Never Alone

Sometimes, regardless of how busy and noisy my home is or how many children are running circles around me, I feel alone. This is the kind of alone that leaves me feeling hollow and confused, hopeless and useless. Why does this come on me and other moms at times? Could it be that we are not remembering the promises that the Lord has given us in His Word?
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Psalm 139:7-10

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

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As Christ followers God promises that no matter where we are or what we are experiencing He will be right next to us. His hand will guide us and hold us. What an incredible promise! He does not stop with just one great promise, He gives many more.

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Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Not even demons or death can keep us from the love of God. His sacrifice through Jesus created an impenetrable place of safety. Regardless of what comes our way, if we are children of the Most High God, nothing can remove us from His love. He has given that love to us and He will keep that promise in every circumstance. When you find yourself feeling alone in your innermost being, take time to meditate on the Scriptures shared here. Remind yourself that you are never alone as a Christ following mom.

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If you do not know Jesus then the hollow, lonely feeling I described is the void in you that can only be filled by the Lord. I encourage you to click on the link on the top right or email me to learn how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Prayer:

Father, thank you for the promise that You will never leave me. Thank You that regardless of what is going on in my life You are always holding me in Your hand and guiding me. Please remind me of Your beautiful promises that are mine through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

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Challenge:

Write out Psalm 139:7-10 and Romans 8:38-39 and post them around your house. When you feel lonely and as though you are on your own go directly to the Scriptures and remind yourself that you are in the Lord's hands and that nothing can take you from Him.

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Jen Gorton 2009

Seasons

To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

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When my dearest and I said, “I do” little did we know that two months later our first child would be conceived. Our journey of “firsts” began: first smiles, first words, first temper fits, and my first call to Mom for mothering advice. Now, it seems that I am entering a time where others call me for advice for their own “firsts” while I am searching for advice on how to deal with the “lasts.” Unless the Lord intervenes I will never have another baby to breastfeed or another video of first steps. That season of “firsts” is over. Now I am entering a new season.

Our last baby went into a toddler bed and Sunday school and underwear - all in the same month. That alone should be illegal. Our oldest is about to turn fifteen and I feel as though life is going faster and faster. A little study and a lot of prayer helped me to understand and be at peace with the changing seasons of life I am facing.

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines season as

• time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature
• a suitable or natural time or occasion
• an indefinite period of time.

It also defines in season as

• at the right time
• at the stage of greatest fitness (as in eating – peaches are in season).
  

I like the second definition of “in season” the best. Take out the peach part and it fits perfectly. I am in this season of my life because I am at the stage of greatest fitness for it. If this season came three years ago I would not have been prepared for it. It is here now and I am being equipped for it daily. The yesterdays were sweet and wonderful and I will miss them, but today and tomorrow will be equally sweet because that is where the Lord wants me to be.

Let me encourage you to be joyful in the place you are right now. Even though it might be difficult, uncomfortable, or even completely wonderful, recognize it as the place the Lord has you at this time of your life. Be willing to live in it joyfully and eagerly while waiting to hear His direction for the next season.

Prayer: Father, thank you that you have created me to do Your good work and purpose. Help me as what that looks like changes. Work in me to be loving, patient, kind, and content in the season you have me. Amen.

Challenge: This week look for the blessings in the season you are in. That might be a no-brainer for some and like looking for a pacifier in a dark car for others. Regardless of what your life looks like right now, concentrate daily on the blessings of breath, salvation, and the Word. As you focus on those blessings, many more will come to mind. Counting those blessings and working towards contentment in your present season will fill your heart with joy.

Jen Gorton 2007

Chasing Holiness

The Pursuit of Holiness, by Jerry Bridges, is an incredible little book, convicting and encouraging at the same time. One point the book makes is the importance of obedience even in the little things. Some have questioned the point of the Law in the Old Testament. The book quotes Andrew Bonar, “It is not the importance of the thing, but the majesty of the Lawgiver, that is to be the standard of obedience…some indeed, might reckon such minute and arbitrary rules as these as trifling. But the principle involved in obedience or disobedience is none other than the same principle which was tried in Eden at the foot of the forbidden tree. It is really this: Is the Lord to be obeyed in all things whatsoever He commands? Is He a holy Lawgiver? Are His creatures bound to give implicit assent to His will?”
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This passage really made me think. Is the Lord actually to be obeyed in all things? What about parking in the no parking zone for a quick run into the store for a gallon of milk; or photocopying for personal use when the book says NO copying at all without written permission from the author? And then there are things referred to in the Word that we are not to even think of, let alone watch, read, or listen to. What about not letting the sun go down on your anger even though it was “all his fault and he deserves to sleep alone”? What about speaking harshly to your child? Surely the verse about letting your gentleness be known to all men is strictly speaking to all those who are not your kids. After all, it does say men – but it does not exactly mean your husband. He’s not really a man – he’s more like a guy… That could go on and on!
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My point is that we cannot excuse obeying only what we consider the “big” things while letting the “little” things slide. We talk ourselves out of being guilty because we are a “work in progress,” after all. Our goal seems to be victory over sin rather than not sinning because it grieves a Holy God. We need to step back and take a serious look at our lives. Are we cheating? Are we trying to pacify God and ourselves with less than what He desires, and even requires, from us? Excuses are easy to come by and we are masters at justifying most anything with a little rationalization. We are not to justify our sin. No matter how seemingly small or insignificant it is, sin is sin. My sin and your sin is what nailed the One we say is our Lord to the cross. Do we value His sacrifice so little that we are willing to coddle and excuse our pet sins and continue in them? Christ’s willingness to shed His blood for my redemption should be more than enough to create in me a longing to chase after holiness.
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Prayer:
Father God, please forgive me for justifying my sin. Show me daily that each sin is a grievous offence against a holy, righteous, and just God. I commit to examining my heart when your Holy Spirit convicts me of what I think is something of little consequence. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
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Challenge:
Do not ignore the nudging of the Holy Spirit as you go about your days this week. Examine your actions and thoughts and see if they line up with Scripture. Things to watch for: the radio dial in the car, the television program in the afternoon or evening, the magazine in the beauty shop, the thoughts you have towards your husband and children.
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Jen Gorton 2004

Following the Leader

Plans are exciting to make and even more fun to anticipate. The same excitement that comes from planning and anticipation can also bring much frustration when things are left hanging due to sick children, the weather, or finances. Unfortunately, I can think of more than one time when my plans were changed and I reacted in a way that was not at all godly. As if being grumpy with my kids and nasty to my husband somehow was justified because I did not get to go to a mom's night out.

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Have you ever wondered why people tack on "Lord willing" after saying they would see you at church or a meeting? Sometimes it might be habit; many times it shows they are aware of the hand of the Lord in every area of their lives and therefore they acknowledge it verbally. We can make all the plans we like, but the Lord is the One who ultimately decides our steps.

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A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

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If Jesus is forever at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us and His prayers are always perfect, then what comes into our lives is always the perfect plan of God.* That is hard to argue with. What relief it brings to understand that when our plans fall through, it is because the Lord's plans are succeeding! Acknowledging His mighty hand in our lives brings freedom and joy because we are saying, "Lord, have Your way in me! Use me to further your good and perfect plan."

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Prayer:

Jesus, thank You that You are always lifting me up before the Father. Thank You, Father God, for always bringing what is needed into my life. Everything that comes my way was first filtered through You. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for guilding me through my changed plans and into the perfect plan of God. Help me each day to willingly walk in Your will.

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Challenge:

This week, begin each morning with a simple prayer. "Father, order my steps today and give me the grace to walk in them cheerfully." Then, as each change of your plans comes, choose to joyfully walk in the perfect plan of God. If you can, journal or blog about what the Lord directed you in this week that was different from your plans.

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Jen Gorton 2009
*Norm Wakefield

Arise and Eat...

1 Kings 19:5, 7 ... and the angel touched him and said "Arise, eat" ...

"Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you."
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In the passage quoted above, the Prophet Elijah was running away because of the pressures. Do you ever feel like running away because of the pressures of raising your children and ministering to your husbands? Notice that God had sent an angel to feed him and Elijah was told to "arise and eat." God has also sent us help to feed us in the form of His Word.
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This year why not make it a priority to spend time daily in the Word so that you will have strength for the journey you are on? When my daughter was little the way I accomplished that was to put a Bible in every room and open it to the same chapter each day; when I had a few minutes to ponder, I would read the verse and think about it. It is amazing how much time you actually spend in the Word that way. I also used to keep a Bible in the bathroom. Yes, you read it right! That is the one place that you may possibly get a few minutes alone at some point during the day, or at least when your husband comes home. God honestly will not care if you are on the toilet or in the tub, He just wants to fellowship with you and give you His grace.

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I also used to read the Word while nursing Jen. Those middle of the night feedings are good times to read and meditate on what your Father wants to tell you. Why not give it a try and see what happens? I can promise you that He will meet with you and you will find the strength you need to continue on, one day at a time. It is a tremendous privilege to minister to our families and God has given us all the answers we need to do this in His word. Enjoy the journey in 2009.
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Prayer:

Father, I commit this year to spending time in Your Word ~ whenever and wherever I can. I will not allow the calling You have placed on my life as a mother and wife interfere with my relationship with You. Thank You for not caring where I read Your Word, but only that I do read it. Amen

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Challenge:

Place a small Bible in your bathroom(s) this week. You can receive Today in the Word or Our Daily Bread at no cost to place with it. Keep a Bible on your kitchen counter or living room table as well. Fight the urge to wait to read until you can have a "real" quiet time. Even one verse can strengthen and encourage you!

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Sherry Sanders 2009