'll recall verses the Holy Spirit will bring to mind for a given situation. Study God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to remind you of the things He desires you to know.
March 25Our Counselor
John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
I was driving down the interstate feeling discouraged from an appointment I had just had. A former employee's company was seeking to displace me and my company as their source for our services. It had been one of many difficult events during those months. As I was driving, some words popped into my mind, No weapon formed against you shall prosper. I could not tell you where those words came from other than I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking them to me; I knew they were in the Bible. I knew they were in the Old Testament.
When I returned to my office that day, I searched for the key words in my concordance and found the verse. "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you" (Is. 54:17a).
Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would remind us of the things He desires us to know. There are times in our lives when the Holy Spirit speaks into our spirit words designed to encourage us or give us what we need at the moment. That is just one of the roles of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The more you know God's Word, the more often you'll recall verses the Holy Spirit will bring to mind for a given situation. Study God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to remind you of the things He desires you to know.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Humbly Serving One another
When I read this, I was struck by the comment that Meeting others' needs self-sacrificially is what they ought to do too. ... This passage emphasizes inner humility, not a physical rite. ... Not to follow the example of Jesus is to exalt oneself above Him and to live in pride. No servant is greater than his master (cf John 12;26)."
It made me think of how I observe people serving others "when it's convenient" and "if it works for them". Then it doesn't really require a sacrifice, does it?
Crosswalk the Devotional - Mar. 20, 2008
March 20, 2008
Stinky Feet by Laura MacCorkle,
Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.John 13:34-35, NIV
Do you celebrate Maundy Thursday?
The word maundy means "a new commandment" and is derived from the Latin word Mandatum in translating Jesus' commandment in John 13:34-35.
Before He said that, Jesus had demonstrated His love that same evening during the Last Supper, as He humbled Himself and washed His disciples' feet (John 13:4-5). This act perfectly illustrated His new command.
So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
After reading this, I can only imagine what washing someone else's stinky feet must be like.
Think about where your feet have been-especially if you live in a back-to-nature, shoe-optional locale. This starts getting very up close and personal. And, depending on the individual and their hygiene habits or lack thereof, perhaps not too pleasant. Washing another's feet is not a glamorous act of service at all. But neither is anything related to the role of a servant, since it represents a position of humility and a mindset of putting others first.
In this day and age, I know there are certain churches that do have foot-washing services on Maundy Thursday to commemorate Christ's actions and his command. I have not participated in one like this, but I am sure it is a great object lesson to help all ages understand how to love one another.
Taking this a step further, The Bible Knowledge Commentary has this to say about foot-washing:
"Foot-washing was needed in Palestine. The streets were dusty and people wore sandals without socks or stockings. It was a mark of honor for a host to provide a servant to wash a guest's feet; it was a breach of hospitality not to provide for it. ... [Jesus] had done a humble service for [the disciples]. Meeting others' needs self-sacrificially is what they ought to do too. ... This passage emphasizes inner humility, not a physical rite. ... Not to follow the example of Jesus is to exalt oneself above Him and to live in pride. No servant is greater than his master (cf John 12;26)."
So when we humble ourselves and serve the Lord as He served us, it is He who lifts us up. When we love Christ, He changes our hearts and motivates us to love others. And if showing this love means washing some stinky feet, then so be it.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and keep my laws (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Intersecting Faith & Life: Who is God impressing upon your heart today? Is he calling you to show love to this person? Determine your course of action that will show a humble heart: make a phone call, send a note, lend a hand, speak a kind word or wash some feet! And then follow through as you love one another!
Further Reading
Luke 10:27, The MessageHow's Your Love Life?
It made me think of how I observe people serving others "when it's convenient" and "if it works for them". Then it doesn't really require a sacrifice, does it?
Crosswalk the Devotional - Mar. 20, 2008
March 20, 2008
Stinky Feet by Laura MacCorkle,
Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.John 13:34-35, NIV
Do you celebrate Maundy Thursday?
The word maundy means "a new commandment" and is derived from the Latin word Mandatum in translating Jesus' commandment in John 13:34-35.
Before He said that, Jesus had demonstrated His love that same evening during the Last Supper, as He humbled Himself and washed His disciples' feet (John 13:4-5). This act perfectly illustrated His new command.
So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
After reading this, I can only imagine what washing someone else's stinky feet must be like.
Think about where your feet have been-especially if you live in a back-to-nature, shoe-optional locale. This starts getting very up close and personal. And, depending on the individual and their hygiene habits or lack thereof, perhaps not too pleasant. Washing another's feet is not a glamorous act of service at all. But neither is anything related to the role of a servant, since it represents a position of humility and a mindset of putting others first.
In this day and age, I know there are certain churches that do have foot-washing services on Maundy Thursday to commemorate Christ's actions and his command. I have not participated in one like this, but I am sure it is a great object lesson to help all ages understand how to love one another.
Taking this a step further, The Bible Knowledge Commentary has this to say about foot-washing:
"Foot-washing was needed in Palestine. The streets were dusty and people wore sandals without socks or stockings. It was a mark of honor for a host to provide a servant to wash a guest's feet; it was a breach of hospitality not to provide for it. ... [Jesus] had done a humble service for [the disciples]. Meeting others' needs self-sacrificially is what they ought to do too. ... This passage emphasizes inner humility, not a physical rite. ... Not to follow the example of Jesus is to exalt oneself above Him and to live in pride. No servant is greater than his master (cf John 12;26)."
So when we humble ourselves and serve the Lord as He served us, it is He who lifts us up. When we love Christ, He changes our hearts and motivates us to love others. And if showing this love means washing some stinky feet, then so be it.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and keep my laws (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Intersecting Faith & Life: Who is God impressing upon your heart today? Is he calling you to show love to this person? Determine your course of action that will show a humble heart: make a phone call, send a note, lend a hand, speak a kind word or wash some feet! And then follow through as you love one another!
Further Reading
Luke 10:27, The MessageHow's Your Love Life?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Maintaining a Quiet Spirit
It's hard to maintain a quiet spirit when my world feels noisy! So many thoughts, ideas, voices come at me all day long!
In Touch - March 6, 2008
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
March 6, 2008 – Maintaining a Quiet Spirit – Proverbs 26:4
When conflict arises, we oftentimes want to rush in and defend our position. Perhaps we even feel justified in blaming others. However, James 1:19 gives different advice for dealing with tension and disputes: “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” In other words, more can be accomplished through a calm approach to the situation. Scripture also suggests that we:
• Pray. First, we should ask the Lord to guard our mouth and give us the right words to say (Luke 12:12). Also, we ought to request discernment concerning the root issue and insight as to whether we might be at fault.
• See with divine perspective. Our sovereign Lord works every situation for the believer’s benefit (Romans 8:28). Not only does God use difficulties to teach us, but He also allows us to demonstrate the life of Christ by the way we respond.
• Forgive. Even if someone has hurt us by causing the conflict, we should forgive. Jesus died to pardon all of our sin, and we, in turn, should forgive others. In fact, if we don’t, our lives will become burdened by resentment and broken relationships.
• Respond. If we have done something wrong, we should apologize and ask forgiveness. Otherwise, we can express appreciation that the other person took time to share his concern. Also, we should affirm that we will carefully consider his comments.
How do you respond to conflict? Pray for the strength to stay calm and do what is right, even during difficult, emotional situations.
In Touch - March 6, 2008
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
March 6, 2008 – Maintaining a Quiet Spirit – Proverbs 26:4
When conflict arises, we oftentimes want to rush in and defend our position. Perhaps we even feel justified in blaming others. However, James 1:19 gives different advice for dealing with tension and disputes: “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” In other words, more can be accomplished through a calm approach to the situation. Scripture also suggests that we:
• Pray. First, we should ask the Lord to guard our mouth and give us the right words to say (Luke 12:12). Also, we ought to request discernment concerning the root issue and insight as to whether we might be at fault.
• See with divine perspective. Our sovereign Lord works every situation for the believer’s benefit (Romans 8:28). Not only does God use difficulties to teach us, but He also allows us to demonstrate the life of Christ by the way we respond.
• Forgive. Even if someone has hurt us by causing the conflict, we should forgive. Jesus died to pardon all of our sin, and we, in turn, should forgive others. In fact, if we don’t, our lives will become burdened by resentment and broken relationships.
• Respond. If we have done something wrong, we should apologize and ask forgiveness. Otherwise, we can express appreciation that the other person took time to share his concern. Also, we should affirm that we will carefully consider his comments.
How do you respond to conflict? Pray for the strength to stay calm and do what is right, even during difficult, emotional situations.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Ironic----I 've been spending time trying to determine if the direction I"m headed is God-directed or me-directed. ----LL
Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Mar. 5, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Learning to Yield
“For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
I read a story about a radio exchange that took place some time ago between a U.S. Navy ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland. The Canadians warned the Americans, “Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.”
The Americans responded, “Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.”
The Canadians said, “Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.”
The Americans: “This is the captain of a U.S. Navy Ship. I say again, divert your course.”
“No. I say again, you divert your course.”
“This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that is 15 degrees north or countermeasures will be undertaken to assure the safety of our ship.”
After brief moment of silence, the Canadians responded: “This is a lighthouse. It is your call.”
Sometimes we don’t like what God wants us to do, and we want Him to change course when, in reality, it is us who ought to change course.
We need to understand that God’s plans are better than ours. Having said that, it does not mean that they are always the easiest or even the most appealing at the moment. There are times when we are going through life that we might not like the plan of God. But God’s plans are always better for us in the long run.
Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Mar. 5, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Learning to Yield
“For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
I read a story about a radio exchange that took place some time ago between a U.S. Navy ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland. The Canadians warned the Americans, “Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.”
The Americans responded, “Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.”
The Canadians said, “Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.”
The Americans: “This is the captain of a U.S. Navy Ship. I say again, divert your course.”
“No. I say again, you divert your course.”
“This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that is 15 degrees north or countermeasures will be undertaken to assure the safety of our ship.”
After brief moment of silence, the Canadians responded: “This is a lighthouse. It is your call.”
Sometimes we don’t like what God wants us to do, and we want Him to change course when, in reality, it is us who ought to change course.
We need to understand that God’s plans are better than ours. Having said that, it does not mean that they are always the easiest or even the most appealing at the moment. There are times when we are going through life that we might not like the plan of God. But God’s plans are always better for us in the long run.
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Illusion of Control
Encouragement for Today - Feb. 29, 2008
February 29, 2008
The Illusion of Control
By Glynnis Whitwer
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.”
1 Corinthians 1:25 (NIV)
Devotion:
My freshman son is on the school wrestling team. After an outstanding first season, Dylan had a disappointing loss – and he wasn’t happy. In fact, he was convinced the referee made some crucial mistakes.
Although I missed the match, I got a recap the next morning at breakfast. Dylan described his moves, and elaborated on the ones he thought should have earned him the win.
“I had this guy’s body in a scissor hold and had him on his back, but the ref didn’t give me points for getting that kid on his back!” Dylan explained.
His older brother, who also wrestled, offered, “You probably didn’t have control.”
“But I had him on his back,” Dylan countered.
“But the ref saw you really didn’t have control. That’s why you didn’t get the points,” Josh insisted. Dylan accepted that possibility and the conversation changed to other topics.
As the day wore on, the image of that wrestling match returned many times. And a parallel to my own life began to develop. I imagined myself wrestling with a personal struggle, thinking I’ve got it under control, only to discover I really don’t. I pictured God watching my struggle, watching me declare my victory, but knowing all along it’s only an illusion of control. I also pictured God standing there patiently, waiting for me to concede the struggle and ask for His help.
There are many areas of my life where I believe if I only try harder, I’ll succeed. Or if I could just figure out the perfect time management system, I could get everything done. Or if I could just hold my tongue, I could be more patient.
The truth is, the only way I’ll have victory over my struggles is to daily admit I don’t have complete control over them, and ask for God’s help.
I wish my son had won that wrestling match, but God used it to teach me a lesson. It is possible to have victory over my struggles … but I’m going to need some divine help.
Dear Lord, thank You for being patient with me when You watch me struggle again and again with the same issues. Help me to see the reality of my need for You every moment of my life. I ask for Your help to overcome my persistent struggles. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
February 29, 2008
The Illusion of Control
By Glynnis Whitwer
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.”
1 Corinthians 1:25 (NIV)
Devotion:
My freshman son is on the school wrestling team. After an outstanding first season, Dylan had a disappointing loss – and he wasn’t happy. In fact, he was convinced the referee made some crucial mistakes.
Although I missed the match, I got a recap the next morning at breakfast. Dylan described his moves, and elaborated on the ones he thought should have earned him the win.
“I had this guy’s body in a scissor hold and had him on his back, but the ref didn’t give me points for getting that kid on his back!” Dylan explained.
His older brother, who also wrestled, offered, “You probably didn’t have control.”
“But I had him on his back,” Dylan countered.
“But the ref saw you really didn’t have control. That’s why you didn’t get the points,” Josh insisted. Dylan accepted that possibility and the conversation changed to other topics.
As the day wore on, the image of that wrestling match returned many times. And a parallel to my own life began to develop. I imagined myself wrestling with a personal struggle, thinking I’ve got it under control, only to discover I really don’t. I pictured God watching my struggle, watching me declare my victory, but knowing all along it’s only an illusion of control. I also pictured God standing there patiently, waiting for me to concede the struggle and ask for His help.
There are many areas of my life where I believe if I only try harder, I’ll succeed. Or if I could just figure out the perfect time management system, I could get everything done. Or if I could just hold my tongue, I could be more patient.
The truth is, the only way I’ll have victory over my struggles is to daily admit I don’t have complete control over them, and ask for God’s help.
I wish my son had won that wrestling match, but God used it to teach me a lesson. It is possible to have victory over my struggles … but I’m going to need some divine help.
Dear Lord, thank You for being patient with me when You watch me struggle again and again with the same issues. Help me to see the reality of my need for You every moment of my life. I ask for Your help to overcome my persistent struggles. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Is This All There Is?
UpWords - Week of Feb. 22-28
Week of February 22
Is This All There Is?by Max Lucado
Something is awry—we feel disconnected. We connect with a career, find meaning in family, yet long for something more.
We feel the frustration I felt on Christmas morning, 1964. I assembled a nine-year-old’s dream gift: a genuine Santa Fe Railroad miniature train set, complete with battery-powered engine and flashing crossing lights. I placed the locomotive on the tracks and watched in sheer glee as three pounds of pure steel wound its way across my bedroom floor. Around and around and around and . . . around . . . and around . . . After some time I picked it up and turned it the other direction. It went around and around and around . . .
“Mom, what else did you get me for Christmas?”
Similarly, our lives chug in long ovals, one lap after another.
First job. Promotion. Wedding day. Nursery beds. Kids. Grandkids. Around and around . . . Is there anything else? Our dissatisfaction mates with disappointment and gives birth to some unruly children: drunkenness, power plays, eighty-hour workweeks, nosedives into sexual perversions—all nothing more than poorly disguised longings for Eden. We long to restore what Adam lost. As someone once said, “The man who knocks on the door of a brothel is seeking God.”
Where and when the brothel fails, Jesus steps forth with a reconnection invitation. Though we be “dead in [our] transgressions and sins (Eph. 2:1) and separated from the life of God (Eph. 4:18), whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God (I John 5:1). Reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan—this rebirth comes from God.” (John 1:13.)
Don’t miss the invisible, inward miracle triggered by belief. God reinstates us to Garden-of-Eden status. What Adam and Eve did, we now do! The flagship family walked with God; we can too. They heard his voice; so can we. They were naked and unashamed; we can be transparent and unafraid. No more running or hiding.
“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!” (1 Pet. 1:3–4 MSG).From 3:16, The Numbers of Hope Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2007) Max Lucado
Week of February 22
Is This All There Is?by Max Lucado
Something is awry—we feel disconnected. We connect with a career, find meaning in family, yet long for something more.
We feel the frustration I felt on Christmas morning, 1964. I assembled a nine-year-old’s dream gift: a genuine Santa Fe Railroad miniature train set, complete with battery-powered engine and flashing crossing lights. I placed the locomotive on the tracks and watched in sheer glee as three pounds of pure steel wound its way across my bedroom floor. Around and around and around and . . . around . . . and around . . . After some time I picked it up and turned it the other direction. It went around and around and around . . .
“Mom, what else did you get me for Christmas?”
Similarly, our lives chug in long ovals, one lap after another.
First job. Promotion. Wedding day. Nursery beds. Kids. Grandkids. Around and around . . . Is there anything else? Our dissatisfaction mates with disappointment and gives birth to some unruly children: drunkenness, power plays, eighty-hour workweeks, nosedives into sexual perversions—all nothing more than poorly disguised longings for Eden. We long to restore what Adam lost. As someone once said, “The man who knocks on the door of a brothel is seeking God.”
Where and when the brothel fails, Jesus steps forth with a reconnection invitation. Though we be “dead in [our] transgressions and sins (Eph. 2:1) and separated from the life of God (Eph. 4:18), whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God (I John 5:1). Reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan—this rebirth comes from God.” (John 1:13.)
Don’t miss the invisible, inward miracle triggered by belief. God reinstates us to Garden-of-Eden status. What Adam and Eve did, we now do! The flagship family walked with God; we can too. They heard his voice; so can we. They were naked and unashamed; we can be transparent and unafraid. No more running or hiding.
“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!” (1 Pet. 1:3–4 MSG).From 3:16, The Numbers of Hope Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2007) Max Lucado
Thursday, February 21, 2008
As I diligently go about growing in my walk with the Lord, it becomes clearer and clearer how much negative self talk to have within myself. I can't believe the lies I listen to that rob me of joy. I battle them daily---but it's getting so much better. I'm so thankful for this devotional today.-LL
Encouragement for Today - Feb. 21, 2008
February 21, 2008
What’s Wrong with Me?
By Renee Swope
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
Devotion:“What's wrong with me?” Do you ever ask yourself that question?
Recently I noticed how many times I do. When I can’t find my keys, when I fight with my husband, when I let someone down, when I’m late for work, when someone hurts me, when I forget to do something important. The list goes on.
It dawned on me that every time I think, "What's wrong with me?" I actually tell myself that something is wrong with me. Then I try to figure out my illusive fault so I can change it. But what I need to change is the way I talk to myself.
Why? Because every time I say, "What's wrong with me?" I tell myself that something is wrong with me.
That is not what God wants me to say to myself – a woman He created. It’s not what He wants you to say to yourself, either. But there is someone who loves it when we do. He often whispers, what's wrong with you? He’s the enemy of our soul and he’s trying to convince us that we're incompetent, inadequate and all alone in our struggles – so that we never become who God created us to be.
He wants us take our eyes off of who we are in Christ and focus on our flaws; then spend our days figuring out how we can hide them. It's what he did with Eve in the Garden. I wonder if she might have even thought, "What's wrong with me?" when faced with her own inadequacies and failures. But think back to what God said to Adam and Eve. He asked them, "Who told you that you were naked?" In other words, “Who told you that something is wrong with you?"
God acknowledged that there was someone casting shame on them and it wasn't Him. He warned that they had an enemy whispering lies into their hearts, causing them to move away from Him and each other.Satan’s plot is the same for us. But we don't have to comply. Instead we can refute his accusations and lies with truth. We can stand on the promise of who we are in Christ – chosen, holy and dearly loved. We can discover and embrace our God-given design (and all the quirks that come with it), and we can accept that we are the way we are because it's all part of our "package."
None of us is perfect. All of us have strengths and weaknesses, but we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" - just the way God planned.
Lord, make me aware of the times when I am not so nice to myself. Help me recognize my self-doubt and the enemy’s accusations. I want to turn away from the lies so I can listen to and live in Your Truth. I want to become all that you created me to be! In Jesus Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Living and Leaving a Legacy, 2 part DVD by Renee Swope
Read more on this topic at Renee’s Blog
Self Talk, Soul Talk by Jennifer Rothschild
Do You Know Jesus?
Application Steps:
Today, if you have thoughts of doubt or self-criticism, instead of assuming that something is wrong with you, turn towards the One who created you and say:
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
Reflections:
When I feel like I’ve messed up, do I turn to God for His thoughts about me, or do I beat myself up with my own critical words?
Would I talk to someone else the way I talk to myself?
Power Verses:
Psalm 138:8, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands.” Psalm 138:8 (NIV)
John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (NIV)
Psalm 25:4-5, “Show me your ways O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.”
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Encouragement for Today - Feb. 21, 2008
February 21, 2008
What’s Wrong with Me?
By Renee Swope
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
Devotion:“What's wrong with me?” Do you ever ask yourself that question?
Recently I noticed how many times I do. When I can’t find my keys, when I fight with my husband, when I let someone down, when I’m late for work, when someone hurts me, when I forget to do something important. The list goes on.
It dawned on me that every time I think, "What's wrong with me?" I actually tell myself that something is wrong with me. Then I try to figure out my illusive fault so I can change it. But what I need to change is the way I talk to myself.
Why? Because every time I say, "What's wrong with me?" I tell myself that something is wrong with me.
That is not what God wants me to say to myself – a woman He created. It’s not what He wants you to say to yourself, either. But there is someone who loves it when we do. He often whispers, what's wrong with you? He’s the enemy of our soul and he’s trying to convince us that we're incompetent, inadequate and all alone in our struggles – so that we never become who God created us to be.
He wants us take our eyes off of who we are in Christ and focus on our flaws; then spend our days figuring out how we can hide them. It's what he did with Eve in the Garden. I wonder if she might have even thought, "What's wrong with me?" when faced with her own inadequacies and failures. But think back to what God said to Adam and Eve. He asked them, "Who told you that you were naked?" In other words, “Who told you that something is wrong with you?"
God acknowledged that there was someone casting shame on them and it wasn't Him. He warned that they had an enemy whispering lies into their hearts, causing them to move away from Him and each other.Satan’s plot is the same for us. But we don't have to comply. Instead we can refute his accusations and lies with truth. We can stand on the promise of who we are in Christ – chosen, holy and dearly loved. We can discover and embrace our God-given design (and all the quirks that come with it), and we can accept that we are the way we are because it's all part of our "package."
None of us is perfect. All of us have strengths and weaknesses, but we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" - just the way God planned.
Lord, make me aware of the times when I am not so nice to myself. Help me recognize my self-doubt and the enemy’s accusations. I want to turn away from the lies so I can listen to and live in Your Truth. I want to become all that you created me to be! In Jesus Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Living and Leaving a Legacy, 2 part DVD by Renee Swope
Read more on this topic at Renee’s Blog
Self Talk, Soul Talk by Jennifer Rothschild
Do You Know Jesus?
Application Steps:
Today, if you have thoughts of doubt or self-criticism, instead of assuming that something is wrong with you, turn towards the One who created you and say:
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
Reflections:
When I feel like I’ve messed up, do I turn to God for His thoughts about me, or do I beat myself up with my own critical words?
Would I talk to someone else the way I talk to myself?
Power Verses:
Psalm 138:8, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands.” Psalm 138:8 (NIV)
John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (NIV)
Psalm 25:4-5, “Show me your ways O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.”
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Friday, February 15, 2008
Team Players
HomeWord - Feb. 15, 2008
One Body
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ…Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, "I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand," that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, "I am not part of the body because I am only an ear and not an eye," would that make it any less a part of the body? Suppose the whole body were an eye – then how would you hear? Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you smell anything? But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it…In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary…If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 14-18, 22, 26
Volleyball is a team sport. Many college teams carry a roster of 12-14 players, only six players from each team can be on the court at a time. Of those positions only one is the setter. A setter is considered the football equivalent of a quarterback. They tend to run plays and act as the team leader. The point is this: only 1 of 12 players leads the team from the court. Some argue that the setter is the most important player on the court. That distinction cannot be made. For a team with only a setter would never win. A setter needs a passer to pass the ball, and a hitter to hit the ball for the game to be played.
A coach once told me that there is a difference between a great player and a great team player. He explained that a great player performs to the highest level of skill, but a great team player helps others around them perform to the top of their capability. A crowd watches and responds to those they see on the court or field. However, there are times a crowd never sees the greatest team player perform. Many times, the best team player is the one who shows up to practice everyday, works as hard as they can, makes everyone around them better, and then cheers from the bench on game day.
How can you be a great team player as a Christian?
One Body
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ…Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, "I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand," that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, "I am not part of the body because I am only an ear and not an eye," would that make it any less a part of the body? Suppose the whole body were an eye – then how would you hear? Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you smell anything? But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it…In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary…If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 1 Corinthians 12:12, 14-18, 22, 26
Volleyball is a team sport. Many college teams carry a roster of 12-14 players, only six players from each team can be on the court at a time. Of those positions only one is the setter. A setter is considered the football equivalent of a quarterback. They tend to run plays and act as the team leader. The point is this: only 1 of 12 players leads the team from the court. Some argue that the setter is the most important player on the court. That distinction cannot be made. For a team with only a setter would never win. A setter needs a passer to pass the ball, and a hitter to hit the ball for the game to be played.
A coach once told me that there is a difference between a great player and a great team player. He explained that a great player performs to the highest level of skill, but a great team player helps others around them perform to the top of their capability. A crowd watches and responds to those they see on the court or field. However, there are times a crowd never sees the greatest team player perform. Many times, the best team player is the one who shows up to practice everyday, works as hard as they can, makes everyone around them better, and then cheers from the bench on game day.
How can you be a great team player as a Christian?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Truth about Love of Self
I struggle so much with love for myself. I constantly feel like I have to do things to earn love, especially that of the Lord. It's a daily task to remind myself of the Lord's love for me that is supposed to help me see myself in light of God's love----but the enemy is ALWAYS whispering words that I am unworthy. Today I pray that against the voice of the enemy.---LL
In Touch - Feb. 14, 2008
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
February 14, 2008 – The Truth About Love of Self – Galatians 5:13-14
Although a number of places in the Bible contain the command, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; Galatians 5:14), Christians often overlook the “as yourself” part. But no one can fully love the Lord or anyone else unless he loves his own being. This means reverencing oneself as a child of God, created for fellowship with Him.
All people are valuable to the Lord. But the believer’s self-worth is rooted in the fact that we have a relationship with God. We are to care for ourselves, based upon the fact that He has provided for our salvation, given us the Holy Spirit, and developed a unique plan for our life.
Love of self is essential to God’s plan for every believer. He desires that we exercise care for our own person, which helps us relate to Him. If we dislike ourselves, we may feel unworthy of God’s love and refuse to approach Him as Father. But love teaches us to see ourselves the way the Lord does—as available vessels, each with unique gifts and talents. Then we can offer greater usefulness to the kingdom. Using us to the fullest extent of our God-given abilities is the Father’s goal, and if we have a righteous love for self, that will be our goal too.
Whoever you are and whatever your circumstances may be, I can tell you something about yourself. God has a special plan for you. But He cannot set you on the path to achieving His goals for your life until you recognize your worth and learn to love the person He created you to be.
In Touch - Feb. 14, 2008
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
February 14, 2008 – The Truth About Love of Self – Galatians 5:13-14
Although a number of places in the Bible contain the command, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; Galatians 5:14), Christians often overlook the “as yourself” part. But no one can fully love the Lord or anyone else unless he loves his own being. This means reverencing oneself as a child of God, created for fellowship with Him.
All people are valuable to the Lord. But the believer’s self-worth is rooted in the fact that we have a relationship with God. We are to care for ourselves, based upon the fact that He has provided for our salvation, given us the Holy Spirit, and developed a unique plan for our life.
Love of self is essential to God’s plan for every believer. He desires that we exercise care for our own person, which helps us relate to Him. If we dislike ourselves, we may feel unworthy of God’s love and refuse to approach Him as Father. But love teaches us to see ourselves the way the Lord does—as available vessels, each with unique gifts and talents. Then we can offer greater usefulness to the kingdom. Using us to the fullest extent of our God-given abilities is the Father’s goal, and if we have a righteous love for self, that will be our goal too.
Whoever you are and whatever your circumstances may be, I can tell you something about yourself. God has a special plan for you. But He cannot set you on the path to achieving His goals for your life until you recognize your worth and learn to love the person He created you to be.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Brokenness: The Plan
In Touch - Feb. 4, 2008
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
February 4, 2008 – Brokenness: The Plan – 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23
Humans are born “bent away” from the Lord. Our natural inclination is to please and serve self, which is the opposite of a Godhonoring lifestyle. When we become believers, our Father begins to bend our will and ways back towards Him. But we must cooperate with Him and yield to the process; otherwise, we are of little use to the kingdom.
The Lord wants to eradicate every thought pattern and activity promoting dependency on anything other than Him. This means that relying on oneself to attain security, salvation, or physical and emotional comfort are outside His will. Actions that advance a person at the expense of others are also ungodly.
In areas where we resist bending toward the Lord, He may break us by allowing pain into our life. As a result, we are driven to Him in surrender. To break a person may sound harsh, but God does this work in love. He sees beyond the hurt to the outcome—we will be more mature and faithful servants for having walked through trial. And our loving Father takes each hard step with us, offering guidance and comfort. Seeing the benefits He has brought about through my hardships, I can honestly thank Him for every period of brokenness I’ve experienced (Romans 8:28).
The truth is that we all have areas of selfishness that need to be bent or broken by God’s hand. When we honestly look inward to discover wrong habits and thought patterns, our heavenly Father will bring them to mind. Then, we must surrender to His work so we can become wise and useful servants.
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
February 4, 2008 – Brokenness: The Plan – 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23
Humans are born “bent away” from the Lord. Our natural inclination is to please and serve self, which is the opposite of a Godhonoring lifestyle. When we become believers, our Father begins to bend our will and ways back towards Him. But we must cooperate with Him and yield to the process; otherwise, we are of little use to the kingdom.
The Lord wants to eradicate every thought pattern and activity promoting dependency on anything other than Him. This means that relying on oneself to attain security, salvation, or physical and emotional comfort are outside His will. Actions that advance a person at the expense of others are also ungodly.
In areas where we resist bending toward the Lord, He may break us by allowing pain into our life. As a result, we are driven to Him in surrender. To break a person may sound harsh, but God does this work in love. He sees beyond the hurt to the outcome—we will be more mature and faithful servants for having walked through trial. And our loving Father takes each hard step with us, offering guidance and comfort. Seeing the benefits He has brought about through my hardships, I can honestly thank Him for every period of brokenness I’ve experienced (Romans 8:28).
The truth is that we all have areas of selfishness that need to be bent or broken by God’s hand. When we honestly look inward to discover wrong habits and thought patterns, our heavenly Father will bring them to mind. Then, we must surrender to His work so we can become wise and useful servants.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Dead to Sin
I particularly liked the reminder to consider our thoughts. --LL
Encouragement for Today - Jan. 31, 2008
January 31, 2008
A Life That Pleases God
By Micca Monda Campbell
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5 (NKJ)
Devotion:
The Tennessee Women’s prison has an unusual baptistery in their chapel. It’s a coffin. For these women, being baptized in a coffin is a powerful visual of their death and burial with Christ. Thereafter, the coffin, which is a permanent fixture in the chapel, becomes a daily reminder that they are no longer slaves to sin and enemies of God. Their old way of living is dead, buried, and gone; and they are now free to live a life pleasing to God.
This is such an awesome truth in ours lives that Billy Graham says, “We should meditate on the truth that we are dead to sin and alive to righteousness, until returning to the old way of living is unthinkable.”
While it is true that we are dead to our old life, staying dead is another matter. Often, our dead flesh will raise its ugly head and try to influence our thoughts and actions. If we listen long enough to its demands, we suddenly find ourselves at the graveyard fervently digging up our old flesh, so that it can perform its sinful deeds.
Christians have a responsibility to put to death their old nature through daily surrender or else they cannot live a life pleasing to God. They will begin to think only of themselves again and ways to gratify their flesh. However, those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit will live a life of righteousness free from sin. Those who follow the Holy Spirit will not think about fulfilling the desires of the flesh. Their thoughts are occupied by God’s Word, His ways, and purposes.
The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8, “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely an admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” So, what dominates your thoughts?
If we only think of ourselves, what we want and our rights, then eventually we’ll find ourselves going down the wrong path, one that leads to a stinky life. On the other hand, thinking on things that are pure and worthy brings forth life that is pleasing to God and a witness to others.
If you are in Christ, then the flesh no longer dominates you, my sister. So stop visiting the graveyard. Instead be led by the Holy Spirit by dying daily to your old way of thinking and living. Then, the Spirit of God can create in you a pure life that releases a sweet, pleasing aroma.
Dear Lord, I confess that I often visit the graveyard to free my dead flesh. Help me to keep that person in the grave by yielding solely to Your Holy Spirit so that my life will be pleasing to You, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:Visit Micca’s Blog
Micca Campbell’s Testimony DVD
The 7 Hardest Things God Asks a Woman to Do by Kathie Reimer and Lisa Whittle
Do you know Jesus?
Application Steps:
Begin each day by surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to guide your thoughts and actions and you will not give in to your own desires. When you fail, quickly confess it and surrender again. Soon Christ’s character will exude in your life while overcoming your own.
Reflections:
When you smell the stench of selfish flesh do you quickly confess it, turn from it, and begin living in the spirit again?
Is your life overall a pleasing aroma to God?
Do you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life even when it’s hard?
Power Verses:
Galatians 5:6, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (KJV)
Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (NKJ)
Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the acceptable and perfect will of God.” (NKJ)
Encouragement for Today - Jan. 31, 2008
January 31, 2008
A Life That Pleases God
By Micca Monda Campbell
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5 (NKJ)
Devotion:
The Tennessee Women’s prison has an unusual baptistery in their chapel. It’s a coffin. For these women, being baptized in a coffin is a powerful visual of their death and burial with Christ. Thereafter, the coffin, which is a permanent fixture in the chapel, becomes a daily reminder that they are no longer slaves to sin and enemies of God. Their old way of living is dead, buried, and gone; and they are now free to live a life pleasing to God.
This is such an awesome truth in ours lives that Billy Graham says, “We should meditate on the truth that we are dead to sin and alive to righteousness, until returning to the old way of living is unthinkable.”
While it is true that we are dead to our old life, staying dead is another matter. Often, our dead flesh will raise its ugly head and try to influence our thoughts and actions. If we listen long enough to its demands, we suddenly find ourselves at the graveyard fervently digging up our old flesh, so that it can perform its sinful deeds.
Christians have a responsibility to put to death their old nature through daily surrender or else they cannot live a life pleasing to God. They will begin to think only of themselves again and ways to gratify their flesh. However, those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit will live a life of righteousness free from sin. Those who follow the Holy Spirit will not think about fulfilling the desires of the flesh. Their thoughts are occupied by God’s Word, His ways, and purposes.
The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8, “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely an admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” So, what dominates your thoughts?
If we only think of ourselves, what we want and our rights, then eventually we’ll find ourselves going down the wrong path, one that leads to a stinky life. On the other hand, thinking on things that are pure and worthy brings forth life that is pleasing to God and a witness to others.
If you are in Christ, then the flesh no longer dominates you, my sister. So stop visiting the graveyard. Instead be led by the Holy Spirit by dying daily to your old way of thinking and living. Then, the Spirit of God can create in you a pure life that releases a sweet, pleasing aroma.
Dear Lord, I confess that I often visit the graveyard to free my dead flesh. Help me to keep that person in the grave by yielding solely to Your Holy Spirit so that my life will be pleasing to You, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:Visit Micca’s Blog
Micca Campbell’s Testimony DVD
The 7 Hardest Things God Asks a Woman to Do by Kathie Reimer and Lisa Whittle
Do you know Jesus?
Application Steps:
Begin each day by surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to guide your thoughts and actions and you will not give in to your own desires. When you fail, quickly confess it and surrender again. Soon Christ’s character will exude in your life while overcoming your own.
Reflections:
When you smell the stench of selfish flesh do you quickly confess it, turn from it, and begin living in the spirit again?
Is your life overall a pleasing aroma to God?
Do you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life even when it’s hard?
Power Verses:
Galatians 5:6, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (KJV)
Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (NKJ)
Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the acceptable and perfect will of God.” (NKJ)
Monday, January 28, 2008
Overcommitment & Fatigue
For the last few months, when people ask me what my prayer requests are, it always seems to be around the topic of "wisdom for what to say yes to and what to say no to" and "that I would find balance".
As I read my devotion today, it's not like all my questions have been answered, but I was convicted by the reminder that we should take a day of rest (just like the Lord did). I used to have Sundays completely set aside for the Lord (with the exception of serving during church time)--and then the rest of the day was for rest, family, or Christian fellowship like my home fellowship.
Then, somewhere along the line, we (the church) started putting events on Sundays because that seemed to be the only day that people had time. Well of course they had time! They had it set aside for rest, and then it got filled with activity!
I don't have any answers for how to reclaim Sundays back as my day of rest----it's really the only day I can make officially a day of rest because I work MOn-Fri and need Saturday to do chores, errands, activities, etc.
So if you could please pray and help me know how to find some rest, I would really appreciate it! I want to know what the Lord wants me to be involved in, but I'm having a hard time hearing his voice. Thanks!--
HomeWord - Jan. 28, 2008
Overcommitment & Fatigue: A Deadly Sin
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 RSV
We live in a culture which has often fooled us into believing that more is better and busyness is a virtue. Far too many people in our world are spiritually, emotionally, and physically bankrupt because they are overcommitted and fatigued. Vince Lombardi said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." The comedian Flip Wilson summed it up best for many of us when he said, "If I had my entire life to live over again, I doubt if I'd have the strength."
I don't believe that God wants us to be one step from a nervous breakdown, always on the edge of exhaustion. What's the answer? There are no easy formulas for success, but there are two suggestions that I want you to think about today.
1. Cut back and do less. If this means making less money, cutting back on your social obligations, or even taking a night off from church activities, then do whatever it takes to not be so overcommitted and fatigued. A friend of mine once told me, "If the devil can't make you bad, he'll make you busy."
2. Rest. Rest should be a nonnegotiable time in everyone's life. Even God rested! Exodus 31:17 says, "In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed" (RSV). When we rest we get a proper perspective on our life. When we rest we can reflect on what has taken place in our life during the week. Does your life have control of you, or do you have control of your life? Rest and reflection will help you answer that important question.
To comment on today's devotional, click here.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What does it mean to "wait for the Lord," as written in Isaiah 40:31. What does this verse tell us is the result of waiting for the Lord?
2. Today take an evaluation of your fatigue and over commitment level. If you are spiritually, emotionally, or physically bankrupt, then it is time to cut back, do less, and rest. What is the next day you have scheduled to relax?
FURTHER READING :
Luke 18:1, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Psalm 103:5, 2 Corinthians 4:1, Hebrews 12:1-3
As I read my devotion today, it's not like all my questions have been answered, but I was convicted by the reminder that we should take a day of rest (just like the Lord did). I used to have Sundays completely set aside for the Lord (with the exception of serving during church time)--and then the rest of the day was for rest, family, or Christian fellowship like my home fellowship.
Then, somewhere along the line, we (the church) started putting events on Sundays because that seemed to be the only day that people had time. Well of course they had time! They had it set aside for rest, and then it got filled with activity!
I don't have any answers for how to reclaim Sundays back as my day of rest----it's really the only day I can make officially a day of rest because I work MOn-Fri and need Saturday to do chores, errands, activities, etc.
So if you could please pray and help me know how to find some rest, I would really appreciate it! I want to know what the Lord wants me to be involved in, but I'm having a hard time hearing his voice. Thanks!--
HomeWord - Jan. 28, 2008
Overcommitment & Fatigue: A Deadly Sin
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 RSV
We live in a culture which has often fooled us into believing that more is better and busyness is a virtue. Far too many people in our world are spiritually, emotionally, and physically bankrupt because they are overcommitted and fatigued. Vince Lombardi said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." The comedian Flip Wilson summed it up best for many of us when he said, "If I had my entire life to live over again, I doubt if I'd have the strength."
I don't believe that God wants us to be one step from a nervous breakdown, always on the edge of exhaustion. What's the answer? There are no easy formulas for success, but there are two suggestions that I want you to think about today.
1. Cut back and do less. If this means making less money, cutting back on your social obligations, or even taking a night off from church activities, then do whatever it takes to not be so overcommitted and fatigued. A friend of mine once told me, "If the devil can't make you bad, he'll make you busy."
2. Rest. Rest should be a nonnegotiable time in everyone's life. Even God rested! Exodus 31:17 says, "In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed" (RSV). When we rest we get a proper perspective on our life. When we rest we can reflect on what has taken place in our life during the week. Does your life have control of you, or do you have control of your life? Rest and reflection will help you answer that important question.
To comment on today's devotional, click here.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What does it mean to "wait for the Lord," as written in Isaiah 40:31. What does this verse tell us is the result of waiting for the Lord?
2. Today take an evaluation of your fatigue and over commitment level. If you are spiritually, emotionally, or physically bankrupt, then it is time to cut back, do less, and rest. What is the next day you have scheduled to relax?
FURTHER READING :
Luke 18:1, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Psalm 103:5, 2 Corinthians 4:1, Hebrews 12:1-3
Monday, January 21, 2008
Sweating Outcomes
After spending years putting in the megahours---this devotional was encouraging. When I took my current position, I was excited because for the first time in 10 years, I was paid on an hourly basis. However, when I got promoted and paid by salary again---the temptation to overwork started to creep in my psyche. It really was fear---to prove myself, that I wouldn't have my job if I didn't, etc. I am thankful for this reminder of obedience and God's provision.
Marketplace Meditations 1/21
January 21Sweating Outcomes
Psalms 127:2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-for He grants sleep to those He loves.
Coming into the Promised Land in business will change the way you and I view our work. No longer will we see getting up early and staying up late as God's way. Living in the Promised Land in business means we know that God is the source of our provision and that our work is an act of worship to Him. Provision is a by-product, not an end in itself. Work is no longer something that must be sweated and toiled upon to make ends meet. "Could this really be true?" you might be saying. God has made it clear that obedience is the assurance of provision. Whenever we go beyond the normal workday due to fear of non-provision, we are operating in unbelief. We are saying that it is up to us to make things happen. Sure, there are times when we work longer hours due to a deadline, but we must be sure the motive is not out of fear of loss or fear of non-provision. If we are obedient to what God has called us to, He will provide our every need. This can be a hard lesson for goal-oriented businesspeople.
I recall coming into this understanding. I had been a workaholic. Long hours were common. Then God shook up my world and I was challenged by a friend to examine my motives for working long hours. I realized the source of those long hours was fear. Once I came into this understanding, I refused to work long hours even though the natural man would tell me I'd never make things happen if I worked a normal work week. Again, this reasoning is based on a lack of faith. If we are obedient to what God has called each of us to, we will not lack. At times it may be less than what we might like; at other times it may be more than we deserve. These are God's ways.
The Bible tells us to come out of Babylon. Babylon is a system of work and philosophy that is contrary to God's ways. Are you operating in any aspect of work from a Babylonian value system? Ask the Lord to reveal this to you. Begin to walk in the freedom He has given us in our work life.
Marketplace Meditations 1/21
January 21Sweating Outcomes
Psalms 127:2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-for He grants sleep to those He loves.
Coming into the Promised Land in business will change the way you and I view our work. No longer will we see getting up early and staying up late as God's way. Living in the Promised Land in business means we know that God is the source of our provision and that our work is an act of worship to Him. Provision is a by-product, not an end in itself. Work is no longer something that must be sweated and toiled upon to make ends meet. "Could this really be true?" you might be saying. God has made it clear that obedience is the assurance of provision. Whenever we go beyond the normal workday due to fear of non-provision, we are operating in unbelief. We are saying that it is up to us to make things happen. Sure, there are times when we work longer hours due to a deadline, but we must be sure the motive is not out of fear of loss or fear of non-provision. If we are obedient to what God has called us to, He will provide our every need. This can be a hard lesson for goal-oriented businesspeople.
I recall coming into this understanding. I had been a workaholic. Long hours were common. Then God shook up my world and I was challenged by a friend to examine my motives for working long hours. I realized the source of those long hours was fear. Once I came into this understanding, I refused to work long hours even though the natural man would tell me I'd never make things happen if I worked a normal work week. Again, this reasoning is based on a lack of faith. If we are obedient to what God has called each of us to, we will not lack. At times it may be less than what we might like; at other times it may be more than we deserve. These are God's ways.
The Bible tells us to come out of Babylon. Babylon is a system of work and philosophy that is contrary to God's ways. Are you operating in any aspect of work from a Babylonian value system? Ask the Lord to reveal this to you. Begin to walk in the freedom He has given us in our work life.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Self Defense
I am going through my own little "graduate-level test"----- and I find that I was trusting in my own strength to pass, not the Lord. After reading this, my heart is greatly calmed ---and finding rest in just yielding this to the Lord. Instead of pressing and striving and trying to "defend myself" when there is no need to, it's comforting to just "wait"--and trust in the Lord. I get so mad at the enemy at how often I can fall prey to his deceitful way of whispering things to me that confuse me--but the Lord is not confusing--so I will rest in Him!
Marketplace Meditations 1/12
January 12
The Graduate-Level Test: Self-defense
Psalms 37:6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
As a believer grows in trusting obedience and love, God often brings a test that seems uncharacteristically cruel. That test is being wrongfully judged by those close to you. It is not for the reactionary. It cannot be passed over by simply gutting it out. Supernatural grace is the only means of passing this one. It is one of those tests the Savior had to experience Himself when being tried by the court of public opinion, the religious community, and the government of His day. His response to the government was silence. His response to the religious establishment was silence at the final judgment. To the rest of His accusers He remained quiet and left vindication to the Father. He lived the commandment He gave to the disciples:
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).
How do you react when you are accused or mistreated for no reason? Do you listen quietly, or do you justify each and every action? Most of us take pride in doing what is right and expect the same from others, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus knew that if you were to be a true follower of His, you would enter this test eventually. It is part of the program. The marketplace gives ample opportunity to be wronged, misunderstood, and maligned. When God brings a measured assault against one of His children, it is to find out if he truly believes in the cross. The cross is where each of us is given the opportunity to die to our pride, our reputations, and our ego. When He allows a measured assault upon us, it is to find out if the cross is sufficient. He wants to see if we will seek to rescue ourselves. Jesus said if we die with Him, we will be raised with Him. When God allows satan to bring the measured assault, ask God for the grace to cling to the cross. Let the pride and arrogance that Jesus wants to remove from our lives be crucified. Thank God for the opportunity to be crucified with Christ. Then your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun and the justice of your cause will be in His hands.
Marketplace Meditations 1/12
January 12
The Graduate-Level Test: Self-defense
Psalms 37:6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
As a believer grows in trusting obedience and love, God often brings a test that seems uncharacteristically cruel. That test is being wrongfully judged by those close to you. It is not for the reactionary. It cannot be passed over by simply gutting it out. Supernatural grace is the only means of passing this one. It is one of those tests the Savior had to experience Himself when being tried by the court of public opinion, the religious community, and the government of His day. His response to the government was silence. His response to the religious establishment was silence at the final judgment. To the rest of His accusers He remained quiet and left vindication to the Father. He lived the commandment He gave to the disciples:
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).
How do you react when you are accused or mistreated for no reason? Do you listen quietly, or do you justify each and every action? Most of us take pride in doing what is right and expect the same from others, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus knew that if you were to be a true follower of His, you would enter this test eventually. It is part of the program. The marketplace gives ample opportunity to be wronged, misunderstood, and maligned. When God brings a measured assault against one of His children, it is to find out if he truly believes in the cross. The cross is where each of us is given the opportunity to die to our pride, our reputations, and our ego. When He allows a measured assault upon us, it is to find out if the cross is sufficient. He wants to see if we will seek to rescue ourselves. Jesus said if we die with Him, we will be raised with Him. When God allows satan to bring the measured assault, ask God for the grace to cling to the cross. Let the pride and arrogance that Jesus wants to remove from our lives be crucified. Thank God for the opportunity to be crucified with Christ. Then your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun and the justice of your cause will be in His hands.
Keep Your Hands Off
this was a blessing to me. I have been anxious and stressed about something and feeling like I"m supposed to do something about it. This was a reminder to entrust it to the Lord and wait for HIS leading in it. Boy---do I have such a need to take action---waiting is the hardest!--LL
January, 11
Keep Your Hands Off
"Neither know we what to do; but our eyes are, upon thee" (2 Chron. 20:12).
A life was lost in Israel because a pair of human hands were laid unbidden upon the ark of God. They were placed upon it with the best intent, to steady it when trembling and shaking as the oxen drew it along the rough way; but they touched God's work presumptuously, and they fell paralyzed and lifeless. Much of the life of faith consists in letting things alone.
If we wholly trust an interest to God, we must keep our hands off it; and He will guard it for us better than we can help Him. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
"Things may seem to be going all wrong, but He knows as well as we; and He will arise in the right moment if we are really trusting Him so fully as to let Him work in His own way and time. There is nothing so masterly as inactivity in some things, and there is nothing so hurtful as restless working, for God has undertaken to work His sovereign will. --A. B. Simpson
"Being perplexed, I say, 'Lord, make it right! Night is as day to Thee, Darkness as light. I am afraid to touch Things that involve so much; My trembling hand may shake, My skilless hand may break; Thine can make no mistake.'
"Being in doubt I say, 'Lord, make it plain; Which is the true, safe way? Which would be gain? I am not wise to know, Nor sure of foot to go; What is so clear to Thee, Lord, make it clear to me!'"
It is such a comfort to drop the tangles of life into God's hands and leave them there.
January, 11
Keep Your Hands Off
"Neither know we what to do; but our eyes are, upon thee" (2 Chron. 20:12).
A life was lost in Israel because a pair of human hands were laid unbidden upon the ark of God. They were placed upon it with the best intent, to steady it when trembling and shaking as the oxen drew it along the rough way; but they touched God's work presumptuously, and they fell paralyzed and lifeless. Much of the life of faith consists in letting things alone.
If we wholly trust an interest to God, we must keep our hands off it; and He will guard it for us better than we can help Him. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
"Things may seem to be going all wrong, but He knows as well as we; and He will arise in the right moment if we are really trusting Him so fully as to let Him work in His own way and time. There is nothing so masterly as inactivity in some things, and there is nothing so hurtful as restless working, for God has undertaken to work His sovereign will. --A. B. Simpson
"Being perplexed, I say, 'Lord, make it right! Night is as day to Thee, Darkness as light. I am afraid to touch Things that involve so much; My trembling hand may shake, My skilless hand may break; Thine can make no mistake.'
"Being in doubt I say, 'Lord, make it plain; Which is the true, safe way? Which would be gain? I am not wise to know, Nor sure of foot to go; What is so clear to Thee, Lord, make it clear to me!'"
It is such a comfort to drop the tangles of life into God's hands and leave them there.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Hope in the Midst of Depression
Girlfriends in God - Jan. 9, 2008
January 9, 2008
Hope in the Midst of Depression
Part 3
Mary Southerland
Today’s truth
Philippians 4:8 (NIVB) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Friend to Friend
Mary Winkler - a pastor’s wife – was accused of murdering her husband. Watching her arrest on television, my emotions stumbled over each other as anger warred with compassion, confusion with condemnation and justice with mercy. Then it happened. Mary Winkler raised her face slightly, long enough for me to gaze into hauntingly familiar eyes, eyes filled with emptiness and darkness. While I can neither condone nor even understand the actions of Mary Winkler, I can understand the road that brought her to the dark place where she felt her only option was to commit such a heinous crime. The pit of clinical depression is a place of devastation – the playground of Satan and the forces of hell. In 1995, I found myself sitting at the bottom of a dark pit, desperate for God, pleading for deliverance. After several years of painful emotional work, fierce spiritual warfare and complete brokenness, I finally stepped into the light. God gave me life-changing truths in the darkness that revolutionized my life in the light. One of the most important truths is that we can change the way we live by taking steps to change the way we think.
Step one: Recognize the power of thoughts.
Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (NASB).
Step two: Know God's standard for our thought life.
· First standard: true thoughts
· Second standard: noble thoughts
· Third standard: right thoughts
Fourth standard: pure thoughts
“Pure” literally means that which is “wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity, innocent and morally undefiled”. It is a worship word, the picture of a sacrifice without blemish, fault or weakness. In other words, our thought life should be a sacrifice acceptable to God and fit to be brought into His presence as part of our worship to Him.
Have you ever watched an icicle as it is formed? A few years ago, we joined our best friends, Michelle and Jay Johnson, for a winter vacation in Vermont where a heavy snowstorm had arrived just ahead of us, dumping several inches of snow. Everything was covered in a rolling, soft blanket of white. Icicles hung like fragile crystal ornaments from tree limbs and rooftops. One morning, I decided to be lazy and sat, curled up in front of a crackling fire, gazing out at the beautiful postcard scene before me. I watched the softly falling rain gradually turn to long strands of ice. The icicles formed one drop at a time until they were a foot long or more. An interesting process unfolded before me. If the water was clean and pure, the icicle was formed clear, sparkling like a finely cut diamond in the sun. If the water was unclean and impure, the icicle looked muddy and its beauty was spoiled!
Our lives are formed…one thought at a time...one attitude at a time. The purity of our thoughts determines the purity of our lives. Darkness feeds on impure thoughts. The battle plan against depression must include a direct assault on impure thoughts. David, in Psalm 101:33, issues this challenge: “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” Notice the word “refuse”. We can refuse dark thoughts. We can choose against negative attitudes. This standard needs to be the ongoing commitment of our thought life! To keep this commitment, to control our thoughts requires us to control all outside influences.
· Movies
· Books
· Television
· Music
· Relationships
· Conversations
Our prayer should be like David’s in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires” (The Message).
A clean mind will produce right desires. Right desires will produce right habits! And right habits produce a life of power and joy, a life that is pleasing to God…a life that is right and lived out in the light of His power and purpose for each one of us! The old adage is true: “Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny!” A powerful weapon against the darkness is a pure thought life. Think about it!
Let’s pray
Father, it is so easy to let impurity creep into my thought life each day. I battle my own mind that tends to think thoughts I know dishonor You. I can only imagine what those choices do to Your heart. Many times, it is hard to take a stand for purity and godly discipline. But I want to! Please give me the strength and power to become a woman of integrity with a pure thought life.
In Jesus’ name
Amen
Now it’s Your Turn
Consider the statement that your thought life “should be a sacrifice acceptable to God and fit to be brought into His presence as part of your worship to Him”. Have you ever considered your thought life to be part of your worship?
What one change can you make this week that will purify your thoughts?
Memorize Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires” (The Message). Make this verse the prayer of your heart this week.
At the end of each day, look for changes God made in your life because of your commitment to a pure thought life.
More from the Girls
Wow! This is a tough one, isn’t it? I am right there with you, girlfriend. To have a pure thought life is an ongoing battle that will never end this side of Heaven. The good news is that God understands our human frailty and has made a way for us to experience victory over wrong thoughts. Saturate your life with the Word of God, friend. Make it your staple for every day’s needs. Live in it! Love it! It is our greatest weapon against an impure thought life. Know that we pray for you and ask that you pray for us! We’re in this thing together!
January 9, 2008
Hope in the Midst of Depression
Part 3
Mary Southerland
Today’s truth
Philippians 4:8 (NIVB) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Friend to Friend
Mary Winkler - a pastor’s wife – was accused of murdering her husband. Watching her arrest on television, my emotions stumbled over each other as anger warred with compassion, confusion with condemnation and justice with mercy. Then it happened. Mary Winkler raised her face slightly, long enough for me to gaze into hauntingly familiar eyes, eyes filled with emptiness and darkness. While I can neither condone nor even understand the actions of Mary Winkler, I can understand the road that brought her to the dark place where she felt her only option was to commit such a heinous crime. The pit of clinical depression is a place of devastation – the playground of Satan and the forces of hell. In 1995, I found myself sitting at the bottom of a dark pit, desperate for God, pleading for deliverance. After several years of painful emotional work, fierce spiritual warfare and complete brokenness, I finally stepped into the light. God gave me life-changing truths in the darkness that revolutionized my life in the light. One of the most important truths is that we can change the way we live by taking steps to change the way we think.
Step one: Recognize the power of thoughts.
Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (NASB).
Step two: Know God's standard for our thought life.
· First standard: true thoughts
· Second standard: noble thoughts
· Third standard: right thoughts
Fourth standard: pure thoughts
“Pure” literally means that which is “wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity, innocent and morally undefiled”. It is a worship word, the picture of a sacrifice without blemish, fault or weakness. In other words, our thought life should be a sacrifice acceptable to God and fit to be brought into His presence as part of our worship to Him.
Have you ever watched an icicle as it is formed? A few years ago, we joined our best friends, Michelle and Jay Johnson, for a winter vacation in Vermont where a heavy snowstorm had arrived just ahead of us, dumping several inches of snow. Everything was covered in a rolling, soft blanket of white. Icicles hung like fragile crystal ornaments from tree limbs and rooftops. One morning, I decided to be lazy and sat, curled up in front of a crackling fire, gazing out at the beautiful postcard scene before me. I watched the softly falling rain gradually turn to long strands of ice. The icicles formed one drop at a time until they were a foot long or more. An interesting process unfolded before me. If the water was clean and pure, the icicle was formed clear, sparkling like a finely cut diamond in the sun. If the water was unclean and impure, the icicle looked muddy and its beauty was spoiled!
Our lives are formed…one thought at a time...one attitude at a time. The purity of our thoughts determines the purity of our lives. Darkness feeds on impure thoughts. The battle plan against depression must include a direct assault on impure thoughts. David, in Psalm 101:33, issues this challenge: “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” Notice the word “refuse”. We can refuse dark thoughts. We can choose against negative attitudes. This standard needs to be the ongoing commitment of our thought life! To keep this commitment, to control our thoughts requires us to control all outside influences.
· Movies
· Books
· Television
· Music
· Relationships
· Conversations
Our prayer should be like David’s in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires” (The Message).
A clean mind will produce right desires. Right desires will produce right habits! And right habits produce a life of power and joy, a life that is pleasing to God…a life that is right and lived out in the light of His power and purpose for each one of us! The old adage is true: “Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny!” A powerful weapon against the darkness is a pure thought life. Think about it!
Let’s pray
Father, it is so easy to let impurity creep into my thought life each day. I battle my own mind that tends to think thoughts I know dishonor You. I can only imagine what those choices do to Your heart. Many times, it is hard to take a stand for purity and godly discipline. But I want to! Please give me the strength and power to become a woman of integrity with a pure thought life.
In Jesus’ name
Amen
Now it’s Your Turn
Consider the statement that your thought life “should be a sacrifice acceptable to God and fit to be brought into His presence as part of your worship to Him”. Have you ever considered your thought life to be part of your worship?
What one change can you make this week that will purify your thoughts?
Memorize Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires” (The Message). Make this verse the prayer of your heart this week.
At the end of each day, look for changes God made in your life because of your commitment to a pure thought life.
More from the Girls
Wow! This is a tough one, isn’t it? I am right there with you, girlfriend. To have a pure thought life is an ongoing battle that will never end this side of Heaven. The good news is that God understands our human frailty and has made a way for us to experience victory over wrong thoughts. Saturate your life with the Word of God, friend. Make it your staple for every day’s needs. Live in it! Love it! It is our greatest weapon against an impure thought life. Know that we pray for you and ask that you pray for us! We’re in this thing together!
Monday, January 7, 2008
On the Outside Looking In
Crosswalk the Devotional - Jan. 7, 2008
January 7, 2008
The Outsiders by Sarah Jennings, Crosswalk.com Family Editor
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."Matthew 2: 1-2
Have you ever felt like an outsider? I have. If you saw me typing at my desk now, you’d see a conservative-looking, young woman. But rewind to high school, and you’d see an awkward, lonely kid wearing super baggy, ripped-to-shreds jeans. I actually skipped my junior year to get out as quickly as possible. College was a turning point, and I will never regret my decision to graduate high school early.
If you’ve experienced the pang of being the odd one out, you hold a special place in the heart of God. This past Sunday, many churches celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany. The Epiphany marks the arrival of the wise men after a lengthy journey guided by the star of Bethlehem.
As popular as these guys are in religious art, we don’t know much about the Magi. There is no concrete evidence they were kings, no exact number of how many followed the star, no records of their countries of origin, and no official date of their arrival. Historical research indicates they were most likely members of a priestly caste from Persia who practiced a religion called Zoroastrianism.
So why set aside a special feast day to celebrate the arrival of some guys we don’t know much about? Precisely because they were mysterious outsiders. Not only did their arrival catch King Herod by surprise and set into motion a series of prophetic events, but centuries later we see the wise men represented God’s plan to save all who seek Him, regardless of their backgrounds.
Of course, God’s saving plan for the Gentiles didn’t go over well with everyone at first. Many of Jesus’ early followers struggled with – even protested – this idea that Christ’s kingdom would include outsiders.
All this forces me to slow down and think. Who are the outsiders today? And how do I treat them? Do I love everyone as God does? Do I give people the benefit of the doubt and respect everybody as God’s unique creations? Do I entrust that God is working within others even if their lives don’t take conventional paths?
Having had my own taste of being on the outside looking in, you would think I readily embrace all who come my way. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. At church, I might see someone dressed unconventionally and make assumptions. Or perhaps I observe a peer that struggles to fit into my social group and put forth little effort to make them feel more accepted. I’ve failed outside of church, too. I’m ashamed to admit that I have, at times, caught myself embracing a judgmental “us vs. them” mentality when interacting with those who don’t practice the Christian faith.
Imagine: What if Joseph and Mary had shut the doors on the Magi? I mean, these guys must have been a strange and unexpected sight to this young, Jewish couple when they arrived. What if they had been scandalized by their arrival, skeptical about their exotic gifts, and informed them they had no business paying homage to their son? Thankfully, they put their trust in God’s unfolding plan, and welcomed them. But I’m learning that when I turn my back on those who don’t fit into whatever mental requirements I’ve cooked up, I fail to love, and effectively turn my back on God’s will
Intersecting Faith & Life: One of my New Year’s resolutions is to take time to get to know people I might normally write off. Can you identify someone in your church or your life that in some way stands on “the outside?” Make an effort to get to know them a little better this week. You may be surprised at the blessing that flow from this new relationship.
Further Reading
Isaiah 60: 1-6Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6What is True Diversity?
January 7, 2008
The Outsiders by Sarah Jennings, Crosswalk.com Family Editor
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."Matthew 2: 1-2
Have you ever felt like an outsider? I have. If you saw me typing at my desk now, you’d see a conservative-looking, young woman. But rewind to high school, and you’d see an awkward, lonely kid wearing super baggy, ripped-to-shreds jeans. I actually skipped my junior year to get out as quickly as possible. College was a turning point, and I will never regret my decision to graduate high school early.
If you’ve experienced the pang of being the odd one out, you hold a special place in the heart of God. This past Sunday, many churches celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany. The Epiphany marks the arrival of the wise men after a lengthy journey guided by the star of Bethlehem.
As popular as these guys are in religious art, we don’t know much about the Magi. There is no concrete evidence they were kings, no exact number of how many followed the star, no records of their countries of origin, and no official date of their arrival. Historical research indicates they were most likely members of a priestly caste from Persia who practiced a religion called Zoroastrianism.
So why set aside a special feast day to celebrate the arrival of some guys we don’t know much about? Precisely because they were mysterious outsiders. Not only did their arrival catch King Herod by surprise and set into motion a series of prophetic events, but centuries later we see the wise men represented God’s plan to save all who seek Him, regardless of their backgrounds.
Of course, God’s saving plan for the Gentiles didn’t go over well with everyone at first. Many of Jesus’ early followers struggled with – even protested – this idea that Christ’s kingdom would include outsiders.
All this forces me to slow down and think. Who are the outsiders today? And how do I treat them? Do I love everyone as God does? Do I give people the benefit of the doubt and respect everybody as God’s unique creations? Do I entrust that God is working within others even if their lives don’t take conventional paths?
Having had my own taste of being on the outside looking in, you would think I readily embrace all who come my way. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. At church, I might see someone dressed unconventionally and make assumptions. Or perhaps I observe a peer that struggles to fit into my social group and put forth little effort to make them feel more accepted. I’ve failed outside of church, too. I’m ashamed to admit that I have, at times, caught myself embracing a judgmental “us vs. them” mentality when interacting with those who don’t practice the Christian faith.
Imagine: What if Joseph and Mary had shut the doors on the Magi? I mean, these guys must have been a strange and unexpected sight to this young, Jewish couple when they arrived. What if they had been scandalized by their arrival, skeptical about their exotic gifts, and informed them they had no business paying homage to their son? Thankfully, they put their trust in God’s unfolding plan, and welcomed them. But I’m learning that when I turn my back on those who don’t fit into whatever mental requirements I’ve cooked up, I fail to love, and effectively turn my back on God’s will
Intersecting Faith & Life: One of my New Year’s resolutions is to take time to get to know people I might normally write off. Can you identify someone in your church or your life that in some way stands on “the outside?” Make an effort to get to know them a little better this week. You may be surprised at the blessing that flow from this new relationship.
Further Reading
Isaiah 60: 1-6Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6What is True Diversity?
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