Guiding your child's choices of direction.

The rod and reproof give wisdom:

but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth:

but the righteous shall see their fall.

Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest;

yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

Proverbs 29 :15-17

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If a child is "left to himself," where is his training coming from? Obviously, in this case, mom and dad are not having a great impact on their child. The training must then be coming from society, most likely from the child's peers. Because "foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child" (Proverbs 22:15), a child left to himself brings shame—he is bound to get into trouble if his training is haphazard or undirected, or if he is not drilled or disciplined. The flip side of this verse says, "But the rod of correction will drive it far from him." The rod symbolizes that someone has taken an interest in the outcome of this child's life. He is giving direction, correction, instruction, to steer this child where he is to go. The training, the teaching, makes all the difference in the world.



Written by Annie A.

The Importance of Not Murmuring

The Holy Spirit has been speaking to me this week about the importance of not murmuring or complaining. Ouch! I think that as women we are particularly vulnerable. First of all, we love to talk! Some claim that women use up to 20.000 words per day. Proverbs warns us, however, that "When words are many sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)

It is also easy for us gals to find a listening ear. As women we are nurturers and want to comfort one another. We all need to vent to a certain extent. It takes self control, however, to know when to stop and take the positive path. The Lord "doesn't cotton to" murmuring. Just read the book of Numbers in the Old Testament and observe the plight of the grumbling Israelites! Our Creator is a "can do" God and wants us to be His "can do" people.

So, is our glass half empty or is it really half full? All it takes is a gentle reminder and a little self discipline. Let’s adjust our perspective, chase away those giants, and head for our promised land!

Written by CF

PRAYING AND SINGING

What comes to mind when you hear those words, “praying and singing”? I often think first of our prayers rising to God with our adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and petitions and our singing as we praise God and worship him. These are things we are told we should do:

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. James 5:13 NIV

I also think of when Paul and Silas were in prison, and how their praying and singing became a witness to others:

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25 NIV

But I also delight in knowing that our God prays for us:

[Jesus said] "My prayer is not for [my disciples] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21 NIV

And, He even sings over us!:

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

So, when you pray and sing to God, remember that He also prays and sings for you!
 
Written by Jan

God'sComfort

Saturday, August 28 2010

So clear to me, at times, is the love of God, so evident, real and genuine; it truly is difficult to find words to describe. It’s not that I don’t feel loved by Him all the time, but sometimes I’m in a greater need of assurance because of the difficulties that life throws at me.


There have been times when He’s grabbed hold of my attention just to assure me of His powerful, unconditional love and how He’ll be with me no matter what it is I’m going through or about to go through. In fact, often I’ve found that He’ll do this just prior to some steep challenge in my life, or some explosion of drama in my family, or even a huge let down in life. As I travel down those difficult roads, I’ll find my mind reaching back and embracing that assurance that He’ll see me through to the other side, and when all is said and done, I’ll find myself in a better place. Looking back, it’s not only myself I find in a better place, but others around me as well.


Sometimes the challenges have been so great that afterward I’ve looked back, and though I’m amazed at how He’s prepared me, I’ve wondered if the next time He grabs my attention like that, am I going to be fearful of what’s to follow? Of course the answer has to be no, because perfect loves casts out all fear. But then I wonder “How can I not be nervous when I’ve seen this pattern before?” Well, I don’t know how, but I believe it, because fear is the last thing that will well up in me while I’m enveloped in his love.


I know that I have challenges ahead, and I know my Father will continue to prepare me and assure me. As a parent, I want to give that assurance to my children, but I can’t foresee all their challenges like God can. So every day, I’ll make sure that they know that no matter what happens, I love them and I’ll help them get through whatever they need to get through. And as they get older, I trust they’ll recognize the assurance from God…the assurance of His perfect, unconditional love…the love that we’re never separated from, that casts out all fear, and will get us through anything in life.


Amie Spruiell 8/27/10

“No Longer A Slave”

August 27, 2010

“Therefore, you are no longer a slave (bond servant) but a son; and if a son,
then (it follows that you are) an heir by the aid of God, through Christ.

Galatians 4:7 (Amplified Bible)

This verse speaks to me about the ways that I continue to behave as a slave in some areas of my life. Instead of seeking after my dreams, I, at times have chosen to stay a slave to my fears. The fear of failure, the fear of exposing my heart, the fear of what “others” might think of me, the fear of stepping into an unknown place, and I could go on and on and on.

The truth spoken so clearly in this verse helps me to realize that I am an heir. I am recognized as a child of the King. I have been given an inheritance that I could never have attained on my own worth or value. However, I believe that since I have been made to share in this inheritance (of freedom), I should begin to behave accordingly.


I realize now that it is God Who has placed His dream for my life inside of me. I know that in my heart, that there is a dream that continues to beat loud and strong, and most recently, I know that I have felt it as it has become restless.
Could this possibly mean that there is a chance that this dream of mine is calling out for a place to grow, that it is actually beckoning me to dare to dream it, and to dare to live it? An interesting thought, isn’t it, especially in the midst of all of those fears of mine that I have listed above.


For so long now, I have dared to believe in the dreams of others. I have made it a point to challenge them and encourage them. I have continually reminded them of my faith and belief in them and in the abilities that God has given them, and entrusted unto them. Perhaps, it is time to embrace the freedom of believing in myself, in the same way that my precious Father and Friend from above does.


Written by Beverley A Napier

Your priorities, God!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Summer has so many pleasant connotations. A day at the beach, camping, amusement parks and barbeques are fun activities that distinguish this season from all the others. What these enjoyable activities have in common is connecting with other people, even if the other people are my own family members!



The tentative smile of a new acquaintance and the beaming delight in the face of an old friend are agreeable to me. I think one explanation for this is that I am completely present. When I am connecting with others I am not reviewing my mental to do list, nor wondering if I’ll be able to squeeze in one more chore when this is over. Instead, I am enjoying the day.


School has started and the routines of the calendar are before me. These patterns of living are essential to getting things done; so many more details would get missed without the attempt to not drop the ball. But I see another, not so healthy pattern, in the mix. As I get into the flow of taking care of business, I don’t want to stop in case I throw the whole schedule off track. In my busyness I might reach out with a phone call or email but God’s Word offers some clarity:

Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing other’s joy]

and weep with those who weep [sharing other’s grief].

Romans 12:15 (AMP):

Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults,

 and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah)

and compete what is lacking (in your obedience to it)

.Galatians 6:2 (AMP):

I might be able to rejoice or weep in a ten minute phone call. But I cannot help to bear a burden without taking time to truly connect. If I am going to make the effort to interact with others during every season then I need to make some changes to my program.



Dear Lord, please help me to put Your priorities in the day to day routine of my life. Please give me Your wisdom and understanding so that I may be a trustworthy and faithful friend.


Written by Mary M. Wilkins

All Things Are Possible In Him

God takes hopeless situations and turns them into a place of hope. I am convinced that in whatever difficult situation we may face in life, God is ready to turn each and every one of them around for good. God is ever ready to act on our behalf to bring us closer to Him that we may know Him and love Him more each day.

There is nothing too hard for Him. Those are comforting words to my heart. My God is huge and loves to help His sons and daughters as we trust in Him and call out His name.

Whatever you may be facing today, remember that His word says in Matthew 19:26 "With men this is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible." And His words are always Yes and Amen!

Blessings!
Written by Sandy

The Unity of the Spirit

“Therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all”

Ephesians 4 1-6

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Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, understand humility, which is opposed to pride. By meekness, that excellent disposition of soul, which makes men unwilling to provoke and not easily to be provoked or offended, we find much in ourselves for which we can hardly forgive ourselves. Therefore we must not be surprised if we find in others that which we think it hard to forgive. There is one Christ in whom all believers hope, and one heaven they are all hoping for; therefore they should be of one heart. They had all one faith, as to its object, Author, nature, and power. They all believed the same as to the great truths of religion; they had all been admitted into the church by one baptism, with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, as the sign of regeneration. In all believers God the Father dwells, as in his holy temple, by his Spirit and special grace.

Written by Annie A.

When In Need

Where do you go to get advice when you are in need? To others, to the latest fades, movements, magazines, self-help books, the internet, T.V. talk shows? God wants us to come to Him. His Word is all we need. Sure all the other stuff has bits of truth and value. But do you first filter it through God’s Word? He loves and cares for us. He knows us best. He knows what we need. He knows where we have been and where we are going. All the other stuff comes and goes. It changes. But His Word is steadfast and everlasting. Does it then make sense to seek Him first? Should His Word then be where we go to get our advice from? Trust His Word to lead you down the right path.

“Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.”
(Proverbs 8:14 NIV)

So next time you have a question, a trial, a concern or need advice, pick up the bible first and seek His wisdom ♥

Written by Patty B.

GARDENER

When I moved to my new house, I was pleased to see all the beautiful citrus trees and cacti in our yard, and roses! There were two fairly nice looking rose bushes, trimmed up so they looked like miniature trees with a skinny trunk, one with deep red roses in the front yard, and a delicate yellow one in the back. There had been a third one, which was now just dead branches jutting up out of the dry ground, thorns exposed along the rough, woody branches. I knew the yard needed some work, and I would have to dig out the dead rose bush, but I generally enjoyed working in the yard, pruning, trimming, and tidying up the grounds. Well, one thing led to another, and the plants were neglected. Next thing I knew, the rose bushes were looking very sad. They stopped blooming, even though I had at least made sure the dead blooms were always removed. Then the leaves began withering and turning brown. Upon closer inspection I saw tiny spider webs all over the bushes. Thanks to a very kind neighbor, I learned about a home remedy for spiders on roses and quickly mixed together the ingredients and sprayed the leaves well and waited, hoping I had gotten good advice and had done everything correctly and timely. Each day I stepped outside with anticipation of something positive, but instead was greeted with increasingly brown leaves. I would remove those that were dried up and without hope, striving to help the beleaguered plant. But nothing I did seemed to help. I was beginning to accept the possibility that I would have at least one more thorny rose bush to dig up!

Then the monsoon season arrived.... days upon days of showers, and downpours, and sprinkles, broken up by only a few humid, hot days. And every day I would look at that dying mass of thorny branches and browning leaves with pessimism. But then one day I saw it – little tiny green sprouts everywhere! Almost every branch had new growth bursting through the dried, cracked stems. Within a week there were tiny rose buds, much smaller this time, but just as velvety as before. And another miracle - the one bush that was supposedly dead when we had arrived... even that had sprouted new living branches, straining toward the sun!

God had shown me once again that all my efforts, while perhaps helpful to a situation, are never enough on their own. He has to be involved for the actions to bear fruit. He gives me the ability to be his helper. Then He uses me as his tool. Pruning (cutting back what looks good) and dead-heading (removing what is no longer alive) are needed so that new growth can occur.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful... Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15: 1-2, 4 NIV

But without the “living water” nothing would come of all this work.
Jesus said (to the Samaritan woman at the well), “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10 NIV

God uses us in other people's lives, but it is He who gives eternal life, through his son, Jesus Christ.

Thank you, Lord, for being my gardener, and for using me to grow your kingdom! Amen

Written by Jan A.

Morning Motivation

When I woke up this morning lying in bed,

I was asking myself

What are some of the secrets of success in life?

I found the answer right there, in my very room.

AND DON'T FORGET, THE CARPET SAID...KNEEL DOWN AND PRAY.


Carry a Heart that Never Hates.
Carry a Smile that Never Fades.
Carry a Touch that Never Hurts..


HAVE A PURPOSEFUL DAY IN THE LORD GOD!
'God Blesses Us To Be A Blessing Unto Others'

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.||

Psalms 5:3

Written by Corinne Mustafa

(standing in for Beverley Napier who has gone to Disneyland with her hubby and two grandaughters)

Every Other Sentence

Devotional for Thursday, 8/ 4/11
Repost from 8/9/10

Have you ever been listening to someone, only to discover they were still talking but you had stopped listening? I’m sorry to say that I have done so! As I scramble in my brain to try to catch up, attempting to attach current words with past sentences without a bridge; it is an exercise in futility and a disservice to the speaker. The right thing to do is to interrupt, make an apology, and ask for clarification.

“But if I do that, they might start all over!” I think with exasperation. So, in spite of embarrassing moments, hurt friends, and foot in my mouth experiences, I still fake it. I persevere in trying to play catch-up on a storyline even though I missed a chapter. I think the excuse I use most often, is that some scenes are not as essential to the play as others. Therefore, I might have only missed a few details that will not change my own response.

But the truth is a person usually knows when they are not being listened to. They might be too kind, embarrassed, angry or rejected to say anything but they have gotten the message. When I do not take the time to pay attention and hear what they are saying I am letting them know they are not important to me. “But you are important!” I insist. Okay, but are they important enough?

What is important enough? It is something that is crucial or essential and will spark me to action. So, if I want my husband, my child, my friend, to “know and believe” that I not only love them but I care about them deeply – I had better watch my messages. If I want an acquaintance to “know and believe” I am a trustworthy child of God who will pray with and for her – I had better watch my messages. If I want my coworkers to see the love of God through me – I had better watch my messages.

I’m not suggesting that my goal is to be an “on call” listener. That wouldn’t be practical or balanced. But when I do give someone the time of day – I want to give them all of their moments, not every other one. I can’t help but think – that listening to others carefully and thoughtfully – will help me to listen to Him.

Dear Lord, Please give me ears to hear and a heart to understand.

 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.”

Matthew 7:24-25

And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:4-6 “(NLT)

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

Knowing Who You Truly Are

I love reading the story about David and Goliath. David's job was as a shepherd boy. While tending the sheep David cultivated a strong relationship with the Lord. He worshiped Him and grew close to Him. He knew His creator well because He spent a lot of time with Him.

David was instructed one day by His father Jesse to bring food to his brothers at the camp. So he rose early in the morning and left his sheep with a keeper and went as his father had commanded. And he came to the camp as the army was going out to the fight and shouting for the battle. It was then that David became aware of the Philistine of Gath, Goliath that all the men were dreadfully afraid of. It was that moment that God's truth began to rise up strong in him. David knew in his heart what he needed to do without hesitation. He was not about to shirk back regardless of the ridicule and flack that his brothers were giving him. He knew what he had to do.

I was inspired by David because he rose up with much confidence and courage. Goliath taunted him and was demeaning to him, but David spoke up to the Philistine "But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. " This day I will deliver you into my hand." 1 Samuel 17 goes on to tell of how David put his hand in the bag and took out a stone, and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth.

There was great victory that day because a shepherd boy named David who was ruddy and good looking knew the power that was within him because he was the son of the Most High God.

Written by Sandy

God wants a holy temple

August 17, 2010

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For
ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and
in your spirit, which are God's.
-- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

We are God's temple! God lives in us. What we do in our bodies
is part of our worship to him. We are called to not only abstain
from impurity, but we are called to glorify God in our bodies and
honor the sacrifice by which our holiness was bought.

GOD IS HOLY AND HE WANTS US TO BE HOLY

God bless you all in the precious name of Jesus my Lord and Savior
Written by Annie Allen

ALL FOR JESUS

Psalm I describes God's people. Verse 2 says that "they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on His laws and thinking about ways to follow Him more closely." (The Living Bible) As we mature in our Christian walk this verse is inspirational and challenging.

I recently met a woman who took this challenge to heart. She said that she had been a believer for years. She, of course, loved God's Word and devoted herself to it. But recently the Holy Spirit had been bringing her to a higher place of commitment. She said that she has been prompted to check in with the Lord every hour or so and to ask Him how she was doing in His eyes. Was she walking in love toward others? Was she obeying Him in each and every circumstance? Were all her thoughts and actions pleasing to Him? Her courage and dedication were inspirational to me. Such a heart attitude would surely bless the Lord and expand His Kingdom.

Written by C.F.

TEACH US TO PRAY

We have such an awesome God! He even has taught us how to talk with him!

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." Luke 11:1 NIV

Jesus went on to teach them what we now call The Lord's Prayer. He gives God the Father the glory, asks several things including that God's kingdom come, that our daily needs be met, that our sins be forgiven and that we not fall into temptation. But He didn't stop there. He went on to tell a story about a man who was persistent in asking a friend to get up at night and loan him some bread for some unexpected company. Even though the friend was already in bed, because the man persisted, the friend finally got up and gave the man as much as he needed (see Luke 11:5-8).

We need to be persistent in prayer, too. God wants us to come to him frequently, even if it is praying about the same thing over and over. That is not nagging! That is faithful prayer.

Jesus went on: "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened..." Luke 11:9-10 NIV

(picture from blogs.voices.com)

Jesus promises in this part not only to hear our prayers but to answer them... perhaps not always the way that we want him to answer, but He will answer them according to his will. Sometimes the answer is "yes", sometimes "no", and even sometimes "wait", or "later". Always within his answer is "trust me!" And when we pray in true faith, we want and accept whatever his will is for us. Jesus emphasizes it three times: ask, seek, knock. I think He really means it!

Jesus' teaching lesson ends with saying that if we as sinful humans want to give good things to our children, "how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13) There is no greater gift! We know that if we ask for faith and for it to grow, that God will grant it.

So remember to pray, persistently, and in faith! Amen.
Written by Jan

I’m not perfect, just forgiven

I’m sure I’m not the best Christian example. I’m happy to preach the Words of Jesus, but I still continue to sin. And if a Christian is supposed to be “Christlike”, then that must make me a poor Christian. As the world would say, I must be a hypocrite. Am I really? Or rather, doesn’t it make me a poor example of perfection? We use the word Christian in such a general way, but it really means “Little Christ” or, as most of us would say, “Christlike”. I don’t see myself anywhere near Christlike because I am so far from perfection, but I am very near to Christ. I prefer to call myself saved, or a believer. It’s everybody else who calls me Christian. And if that were the case, then I would be a hypocrite and not very likely to lead anyone to that person I claim to be like. As I said, I am a believer, and though I don’t remember when I first believed, God has been changing me for years into the image of His son…into something perfect…perfectly forgiven that is. But change is a long process. I haven’t seen the end of the road yet. My God is a gentleman who never pushes and for that I’m thankful. While I’m sure that there are some who seem to have no problem with making changes overnight, most of us are just not willing. But God continues to forgive and continues to patiently work on our issues one at a time. Of course, if we had to wait until all of our issues were perfected before we ever came to God, we would never make it. We can’t do it on our own. It has to be with the help of His Spirit. He says to come as we are. With myself, I’ve noticed that He might work on one while delaying on another (unfortunately, with continued consequences) until a later date when I’m ready to see it from His point of view. But what breaks my heart is when someone I care about fails to come to Jesus because they think that they have to be perfect first. And what’s worse is when I feel that I’m responsible for their unbelief simply because I’m still a sinner. Still a sinner…I will always still be a sinner. But I don’t advocate my sins. The difference between a Christian and non-Christian is not that one is good and the other is not. It’s that a Christian admits it and turns their eyes to the only One who is good. Unfortunately, the Christian is still judged by the world because of what he says he is and who he says he believes in. Don’t expect me to fit in a mold. God expects me to walk a path…one that He too has walked…one where he can bring me back to when I wander off...one where He can help me back up onto when I stumble and fall. So why be judgmental of me or anyone else who wishes to share the Good News of God’s forgiveness simply because we don’t present perfection? If you look past my imperfection, you’ll see the hope that I have in spite of it. Maybe you’d like to have that hope too.

Written by Amie Spruiell

April 2007

“Something Wonderful Happened This Morning”

August 13, 2010

 Something wonderful happened this morning. As I was waiting for the water to get hot so I could make myself a cup of tea, I happened to glance out the window. Just then I saw a little bird make its way into a corner of our porch where it had made its nest. It didn’t stay in the nest as it usually does, but it flew down onto the arm of a chair and then hopped itself down onto the ground.

Since I wanted to see what that little bird was up to, I moved over to the window to get a clearer picture. It was then that I saw the rainbow. Pale at first, it seemed to deepen in color as I watched. The amazing vividness of the colors and the majestic “arch” that they were arranged in seemed to speak to me.

The first thought that came into my heart was that God’s promises are true. No matter what the circumstances of our life are… it does not change the fact that His promises stand. They are not held up by our thoughts, our feelings or our own beliefs about something… or someone. They simply stand… self supported by the One Who made them.

The second thing that I realized was that I was in my kitchen, doing my own thing when my attention was stirred to come to the window. This showed me that God Himself will bring us to the place that we need to be to see the evidence and reminder of His great promises to us.
All I could think of was how so many of my friends and loved ones seem to be really struggling right now. As I thought about how many different ways and situations there are for people to struggle… I was calmed by the thought of what had just happened.

I was reassured that even in those seemingly helpless situations, that it was God’s faithfulness to “stir” us up and to bring us to the place of hope in His promises … right in the midst of whatever it is that is troubling us. He is a Good God and a Faithful Friend. He is constant in His love for us and His heart is forever towards us. He knows where our struggles are and He is concerned with everything that concerns us.

He is not One to stand idly by… but to stir our hearts and minds and to bring us to the place of peace in Him once again. In His kindness He reassures us of His great love and sacrifice for us. You see, He also was “stirred” by His Father to “come to the window” and to see the truth. He saw the need for a greater promise… and a better way. So He Himself became that great promise for us. He laid down His life that we might live… that we might become a people of everlasting life and hope… and that we might join Him in the place where His glory dwells.

Until the day when we can join Him, He instead will be joining us. He will be with us in the midst of whatever is going on in our lives… good or not quite so good, happy or not quite so happy, hopeful or not quite so hopeful. The point is that He is surely with us. I think He just wanted each one of us to know that today.

“For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He (even) gave up His only begotten (unique) Son , so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life”.

John 3:16 (Amplified Bible)

“And now, Lord, what do I wait for and expect?
My hope and expectation are in You.

Psalm 39:7 (Amplified Bible)

Written by Beverley A. Napier

Do Something For God

Thursday, August 12, 2010

I am folding laundry while my children eat breakfast. Zack is 5, Elizabeth is 2 ½ and Caleb is 1. As they play with their cereal and each other, my mind is elsewhere. I am talking to the Lord in my head and asking, “What is my calling? What can I do for You?” As I look around me I notice the dirty stove and a sink full of dishes. Shoulders slumped and sighing, I imagine teaching women about the power of the love of God. The phone ring

Like a wisp of cloud, the daydream is gone, for the moment… “Hello, good morning, yes, uh huh, right okay…got it…Michael, 34, accident…yes, of course…doctors, family…thanks for calling… I will.”

I put the baby in his walker and send the others to brush their teeth. As I start the laundry, again, I say a prayer for Michael. Then the visions of working especially for Him fill my mind, overlapping thoughts and imaginations of glorious accomplishments– suddenly the haze lifts and these scenes are different yet clear and bright.

I see cleaning, caring, washing, folding, reading, cooking, bathing, wiping, watching, praying…the many things that fill a mother’s week. A voice in my head says, “You are doing it!"

“But I want to do something special and big for You, Lord. I know I have a calling. What is it?”

“Caring for these children is your calling.”

As sunny as my imaginations have been - this picture is even brighter. Having children is a calling? I have children; therefore, my calling is to teach them to love and respect God. My responsibility is my calling, hmm.

As I mull this thought in my head. It clicks into place in my heart. I am both relieved to know my calling and yet disappointed that it doesn’t include something else (a little more grand). At this point, the radio teachings and books of Focus on the Family bear fruit – for even in my disappointment, I know in my heart this is an extremely high calling.

Sixteen years later, I am convinced of the accuracy of this calling in this continued season in my life. I have not always kept my focus where it belonged but God has graciously forgiven me and set me back on the path many times.
“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)

Written by Mary M. Wilkins



For more info on the encouraging ministry of Focus on the Family: http://www.family.org/

Prayer Really Matters!

God tells us in His word in 1 Peter 3:12 that" His eyes are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers." That tells me that God hears my prayers when my heart is right with Him. That greatly encourages me to spend time in prayer with God, and to continue consistently with right standing before Him. His word assures me that He is listening to my cries. Our prayers are going to the throne room and God receives our prayers and begins to move upon our prayers.

That takes a huge load off of my shoulders when I can give those prayers to the Father and He moves in His power and might!

We can trust God that He knows what is the very best for each situation. What great peace that gives us as we trust and stay focused on Christ.

Blessings!!

Written by Sandy

Father or Judge?

August 10, 2010

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver,
the LORD is our king; He will save us.

-- Isaiah 33:22

When we think about God being our judge, we normally think of falling into judgment. Isaiah reminds us that God being our judge means that He will be there to judge us based on His will, His rule, and His grace. He is on our side and is looking to save, not condemn. So when we stand before our Judge we see instead our Father.

Written by Annie Allen

LIFE IN CHRIST

Monday, August 9, 2010

Sometimes I become frustrated in my Christian walk. Perhaps external circumstances seem overwhelming. Or maybe I am highly challenged by difficult relationships. The enemy may be telling me that I do not measure up or that I have failed in my calling as a wife, mother, or intercessor. It is at these times that I go back and center myself through some important ideas presented in Rick Warren's famous book "The Purpose Driven Life."

This profound book states, first of all, that "It's not about me. Life is really about living for God, not myself." (page 21) "Everything got started in Him and finds it's purpose in Him." Colossians 1:16b (Msg) What a relief to realize that the things which happen to me, how others treat me, and whether or not I feel my performance is perfect, do not have to weigh me down and defeat me. According to Rick Warren, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less." ( page 148) The author emphasizes the importance of relationships and community in our lives. He comforts us with the fact that we can be honest and resolve conflicts.

"Purpose Driven Life" reminds us that healthy relationships and our own character development are high priorities in the eyes of the Lord. We carry our relationships into eternity with us. The book states that "What happens outwardly in your life is not as important as what happens inside you. Since God intends to make you like Jesus, He will take you through the same experiences Jesus went through. That includes loneliness, temptation, stress, criticism, rejection, and many other problems." (page 197) Of course Jesus is right beside us through our trials and has a purposeful outcome for us. He also grants us good times, victory, and glory.

My prayer is that I will remember that "My identity is in eternity, and my homeland is in heaven." (page 48) May I work to bring as many people to heaven with me as I possibly can.

Written by CF

Difficult People

Sometimes certain people really rub us the wrong way. They may seem obnoxious, or rude, or even cruel. However, we are to "make every effort to live in peace with all men..." (Hebrews 12:14a). Assuming we are not talking about anything abusive here, how does one "live in peace" with someone being difficult?

Perhaps we could look at them in a different light. We can attempt to understand what the other person may have been through. We can try to put ourselves in their shoes, see things from their perspective. Even then, it may be difficult to be understanding. We might even consider the possibility that we are part of the problem. There may be things about our actions and/or reactions that we need to change.

Also, maybe we can see times in our own lives when we, ourselves, have been difficult to be around. We may be grumpy, or argumentative, or treat some people with disrespect. We are not perfect either and may be hard to be around at times. Perhaps seeing our own faults will give us empathy for others we find difficult and a stronger desire to help them. When we do try to help them, it should be done in humility:

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3

Most of all, we can see that God puts up with all of us, no matter how difficult we are, and yet He loves us with all his heart. We ask Him to forgive us when we are difficult and to give us the perspective and the ability to love others as ourselves. In doing so, we can present a good witness of the love God has for us all.

"Thank you Lord for your forgiveness when I have been difficult. Help me to give the same love and understanding to others as you have given to me, because of your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen"

Writtin by Jan A.

The Challenge

August 7, 2010


The fence around the courtyard of the tabernacle in the wilderness served to include and to exclude.

My son has been learning about different cultures around the world via port cities through his computer history curriculum, and I’ve been helping him. After the study of Hong Kong and then the study of Istanbul including the different religious beliefs prevalent in those areas, he asked me, “When there are so many different beliefs, how are we supposed to know which one is right? Are they all right? How can so many people be wrong?”

“Those are very good questions, Wes,” I said, “I’m glad you asked. You’re paying attention and you’re thinking. I like to see that.” I told him that first of all, if they were all right, then there would have been no need for Jesus to suffer and die for our sins. We would just find any old belief system that we wanted and that would save our souls. I went on to tell him that the best I could offer to him right now regarding why I believe in Jesus was that I have searched the scriptures and the arguments of the world because I want the truth, and what I’ve found is that the others don’t compare to our God. They don’t even come close, and in fact are foolishness in light of God’s Word.

Now, Wes, I’m not saying that I prefer Christianity over the alternatives,” I continued, “I’m saying that the alternatives have proven to be false. You see, the Bible says that there is only one God, and one way to get to Him. That’s through the blood of Jesus.” I went on to say that the Bible has never been proven false, and in fact, the more that man learns about the world around him, the more the Bible is confirmed.

But I did not stop there. I said that as he gets older, I expect something from him. “Don’t just believe this, Wesley, because I told you to believe it. Keep on asking questions. Do your own research. Ask God to show you the truth.” He actually said right then and there, eyes wide open, “God, show me the truth.”

Later that day, while driving my kids around town running my errands, I brought up the conversation again. “Did you know, Wesley, that there is no other belief system in the world that would challenge you to prove it wrong? But I challenge you. None other would dare you to go outside of its realm and compare it to the rest just to see which one is correct. Do you know why?”

“It’s like,” he said, “when Garrett (that’s my 6 year old) cleans his room, and he asks you to check it. He has nothing to hide. But when Clay (that’s my 4 year old) is told to clean his room, he comes out a few minutes later and closes the door because he doesn’t want you to know that it’s still a mess.” My 16 year old daughter and I looked at each other in amazement at hearing the wisdom in this 9 year old boy to be able to communicate so clearly that ‘yes’ he understood what I was saying and showed it by using such a perfect analogy. “That’s right, Wes, I’m not afraid to tell you to check. I know what you’ll find. You’ll find exactly what I’ve found. You’ll also find that others are afraid for you to look inside because when you tell others why you believe so strongly in Jesus.”

A couple of days later, my Bible study director was giving her lecture, and she spoke of the inclusion and the exclusion that the fence provided for the tabernacle. The fence was a testimony that there is no middle ground. He does not tolerate the lukewarm person who walks along the fence unable to decide what to believe and so chooses to believe them all as just many ways of getting to the same place. They can’t all be right. God may patiently wait for them to come down off of the fence, but if they don’t, they have lost their chance, and He will spit them out. Others may wish to believe otherwise, but the truth is that He is not a God of tolerance, but a God of mercy.

I was reminded of my 9 year old, and I felt confirmed in my heart that he too understood that there is no middle ground. He understood that there must be only one truth. What an exhilarating thrill it is to know that my son is on a quest to know that truth. I trust that God will show it to him in the very way he needs to see it.

"Elijah went before the people and said,
“How long will you waver between two opinions?
If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
But the people said nothing." 

1 Kings 18:21

Written by Amie Spruiell
         

The Lord’s Faithfulness

During on particularly trying time in my life, the Lord gave me a special verse to hold onto. I felt as if all of the cares and needs that I saw and felt around me were causing me to “sink”. I felt as if I was “sinking” into a place of emotional and spiritual despair, and I didn’t know how to pull myself out of it.

This was when I felt the Lord direct me to this verse,

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul,

a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil”

Hebrews 6:19 (amplified bible).

I knew that He was telling me to hold onto Him and that He would “anchor” me. I was so encouraged and I “held” onto this hope for as long as I could.

After a few weeks, perhaps a month, I felt my “grip” on this verse was beginning to weaken. I knew that the Lord had spoken it to me, and I knew it was true, but I felt my self slowly beginning to “slip”. This was when I joined a friend of mine and went shopping at some of the local antique stores.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I came upon the most interesting set of blue and white plates that I had ever seen. They were all white with a light blue ring around the inside center. There was a darker ring of blue around the outer rim, and I couldn’t believe what I saw in the very center at the top. It was an anchor! It was all in a dark blue and I felt as if it had been placed there just for me.

I felt my heart jump and my hope exclaim “Thank you, Lord”. I had never seen plates like this in all of my many days of “treasure hunting”. I quickly scooped them all up, paid for them and took them home. Once I was at home I got out a blue permanent ink pen and wrote the verse about the anchor on one of them. That plate is now displayed in my home, right where I can see it everyday.

Each time I look upon it and read it, I am reminded of how much the Lord loves me. It was as if He directed me to those very plates that day simply because He wanted to reassure me. He wanted to reassure me that He is my anchor. He wanted to reassure me that He did indeed speak to me and give me that verse. He wanted to reassure me that I do hear His voice, and I do know what He is saying to me. Lastly, He wanted to reassure me that although my ability to hang onto Him was beginning to weaken, that His ability to hold onto me and to steady me would never weaken.

I love these special times that the Lord gives us. It feels as if we are the only ones that He is concerned about at that time, and that He goes out of His way to show us His never ending love. Thank you, Lord, for ALL of the ways in which you speak so clearly to us.

Written by Beverley A. Napier

Living with the Unexpected

In this time of economic and political struggle in our country, I am especially comforted by the attribute of God that He is Omniscient. He knows all things.

Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 (NIV) says:
"I have seen the burden God has laid on men.  He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
When an unexpected bill or unforeseen event throws a curve ball my way, I can choose (after my initial panic) to trust God still. He is not surprised or caught off guard.

In Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) Paul tells us who to trust and worship:
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us”

So, if God is able, what’s up when no answer is forthcoming? This has been a question of much discussion since the beginning of man’s relationship with our Creator and one I am not able to answer satisfactorily. At this point in my life, I am striving to accept the unexpected as an opportunity to trust Him without ‘knowing’ or even ‘understanding.”

Not being especially gifted in the patience department, this is a stretch for me. In order to do...resting in Him… I repeat scripture to give myself a focus and something to hold on to. Such as 1 Peter 5:6-8 (NIV) “6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” And Romans 8:28 (NIV) “28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Truth be known, I prefer to ‘keep my ducks all in a row.’ I like the feeling of comfort I get from doing something. In my experience, the only time the unexpected is an issue is when it is not fixable by me. So when I say I am striving to trust, I mean I am literally teaching myself to rely on and accept the One who gave up His own son on the cross, even for me.

John 8:32 (NIV)
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

Run to Jesus and Find Rest in Him

August 4, 2010

Matthew 11:28 says "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." As I read this scripture, I visualize myself running to Jesus and laying my head upon Jesus' lap and being refreshed because I am in the presence of my Lord.

We all at some time in our life, as we labor, we become heavy laden, weighted down. At times we may feel we cannot go on another day. But oh what a big relief to know that as we come to Jesus, He will provide rest for our weary souls so we can soar in our relationship with Christ with greater freedom! So I encourage you to run to Jesus and find rest in Him!

Written by Sandy

Chosen Vessel

This poem is a wonderful reminder that God chooses ordinary people to do His mighy work. And that we have power in Him to accomplish what seems impossible.

Chosen Vessel

By B.V. Cornwall

The Master was searching for a vessel to use;

On the shelf there were many – which one would He choose?

“Take me,” cried the gold one, “I’m shinny and bright,

I’m of great value and I do things just right.

My beauty and luster will outshine the rest

And for someone like You, Master, gold would be best!”

The Master passed on with no word at all;

He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;

“I’ll serve You, dear Master, I’ll pour out Your wine

And I’ll be at Your table whenever You dine,

My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,

And silver will always compliment You.”

Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,

It was wide mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass,

“Here! Here!” cried the vessel, “I know I will do,

Place me on Your table for all men to view.”

“Look at Me,” cried the goblet of crystal so clear,

“My transparency show my contents so dear,

Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,

And I’m sure I’ll be happy in Your house to abide.”

The Master came next to a vessel of wood,

Polished and carved, it solidly stood.

“You may use me, dear Master,” the wooden bowl said,

“But I’d rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!”

Then the master looked down and saw a vessel of clay,

Empty and broken it helplessly lay.

No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,

To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

“Ah! This is the vessel I’ve been hoping to find,

I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.”

“I need not the vessel with pride of itself;

Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;

Nor one who is bigmouthed and shallow and loud;

Nor one who displays his contents so proud;

Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;

But this plain earthly vessel filled with My power and might.”

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.

Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.

Spoke to it kindly, “There’s work you must do,

Just pour out to others as I pour into you.”

Shared by Patty Billingham

A LASTING LOVE

I recently read a delightful book called DEWEY: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched The World. It is the true story of an abandoned kitten who was placed in the book return slot of a library in Spencer Iowa. The weather was freezing and so was poor little Dewey. He was frostbitten, very thin, and extremely dirty. The beneficent librarian who rescued him gave him a warm bath, fed him, and held him until he was revived. Her kind and loving treatment of Dewey as well as her "putting herself out on a limb" to get the board of trustees to accept him as an in-house library resident were praiseworthy.

Dewey went on to become a favorite of young and old library patrons alike. His charm, friendliness, playfulness, love, and affection warmed and embraced hearts. What spoke to me most about the story were the widespread consequences of the librarian's kindness towards Dewey. Her willingness to care for this abandoned pet and to make him a part of the library's "staff", led to making Dewey world famous. Likewise, Spencer Library became globally renowned. The love this woman received in return from Dewey was astounding. After Dewy passed on, the lady realized that all of his days, she thought she was holding Dewey in her arms. In reflection, she realized that it was really Dewey who was holding her.

The story of Dewey made me realize that when we do a kindness for someone out of true compassion and love, we never know what the positive ramifications will be. When we give of ourselves from the heart we may never see how far reaching the effects will become. On the contrary, when we do good only out of obligation or compulsion, the results will never be as profound or long lasting.

Our motives are important to the Lord. That is why it is so important to guard our hearts and minds. As we read God's Word, pray, and praise in song, we fill our souls with purity, love, and grace. As we stay close to the Master, we can more clearly hear His voice, discern His will and be prompt to obey. As our hearts are softened and sanctified, we will respond to the needs of others with right motives. We will have God's perspective and attitude as we reach out to others with empathy and love. The effects of our charity may well touch multitudes and generations and last for eternity.

Written by CF

Your Story

Ever want to write a book about your own life? In an autobiography we can pick and choose what we write about ourselves. What would you choose to include? What would you choose to ignore? Would you embellish the good stuff and leave out things that are not so pretty? Or would you be fairly honest about your life? We all have things we are proud of or happy with in our lives, and other areas that we wish were different. And each of us is unique with our own story to telll.

What would happen if someone else wrote a book about your life? How would they write your story? Would they say you were a good person, or would they tell all the things you had done in your life, the good, the bad and the ugly? Would they remember to include your faith? What kind of witness have you been to others? Does your faith show clearly in your life? Everyone sees things differently and has different perceptions about people. We generally want others to see us in a positive light and perhaps hope we would be remembered as good and faithful Christians that have touched other people's lives with God's love.

But our story has already been written - every day of it, before we were even born:

"When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be."
Psalm 139:15b-16

The beginning of that Psalm says that God knows us inside and out, every move, every thought , every word even before we speak it. It also says He hems us in, and his Spirit is always with us, everywhere. Wow! On the one hand, these are comforting thoughts, knowing that God knows and loves us that much and is always with us through it all. On another level that is frightening, knowing that there is nowhere to hide when we do wrong things - God sees it all. However, even then He loves us and forgives us, no matter how small or how big our wrongdoings are. So if we have not been good witnesses to others of his love, or not allowed Him to use us as His tools in other people's lives, He is still there holding us in his arms and saying to us: "I love you and forgive you." He knows all our troubles even before they occur, whether they are placed upon us by others or brought upon us by our own doing, and He is there to comfort us and rescue us. He even gives us our faith in Jesus as our Savior, and nurtures it to help it grow. He knows every chapter in our lives, because He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and has written our life story... and it has a wonderful ending! God has written your story, and He is reading it and can't put it down!

Written by Jan A., whose story was written by God :)