In the Boat

This past month I received an email from a friend who has been going through a hard trial with one of her children. Although she has been suffering greatly she has been returning to the Word and promises of the Lord. Doing that is what keeps her going while this storm rages around her. I asked her permission to share her words anonymously and she graciously granted it. My prayer is that as you read her exhortation to herself you in turn will be greatly encouraged and strengthened in your walk.

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"I am trying to rest in the fact that the Lord is in control, He is omnipresent and omnipotent. I know all of that in my head and have for my whole life. RESTING in it is not always the easiest thing but I think I am getting there. That means, not worrying about things. As a mom, it is hard not to worry. As a woman whose been around the block a few times, it is hard not to worry. As a person who knows that the Lord allows things to happen that I would never allow to happen if I were God, I have to REST in knowing that HE knows better than I do simply because He is GOD. I am merely a human. His ways are certainly not mine very often. He orchestrated things for His glory even when I don't get it, see it, or understand it. My heart is getting there - at least it is much closer than it has been in recent weeks.
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You see, we cannot be "in the boat" worrying and fretting over the storms that are raging all around us because He is in the boat with us. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5 I am trying hard to quit running to the back of the boat and yelling, "Wake up, WAKE UP!! DON'T YOU SEE THIS TERRIBLE STORM!!!!!!!!" He doesn't need me to point it out OR to point out "the solution"!!!! If I trust in Him, I should just let it be, let Him sleep, and sit quietly waiting for it to pass or for Him to say. "Peace Be Still." He knows there is a storm and He knows what to do about it. Oh, I want it to be "Peace Be Still" right now, but that may not be a part of the Master Plan. Some things simply work out better if the storm rages a bit and then calms down."

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My friend's closing words struck me. "Some things simply work out better if the storm rages a bit..." As hard as it is, we will do well to keep that in mind as we struggle through difficult times. The Lord promises so many times that what ever we go through will bring good fruit if we are His and we are walking in His ways. These verses come to mind: Romans 8:28 All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes. James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. These verses are not always comforting when we are in the midst of suffering, but that does not change the fact that they are true. There is hope! There is a future beyond this difficulty! There will be the fruit of maturity and completeness. God is so good to remind us of these things. He is faithful and He is in the boat.

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Prayer:

Father, help me to hold on tightly, remembering Your promises to always be with me and turn my sorrow into joy. Thank You that no suffering is lost. This time in my life will be redeemed and used for Your glory if I keep my eyes on You. Amen.

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Challenge:

If you are in a storm right now, take time to read the account in Mark 4 of Jesus and the disciples in the boat. Meditate on Christ's ability to stop the storm as well as His ability to have peaceful sleep during the storm. Copy the verses above and place them where you can be reminded throughout the day of the good that can come from the bad.

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Jen Gorton 2009

The Idol of Self

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:16
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When my children were born I knew that being a mother would be hard work. I knew there would be long nights and bad days, a ton of laundry, and changes in what dinner looked like at our house. And yet, when life really did get hard I was completely shocked. Suddenly what I wanted or needed no longer mattered. Who cared if mommy liked lentils and rice? No one else did, so apparently it was a yucky meal. Who cared if mommy liked Pollyanna? No one else did, so it was a banned movie. Who cared if mommy hated the beach? No one else did, so it was a favorite destination. No one else seemed to see the value of a nap, a quiet hour, wiped off counters, or chicken noodle casserole.
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The idea that what I wanted really was a mute point was maddening. After all, I am the mommy. And if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!
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I was bowing to the idol of self. The idol of self is the idea that my needs, wants, and desires are so important that others have no business getting in the way of those things. Getting interrupted during my quiet time brought harsh words and looks of disapproval. Sleeping late was more important than my children getting a good breakfast. My like of certain foods was worth others literally going hungry for the night. Plain and simple, this idol is the sin of selfishness and self seeking.
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James tells us that where self seeking exists, confusion and every evil thing are there. It is true! Think of the last time you insisted that your way was the only way. I am certain that peace was not permeating the atmosphere. In my own experience tempers flared and feelings were hurt.
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But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17,18
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Some might worry that dying to self means teaching children that they are the center of the universe. On the contrary! I am in no way saying that we only cook what our children like or never have rules or discipline. I am saying that our response to situations speaks volumes on what we think of Jesus and His example. Jesus came to serve. He did not crab about washing feet, cooking dinner - on the beach no less, fixing broken things (think of Peter and the guy’s ear in the garden), or dying for something He did not do. He was always available to talk and minister, even when He was trying to get away and be alone for a while. Matthew 14:12-14 He had wisdom from above and lived in that wisdom daily.
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When I insist on living my life as though I am the most important I teach my children to live as if THEY are the most important. I live an example of self seeking and selfishness that is easily learned by impressionable little people. There is a much better way, however. It is not easy by any means, but the fruit it yields is so much more desirable. I need to ditch the self seeking stuff and grab the wisdom from above!

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Prayer:

Father, I desire to be like Jesus, a cheerful servant to all who glorifies You in everything. Please help me to walk in the patience and self control that is mine in Your Holy Spirit. Let my life be an example of Christ likeness to my little ones.

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Challenge:

This week be mindful of times when the idol of self demands your attention. When that rises up it is a sure sign that you need to do the opposite of what you feel - not an easy thing, but possible! Remember to walk in selfless-ness cheerfully or it really doesn't count!

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I highly recommend the book Age of Opportunity by Paul David Tripp. Although this book is marketed to those with children entering or already in the teen years I believe it is vital reading for all parents, regardless of the age of their children.

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Jen Gorton 2009

Cheerfully Disobedient

This weekend, one of our children spent one on one time with my parents. When I inquired about her behavior they laughingly told me that she was cheerfully disobedient. When they say cheerfully disobedient they really mean it. Our peanut can do the complete opposite of what you have told her and you won't even pick up on it until an hour later. There are no tantrums or noticeable defiance, just quiet indifference with a smile and a hug thrown in for good measure. We know this is something we need to work on with her and we need to hop to it! The longer she goes in this direction the harder it will be turn her heart later.

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I know where my daughter's cheerful disobedience example comes from. Me. When I overbook myself to minister to those outside of my family I am being cheerfully disobedient to God's command to look well to the ways of my house. When I choose to show such mercy that my children never feel the pain of their sin I am being cheerfully disobedient by not training my child. When I do something that I know my husband will probably not be in favor of yet I avoid getting his input, I am being cheerfully disobedient to the command to submit to my husband. When I pass on a prayer need I was asked to keep confidential I am being cheerfully disobedient in regards to gossip.

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Slapping a happy face on my disobedience does not change the fact that sin is ugly. Disobedience is disobedience regardless of the attitude in which it is done. I can try to hide it from others, but the Lord of all knows my heart of hearts. I am so glad! I do not want to be cheerfully disobedient anymore. I want to be cheerfully obedient in all things.

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Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23,24

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Prayer:

Father God, I know that many times I try to hide my sin by putting on a front. I smile and do all the right the things on the outside while on the inside I know that I am doing wrong in my heart of hearts. Please search my heart and point out offensive ways in me. Give me a good jolt and remind me that being obedient inside and out is what pleases You most. Amen.

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Challenge:

This week when you hear that little voice whispering that you have ulterior motives, stop and ask the Lord to test you and show you what you are being cheerfully disobedient in. When He does, change course and cheerfully obey. You might be surprised what He reveals. Many times we do not even realize that something we are doing is really defiance clothed in good intentions.

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Jen Gorton 2009

Freedom, Faith, and Fireworks

This weekend our country celebrated the most patriotic holiday of the year. At least once a year the people turn their attention to the freedoms we have in America that are unequalled anywhere else in the world.

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We, who are believers in the Lord, need not be worried or downcast during these troubled times. I have taken the liberty to paraphrase 2 Chronicles 7:13 and 14. "If I, who am called by Your name, humble myself, pray, and seek Your face and turn from my wicked ways, then You will hear from heaven, forgive my sin and heal my land." We all have the responsibility to stay on the path of God's righteous ways and He will send peace and revival to America. It is evident that God's healing hand is needed in today's culture. Psalm 33:12 says, "Blessed is the nation whose [G]od is the Lord and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance." Psalm 46:1 states that 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," and Psalm 46:10 encourages us to "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen. I will be exalted in the earth." What wonderful promises!

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Many have put their faith in their possessions, themselves, government or wealth, and now see those things toppling away. Psalm 37:34 reminds us to "Wait on the Lord and keep His way and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land." Dependence on yourself and things brings defeat. Dependence on the Lord brings victory! There is a close connection between our freedom and our faith. They are definitely intertwined.

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It is always fun to feast on hot dogs and burgers and top it off with the thrill of watching the night sky light up with fireworks. But this is only an ANNUAL event. Let us take God's word seriously and pray for our own hearts, our country, and its leaders DAILY. Remember that our spiritual freedom as well as our physical freedom come only from the God of the universe.

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"Will Thou not revive us again, that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?"

Psalm 85:6

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"Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land."

Psalm 85:9

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"Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase."

Psalm 85:12

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Prayer:

Father God, thank You for my freedom. I want You to be my focus - not riches, a job, my home - only You. Please guide our country back to You. Bring revival in our capital and let it filter down to all of the states. America can only be great when she is living in Your Light. Amen.

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Challenge:

This week keep in mind that all freedom and peace comes from the Lord, not your husband's job or the amount of money you have in the bank. When things get scary and uncertain praise God that He is the One who holds our lives and eternity in the palm of His hand.

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Granny Witt 2009