Girlfriend's Life

Lessons from Nebuchadnezzar

2006-10-04T09:11:00.000-05:00

King Nebuchadnezzar is one of those persons of the Bible that I don’t really like to investigate too much. Basically we all know he is that terrible king who tried to make those three Hebrew boys bow down to his god.

However, the more I study Nebuchadnezzar the more I realize there are lessons from this man that we can learn today.

Now I didn’t say that those lessons were necessarily something I want to practice, but how many of you know that lessons can be something we learn that we want to or don’t want to do.

I find this lesson one that I don’t want to do. In Daniel 4:4 it states, “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous.”

Oh, how I was convicted as I read this scripture. How many of you have ever had a similar experience—a scripture just screaming off of the page at you? Well, let me tell you girls, this one did it for me.

How often I sit content and “at home” in my own little world, not concerned about those in need around me. I had to do some real searching of my heart, and I am sorry to say I have not acted on this like I should. How about you?

Ladies, won’t you join me in asking God to help you know where it is He wants to lead you. What place of contentment does He want to take you out of, allowing you the privilege to serve someone or somewhere in need? Let’s seek Him together this week, and I’m confident we will be surprised how God uses us.

It really was the Messiah

2006-09-14T11:29:00.000-05:00

Today in Bible study I read in John 20: 10-18 of the account of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene at the tomb after His resurrection. Of course I have read this many times and even seen this portion of scripture acted out in Easter productions and at the Passion Play.

However, this morning as I read this it takes a new twist. In verse 15 Jesus actually approaches and asked Mary, ‘Women, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking Jesus was the gardener she asks him “What have you done with him? Where have you put him? “

She doesn’t realize that it is actually the Messiah she is talking to….Until He calls her by name.

Ladies, I want to know how many of you are like me and don’t really realize that the Messiah is having dialogue with you. Or maybe even a better question is how many of you realize that HE wants and longs to have dialogue with you. You are His princess a valuable holy vessel.

Would you accept the challenge today with me to try and listen more intently to the voice of a precious tender hearted Savior who is calling your name?

Lord Jesus, we are so grateful that we are valuable in your sight and that you want to speak to us. Please help us to quiet ourselves enough and be acquainted with you enough that as you speak to us we respond as Mary did in verse 16 of this passage. Help us to know you are our teacher and want to lead us in a life that is more than we can imagine. We love you Jesus.

Reflections of a Grandmother’s Life

2006-09-11T10:34:00.000-05:00

Recently my grandmother passed away. As I was reflecting on grandma’s life, the Lord took my thoughts to three different women in the Bible.

The first is the story of Mary and Martha found in Luke 10:38-42.

Luke 10:38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (NIV).

We read in this account about Jesus coming to visit Mary and Martha at their home. We see here that they, without reservation, opened their home for Jesus to visit.

I can never remember going to Grandma’s house, either as a young child or as a married woman taking my family, without feeling that she, without reservation, was welcoming me into her home.

Often times when this scripture is read, one might feel as if Jesus is upset with Martha because she was busy with the preparations and not sitting at His feet. The purpose for the Holy writ is for us to use it as guidance and direction for our journey here on earth. What a precious gift the Word of God is to us. So, for that reason I choose to take a different lesson out of this scripture and a lesson I feel Grandma not only heard, but one she lived and has left as a legacy for us.

Let me explain. Martha’s gift of serving, as well as Mary’s love for learning at the Master’s feet, had been given to them by the Lord. The point Christ wanted to make in this scripture is that these gifts must be used in balance. Serve AND spend time with the Master. As these remain in balance one doesn’t lose focus of why she is doing what she is doing. I believe Grandma’s life modeled this life lesson well.

She enjoyed serving her family from her kitchen. I can remember going to her house as a child for Sunday dinner. What a spread she would prepare! Fried chicken, ham, mashed potatoes and noodles, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, green beans, corn, hot rolls topped off with wonderful desserts like chocolate pie, cobbler, and ice cream. No doubt all that food took lots of preparation on Grandma’s part, but she always had a smile on her face as she was setting the table.

Grandma had found the balance. She knew why she did what she did. She had not become distracted with all the preparations. She was serving as unto the Lord. She was using her gift for His glory.

Even in the later years of her life when she was not able to fix the big meals for us to enjoy, she continued to practice opening her home without reservation. When I asked my children what their favorite memory of Granny was, without hesitation, my son said, “Seeing Grandma sit on the couch and smiling at us when we walked into her house.”

In the book of Acts chapter nine verse 36 we read an account of another woman I think of when I reflect on Grandma’s life. This lady is Tabitha. Tabitha was always doing good and helping the poor.

Acts 9:36 “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor” (NIV).

Grandma was always busy doing good for others. One family that comes to mind was Pastor Gary McCaw and his wife. They were Grandma and Grandpa’s pastor for a number of years. Often when we would be visiting on Sundays the McCalls would be there also.

I can remember Grandma would never quite be satisfied until Pastor Gary would take home some canned green beans, fresh canned tomato juice, or freezer corn.

Every garden season Grandma was always busy doing good by making sure she had enough green beans, tomato juice and freezer corn prepared to give to the Pastor and his wife in the fall and winter when these items weren’t so easy to get your hands on.

I don’t know about you, but I am challenged by the Mary-Martha and Tabitha part of my grandmother’s life.

Sometimes, ladies, let’s face it, we lose the joy in serving. Let us receive the challenge of using the gifts God has given us for His glory and honor as Grandma did.

Dear Jesus, please help us to keep the balance of serving and spending time with you. Help us to serve as you would desire for us to. Help us to be sensitive to those times you put people in our path to serve. We love you Jesus.

Interruption or Divine Distraction

2006-05-18T14:43:00.000-05:00

Recently I have been doing a study done by Pricilla Shirer entitled “He Speaks to Me.” This is a study of the life of Samuel. This week’s emphasis is on having a sold-out hunger for God.

I was challenged by this study and wanted to share it with you. How often do you, like me go through your day oblivious to the opportunities that God would put in front of you for a divine distraction and we view it as and interruption to getting the things done on our “to do” list for the day.

I think as women sometimes we getting going in million directions trying to take care of all the needs of our family, career, or whatever drives us. I know for myself sometime God could hit me upside the head with a divine distraction and I would see it as such an interruption that I would continue on my path to try and get all the important things done that I ignore the urgent thing God is calling me to do.

Let me give you and example, just yesterday I was out taking a walk. It was such a beautiful day and I had only so much time to walk before I needed to be home to get ready for my next “thing”. I had a goal in mind of how many miles I wanted to walk before I had to be home.

As I was out walking, I saw a friend of mine who used to attend church with me. The last conversation I had with her there were several things in her life that were not stable. She was out working in her yard and I saw her; however, she did not see. It would have been very easy for me to just keep walking and not even stop to find out.

In fact, I am sorry to say that is what I did at first. The further I walked the more I could here the voice of God calling me to go back and talk with her. I argued with the Lord for just a few minutes and told God “you know I don’t have time for this. I only have so much time before I need to get home. You know Lord how many miles I want to walk.” Well, needless to say, God didn’t buy all of my excuses and I am thankful to say I did follow His voice and turned around and went back to talk with her.

In my talking with her, I was able to get an update on what was going on in her world and I did learn better how to pray for her. I believe that was a divine distraction that God gave me yesterday.

I like what Pricilla Shirer said about us ignoring God’s interruptions. When we ignore God’s interruptions ignores His attempt to move us away from our plan for the day to His plan for our day.

Ladies, I would like to say this is a discipline that is easy for me. However, it is not. I am asking God to help me be better to see these divine delays and to follow His direction. I need to remember there are no surprises to God, He is in control and he sees the whole picture. Won’t you join me as grow in this area of our lives?

Springtime Fragrances

2006-05-04T15:59:00.000-05:00

Spring is one of my most favorite times of the year. I love to walk. In the winter I am grateful for my treadmill. But when spring arrives, I am very thankful for the opportunity to put on my walking shoes, and just take out and spend time with Jesus.

I enjoy seeing all the flowers and trees bud and bloom. It is so refreshing. This spring as I have been enjoying walks viewing the beauty, I’m reminded of how much this beauty is just like Christ. I am very grateful that He allows us to experience seasons in life when we are blooming and budding—growing by leaps and bounds in our walk with the Lord.

I know God is God even in the winter season when things are lying dormant and just waiting for the right time to bloom. As we go through winter seasons in our lives we have the hope that Christ will lead us in triumph. I am so grateful for the hope we have in Jesus.

As I walk and experience the beauty of Christ in all the springtime fragrances, I am reminded of the scripture in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15. I am also challenged to ask myself what kind of fragrance and aroma that I am leaving for others. I desire for God to be seen in me in such a way that it is not only a pleasing aroma to Him, but also a fragrance that as I leave a room others can see Jesus in me.
How about you Ladies? Will you join me in this challenge? As we enjoy the beauty of our Creator this springtime, let us not get so wrapped up in the beauty around us that we forget all the lives around us that are going to spend eternity somewhere. Let’s be sweet springtime fragrances that show Christ to others.

I want a King NOW!

2006-04-25T11:44:00.000-05:00

I am currently taking a class studying 1Samuel. In the past week as I have been doing my homework I was challenged by something I wanted to share with you.

In 1Samuel 8 we see where Israel is asking for a King. As we read this chapter we see that Samuel feels that the people of Israel are rejecting him as their leader. The Lord assures Samuel it is not him that they are rejecting, but unfortunately it is God they are rejecting.

The reason the Israelite are giving for wanting a king is so much like what we today base our reasons for wanting something. Israel is asking for a king because they want to be like other nations. Of course they don’t see that this not God’s best for them at this time, but they even have a well thought out plan as to why now is the time for them to have a king appointed to lead them.

The Israelites explain to Samuel he is getting old and his sons are not walking in his ways so please appoint us a king to lead us such as the other nations. Wow! Here we see that they have a well thought out plan and even they are even able to justify their plan.

As I read this, I was convicted about the number of times I tell God how I want him to put a “king” in my life now. Perhaps, God does want to put a “king” in my life, but now is just not the right time for that “king.”

As we read on we see that God granted this unto the people of Israel their desire and He did appoint them a king. Of course this king was Saul. We can go ahead and read the story of how Saul led these people. But I just wonder how the story would have been written had the Israelites waited for God’s time for the “king.”

I want to grow in following God’s time for my “king” not my time for my “king.” Ladies, won’t you join me in this call.

Dear Jesus, thank you that you have our best interest at heart. Lord, please help us to wait for your time receive the “king” you have for us. Thank you for your understanding and your grace.

Following the Journey

2006-04-11T16:47:00.000-05:00

This week as we are experiencing the Holy week, I want to keep with the theme our church is following “The Journey.”

What comes to mind when you think of Journey? For me, I think of preparation for the Journey. Recently our family had the blessed privilege of going on vacation to Florida. This Journey was something special for us. We had shared with our three children shortly after the Christmas Holidays that we would like to take them to Florida the end of March, providing God worked out all the details.

Not too many days later, my first grader came home with a special picture she had drawn during Bible time in class. That day’s lesson that had been on prayer. In her picture she had drawn a pool, some trees, and our camper. She explained to me that this was a picture of our campground in Florida, when Jesus worked out all the details for us to go on this journey.

Needless, to say I was quite challenged by my first grader’s faith. Point being that as we prepared for this journey we spent time praying for God’s direction, provision, and wisdom on what we would do while we were on this journey, and for us to glorify Him.

As time progressed, indeed our precious Heavenly Father did provide and work out the details for us to make this journey. My husband spent much time finding the most effective route, the most cost-effective place to stay, the most beneficial activities we would engage in while we were in Florida.

We spent much time in prayer and preparation for this journey. We wanted to follow the Lord’s leading in this journey he had provided for us.

Well, Ladies, Christ has a much more significant journey for us during this Holy Week. May I challenge you to take time to read the scripture provided in our “Take the Journey” book, Mathew 21:12-13. We see here where Jesus cleanses the temple of money changers. May I ask you the question what are the distraction that keep you from worshipping God? In the area of worship are you being a fan or a follower?

Take some time to reflect this week and ask Christ how you can be more of a follower.

Just Making Noise

2006-03-08T11:20:00.000-06:00

Just making Noise

Love is a funny thing. We often you the word love for different things. I love your outfit, I love your car, and I love your hair. I love you honey, have a great day. I love to shop. I love to study God’s word. I love my children. I love my friends. I love my job.

In Greek mythology, Eros love was taken from the Greek belief in a “god” of love called by the same name. Eros is a selfish kind of love. It is a longing or a desire for myself, a grasping love. Eros love often would ask, what can I get for myself?

Philos is a friendship love. This is a love that describes a love toward a friend or companion. Christ gives a picture of philos love in Luke 14:10. As we read this scripture, we see that truly place that friend in a high personal position.

Agape love is a love that stands is a class all of its own it is propelled by the highest interest. Agape is not as much a feeling as it is a response. 1Cor 13:1 shares with us that if I speak in tongue of men and have not love I am as a resounding gong or cymbal. In other words, I am just a bunch of noise.

Have you ever heard someone speak, what they had to say was good and right, but there personalities just seemed to be cold. Perhaps they were using their gifts with out exercising love.

In John chapter 15 we are given a perfect picture of how we can grow in exercising that love. In verse 5, Jesus refers to himself as the vine; and us as the branches. The only way we can grow that love to a point where we are not just making noise is to remain in the vine Jesus Christ.

As we continue to read this chapter we find in verse 12 one of Christ’ commands is for us to love each other as he has loved us. His love was so great that He lay down His life for us. Romans 5:8 says But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for.

Wow! I don’t know about you ladies, but that is quite a commandment. As we begin our weekly mission’s celebration here at the church, may I challenge you to examine your own ability to love? How concerned are you for the lost of your community, your workplace, your family. Our theme for the week is “Unashamed”. Christ unashamedly went to the cross for us. May I ask you are you exercising the kind of love that Christ would want or are you just making noise? Ladies, may you have a blessed week in Christ.

The Bread of Life

2006-03-03T16:43:00.000-06:00

In Exodus 16:1-35 we are given the picture of God’s provision for the Israelites. We see here where God provided thin flakes like frost on the desert floor. The frost-like flakes were the bread the Lord had given them to eat. This bread that was provided for them was referred to as manna.

The word manna means “What is it?” In the above passage we can see three things about manna. First of all, it was sufficient. Those who gathered much had what they needed as well as those who gathered little had what they needed. They were not to gather more than what they needed except on the 6th day, and then they were to gather enough for the Sabbath. The bread would remain good until the Sabbath; however, this was the only day that the bread would not become rotten if too much was gathered. We are told the other days if they gathered too much it would become rotten and have maggots in it.

Second, the manna was satisfying. Its taste was like wafers with honey.

Last, the bread was sustaining. They ate this bread for forty years until they came into an inhabited land.

Now let’s fast forward to the New Testament, John 6:32-33. Jesus is teaching here, and he tells us that Moses was not the one who provided the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. Look closely at verse 33, it says, “For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

My question to you today, ladies—Is your life reflective of this bread that gives LIFE to the world? Of course, I mean Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I want my life to reflect Jesus in a similar way. As people look at my life, I want them to see a difference. I want them to see Jesus.

I am grateful Jesus comes to dwell in us and allows us to be a part of His equation to bring others to Christ. Can I challenge you today as I challenge myself to check my thermometer of concern for the lost of this world? Lord Jesus, please let it be said that you are reflected in my life in such a way people see you in me. Also, Lord Jesus, help our passion for the lost to increase.

Ladies, we will soon be approaching Missions week here at our church. So often during the week my flame for the lost is challenged. But as I read these scriptures this week I was challenged by the Holy Spirit to really take a serious look at the amount of manna (What is it?) that is being shown in my life.

I Think God Needs a Little Help

2006-02-21T16:34:00.000-06:00

I Think God Needs a Little Help

I wonder how many of you are like me and sometimes wonder if God really knows what He is doing. Sometimes I think He probably needs just a little bit of my help to get this “mess” straightened out.

We read of one such story not too far along in the Bible. In Genesis chapter 25 we see where Rebekah finds out that she is carrying twins. We see that when she went to inquire of the Lord he gave her a promise.

“The Lord said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger’”
Genesis 25:2.

At this time the birthright of the first born son not only meant the responsibility of the family, but also the spiritual responsibility. From the promise given we see that the Lord is sharing with Rebekah vital information about the birthright. For some reason God saw that Jacob was able to be given this birthright, the blessing, and the responsibility that went with it.

Fast forward to Genesis chapter 27:5 and we see where Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau, giving him direction about how Isaac was going to give him his blessing.

Oh, how Rebekah reminds me so much of us ladies. As we continue to read we see the story plot thickening. Now Rebekah takes it upon herself to help God by getting Jacob to deceive his father into thinking he is Esau, so Jacob can get the birthright promised to his brother.

Fortunately, as we continue to read the story we see a very merciful God who allows this to materialize. Even with all the deception and hurt, He allows His purpose to prevail. May I ask you, ladies, what it is that you are trying to help God do? What is it that you are trying to make “work?” May I challenge you to quit trying to fix things and let God do the “fixin.” (I had a friend in college who was always “fixin” to do something.)

One of my favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV), “‘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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’”

Ladies, just think—that thing you are stewing about, that promise you know God has given you and has not yet come to fruition—God has a plan. He has plans that prevail (Proverbs 19:21). May I encourage you, just as I have been , to take time to stop and pray. When I find myself in overwhelming situations, I’m tempted to ask God if He really knows what He is doing. Are you sure, God, you don’t need my help? I believe that as we take those moments to pray, God will give us just what we need. Believe it or not He doesn’t really need our help.
Oh, Jesus, how we thank you that You have a plan for each one of our lives. Help us to become more disciplined to stop, take time to pray, and listen to You rather than trying to fix things on our own. Amen.

From the Tabernacle to Me

2006-02-01T14:01:00.000-06:00

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I very much take the presence of God for granted in my life. I begin to sell myself short of who I really am and really to whom I have access. It is amazing to me that the very presence of God that led the children of Israel from place to place—a cloud by day and fire by night—dwells in me. WOW! That is amazing, girls. Just think how powerful we are in Jesus’ name.

I am currently teaching a class entitled, “Worship and the Tabernacle.” I am finding the more I study the Word of God. the more alive it comes to me. Truly it is our love letter from God. In it our Director gives us the actions steps for every area of our lives. I am incredibly grateful for God’s presence. His Word is never the same. It is never dull! Actually (as my four-year-old would say), the Word of God is always the same. It is I who changes. For that reason, each time I read a passage, I learn something new. Why? Because I am always at a different stage in my walk with the Lord. Oh! How I praise the Lord that He allows our journey to be never ending—growing and growing in Him I so desire this year to fall more in love with my Heavenly Father. I know that as I fall more in love with Him—allowing Him to change me—He will continually smooth away the rough edges in my life.

His love for us, ladies, is incredible. He will never let you down. He is so faithful! Yes, sometimes difficult things happen in life, but He is always there and wants to guide us through those times. I just want to challenge you this week to take time to stop and ponder what a great God we serve and to consider how He has moved in your life. Also, I want to encourage you to not grow comfortable where you are in your walk with Him. One of my pastor friends explained it to me once like this……Our relationship with Christ is like layers on an onion; as each layer is peeled away we find another layer beneath that one.

God is graciously calling me to peel away layer by layer in different areas of my life. I am so thankful that He does it one step at a time. Also, He does this in a loving way. May I ask what it is that he is asking you to deal with? Is He moving that cloud by day or that fire by night, and are you refusing to move? Is He challenging you to get out of the boat?

I know that as we begin to stand up and get out of the boat it can be rather scary. However, I am reminded of Moses in Exodus 3:12. The task that God was calling Moses to was monumental. I am sure Moses must have felt inadequate. But what do we observe God telling Moses? I will be with you.

I don’t know about you, but it brings me great comfort to know that God is with me.

Lord Jesus, I pray that as you call your women servants to do the things that you want them to do, please help us not to permit insecurities, fear, doubts or anything else to hinder us from following your direction. Help us to remember it is not we who do the work; we are just part of the equation. It is you who does the work, and it is through your awesome grace you choose to use us. Thank you for that privilege. I love you so much, Lord!

A Life of Worship

2006-01-27T08:48:00.000-06:00

We see in scripture that in the beginning Adam and Eve were in a pure, unhindered relationship with God. Everything they did was an act of Worship. They led lives of Worship. However, we know it didn’t take long for man to mess this up.

Then, we see what a loving God we have when He provided a covering for their shame. We see here where God took the initiative in showing man how to return to Him. I am so thankful that God seeks us out—that He desires to meet with us and have relationship with us.

I used to think that if I didn’t meet with God a certain time of the day for a certain amount of time, perhaps God might not give me what I needed. What a lie from the serpent! I am finding as I grow in my journey with the Lord that it is certainly not God who needs me to meet with Him, but it’s I who needs to meet with God. As I meet with Him it helps me to live a life of Worship.

Gen. 22:5 is the first place that the word worship appears. This of course is the chapter where Abraham is tested by putting Isaac on the altar.

Worship
A primitive root; to depress, that is, prostrate (especially reflexively in homage to royalty or God): - bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries)

This I find interesting as I read this definition—to bow down, to humbly beseech—we have to give up pride and surrender ourselves to someone to worship him. I believe God is showing us through this passage that He wants us to surrender ourselves to Him. As we do this, we will find places of worship more and more often in our lives.

Truly, God wants every place we walk to be a meeting place with Him. We see in Genesis chapter 3, when He connected with Adam and Eve again after they had eaten of the fruit, He met them right where they were. He met with them even though they had been disobedient. No matter what we have done or how we have lived, God desires to meet with us. Ladies, there is no shame with Him. Aren’t you grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves us, no matter our past. For some this may be a hard concept to grasp, but His love for you, dear one, is unconditional. Won’t you allow Him today to meet you right where you are? I guarantee that as you begin this journey of worship, you will experience joy and pleasure as you commune with this loving Heavenly Father.

Jesus, I am so thankful that you meet me where I am. Thank you that you love me unconditionally. Help my life to be a life of Worship.

God-Conscious VS Self-Conscious

2006-01-11T13:45:00.001-06:00

During the past week my family and I took a break from “life.” We just had several days of renewal. What a blessing. I am very grateful for the time the Lord provided for us during the Holiday season. During this time I picked up a book I've had for several years and began reading it — A Heart Like His by Beth Moore.

In one of the chapters, my study took me to 1 Samuel 10-11. In these passages we read about Samuel anointing Saul as king. As I read these passages the process fascinated me. First of all, in chapter 10 verse 6 we are told that the Spirit of the Lord would come upon Saul and he would prophesy with the other prophets and that he would be changed into a different person. Then, in verse 9 we are told that as Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart.

Oh, how grateful I am, ladies, that God is in the business of changing us. I am so grateful that with the help of His grace He makes me a different person. Oh, how I need that renewal daily in my life.

However, as we continue to read in this chapter we find in verse 14 that when Saul’s uncle asked him where he had been, Saul tells him that he and his servant had been looking for their donkeys, and when they couldn’t find them, they went to Samuel (the priest). Saul’s uncle then asked them, “What did Samuel say?” Saul proceeds to tell him that Samuel assured them that the donkeys had been found. However, Saul for what ever reason, did not share with his uncle anything about his being anointed as king.

As I read this I wondered why. Why wouldn’t he share such news with his uncle? I don’t know about you, but if this happened to me I think I would be sharing with my family. As I continued in my study that day, Beth Moore brought some insight to my question.

What was the root of Saul’s problems? He was more self-conscious than God-conscious. Perhaps he was more concerned about what people would think than lavishing in the goodness of God and the privilege that had been entrusted to him by God. Perhaps he was concerned about whether he was able to do the task God had given him, rather than knowing that God had called him, and He would provide Saul with all that was needed for the task.

I don’t know about you, but I have been there, ladies. Quite honestly it is very restricting. I am grateful that through the grace of God He can help us in our weakness. Oh, it is only because of His goodness that I have been an over comer. Sometimes I get so excited about it I just want to stand from the mountain top and shout.

I am grateful that God’s mercies are new every morning and that with His grace I am able to grow this year to be more God-conscious because At times I still very much struggle with being more self-conscious than God-conscious.
During this time of the year many of us take the opportunity to reflect on the previous year and set goals for the upcoming year. May I challenge you as I myself have been challenged, that as we approach this new year of new beginnings, let’s reflect on what it is that God has called us to do. And then, as the saying goes, “Just DO it!”

Lord, thank you that you empower us to do the tasks you have called us to. Please help me, Jesus, along with all my other sisters in Christ, to follow when you call us to do something, and then to give you all the Glory as we see your marvelous hand at work.

God-Conscious VS Self-Conscious

2006-01-11T13:45:00.000-06:00

I Have Decided to Just Be Me……

2005-12-19T15:35:00.000-06:00

Well, here we are again, ladies, at the Holiday season. Christmas is less than a week away, and of course, the New Year follows shortly after.

I am wondering how many of you feel just as I do…..tired! And perhaps ready for just a little break in life.

I don’t know about your family, but our family tends to really slow down during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. It is nice my children are out of school. My husband and I take time off and we are all together. We spend evenings around the fire playing with the new games and toys that were Christmas gifts for the children―but mom and dad enjoy as well.

For several Christmases now I have been very stressed out trying to make sure everything was just “perfect;” trying to make sure that I was hitting the “mark” as a wife, mother, daughter, and daughter-in-law. To be truthful, it was really no fun.

Earlier this year through a series of events, I discovered that living life this way was not really God’s plan. I must say this year has been a great year of learning and falling more in love with our gracious Heavenly Father. For this I am so grateful.

This Christmas season I can truly say has been fun. With the Lord’s help, I have approached this season much differently than in the past. It has been a joyful experience, and I truly believe that is how God intends it to be.

Have there been things I have done this year that I have in the past? You bet you. Have there been things I did this year that I haven’t done before? Absolutely. However, the bottom line is that this Christmas I have just decided to be me and have fun with it. Oh, how I praise God for this gift.

I believe the story of Christ’s birth we read in Luke Chapter 2, was not intended to bring all the stress so many find themselves in during the Christmas season. (I, myself, have been one of those.) I am so grateful for this wonderful gift we celebrate at Christmas and for His transformation power that is alive in us.

Jesus, thank you that you have allowed me to celebrate Christmas in a new way this season. I would ask you to help all of us ladies as we finish the final preparations for this special day we celebrate your birth. Give each lady what is needed for her to experience the “good news of great joy” spoken of in Luke 2: 10 as she completes these preparations. Thank you for coming to earth and for your love for us. Thank you for allowing me to experience that not only this Christmas season, but every day of the year. Amen.

Ladies, remember, be YOU…. And enjoy the season.

God is our City of Refuge

2005-12-19T15:25:00.000-06:00

A class I am currently taking is studying the book of Joshua. In our studies this past week we covered the 20th chapter which talks about Cities of Refuge.

In Bible times, a City of Refuge was one designated as a safe place to which someone who had accidentally and unintentionally killed a person could flee and find protection from the avenger of blood.

He was to stay in that city until he had stood trial before the assembly and until the death of the high priest who was serving at that time. Then he was allowed to go back to his own home in the town from which he fled. (Point of interest: Since the high priest served for life, waiting until his death occurred would allow enough time for the family of the deceased to complete the grieving process.)

As I read this portion of scripture I realized this is what Christ is for us: He is our Tower of Refuge we can run to any time. Oh, how grateful I am ladies for that refuge!

As we talked further about these cities in class, our teacher explained the meaning of these six Cities of Refuge:
Kedesh means holiness
Shechem means shoulder or strength
Hebron means fellowship
Bezer means safety
Ramoth means uplifting
Golan means happiness

I found this even more intriguing. All of these definitions again match what Christ is for us. Oh, ladies, if you are not letting Him be your holiness, your strength, your favorite one with whom you fellowship, your safety, the one you allow to uplift you when you are down, and your happiness, why don’t you begin today.

Rachel VS Leah

2005-12-06T17:03:00.000-06:00

In the 29th chapter of Genesis we read of the story of Jacob's meeting Rachel. It is almost love at first site when Jacob sees Rachael at the well watering her father’s sheep. Jacob sees this beautiful girl and decides for himself that she would make a fine wife. However, Laban, Rachel’s father has a little different plan.

Laban did not want Jacob working for him for nothing, so he approaches Jacob about what his wage should be for his work. Jacob shares his desire to marry Rachel, and that he will work for seven years in return for Rachel.

When those seven years passed, Jacob was expecting to marry Rachel; however, as we know, Laban gave Jacob his older daughter, Leah, to Jacob in marriage. Jacob was so in love with Rachel that he agreed to work another seven years to be able also to marry Rachel.

The description given of both of these girls is interesting to me. In verse 17 it states that Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form and beautiful. I wonder how many of us feel like we are Leahs when we are really Rachels in God eyes.

There is so much pressure from society on women to be beautiful, to have just the right hair color, be just the right size, wear a certain type of clothing. Sometimes the emphasis that media puts on beauty is repulsive to me. I have a seven-year-old daughter who already wants to make sure she looks just right. I sometimes want to stand up on a real high “soap box” and say “Hey, is anyone getting it here? Is it any wonder that so many young ladies are struggling with depression and feelings of unworthiness.”

I was at a local business recently and overheard the conversation of a junior high female. She was talking about her problem of depression. There are days she doesn't want to get out of bed to go to school , and she struggles with trying to get her friends' approval.

It is my opinion that there are far too many of us females that see ourselves as Leahs when really we are all Rachaels in God’s sight. Just think, ladies, in God’s sight we are all “lovely in form, and beautiful” just as the Bible describes Rachael in Genesis 29:17.

It just makes me so angry with the enemy (I think this is righteous anger) of our soul. He is trying every trick to prevent women from seeing their worth in Christ. On a worship CD I have by Travis Cottrell there is a song entitled “If I Could See What You See.” I love this song because it speaks so clearly about how Christ sees us. If we could just see ourselves as Christ sees us we would begin to understand who we really are. Ladies, we are who Christ says we are, not who we think we are.

Oh, I am so grateful for His redemptive work in our lives, however, it doesn’t stop with redemption. God has a life for us that far exceeds what we could expect. "Lord, I pray that you would help me this week to see myself the way you see me, not the way I think I am. Lord, as you begin to reveal this to me, help me to grow in a God-glorifying attitude, falling deeper in love with you. I love you so much and thank you for being in my life. Thank you that I am a female created beautiful in your sight, just the way you wanted."

Ladies, the next time you see a magazine cover with a “model figure” on it or a TV commercial that has the female who looks “just right, ” may you be reminded that you are “just right” and fearfully and wonderfully created in God’s image. You are beautiful and lovely in form.

That Certain Place

2005-11-29T09:48:00.000-06:00

Genesis 28:10-22 shares the account of Jacob’s dream. Prior to these passages we find that Jacob has been sent out by Isaac to find a wife. As the day was coming to an end he stopped for the night to rest. Verse 11 states, "When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep."

What Jacob thought was just a place he had stopped to rest for the evening became a place that was very significant. Genesis 28:16 states, "When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, 'Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it. ' ” As I read this passage my thoughts couldn’t help but wonder how many times I aimlessly just go about life not aware of the LORD's being in “this place.”

As I was studying this passage of scripture in The Patriarchs by Beth Moore, she spoke of praying for an increased awareness of God’s presence. That struck a cord in my heart. I need to make that a daily prayer in my life. You may be like me, and when something like that is taught you say, "Well, yes, I knew that." But, I really wonder how many times I may be in that “certain place, ” without the awareness of God’s presence? Oh, ladies, how I long to daily be more aware of His presence. Won’t you join me on this journey?

Friendships

2005-11-16T15:34:00.000-06:00

I wonder how many of you really consider God to be a friend. Yes , I know God is to be reverenced and respected. But He desires relationship with us. Isn’t that evident by the gift that was presented at Calvary? It is my belief many of us sell short just how much God values us.

Webster’s Dictionary defines friendship as " the state of being friends. " So let’s take it a step farther. A friend is defined as " a person whom one knows well and is fond of; intimate associate, close acquaintance, a person on the same side in a struggle, one who is not an enemy or foe. "

Most of us women thrive on friendships. We love the connectedness ; the ability to go shopping together, talk on the phone, have lunch, and share what is happening in our lives over a cup of coffee ; or however it is you enjoy connecting with your girlfriends. Let’s face it , gals , part of a “girlfriend ' s life” is our friendships.

May I ask you today, how is your friendship with God? As I have continued my study of The Patriarchs by Beth Moore, I was recently challenged by this question. Genesis 18:16-33 gives account of Abraham’s plead for Sodom. In verse 23 we see where Abraham begins his dialogue with the Lord about sparing Sodom. He first asks the Lord , "W ill you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" Then he goes on to ask the Lord , "What if you find fifty righteous; will you really sweep it away, and not spare it for these fifty righteous ?" The Lord responds to Abraham that if fifty are found , yes He will spare Sodom for these fifty righteous. I love what Abraham does next. He goes on to say in verse 27, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes (V28), what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city because of five people?”

As many of us are so familiar with this passage, we know that the Lord and Abraham continue to have this dialogue until Abraham finally says to the Lord, “May you not be angry with me, but what if ten righteous are found?" The Lord in His mercy and patience with Abraham answers (I am sure in a very loving way), that if ten righteous are found He will not destroy the land. As we all know, this is not the case, and eventually Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed. However, I am so grateful for the picture of friendship that is portrayed here between Abraham and God.

God knew what the outcome of these events was going to be, yet He allowed Abraham to engage in dialogue with him about these events. He allowed Abraham to work this out in his human mind. I don’t know about you, but I want to have such a relationship with God. God is not afraid of our questions; in-fact, He welcomes those questions.

Let’s go back and look at our definition of friendship; it is a person whom one knows well. May I ask you how well you know God? It is my belief that no matter how well we know Him, we can always get to know Him better. Just think , He loves you and never has an ill thought about you. May I challenge you this week to spend time with the greatest friend of all time, Jesus Christ. Thank you , Jesus , that you want us to grow our friendship with you. Please help us to do that this week.

You want me to do what? – November 9

2005-11-09T20:42:00.000-06:00

Today I would like to spin off of the thought we had last week in our devotional. Last week we were challenged to become who we are for Christ , or to be who Christ is calling us to be. Admittedly, along with that call there are some challenges presented. Recently, I began a study of the book of Joshua,( and ladies as a side note, may I say it is so fun to study the Word of God ! ) , and as I began reading I soon saw Joshua presented with such a challenge.

In Joshua 3:7 it says, And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so that they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses " (V8) . Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: “When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.” If you continue reading chapter 3 you find out that the Jordan was at flood stage. Y et as soon as the priest who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It goes on to state that the priest stood on firm dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel passed by , until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.

As I study this, the Lord took my thoughts to wondering how Joshua must have felt. Surely he must have been some what anxious wondering, ”Lord have I really heard you? What if I get all these people there and the priest enter into the Jordan and nothing happens?" However, I am encouraged at how Joshua operated in the faith of being who God had called him to be. He didn’t ask “You want me to do what?” He didn’t dwell on the “what ifs.” He chose to put aside any doubt or anxiousness and decided to operate as the person God called him to be -- not the person he saw himself as.
I wonder how many times we miss out on being used in a way that God would want to use because we don’t see ourselves as God views us. God gave Joshua the confidence in Him to lead the people across the Jordan and gave the people of Israel confidence in Joshua to be their leader. May I ask you , sister , what is it that God is calling you to do? As daughters of Christ, that same confidence lives inside of us. How exciting! Thank you, Jesus , for the confidence we can have because YOU dwell in us.

B Who UR

2005-11-02T16:44:00.000-06:00

Recently as I was driving, I got behind a car and the license plate read BWHOUR 4. As I read it to myself out loud (please tell me you do that also) anyway, as I continued to talk to myself I said “that is good”.

I think sometimes as women we struggle with that thought. There may be various reasons for this, but two that come to mind are insecurities and the desire to please others. May I ask you today dear one who is it you are trying to please? Self. Always wanting more, not caring about anyone else. Others. By wanting what everyone else has trying to make yourself someone you are not. Or are you happy with what you have content and thankful for the things you have having a willing heart no matter how people treat you.

I think of the seventeenth chapter of Genesis where the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I am God Almighty, walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.” The passage goes on to say that Abraham fell face down, and God said to him as for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram, your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.

Who is that God says you are? That is how we should operate dear sister. If you go on to read the entire seventeenth chapter you find out Abraham took Ishmael and all of those born in his household or bought with his money, every male and circumcised them as, God told him. Abraham was operating as the Lord had instructed.

I find it quite interesting that in the very next Chapter is where the three visitors visited Abraham informing him that Isaac would be born. Now please understand I am not implying we can manipulate God, but I do believe many of us operate below who Christ has called us to be. May I just ask who is that Christ is calling you to be? Ladies, let’s BWHO UR 4 Christ.

Just When I thought God was not Looking

2005-10-25T16:15:00.000-05:00

Recently I have begun doing a Beth Moore study on the Patriarchs. My reading on this particular day took me through the sixteenth chapter of Genesis. As I read this particular passage, verse 7 struck me. It states “The angel of the LORD found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur”(NIV ). Of course this was after Hagar found out she was with child. Though it had been Sarai 's idea for her to give her husband to their maidservant Hagar ( to help get things rolling with their family ), once Sarai found that Hagar was with child she began to despise her mistress. The scripture goes on to say that Sarai mistreated Hagar so Hagar fled from her.
Just think of Hagar for a moment . She was alone and out on her own. Possibly quite frightened about her future, she was perhaps feeling God had abandon ed her. However, the scripture says that the angel of the LORD found her. To find something we have to be searching for it. Also, if you will note , this scripture refers to the LORD in all capital letters which denotes the “Almighty.” I don’t know about you, but it brings me great comfort to know the LORD is searching for me. Often times we may think of God just watching us and seeking us out to see the “bad” things we do and to “w h ack” us over the head when we mess up. However, that is not the truth, the truth is God is a God of love , dear sister , and HE is seeking you out today. He loves you very much. Just as God told Hagar to go back to her mistress and submit to her and " I will take care of you ." What is it that you need God to seek you out for today? Please be assured that He is seeking you and loves you . He is well aware of your situation. He will be what you need.