by Barb K. 2011
Do you remember your elementary school art class? It was so cool when you had the lesson on Perspective. You put a point up at the top of your page, and two points at the bottom. Then you connected them, and put evenly-spaced lines across, and you had railroad tracks, looking off into the distance.
It looked that way in real life, as well. Looking off into the distance, you were just sure those railroad tracks met up together eventually. Yet, no matter how long you walked along the tracks, they were always completely parallel.
Isn't that the way life is? We can't really see the "big picture." No matter the day, all we can really see is the little bit of "life" right around us. Jesus tells us to "take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for itself." (Mt. 6:34) Most of the time, what happens today won't be life changing. We're just "doing Life," day-to-day.
When I was in my 20's, so many, many things were "urgent" or "vital," or so I thought. As I look back from the vantage point of my 50's, I have to chuckle a little. You may know the book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (and it's all Small Stuff). It is so true. Most of the things I worried about back then didn't matter at all. Now I see my daughter and daughter-in-law, both with growing families, worrying about the same things.
I see the reason why, in Israel, you couldn't be an "elder" unless you were over 50. That wisdom thing that your mom told you would come once you turned 40? Yeah, it happens. Just keep waking up in the morning. You know the very familiar James 5:14: "If any is sick among you, let him call for the elders of the church." I needed wisdom in my 20's and 30's, and my Mom, Dad, and others I knew that were "farther along the road" were there to give it. It's a beautiful thing.
I watched my Mother through her 50's, 60's, 70's, and into her 80's, grow gentler and more wise. I asked her a couple of years before she died, "Mom, do you sin anymore?" After a laugh, she said, "Well, I still get short with your Dad sometimes. And I think I still judge people too often." I said, "yeah, I just couldn't imagine a situation where you thought it necessary to tell a lie." She laughed again, and said, "no, you're right. I don't do that anymore." She was getting that "small stuff" down. And just because she had lived long enough. Each decade of her life, more "small stuff" fell away, leaving the Important Stuff.
Perspective again.
If our own perspective gets better as we age, imagine what it will be like in heaven, when we can see things from "God's perspective." This is why we can trust Him with the hard questions like Why did someone die so young/lose everything in a fire/God allow a good person to suffer so. Things maybe don't look so "tragic" from God's perspective.
Now think about James 1:5: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God...and it will be given him."
God, who has the ultimate perspective, can help us see the Big Picture.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, that You see my life from beginning to end, and in perfect perspective. Help me to remember that the things that happen, whether "crisis" or just the day-to-day, You are using to "conform me to the image of Your Son."
Challenge:
Look at yourself, younger, from the perspective of where you are today. (If you are very young, think about yourself in junior high!) Think about how "urgent" or "tragic" things were that, from where you sit now, seem so insignificant. And then ask the Lord for "wisdom" to see your present life from His perspective.
Barb K. 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Abundant Simplicity
by Sarah S. 2011
A young woman in our church sat across the table from me. They (being military) had just moved back to town after 1 ½ years training in another state. She had already been feeling the pull of others’ plans and ideas of what she should be involved with. “I just feel like God is reminding me to keep it simple.”
*
Isn’t that truly a challenge in this day and age of two working parents, overactive schedules, Facebook, television, computer and….noise?
Where do we begin? First and foremost our number ONE priority is Jesus. This is where the heart of simplicity starts. How can we properly focus or make decisions until we have plugged in to our very lifeline? Our job is to pray and spend time in His Word. HIS job is to change us and use us. Let Him guide what we are involved in. But how do we hear if we don’t stop and spend time with Him? It sounds too simple, right?
I wish it was a given fact that believers already did this,but I hear all the time about a LACK of time to spend with God. This I do know: what is important to us is where our time will be spent. Be honest with yourself---do you have time to be on the computer? Facebook? Did you enjoy your favorite show last night? Then there WAS a spare moment.
Simplicity starts with time alone with Jesus. God longs to be with us. He promises wisdom when we seek Him. If you are feeling overwhelmed consider time with the Lord to re-focus and ask for His desires for your schedule and priorities.
Prayer:
Father, thank you that you love me so much and you long to be with me. Please, this day, guide where I spend my time and what I do. I long for wisdom from YOU for each day.
*
Challenge:
If you are feeling overwhelmed and unplugged, honestly search your heart to see where you are spending your time. Consider getting back to the basics and making time with the Lord your first priority.
Sarah S. 2011
A young woman in our church sat across the table from me. They (being military) had just moved back to town after 1 ½ years training in another state. She had already been feeling the pull of others’ plans and ideas of what she should be involved with. “I just feel like God is reminding me to keep it simple.”
*
Isn’t that truly a challenge in this day and age of two working parents, overactive schedules, Facebook, television, computer and….noise?
Where do we begin? First and foremost our number ONE priority is Jesus. This is where the heart of simplicity starts. How can we properly focus or make decisions until we have plugged in to our very lifeline? Our job is to pray and spend time in His Word. HIS job is to change us and use us. Let Him guide what we are involved in. But how do we hear if we don’t stop and spend time with Him? It sounds too simple, right?
I wish it was a given fact that believers already did this,but I hear all the time about a LACK of time to spend with God. This I do know: what is important to us is where our time will be spent. Be honest with yourself---do you have time to be on the computer? Facebook? Did you enjoy your favorite show last night? Then there WAS a spare moment.
Simplicity starts with time alone with Jesus. God longs to be with us. He promises wisdom when we seek Him. If you are feeling overwhelmed consider time with the Lord to re-focus and ask for His desires for your schedule and priorities.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
Prayer:
Father, thank you that you love me so much and you long to be with me. Please, this day, guide where I spend my time and what I do. I long for wisdom from YOU for each day.
*
Challenge:
If you are feeling overwhelmed and unplugged, honestly search your heart to see where you are spending your time. Consider getting back to the basics and making time with the Lord your first priority.
Sarah S. 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Possibility of Being Super Chick
Jen G. 2011
Every new year I come up with a personal project on which I need to work. Not a project like learning to paint or reading War and Peace or anything like that, but a personal project as in self improvement. (Never weight loss, though.) One year it was controlling my tongue - a never ending project. Four years ago it was getting up earlier each day. (Still never ending) The last two years it was forgiveness and getting rid of bitterness and self righteousness. (Yep. Never ending. ) This year my key verse is: She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27
You are probably thinking, “Puh-leeeaaase! Not that Proverbs 31 super chick again! She is an unreal example and God certainly does not intend for a modern woman to be like that. Besides, there are too many devotionals out there about her already.” Those were once my exact same thoughts. I had to decide if the whole Word of God or just the convenient parts were applicable to my life.
First, let me assure you that the woman described in Proverbs 31 was not a flesh and blood woman. (Does that make you feel a bit better?) She was and is, however, a beautiful picture painted by the Creator of the universe to be an encouragement and inspiration to all women. So often we fail to see the HOPE in her portrait, instead focusing on all the ‘impossible’ things like spinning wool and buying vineyards. Let’s take a look at this model woman’s characteristics:
~She is virtuous. V.10
~She is trustworthy. V. 11
~She does her husband good and not evil each and every day. V. 12
~She willingly works with her hands. V. 13, 19
~She provides meals for her family, even when the hours are inconvenient. V. 15
~She is financially savvy and thinks through purchases. V. 16
~She takes care of her body, purposefully strengthening herself. V. 17
~She ensures quality in what she creates, even if it means staying up a bit later. V. 18
~She reaches out to those in need and the poor. V. 20 (I see her reaching out in a physical, emotional and spiritual way depending on the need.)
~She does not worry about the physical comfort of her family because she is careful to prepare their wardrobes for the seasons. V. 21
~She takes care to dress attractively to honor of her husband. V. 22
~The work she does is desired by others. V. 25
~Her strong and honorable character is her greatest feature. V. 25
~She is full of wisdom and shares it with kindness. V. 26
~She watches over her family and is not lazy. V. 27
~As a result of the above attributes, her children and husband honor her and tell others of her integrity. V. 28, 29
~She might not be the most physically beautiful chick around, but her heart is a lovely jewel that speaks loudly of her character. V. 30, 31
Do you notice how much emphasis is placed on the woman's character? We many times see only the seemingly overwhelming physical tasks. Proverbs 31 is so much more than that! The tasks - modern or ancient - are just the vehicles that bring godly character into our lives! Do you want to be a kind, wise woman who accomplishes much and is love and honored by her family? Do not be discouraged – it IS possible to be Super Chick. Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of our homes and families. Call on Him today and ask Him to show you how you can fulfill your calling as a woman. Hebrews 4:12-16
Prayer:
Father, let me see the hope and encouragement in Your example of the woman in Proverbs. Help me to know how to walk out the calling on my life. I need Your counsel on how to be the woman I am called to be. I desire to honor You above all else in every area of my life. Amen.
Challenge:
Every woman’s life is different. Some may be a full time wife and mom at home, some might work a full time job outside of the home while still being a full time wife and mom. Others hold part time jobs, homeschool, attend college, are single, deal with chronic physical or mental illness. Some live in the city while others wrangle chickens in the country. Search the Lord’s counsel on how the above attributes will flesh out in your life. Share ideas with friends and hold one another accountable as you usher in the character of Christ into every area of your life.
Jen G. 2011
Every new year I come up with a personal project on which I need to work. Not a project like learning to paint or reading War and Peace or anything like that, but a personal project as in self improvement. (Never weight loss, though.) One year it was controlling my tongue - a never ending project. Four years ago it was getting up earlier each day. (Still never ending) The last two years it was forgiveness and getting rid of bitterness and self righteousness. (Yep. Never ending. ) This year my key verse is: She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27
You are probably thinking, “Puh-leeeaaase! Not that Proverbs 31 super chick again! She is an unreal example and God certainly does not intend for a modern woman to be like that. Besides, there are too many devotionals out there about her already.” Those were once my exact same thoughts. I had to decide if the whole Word of God or just the convenient parts were applicable to my life.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
1 Timothy 3:16, 17
First, let me assure you that the woman described in Proverbs 31 was not a flesh and blood woman. (Does that make you feel a bit better?) She was and is, however, a beautiful picture painted by the Creator of the universe to be an encouragement and inspiration to all women. So often we fail to see the HOPE in her portrait, instead focusing on all the ‘impossible’ things like spinning wool and buying vineyards. Let’s take a look at this model woman’s characteristics:
~She is virtuous. V.10
~She is trustworthy. V. 11
~She does her husband good and not evil each and every day. V. 12
~She willingly works with her hands. V. 13, 19
~She provides meals for her family, even when the hours are inconvenient. V. 15
~She is financially savvy and thinks through purchases. V. 16
~She takes care of her body, purposefully strengthening herself. V. 17
~She ensures quality in what she creates, even if it means staying up a bit later. V. 18
~She reaches out to those in need and the poor. V. 20 (I see her reaching out in a physical, emotional and spiritual way depending on the need.)
~She does not worry about the physical comfort of her family because she is careful to prepare their wardrobes for the seasons. V. 21
~She takes care to dress attractively to honor of her husband. V. 22
~The work she does is desired by others. V. 25
~Her strong and honorable character is her greatest feature. V. 25
~She is full of wisdom and shares it with kindness. V. 26
~She watches over her family and is not lazy. V. 27
~As a result of the above attributes, her children and husband honor her and tell others of her integrity. V. 28, 29
~She might not be the most physically beautiful chick around, but her heart is a lovely jewel that speaks loudly of her character. V. 30, 31
Do you notice how much emphasis is placed on the woman's character? We many times see only the seemingly overwhelming physical tasks. Proverbs 31 is so much more than that! The tasks - modern or ancient - are just the vehicles that bring godly character into our lives! Do you want to be a kind, wise woman who accomplishes much and is love and honored by her family? Do not be discouraged – it IS possible to be Super Chick. Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of our homes and families. Call on Him today and ask Him to show you how you can fulfill your calling as a woman. Hebrews 4:12-16
Prayer:
Father, let me see the hope and encouragement in Your example of the woman in Proverbs. Help me to know how to walk out the calling on my life. I need Your counsel on how to be the woman I am called to be. I desire to honor You above all else in every area of my life. Amen.
Challenge:
Every woman’s life is different. Some may be a full time wife and mom at home, some might work a full time job outside of the home while still being a full time wife and mom. Others hold part time jobs, homeschool, attend college, are single, deal with chronic physical or mental illness. Some live in the city while others wrangle chickens in the country. Search the Lord’s counsel on how the above attributes will flesh out in your life. Share ideas with friends and hold one another accountable as you usher in the character of Christ into every area of your life.
Jen G. 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
"No, we're not in a hurry...."
Mrs. B 2011
Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3
As a veteran homeschooling mom, I have known this verse for years and years, as you have, too, no doubt. It is one of the verses that makes our hearts glad when we reflect on the children the Lord has given to us. But yet, even in my older age, this verse has come alive for me again, bringing change to my heart.
My husband and I had the privilege of spending our first Christmas as guardians of our new child. When we became guardians this summer, my husband bought a balloon for me that said, "It's a Boy!" I was thrilled. The Lord only gave one biological child to my husband and me, so becoming the legal guardian of this boy has caused me much joy. It has caused me to reflect anew on how wonderful it is to be a parent or guardian of a precious gift from the Lord Himself. It has also caused me to reflect anew on how wonderful it is to watch a child bring change to hearts.
This really struck me on Christmas morning. The three of us were going to have Christmas lunch with family, so we needed to get up early to get there in time to open presents, too. I started the shower for my new son to make sure the water was not too hot. He took his shower on his own, but after this, I watched over him as he brushed his teeth to make sure he did not miss any spots. I helped him tuck his shirt in properly and saw to it that he did not missed any belt loops, as he often does.
I helped him put lotion and medicine on his feet, then helped with his socks (he wanted to put his shoes on by himself). I gave his medicine to him and served him the breakfast I made for us. As he sat down to eat, he looked at me with the sweetest eyes and asked me in a most sincere voice, “Are we in a hurry this morning?”
That question pierced my heart. With our first son, I remember always being in a hurry – there was always something to get done, always somewhere to go, always something that seemed to pull my attention away from the “gift” sitting before me. And here was another son sitting before me, voicing what the first one never could.
For you see, my new charge, the one I am now the legal guardian over, is my elderly uncle who has been mentally handicapped from birth. His mental capabilities put him on par with a five or six-year old -- he cannot read or write. For all practical purposes, he is and always will be a “boy.” But despite this mental age, the Lord allowed him to ask me an unknowingly loaded question that has the potential to change me.
So, I looked into those eyes and said, “No, we are not in a hurry this morning.” Was I in a hurry? Yes. Were we in a hurry? No. I asked the Lord for patience as I waited for him to finish his breakfast (biting my lip so that I did not tell him to hurry), as I waited for him to get his coat on (taking a deep breath to keep my cool), and as I waited for him to walk slowly and carefully to the car (as some 71 year-old men do). We, of course, arrived where we needed to go with time to spare.
The little ones you dress and feed in your everyday life are asking the same question of you; they are just not at liberty to say it aloud, as my grown uncle was able to. The cry of his child-like heart (and their cry, too) was to sit and enjoy his breakfast with me, to stop hurrying. I want to change my responses this year. In my every day life, I want to be organized in the things that don’t matter so much so that I have time to invest in the things that matter greatly and eternally (and I want the wisdom to know the difference). I want to be able to say to everyone the Lord brings to spend time with me, “No, we are not in a hurry this morning.”
Prayer:
Dearest Lord, You looked up in the tree at Zacchaeus and invited him to spend time with You. You gently encouraged Martha to choose what Mary had chosen – to sit at Your feet. You took Your closest friends with You in a boat so that You could be with them. That meant You were willing to stop hurrying. Oh, Jesus, please put Your heart into my heart.
Challenge:
Re-read Luke 19:1-10 and teach your children a new song. In Sunday School years ago, I was taught to sing the Zacchaeus song by wagging my first finger at the little man in the tree and to say in a scolding voice, “Zacchaeus, you come DOWN…” At our home, we wave our hands in an invitation for the man to come down and sing, “Zacchaues, PLEASE come down, for I’m going to your house today…” That’s what the Lord’s heart is toward us. He invites us to sit at His feet and enjoy Him, to stop hurrying. May it be – in your home and mine.
Monday, January 3, 2011
More of Him
by Julie C. 2011
Our 4 1/2 month old border collie puppy could teach me some lessons on being passionate for my Master. Before I am completely conscious in the morning, my ears hear his little "it's time to get up" whimpers prompting me out of bed. As my feet hit the floor his exuberant greeting nearly knocks me over! All he wants is to be near me...touching me...loving on me....after all it's been all night since we last spent time together!!! He is so excited that we are once again together!! I open the door to let him out and he scurries to do his business and hurries back to the door...he just wants to be with me! This morning I fed him in the kitchen and then took my coffee to the den to find a quiet place to read. When he realized I was not in the kitchen he left his full dish of breakfast to find me. He stayed in the den with me, bringing his toy to my lap. His desire was to be where I was and to be as close to me as possible!
Our 4 1/2 month old border collie puppy could teach me some lessons on being passionate for my Master. Before I am completely conscious in the morning, my ears hear his little "it's time to get up" whimpers prompting me out of bed. As my feet hit the floor his exuberant greeting nearly knocks me over! All he wants is to be near me...touching me...loving on me....after all it's been all night since we last spent time together!!! He is so excited that we are once again together!! I open the door to let him out and he scurries to do his business and hurries back to the door...he just wants to be with me! This morning I fed him in the kitchen and then took my coffee to the den to find a quiet place to read. When he realized I was not in the kitchen he left his full dish of breakfast to find me. He stayed in the den with me, bringing his toy to my lap. His desire was to be where I was and to be as close to me as possible!
Recently our pastor preached on "are you an average Christian?" He shared the meaning of "average": the best of the worst and the worst of the best, the hottest of the cold and the coldest of the hot (could that be "lukewarm?"). He said if we are content with ourselves that is not normal and that is not good! Holiness is something God has given us and also something we must continually strive for.
Pastor encouraged us to be passionate for more of God. He said that God has already given us all of the Holy Spirit--the question is--how much of us does He have? The Christian life is one of continual growing in grace and knowledge. We must not settle for less than Christlikeness!
As we look forward to the new year ahead may we meditate on the words of my wise pastor. May we take the measures we need to change, to grow, to become all we can be for our Lord and Savior. Every waking moment we must pursue God and learn of His character with passion and determination. Sort of like an exuberant puppy pressing in for more relationship, more intimacy, more time with his Master. And by the way, that puppy's name just happens to be... "Loyal."
Prayer:
Father God, as the new year begins may I begin afresh to run after You. May my heart be turned to Your goodness and holiness every moment of every day. May my actions and my faith walk hand in hand as I strive to be holy as You are holy. Amen.
*
Challenge:
Take the time to read the following Scripture references: I Peter 1:13-16, Hebrews 10:10,14 Hebrews 12:14, Acts 19:17-20, Rev. 3, Romans 13:14, Matt. 25:31-40. Allow the Lord to speak to your heart and show you areas that are not steeped in His holiness.
A good read - The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges.
Prayer:
Father God, as the new year begins may I begin afresh to run after You. May my heart be turned to Your goodness and holiness every moment of every day. May my actions and my faith walk hand in hand as I strive to be holy as You are holy. Amen.
*
Challenge:
Take the time to read the following Scripture references: I Peter 1:13-16, Hebrews 10:10,14 Hebrews 12:14, Acts 19:17-20, Rev. 3, Romans 13:14, Matt. 25:31-40. Allow the Lord to speak to your heart and show you areas that are not steeped in His holiness.
A good read - The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges.
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