He Knows My Frame

by Mrs. B 2011

A bone-rattling noise from the radio interrupted my listening to worship music on the way to Texas last week. A series of storms had kicked up near Memphis that threatened to disrupt my travel down I40. I quickly called my husband, and he began tracking the storm system through the Internet. He said the best thing for me to do was to head due south in order to avoid the storms, even though that route was longer. As I traveled along, the meteorologist told of high winds, softball-sized hail, and funnel cloud sightings in the areas I was avoiding. My heart raced during the reports, yet calmed when my husband gave me minute-by-minute instructions on where to turn on country back roads. I could see angry dark clouds on my right and sun-filled clouds on my left.

My husband began to talk about the best place for my turning west in order to get back to the original path. I glanced to my right again, and I saw a huge funnel cloud stretching from the gray cloud-covering to the ground. Since I had never seen a tornado before (true confessions – I have only seen them on “Storm Chasers”), I hesitated to call it by that name, but I could hardly squelch the fear that was rising in my heart. My husband calmly told me that the storm was moving away from the direction I was going and to just keep driving. I gripped the steering wheel and heeded his instructions.



May 1, 2011 Sunday evening
The funnel was on the ground by the time I saw it, and weather reports have since confirmed a tornado in Somerville, TN, where this photo was taken. By taking the path that I did, I received only a few drops of rain. The storm soon weakened. Praise His Name!

Since we celebrated Passover recently, I was reminded of how the Lord took the Israelites on a longer route out of Egypt so that they would not fear. 

Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, "The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt." Exodus 13:17

This path around the land of the Philistines took much longer to navigate, but God understood their hearts. Though they had just seen God work mighty miracles in their release from Egypt, they could have also been exhausted from the time of testing and faith-building. It was God’s mercy that led them on a longer route away from the possibility of war.

In much the same way, many of us have been going through times of testing and faith-building. Financial difficulties, relational troubles, deaths in our families, and many other circumstances may be facing us as dark clouds. Sometimes He calls us to charge into those clouds and storm Heaven for answers and breakthroughs. At other times, knowing our frame, He leads us to go around those clouds. Either way, our goal is to heed His instructions and trust Him for the outcome.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for taking me through the storms sometimes, and thank You for leading me around them at other times. I am grateful for Your guidance and Your Presence along either path. I trust You, and I will praise You no matter what comes.
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Challenge:

This week ask the Lord to help you trust His leading. When He calls you to pray and charge into the storm, do it with all you have. When He calls you to rest, rest with all you have, too, not fretting over the seeming inactivity. Obeying Him is never “inactivity” in the spiritual realm.

Mrs. B 2011



God said "Yes!"

by Jen G. 2011

I have recently been faced with a potential trial. So far it is simply an inconvenience, but it could very well turn into an ‘event’. Not surprisingly, my planned Bible reading took me to the book of Job this week.

Job “was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” (v. 1) He was wealthy, had a great family, lots of stuff to make his life comfortable, and was intensely committed to the Lord. He even made regular sacrifices for his children just in case they sinned against God. His took his job as a father and priest of his home very seriously.

One day while Satan was in the presence of the Lord, the Father asked him what he had been up to. Satan responded that he had been going back and forth over the earth. I think it worth noting that Satan does not mention that he has been wreaking havoc or looking for someone to torment (although he probably was!). It was the Lord Himself who pointed Job out to Satan.

Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” v. 8

Satan’s ears perk up and he begins to mock Job and God. “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” (vs. 9-11) Satan basically dares God to test Job’s faithfulness and love for his Creator. And then…

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God said yes.

From this point on in the book, Satan is given permission first to strike Job’s family and possessions and then his personal health. And in all of this, Job never forsakes the knowledge that the Lord is sovereign. In fact, towards the end of the book, Job goes so far as to say, “Though He slay me, yet I will praise Him!” He is committed to the truth that the Lord holds all in His hands; that anything that touched him first passed through the righteousness and goodness of the Father, regardless of what it felt like.

Of the friends who came to minister to Job, only one seemed to hit the nail on the head. Elihu reminds Job of the omnipotence and goodness of God.

“Surely God will never do wickedly, nor will the Almighty pervert justice.” (34:12)

Whatever is being permitted to enter your life as a believer in Christ - medical problems, a wayward child, financial trouble, a tense marriage, sleepless nights, children with learning issues, fractured relationships, job loss, depression - take the counsel of Job to heart. “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (2:10) The trials we face give opportunity to grow closer to Christ and to become more like Him.*

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 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. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:2-8

Instead of falling apart – the normal human reaction – count it all joy that the perfectly-good-in-all-His-ways, sovereign God said “Yes!”

Prayer:

Father, I ask that You position my heart to receive what You are allowing in my life. Let my reactions to trials be a testimony of Your goodness. Let the trials refine me to be more like You. Amen.

Challenge:

Read the book of Job this month and ponder the reactions of Job and his friends in light of the trials Job was experiencing. Journal through your reading and make note of the passages that speak to you. How are YOU reacting to trials? We have a responsibility to let patience learned in trials to have its perfect work and to not be double minded.

*Note: Trials, whatever they are, are used to refine us and make us more like Christ. Sometimes those trials do come as a result of sinful actions on our part. Repenting of sin that has brought consequences in the form of trials will not necessarily remove the trial, but it will make you more like Christ if you push through and refuse to enter into that sinful behavior again. Nothing is beyond use for God’s glory when given to Him!

Jen G. 2011



Thoroughly Equipped Flamingos

by Jen G. 2011

Let’s talk about chicken and flamingos…

Did you know that chickens live in every continent on the planet except Antarctica? They are pretty easy going birds – they can live in a barnyard or in the woods or even the side of the road. They lay eggs in the yard or hen house and eat bugs, grass, grain and a myriad of other things. Chickens are made to be adaptable to many different habitats and circumstances.

Every year, a whole bunch of Lesser Flamingos fly to salty Natron Lake in Tanzania, Africa. While there, the big pink birds eat algae to give them their rosy color, find a mate and prepare to lay eggs. As the temps rise and the water begins to evaporate rapidly, the salt settles on the top of the lake and forms crusty sheets, eventually floating to the center of the lake and forming a salt island. It is in this harsh, hot, floating plain that the Lesser Flamingo builds a nest of salt and lays its eggs. Of the 2 million Lesser Flamingoes born in Africa, all 2 million are born on the salt crust of Natron Lake. Flamingos are made for this bizarre habitat and have been equipped with the necessary tools to survive there.

Just as chickens and flamingoes have a unique purpose in God’s creation, Christ followers have a special purpose in the kingdom of God. As believers, we have been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

Maybe you feel like a chicken on a salt lake or a flamingo in a barnyard; your circumstances are not ideal to your thinking. You live in a 700 sq. ft. appt. or have a chronic illness or a rebellious child or a rough marriage. A tiny budget demands that you buy used curriculum or shop at thrift stores for clothing. OR, maybe your life is pretty much perfect and you feel guilty for having it so ‘easy’ when your friends are having a rough go of it.

Be assured that no matter what your life looks like right now, the Lord has given you the tools to accomplish His good purposes for you. He has equipped you to handle what life holds.

How has the Lord equipped you?

2 Timothy 3:16,17 says,

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. (emphasis added)

Are you using the tool of Scripture to walk out your calling? Do not believe the lie of the enemy that you can not do what the Lord has called you to do. Spend time in the Word, study it, know it, learn from it and allow it to transform your thinking. Then walk confidently in your circumstances, knowing that He has given you all that you need to be what He has created to be.

Sort of like a flamingo.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the beautiful examples in creation that point us right back to You and Your wisdom. Thank You that Your Word is life to me! Help me to hold fast to it, drawing the strength I need to walk out the good works You have prepared for me. Amen

Challenge:

Spend time in the word each day and allow it to renew your mind. When you find yourself second guessing what the Lord has called you to do, remind yourself that in Him you can walk out His purposes. Audibly express your thanksgiving to Him for His perfect plan for your life.

Jen G. 2011

From Now On

by Jen G. 2011 - with much thanks to Pastor Bill for the excellent message that inspired this devotion. 

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In Luke 5: 1-11 the story is told of Jesus preaching to the multitudes by Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee). Feeling crowded as the people pressed into Him, Jesus hopped into Simon Peter’s anchored boat and asked him to put out a bit. When Jesus was through teaching from his floating pulpit, He told Simon to set out further into the deep waters and let his nets down for a catch.

“But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” vs. 5

The fisherman of this time period did their hard work in the night hours. Fish would come into the shallows during that time and it made the job of catching them much easier. When daylight came, the fisherman would take their nets in for cleaning and repair – not an easy or tidy job. The idea of going back out after a full night’s work and after the nets were repaired was not tempting to Peter, but after giving Jesus his opinion (of course), he agreed to head out.

Jesus blessed abundantly. So abundantly, in fact, that Simon’s nets began to break and he had to call in his partners, James and John, to help divide the catch. Even then both boats held so much fish they began to sink. When Peter sees this happening, he throws himself before Jesus and confesses his unbelief and unworthiness to be in his presence. Jesus does not fuss at Peter, but instead encourages him and his friends.

“Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” vs. 10b

Jesus used this blessing of a huge catch under less than ideal circumstances to prepare His chosen disciples for the work and blessings that would be coming their way.

Has the Lord asked you to do something? Maybe He wants you to take on babysitting a child for a single mom but you are worried about the time it will take from your own personal pursuits. Has He asked you to stop teaching a Bible study or Sunday School and instead focus on your home? Maybe He has asked you to let go of a carefully guarded bitterness or to not argue with your husband even when he is being unreasonable. He may be telling you to step out into completely terrifying waters and trust Him completely.

“So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.” vs. 11

Do not be afraid to follow where your Lord is leading you.* He promises great blessings when you forsake all and follow Him. From now on, forsake the comfort of your own rationale and reason and let Him show His power.

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Prayer:

Lord, thank You for using Peter to show how pushing through and obeying even when it is not convenient still brings blessing. Help me to follow you regardless of the inconvenience, knowing that what You have planned is so much better than what I think. Amen.

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Challenge:

What might the Lord be asking you to do – or not do? Step out this week and follow Him in that thing.

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*As a married woman or young woman still under her father’s covering, seek the wise counsel of your husband/parents. If they do not agree with what you feel the Lord is calling you to do, do not fret. He will make a way for you to obey Him while honoring those in authority in your life. Sometimes patiently waiting for others to catch up is part of the forsaking all and following Him. And remember - the Lord would never ask you to do anything against His Word in order to follow Him. This includes rebellion to parents, divorce, lying, etc.

Jen G. 2011



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

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

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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.
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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."
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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.

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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.”

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I encourage you to respect the crack in the floor.

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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

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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…)

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Jen 2010

The Righteous Gavel

Psalm 37:7-9
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

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Shortly after my cousin was murdered this past November, I was asked a series of normal culture questions which began with the “how” and “why’s.” There was one question in particular that I recognized as a test from God. This question was posed by a complete stranger who struck up a conversation with me in a check-out line. She had noticed the amount of sympathy cards that I was purchasing. I shared briefly what had happened and that my cousin came from a large family and I was looking to comfort them all in some small way. She went on to ask; “Aren’t you really angry, I’m sure you all just want justice!” I remember my response quite vividly. I told her, “Well, of course I want justice; but I believe that the final word always comes from GOD Himself and I’m trusting in whatever He allows.” Now, I wish you could have seen her face. She looked at me like I was an alien from another planet. She responded “How can you have that kind of response, I would want to kill someone!”
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Please understand this, my response that day was not a human response at all, but rather it was a biblical one. I was kind of shocked by it myself. I explained to the woman in the store that “anger” is exactly what led to the death of my cousin and that I was trying to be careful not to go there. I further explained that “agitation” was allowed to turn into anger and then a choice was made to respond to the anger which resulted in the act of murder. We both finally concluded that there is a real lesson within these kinds of tragedies. Do I believe these men set out to kill my cousin? No, but I do believe they all underestimated the power of anger. Do I want fair justice, you bet I do, and I’m praying for it!
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The truth is it’s often very difficult to wait upon the Lord when things appear unfair, but we need to do just that. My cousin’s death was unfair, and at present it appears these young men are getting away with murder. However, it is important to understand that what appears to be a success or a blessing at times, is simply a temporal illusion. The real reward will be an eternal inheritance that awaits those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ and have repented from sin. When it appears that justice has not been served, rest assured GOD alone has the final word. He promises to right every wrong; His Holy Word says just that.
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King David tells us in the Psalms that “the Lord knows the days of the upright; and their inheritance shall be forever.” It is quite possible that the men that killed my cousin may not get the sentence we believe they should get here on earth. Nevertheless, we are told not to envy people who appear to be receiving an award on earth. Our true reward comes in heaven for those who surrender their sin to GOD. May these young men do just that before it’s too late.
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Prayer:

Father thank You that You are the God of justice. Please help me to remember that what might seem unfair to my earthly eyes is all taken in by You. You see all and know all and will bring justice in Your perfect timing. Help me to rest in You and Your judicial hand. We also pray that the men involved in this crime would take responsibility for their actions. Lord You were there; You saw it all, and we ask that You reveal all the facts necessary to bring about rightful justice. If possible I also pray these families can avoid a long drawn out trial. In Your Son’s Name we pray. Amen.
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Challenge:

Keep your eyes on the eternal prize of Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He is the One who will bring vindication and truth in all circumstances. Guard your heart against vengeful feelings and resentful attitudes.
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Pam C. 2010

Disappointments

All of us have experienced disappointment at some point in our lives. As children it might have been at Christmas when instead of a Holly Hobbie doll we received a pack of Care Bear underwear. Maybe as a teenager we watched our friends drive off in a Trans Am while we waited for our Chevette to decide to start. Unfortunately, disappointment does not have a season like puberty or menopause. It has no starting or stopping point; it is an ever present aggravation in life.
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Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines disappointment as the ‘defeat or failure of expectation, hope, wish, desire or intention; miscarriage of design or plan.’ In order for disappointment to exist it needs one’s expectation to be placed on another person, thing or event. That presents a problem as people, things and events will always have the potential to let us down. People can always fail or reject us, walking away when least expected. That is not always the case, but the possibility is there because people are fallible. Things can disappoint us because they have been created by fallible humans. Cars will break down, washers will leak, drains will clog, and toys will break. Events disappoint when they do not turn out as expected. Think of the barbecue that gets rained on or the concert that sounds horrible.
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There is One who never disappoints. The God of the universe is never wrong, never late, never hurtful, and never leaves. He is infallible, has perfect timing, and shows His kindness even in chastisement; He is faithful. Do His ways always seem perfect to us? No, but that does not change the fact that He is perfect. Do we ever feel disappointed that He has not answered a prayer the way we wanted? Yes, but that does not change the fact that He sees the end of a thing from its beginning and takes that in account when answering.
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Disappointment is man made; it is not a truth based in the infallible God. When we stop and consider the faithfulness of the God who made us and redeemed us we can put our trust in Him and Him alone. No matter what happens, no matter who fails us the Lord never will. Great is His faithfulness!
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For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39
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Prayer:
Father, Thank You for never disappointing me. No matter what is happening in my life, You have promised to be there with me in the midst. You hold me in the palm of Your hand and nothing can separate me from You. Amen.
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Challenge:
Are you disappointed about something? Has something not turned out as you expected or has a friend or loved one walked away or hurt you? Refocus on Jesus, the One who will never leave you or forsake you. Allow Him to take away the expectations you place on others and look only to Him for fulfillment.

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Jen 2010

Altering Our Biographies

2 Cor. 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

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A blogging friend of mine recently had an entry that told about someone’s distant ancestor who was a horse thief in Montana, who also robbed trains, was chased down by the famous Pinkerton Detectives, and who eventually hanged for his troubles back in 1889.

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I suppose someone in his family tree didn’t want to be associated with such a “fellow lacking in character,” and he decided to alter his great-great uncle’s biography…uh…just a smidge:

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“[He] was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1885, he devoted several years of his life to service at a government facility, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, [he] passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."

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After getting a good giggle out of the story, the Lord put the thought into my head: “That is exactly what I did for you. I altered your biography when I shed My blood on the cross.”

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Before I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, at the age of 23, I was a BAD, misguided, utterly foul person. But once Christ came into my life – once HE forgave me of my sins – I became a brand new person! HE completely altered my biography and has written HIS version into the Lamb’s Book of Life! All of the old crud has been erased and each page has been replaced with HIS loving grace.

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The Author of Life has a personal interest in MY story! He is helping me to write new chapters of love, devotion, prayer, ministry and out-reach that is read by everyone who comes into my sphere of influence. That can be a heavy load to carry, but He has assured me that His burden is light and that He will be with me all the way. I may fail and drop a few bricks from my load from time-to-time, but He is always there to forgive me and help me start all over.

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I’m so grateful that the Lord is in the business of altering our biographies. With His help, I’m hoping that my life will be a story worth reading by my descendants.

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Prayer:

Father God, thank You for your willingness to forgive me and make me new. Thank You, Jesus, for Your ultimate sacrifice that has altered my biography for all eternity. I am known as Yours because of Your great love for me. Please help me to carry my heritage with grace and boldness, taking Your name to those whose stories have yet to be rewritten. Amen.

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Challenge:

This week be sure to share your testimony with someone - your child, a relative, a friend, or a complete stranger. No matter how 'boring' you think your story might be, it is still a dramatic story of someone being saved from an eternity separated from God.

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Kim Wolf 2009

Wait on the Lord

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14
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“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
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Have you ever noticed how much of your life consists of waiting? Waiting to turn 16, waiting to get married, waiting to get your driver's license, waiting for your child to walk and take that first step. Waiting for the bank to give you the mortgage. Waiting for your turn to talk to the person on the other end of the hold. Waiting in the doctor's office. Waiting for your husband to change. Waiting for you to change. Waiting to lose weight. Waiting for your child to learn to read. Waiting for God to answer your prayer. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture.
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God calls us to wait and specifically to wait on Him. I have learned over the years that waiting develops something in me. I learn to trust Him - His sovereignty, His foreknowledge, His goodness. Can you imagine what would happen if He just gave us what we thought we needed every time? We would be in such a mess. We also would never experience the joy of seeing what He can do in His timing. He knows what is best for us and He knows when it is best to give it.
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But the most important part of all is waiting FOR HIM. Not what He can do, but for His presence in our lives. Do you realize what He is telling us to do? The Creator of the universe is telling us, His creation, to wait for Him. He wants relationship with us. As we wait and continue to cry out to Him for strength, we get to know Him in ways we never would learn if He answered immediately.
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So my exhortation to you is to wait on Him. Don’t grow weary in waiting, get excited because He is there drawing you to Himself and will show up in the perfect time and you’ll never be the same again.
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This weeks challenge; Every time you are tempted to be impatient and to step out on your own to make things happen, stop and thank God that He has a better plan. Can you remember times when you did have to wait and how God revealed Himself to you as waited? Write it down and then share it with someone who is struggling in their waiting,
Remember He is faithful and does not command us to do anything that is impossible when we rely on Him.
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Prayer:

Father, thank You for teaching me as I wait. I am not too good at it yet, Lord, but I want to be. I know that getting to know You and having You reveal Yourself to me is worth all the waiting I will ever be asked to do. Amen.
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Challenge:

Every time you are tempted to be impatient and to step out on your own to make things happen, stop and thank God that He has a better plan. Can you remember times when you did have to wait and how God revealed Himself to you as waited? Write it down and then share it with someone who is struggling in their waiting. Remember, He is faithful and does not command us to do anything that is impossible when we rely on Him.

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Sherry Sanders 2009 View from the Parsonage

Knowing

Our family home schools in a relaxed way. That simply means that we do not use rigid lesson plans or a lot of textbooks; narration, copy work, Bible study, and a lot of reading aloud are used instead. Recently a friend made a comment implying that we did not know what we were doing. I laughed it off, knowing that she probably did not mean it at all the way it sounded. Of course, maybe she did, but I’m not going there…
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As I thought about her words I began to question if we really DID know what we were doing. Were our kids going to be academically stunted because we used a method that did not attach a grade to a child? Would they turn out socially inept because we sheltered them more than the average children? I did not actually freak out, but I was teetering on the edge. The Lord was gracious and stepped in to stop my impending crash.
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The Lord reminded me that we were on the exact path He put us on fifteen years ago when we had our first child. We knew from the beginning that we wanted our children to have a clear view of Who the Lord is, what Jesus did for us, and how to walk in a way that brought honor and glory to Him. As time went on and we matured in our own walks with the Lord the plan only became more firm. Home schooling has been a great vehicle for this, but even if we had placed our children in a brick and mortar school the call would have remained the same.
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Our days might not be filled with typical academic courses or tests, but they are filled with tons of discovery, character training, and Biblical world-view training. We filter everything we learn, from botany to math, through God-glasses. Our desire is that our children know that everything in life has a connection to the Lord and His Word; nothing falls outside of His scope.
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Being a mom is hard, home schooling or not. There are always questions in our minds: Do I spend enough time with my kids? Did I potty train too late? How did I get a selfish kid when all I do is serve them, it seems? Did they catch that cold because I was not cautious enough? Am I a good enough teacher in my home school? WHERE did that child learn to pick their nose? I encourage you to stop asking these questions. Instead, ask ones that have bearing on your child’s spiritual life. Am I teaching my children to love God’s Word? Am I truly living what I teach them? Do I need to step up the character training? Is my child learning to discern between good and evil according to the Word?
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The response to my friend’s statement is this – Yes! We know what we are doing! We are training the next generation of church leaders, community servers, wise counselors, godly parents, loyal friends, and integrity filled employees and bosses. Our grandchildren will have parents who have been taught to love instruction and to take firm hold of wisdom. Oh yes, we know what we are doing.
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My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. Proverbs 23:15, 16
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Prayer:
Father, please help me to listen to You and to filter all other opinions through the Scripture. Thank You for giving my husband and me clear direction in Your Word regarding the raising of our children. Our desire is to stay the course and stick to the path. Guide us daily. Amen.
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Challenge:
If you have been facing feelings of inadequacy in your parenting or home schooling stop and examine the source. Are the feelings promptings from the Holy Spirit or unwarranted criticism from those who walk differently? If you and your husband discern that they are from the Holy Spirit hop to it and start searching His Word and His direction on what and how to change. Consider drafting a Family Vision Statement to help you stay the course. If you would like to read our family statement, send me an email.
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Jen Gorton 2009

Walking in His Will

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

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Webster's 1828 dictionary defines circumspectly as "Cautiously; with watchfulness every way; with attention to guard against surprise or danger." What are we to be watchful of? What are we to pay attention to in order to guard against surprise or danger, and why? What is all this about redeeming the time? Redeeming from what or whom?

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Beginning in verse one of Ephesians chapter five, the Apostle Paul takes great care to lay out step by step the answers to these questions.

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Walk in Love - verses 1-7:

Above all, we are to imitate Christ, walking in love as He did. We are to keep our conversation pure, our hearts free from jealousy and uncleanness, and our ears from listening to those who try and tell us we can do all that other stuff just mentioned and not suffer for it. This is an especially difficult area for women. It is not uncommon for us to struggle with our tongues in gossip and criticalness while also dealing with being jealous of a friend's house, wardrobe, marriage, etc. And how easy it is to be "encouraged" by a friend who assures us that all those feelings are normal and we need to cut ourselves some slack!

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Walk in Light - verses 8-14:

It is vital to remember that we are no longer children of darkness! After we come to faith, we are not only in the light we are light of Christ. We are to walk so closely with Jesus that His light shines through us and onto the darkness, revealing what is hidden and changing our hearts and activities if needed. We are not to take part in dark things, but rather expose them for what they are - the direct opposite of the goodness and righteousness of Christ. Do not sleep walk through life, ignoring that which slinks in and seems "not so bad." Wake up and let Christ's light shine on all that you participate in. When He reveals darkness, run away from it!

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Walk in Wisdom - verses 15-21:

Finally, we are to walk carefully and wisely, redeeming the time. We are to spend our time being thankful to the Lord in all things as well as encouraging one another to do all that is shared in this chapter. Walking in love and in light will help us to understand the will of the Lord (wisdom). And what is the will of the Lord? Walking in love, light, and wisdom! What a connection! If you walk in one, you walk in the other.

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How our hearts respond in situations - from diapers to bills -will last for all time. Do not let the enemy have it. Guard your time on earth and use every bit of it for the purposes of God - not just the physical time spent doing things, but the spiritual, emotional, and mental time poured into daily life as well.

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The beautiful key to walking in the Spirit is contained in this chapter. If we walk through it daily, step by step, we will be walking in the will of the Father because we are walking in the steps of the Son. Our time will be redeemed. I can think of no better way to spend my days and make every minute count for eternity!

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Prayer:

Father, You called me to righteousness and told me to redeem the time. Thank you for giving me a plan to accomplish this mission. Please help me when it seems too difficult. Remind me of Jesus' beautiful, sweet smelling offering of Himself. Thank You, Jesus, for being the ultimate example. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for always being there to help me walk in love, light, and wisdom. Amen.

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Challenge:

Read Ephesians 5:1-20 each day this week. Purpose to walk in love, light, and wisdom. When you are unsure how to do that, run straight back to the master plan and read it again! Pray for God's wisdom and guidance as you do this, as well as His protection. Be mindful that the enemy will do anything to discourage you in this area and make you feel like a failure. If you mess up, and you will, get up and start over again!

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Jen Gorton 2009

For more on redeeming the time, see http://www.lifechangingseminars.com/.