This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16 (NASB)
The Lord gives us many choices, but He does not leave us to our own devices to decide which path to travel. He has given us the Holy Spirit as a Counselor and Guide. He has given us His Word, which shines a light unto our path. He has surrounded us with Godly counsel – those who have traveled a greater distance than we have and are available to share wisdom. The Lord goes before us and draws us to Himself.
When we stand at a crossroads, we do not stand alone. We have the freedom in Christ to ask where the good way is. Through Christ, we can approach the throne of grace and ask for the Lord’s discernment. He will answer and provide the counsel that we need. Heed it, and we will find rest for our souls.
The Lord’s way always bring peace, even when everything around us looks chaotic. When we seek His will at every turn, we can walk through a war zone feeling peaceful, content, and comforted by His love. Most certainly, we will not enjoy every experience that we face, but even when life is not pleasant, it can still be peaceful.
Application of Jeremiah 6:16 is for every aspect of our lives from daily task prioritization to deeper issues involving relationships and wounded hearts. When we lay everything at His feet – all of it – we can find rest for our souls! I don’t know about you, but I desire to live with a fully rested soul!
Stand – be still. Slow ourselves to the point of stopping so that we can sincerely seek and listen for His will.
Look – search out the way that the Lord has for us. Look for it with intention and purpose.
Ask – recognize that we do not hold all of the answers and seek counsel from the Holy Spirit, from God’s Word, and from Godly people in our lives.
Walk – Once we have received instruction, walk in it. Do as instructed; obey the Lord’s leading.
Find – as our journey continues, we can find His blessings that await us and enjoy the rest that He brings to our souls.
What crossroads do you face today? How will you proceed? In your own strength and wisdom or by His power and might?
Father, give me the strength this very day to humble myself and seek Your ways above my own. Allow me to find the rest that only You can bring to my soul.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Here's Hoping!!
Oh, girls! God has just laid an amazing opportunity at my feet!
I have been dreaming of and hoping to attend an incredible conference (She Speaks by Proverbs 31 Ministries) over the summer, but finally resolved – just this week – that this is not the year for me. Finances are simply too tight with Taylor’s graduation and college tuition right around the corner, the struggles that Chris has had, etc. I know that God will provide in HIS perfect time and I will wait on Him.
In my e-mail this morning, I found a blog post from Lysa TerKeurst about the She Speaks conference. I have to tell you that I almost didn’t open it, fearing it would deepen the disappointment of what I would be missing. Something made me click on the e-mail and guess what! There is a scholarship contest for the conference! Woo hoo and praise the Lord! Entry into the contest requires a blog post telling about the conference and reasons why I would like to win the scholarship. It’s due today! TODAY! Oh, my! (Lord, I do praise You that it wasn’t due yesterday!)
Many of you know that I feel a direct call from the Lord to write, teach and speak. Whom He calls, He equips and gives opportunity to use such equipping for His glory. The Lord has confirmed His call repeatedly through His Word, through the people in my life, and in the opportunities of His mighty hand. I have to share a brief story: John and Bobbe Fischle, both writers and both beautiful, loving people, attended our church for a time. The Lord pressed into me to share my calling with them. Bobbe asked to see my work, which I had never shared with anyone outside my home so my knees were knocking! She and John read it during their quiet time and encouraged me to continue writing and to pursue publication! After picking myself up off the floor, I became a real writer in my heart of hearts that day upon receiving their beautiful encouragement. It was a gift from the Lord Himself.
Last fall, our church Elders blessed me richly by sending me to the LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum. I pushed myself way, WAY out of my comfort zone and shared the Lord’s call on my life with Chris Adams the senior women’s ministry specialist in LifeWay's church resources division. I stood in line to see her, which was something like waiting for an autograph from Mickey Mouse at Disneyland. It was actually more fun to speak with Chris! She highly recommended the She Speaks conference. She Speaks Conference Information
This is the conference of conferences. Not only does it offer strong, practical training for speaking (from developing a message to keeping an audience engaged to increasing speaking engagements), but also encourages and equips writers to emphasize their unique writing voice and work toward being published. Appointments are available to pitch a book proposal to some of today’s top Christian publishers. The conference does more than offer tools, but also equips attendees to put those tools into motion, learn from others in the field and get to work for God’s kingdom! It sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Oh, how I would hate to miss it!
Here is the icing on the cake. I am still a newbie in my position as Director of Women’s Ministries for our church. The She Speaks conference also has a track just for Women’s Ministry leaders that helps them build a team and share a vision so that it becomes contagious. Such training would be invaluable for not only me, but also the women in our congregation and in our community.
I am already writing, speaking and teaching through doors and venues that the Lord continues to provide. I know that I can learn to be more effective for His glory and for the furtherance of His message. My desire is to give my Lord everything I have. This is why I have such a deep desire to attend the She Speaks conference.
Three tracks are available at the conference, and all three pertain to me. The more I learn, the more I believe that those Proverbs 31 gals created this conference just for me! Without the scholarship I cannot attend, so yes, indeed, I am praying to be one of two selected for this honor. It is in the Lord’s capable hands and I surrender all to Him, trusting in His sovereign plan.
Isaiah 45:3 “… In order that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.” (NASB)
Would you like to enter the contest too? Please click here: She Speaks Scholarship Contest Maybe we can go together!
I have been dreaming of and hoping to attend an incredible conference (She Speaks by Proverbs 31 Ministries) over the summer, but finally resolved – just this week – that this is not the year for me. Finances are simply too tight with Taylor’s graduation and college tuition right around the corner, the struggles that Chris has had, etc. I know that God will provide in HIS perfect time and I will wait on Him.
In my e-mail this morning, I found a blog post from Lysa TerKeurst about the She Speaks conference. I have to tell you that I almost didn’t open it, fearing it would deepen the disappointment of what I would be missing. Something made me click on the e-mail and guess what! There is a scholarship contest for the conference! Woo hoo and praise the Lord! Entry into the contest requires a blog post telling about the conference and reasons why I would like to win the scholarship. It’s due today! TODAY! Oh, my! (Lord, I do praise You that it wasn’t due yesterday!)
Many of you know that I feel a direct call from the Lord to write, teach and speak. Whom He calls, He equips and gives opportunity to use such equipping for His glory. The Lord has confirmed His call repeatedly through His Word, through the people in my life, and in the opportunities of His mighty hand. I have to share a brief story: John and Bobbe Fischle, both writers and both beautiful, loving people, attended our church for a time. The Lord pressed into me to share my calling with them. Bobbe asked to see my work, which I had never shared with anyone outside my home so my knees were knocking! She and John read it during their quiet time and encouraged me to continue writing and to pursue publication! After picking myself up off the floor, I became a real writer in my heart of hearts that day upon receiving their beautiful encouragement. It was a gift from the Lord Himself.
Last fall, our church Elders blessed me richly by sending me to the LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum. I pushed myself way, WAY out of my comfort zone and shared the Lord’s call on my life with Chris Adams the senior women’s ministry specialist in LifeWay's church resources division. I stood in line to see her, which was something like waiting for an autograph from Mickey Mouse at Disneyland. It was actually more fun to speak with Chris! She highly recommended the She Speaks conference. She Speaks Conference Information
This is the conference of conferences. Not only does it offer strong, practical training for speaking (from developing a message to keeping an audience engaged to increasing speaking engagements), but also encourages and equips writers to emphasize their unique writing voice and work toward being published. Appointments are available to pitch a book proposal to some of today’s top Christian publishers. The conference does more than offer tools, but also equips attendees to put those tools into motion, learn from others in the field and get to work for God’s kingdom! It sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Oh, how I would hate to miss it!
Here is the icing on the cake. I am still a newbie in my position as Director of Women’s Ministries for our church. The She Speaks conference also has a track just for Women’s Ministry leaders that helps them build a team and share a vision so that it becomes contagious. Such training would be invaluable for not only me, but also the women in our congregation and in our community.
I am already writing, speaking and teaching through doors and venues that the Lord continues to provide. I know that I can learn to be more effective for His glory and for the furtherance of His message. My desire is to give my Lord everything I have. This is why I have such a deep desire to attend the She Speaks conference.
Three tracks are available at the conference, and all three pertain to me. The more I learn, the more I believe that those Proverbs 31 gals created this conference just for me! Without the scholarship I cannot attend, so yes, indeed, I am praying to be one of two selected for this honor. It is in the Lord’s capable hands and I surrender all to Him, trusting in His sovereign plan.
Isaiah 45:3 “… In order that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.” (NASB)
Would you like to enter the contest too? Please click here: She Speaks Scholarship Contest Maybe we can go together!
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Simple Things
On Thursday, Taylor and I drove 4 hours to Colby, Kansas to see Christopher. I was feeling more than a bit foolish for planning such a trip – 8 hours of driving just to have dinner with someone seems excessive. But we are talking about my son here, so I decided that even if it were foolish, I was doing it! When she heard of my plans, my dear friend, Doreen said, “That’s a God thing!” That was just the encouragement I needed to shift my focus and see it as a gift from the Lord rather than an excessive outing. I’d love to share with you how the Lord blessed the trip (thanks for indulging me)!
The first blessing came when I told Chris I was daydreaming about coming to see him. His baseball schedule is a bit restrictive to say the least (it’s eat, sleep and breathe baseball around there), and at first it seemed like a visit wouldn’t work out. Then Chris said, “If you can just come a couple of hours later, Mom, I can spend some time with you.” It was music to a Momma’s ears! He looked forward to a visit too!
Several weeks ago, I was in a car accident where the vehicle next to me lost control and collided with the side of my car. Praise the Lord no one was injured! Last week, we finally got my car in for repairs and the insurance company provided a rental car. I received permission to drive it out of state and kept the wear and tear off my own tires and engine. Not only that, the little Ford Focus got nearly double the gas mileage of my SUV!
Taylor was originally scheduled to work on Thursday so I’d planned to make the trip alone. On Wednesday, a school project was delayed so she rearranged her work schedule and was free to ride as my co-pilot. Many of you have never met Taylor, but any time spent with her is just like a party! She’s fun and playful and, truly, there is never a dull moment when she’s around. We laughed, giggled, sang songs at the top of our lungs, and ate the required quantity of junk food for a road trip. At one point, when she didn’t know the words to a reallllllyyyyy old song, she sighed and said, “I’ll do the dancing,” and she bee-bopped down the Interstate. Just me and my girl, making a beautiful memory!
When we arrived and I saw Chris, he was smiling!! I’m crying as I write this because it had been months, literally months, since I saw a smile cross that child’s face. He has been in such turmoil since his world fell apart in October and all through Christmas break, I wondered if depression were setting in. I never imagined the hope that a simple smile could bring on an ordinary March afternoon. He was relaxed, and playful, and genuinely happy to see us. I thought my heart would burst, I really did!
Now what does a Mom do when she visits a child in college? First things first, she takes him out to eat and then to the grocery store. Right in the middle of the produce section, I received an enormous, unsolicited, 2-armed hug from my very tall son. He pretty much swallowed me up with his arms and I just let it soak in. God is SO good!
All in all, it was just an amazing visit. But wait, there’s more! The last thing a Mom does when she visits a child in college is fill his gas tank. We pulled into the grocery story gas station side-by-side to get fuel… and received a $.90 per gallon, loyalty-card discount on both tanks. That’s not a typo – we got nearly a dollar off the price per gallon of our gas. We don’t get deals like that in Colorado so I was shocked! I told Chris we needed to “get the ham sandwich outta there” before someone realized who we were and sent us a bill!
We made it home to our beds before midnight then it was back to work on Friday with a huge smile in my heart.
Thank you, Lord!
The first blessing came when I told Chris I was daydreaming about coming to see him. His baseball schedule is a bit restrictive to say the least (it’s eat, sleep and breathe baseball around there), and at first it seemed like a visit wouldn’t work out. Then Chris said, “If you can just come a couple of hours later, Mom, I can spend some time with you.” It was music to a Momma’s ears! He looked forward to a visit too!
Several weeks ago, I was in a car accident where the vehicle next to me lost control and collided with the side of my car. Praise the Lord no one was injured! Last week, we finally got my car in for repairs and the insurance company provided a rental car. I received permission to drive it out of state and kept the wear and tear off my own tires and engine. Not only that, the little Ford Focus got nearly double the gas mileage of my SUV!
Taylor was originally scheduled to work on Thursday so I’d planned to make the trip alone. On Wednesday, a school project was delayed so she rearranged her work schedule and was free to ride as my co-pilot. Many of you have never met Taylor, but any time spent with her is just like a party! She’s fun and playful and, truly, there is never a dull moment when she’s around. We laughed, giggled, sang songs at the top of our lungs, and ate the required quantity of junk food for a road trip. At one point, when she didn’t know the words to a reallllllyyyyy old song, she sighed and said, “I’ll do the dancing,” and she bee-bopped down the Interstate. Just me and my girl, making a beautiful memory!
When we arrived and I saw Chris, he was smiling!! I’m crying as I write this because it had been months, literally months, since I saw a smile cross that child’s face. He has been in such turmoil since his world fell apart in October and all through Christmas break, I wondered if depression were setting in. I never imagined the hope that a simple smile could bring on an ordinary March afternoon. He was relaxed, and playful, and genuinely happy to see us. I thought my heart would burst, I really did!
Now what does a Mom do when she visits a child in college? First things first, she takes him out to eat and then to the grocery store. Right in the middle of the produce section, I received an enormous, unsolicited, 2-armed hug from my very tall son. He pretty much swallowed me up with his arms and I just let it soak in. God is SO good!
All in all, it was just an amazing visit. But wait, there’s more! The last thing a Mom does when she visits a child in college is fill his gas tank. We pulled into the grocery story gas station side-by-side to get fuel… and received a $.90 per gallon, loyalty-card discount on both tanks. That’s not a typo – we got nearly a dollar off the price per gallon of our gas. We don’t get deals like that in Colorado so I was shocked! I told Chris we needed to “get the ham sandwich outta there” before someone realized who we were and sent us a bill!
We made it home to our beds before midnight then it was back to work on Friday with a huge smile in my heart.
James 1:17
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (NASB)
Thank you, Lord!
Monday, February 28, 2011
One May Be Overpowered
I feel very thankful today for a group of women who surround me with prayer when I’m falling apart. God revealed some hard truths to me last week. While He works to bring the good out of what He’s revealed, I am working to be obedient to Him and to choose faith and joy over fear. This must be a deliberate choice for me because in my flesh, I would default to fear and giving up every single time. It is only through the strength of Christ that I continue to stand! The prayers of my sisters spur me on.
Last week when my emotions nearly overtook me, I sent an SOS message and the response brought incredible peace in the midst of my storm. We have to walk in truth, not as our emotions dictate, and I was not doing well on my own! My sisters in faith helped me to know… and see with my eyes… that I was covered in prayer. As the day progressed, I began to feel it, and become sure of what I could not see.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three stands is not quickly broken." I was in danger of being overpowered and I am oh, so thankful that I did walk through my struggle alone!
I have prayed for each of you this morning, asking the Lord to provide a prayer support system. I pray that you have someone in your life that you can call, e-mail, or Facebook message with an “SOS” and that you will have full assurance those friends will be on their knees for you! It is one of the greatest blessings of all.
I’m just going to put this out there: If you need prayer support, I will pray for you. Please keep in mind that this blog is on the Internet so please use discretion if you comment with a prayer request. Only provide information that you are willing for the whole world to see (that’s how I try to use wisdom in my Facebook posts).
I know some of your names, but this blog is beginning to reach many readers who I do not know. It has now spread to 10 countries and if that’s not the hand of God, I don’t know what is! I would LOVE to get to know you – will you please sign up to be a follower? See my November 18, 2010 post to learn how. I look forward to praying for you by name!
Last week when my emotions nearly overtook me, I sent an SOS message and the response brought incredible peace in the midst of my storm. We have to walk in truth, not as our emotions dictate, and I was not doing well on my own! My sisters in faith helped me to know… and see with my eyes… that I was covered in prayer. As the day progressed, I began to feel it, and become sure of what I could not see.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three stands is not quickly broken." I was in danger of being overpowered and I am oh, so thankful that I did walk through my struggle alone!
I have prayed for each of you this morning, asking the Lord to provide a prayer support system. I pray that you have someone in your life that you can call, e-mail, or Facebook message with an “SOS” and that you will have full assurance those friends will be on their knees for you! It is one of the greatest blessings of all.
I’m just going to put this out there: If you need prayer support, I will pray for you. Please keep in mind that this blog is on the Internet so please use discretion if you comment with a prayer request. Only provide information that you are willing for the whole world to see (that’s how I try to use wisdom in my Facebook posts).
I know some of your names, but this blog is beginning to reach many readers who I do not know. It has now spread to 10 countries and if that’s not the hand of God, I don’t know what is! I would LOVE to get to know you – will you please sign up to be a follower? See my November 18, 2010 post to learn how. I look forward to praying for you by name!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Voice of Truth
Mike and I attended ministry training on Sunday. The beginning activity involved blindfolding one of our classmates and asking him to follow directions as the rest of us spoke a variety of commands to him. He had to choose one voice to follow and try to tune the rest of us out as we rambled on with instructions.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself blindfolded with a room full of people shouting commands to you. One is telling the truth; the others are trying to distract you and lead you in the wrong direction.
It sounds a lot like life, doesn’t it? We have many choices and hear many tempting voices throughout the day. Go here! Buy this! This won’t hurt you, try it! Just once won’t do anything! You could get rich if you ___! That attention feels nice! He’d surely notice you more if you ___!
The voices can be confusing, overwhelming and be so very tempting at times. Our tempter, the author of lies, will do all he can to deceive us and trick us into moving his direction. He wants to pull us away from our Savior, even if it is just ½ step at a time. He feels victorious when he can turn our heads in his direction. His voice then becomes even louder and more persistent.
As we walked through the exercise, I imagined myself many years ago at a troubled point in my life. Watching our classmate receive the bombardment of commands helped me to imagine the activity in heavenly places as I fell into a particular sin. The Holy Spirit was one of the voices, but I couldn’t hear Him clearly. The lies were too loud and the temptation too great. Suddenly, last Sunday night, I could see myself nearly 20 years ago as a deceived captive, overcome by emotion-feeding lies of the enemy.
I can tell you that I do not ever want to find myself in that position again. Had I been the blindfolded volunteer that night, I likely would have broken down into a heap of tears with the imagery confronting me. The moment was powerful.
I want to know my Savior, really, truly know Him so that I can recognize His voice, and obey His commands. John 10:27 says "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (NASB). This fuels my time in the Word. It spurs me on when it’s hard to find quiet time in my day. It drives me to ask daily to be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9). Will I be deceived again? It is likely that I will, but I pray to become so familiar His ways that I quickly recognize when I’m pulled aside and rely on His strength to right my path.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself blindfolded with a room full of people shouting commands to you. One is telling the truth; the others are trying to distract you and lead you in the wrong direction.
It sounds a lot like life, doesn’t it? We have many choices and hear many tempting voices throughout the day. Go here! Buy this! This won’t hurt you, try it! Just once won’t do anything! You could get rich if you ___! That attention feels nice! He’d surely notice you more if you ___!
The voices can be confusing, overwhelming and be so very tempting at times. Our tempter, the author of lies, will do all he can to deceive us and trick us into moving his direction. He wants to pull us away from our Savior, even if it is just ½ step at a time. He feels victorious when he can turn our heads in his direction. His voice then becomes even louder and more persistent.
As we walked through the exercise, I imagined myself many years ago at a troubled point in my life. Watching our classmate receive the bombardment of commands helped me to imagine the activity in heavenly places as I fell into a particular sin. The Holy Spirit was one of the voices, but I couldn’t hear Him clearly. The lies were too loud and the temptation too great. Suddenly, last Sunday night, I could see myself nearly 20 years ago as a deceived captive, overcome by emotion-feeding lies of the enemy.
I can tell you that I do not ever want to find myself in that position again. Had I been the blindfolded volunteer that night, I likely would have broken down into a heap of tears with the imagery confronting me. The moment was powerful.
I want to know my Savior, really, truly know Him so that I can recognize His voice, and obey His commands. John 10:27 says "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (NASB). This fuels my time in the Word. It spurs me on when it’s hard to find quiet time in my day. It drives me to ask daily to be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9). Will I be deceived again? It is likely that I will, but I pray to become so familiar His ways that I quickly recognize when I’m pulled aside and rely on His strength to right my path.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Discovering God in the Everyday
As I said in my prior post, I love to be near the sea. I wish I could describe the peace that it brings to my spirit! I’m home in Colorado now, missing the ocean breeze but happy that our local weather is warm this Valentine’s Day.
Sitting on the beach last week, I asked the Lord to show me how I could better know Him through His creation and through my daily experiences. I am completely awestruck at the presence and availability of God in our lives. He is everywhere, and when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him!
God answered my simple prayer in mighty ways. I saw Him in the sunlight and the way it reflects on the water, in the birds of the air, in the starfish and even in kayaking! For instance, as I sat in the front of a 2-man kayak, I learned that the rear person really has all of the control. I may think that I am steering the vessel from the front seat, but when Mike (my kayak partner and love of my life) put his oar in the water, I could feel the power and the control that he had from the rear. My job was to help paddle and keep us moving forward but Mike was in command. The Lord whispered to my spirit, “Cathy, I want you to keep paddling and keep your ministry moving forward, but I will steer you and take you where I want you to go.”
When the sea became choppy, Mike instructed me to pull my oar from the water. The current pulled us to the left and as I alternated rowing from the left and right sides, I was in his way of keeping us on course. Again, the Lord revealed Himself. Sometimes He wants our hands off our situation so that He can have full control. When I surrendered my effort and allowed power that was stronger and better positioned than my own to direct our course, we began to head right to our destination. Little by little, Mike and I found a working rhythm and before I knew it, we were working together again seamlessly.
We kayaked to an island where we could explore small caves and find beach treasures, but the treasure I found was far greater than anything I expected. I drew closer to the Lord that day and found joy in the discovery!
Sitting on the beach last week, I asked the Lord to show me how I could better know Him through His creation and through my daily experiences. I am completely awestruck at the presence and availability of God in our lives. He is everywhere, and when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him!
God answered my simple prayer in mighty ways. I saw Him in the sunlight and the way it reflects on the water, in the birds of the air, in the starfish and even in kayaking! For instance, as I sat in the front of a 2-man kayak, I learned that the rear person really has all of the control. I may think that I am steering the vessel from the front seat, but when Mike (my kayak partner and love of my life) put his oar in the water, I could feel the power and the control that he had from the rear. My job was to help paddle and keep us moving forward but Mike was in command. The Lord whispered to my spirit, “Cathy, I want you to keep paddling and keep your ministry moving forward, but I will steer you and take you where I want you to go.”
When the sea became choppy, Mike instructed me to pull my oar from the water. The current pulled us to the left and as I alternated rowing from the left and right sides, I was in his way of keeping us on course. Again, the Lord revealed Himself. Sometimes He wants our hands off our situation so that He can have full control. When I surrendered my effort and allowed power that was stronger and better positioned than my own to direct our course, we began to head right to our destination. Little by little, Mike and I found a working rhythm and before I knew it, we were working together again seamlessly.
We kayaked to an island where we could explore small caves and find beach treasures, but the treasure I found was far greater than anything I expected. I drew closer to the Lord that day and found joy in the discovery!
“Speak, for Your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Finding Beauty
I’m in beautiful San Carlos, Mexico. It is cold here too, but cold is a relative term. The night before we left, the temp at home in Colorado plunged to an overnight low of 35 degrees below zero (with wind chill). That makes it hard to say it’s cold here when it reached 56 degrees yesterday, but locals are dressing in layers and long underwear. “Muy Frio!”
I love to be near the sea, calmed by its majesty and soothed by the beauty of His creation. Cold or not, we walked along the beach this morning dressed in hoodies and jackets. I wore both. Mike convinced me to shed my shoes and socks and walk barefoot on the sun-warmed sand. I was delighted by the foot massage.
John and Marjorie (my in-laws) met us on the beach. We are staying in their condo and they have been coming to San Carlos for nearly 20 years. Marjorie collects sea shells and her greatest treasure is a tiny shell with a slight pink tint. Some days she doesn’t find any, but this morning she found 13 as we walked along the water. The weather seems to have stirred things up a bit on the shore.
Marjorie told me this morning, “I’ve learned a lesson here.” She then explained, “When I search just for this one type of shell, I miss a lot of beauty.” Her message spoke clearly to my heart.
How many times have I missed something beautiful from the Lord because my focus is so firmly fixed on exactly what I want? How many blessings have I refused because they didn’t appear the way I thought they should? When we make our own plans and cement them in our hearts, we risk turning away what the Lord has for us. It begins to feel like an unwelcomed path – one we should not take because that is not where we planned to go – when, in fact, it is the most beautiful path of all.
I pray that I will be open to the Lord’s leading and not limit His work in my live to what I expect from Him. Lord, please help me to accept the plans you have for me and to find the beauty in each of them. Help me to put my trust in You alone, and help me want to turn when you ask me to turn. Fix my gaze upon You, my Lord, and not what I want from you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
I love to be near the sea, calmed by its majesty and soothed by the beauty of His creation. Cold or not, we walked along the beach this morning dressed in hoodies and jackets. I wore both. Mike convinced me to shed my shoes and socks and walk barefoot on the sun-warmed sand. I was delighted by the foot massage.
John and Marjorie (my in-laws) met us on the beach. We are staying in their condo and they have been coming to San Carlos for nearly 20 years. Marjorie collects sea shells and her greatest treasure is a tiny shell with a slight pink tint. Some days she doesn’t find any, but this morning she found 13 as we walked along the water. The weather seems to have stirred things up a bit on the shore.
Marjorie told me this morning, “I’ve learned a lesson here.” She then explained, “When I search just for this one type of shell, I miss a lot of beauty.” Her message spoke clearly to my heart.
How many times have I missed something beautiful from the Lord because my focus is so firmly fixed on exactly what I want? How many blessings have I refused because they didn’t appear the way I thought they should? When we make our own plans and cement them in our hearts, we risk turning away what the Lord has for us. It begins to feel like an unwelcomed path – one we should not take because that is not where we planned to go – when, in fact, it is the most beautiful path of all.
I pray that I will be open to the Lord’s leading and not limit His work in my live to what I expect from Him. Lord, please help me to accept the plans you have for me and to find the beauty in each of them. Help me to put my trust in You alone, and help me want to turn when you ask me to turn. Fix my gaze upon You, my Lord, and not what I want from you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Following Him
Our home group had a great discussion last night. What struck me was the thought provoking question, “how do you feel when others take up your cause?”
In our Lord’s perfect timing, He gave two specific examples earlier in my day so that I could immediately use what He wanted me to learn. Each of my kids was offended in some way yesterday, although they did not seem to feel offended. To rephrase this, I consider what they experienced to be offensive. My immediate reaction was to “take up their cause.”
Keep in mind that my kids are 17 and 21 and are not at the age where they want or need their mamma jumping into their situations. I’m happy to say I did not jump in, but I certainly vented and had animated conversations with them. Unfortunately, my level of frustration did not bring a solution for either of them. (I would sure love to know at what point a Mom loses her control and influence!)
As I continue to ponder this morning, I land in John 21. Jesus appeared to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias and pulled Peter aside for an intimate conversation of restoration. Seeing John following them, Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, what about Him.” The reply of our Savior: “…What is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:22 NIV)
I know, I know. This is an unusual jump through Scripture. But while I am tempted to react, wondering how everyone else was feeling, planning how I could improve each situation, and questioning why their friends acted in such ways, Jesus reminds me through His Word: “What difference does it make? You follow me.”
Paul’s wise words to the Philippians bring further light: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14 NIV)
Yes, I see, Lord. I am to keep my eyes firmly fixed on you and encourage my kids to do the same. What surrounds us is a mere distraction and our ultimate goal is to follow where You lead. The battle is yours and the victory is won.
Oftentimes the act of letting go and fully surrendering our lives to Him brings peace. Praise His holy name!
In our Lord’s perfect timing, He gave two specific examples earlier in my day so that I could immediately use what He wanted me to learn. Each of my kids was offended in some way yesterday, although they did not seem to feel offended. To rephrase this, I consider what they experienced to be offensive. My immediate reaction was to “take up their cause.”
Keep in mind that my kids are 17 and 21 and are not at the age where they want or need their mamma jumping into their situations. I’m happy to say I did not jump in, but I certainly vented and had animated conversations with them. Unfortunately, my level of frustration did not bring a solution for either of them. (I would sure love to know at what point a Mom loses her control and influence!)
As I continue to ponder this morning, I land in John 21. Jesus appeared to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias and pulled Peter aside for an intimate conversation of restoration. Seeing John following them, Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, what about Him.” The reply of our Savior: “…What is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:22 NIV)
I know, I know. This is an unusual jump through Scripture. But while I am tempted to react, wondering how everyone else was feeling, planning how I could improve each situation, and questioning why their friends acted in such ways, Jesus reminds me through His Word: “What difference does it make? You follow me.”
Paul’s wise words to the Philippians bring further light: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14 NIV)
Yes, I see, Lord. I am to keep my eyes firmly fixed on you and encourage my kids to do the same. What surrounds us is a mere distraction and our ultimate goal is to follow where You lead. The battle is yours and the victory is won.
Oftentimes the act of letting go and fully surrendering our lives to Him brings peace. Praise His holy name!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Joy in His Presence
When we seek Him with all of our hearts, we will find Him. God’s word makes this promise in Proverbs 8:17 and Jeremiah 29:13. Revelation 3:20 tells us that Jesus stands at the door and knocks, and that He will come in and dine with whoever opens the door to Him. Isaiah 7:1 4 and Matthew 1:23 portray Jesus as Immanuel – God with Us. 2 Timothy 1:14 teaches that the Holy Spirit dwells in us.
What does this mean? Jesus Christ desires a relationship with us. He delights to have us in His presence and promises repeatedly in scripture that there, in His presence, is where we find joy.
So what does it take to tap into this source of joy? What must we do to enter the presence of the Holy One? In simple terms, we must seek Him. Practically speaking, we seek Him in His Word, in prayer, and in worship. As with any relationship, the key is spending time together and Jesus meets us, anywhere we are, when we simply turn our eyes toward Him. He has made Himself fully available to us and stands ready and waiting to draw us closer to Himself.
I challenge you this week to purposefully reach out to Him. Seek Him in some respect starting today and continuing for 7 consecutive days. Spend time with Him in prayer, in worship, and in His Word and give Him your full attention as you do so. It doesn’t take hours; in fact, even a few minutes can make a big difference.
This challenge is not meant to be a magical formula to get “in touch” with God. These practices are intended to help you build a habit of spending quiet, devotional time with the Lord and to take the first step toward a life-long habit of knowing and loving Him. Once you have finished this 7 day assignment, examine yourself to identify how your life has been different since you began.
Here are my suggestions for the week:
Day 1: Read Psalm 63 aloud, slowly and with affection as if you are reading it to the Lord. Praise Him in a heartfelt manner using the words of the Psalmist.
Day 2: Read Colossians 1:9-14 and pray this prayer for yourself, substituting the word “I” (or appropriate pronoun) anytime Paul uses the word “you,” referring to the Colossians. For example: “Lord, I ask that you fill me with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…”
Day 3: Read John 14:15-26 and complete the following exercise:
Day 5: Spend devoted time in prayer today focusing on:
a) praising Him for Who He is
b) thanking Him for what He has done or is doing in your life
c) asking specific forgiveness for ways that you have fallen short of pleasing Him
d) interceding (presenting your “wish list” for others and for yourself)
Day 6: Read Ephesians 1:3-14 with the sole intention of knowing God more. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you and make a list of His characteristics as found in this text.
Day 7: Read Psalm 34 and complete the same exercise as Days 3 and 4. Next, Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you and make a list of His characteristics as found in this text.
Experts say it takes 21 days to create a habit. If this exercise has blessed you and if you are beginning to find joy in God’s presence, consider continuing for two more weeks! Ask the Lord to show you which passages of His Word to use.
What does this mean? Jesus Christ desires a relationship with us. He delights to have us in His presence and promises repeatedly in scripture that there, in His presence, is where we find joy.
So what does it take to tap into this source of joy? What must we do to enter the presence of the Holy One? In simple terms, we must seek Him. Practically speaking, we seek Him in His Word, in prayer, and in worship. As with any relationship, the key is spending time together and Jesus meets us, anywhere we are, when we simply turn our eyes toward Him. He has made Himself fully available to us and stands ready and waiting to draw us closer to Himself.
I challenge you this week to purposefully reach out to Him. Seek Him in some respect starting today and continuing for 7 consecutive days. Spend time with Him in prayer, in worship, and in His Word and give Him your full attention as you do so. It doesn’t take hours; in fact, even a few minutes can make a big difference.
This challenge is not meant to be a magical formula to get “in touch” with God. These practices are intended to help you build a habit of spending quiet, devotional time with the Lord and to take the first step toward a life-long habit of knowing and loving Him. Once you have finished this 7 day assignment, examine yourself to identify how your life has been different since you began.
Here are my suggestions for the week:
Day 1: Read Psalm 63 aloud, slowly and with affection as if you are reading it to the Lord. Praise Him in a heartfelt manner using the words of the Psalmist.
Day 2: Read Colossians 1:9-14 and pray this prayer for yourself, substituting the word “I” (or appropriate pronoun) anytime Paul uses the word “you,” referring to the Colossians. For example: “Lord, I ask that you fill me with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…”
Day 3: Read John 14:15-26 and complete the following exercise:
- List the facts of this passage
- What do these facts mean to you personally?
- How can you walk out what you have learned through the passage? (ask yourself how effectively and consistently you are doing the will of the Father as revealed in this passage).
Day 5: Spend devoted time in prayer today focusing on:
a) praising Him for Who He is
b) thanking Him for what He has done or is doing in your life
c) asking specific forgiveness for ways that you have fallen short of pleasing Him
d) interceding (presenting your “wish list” for others and for yourself)
Day 6: Read Ephesians 1:3-14 with the sole intention of knowing God more. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you and make a list of His characteristics as found in this text.
Day 7: Read Psalm 34 and complete the same exercise as Days 3 and 4. Next, Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you and make a list of His characteristics as found in this text.
Experts say it takes 21 days to create a habit. If this exercise has blessed you and if you are beginning to find joy in God’s presence, consider continuing for two more weeks! Ask the Lord to show you which passages of His Word to use.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Joy of My Salvation
Our church just started new Sunday school curriculum and our women’s group is using God’s Word to help us find joy in the journey of life. Yesterday’s focus was on the joy of our salvation.
As I prepared to lead the class, I wondered if I was alone in sometimes taking my salvation for granted. It is hard to even type those words, but if I am honest with myself, it is something that I do. I know that my salvation is secure, and that the Holy Spirit sealed me for the day of redemption. Nevertheless, the blessings of my salvation sometimes seem to be far off… for my distant future… and will not begin until I make it to heaven.
During my time in the Word last week, however, the blessings of salvation that I can experience right now came to the forefront of my mind. Today I enjoy fellowship with my Savior and know that He is constantly present, always by my side, and will never leave me nor forsake me! Today I can find joy in knowing that I am a child of God and that He pursues a deeper relationship with me! I am learning to rely on the fact that when I have nothing to offer, He will work through me with great power for His glory. When I am weak, it is then that I am strong through Christ. Moment by moment, I can tap into a source of great joy when I simply remember and reflect on what He gives me now, as well as what He promises for my eternity.
I pray today that you may find joy in your salvation and remember the security that you have in Christ.
Luke 10:19-20 (NASB): “Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
As I prepared to lead the class, I wondered if I was alone in sometimes taking my salvation for granted. It is hard to even type those words, but if I am honest with myself, it is something that I do. I know that my salvation is secure, and that the Holy Spirit sealed me for the day of redemption. Nevertheless, the blessings of my salvation sometimes seem to be far off… for my distant future… and will not begin until I make it to heaven.
During my time in the Word last week, however, the blessings of salvation that I can experience right now came to the forefront of my mind. Today I enjoy fellowship with my Savior and know that He is constantly present, always by my side, and will never leave me nor forsake me! Today I can find joy in knowing that I am a child of God and that He pursues a deeper relationship with me! I am learning to rely on the fact that when I have nothing to offer, He will work through me with great power for His glory. When I am weak, it is then that I am strong through Christ. Moment by moment, I can tap into a source of great joy when I simply remember and reflect on what He gives me now, as well as what He promises for my eternity.
I pray today that you may find joy in your salvation and remember the security that you have in Christ.
Luke 10:19-20 (NASB): “Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
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