Ebenezars (Memory Stones)

I Samuel chapter 7 records a time when the Lord delivered Israel from the Philistines. Verse 12 says,
*

"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us."

When we think about the spiritual training of our little ones, we want to do everything we can to surround them with atmosphere of faith that will become as natural as breathing to them. We take them to church with us, teach them the Word, play worship music in our homes, and pray with them. In this way, we show them that God is not only our Creator and Savior, but that He desires to be in every part of our lives, and cares about us in both the "big" and "little" things.

The Bible records several instances where people built altars of stone as a remembrance of what God had done for them. In Genesis 13, God made a promise to Abram, and Abram built an altar and called the place Beth-el--the House of God. In Genesis 28, Jacob slept with a stone for a pillow and had his vision of the ladder. He then took that stone and made an altar to the Lord.

Later, as the Israelites would pass by these places, they would say, "This is where the Lord [did this or that thing]." And, as Samuel said, "this is where the Lord has helped us so far."

We all have experiences like that, don't we? This is where the Lord healed Mommy. This is where God provided a job for Daddy. This is where the car broke down on a lonely highway, and God sent somebody by to help.

As my own children were growing up, they would ask from time to time, "Tell us again about when God...." and we would gather them together and tell them our own "faith stories." Stories about what God has done for Daddy and Mommy before they were born; stories about what God has done for them! It is wonderful and faith-building to hear of someone at church getting healed of cancer, or a miraculous provision of money for someone we know. But our very own family stories of faith are the ones that make altars that our children will return to in their own times of faith-crisis. And the ones about which they will tell their own children.

All eight of my children made an early confession of faith, and we rejoiced. But I have found that each of them (and us!) also had to have a personal encounter with God, as a teenager or young adult. This faith that they were "born into," must, at some point, become their very own. They must have their "own" story, their own Ebenezers. Rehearsing our family stories throughout their lives gives an air of expectancy for them: God has done things for Daddy and Mommy; He will do things for me, as well. Let me encourage you to relate your own stories throughout your day or week, as well as making a special time to share a number of stories. There is nothing that will make your daily troubles and irritations look small like a trip down Ebenezer Lane!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for creating me, and loving me. Thank you most of all for the gift of Your Son, whom You sent to earth so that we could have relationship with You once again. Thank you for caring for me in all the big and little ways; the miraculous and the "everyday," which is much more miraculous than I ever realize. Help me to remember often, the places I can point to and say, "this is where God met me." Help me to be more vocal about them, and realize that these stories will eventually be part of the "faith of our fathers," for my descendants generations from now. Don't let another day go by without my telling my children something that You have done for me.

Challenge:
Find a time to gather your family for a "story-time." As you do this a few times, your children will not wait for one story to end before they say, "don't forget about the time..." Make a big deal when something new happens, and you can say, "now we have another story to tell."

Memory Stones - Purchase a large clear vase and a bag of glass vase stones or beach glass (Walmart or craft stores). Everytime the Lord answers a prayer or a faith story happens, drop a stone in the vase. This is a beautiful way to remember what God has done!

Barbara K 2009

To Love Like the Savior

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

I purchased a book called “Improving Your Serve” by Charles R. Swindoll. The book interested me because I often times sense that I can be a bit SELFISH and unwilling to SERVE my family joyfully. When I saw the book, I instantly knew that it was a book for me to read. In the beginning of the book Pastor Swindoll spoke of Mark 10:45 (and I trust it will be basis of his teaching on this particular subject). As I read the verse, I was convicted, knowing that I wasn’t having a servant’s heart. I look forward to reading more from the book.

As we focus on the advent of Christ, I couldn’t help but to think of Isaiah 9:6 and Philippians 2:5-8 because in those verses, we see an example of such love that our Lord had because He was willing to HUMBLE Himself into the form of a bondservant and take on the likeness of man in order to be the final sacrifice for our sins. Wow! What great love is this!!

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,  but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:5-8

As I’m learning to grow in my love for God and my family, this is such a GREAT time to see this area in my life.  As Christmas day is approaching, we are likely to see many manger scenes as we travel and some of us may even be blessed to attend a play. I’d like to challenge us (as I strive to be challenged too) that whenever we see a manger scene and see the baby Jesus, think of Him “coming in the likeness of men” and that He did so UNSELFISHLY. God the Father didn’t have to twist His arm. Jesus didn’t say, “What? Come down there to look like THOSE people! And to DIE for THEIR sins!” No, He willingly did it because He had us in mind to redeem us back to the Father. How GREAT is the Father’s love that He would do this for us.

At one time in my life, Christmas was a time of GIFTS (even as a believer). Now being more mature in my faith, God is TEARING that thought life away and is dealing with me about what my family really needs for Christmas (and forever) from me: a wife/mother who willingly dies to selfishness and strives to show my love through the way I serve them. So, I’d like to encourage you to do the same. If you know that there has been a bit of unselfishness in the way that you care for your family, ask God to help you and strive to serve your family and friends in a way that demonstrates love JUST as Jesus showed His love for us!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You so much for revealing that to me because I’ve often times MISSED the nativity scene of You lying in the manger. Now, when I see one, may I truly FOCUS my eyes on that example of You laying there. May I rejoice in my heart that You were came ready to live a life which would save my soul from hell. Thank You, Jesus. In Your name, Amen.

Challenge:

1. Whenever you display your nativity scene or go and see one, don’t just adore the design, focus on the DIVINE.

2. Whenever you find yourself tempted to consider yourself more than others (particularly your family) be reminded of the night our Savior was born and that this was a plan that would bring you to salvation. If Jesus was willing to humble Himself, why can’t you.

Advent - Week Four:

Theme: Angels (Love)

Sun. Is. 7:10-14, Mon. Luke 1:26-35, Tue. Is. 9:2-7, Wed. Mt. 1:18-25, Thu. Luke 2:1-20, Fri. Mt. 2:1-2, Sat. Luke 2:21-35 Advent concludes on Christmas Eve with the lighting of a fifth white candle that represents the purity of Jesus.

Zinnada H. 2010

Joy to the World!

I love the beginning verse to the BarlowGirl song “Hallelujah (Light Has Come):”

Mmmm, my baby, Heaven sent you to me

All the world’s been praying, Who will save?

A few lines later, the chorus begins:

Hallelujah, we’ve been found…

A Child is born to save us now

Hallelujah, Light has come

A Savior who will set us free,

The promise for those who believe.

Hallelujah, we’ve been FOUND. It is so incredible to me that the Creator of the universe cares that much for me. Little ol’ ME. The unbelievable fact is that He made the plan from the beginning. Even before Man fell, the plan was in place to restore us to Himself.

Think of that when you read the verses from Luke 2: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great JOY, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

If you have walked with the Lord for any length of time at all, you’ve heard the idea that Happiness is dependent on circumstances, but Joy is not hampered by them. You can have joy in the midst of the most “unhappy” circumstance. I think of the familiar verse “He will never leave thee or forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5) Just knowing that I can’t mess things up so bad that He gives up on me, or that no matter what I go through, I never, ever, EVER have to go through it alone—what a comfort, and what a source of JOY.

“and you shall call His name Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”

My beautiful sister lost her husband in August. We lost my father this year, as well. My husband’s sister went through a divorce this year which she did not seek. A friend’s son got his girlfriend pregnant. This Christmas will be difficult for all of them/us. But if I focus on *Him*, I can have JOY.

"Hallelujah, we’ve been found.” That cute little baby in the manger? He is “God with us.” An astounding thought that goes ‘way past Christmas and takes us into Easter and beyond.

I’ll finish with my favorite Christmas verse, II Cor. 9:15: “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for giving Your Son, in order to reconcile us to Yourself. It is an unbelievable thought, that indeed brings “joy to the world.” Help me, in the midst of the hectic season, to put aside my own circumstances, and remember what You have given to us, Emmanuel.

Challenge:

Yeah, the challenge is to find some TIME this week to “think on these things!” And, if this Christmas season is a little lean on “happiness,” think instead about Joy. Ask a friend to help you dwell on the good things that God has given you, and the promise that He is with you through this season, and beyond.

Advent – Week Three:

Theme: Shepherds (Joy)
Scriptures: Sun. Luke 1:5-13, Mon. Luke 1:14-17, Tue. Luke 1:18-25, Wed. Luke 1:39-45, Thu. Luke 1:46-56, Fri. Luke 1:57-66, Sat. Luke 1:67-80
Barb K. 2010



Clarification

Thank you all so very much for the calls and emails of concern regarding the past year that was mentioned in Monday's post.  I would like to clarify that I (Jen) was not the author of this week's devotional.  Another contributor, Julie B., is the fabulous writer who is learning much about peace this year.  

If you are ever confused about the author of a post, please look directly below the Challenge. 

Blessings,

Jen

Peace: Perfect, Complete, Full

The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with shalom. Psalm 29:11

This has been a year of change for my husband and me; some could use the word “upheaval” and not be too far off. My beloved was laid-off, which started a series of events that included a financial re-evaluation of life, a move to another state, and a year-long search for a permanent job. In the midst of this, two close family members have struggled with serious health crises, as well.

So as we begin this season of Advent, my heart has been seeking the Lord’s word about peace. There are many reasons to not feel “peace,” as our culture defines it. Too many presents to purchase and wrap (and not enough money to buy them), too many cookies to bake (and not enough time to walk off the ones I eat), too many people’s problems to pray for (and not enough energy to stay awake to pray), and too many worries in this life (and not enough thankfulness for everything He sends my way).

In our new church, my husband and I are taking a Hebrew language class. One of my favorite words in the language is shalom, which was translated peace in English. Our culture’s definition for peace is not exactly what the Lord had in mind, though. Shalom is not absence of troubles, for in this world, Jesus said, we will have troubles. Shalom is not the absence of strong emotions, for Jesus displayed strong emotions many times. In our study of Hebrew, shalom comes from the root shin-lamed-mem (Hebrew letters), which means “complete, perfect, full.” God on High sent His precious Son, Y’shua – our Sar Shalom (Prince of Peace) – to make us complete through salvation, perfect through His blood, and full of His Presence so that we can give ourselves away for others.

As we enter into this busy season filled with things that don’t always look or feel “peaceful,” we can be filled with true peace, the shalom that is given by the Prince of Shalom.

Prayer:

Abba, thank You for Your peace, the true peace of knowing Your salvation, of being perfect before You in Jesus, and of being filled with Your Presence. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, help me to fix my mind on how You have brought true peace to my life. Please help me share Your peace with all those You bring across my path this Christmas.

Challenge:

Look up some of these verses from the Psalms and think about God’s definition of peace. When things get busy and you cry out for a “Calgon moment” (for those who remember what I am talking about!), reflect on how He has given you true peace already through your relationship with Him. Meditating on that thought will bring rest to your heart while you are wrapping up that one last plate of cookies for the neighbors... Psalm 4:8, Psalm 29:11, Psalm 34:14 (also in I Peter 3:11), Psalm 55:18-19, Psalm 85:8-9, Psalm 119:165

Advent – Week Two:Theme: Bethlehem (Peace)

Scriptures: Sun. Is. 11:1-10, Mon. Zech. 6:12-13, Tue. Mic. 5:2-4, Wed. Mal. 3:1-6, Thu. John 1:1-8, Fri. John 1:9-18, Sat. Mark 1:1-3 (You can limit your readings to one day if you that works better for your family.)

MrsB : ) 2010  Psalm 122:6-9

True Hope

This week begins the 2010 Advent season.  Advent means 'coming' and is a time that believers in Christ prepare their hearts for the yearly celebration of His birth on December 25.  We pray that you will have a thoughtful and enriching Advent season, setting your heart on things above. Fresh Starts will focus on a different Advent theme each week until Christmas.   For a more thorough explanation of Advent, please take time to read this.*

In today’s casual use of language, the word hope has become a common verb. “I hope that chicken is still on sale” or “I hope my husband remembers our anniversary this year!” Rarely do we hear one use it in regards to the actual definition of a desire for good accompanied by expectation.

The word ‘hope’ was first used in the Bible in Ruth 1:12. Naomi was disheartened by the state of her life. Her husband was dead, her sons were dead, she was in a foreign land with no one but her daughters-in-law, and they were not even of her nationality. As she prepared to travel home to Bethlehem, Naomi said to her dead sons’ wives, “…Turn back, my daughters, go—for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons, would you wait for them till they were grown? Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me!”

Naomi had no hope for a future of little more than begging and loneliness. There was surely a desire for good in her life, but she had zero expectation of that good. In her mind, her situation was beyond help. In spite of Naomi’s urging, daughter-in-law Ruth chose to stay with her and travel to Bethlehem. Although she herself was certainly unsure of what to expect, Ruth made a vow to stay with Naomi and to follow the Lord. (Ruth 1: 16,17) Upon arrival in Bethlehem, Ruth (after an incredibly romantic “should be made into a PBS special” courtship) ended up marrying Boaz, a man who stepped up to the plate and redeemed his distant family members from a life of poverty and hopelessness.

But did Naomi herself ever find hope or did she remain the tag-along mother-in-law? Oh no! Naomi ended up with more hope that she ever could have imagined. She ended up nursing the very child that would start the chain of events leading to the coming of Jesus. (Ruth 4:14-17) Ruth and Boaz had a baby boy. This little guy’s name was Obed and he later became the father of Jesse, who in turn became the father of King David. And who is in the lineage of David?

 *

Our True and Perfect Hope – Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for hope. Thank You that in spite of what my circumstances look like, You are always there moving and preparing things for my good. Help me to press into the Hope I have in You. Amen.

Challenge:

As you celebrate Advent this week, either with your family or in your own personal quiet time, look up Scripture verses on hope and meditate on them. In what or whom are you placing your hope? Or maybe, you are not hoping at all – but wishing. A good way to determine is to put your ‘hopes’ to the test. Does your way of hoping bring a joy and expectation of waiting on the Lord and His goodness? Or does it bring worry and anxiety and restlessness?

Advent – Week One:

Theme: Prophecy (Hope)

Scriptures: Sun. Is. 40:1-5, Mon. Is. 52:7-10, Tue. Is. 40:9-11, Wed. Gen. 3:8-15, Thu. Gen. 15:1-6, Fri. Deut. 18:15-19, Sat. Ps. 89:1-4 (You can limit your readings to one day if you that works better for your family.)

Advent Resources:

The ADVENTure of Christmas by Lisa Whelchel

Free Jesse Tree Advent Devotional by Ann Voskamp and Nancy Rodden

Jen G. 2010
* This link gives a good history and explanation of Advent.  Inclusion of this link does not necessarily mean an endorsement of all content on that website.

For His Mercy Endures

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever... Psalm 136 1-3 

As my son shared these verses this morning during our church family time, I was drawn to the words, "His mercy endures forever."  Twenty-six times the writer of this Psalm repeats those words. Why does he continuously use the word mercy?  What does mercy have to do with thankfulness? 

Webster's 1828 dictionary defines mercy this way:

[Mercy] implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency,

but exercised only towards offenders. 

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

Notice the last line of that definition. In order to receive mercy you must be an offender.  We are ALL offenders, if not towards another person, then certainly towards the Lord.  And yet, He still gives mercy. It is what each believer in Christ fully experiences the moment they die. That mercy does not wear out or get cast aside when someone sins one time too may.  He does not decide to recant His mercy once it is given. It endures forever. (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:36

As Christ followers, we are to extend mercy to others.  How do we do that? Mercy is given when someone hurts you, leaves you or hates you and you choose not to hurt, leave or hate in return.  That seems like such a hard thing to do because it is hard!  Thankfully, the Lord has given us a way of escape in this hard thing. That is done by going directly to Him and asking Him for help to do the thing He has called us to do.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:15-16

The Lord's mercy has a continuous existence, it is perpetual, for always, everlasting.  It has an indefinite and unending future, it lasts for eternity.  It is forever and always. (BLB) 

His mercy endureth forever.

That is worth all the thanks we can possibly give. 

Prayer:

Father, there are not enough words to thank You for Your mercy.  Nothing is so high, so wide, so deep as Your unending love and mercy towards me.  As I approach a day set aside for thanksgiving, let me feel Your presence and pleasure daily as I worship and honor You for your great and unending mercy.  Please help me to extend mercy towards those in my life as you have extended it to me. Amen

Challenge:

Read through all of Psalm 136 and then write your own Psalm of thanksgiving.  Think of all the ways the Lord has shown mercy on you and thank Him for each one.  Do you need to extend mercy to someone in your life?  Go boldly before the Lord and ask Him for the help you need.  He is faithful and will give you what you need to do what seems impossible!

Jen G. 2010



Are You a Jonah or a Moses?

My daughter and I were out with some friends looking for riding gear. While we were chatting, the young woman assisting us briefly shared a recent trial. The “I will be sure to pray for you” sentiment pushed forward in my mouth. And then the Lord clearly told me to offer to pray with the young woman assisting us.

Jen: “Seriously, Lord? You are seriously telling me to ask this girl if I can pray for her. In the middle of this store?”

Lord: “Yep. I am.”

As my heart surrendered to His leading, the sweaty palms and pounding in my chest subsided. A peace and confidence flooded over me as I boldly asked, “Would it totally freak you out if I prayed with you right now?”

The young woman looked surprised, but immediately said she would love it if we prayed. My daughter and our friends bowed their heads as if praying in the middle of a ritzy tack store while people milled around was the most natural thing in the world. And I prayed.

This story is shared not because I have a handle on immediate obedience, but because I do not. More often than not, I resist the urging of the Holy Spirit. I beg Him to speak to me, give me direction and use me. And then, when He tries to, I argue. I tell Him I am too embarrassed, not qualified and not gifted enough. In doing so I miss whatever blessing He has for me in the task at hand. Even worse, I fear, is the blessing someone else will miss because of my orneriness. Praise the Lord that this time I listened!

Jonah argued with the Lord. Instead of listening and obeying, he came up with a myriad of excuses. Most of them centered on the unworthiness of the people of whom he was being asked to minister. He did eventually end up obeying, but it was with a sour heart bent on getting the job over and done with. When the people listened to the Lord’s warning Jonah was mad! (Jonah 3:10-4:1)

Moses argued with the Lord as well. He gave reasons why he was not qualified to do the seemingly impossible job of leading the Israelites into freedom. Moses’ issues stemmed from fear rather than stuck up, Jonah pride. The Lord spoke to Moses firmly, assuring him that he was called and would be thoroughly equipped. As a result of Moses' obedience, God’s people were led into freedom and we have a beautiful example of an Old Testament shadow of Christ’s atoning work. (Exodus 3 and 4)

Are you a Jonah or a Moses? What is the Lord asking you to do and how are you responding? Do you jump at the chance to see how the Lord will work in your weakness or do you puff yourself up thinking that you are too good for the mission He has called you to perform? I encourage you to get ready to respond positively to what He calls you to do today.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."  Ephesians 2:8-10

*
Prayer:

Father, I thank You that You have equipped me for every good work and that nothing is too difficult for me to accomplish through You alone. Help me to listen to Your voice today and to act immediately. Amen.

Challenge:

This week, start your days off asking the Lord to prepare your heart to hear His instructions and act on them. When you feel Him speaking to you, step out and DO what He is directing you to do. Keep a written record of how often you felt prompted to speak or do something and the results.

Jen G. 2010

The Perfect Sin-o-Meter

This article was posted last November on Fresh Starts.  At the time, I was breathing a huge sigh of relief because I thought the Lord was all done with the area I addressed in this writing.  Boy, was I wrong!  He was just getting started.  Our God is so faithful to finish the job, never leaving anything undone or unaddressed.  I pray that He will speak to you again, or for the first time, through this week's Fresh Start.  Jen

This past year has been the most wonderfully difficult time I can remember in my adult years. You might think the words ‘wonderfully’ and ‘difficult’ do not belong in the same sentence, but I can tell you that they certainly do! The Lord has been taking me through the deepest, darkest parts of my heart exposing and rooting out selfishness, unforgiveness, resentment, pride, harshness, anger – the list is long and ugly. I was unaware that most of these things where even in there. Thankfully, the Lord has a handy attribute called Omniscience and He is not afraid to use it.


In His goodness, the Lord has allowed me to see, read, and hear my own ugliness. This year long process came to a head this past month when He directed me to Psalm 19, having me read over and over again how His Word is the perfect sin-o-meter.

Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Psalm 19:12,13

When I see justification for an offence taken, the Word sees an excuse to set up walls to keep others out. (Proverbs 18:19) When I see a reason to withhold forgiveness, it sees a woman who is willing to receive the precious forgiveness of Jesus but is unwilling to extend that same forgiveness to a peer. (Matt. 18:23-35) When I see a situation that is ripe for sarcasm and anger, He sees a heart that is refusing to live at peace with all men. (Romans 12:18)

I encourage you not to stuff and ignore those nagging feelings that pop up. Trust me on this - I tried to ignore the conviction and it only extended the process, creating more issues along the way. Recognize the niggling for what it is: a warning to be heeded (Psalm 19:11), and the reward for paying attention and taking action is great and worth the pain of facing and dealing with your sin.

When we allow the Lord to work freely in our hearts, the process is usually very uncomfortable. The great thing is that with that pain there is the gain of having a clean heart before Him. The secret faults, the presumptuous sins – none can be hidden from the lamp of God’s Word. When those secret sins are exposed and dealt with the effects are long reaching to our homes, churches, friendships, and workplaces, making the result of the difficult process truly wonderful!

Prayer:
Father, thank You for exposing my sin. Thank You for doing it little by little, bringing me to a place of repentance. Help me to walk in Your ways in every area of my life, never resisting Your good and perfect plan for me.

Challenge:
Read Psalm 19 in its entirety each day this week, focusing especially on verses 7 through 14. Make special note of what the Word of God is. Be careful not to fall into presumptuous sins - things that tend to be given a stamp of approval because, well, we are human after all. Some of those might include your tone of voice with your kids (They made me mad!), your critical spirit over the worship at church (It is just not my style. Why can't we sing more [insert favorite style here]?), your resistance to do something your husband has asked (He knows I hate fish! Why should I have to cook it?). Those justified sins can be the most dangerous and quickly gain dominion over you (Psalm 19:13).
Jen G. 2009

In Everything

Part of my calling as SuperMom is to be sure that my children have loads of good memories. Holidays are super handy for this purpose. I realized a while ago, though, that holidays have so much more potential than one single day of memory stock piling. That is why our holidays are month long events, not single days that come and go in a flash. With that in mind, let’s chat about Thanksgiving.

**

Thanksgiving has been around much, much longer than the presidential appointed day in November. The first mention that I can find of the word thanksgiving in the Bible is in Leviticus 7:12 in relation to peace offerings. I am certainly not a scholar of Levitical law, but in reading the portion I am struck by the words “sacrifice of thanksgiving”. A sacrifice is something that must be slain, given up, surrendered. I think of Philippians 4:6 and 7 -

*

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

*

When things are difficult and concerning, usually the last thing I want to do is pray with thanksgiving. Begging and pleading for things to go my way is more my style. But the Scripture tells me to pray with thanksgiving and so I strive to sacrifice my natural feelings. When I do that, the benefit is a peace that surpasses all understanding and guards my heart and mind. Sacrificing my fleshly desire to control and be comfortable brings blessing. Sacrifice is hard, but worth it.

*

As November unfolds, do not wait until November 25 to celebrate Thanksgiving. Start today. Begin to offer your own sacrifices of thanksgiving as situations arise in which you see no purpose. Remember, ALL things are known to the Lord and He will use everything to grow us up in Him. Do not reject the hard. Do not resent the difficult and painful. Embrace it with a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Trust that the One who knows all has a greater purpose beyond what you can see and understand.

*

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

*

I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs. Psalm 69: 29-31

*

Prayer:

Father, I want to be a thankful person. I want to be thankful for more than food and a home. I want to be thankful for difficult people who help me grow in love and patience; thankful for hard circumstances that cause me to work through fear and doubt and grow my faith. I determine to make a willing sacrifice of thanksgiving in my life, trusting that You will bring peace and blessing in my obedience. Amen.

*

Challenge:

Take a real 30 day challenge! Stop over to Revive Our Hearts challenge page and sign up for the 30 day Gratitude Challenge. (PDF)

*

Extended Challenges for the Month:

*

Make a list of everything in your life that you are NOT feeling thankful for right now – finances, job, being home all the time with little people, your husband’s sloppiness, the broken toilet seat, the musty basement, the whiny friend, the nosey neighbor, the music at church – nothing is off limits. Next to each unthankful-for item make an opposite thankful response. (You will have to use your imagination until you really do find your thankful spot!) Spend time each day making a sacrifice of thanksgiving in these areas. I.e. your husband’s sloppiness gives you an opportunity to serve him in practical ways by cleaning up after him joyfully.

*

Make a thankful tree with your family. Tear a brown paper bag into a trunk and branches and tape it to the wall or a door. Each evening at dinner, have each family member write one thing they are thankful for on a cut out construction paper leaf and tape it to a branch.

*

Purchase Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey. This beautiful book is a great read aloud that includes a CDs of instrumental Thanksgiving hymns.

*

Jen G. 2010

Thin Skinned

"People with good sense are slow to anger, and it is their glory to overlook an offense." -Proverbs 19:11

Every now and then, one of our chickens will lay an egg that has no shell. Instead of a shell, the egg will literally be only a thin, leathery membrane of skin. For some reason or other, the egg didn't become calcified before being laid. With no shell, it doesn't take much to destroy the delicate innards of the egg.

It is easy to become offended. It's second nature to allow our innards to become scrambled by life's abrasive and abusive ways. We need to be prepared for the fact that our enemy is merciless and is seeking to destroy us. We must not be thin-skinned! We must put on the armor of God to protect our precious hearts. One of the greatest ways to protect ourselves is through basic obedience to God's Word and self-control.
*

"Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." -Proverbs 25:28

Ruling our spirits and submitting them to God's ways protects us from most of what the enemy will throw at us. Life will happen, but how will we react? Men will betray, and many will hurt us without even trying. What will we do?

"For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will not forgive yours." -Matthew 6:14&15

Forgiveness protects us from not only destroying ourselves with bitterness, but also from the wrath of God. Forgiveness is like a shell protecting us. God will not forgive us our offenses if we do not forgive others. If a holy God can overlook our offenses when we humble ourselves and repent, who are we to not do the same to fellow people when we are no better than they are?

Let us not live like the "reject" eggs from my chickens. They are formless, floppy, and vulnerable to nearly every provocation. Instead, let us be conformed to the image of Christ who bore no bitterness despite the fact that he was the most wrongfully assaulted person ever. Let us not be weak and floppy, but strengthened and renewed by waiting upon the Lord and exercising ourselves spiritually so we are fit enough to do battle for others in the name of our Lord. As we bear the name and standard of Christ's righteousness, may we be found without chinks in our armor due to our own lack of self-government.
*

Dearest friend, overlook offenses and rule your spirit. Our just Lord will surely settle all accounts and make all things right. We believe He is good and trustworthy, so let us act like it. (Psalm 17)

 

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for giving me the tools to escape the temptation of offence.  Please help me to guard my heart from a root of bitterness and resentment.  Those things do not honor you in any way.  Amen.

 

Challenge:

Search your heart for any offences you might have taken. Spend time in prayer asking the Lord to clear your mind and heart.  Seek godly, trustworthy counsel if you simply are not making headway in this area.  The Lord wants us to walk with pure hearts filled with His love and mercy.

 

Adrienne M. 2010 - Provision Farm

To Be Like the Father

“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them…” Matthew 19:13-15a

The kitchen is the hub of my home. Each day I teach my children there, cook there, even my laptop is there. The rest of the house could blow away and we would probably be just fine as long as the kitchen (and at least one bathroom) stayed put.

As you probably have deduced from my description, the very fact that I was alone in this room one day this week is a highly unusual thing. Anyway, I was alone and enjoying every minute of it. My hands were busy making calzone rolls and my ears were catching an entire episode of Focus on the Family. Life was about perfect. Then I heard it - the sound of feet on the stairs and a little voice.

“Mommyyyyyyyy….”

The irritation was instant. “How aggravating! Here I am with a little bit of time, finally, to be alone and someone needs me.” For the love of Pete – can’t they ever leave me alone?!!”

Cue the voice of God.

“When is the last time you came to Me and I responded with irritation?”

Ouch.

As a parent, I am a representation of the Lord to my children. One of my most important jobs is to teach them about the Father’s love, compassion, patience, mercy, judgment, righteousness and even righteous anger. If I react with irritation and frustration when a child comes to me with a need, what does that say about the Lord - the One I am teaching them to pray to about everything that concerns them?

My goal is to change my reactions to my precious children to reflect the reactions of my heavenly Father to me, His precious child. He is always fair, full of love, just and merciful, firm and decisive in His correction and punishment, always willing to forgive and give good gifts. He is never too busy to hear me or to answer. I want to be like Him.

“When Jesus heard what had happened [the murder of John the Baptist], He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed Him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:13-14

Prayer:

Father, thank You for your consistent love for me. Thank you for always being there when I come to You with a need. Please help me to ever mindful of the privilege of reflecting You to my children. Amen.

Challenge:

Watch for opportunities this week to act in the character of God in your relationships. Search the Scriptures for examples of the Lord’s reaction to sin, need, etc. 

Jen G. 2010

Ezer

This week I am honored to share another beautiful writing from my friend Adrienne of Provision Farm.  Adrienne is able to take every part of life on a farm and find the deep spiritual lesson.  May we all be as observant in the place the Lord has called us.

How can I not write about my dog, Asher? Asher is a border collie, and he helps me move the livestock every day. Before I had him, I would run around like a fool, yelling and waving my arms trying to round up the sheep. They didn't take me very seriously. I didn't take me very seriously.

Asher does so much more than help me move the stock. Asher is a good friend. Ask anyone who has visited my home and they will tell you that he greets you with a hug. He will wrap his arms around your leg and squeeze. He is extremely obedient and will always go out of his way to obey. He not only answers to me, but to anyone. He responds even to my children as an authority. If you tell him to lay down, he will drop to the ground immediately with no hesitation. His desire is to please...always. I have even had friends bring their dogs to my home, and Asher keeps them in line and will not let them disobey their owner or chase chickens or whatever else naughty a dog may do.

When we need a job with the stock done, the first question is: "Where's Asher? I need him." He brings order to the barnyard and he carries authority. The very sight of him makes the sheep bolt into the barn, so I actually cannot have him out during feeding time or the sheep would never get fed. With all he does, though, he doesn't assume his own authority; but he submits to me.

The word "ezer" accurately describes Asher in my life. Ezer is the Hebrew word for "help".

One of the first uses of it in Scripture is when Adam meets Eve and she is called his "ezer kenegdo" (help-meet). This is found in Genesis 2:18. God says that it is not good for man to be alone. Man alone is a lot like the picture of me trying to round up the sheep without Asher. What I'm speaking of is that woman was created to help man do his job. Ladies, remember to submit to your husband and have a heart for pleasing him. If you are not married, do it for your father. If you are single, do it for God who is your heavenly Father and your Bridegroom. Be His ezer kenegdo...it's who you were created to be, and anything apart from that will leave you feeling incomplete because you are truly being delinquent against the very fiber of your being.

Help can also take on the form of something much stronger than something that comes alongside you that aids you in your tasks. The word "ezer" is used again in Psalm 121--

"If I raise my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come? My help comes from Adonai, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip--your guardian is not asleep. No, the guardian of Israel never slumbers or sleeps. Adonai is your guardian; at your right hand Adonai provides you with shade--the sun can't strike you during the day or even the moon at night. Adonai will guard you against all harm; he will guard your life. Adonai will guard your coming and going from now on and forever."

Come again? "...at your right hand?" That sounds like God is our helper! Not only do we come alongside God to carry out His will, He comes alongside us to aid us in what He's called us to do. What a beautiful design the Lord laid out for our relationship with Him! My dear Asher is much like this picture of "helping guardian", as nothing happens on my land that Asher is not aware of first. He alerts me so that I can be watchful. He makes me a better ruler over this land the Lord gave me.

Ezer. What a beautiful word.

"Two are better than one, in that their cooperative efforts yield this advantage: if one of them falls, the other will help his partner up--woe to him who is alone when he falls and has no one to help him up." -Ecclesiastes 4:9&10

Prayer:

Father, You are my All in all.  You are the One who gives me the opportunity to be a part in Your perfect will and plan.  Please help me to be mindful of what You would have me do and say each and every day.  Help me to remember that You are my Helper in time of need.  Amen

Challenge:

Are you walking fully in your calling as a woman?  That might be as a daughter or a wife.  It might be as a single woman on your own.  Embrace the place the Lord has you now, and look for ways to be His ezer kenegdo.

Adrienne 2010

A Lesson from George

“Whatever tries us in any way, speak to the Lord about it.”

—George Mueller

*

George Mueller was an evangelist in the 19th century who took care of more than 10,000 orphans in his lifetime. This man chose to live by faith and seemingly never wavered. He took every need he and his orphans had before the Lord, fully trusting and expectantly waiting for the provision God would provide. Mr. Mueller was quoted as saying that he never had an unanswered prayer in his life. I am sure that some of the answers that came his way did not take the form most would expect, but that did not stop George from joyfully thanking the Lord.

*

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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.” Philippians 4:6-8

*

These verses from Philippians are oft quoted in bad situations – a sick child, a broken car, a leaky roof. Do we really take them to heart? Do we seek the face of God in everything – coming to Him not only with our needs, but also thanksgiving for His as of yet unknown answer? Do we let the incomprehensible peace of God guard our minds or do we allow thoughts of worry and despair to flood over us? Do we think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy? Or, do we focus on the issue at hand and allow it to fill our minds, crowding out all the attributes of God?
*

Nothing is too small to take to the Lord and nothing is so big that we should allow it to overshadow His greatness. I encourage you to speak to the Lord about whatever tries you in any way.

*

Prayer:

Father, YOU are what Philippians 4:8 says for me to think on. Please help me to be aware of times when I am tempted to place concerns and worries above Your greatness and abilities. Only by focusing on You can I avoid falling into that temptation. Amen
*

Challenge:

This week, when worries and concerns press in – no matter how big or small – choose to put your focus squarely on the Lord and His attributes. He is all that is good and true and praiseworthy. Spending time focusing on trouble is taking praise and adoration away from the One who deserves it. Refocus that attention!  Read a biography of George Mueller's life with your family.

*

Jen 2010

The Crack in the Floor

Keep your heart with all diligence,

For out of it spring the issues of life.

Put away from you a deceitful mouth,

And put perverse lips far from you.

Let your eyes look straight ahead,

And your eyelids look right before you.

Ponder the path of your feet,

And let all your ways be established.

Do not turn to the right or the left;

Remove your foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:23-27

*

When our children became mobile tots we set up boundaries for them in regards to off-limit areas in our home. A certain boundary was between the kitchen and dining room, a crack in the parquet floor making a convenient marker. One of our children would toddle up to that crack and line her toes up perfectly – going right to the edge. Occasionally she would pop the tip of a big toe over, giving us a “whatcha gonna do about that?” look. Well, every time we did do something and eventually she learned that sticking her piggy even a little bit over the line really did matter.
*

Just as the crack in our floor served as a safety boundary for our children, the Lord has cracks in the floor for His children. In Deuteronomy 30 the Lord gives the Israelites two choices: serve Him and receive blessing or turn away and receive death. His direction was straightforward and to the point. “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off…” (vs. 11) …” But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.” (vs. 14) Translation: “You have My Word. You have My instructions. Do it."
*

True Christ followers need to take note of the crack in the floor. The Lord has given us very clear directions on how to live – relationships, modesty, speech, parenting, church, thought life, sexual intimacy, gossip, leadership, government, education, marriage, even books, magazines, movies, TV and music, etc. in His Word. Everything is covered.

*

There is no excuse for crossing over the crack into dangerous territory. In regards to obeying the Lord - there is no need to pray about it or seek the Lord on it because He has already given us the Word with detailed instructions. Deuteronomy 30:12-14: “It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.”

*

I encourage you to respect the crack in the floor.

*

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the Word that is very near to me. Thank You that the Word gives me everything pertaining to life and godliness and there is no reason for me to be confused or conflicted about doing the right thing. Please help me to choose to serve You and do the right thing even when my flesh wants to turn aside and cross the line. Amen

*

Challenge:

Respecting the crack in the floor is a freeing thing! Clear your mind of the notion that following the guidelines in Scripture is somehow constraining. Find the freedom that comes from a pure heart that listens closely and follows the instruction of the Lord. Be watchful also of times when you are tempted to bend the instructions of God to fit your desires. (Think movies, language, thoughts, dress…)

*

Jen 2010

Take Two: Do You Shed?

Due a tremendously busy weekend, I am reposting a Fresh Starts from about this time last year.  I think I need to read it over a few times.  I remembered, while in the shower this morning, that I never wrote this week's devotional!  Jen

I asked my husband what I should write about this week as I was feeling quite dull. He got a very thoughtful look on his face and then told me that I should write about dogs and how they shed fur. I thought the same thing you are mostly likely thinking right now. What on earth does a dog shedding have to do with a bunch of moms?

*

At the beginning of each autumn our dogs, especially the goldendoodle, begin to grow extra fur for the coming winter months. This comes in quite handy in our cold and snowy northeast Ohio climate. Come spring I am not as intrigued by this God designed winter coat as it all falls on my wood floors. However aggravating the shedding might be, it is a good thing. Can you imagine wearing your winter coat all summer in the heat? The dog's shedding allows for them to sleep better, play better, move around better - it's a good thing.

*

The same is true for moms who shed their busy coats. Unlike my dogs, my shedding time comes in September of each year. After a fun, full summer I need to look at my calendar and begin to slow down. I home school my five children and I simply can not keep the same activity list as I do in the warm and carefree months. If I did, my home would be in a constant state of disarray and my children would be uneducated ruffians. It is much easier and more enjoyable to teach my children when I am not trying to fulfill a myriad of obligations outside of my home. My family needs to be my priority. When I am walking purposefully in my current season of life (summer, holidays, schooling, etc.) I find that the walk is more enjoyable and successful. I encourage you to begin to shed your fur for this coming season and enjoy the time at home.

*

Let your eyes look straight ahead and your eyelids look right before you.  Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.

Proverbs 4:25,26

*

Prayer:

Father, thank you for this coming school year. What an honor to be home with my children, teaching them and training them in the ways You desire. Please help me to be focused on this season and what you would have me be involved in. Amen.

*

Challenge:

If you have not yet looked at scaling back for this school year do so this week. Make sure that you leave time for date nights and fun stuff, but determine to have tunnel vision in regards to your home school. It is easy to get off track simply anticipating a coming event. Ask your husband to help you make wise choices with your time.
*

Jen 2009

Are You a Foolish Woman?

Proverbs 31 is the Holy Grail of most Christian moms I know. Who wouldn’t want to be a creative, frugal, early rising, business-minded, sewing and cooking dynamo? Depending on the day, looking at this truly amazing lady can make one feel either incredibly inspired or deeply depressed.
*
There is another woman featured in Proverbs who deserves our notice. She is the Foolish Woman. Proverbs 9:13-18 says: A foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knows nothing. For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat by the highest places of the city, To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way: “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here”; And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “Stolen water is sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of hell.
*
Let's break this woman's life down a bit. First off, she is clamorous. (v 13) Clamorous means to speak and repeat loud words; noisy; vociferous; loud; turbulent. (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary) Not only is this woman obnoxious, she is also stupid. (v 13) Why? Because she sits at the door of her house, or in a well populated area, wasting time being a nosey distraction. (v14)
*
Could it get worse? Oh yeah! This foolish woman is also misleading. She is not content to be simple herself, she leads others into untruths as well. (v 16) Her method of creating other simple people is to give them really awful counsel. (v 17) She then leads them astray with her bad ideas and chatter. (v 18) By this point, her acquaintances (and probably her children) have become like her and are walking a very slippery road that does not lead to godliness or blessing. (v 18)
*
Wow. Can you imagine anyone really being like this? Unfortunately, if we each take a good, honest look at our hearts, we will most likely see some similarities with this miserable woman. Here are some questions that might bring insight to our own heart condition:

*

~Am I loud and obnoxious? Do I talk too much, drawing attention to myself? Do I cause discord with turbulent words and attitudes?
~Do I fill my mind with useless information gleaned from soap operas, romance novels, or tabloids?
~Do I waste time chatting on Facebook, email, the phone? Do I spend more time running from place to place than I do in my own home? Do I encourage others to leave their homes for activities that might not be right for their families? Do I stick my nose in other people’s business for my own curiosity's sake?
~Do I give advice based on my own personal feelings and not the wisdom that comes from above?
~Do I cause others to want to be more like Jesus or more like themselves?
*
If you see foolish woman tendencies in your life, do not lose heart! The Lord promises us in James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” And earlier in Proverbs 9, Wisdom herself calls out to us and says, “Forsake foolishness and live, go in the way of understanding!” I encourage you today to leave behind any foolishness and rise to your calling as a wise woman!
*
Prayer:
Father, thank You that I am a new creation in You. I do not need to live foolishly because You have promised me wisdom when I seek it and ask. Amen.
*
Challenge:
Read Proverbs 9 from beginning to end. Notice the contrast of Wisdom’s offerings in verses 1-6 to the foolish woman’s in verses 12-18.
*
Jen 2010

These Last Days...

Have you ever had the vague feeling of having had a conversation with someone, only to be unsure if it was in real life or in a dream? This week's devotional falls into that category. It was originally written in July 2009 and titled "The Sower". It was saved in my draft file under that title with the words "needs work" next to it. I have rewritten it (moving away from the original Matthew 13 focus), but feel as if I have shared it before. And yet... I am compelled to post it anyway. Suffice it to say, the message is burning in my heart and must be shared! With that in mind, please let this speak to you for the first time or remind you of what you have already read here on Fresh Starts.

*

For the last 100 years Christians have been preaching the message of "we are in the Last Days!" We get excited, and rightfully so, looking for the return of Jesus and a visual of the victory that is already His. As exciting as the Last Days are, they are also spiritually dangerous. The Word says that in these days the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24) People will become caught up in teachings that sound good, yet have little or no Truth in them; they will begin to focus on riches and worldly concerns, which will cause them to become unfruitful. (Matthew 13) As if all that were not bad enough - people will also become easily offended and will betray one another. Where is the hope?!
*
The answer can be found in Hebrews 10:19-25: "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."
*
This passage tells us that we are to draw near with a true heart - a heart seeking and longing for God and God alone. We are to hold on tightly to our confession of faith, preaching to ourselves the Gospel each and every day, reminding ourselves of the great and marvelous gift we accepted and confessed. We are to think of others and purposefully encourage them to do what is good and right. We are to choose to gather together, fellowship, and exhort one another. There are a whole lot of action verbs in this passage! Keeping ourselves from being choked by cares of the world and false doctrines takes effort on our part.
*
During these times, it is vital that we stay close to the Lord and to other believers. Second Timothy 4 tells us to be very careful what we listen to and to be ready in all circumstances to give the Truth of God's Word. Some will choose to turn away, even those who were our mentors or best examples. Our job is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith! Everything else can fail. He can not.
*
Prayer:
Father, thank You that You are the One who can cause the seed of my faith to take root and grow. Please help me to guard my walk with You and nourish it with time in the Word and in fellowship with others. Keep my heart safe and focused on You in these dangerous Last Days. Amen
*
Challenge:
Is your heart fully turned to the Lord? Examine yourself and see if you are still walking closely with Him. If you are not, pinpoint what is taking the place of a vibrant walk with the Lord. Is it worth it? Be aware that we are all human and susceptible to the lies of the enemy. Commit Hebrews 10:19-25 to memory to keep you on track!

*

Jen 2010

Gracious Lies

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1

*

*
*
Speaking graciously is something that is very important to me. The importance I place on graciousness is most likely due to my own lack of it as a child and teen. If you were being a jerk I was happy to tell you in so many words. None of those words, of course, improved the situation. Hence, my journey to becoming a woman of gracious words.
*
Being gracious is a good thing, but there are times it can become a tricky trap. Proverbs 26:24-26 says, “He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.” In other words, there is such a thing as a gracious liar.
*
I am sad to say that I have fallen into this trap. There have been times when someone exploded all over me in anger or hurt. Sometimes I just happened to be there at the ‘right time’, but in other cases I was the cause. Gracious words poured from my mouth making me sound like a second cousin to Gabriel, all while my heart was full of anything but love towards the exploding person. Translation: My words were gracious. My heart was not.
*
When a person detonates, should I launch my own attack, telling the truth and leaving no question of my feelings? No! First, I should guard my mouth, carefully weighing the words I am about to speak. (Proverbs 21:23) The next step is to quickly pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23,24) The final step is speaking the truth in love to promote unity in the Body (Ephesians 4).
*
To quote the housekeeper from Meet Me in St. Louis, “A lie is a lie. Dressin’ it in white won’t help it.” Being gracious without being truthful might look good on the outside, but on the inside it is ugly. The Lord desires truth to be in me (Psalm 51:6), in turn spilling out of me to others. Gracious words without loving truth backing them up are simply gracious lies.
*
Prayer:
Father, help me to be a gracious woman inside and out. Help me to be truthful in love, speaking life into those I encounter. Amen
*
Challenge:
Examine your heart. Are you a gracious liar? Do you hold back truth because you are afraid of the possible reaction? Maybe you have the opposite problem of speaking the truth in all circumstances with the effect of a piercing sword. Meditate on these verses and ask the Lord to make you a gracious woman of truth. Proverbs 11:16, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 13:3, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 18:24, Proverbs 19:22, Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 13.

*

Jen 2010

Thorns and Sweetness

Some of God's most precious gifts come in packages that make our hands bleed when we open them."-Sheila Walsh
*
Summertime in the country is a blessed time. It seems every other person's driveway has a vegetable stand outside or at least a sign for fresh eggs. About this time of year, the berries are ripening.
*
This evening, we went to pick blackberries. We went to a local person's house who had a nondescript acre or two of uncleared brush with a few blackberry bushes hidden inside. Standing outside the huge wall of leaves, thorns, and saplings, one wouldn't likely suspect that there was anything worthwhile inside. However, I was told there were blackberries inside, so I delved in.
*
Every berry literally had to be fought for. The blackberry branches were hopelessly intertwined with horrid thorn bushes along with the thorns that they themselves produced. I had branches clutching my clothing and snagging my hair. They raked across my skin and left me with the sensation that about 500 angry cats were biting and scratching me all at once. After battling this scenario for a sweaty, bloody 2 hours, I walked out of the thorn patch with about a quart and a half of blackberries.
*
In the midst of my war with the thorns, the Lord spoke to me and said,"What are you thinking right now, daughter?" I impatiently pulled a thorn from my palm and said,"Well, Lord, I'm thinking that anything worth having is worth some trouble to get." Peace flooded me and God said,"Yes, daughter. A lot like you."
*
"Like a lily among thorns is my darling among other women." - Song of Solomon 2:2 Though this verse is about a man loving a woman, Song of Solomon is in the Bible mostly because it's also a love letter from God to His beloved Bride, the Church(or at the time it was written, the people of Israel). The world is a nest of thorns, and he fought through the thorns around my heart to rescue what sweetness He could find. That sweetness was my hunger and thirst for truth and righteousness. I was that lily that drew His attention and affection. Hallelujah! My Lord found me and plucked me out from among those thorns.
*
With a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye, I recount of another set of thorns my Lord endured in order to rescue me: "They stripped off his clothes and put on him a scarlet robe, wove thorn-branches into a crown and put it on his head, and put a stick in his right hand. Then they kneeled down in front of him and made fun of him: 'Hail to the King of the Jews!' They spit on him and used the stick to beat him about the head. When they had finished ridiculing him, they took off the robe, put his own clothes back on him and led him away to be nailed to the execution stake." -Matthew 27:28-31
*
All beautiful things are worth rescuing. All great things come at a cost. All sweetness can only be enjoyed when fought for. We are worth it in the eyes of God.
*
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for rescuing me. Thank You for giving me value. You are worthy of my very life and I give it daily to You. Amen.
*
Challenge:
Take the time this week to contemplate each day how much God loves you and how He showed that love on the cross.
*
Adrienne 2010

Renewed by Him

Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with responsibilities that I feel like my head is about to spin completely around like the chick from that awful movie I was not allowed to watch as a child. You know the feeling: panic when you suddenly realize your are so busy that you could not fit an emergency room visit into the schedule, frustration because you have forgotten to buy toilet paper three days in a row, guilt because your children have eaten more carbs in the last week than they have since they were on solids.

*

There are times when I can cut things from my schedule and bring relief; other times that is simply not an option. When those times come I am especially thankful for passages such as Isaiah 40:29-31: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

*

These verses encourage me to hope in the Lord as the only One Who will renew my strength. Extra vitamins, more sleep, faster exercise or fewer appointments might take the edge off, but only He can renew me completely and give me the strength I need to soar, run and walk through the pressures and responsibilities of the moment.

*

Prayer:

Father, thank You that You have given me the strength to walk through the responsibilities I have at this time. Please help me to handle the pressure with grace, never bringing reproach on Your name when I feel rushed or overwhelmed. Amen

*

Challenge:

If you are at a place where you simply can not take something off of the schedule, then take care to view your commitments as divine appointments. Allow the Lord to show you what He is wanting you to learn under pressure. Are you needing more patience, more kindness, more flexibility? Listen and learn!

*

Maybe you are in this place all the time. If so, these articles might be an encouragement to you: The Buffet, Do You Shed?. If you are resenting the responsibilities you have with your family, Time Enough at Last will help you gain perspective.

*

Jen 2010

Living in a Glass House

I am a stay at home wife and homeschooling mother of five children. The only time I am not being observed or possibly eavesdropped on is when I am sleeping at night or in the shower. And even then I wonder… The option of dealing with my sin issues and bad habits in private is pretty much nonexistent. Whatever I am struggling with, there are five people who are tuned in for the show; no matter how hard I try to hide it and deal with it alone it never seems to work. My children can read me like a book and that is downright frustrating! Sometimes a gal just wants to be snarky without being called on the carpet by a six year old.

Instead of being frustrated, I must choose to be thankful for this glass house in which I live. So many people lack accountability and struggle in their sin without anyone intervening or pointing them in the right direction. How blessed I am to have loved ones daily turning me towards holiness. Of course, sometimes one of my children becomes wise in their own eyes and corrects me in arrogance. I then have the opportunity to teach them the proper way to confront another believer and set them on the path to godliness. It’s a win/win situation!

My transparency with my children teaches them four things: avoiding sin, choosing sin, repentance and forgiveness. At times I do a great job of avoiding sin, but there are many, many times when I choose to do the wrong thing and have to follow up with repentance and seeking forgiveness. No matter what, my children are learning valuable lessons: the joy of victory over sin or the hurt that sin brings and the freedom that repentance and forgiveness brings.

I will no longer look at my glass house as a frustration. Instead I will see it as a blessing that allows me to teach my children the ways of God.

*

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Prayer:
Father, thank You for my glass house. Thank You for daily opportunities to live for You in front of my children. Please help me to choose the holy path and avoid the pitfalls of sin. Let my children always feel comfortable to come to me in love when they see that I am struggling. Help me to receive their words and turn the situation into a life lesson that points them and me to You. Amen.

Challenge:
Do you feel as if you are always ‘on’, being watched and evaluated by your children or husband? Instead of feeling like that is unfair, embrace the opportunity to be more watchful of your sin areas. Become more aware of your example as a believer living with young believers or non-believers. Be thankful for the light shining in the dark corners of your life.

Jen 2010

Using God's ORDER to Bring Order in the Home

Have you ever felt like you were going around in circles with caring for the house? Does it seem like the more you do, the more you’re digging a deeper hole for yourself? Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling for a while. I consider myself to be pretty organized especially with having five little busy bees in our home. But it seemed as if I was no longer a woman who was organized!

I shared my frustration with my husband one morning. Then later on that day, he shared Proverbs 14:1 with me and it blessed me so much. It was truly a word given from the Lord. The verse reads:

“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”

Whenever I looked at this verse before, I only paid attention to the latter part. But, this time, the Lord directed me to notice the first part: “the wise woman BUILDS her house.” The Lord used my husband to encourage me that I am daily building our house. But I just need to make sure I’m taking care of the most important things first, not other things that SEEM to be important and/or to need to be done.

So, I took what he said and the Lord gave me this to work with. He reminded me of His order of things. Here’s what I came up with:

God
Husband
Wife (me)
Children
Home
Community

When I first put this list together, I began to doubt putting myself before the kids. But the Lord affirmed me because He showed me that I NEED to make sure that I’m taken care of in order for me to better care for the kids. You’ll see what I mean when you see my examples.

Looking at this order helps me know the major things that I need to do daily in our home. And once those things are done, other things can fall in place. Here are some examples of major things based on my list:

God
- Worship
- Fellowship
- Studying the scriptures
- Evangelizing

Husband
- Sexual needs met
- Clothes ironed
- Lunch made
- Honey Do’s done

Wife (Myself)
- Bible study, meditating, memorizing, and applying the Word
- Exercising
- Eating healthy
- Resting and regrouping

Children
- Loving them
- Discipling them
- Meeting other basic needs

Home
- Daily house chores

Community
- Reaching out to my neighbors
- Calling, emailing, or sending encouraging letters to friends and family

Now that I’ve put this list together, it’s been really helpful. Even with this list, I still need to remember James 4:15 (paraphrased): “If the Lord wills.” So, as you’re trying to get things in order in your home, consider God’s order and then add your daily things based upon this list.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, please help us as women learn how to better care for our homes. Please give us the wisdom and daily strength to do this in accordance with Your Word. In Your name, Amen.

*

Challenge:

Go out for cup of coffee with your husband and seek his guidance on ideas to get your priorities in order. Keep your heart set on hearing the wisdom that the Lord has given your husband for you, not taking his input as criticism. Begin to implement the ideas and take note of how the atmosphere of your home changes.

Zinnada H. 2010