Have you ever been in a place in your life that felt like uncharted waters? Your world is rocking. There is turbulence all around. You can’t get your bearings because you are being tossed to and fro like someone in a boat on troubled seas. That’s where I’ve been lately. Every morning I wake to feel the storm still raging.
I started thinking about this boat and storm idea yesterday and thought about the story in Mark where Jesus calms the storm. So, I decided to read it and see what the LORD had to tell me. I wanted to know how my story is similar, even thought it is a storm of emotions.
The first thing I noticed was that Jesus was the one who suggested they take the boat across to the other side.
“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35)
The disciples did not plan to go over there and probably wouldn’t have gone if Jesus had not suggested it. It was their Lord’s idea to go. Now, Jesus knows all things. He knew there would be a storm, so he must have pointed them in this direction for a reason. The storm was part of his plan.
This is very much like my story. I did not plan for these recent events to happen in my life. They are not of my making. I’ve just been sailing along. Maybe I saw some storm clouds on the horizon. Perhaps I heard some thunder in the distance. I did not expect to be overcome by this squall, however. But Jesus did.
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped.” (Mark 4:37)
I have felt exactly this way – in a furious storm, being battered from side-to-side by my emotions. Full of compassion one moment. Full of anger the next. Waves of emotions have crashed over me so that I’ve been nearly swamped by them – unable to concentrate on anything else and unable to right my boat. Keeled over – first one way, then the other – that’s what I have been.
Have you ever felt this way? I hope you had Jesus on your boat!
“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown? He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:38-39)
Like the disciples, I have Jesus on board, thankfully. I have cried the same thing to him, “Lord, look at what is happening! I can’t fix this! Do something!”
He has said the same thing back to me, “Be still! Be still! Be still!”
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him . . .” (Psalm 37:7)
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“Quiet! Be still!” (Mark 4:39)
I even heard him whispering this to me in a children’s movie at the theater last Friday. In the movie Where the Wild Things Are, the boy, Max, was very emotional. He was allowing his emotions to take control over him. They dictated his actions. His anger was about to eat him up. He had to say, very firmly, “Be still!” to the Wild Things. Reminded me of myself.
“Quiet! Be still!” The Lord told the storm and it was completely calm.
“He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (v. 40)
I have come to realize that my situation is not really my problem. It is someone else’s problem and I can’t fix it. The Lord will work that out. He has promised me He will. My problem is my emotions about the situation. That is where the storm is raging.
“Quiet! Be still! . . . Do you still have no faith?”
The Lord has assured me over and over that this will turn out for my good and His glory. I must have faith in that. Allowing my emotions to storm, tossing me from side-to-side shows I do not trust what he has promised. It suggests I “still have no faith.”
We are going to the other shore. Jesus has pointed us in that direction. He has set me on this course. It was part of his plan. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. He knew the storm would come. But he is with me and has assured me we will get there safely. So, the question is, will I listen and obey and be still?
To the disciples Jesus revealed part of who he is, “Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (v. 41b) He wants to reveal something to me as well. Will I “Be still” and listen?
Will I allow my faith in Jesus Christ to quiet my emotional storm?
Will I step up boldly each time the winds begin to blow and say, “Be still!”
Will I allow him to reveal himself to me?
What would I know about my Lord and Savior if I would stop and allow him to be in control?
I’ve decided I would rather get to the other shore in awe of my Lord instead of emotionally worn out.
I don’t know if this word speaks to you. I hope it does. We all have our moments in the middle of the storm. Let us “Be still,” and allow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to calm the waves.
Thank you, Jesus.
Keep us pointed in your direction and on even keel.
In Jesus’ name . . .
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
BIG or Little?
Americans are BIG. We have big houses and drive big cars compared to other places in the world. We build big buildings and big stadiums. We have big movie stars who make big money. They throw big parties and spend their big money.
We eat Big Macs with our big super sized combos and then we are big in size. We have big government and big egos. We are just BIG!
That big mentality spills over into our attitudes and desires, even if we aren’t one of those big movie stars with big money. All of this BIG has caused us to think, even the smallest of us, that bigger is better. I read a children’s book this summer by Will Hobbs titled Go Big or Go Home. I think that sums up our attitude. If it isn’t big enough, we don’t want it and the little things don’t matter any more. It is a shame, but I think that is where we are in our attitudes.
This “big” thing began to dawn on me while I was deep in my Esther study the other day. Beth Moore has been talking about our personal destinies so, of course, I’ve been thinking, “What is my personal destiny? What am I supposed to be doing?” I’ve asked the Lord this for a long time now and I get a little bit of an idea along the way. He has been good to give me direction but I’ve never felt like “This is it!” Maybe it's just never been BIG enough for me to say, "Okay. That's it."
So, I started questioning my motive about wanting to know. I’ve been praying every morning, “Lord search my heart and keep my intentions pure,” and He has been faithful to do that. I’ve been questioning a lot about myself lately and I know it is because of that prayer. Most of the time I don’t like what I see and this big thing is no exception. It suddenly dawned on me that I want my destiny to be BIG. A big book to write or a big Sunday School class to teach or big attendance to some place I speak or . . . I don’t know . . . just BIG. Oh, the shame of my motive - but it is true.
I have fallen victim to the BIG mentality of America. Go BIG or go home! If it isn’t big, we don’t want it. If it is going to happen to us, we want it to be big. What is up with that? I’m not a big person, in terms of sphere of influence, nor do I really want to be. My house is small, by American standards. My car is small. (We won’t talk about my truck.) My circle of friends is small. And you know what? I like it that way. Why am I thinking about the BIG?
Really, "the BIG thing" is what I wanted in my heart when I asked the Lord about my destiny. I wanted the BIG. I’ve been trained to think that way – television, movies, news reports, seeing big houses and big cars and hearing about other people’s big stories. The world has influenced me. But, I must remember . . . I am not of this world. I am a child of God and I should see things differently. God’s economy is not the world’s economy.
May the Word of God remind me of what He has said to me.
Matthew 16:26: “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”
John 15:19: “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world . . .”
1 Corinthians 3:19: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. . .”
1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
1 Peter2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
John 3:30: “He must become greater. I must become less.”
I am chosen out of this world, not to be a part of it but to be a child of God. It is not good for me to gain the world, for the world’s wisdom is foolishness to God. When I love the things of the world, desiring what it offers and feeling full of pride, I am not loving my Lord for he is not part of the world. His will should be my desire, not my own. He is greater. I am less.
Oh LORD, I understand that something very small here on earth could be HUGE in your sight. I understand that substitute teaching my very small Sunday School class could be the very thing you have called my to do, even though it doesn’t seem very big to my eyes. I understand that sending someone a note of encouragement or a $20 bill could be BIG in your economy. I understand that I am called to do Your will, not my own and that my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways. (Isaiah 55) Give me a desire to do Your will. Make me content to do whatever it may be, no matter how small. Let me think about the small things as if they are monumental . . .because really they just might be the one huge thing that makes a difference in someone’s spiritual life. Give me eyes to see things Your way, LORD. Give me a sense of purpose, even when I’m doing something that seems miniscule to me. Bigger is not better in Your eyes, LORD. Remind me that Your thoughts are different. Faith. Build my faith, so that I will seek Your will and not my own. In Jesus’ mighty name I ask these things . . .
And on a more personal note . . . David, I hope these words were wise enough for you this morning! Thanks for being a faithful reader and making me post something new. Keep reminding me. Of course, you could make a comment every now and then.
We eat Big Macs with our big super sized combos and then we are big in size. We have big government and big egos. We are just BIG!
That big mentality spills over into our attitudes and desires, even if we aren’t one of those big movie stars with big money. All of this BIG has caused us to think, even the smallest of us, that bigger is better. I read a children’s book this summer by Will Hobbs titled Go Big or Go Home. I think that sums up our attitude. If it isn’t big enough, we don’t want it and the little things don’t matter any more. It is a shame, but I think that is where we are in our attitudes.
This “big” thing began to dawn on me while I was deep in my Esther study the other day. Beth Moore has been talking about our personal destinies so, of course, I’ve been thinking, “What is my personal destiny? What am I supposed to be doing?” I’ve asked the Lord this for a long time now and I get a little bit of an idea along the way. He has been good to give me direction but I’ve never felt like “This is it!” Maybe it's just never been BIG enough for me to say, "Okay. That's it."
So, I started questioning my motive about wanting to know. I’ve been praying every morning, “Lord search my heart and keep my intentions pure,” and He has been faithful to do that. I’ve been questioning a lot about myself lately and I know it is because of that prayer. Most of the time I don’t like what I see and this big thing is no exception. It suddenly dawned on me that I want my destiny to be BIG. A big book to write or a big Sunday School class to teach or big attendance to some place I speak or . . . I don’t know . . . just BIG. Oh, the shame of my motive - but it is true.
I have fallen victim to the BIG mentality of America. Go BIG or go home! If it isn’t big, we don’t want it. If it is going to happen to us, we want it to be big. What is up with that? I’m not a big person, in terms of sphere of influence, nor do I really want to be. My house is small, by American standards. My car is small. (We won’t talk about my truck.) My circle of friends is small. And you know what? I like it that way. Why am I thinking about the BIG?
Really, "the BIG thing" is what I wanted in my heart when I asked the Lord about my destiny. I wanted the BIG. I’ve been trained to think that way – television, movies, news reports, seeing big houses and big cars and hearing about other people’s big stories. The world has influenced me. But, I must remember . . . I am not of this world. I am a child of God and I should see things differently. God’s economy is not the world’s economy.
May the Word of God remind me of what He has said to me.
Matthew 16:26: “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”
John 15:19: “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world . . .”
1 Corinthians 3:19: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. . .”
1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
1 Peter2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
John 3:30: “He must become greater. I must become less.”
I am chosen out of this world, not to be a part of it but to be a child of God. It is not good for me to gain the world, for the world’s wisdom is foolishness to God. When I love the things of the world, desiring what it offers and feeling full of pride, I am not loving my Lord for he is not part of the world. His will should be my desire, not my own. He is greater. I am less.
Oh LORD, I understand that something very small here on earth could be HUGE in your sight. I understand that substitute teaching my very small Sunday School class could be the very thing you have called my to do, even though it doesn’t seem very big to my eyes. I understand that sending someone a note of encouragement or a $20 bill could be BIG in your economy. I understand that I am called to do Your will, not my own and that my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways. (Isaiah 55) Give me a desire to do Your will. Make me content to do whatever it may be, no matter how small. Let me think about the small things as if they are monumental . . .because really they just might be the one huge thing that makes a difference in someone’s spiritual life. Give me eyes to see things Your way, LORD. Give me a sense of purpose, even when I’m doing something that seems miniscule to me. Bigger is not better in Your eyes, LORD. Remind me that Your thoughts are different. Faith. Build my faith, so that I will seek Your will and not my own. In Jesus’ mighty name I ask these things . . .
And on a more personal note . . . David, I hope these words were wise enough for you this morning! Thanks for being a faithful reader and making me post something new. Keep reminding me. Of course, you could make a comment every now and then.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Saturday
It's Saturday! And a beautiful Saturday at that. I love lazy Saturdays.
Nothing special going on here today. I have no devotionals to post. No particular news to tell. Just glad it is Saturday.
My guys went hunting this morning. I had breakfast waiting on them when they got back. Jeffrey had a football game. We lost 38 to 0 but Jeffrey played a good game. He really excels out on the field and I'm not just being a mom when I say that. I love to watch him play - no matter what sport it is - football, baseball - it doesn't matter. I'm just thrilled to watch.
After the game we came home. I cleaned house while the guys slept. Then we went out to eat. They asked me to go hunting with them this evening, but I said no. I haven't gotten over the chiggers from last week. Drove me crazy all week. So they won't be back till late tonight.
Looks like a walk with the dog, a quick pedicure with new nail color and a second viewing of Beth Moore's Esther video #4. (I'm avoiding the 6 stacks of papers I have to grade before Monday. Can you tell?)
I love lazy Saturdays! Sigh . . .
Nothing special going on here today. I have no devotionals to post. No particular news to tell. Just glad it is Saturday.
My guys went hunting this morning. I had breakfast waiting on them when they got back. Jeffrey had a football game. We lost 38 to 0 but Jeffrey played a good game. He really excels out on the field and I'm not just being a mom when I say that. I love to watch him play - no matter what sport it is - football, baseball - it doesn't matter. I'm just thrilled to watch.
After the game we came home. I cleaned house while the guys slept. Then we went out to eat. They asked me to go hunting with them this evening, but I said no. I haven't gotten over the chiggers from last week. Drove me crazy all week. So they won't be back till late tonight.
Looks like a walk with the dog, a quick pedicure with new nail color and a second viewing of Beth Moore's Esther video #4. (I'm avoiding the 6 stacks of papers I have to grade before Monday. Can you tell?)
I love lazy Saturdays! Sigh . . .
Monday, September 14, 2009
Scripture That Guards
Earlier this year, I made a commitment to memorize two Bible verses each month. The verses could be of my choosing but I had to report my choices on the 1st and 15th of the month to my accountability partners.
I had never attempted to memorize scripture at a consistent pace before. Maybe I’d memorized a few, but really, I thought it was something I couldn’t do. I remember even writing that down in one of my old journals. “I’m not good at memorizing scripture.”
Well let me just tell you that was a lie Satan wanted me to believe. He just wanted me to think I couldn’t do it. Sounds pretty reasonable if you look at it from his point of view. The Word is my sword according to Ephesians 6:17. It is the weapon I can defend myself with. Why would he want me to sharpen my sword and have it ready? He wouldn’t, of course! That is why he kept telling me I couldn’t remember scripture! And for a while, I believed his lies.
I know the truth now, and the truth is I am hungry for God’s word. I can memorize it quickly and it comes to my mind and my mouth just when I need it. I cannot begin to tell you how often I have been in a situation, feeling defeated or feeling uncertain or even feeling joyful when BAM - there is it – in my mind and on my tongue. God’s Word is awesome!
Take for example my recent situation. There has been an area of my life that has not gone the way I wanted it to go. I’ve done everything I know to do. I’ve handled it the way the LORD has directed me, but still my prayers are unanswered and the situation looks bleak from here.
Needless to say, I’ve been very anxious about the outcome. But every time I started getting to that really anxious place – the place where I knew I was just going to emotionally lose it, my memory verse came to mind.
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
That was me. I was anxious. So I would offer up to my Lord thanksgiving. (I’d already done a whole lot of prayer and petition.) And I would rest in the fact that He had it under control, even if it didn’t look that way to me.
You know, this verse doesn’t tell us that we’ll get what we asked for – maybe because He knows better than us and whatever we’re asking for might not be the best way to solve the situation. Nope. It doesn’t promise us answered prayers. It promises peace – a peace that is beyond understanding. It promises the kind of peace that doesn’t make sense. Others might look at you in the middle of your peace and think . . .”Why isn’t she upset?” Or, “I don’t see how she is holding up right now.” The LORD’s peace goes beyond understanding.
The other thing I find interesting about this verse is that this peace stands guard over your heart and your mind. Interesting. You would only need a guard if there was a threat, right?
In my case, I became anxious every time I was reminded of the situation. That could be many times in a day. So each time, it was presented, I would begin to start worrying and here would come my verse. I would say the verse out loud (didn’t have to look it up because it was in my memory) and I would remember to trust my MORD and her would come my peace – the peace that stood guard and didn’t allow all those anxious, negative thoughts to consume me.
The peace of God has been guarding my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. I sure have been under attack, but I’m feeling pretty good because I know that LORD has posted peace to be my guard. I do not need to be anxious – all I need to do is pray and thank my LORD.
I don’t know what part of this you needed to hear today. Maybe you too have believed Satan’s lie that you can’t memorize scripture. To you I would say . . . grab hold of the truth. Take up your sword and defeat the lie. Find some verses that speak to you and some friends that will hold you accountable. You’ll be glad you did.
Maybe you needed to hear that God’s peace will guard your heart and your mind. Maybe you are in the middle of some kind of battle and you needed to know this. To you I would say . . . write this verse (Phil. 4:6-7) on a card and carry it around with you. Repeat it over and over until it is hiding in your heart. Speak it every time you begin to feel anxious. Let it remind you that God is in control and He has sent peace to guard over you. Thank Him – for He is good.
Dear LORD, I thank You for Your Word! I thank You that You have given it to us to teach us, protect us, comfort us, encourage us and much more. I thank You that You have shown me the truth. I thank You that You have equipped me with a mind that is able to memorize Your Word. And, I thank You for the hunger I have for Your Word and Your presence in my life. Fill me up LORD. Fill me up with You. I want to know You more and more each day. Thank You. In Jesus name . . .
I had never attempted to memorize scripture at a consistent pace before. Maybe I’d memorized a few, but really, I thought it was something I couldn’t do. I remember even writing that down in one of my old journals. “I’m not good at memorizing scripture.”
Well let me just tell you that was a lie Satan wanted me to believe. He just wanted me to think I couldn’t do it. Sounds pretty reasonable if you look at it from his point of view. The Word is my sword according to Ephesians 6:17. It is the weapon I can defend myself with. Why would he want me to sharpen my sword and have it ready? He wouldn’t, of course! That is why he kept telling me I couldn’t remember scripture! And for a while, I believed his lies.
I know the truth now, and the truth is I am hungry for God’s word. I can memorize it quickly and it comes to my mind and my mouth just when I need it. I cannot begin to tell you how often I have been in a situation, feeling defeated or feeling uncertain or even feeling joyful when BAM - there is it – in my mind and on my tongue. God’s Word is awesome!
Take for example my recent situation. There has been an area of my life that has not gone the way I wanted it to go. I’ve done everything I know to do. I’ve handled it the way the LORD has directed me, but still my prayers are unanswered and the situation looks bleak from here.
Needless to say, I’ve been very anxious about the outcome. But every time I started getting to that really anxious place – the place where I knew I was just going to emotionally lose it, my memory verse came to mind.
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
That was me. I was anxious. So I would offer up to my Lord thanksgiving. (I’d already done a whole lot of prayer and petition.) And I would rest in the fact that He had it under control, even if it didn’t look that way to me.
You know, this verse doesn’t tell us that we’ll get what we asked for – maybe because He knows better than us and whatever we’re asking for might not be the best way to solve the situation. Nope. It doesn’t promise us answered prayers. It promises peace – a peace that is beyond understanding. It promises the kind of peace that doesn’t make sense. Others might look at you in the middle of your peace and think . . .”Why isn’t she upset?” Or, “I don’t see how she is holding up right now.” The LORD’s peace goes beyond understanding.
The other thing I find interesting about this verse is that this peace stands guard over your heart and your mind. Interesting. You would only need a guard if there was a threat, right?
In my case, I became anxious every time I was reminded of the situation. That could be many times in a day. So each time, it was presented, I would begin to start worrying and here would come my verse. I would say the verse out loud (didn’t have to look it up because it was in my memory) and I would remember to trust my MORD and her would come my peace – the peace that stood guard and didn’t allow all those anxious, negative thoughts to consume me.
The peace of God has been guarding my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. I sure have been under attack, but I’m feeling pretty good because I know that LORD has posted peace to be my guard. I do not need to be anxious – all I need to do is pray and thank my LORD.
I don’t know what part of this you needed to hear today. Maybe you too have believed Satan’s lie that you can’t memorize scripture. To you I would say . . . grab hold of the truth. Take up your sword and defeat the lie. Find some verses that speak to you and some friends that will hold you accountable. You’ll be glad you did.
Maybe you needed to hear that God’s peace will guard your heart and your mind. Maybe you are in the middle of some kind of battle and you needed to know this. To you I would say . . . write this verse (Phil. 4:6-7) on a card and carry it around with you. Repeat it over and over until it is hiding in your heart. Speak it every time you begin to feel anxious. Let it remind you that God is in control and He has sent peace to guard over you. Thank Him – for He is good.
Dear LORD, I thank You for Your Word! I thank You that You have given it to us to teach us, protect us, comfort us, encourage us and much more. I thank You that You have shown me the truth. I thank You that You have equipped me with a mind that is able to memorize Your Word. And, I thank You for the hunger I have for Your Word and Your presence in my life. Fill me up LORD. Fill me up with You. I want to know You more and more each day. Thank You. In Jesus name . . .
Friday, August 14, 2009
Promises from God
I’ve had a situation in my life for quite a few years now that requires a lot of prayer and often results in tears. The LORD has given me a promise in this area of my life. As I wept one day, pointing out some things he said in Psalms and begging Him to give me assurance of those things, He spoke a promise to my heart. I knew He had heard me. I knew there was no more that needed to be said or asked. He had spoken His word to me and it was a promise.
So, I’ve held on to that promise. When things don’t look too positive, I’ve had to be reminded of His promise. “Do you trust me?” was the feeling I kept getting one day – which, I think, means we’ve got some troubled roads ahead of us before His promise is fulfilled. I guess the recent situation is one of those roads.
As I cried yesterday, I told God that He needed to keep reminding me of His promise. “Don’t let me forget,” I begged. God is good! And, He listens! And, He is sweet to me.
Jeffrey and I cleaned his room after my cry. We had several bags of trash after emptying his bookbag, so we took the bags out to the can and then rolled the can to the front – since today is trash day.
While I was positioning the can, Jeffrey said, “Look! There’s a rainbow!” Yep! There is was – a big, beautiful reminder of His promises. Now, you just tell me . . . .Who can manipulate the clouds and the sun and the rain into just the right place, at just the right time, so that I could see it perfectly in the biggest open spot around? Only my Father in Heaven!
That rainbow was just for me yesterday. I know it. It was my Father saying, “Here! Remember my promise to you. You are important to me and I hear your cries.”
I thanked God right away for putting that rainbow there and I told Jeffrey what I had prayed earlier. He said, “Well, I guess He really did hear you.” Not only that, but He responded!
My God is good! He is the Alpha and Omega. He holds all of creation in His hand. His love is everlasting. And, I am His!
But here is the thing that gets me . . . Isn’t it neat to know that God is the kind of Father that would set something sweet up just for you? Actually, I think He likes setting up little surprises for us – especially if we’re the kind of child that notices. And, He’s personal too. He does things for us individually. Yeah, everyone around saw that rainbow but I was the one who asked to be reminded of His promise and the rainbow represents His promises. That rainbow was for me! Thank you, LORD!
May I always have my eyes open to see how my LORD is working around me. I don’t want to overlook a thing.
I sing praises to you, my LORD!
So, I’ve held on to that promise. When things don’t look too positive, I’ve had to be reminded of His promise. “Do you trust me?” was the feeling I kept getting one day – which, I think, means we’ve got some troubled roads ahead of us before His promise is fulfilled. I guess the recent situation is one of those roads.
As I cried yesterday, I told God that He needed to keep reminding me of His promise. “Don’t let me forget,” I begged. God is good! And, He listens! And, He is sweet to me.
Jeffrey and I cleaned his room after my cry. We had several bags of trash after emptying his bookbag, so we took the bags out to the can and then rolled the can to the front – since today is trash day.
While I was positioning the can, Jeffrey said, “Look! There’s a rainbow!” Yep! There is was – a big, beautiful reminder of His promises. Now, you just tell me . . . .Who can manipulate the clouds and the sun and the rain into just the right place, at just the right time, so that I could see it perfectly in the biggest open spot around? Only my Father in Heaven!
That rainbow was just for me yesterday. I know it. It was my Father saying, “Here! Remember my promise to you. You are important to me and I hear your cries.”
I thanked God right away for putting that rainbow there and I told Jeffrey what I had prayed earlier. He said, “Well, I guess He really did hear you.” Not only that, but He responded!
My God is good! He is the Alpha and Omega. He holds all of creation in His hand. His love is everlasting. And, I am His!
But here is the thing that gets me . . . Isn’t it neat to know that God is the kind of Father that would set something sweet up just for you? Actually, I think He likes setting up little surprises for us – especially if we’re the kind of child that notices. And, He’s personal too. He does things for us individually. Yeah, everyone around saw that rainbow but I was the one who asked to be reminded of His promise and the rainbow represents His promises. That rainbow was for me! Thank you, LORD!
May I always have my eyes open to see how my LORD is working around me. I don’t want to overlook a thing.
I sing praises to you, my LORD!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Praise from the Mission Field
Our mission trip was such a blessing from God! I wish I could tell you everything that happened during the week, but, alas, I would be here a very long time doing that. So, I guess I'll just hit the hightlights.
Highlight #1: It rained almost all week. Very wet. Very muddy. We had never had to deal with rain during our camp week before and I guess God just threw that in to kick it up a notch. I think we rose to the occassion though. Nobody really complained about it. The youth did a great job being flexible with the schedule and doing extra cabin time when we were forced to go to bed early because of thunderstorms and tornado warnings. All in all the rain was a blessing because it kept it from being so hot.
Highlight #2: I didn't really get to work with the kids very much because my focus was the mom's retreat. That didn't start until Thursday, so I had two days to just help out where I could. I helped with crafts, which is always fun. I helped the children carry their food trays during meal time and I acted as waitress to get drinks and napkins and second helpings. Little Joseph was such a sweetie. He stole my heart last year when he was in my group. One night I was helping him carry his food and I spilled a little of his lemonade into his ketchup. I offered to go get him more ketchup but he wouldn't let me. "No, it won't change the way it tastes," he kept insisting. So sweet and never a complainer. Mr. Charlie, (one of the men form my church who came to help in the kitchen) noticed how Joseph was limping around one day and asked why. Joseph said his feet hurt so Mr. Charlie took off his shoes and quickly realized his shoes were way too small for his feet. So Mr. Charlie traced Joseph's feet and promptly went to town to buy him some new shoes. They were fast friends after that and Joseph could often be found by Mr. Charlie's side. Mr. Charlie cried about that little boy. How often do you see that?
Highlight #3: I did get asked to do a Bible study with the teenage group. One night after worship and the message, I stopped by the Purple Team to see how they were doing. I answered a few questions and offered a few verses and sent the youth leaders in the right direction. Later, some of the youth leaders from that group came to me and said they had noticed that many members of their group had no respect for their bodies. They wanted to do a Bible lesson that would show their group members how God viewed them and why it was important to respect God by respecting themselves. This was really a touchy subject for them and I'm guessing the leaders felt uncomfortable with the subject. So, I talked with Michael, one of the youth ministers there with us and we came up with a good road map through the Bible on the subject. He talked with the boys and I talked with the girls. What a thrill! I had the best time talking to those young girls. And, oh, I know they listened. God's word was very well received by each of them. Later that week, one of those girls made a profession of faith and was baptized in the lake. I knew she would. I could see it in her eyes and I could hear it in her questions. And as for the others, seeds were planted and I feel sure that some day they will grow. Praise the LORD!
Highlight #4: I got to work with the moms! We had a blast! The fellowship was good - 6 moms from last year's retreat came back. The food was good - chocolate fountain was a hit! The Word was just what they needed. Our theme was "Facing Our Giants" and we had made a giant Goliath out of foam board as a display. We had a great time writing our personal giants on little notecards, tacking them all over Goliath and then finding Bible verses that defeated our giants and tacking those over the the giants we had posted. Very cool and we all walked away with sharpened swords to wield in the face of our personal giants. The moms were a hoot and we are already looking forward to next year.
Highlight #5: Kimberley! She was a mom that came last year. She didn't want to be there - only came because she thought she had to since her daughter was at our camp. She was very bitter and she captured my heart immediately last year. She won a study Bible as a door prize last year. "Go figure," she said. "Who can I give it to?" But before she left she asked each of us - me, Wanda and Katrina - to write our favorite verses in the front. We did and the good news is she didn't give that Bible away. She read our verses and she wanted to read more and more and before long she wasn't the Kimbereley we knew anymore. She was a new creation. The old had gone and the new had come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 - which was our theme verse last year.) We prayed for her all year. When I saw her this year, I knew! She had Jesus written all over her face and her words were warm and sweet. She hugged us tight! She waited for our retreat to make a public profession of faith, but really, she already had Jesus in her heart. She was baptized in the lake on Saturday morning. Praise the LORD!
God's word is powerful! He promises us that His word will never come back to Him empty and that it will always accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) That is big! All we have to do is plant the seeds and water them. God will make them grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
I am so blessed to be able to serve my LORD and Savior. I am so blessed to not only be a part of the planting but also that He allowed me to be a part of the harvest. What a thrill! Thank you LORD, for the opportunities you have given me to serve You. Thank you LORD, for leading me to this place where I can see Your beautiful work being accomplished. I sing praises to You, LORD! Thank you!
Highlight #1: It rained almost all week. Very wet. Very muddy. We had never had to deal with rain during our camp week before and I guess God just threw that in to kick it up a notch. I think we rose to the occassion though. Nobody really complained about it. The youth did a great job being flexible with the schedule and doing extra cabin time when we were forced to go to bed early because of thunderstorms and tornado warnings. All in all the rain was a blessing because it kept it from being so hot.
Highlight #2: I didn't really get to work with the kids very much because my focus was the mom's retreat. That didn't start until Thursday, so I had two days to just help out where I could. I helped with crafts, which is always fun. I helped the children carry their food trays during meal time and I acted as waitress to get drinks and napkins and second helpings. Little Joseph was such a sweetie. He stole my heart last year when he was in my group. One night I was helping him carry his food and I spilled a little of his lemonade into his ketchup. I offered to go get him more ketchup but he wouldn't let me. "No, it won't change the way it tastes," he kept insisting. So sweet and never a complainer. Mr. Charlie, (one of the men form my church who came to help in the kitchen) noticed how Joseph was limping around one day and asked why. Joseph said his feet hurt so Mr. Charlie took off his shoes and quickly realized his shoes were way too small for his feet. So Mr. Charlie traced Joseph's feet and promptly went to town to buy him some new shoes. They were fast friends after that and Joseph could often be found by Mr. Charlie's side. Mr. Charlie cried about that little boy. How often do you see that?
Highlight #3: I did get asked to do a Bible study with the teenage group. One night after worship and the message, I stopped by the Purple Team to see how they were doing. I answered a few questions and offered a few verses and sent the youth leaders in the right direction. Later, some of the youth leaders from that group came to me and said they had noticed that many members of their group had no respect for their bodies. They wanted to do a Bible lesson that would show their group members how God viewed them and why it was important to respect God by respecting themselves. This was really a touchy subject for them and I'm guessing the leaders felt uncomfortable with the subject. So, I talked with Michael, one of the youth ministers there with us and we came up with a good road map through the Bible on the subject. He talked with the boys and I talked with the girls. What a thrill! I had the best time talking to those young girls. And, oh, I know they listened. God's word was very well received by each of them. Later that week, one of those girls made a profession of faith and was baptized in the lake. I knew she would. I could see it in her eyes and I could hear it in her questions. And as for the others, seeds were planted and I feel sure that some day they will grow. Praise the LORD!
Highlight #4: I got to work with the moms! We had a blast! The fellowship was good - 6 moms from last year's retreat came back. The food was good - chocolate fountain was a hit! The Word was just what they needed. Our theme was "Facing Our Giants" and we had made a giant Goliath out of foam board as a display. We had a great time writing our personal giants on little notecards, tacking them all over Goliath and then finding Bible verses that defeated our giants and tacking those over the the giants we had posted. Very cool and we all walked away with sharpened swords to wield in the face of our personal giants. The moms were a hoot and we are already looking forward to next year.
Highlight #5: Kimberley! She was a mom that came last year. She didn't want to be there - only came because she thought she had to since her daughter was at our camp. She was very bitter and she captured my heart immediately last year. She won a study Bible as a door prize last year. "Go figure," she said. "Who can I give it to?" But before she left she asked each of us - me, Wanda and Katrina - to write our favorite verses in the front. We did and the good news is she didn't give that Bible away. She read our verses and she wanted to read more and more and before long she wasn't the Kimbereley we knew anymore. She was a new creation. The old had gone and the new had come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 - which was our theme verse last year.) We prayed for her all year. When I saw her this year, I knew! She had Jesus written all over her face and her words were warm and sweet. She hugged us tight! She waited for our retreat to make a public profession of faith, but really, she already had Jesus in her heart. She was baptized in the lake on Saturday morning. Praise the LORD!
God's word is powerful! He promises us that His word will never come back to Him empty and that it will always accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) That is big! All we have to do is plant the seeds and water them. God will make them grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
I am so blessed to be able to serve my LORD and Savior. I am so blessed to not only be a part of the planting but also that He allowed me to be a part of the harvest. What a thrill! Thank you LORD, for the opportunities you have given me to serve You. Thank you LORD, for leading me to this place where I can see Your beautiful work being accomplished. I sing praises to You, LORD! Thank you!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Mission Trip 09
Well, the time has come!
I leave tomorrow morning, bright and early at 5:00 AM, to go on our mission trip to Tennessee. I can't wait!
We'll be hosting a camp for children of single moms and then on Thursday the moms get to come for a mom retreat. We have exciting stuff planned like a spa day - complete with nails and facials, relaxing music and a chocolate fountain - of course. Wanda made a little card with a verse about the fountain of life (can't remember the reference right now) to post beside the fountain. She's so funny! The most important part of our day will be our Bible study. (Still working on that. Pray for me please.)
And, Amy Stephens will be coming to speak on Friday night. Can't wait! I haven't met her yet but I've been very encouraged by her enthusiasm for God from our phone conversation and emails. What a blessing that will be!
Our theme is "Facing Our Giants" this year. The kids down at Creekside will be doing all kinds of football things. I guess we'll be the homecoming queens.
Anyway, I'm so very excited and doubt I'll sleep a wink tonight.
I'll try to post some pictures during the week.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill Deer Run up - "a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over" - full up! Pray that women will be saved a God's wonderful love will be revealed. I'm praying for BIG things!
I leave tomorrow morning, bright and early at 5:00 AM, to go on our mission trip to Tennessee. I can't wait!
We'll be hosting a camp for children of single moms and then on Thursday the moms get to come for a mom retreat. We have exciting stuff planned like a spa day - complete with nails and facials, relaxing music and a chocolate fountain - of course. Wanda made a little card with a verse about the fountain of life (can't remember the reference right now) to post beside the fountain. She's so funny! The most important part of our day will be our Bible study. (Still working on that. Pray for me please.)
And, Amy Stephens will be coming to speak on Friday night. Can't wait! I haven't met her yet but I've been very encouraged by her enthusiasm for God from our phone conversation and emails. What a blessing that will be!
Our theme is "Facing Our Giants" this year. The kids down at Creekside will be doing all kinds of football things. I guess we'll be the homecoming queens.
Anyway, I'm so very excited and doubt I'll sleep a wink tonight.
I'll try to post some pictures during the week.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill Deer Run up - "a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over" - full up! Pray that women will be saved a God's wonderful love will be revealed. I'm praying for BIG things!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
