Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Treasured Christmas Memories

. . . making cookies with your Mom or Grandma

. . . opening one gift on Christmas Eve

. . . running downstairs to see what Santa brought

. . . sipping hot chocolate or apple cider

. . . watching snowflakes comes down and hoping for a white Christmas

. . . hearing your Dad read the Christmas Story

. . . watching a favorite Christmas movie

. . . singing Christmas Carols
. . . decorating the Christmas Tree with favorite ornaments, especially the ones the kids made

For most of us, these things bring a smile to our face. : ) Memories are great, each one to be treasured for many years. At this Christmas season, what memories are you treasuring?

Long ago, for a young woman, living in a little town called Nazareth in Galilee a miracle would happen that would change her life forever and create a memory that would never be forgotten.

Have you ever thought what it must have been like for this teenage young woman to wake up one day and have her world turned upside down? Mary, her very name stirs up many memories for each of us. Most of us know the Biblical account of how God chose this young woman to give birth to His Son. A young woman engaged to a man named Joseph, prearranged by her family as was the custom of her people.

In Luke 1, God revealed how His most perfect plan for mankind would be accomplished when He sent an angel to this young woman. (Luke 1:26-37) He told her, she, who was highly favored by the Lord, had been chosen to give birth to God's Son, the promised Messiah. (Isaiah 9:6-7) Even in her perplexity as to how this could happen, since she was a virgin, she couldn't contain her joy at the revelation.

Ever wondered what her pregnancy might have been like ~ perhaps morning sickness ~ tired all the time ~ restless, sleepless nights ~ yet stirring within her a great anticipation at the coming birth of her son? Not any ordinary Son ~ God’s Son. (Luke 1:26-38)

In Luke 1:46-50, Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation."

Mary's focus was on the greatness of her God. She cried out to Him and praised Him as her Savior, the Mighty One whose name is Holy. Never did she focus on herself. Mary knew that her faithful God would give her strength to face the coming days and He did!

Then the moment finally arrived and with it came intense pain ~ intense JOY. Holding that precious little one, looking into his eyes ~ what color would they be ~ what color would his hair be ~ would he have fair or dark complexion? Would she be a good Mommy ~ what would she do when he cried ~ how often would he need his diaper cloths changed ~ would he nurse quickly or would she struggle to feed him? Then the mothering instincts came ~ so natural. “She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

After the birth of Jesus, shepherds came. They bowed in worship before the One the angels had told them about as they had been watching their flocks at night. "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary TREASURED ALL THESE THINGS and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:9-19)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

What are you treasuring this Christmas season? The gifts or the GIFT?
John 3:16
Where is your focus?
Colossians 3:1-17
Is your heart filled with praise and adoration?
Ephesians 1:3-8
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

May your heart, like Mary's, be filled with praise this Christmas season for God's indescribable gift

Jesus ~ the best gift of all!!!

My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices
in God my Savior."
Luke 1:46

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Ever feel at as loss as to how to praise God at Thanksgiving or everyday for that matter. At our last Titus 2 Women we had a night of Praise & Worship. We used the following to remind us of who He is as we began our praise.

I PRAISE YOU, LORD, BECAUSE YOU ARE . . .

ALMIGHTY ~ WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE ~ EXALTED

VICTORIOUS ~ MY SONG ~ STRONG ~ FAITHFUL

RIGHTEOUS ~ THE LIVING GOD ~ MAJESTIC ~ MY SHIELD

HOLY ~ MY DELIGHT ~ THE MOST HIGH GOD ~ TEACHER

KING OF KINGS ~ MY SAVIOR ~ GOOD ~ ETERNAL

PERFECT AND ALL YOUR WORDS ARE PERFECT/FLAWLESS

THE ONE WHO ARMS ME WITH STRENGTH ~ MERCIFUL

MY ROCK ~ MASTER ~ MY FORTRESS ~ MY DELIVERER

MY REFUGE ~ MY GOD WHO GOES BEFORE ME ~ MY HELP

MY GOD WHO NEVER LEAVES ME OR FORSAKES ME ~ MY JOY

TRUSTWORTHY ~ SHEPHERD ~ COVENANT KEEPER

CREATOR ~ GRACIOUS ~ COMPASSIONATE ~ PEACE ~ JUST

MY HIDING PLACE ~ CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED

LOVE ~ LIGHT ~ PROTECTOR ~ MY STRONGHOLD ~ HOPE

LOVER OF MY SOUL ~ GIVER OF LIFE ~ OUR GUIDE ~ MY REST

A FORGIVING GOD ~ NEVER CHANGING ~ MY LOVING GOD

POWERFUL ~ BEAUTIFUL ~ AWESOME ~ GREAT ~ MAKER

BURDEN BEARER ~ SOVEREIGN LORD ~ INFINITE

THE ONE WHO QUIETS OUR FEARS ~ UNFAILING ~ YAWEH

MY COUNSELOR ~ PROVIDER ~ ABOUNDING IN LOVE

SUSTAINER ~ THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER

WISDOM ~ MIRACULOUS GOD ~ WISE ~ CONSTANT

VICTORIOUS OVER OUR ENEMIES ~ SLOW TO ANGER

RESPLENDENT WITH GLORY ~ FAMILIAR WITH ALL MY WAYS

THE ONE WHO HEARS MY CRY ~ MY SATISFACTION

RICH IN LOVE TO ALL WHO CALL ON YOU IN TRUTH

~ ~ ~

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."

Psalm 150:6

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Waiting ~ with an expectant heart or with a grumbling heart ~ our CHOICE

How would you describe your attitude when God asks you to wait? Anxious; Annoyed; Disappointed or Trusting; Peaceful; Joyful in the process. In Isaiah 30:18-21, it says, "Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as He hears it, He answers you. And though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. and your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." (ESV)

We live in a world of instant gratification, so WHY should we wait? God clearly gives us the answer in James 1:2-4. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (ESV) The NIV uses the word perseverance rather than steadfastness. He is building our character and shaping us in a way that is for our good and in a way that will bring Him glory.

Several weeks ago at Titus 2 Women, a friend of mine, Christy Sansom shared some thoughts on waiting ~ something we all have to do from time to time. It's how we respond in the waiting process that matters. Christy shared how God taught her as she waited on Him during an illness she experienced a couple of years ago and the blessings she received in the process as she trusted in Him and His perfect design for her life.

After sharing her story, she gave us 7 things the Lord taught her about waiting:
1. Wait actively and seek His face daily. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
2. Be still and listen ~ worship while you wait ~ don't be in such a hurry to get through the process.
3. Pray out loud ~ pray scripture ~ speak against the devils schemes to discourage you while you wait. Ephesians 6:10
4. Keep a journal ~ during your quiet time, write down your thoughts or write out a prayer to the Lord ~ go back and read it later ~ it's a good reminder of God's faithfulness.
5. Don't try to find your way out of the fire ~ let God finish what He wants to accomplish. He'll get you through any suffering and pain you might be experiencing along the way. When you try to escape too quickly, you may have to repeat the process. Words to think about.
6. Don't try to figure out why it's happening ~ trust God's Sovereignty. Ask Him to reveal any sin in your life at this time.
7. Continue serving where He calls you to serve. He may call you out of one area and place you in another. He may also put serving on hold for a season. (For Christy, God put her music ministry on hold during her illness, but gave her another place to serve as she waited ~ she chose to serve Him with joy.)

She also shared the following verses that have to do with waiting and going through trials/suffering.
• James 1:1-12 (especially verses 1-2)
• Ephesians 3:12-13
• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
• 1 Peter chapters 3-4 (especially 4:12-13, 5:8-10)
• Malachi 3:3 (She also talked about how God uses the refiners fire to burn away impurities.)

As you look at the verses above, ask yourself:
• What impurities are in your life?
• What is God doing to burn away those impurities?
• What is your response as your are going through trial ~ praising Him or complaining?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Remember "the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10c
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Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Friendship/Relationships/Best Friend of all ~ Jesus

I meet with women monthly in a group called Titus 2 Women. This past month we talked about friendship relationships. We discussed some of the qualities we look for in a friend. Here are some of the qualities we came up with: loyal, trustworthy, fun, someone who looks out for your best interest, encourager, truthful and honest, counselor, like-minded, someone you can be real with, compassionate and someone who is a good listener. What are some qualities you look for in a friend that weren’t mentioned?

I’ve had some great friendship relationships over the years ~ a few that really stick out are a friend from first grade, my maid of honor in our wedding and a dear friend when we lived in Virginia. God placed each one of these friends in my life for a short season. Even though I am not in contact with any of them now, they will always have a special place in my heart.

Can you think of a friend who is currently in your life or someone God placed in your life for a season? Have you thanked Him for her (them)? Have you been able to thank, them?

There are many friendship relationships described in the Bible. Take the time to look up their stories: David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1-5), Ruth and Naomi (Ruth), Paul and Barnabus (Acts 11:25-26, and see chapters, 13, 14, 15), Lazarus, Mary, Martha and Jesus (John 11:1-44), John, the beloved and Jesus (John 21:20-24). A few more verses concerning friendship/relationships are found in Eccl. 4:9-12, Prov. 17:17; 18:24; 27:6, 9,17,18, and Romans 12:10.


When we receive Christ, one of the privileges we have in our relationship with Him is that He calls us His friend ~ but how do we treat that friendship? In John 15:12-17, Jesus says, “This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.”

Knowing that Jesus calls us His friend is a priceless gift. Do you take that friendship for granted or do you treasure it? He longs to be your best friend, your first love. (Revelations 2:4-5) Friends come, friends go, some are only in our lives for a season, but Jesus has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

Remember He is and always will be our faithful friend. Regardless of how we feel or the circumstances surrounding us, we can always count on Him. Jesus is worthy of ALL our praise. Praise Him for He is:

Almighty (Rev. 1:8)
Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13)
Amen (Rev. 3:14)
Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2)
Author of Life (Acts 3:15)
Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:2)
Author of Salvation (Heb. 2:10)
Beginning and End (Rev. 22:13)
Blessed and only Ruler (1 Tim. 6:15)
Bread of Life (John 6:35; 6:48)
Bridegroom (Mt. 9:15)
Bright Morning Star (Rev. 22:16)
Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20)
Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4)
Christ (1 John 2:22)
Creator (Colossians 1:16)
Deliverer (Rom. 11:26)
Defense (Advocate) (1 John 2:1)
Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20)
Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6)
Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11)
Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5)
First and Last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13)
Firstborn From the Dead (Rev. 1:5)
Firstborn over all creation (Col. 1:15)
Gate (John 10:9)
God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; 2 Pet. 1:1;1 John 5:20)
Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20)
Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)
Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23)
Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2)
High Priest (Heb. 2:17)
Holy and True (Rev. 3:7)
Holy and Righteous One (Acts 3:14)
Hope (1 Tim. 1:1)
Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27)
Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69)
I Am (John 8:58)
Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4)
Immanuel ~ God with us (Mt. 1:23)
Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42)
King Eternal (1 Tim. 1:17)
King of Israel (John 1:49)
King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11)
King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16)
King of the Ages (Rev. 15:3)
Lamb (Rev. 13:8)
Lamb of God (John 1:29)
Lamb Without Blemish (1 Pet. 1:19)
Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45)
Life (John 14:6; Col. 3:4)
Light of the World (John 8:12)
Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)
Living One (Rev. 1:18)
Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4)
Lord (2 Pet. 2:20)
Lord of All (Acts 10:36)
Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8)
Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16)
Man from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:48)
Master (Lk. 5:5; 8:24; 9:33)
Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15)
Mighty God (Isa. 9:6))
Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16)
One and only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18; 3:16, 1 John 4:9)
Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13)
Our Holiness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Husband (2 Cor. 11:2)
Our Protection (2 Thess. 3:3)
Our Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7)
Peace (John 14:27, Col. 3:15)
Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Precious Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:6)
Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)
Prophet (Acts 3:22)
Rabbi (Mt. 26:25, John 3:2)
Radiance of God's glory (Hebrews 1:3)
Resurrection and Life (John 11:25)
Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5)
Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1)
Rock (1 Cor. 10:4)
Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16)
Ruler of God’s Creation (Rev. 3:14)
Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5)
Savior (Eph. 5:23; Titus 1:4; 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:20)
Son of David (Lk. 18:39)
Son of God ( Luke 1:35, John 1:49; Heb. 4:14)
Son of Man (Mt. 8:20)
Son of the Most High God (Lk. 1:32)
Source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey Him (Heb. 5:9)
The One Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5)
The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11)
True Bread (John 6:32)
True Light (John 1:9)
True Vine (John 15:1)
Truth (John 1:14; 14:6)
Way (John 14:6)
Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6)
Word (John 1:1)
Word of God (Rev. 19:13)

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

HAVING A GENTLE, quiet SPIRIT WHEN THE WORLD SAYS ROAR

Philippians 4:5 says, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Not exactly the words you hear in our world today, are they? Actually we hear the opposite, especially as women. We’re encouraged to speak our mind, regardless of who it hurts as long as we get our way and our ideas across.

As believers, rather than listening to the world’s ROAR, we need to be still and listen to God’s voice. His Words and His voice are much quieter. Philippians 4:5 is a command, not a “if I feel like it,” or “if it suits my needs.” No, He tells us to let our gentleness be seen by others.

To be gentle is to be reasonable, fair minded and considerate of others, and exhibit the quality of humility and meekness ~ to all ~ believers and non believers. Matthew 5:5 says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." In other words, "By giving up your own rights in order to serve others, you will one day receive everything God has in store for you." (Life Application Study Bible, notes, page 1651.)

Meekness is not a sign of weakness; but power under control. It's:

• Power "to give when others take"
• Power "to love when others hate"
• Power "to help when others abuse"
• Serve when you'd rather receive

(Quotations from Life Application Study Bible, notes, page 1651.)

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment”. . . “Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 Too often we put WAY too much focus on what we wear, our make-up and jewelry, neglecting what is of great value to Him, a gentle and quiet spirit. When our security and identity is in Him, we don’t have to put on masks and pretend to be something we’re not. We can take off the masks, stop focusing on self, enjoy life, have homes that are filled with laughter and joy and be those women others are drawn to.

Sooooooooooooo how is gentleness possible? Through Christ and His powerful Word alone. “I can do everything through Him, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13.

• 1 Timothy 6:11-14
• 1 Thessalonians 2:5-7; 4:11
• Exodus 14:14
• Psalm 46:10; 131:1-2
• Proverbs 17:1
• Isaiah 30:15; 32:17-18

If gentleness is an area you’re struggling with, be encouraged by the words of Jesus, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Pastor Chuck Swindoll says, “. . . instead of increasing our load of anxiety, He promises to make it lighter.” (The Living Insights Bible, page, 1019) Jesus said we are to learn from Him and the way He teaches us is through His Word.

“As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 18:30. His Word is a shield for our tongue, our attitude, our thoughts and our actions. He WILL always provide the way of escape when we chose to listen and act on what we hear. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:22-27)

Are you putting your trust in God’s powerful Word and holding on to it as your shield and refuge or have you chosen to hold on to those things that hinder you from having a gentle, quiet spirit? Things like: unconfessed sin in the area of anxiety, anger, unforgiveness, self-centeredness, etc. (See Psalm 32:3-5, Proverbs 12:25, Philippians 2:2-7; 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Matthew 6:28-30, 33-34, Ephesians 3:22-24, 26-27, 29-32.)

Choose today to surrender whatever is keeping you from having a gentle, quiet spirit and know that Christ will give you victory. Remember, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish every argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Encouragement for the Journey . . .

"Christ be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ deep within me. Christ below me. Christ above me, Christ at my right hand, Christ at my left hand, Christ as I lie down, Christ as I arise, Christ as I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me."--The Prayer of Saint Patrick

"O, my strength, I watch for You;

You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God,

You will go before me."

Psalm 59:9-10

Pursuing Excellence or Mediocrity ~ our choice

I'm re-reading a great book right now by Cynthia Heald called, "Becoming a Woman of Excellence", put out by Navpress. The first chapter talks about pursuing excellence as a believer in Christ and what that looks like. It made me examine my own life as a believer. Do I strive for excellence or mediocrity as a wife ~ mom ~ grandmommie ~ homemaker ~ friend ~ singer ~ writer, etc. Do I pursue excellence in everything I do, or do I settle for mediocrity????? Excellence ~ giving my all with the God-given abilities that I possess or mediocrity ~ ordinary, average, doing just enough to get by. "What say you" as a national TV host says, with the many hats you wear as a woman?

The first example of a woman of excellence mentioned in the book was Ruth, the daughter-in-law of Naomi, a young Moabite woman who had recently become a widow of Naomi's son. Although encouraged by her mother-in-law to return to her own family, faithfully demonstrated her friendship, love and loyalty by choosing to stay. "But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." Ruth 1:16-17. God blessed Ruth's loyalty as she took refuge in Him and gave her a new husband named Boaz who described her as a woman of noble character or excellence. (see Ruth 2:11-12; 3:11; 4:13) God also blessed her with a son from whom His only Son would be a descendant. (see Matthew 1:5)

As I read this beautiful story of the life of Ruth and how she consistently chose what was best and gave her all, I had to admit, I fall far short. My desire is to be a woman of excellence, but I can do quite a mediocre job at times. Like most of us, I make TONS of excuses for not doing my best. Here are a few excuses I thought of for not doing my best:

• too tired
• too busy
• blame it on my circumstances
• apathy, don't care, don't feel like it.

I'm sure you can come up with your own list. What kind of example are we setting for our families? For instance, when you ask your children to complete a task, what do you expect from them? Their best or mediocrity? This is NOT about setting unrealistic goals, but helping your kids be the best they can be for their age and abilities. When we allow them to do what we've asked with the mind set of "doing enough just to get by", are we enabling them to set a pattern that will last for the rest of their lives? Something to think about for all of us.

Rather than try to come up with my own ideas of living a life of excellence, I found a few verses that describe how we can be women who give our best and teach those around us how to do the same. The best way we do this is to show them by example in our daily live and in our spiritual growth.

• 1 Corinthians 10:31
• Philippians 1:9-10
  
• Philippians 4:8
• Matthew 22:36-39
• Romans 12:1=2
• Colossians 1:9-10
• 2 Timothy 2:15-16
• Philippians 3:12-14
• Hebrews 5:11-6:1
  

Keeping a your house in order is one thing, but how would you describe the way you take care and teach those around you to take care of their "spiritual" house? Are you teaching them excellence or mediocrity? Anne Ortland says in Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman, "Your body is the flesh that clothes His Presence." What do you do to daily nourish your body? We wouldn't think of not eating physical food, but how often do we neglect feeding our "spiritual" bodies with the Word?

Don't wait, don't delay, make reading the Bible a part of your daily routine. Your kids will follow what they see. We never had to teach our sons to have a quiet time with the Lord. They saw us and followed our example. That doesn't mean we always did everything perfectly either. In fact, I wish I knew then, what I know now, but I didn't, so I'm not going to beat myself up over it and neither should you. Start where you are and begin today to treasure God's Word and make it a part of your daily routine ~ reading it ~ praying it ~ memorizing it? For me the most effective way I've found to memorize scripture is to turn it into a prayer.

One of my favorite verses is Psalm 40:8. "To do your will, O my God, is my desire; your law is within my heart." I would encourage you to take this verse and pray it for you and your family.

Lord, give me and my family (pray by name) the desire to do your will, doing the things that bring You glory. Help me (us) read your Your Word today and make it a natural part of my (our) life. Not something I (we) do out of obligation, but out of a sincere love for You. Lord, seal Your Words in my (our) heart.

--

Reflecting the Radiance of God's Glory

In one of the earlier posts, (May 24, 2008) I told of a young girl named Anna who, by the age of nine, had learned how to reflect God's glory to all she came in contact with. Anna was continually filled with the light of God's presence because she had learned, like Mary, even at an early age, to "sit at His feet". (Luke 10:38-42) Have you? Although her life ended at nine, it was complete. Now she is in the presence of the One whose glory she reflected.

There was a song written in 1998 by Brenton Brown; Mercy/Vineyard Publishing entitled, "Lord Reign in Me". The second verse says, "Over every thought, over every word, may my life reflect the beauty of my Lord. 'Cause You mean more to me than any earthly thing. So won't You reign in me again". How often do we sing songs like this on a Sunday morning, raising our voices with LOUD praise, yet the rest of the week, those words are only a whisper at best.

As I think about those words, it makes me wonder how are we, as believers, day in and day out, reflecting the beauty of the Lord. How would others describe our appearance? Would they say we are radiant and represent Him well? I'm not talking about our outer beauty, the clothes we wear or the latest hair style. I'm talking about our inner beauty. Psalm 34:5 says, "Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." And in 1 Samuel 16:7 when God chose a new King for Israel because of Saul's disobedience, it says, "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. (Saul) The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." I heard it said some time ago, that we need to be very careful, making sure that there isn't the look of holiness in one place and reigning or prevailing sin in another. As Jesus is looking at our hearts, what does He see?

Here are a few practical questions that we need to ask ourselves:

• Do I, like Mary, who chose what was best, radiate and reflect His glory because I too choose to spend time with Him daily?

Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 2:1-3, 5-6; Jeremiah 15:16; Ephesians 1:15-20; Colossians 1:9-14; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19

• How do I reflect His glory in my home, cleaning, cooking, washing the same laundry for the 900th time and/or in your job at work, especially with that co-worker who drives you nuts, etc? Do I have a servant heart like Jesus?

Psalm 86:1-4, 11-13; Philippians 2:2-7a

• Do I have an attitude of gratitude or a grumbling, complaining heart?

Psalm 19:14; Philippians 2:14-16

• What kind of example am I setting? To my spouse, children, and those around me at work when they hear me complaining? Do they hear or see a life that is filled with praise regardless of my circumstances?

Psalm 51:15,17; Ephesians 4:29-32, Ephesians 5:1, 8,15-16,20; Hebrews 13:15-16;1 Peter 2:11-12

• In my home, how does my complaining attitude affect my kids when I ask them to clean their room, etc? What affect does my complaining have on my co-workers? Does my attitude cause others to stumble? How does that affect my witness?

Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-24

• How do I react when I'm not chosen, asked to be a part of a group, lead, teach or get that promotion at work, etc?

Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 25:1-2; Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 19:21;
Jeremiah 29:11-12;Philippians 2:13; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 4:16;
1 Peter 5:6-7

• Do my thoughts, actions and desires bring glory to God?

Jeremiah 17:10; Romans 8:5-8; 2 Corinthians 19:5; Philippians 4:8;
Colossians 3:1-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 Peter 2:4-5.9


In Hebrews 1:3, the writer paints a glorious picture of Jesus, the One who truly reflected God's glory in all He did, in every situation and to all He came in contact with. "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He has provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."


JESUS is . . .
R = Radiance of God's glory
E = Exact representation of God
S = Sustainer of all things by His powerful Word
T = The purifier of our sins

Because of what Jesus did, we can fully REST in Him and His promises and KNOW that through Him we too can reflect God's glory and represent Him well to our family, friends and co-workers in our: attitudes, desires, thoughts and actions.

~ ~ ~

"Great and marvelous are Your deeds,
Lord God Almighty,
Just and true are Your ways,
King of the ages.
Who will not fear You, O Lord, and bring glory to Your name?
All nations will come and worship before You, for
Your righteous acts have been revealed."
Revelation 15:3-4

Fear or FAITH

As women we all struggle in one way or another with Fear. Fear can be categorized as either healthy or unhealthy. For instance, some healthy fears could be, fear of spiders and snakes, of which I had my first experience of killing one (only a baby) just last week. Actually it was the day after I shared this same message to a group of women at our Church. As I was talking with them, I told them how God had helped me overcome my intense fears of snakes. I STILL have a healthy fear of these slimy looking creatures, mind you. But I am not paralyzed by them like I was. Can you think of any other healthy fears? The MOST important healthy fear is the fear or reverence for God ~ a Holy fear ~ one of awe and intense respect.

What are some “unhealthy” fears we can experience? A few that come to mind are:

• Fear of a lack of control
• Fear of not having enough money
• Fear of what others think
• Fear of inadequacy
• Fear of failure

When you were a child was there a fear that “held” you in its grip? Has it carried over into your life as an adult?

How do we overcome those fears? First, if we have Jesus Christ living in our heart, then we have to be aware that,as Warren Wiersbe says, “Fear and faith can’t live in the same heart”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What???????????????????? Let me repeat, “Fear and faith can’t live in the same heart.” 1 John 4:18a says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” This is referring to God’s perfect love. His love indwells the hearts of all believers though the power of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22, the first fruit of the Spirit is love.

It’s true ~ we’re either trusting in the fullness of God’s love or we’re not. Fear is a lack of trust. Plain and simple. We want to trust, but fear cripples or paralyzes us and keeps us from trusting and that’s just what the enemy wants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As long as he can keep us wringing our hands, worried, anxious, scarred, and doubting, etc., he’s got us just where he wants us. Our fear(s) CAN and WILL be passed down to our children if we don’t do something about it. But what can we do?

In Psalm 56:3, it says, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Run to your Abba ~ your Daddy ~ tell Him how you feel and ask for His help. Remember, He longs to show you His compassion when you cry out to Him.

For years fear crippled me and held me in its grip. My Mom was very protective, actually overprotective. I know she meant well, and would have NEVER done anything to intentionally hurt me, but in her protectiveness ~ fear was instilled. I had VERY low self esteem ~ I felt totally inadequate in school, especially middle/high school. I was sooooooooooo afraid of saying the wrong thing in class ~ being made fun of ~ I felt stupid and that I couldn’t do anything right. I was scared of what others thought. This carried over into adulthood.

When I met my husband Ray, he was the one God used to help me see how much damage holding on to fear had and was doing to me. At that time, God began to show me areas of fear that I had allowed to stay and keep me in its grip. As I would give them to Him, He would set me free. He set me free from low self esteem and what others think by showing me who I am in Him. Even at 5’ 1”, I stand TALL in Christ. “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

Several years ago, fear, once again began to rear its ugly head. I knew God had taken the stronghold of fear away so I wasn’t sure if this was a test from the Lord or a temptation thrown at me by Satan to go back to my old ways. I “happened” to be reading Psalms 34. All of a sudden, verse 4 seemed to literally jump off the page at me. “I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” That little word all became quite BIG to me. When God says He will do something, take Him at His Word. All His words are true and He does not lie. So right then I thanked Him for taking away ALL my fears and knew I could fully trust Him regardless of how many times doubts come. I praise Him that victory is mine in Christ Jesus every day and in every situation. “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)

Recently, I saw a drama presented at our Church, entitled Cardboard Testimonies. As the song “Stronger”, by Reuben Morgan, was played in the background, someone would come on stage and hold up a piece of cardboard with what used to hold them in its grip; then they would flip the sign over and on the other side it revealed how God had COMPLETELY freed them. As I watched, I was reminded of how God had taken away the stronghold of fear in my life and how He has given me complete freedom in Him. “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release for the prisoners.” (Isaiah 61:1) I praise Him that I am no longer a prisoner bound by the stronghold of fear, because Jesus has set me free.

If you are struggling with fear in your own life, KNOW, my friend that God will take your struggle and free you from the stronghold of fear if you will give it to Him. Read the following verses that pertain to fear and ask Him to reveal any areas you need to give Him. Begin today to rest on the promises of His Word. “I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:32)

~ ~ ~

• Psalm 4:8
• Psalm 5:11-12
• Psalm 9:10
• Psalm 20:7-8
• Psalm 22:4-5
• Psalm 23:4
• Psalm 27:1-2, 7-11, 13 ~ remember it’s a process
• Psalm 31:1-4, 7, 19-24
• Psalm 34:4
• Psalm 119:165
• Proverbs 14:26
• Proverbs 16:20
• Proverbs 29:25
• Isaiah 41:10
• Jeremiah 17:7-8
• John 8:31-32
• 2 Timothy 1:7

Spring Cleaning your home ~ your heart

Every year about this time, most of us get the urge to do some Spring Cleaning. But I have to admit my desire, to clean right now, is very small. I need some motivation. So I have to ask myself, why do I need to do Spring cleaning in the first place? The answer is obvious, because my house is dirty. So I looked up the definition of clean – free from dirt or filth, unsoiled, unstained, complete, perfect, clean sweep, fresh start.

Now that I have a reason for cleaning my house, I need a plan of action. One of the simplest ideas I have ever heard for cleaning is to start at your front door. As you enter your house, start with the room to your left and work, room by room until you’ve accomplished each of your cleaning goals. The intensity of the cleaning is entirely up to you. Be careful to set realistic goals for yourself; then begin. You might want to ask your friends for some of their cleaning tips.

As I was thinking about cleaning my house, the Lord brought to mind, the question, when was the last time I did some spring cleaning of my heart? It’s always easier to look on the outside. Making sure we look presentable, with the current fashion, make-up, and hair style, which in itself is not a bad thing as long as it’s not our focus; but how often we miss looking at the inside. If you recall, that’s where the leaders in Jesus’ day got into trouble. They were so concerned about external issues that they missed what truly mattered. (Matthew 15:1-20) Have you?

We are reminded in Jeremiah 17:7-10, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.” And in Proverbs 4:23 it says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life,” or as another translation puts it, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.”

God has given us a heart to know Him; to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus. “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

As His children He wants us to develop a heart that knows Him. In Jeremiah 9:23-24 it says, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.’ ” Chuck Swindoll gives great insight about these verses, “I am more convinced than ever that life’s major pursuit is not in knowing self . . . but in knowing God. Today make it your aim. Consciously think, ‘Lord, use these few quiet moments to enhance my knowledge of You. Take first place in my heart. Reveal Yourself to me.” (Quote taken from, The Living Insights Study Bible)

Hebrews 4:12-13 says, “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to who we must give account.” Once again, I share the wisdom of Chuck Swindoll. “Alive. Active. Penetrating. Powerful. Unlike anything else ever written, Scripture touches hearts and changes lives. Today, as always, we need God’s touch. Painful and deep though it may be, His surgery inevitably benefits us. May His Spirit prepare our hearts for the probing ministry of this double-edged sword.” (quote taken from, The Living Insights Study Bible)

Just as you needed a plan for Spring cleaning your home, you need a plan for Spring cleaning your heart. You need to take an honest look at your heart. Take a good inventory. Ask God to reveal any issue in your heart that hinders your relationship with Him. Colossians 3:1-17 gives guidance for living a life that is free from hindrances.

If you’re not in the habit or have gotten out of the habit of spending time with God daily, begin now. Don’t neglect getting to know the One who made you and gave His life for you. Find a place in your house where it’s quiet. The bathroom with the fan on can be a great place. In warm weather I love to go outside on our deck. Be creative. Ask God to show you a place that you can meet with Him alone and free from distractions. If you’re new at this, or just need a “fresh start”, begin by reading a Psalm each day, preferably in the morning. Read it out loud. It will help you to be less distracted. As you read, ask the Lord to speak to your heart and He will. The amount of time you spend, is between you and the Lord.

“Those who know Your name will trust in You,

for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.” ‘

Psalm 9:10