Forgiving Friendships
Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming with his four hundred men. He divided the children between Leah and Rachel and the two maidservants. He put the maidservants out in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. He led the way and, as he approached his brother, bowed seven times, honoring his brother. But Esau ran up and embraced him, held him tight and kissed him. And they both wept. (Genesis 33:1-4, MSG))
We have one Starbucks in town. OK, two if you count the one in Safeway. But as far as a for real, walk in and sit down Starbucks, there's one. I think the reason we women gravitate toward coffee houses is just as much for the chance to meet a friend and socialize as it is for the energy-boosting, get-you-through-the-day benefits of the caffeine itself.
Today was one such day for me. A very dear friend and I met. We talked, we laughed and we caught up on each other's lives. We also shed some tears as we talked through some hurts, offered forgiveness and restored the closeness in our friendship. It wasn't the first time for me; I had a very similar experience two years ago in that very same Starbucks. Different friend, different table, different set of circumstances, same coffee house, same kind of latte.
God created us women as emotional beings. For that reason, we love deeply, we invest deeply, we share deeply and we care deeply. However, we also hurt and get hurt easily. That's just us; we're emotional. When we hurt someone, or are hurt by someone, it's easy for us to avoid the relationship rather than correcting it. We don't always find it easy to be vulnerable and honest, and we don't find it easy to confront. We instead find it easy to run away or to harbor resentment. Then, as time goes by, we find ourselves missing the friendship that has been severed or altered.
The Bible is full of examples of how the power of forgiveness is able to restore close relationships. Jacob was so afraid of how Esau would react to his apology that he came up with a game plan for protecting his family, if necessary. However, it was not needed. As soon as Esau saw Jacob, he came running toward him with arms open wide and a heart full of forgiveness and joy. There are similar stories with Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 45), with Moses and his siblings (Numbers 12), and on and on and on.
I am so grateful that God has blessed me with friendships that have been through the wringer and back. We have a solid foundation because we've been able to be human, forgive each other, and move on.
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32, MSG)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Talking with God
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; (Romans 8:26, NASB)
I don't know about you, but there are times in my prayer life where I simply am at a loss. I feel overwhelmed by a situation and don't even know what to pray for, or I am going through something in my life that I don't know how to put into words, or I am wanting God's will and am not sure what it is or how to pray for it, or I am overwhelmed by God's goodness and don't know how to put what I am feeling into words that will do it any kind of justice.
That's when this verse in Romans just stands out. Is this not one of the coolest verses in the Bible on prayer??! Too often I feel like the responsibility of communicating adequately with God is all on my shoulders when in fact I have an unseen advocate who is taking what is in my heart and interceding on my behalf, on a level that goes far deeper than what I could ever experience or utter.
That is amazing. Truly amazing.
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; (Romans 8:26, NASB)
I don't know about you, but there are times in my prayer life where I simply am at a loss. I feel overwhelmed by a situation and don't even know what to pray for, or I am going through something in my life that I don't know how to put into words, or I am wanting God's will and am not sure what it is or how to pray for it, or I am overwhelmed by God's goodness and don't know how to put what I am feeling into words that will do it any kind of justice.
That's when this verse in Romans just stands out. Is this not one of the coolest verses in the Bible on prayer??! Too often I feel like the responsibility of communicating adequately with God is all on my shoulders when in fact I have an unseen advocate who is taking what is in my heart and interceding on my behalf, on a level that goes far deeper than what I could ever experience or utter.
That is amazing. Truly amazing.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Importance of Friendship
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)
On Friday night eleven girlfriends and myself got together for a night of Bunco. You could tell it had been way too long since we had been able to get together by the fact that we couldn't quit gabbing. One friend even drove an hour and a half each way just to be there. We spent the next couple of hours talking, laughing, eating, playing, and enjoying each other's company. We now have plans to make it a monthly event.
I know what you're thinking already: Where in the world is she going with this, and how does it constitute something spiritual?
So here's my answer: God created us for relationships, plain and simple. And for some reason He hard-wired us women to need those relationships with other women even more than men do with other men. (*Note: For scientific back-up of this fact, read the 2002 groundbreaking UCLA study that was done on women and stress.... www.anapsid.org/cnd/gender/tendfend.html).
I know that most of the time we hear the above verses being quoted in the context of not forsaking our involvement in the fellowship of the local church. And most of us have no problem with that one. Where we do fall short is in our meetings with each other. It's in those personal one-on-one (or one-on-eleven) times that we are truly able to connect with each other, to encourage each other, to support each other and to help each other grow. It's where we get our energy and where we are able to let go of the rest of the world for a while.
Life is busy; I know that. I also know that there are certain seasons of our lives where our priorities need to be focused on other people and things (namely, our families). However, we still need those friendships with the women in our lives, even if the friendships look different or are scaled back for a while.
Find a way to connect with the one, two or three women who are most important to you. Take the time, no matter how small, to "motivate one another to acts of love and good works". God created us to need one another. Who are we to question our Creator, right?.....
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)
On Friday night eleven girlfriends and myself got together for a night of Bunco. You could tell it had been way too long since we had been able to get together by the fact that we couldn't quit gabbing. One friend even drove an hour and a half each way just to be there. We spent the next couple of hours talking, laughing, eating, playing, and enjoying each other's company. We now have plans to make it a monthly event.
I know what you're thinking already: Where in the world is she going with this, and how does it constitute something spiritual?
So here's my answer: God created us for relationships, plain and simple. And for some reason He hard-wired us women to need those relationships with other women even more than men do with other men. (*Note: For scientific back-up of this fact, read the 2002 groundbreaking UCLA study that was done on women and stress.... www.anapsid.org/cnd/gender/tendfend.html).
I know that most of the time we hear the above verses being quoted in the context of not forsaking our involvement in the fellowship of the local church. And most of us have no problem with that one. Where we do fall short is in our meetings with each other. It's in those personal one-on-one (or one-on-eleven) times that we are truly able to connect with each other, to encourage each other, to support each other and to help each other grow. It's where we get our energy and where we are able to let go of the rest of the world for a while.
Life is busy; I know that. I also know that there are certain seasons of our lives where our priorities need to be focused on other people and things (namely, our families). However, we still need those friendships with the women in our lives, even if the friendships look different or are scaled back for a while.
Find a way to connect with the one, two or three women who are most important to you. Take the time, no matter how small, to "motivate one another to acts of love and good works". God created us to need one another. Who are we to question our Creator, right?.....
Friday, February 22, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Intimately Known
God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I'm an open book to you;
even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there,
then up ahead and you're there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
I can't take it all in!
(Psalm 139:1-6, MSG)
I love this passage in the Bible; not just these few verses, but the entirety of the Psalm. As women we all long to be known intimately by someone. We long for someone who is so close to us that they know what we're thinking before we say it, they can finish our sentences for us, they share inside jokes with us, they know every single tiny detail of our strengths and our weaknesses and they love us for exactly who we are. No hiding, no pretending. Just total freedom to be ourselves.
Well, guess what? God is that "someone"! It's so amazing to me. Right now God knows every single word I'm going to type before my fingers even hit the keys. He knows what brings me joy and what makes me sad. He knows what my favorite things are. He knows what makes me laugh and what makes me cry. He knows every single minute of the life I've lived and every single minute of the life I have yet to live. He knows my temptations and when I fall. He knows when I will feel regret and seek forgiveness. He knows who I love and how much I love them. He knows what time I will go to bed tonight and what dreams I will dream. He knows EVERYTHING! And He doesn't just know it... He cares about it. All of it. Every last detail.
I am loved. You are loved. It's amazing.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Hello Girlfriends!
Sorry this post is a little late.... life intervened this morning. Specifically the life of a mother. Someone showed up unexpectedly at the door (with me still in my pj's!), then I had a longer-than-usual morning phone conversation with someone special to me, and then my 2 yr. old who happens to have a butter fetish got into the butter while I was upstairs doing my hair. Cleaning it out of his hair and off his hands, face and clothes was quite the chore. At least this time it wasn't all over the furniture or the floor!
But I digress.
I hope that you are able to enjoy this day and bask in God's love for you.
-Becky
Radiant Rainbow
Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of My covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed My rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of My covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember My covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” (Genesis 9:12-16, NLT)
I have spring fever. Bad. It's only February, I know. But there were a couple of days this week when we had a wonderful preview of spring. The sun was shining, the weather was warm, and sitting outside was oh so nice!
Later today the rain is supposed to return. Not bad, just a few showers here and there. I'm actually looking forward to the next couple of months as the rain continues to become more intermittent and warmer, as the sun makes more and more appearances, as the leaves begin to sprout and the flowers begin to bloom.
But you know what I love the most about spring rain? The fact that I'm likely to see rainbows. I love rainbows. When we lived on Maui, the rainbows were brilliant. Brilliant and double. That's right... it was more common than not to see double rainbows. They were absolutely beautiful. I even saw a night rainbow once. That was an incredible sight.
Rainbows intrigue me, not just because they are beautiful, but also because they are a symbol from God that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood. Growing up I always believed that the symbol of the rainbow was for our benefit... that it was God's reminder to us of His promise. Not so.
When I was in my late 20's, I was involved in a small Bible study group where we spent a year and a half doing our own study of Genesis. I will never forget how much I learned during that time, and how many of my preconceived ideas were challenged. It was the first time I ever noticed the words, "the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember My covenant". The rainbow wasn't put there for us to remember; it was put there for God to remember His promise to all mankind. It was an unconditional covenant. It provided immediate hope and grace to Noah... he never had to worry that there was anything he could do or not do that would cause God to wipe he and his family off the earth with another flood (a definite anxiety-reliever for the next time it rained since the Flood had been their first experience with rain!). And it was a promise of grace to the rest of mankind as well.
It was no coincidence that the rainbow was in the shape of a bow.... God was done battling with the earth and so He hung up His bow in the sky. What an amazing symbol. I also don't believe it was any coincidence that the naked eye sees seven colors in every rainbow.... red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Seven. God's perfect number.
God later provided an even better and more meaningful symbol in the Cross. The perfect symbol of sacrifice and love.
God's symbols of love are everywhere. Look for them.
P.S.
If you're interested in a copy of the Bible study method we used, let me know and I can email it to you. It can be used with any Books of the Bible that are in "story" form. You'll learn some amazing things with this tool.
Sorry this post is a little late.... life intervened this morning. Specifically the life of a mother. Someone showed up unexpectedly at the door (with me still in my pj's!), then I had a longer-than-usual morning phone conversation with someone special to me, and then my 2 yr. old who happens to have a butter fetish got into the butter while I was upstairs doing my hair. Cleaning it out of his hair and off his hands, face and clothes was quite the chore. At least this time it wasn't all over the furniture or the floor!
But I digress.
I hope that you are able to enjoy this day and bask in God's love for you.
-Becky
Radiant RainbowThen God said, “I am giving you a sign of My covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed My rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of My covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember My covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” (Genesis 9:12-16, NLT)
I have spring fever. Bad. It's only February, I know. But there were a couple of days this week when we had a wonderful preview of spring. The sun was shining, the weather was warm, and sitting outside was oh so nice!
Later today the rain is supposed to return. Not bad, just a few showers here and there. I'm actually looking forward to the next couple of months as the rain continues to become more intermittent and warmer, as the sun makes more and more appearances, as the leaves begin to sprout and the flowers begin to bloom.
But you know what I love the most about spring rain? The fact that I'm likely to see rainbows. I love rainbows. When we lived on Maui, the rainbows were brilliant. Brilliant and double. That's right... it was more common than not to see double rainbows. They were absolutely beautiful. I even saw a night rainbow once. That was an incredible sight.
Rainbows intrigue me, not just because they are beautiful, but also because they are a symbol from God that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood. Growing up I always believed that the symbol of the rainbow was for our benefit... that it was God's reminder to us of His promise. Not so.
When I was in my late 20's, I was involved in a small Bible study group where we spent a year and a half doing our own study of Genesis. I will never forget how much I learned during that time, and how many of my preconceived ideas were challenged. It was the first time I ever noticed the words, "the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember My covenant". The rainbow wasn't put there for us to remember; it was put there for God to remember His promise to all mankind. It was an unconditional covenant. It provided immediate hope and grace to Noah... he never had to worry that there was anything he could do or not do that would cause God to wipe he and his family off the earth with another flood (a definite anxiety-reliever for the next time it rained since the Flood had been their first experience with rain!). And it was a promise of grace to the rest of mankind as well.
It was no coincidence that the rainbow was in the shape of a bow.... God was done battling with the earth and so He hung up His bow in the sky. What an amazing symbol. I also don't believe it was any coincidence that the naked eye sees seven colors in every rainbow.... red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Seven. God's perfect number.
God later provided an even better and more meaningful symbol in the Cross. The perfect symbol of sacrifice and love.
God's symbols of love are everywhere. Look for them.
P.S.
If you're interested in a copy of the Bible study method we used, let me know and I can email it to you. It can be used with any Books of the Bible that are in "story" form. You'll learn some amazing things with this tool.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Comfort in Honesty
All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, MSG)
I decided that I don't ever want to forget what it feels like to be in my current difficult situation. I have been pondering the "why's" of God allowing me to remain in this situation for such a long period of time. Perhaps it will be years and years before I understand the full extent of His reasons. Or perhaps it's as simple as Him needing me to live through this so that I am better able to help others in the future. He knows my heart, my goals, my dreams in regards to being in a place where I am able to help other single moms. If nothing else, this experience is shaping me and giving me a first-hand look into the tangible needs, emotions, and fears of single parents.
God never wastes any of our experiences; however, I think that we sometimes do. We as women like to come across to the rest of the world as having everything together in our perfect little worlds. We are so afraid of anyone seeing or knowing those parts of our lives that are painful or embarrassing or shameful or less-than-perfect. But when we allow our fear of what others think to rule our lives, we lose our ability to be there for each other in the ways God has intended. When we work so hard to come across as perfect, those around us feel that we cannot relate to them. It's when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and honest that we find that God can use us.
One of the links on the Sidebar is for Lysa TerKeurst's blog from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last Tuesday she shared a little bit of her story. I was so drawn to her honesty and begin to think of the stories in my own life that God could use if I were to be bold enough to share them. Sometimes that might mean a group or public setting, but more often than not God seeks to use us in simple one-on-one situations.
Honesty is hard, but it is through honesty and sharing that God best uses us in each other's lives. He brings us through difficult and painful situations so that we can turn around and help others going through something similar.
Nothing in your life is wasted. Ask God how He can use you in a new way in someone's life.
P.S.
If you want to read Lysa's post that I referred to, click on the Proverbs 31 Ministries link in this sidebar, then click on "My Story" in Lysa's sidebar under Previous Posts.
All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, MSG)
I decided that I don't ever want to forget what it feels like to be in my current difficult situation. I have been pondering the "why's" of God allowing me to remain in this situation for such a long period of time. Perhaps it will be years and years before I understand the full extent of His reasons. Or perhaps it's as simple as Him needing me to live through this so that I am better able to help others in the future. He knows my heart, my goals, my dreams in regards to being in a place where I am able to help other single moms. If nothing else, this experience is shaping me and giving me a first-hand look into the tangible needs, emotions, and fears of single parents.
God never wastes any of our experiences; however, I think that we sometimes do. We as women like to come across to the rest of the world as having everything together in our perfect little worlds. We are so afraid of anyone seeing or knowing those parts of our lives that are painful or embarrassing or shameful or less-than-perfect. But when we allow our fear of what others think to rule our lives, we lose our ability to be there for each other in the ways God has intended. When we work so hard to come across as perfect, those around us feel that we cannot relate to them. It's when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and honest that we find that God can use us.
One of the links on the Sidebar is for Lysa TerKeurst's blog from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last Tuesday she shared a little bit of her story. I was so drawn to her honesty and begin to think of the stories in my own life that God could use if I were to be bold enough to share them. Sometimes that might mean a group or public setting, but more often than not God seeks to use us in simple one-on-one situations.
Honesty is hard, but it is through honesty and sharing that God best uses us in each other's lives. He brings us through difficult and painful situations so that we can turn around and help others going through something similar.
Nothing in your life is wasted. Ask God how He can use you in a new way in someone's life.
P.S.
If you want to read Lysa's post that I referred to, click on the Proverbs 31 Ministries link in this sidebar, then click on "My Story" in Lysa's sidebar under Previous Posts.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
One more day of sickness in the Simpson household...
Here are some verses that are very meaningful to me right now...
Here are some verses that are very meaningful to me right now...
Isaiah 41:9, 10, 13
(NLT)
I have called you back from the ends of the earth,
saying, "You are my servant.’"
For I have chosen you
and will not throw you away.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
"Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you."
Monday, February 18, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Simpson family is sick, so there will not be a devotional today. I do, however, want to leave you with one of my favorite verses:
The Lord your God is in your midst,
A victorious warrior.
He will exult over you with joy,
He will be quiet in His love,
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.
(Zephaniah 3:17, NASB)
Friday, February 15, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
God Sees Your Heart
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:1-3)
Have you ever been forced to take a good look at yourself and find that you see some ugly things in your character? You know, the times when you think the worst of someone or hurt someone or lose your temper or get caught talking negatively about another person? As women, when we are faced with our own shortcomings and sins it's easy to feel "less-than" and to battle with feelings of inferiority. Thankfully, God doesn't see us as the sum of our faults. He sees us for who we are, the whole person. He sees our heart.
Take Abraham, for instance. Did you know that Abraham and Job lived at approximately the same time? Job was holy and upright. He led a blameless life, so much so that Satan focused a lot of effort on trying to undermine his faith. Abraham, on the other hand, had a real problem with lying. Over and over again he lied and lost his temper. Satan didn't really have to worry about Abraham much... he messed up on his own with little help. But between the two -- Abraham and Job -- who did God choose to be the father of His chosen people? He chose Abraham!
David is another good example. He was often depressed, he had an innocent man murdered, and he committed adultery. And yet He was God's chosen King, the one through whom Christ would come many years later.
The most important thing in each of these two men was their heart. They loved God with all of their heart. When they sinned, they admitted it and repented. They lived their lives for God and He blessed them for it.
Don't ever let yourself feel too fault-ridden to be used or loved by God. He sees your heart and He loves you for who you are, not for who you're not.
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:1-3)
Have you ever been forced to take a good look at yourself and find that you see some ugly things in your character? You know, the times when you think the worst of someone or hurt someone or lose your temper or get caught talking negatively about another person? As women, when we are faced with our own shortcomings and sins it's easy to feel "less-than" and to battle with feelings of inferiority. Thankfully, God doesn't see us as the sum of our faults. He sees us for who we are, the whole person. He sees our heart.
Take Abraham, for instance. Did you know that Abraham and Job lived at approximately the same time? Job was holy and upright. He led a blameless life, so much so that Satan focused a lot of effort on trying to undermine his faith. Abraham, on the other hand, had a real problem with lying. Over and over again he lied and lost his temper. Satan didn't really have to worry about Abraham much... he messed up on his own with little help. But between the two -- Abraham and Job -- who did God choose to be the father of His chosen people? He chose Abraham!
David is another good example. He was often depressed, he had an innocent man murdered, and he committed adultery. And yet He was God's chosen King, the one through whom Christ would come many years later.
The most important thing in each of these two men was their heart. They loved God with all of their heart. When they sinned, they admitted it and repented. They lived their lives for God and He blessed them for it.
Don't ever let yourself feel too fault-ridden to be used or loved by God. He sees your heart and He loves you for who you are, not for who you're not.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Banana Bread Manna
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT)
It's Valentine's Day. The Day of Love. We all celebrate it in different ways... for some it will be an all-out romantic event with their loved one, for others it will be very low-key. For some it will be celebrated with children, for others it will be with their friends. And still others will boycott the entire day.
Yesterday I got my Valentine from God. Pretty cool thing, as a matter of fact.
Let's face it; as Christians we know the truths of the Bible, we know the promises of God, we know God is sovereign and His plan is always best. But at times it is difficult to get that to jive with what we see with our finite eyes. We don't understand when God doesn't seem to be answering prayer, or when our needs don't seem to met, or when something tragic happens to someone who doesn't deserve it. It's not that we doubt God; it's more that we don't understand.
I was thinking about all of that yesterday as I got out my Grandma's family recipe book to make some banana bread with a bunch of bananas that had seen better days. I have been struggling with the "why's" of a prayer that God has not yet answered, even though I have been doing everything I know to do for almost a year. And yesterday a friend received some very tragic financial news. It made no sense. I know God is there and is able; I just don't always understand it when I don't see Him working in ways that are visible.
I opened the recipe book and began making the banana bread. As I was refreshing my memory on the necessary ingredients, my eyes glanced to the bottom of the page. When my grandma made these books for our family about 15 years ago, she included a Bible verse with each recipe. Guess which verse was staring back at me?.... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..."
Wow! I had just mentioned the other day that although my prayer for a job and a way to support my family has not yet been answered, God had been giving me other "gifts" in my life that were clear indications of how much He loves me. Here was another one.
God doesn't always work in ways that we can readily see. But that doesn't mean He's not working on our behalf. It doesn't mean that He won't keep His promises. It doesn't mean He won't take care of us. And it certainly doesn't mean He doesn't love us.
Look for your Valentine from God today. It's there... some tangible way He is showing you He loves you.
And when you're tempted to question His ways, remember my Banana Bread Manna and just trust Him.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT)
It's Valentine's Day. The Day of Love. We all celebrate it in different ways... for some it will be an all-out romantic event with their loved one, for others it will be very low-key. For some it will be celebrated with children, for others it will be with their friends. And still others will boycott the entire day.
Yesterday I got my Valentine from God. Pretty cool thing, as a matter of fact.
Let's face it; as Christians we know the truths of the Bible, we know the promises of God, we know God is sovereign and His plan is always best. But at times it is difficult to get that to jive with what we see with our finite eyes. We don't understand when God doesn't seem to be answering prayer, or when our needs don't seem to met, or when something tragic happens to someone who doesn't deserve it. It's not that we doubt God; it's more that we don't understand.
I was thinking about all of that yesterday as I got out my Grandma's family recipe book to make some banana bread with a bunch of bananas that had seen better days. I have been struggling with the "why's" of a prayer that God has not yet answered, even though I have been doing everything I know to do for almost a year. And yesterday a friend received some very tragic financial news. It made no sense. I know God is there and is able; I just don't always understand it when I don't see Him working in ways that are visible.
I opened the recipe book and began making the banana bread. As I was refreshing my memory on the necessary ingredients, my eyes glanced to the bottom of the page. When my grandma made these books for our family about 15 years ago, she included a Bible verse with each recipe. Guess which verse was staring back at me?.... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..."
Wow! I had just mentioned the other day that although my prayer for a job and a way to support my family has not yet been answered, God had been giving me other "gifts" in my life that were clear indications of how much He loves me. Here was another one.
God doesn't always work in ways that we can readily see. But that doesn't mean He's not working on our behalf. It doesn't mean that He won't keep His promises. It doesn't mean He won't take care of us. And it certainly doesn't mean He doesn't love us.
Look for your Valentine from God today. It's there... some tangible way He is showing you He loves you.
And when you're tempted to question His ways, remember my Banana Bread Manna and just trust Him.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Genuine Encouragement
Back in Jerusalem he [Paul] tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn't trust him one bit. Then Barnabas took him under his wing. He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus' name. (Acts 9:26-27, MSG)
When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord. (Acts 11:22-24, NLT)
After a few days of this, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit all our friends in each of the towns where we preached the Word of God. Let's see how they're doing." Barnabas wanted to take John along, the John nicknamed Mark. But Paul wouldn't have him; he wasn't about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia. Tempers flared, and they ended up going their separate ways: Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus; Paul chose Silas... (Acts 15:36-39, MSG)
It was the summer after high school graduation when I was still living with my parents on Maui that I made a new friend. Her name was Dora. She lived on Oahu and our boyfriends were serving together in the Army. They "introduced" us to each other and we developed a friendship over the phone and through letters (this was in the "olden" days when email didn't yet exist). She was also a Christian and we hit it off right away, even though we had never met in person.
A few months into our friendship there was a crisis in my life that occurred. It was one of those overwhelming, bring-you-to-your-knees kinds of crises. I thought my world was falling apart. In a heartbeat, Dora hopped on the first inter-island flight she could grab after work and flew over to be with me. She stayed overnight and left at dawn to catch the first flight back for work. She did this twice more, wanting nothing more than to be a friend, an encourager and a support when I needed it most. She was that kind of person, always putting others before herself, always encouraging. She was a female, modern-day Barnabus, always believing in people. Over time we lost touch, but I have never forgotten her and her kindness and encouragement.
Everyone needs a Dora or a Barnabus in their lives. As women we have a unique bent toward relationships; much moreso than men. We desire relationships with each other; we thrive on them! It is for this reason that God is able to easily use us in each other's lives. Sometimes, though, we allow life to creep in and we use the excuse of being too busy to connect with each other. We lose out on those very relationships and friendships that we crave.
Today let's put aside some of our busyness and reach out to someone who needs us to be their encouragement and to believe in them. Let's put each other first.
Back in Jerusalem he [Paul] tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn't trust him one bit. Then Barnabas took him under his wing. He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus' name. (Acts 9:26-27, MSG)
When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord. (Acts 11:22-24, NLT)
After a few days of this, Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit all our friends in each of the towns where we preached the Word of God. Let's see how they're doing." Barnabas wanted to take John along, the John nicknamed Mark. But Paul wouldn't have him; he wasn't about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia. Tempers flared, and they ended up going their separate ways: Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus; Paul chose Silas... (Acts 15:36-39, MSG)
It was the summer after high school graduation when I was still living with my parents on Maui that I made a new friend. Her name was Dora. She lived on Oahu and our boyfriends were serving together in the Army. They "introduced" us to each other and we developed a friendship over the phone and through letters (this was in the "olden" days when email didn't yet exist). She was also a Christian and we hit it off right away, even though we had never met in person.
A few months into our friendship there was a crisis in my life that occurred. It was one of those overwhelming, bring-you-to-your-knees kinds of crises. I thought my world was falling apart. In a heartbeat, Dora hopped on the first inter-island flight she could grab after work and flew over to be with me. She stayed overnight and left at dawn to catch the first flight back for work. She did this twice more, wanting nothing more than to be a friend, an encourager and a support when I needed it most. She was that kind of person, always putting others before herself, always encouraging. She was a female, modern-day Barnabus, always believing in people. Over time we lost touch, but I have never forgotten her and her kindness and encouragement.
Everyone needs a Dora or a Barnabus in their lives. As women we have a unique bent toward relationships; much moreso than men. We desire relationships with each other; we thrive on them! It is for this reason that God is able to easily use us in each other's lives. Sometimes, though, we allow life to creep in and we use the excuse of being too busy to connect with each other. We lose out on those very relationships and friendships that we crave.
Today let's put aside some of our busyness and reach out to someone who needs us to be their encouragement and to believe in them. Let's put each other first.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Good Morning!
Today I wanted to leave you with a Psalm to reflect on. I think sometimes it is too easy for us to depend on someone else's words instead of on God's Words. There are times that we simply need to sit with the Bible and let God speak to us.
It was difficult to choose just one Psalm this morning. There were so many that I wanted to include. As I was reading through and deciding on one, what struck me over and over again was how important it was to record and remember what God had done in the past as an encouragement and reminder that He would not fail in the present. We need to do the same in our lives. We need to record what God has done for us so that we can use it to both praise Him and trust Him in the present.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Becky
Let each generation tell its children of Your mighty acts;
The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
The Lord always keeps His promises;
I will praise the Lord,
Today I wanted to leave you with a Psalm to reflect on. I think sometimes it is too easy for us to depend on someone else's words instead of on God's Words. There are times that we simply need to sit with the Bible and let God speak to us.
It was difficult to choose just one Psalm this morning. There were so many that I wanted to include. As I was reading through and deciding on one, what struck me over and over again was how important it was to record and remember what God had done in the past as an encouragement and reminder that He would not fail in the present. We need to do the same in our lives. We need to record what God has done for us so that we can use it to both praise Him and trust Him in the present.
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Becky
Psalm 145
(NLT)
I will exalt you, my God and King,
and praise Your name forever and ever.
I will praise You every day;
yes, I will praise You forever.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
No one can measure His greatness.
Let each generation tell its children of Your mighty acts;
let them proclaim Your power.
I will meditate on Your majestic, glorious splendor
and Your wonderful miracles.
Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;
I will proclaim Your greatness.
Everyone will share the story of Your wonderful goodness;
they will sing with joy about Your righteousness.
The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
All of Your works will thank You, Lord,
and your faithful followers will praise You.
They will speak of the glory of Your kingdom;
they will give examples of Your power.
They will tell about Your mighty deeds
and about the majesty and glory of Your reign.
For Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps His promises;
He is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
The eyes of all look to You in hope;
You give them their food as they need it.
When You open Your hand,
You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything He does;
He is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on Him,
yes, to all who call on Him in truth.
He grants the desires of those who fear Him;
He hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love Him,
but He destroys the wicked.
I will praise the Lord,
and may everyone on earth bless His holy name
forever and ever.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Strength of Character
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:3-5, NLT)
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4, MSG)
Yesterday we were out hiking with my boys, ages 2 and 5. We decided to go straight up a 30 foot hill of mud and gravel. My five year old took one look at the hill and decided immediately that he couldn't and wouldn't make it to the top. He gave up without even taking one step forward. He didn't just give up... he complained. Loud and long. All about how there was no way he could do it. I let him know in no uncertain terms that he had no choice in the matter. He was going to the top, period. End of story. His choice was whether to continue complaining as he was pushed, pulled and dragged up the hill, or to be positive and confident in the adventure knowing that he would feel incredible once he was standing on the top.
We started out pushing and pulling. And he complained. Because he had already made up his mind that he was going to be unsuccessful, he got stuck in blackberry thorns, slid on some mud and gravel, and even fell a couple of times. Then, about a third of the way up, something clicked with him. He decided he could do it and that he was going to accomplish it on his own. He didn't need any hands-on help; he just needed our encouragement and cheering in the background. And cheer we did. We were so amazed at his change of heart and his persistence that we just stood there at the bottom watching and yelling out praise. About 7 or 8 feet from the top, he couldn't seem to get his grip. I told my friend that we needed to stay back where we were, giving him only verbal encouragements, and let him work it out on his own so that he could have that sense of accomplishment when he reached the top.
He worked and worked and worked at it. He could see the top and refused to give up. He listened to our advice about where to put his feet and hands next, and his persistence paid off. He reached the top and a giant smile spread across that little face of his. He was so proud of himself! He had accomplished a feat that has now given him the confidence to face bigger and harder hills.
Sometimes I think trials in our lives work the same way. When we persist and listen to God's Words and to His encouragement, we are able to persevere through the trials to the top of the hill. Sometimes God takes a "hands-off" approach because He knows that the end result of making us persevere through the trial without being "rescued" is that we are going to develop strength of character and hope.
Even when it feels like the opposite is true, God never leaves our side. The truth of the matter is that He is right there with us saying, "I've got confidence in you!!"
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:3-5, NLT)
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4, MSG)
Yesterday we were out hiking with my boys, ages 2 and 5. We decided to go straight up a 30 foot hill of mud and gravel. My five year old took one look at the hill and decided immediately that he couldn't and wouldn't make it to the top. He gave up without even taking one step forward. He didn't just give up... he complained. Loud and long. All about how there was no way he could do it. I let him know in no uncertain terms that he had no choice in the matter. He was going to the top, period. End of story. His choice was whether to continue complaining as he was pushed, pulled and dragged up the hill, or to be positive and confident in the adventure knowing that he would feel incredible once he was standing on the top.
We started out pushing and pulling. And he complained. Because he had already made up his mind that he was going to be unsuccessful, he got stuck in blackberry thorns, slid on some mud and gravel, and even fell a couple of times. Then, about a third of the way up, something clicked with him. He decided he could do it and that he was going to accomplish it on his own. He didn't need any hands-on help; he just needed our encouragement and cheering in the background. And cheer we did. We were so amazed at his change of heart and his persistence that we just stood there at the bottom watching and yelling out praise. About 7 or 8 feet from the top, he couldn't seem to get his grip. I told my friend that we needed to stay back where we were, giving him only verbal encouragements, and let him work it out on his own so that he could have that sense of accomplishment when he reached the top.
He worked and worked and worked at it. He could see the top and refused to give up. He listened to our advice about where to put his feet and hands next, and his persistence paid off. He reached the top and a giant smile spread across that little face of his. He was so proud of himself! He had accomplished a feat that has now given him the confidence to face bigger and harder hills.
Sometimes I think trials in our lives work the same way. When we persist and listen to God's Words and to His encouragement, we are able to persevere through the trials to the top of the hill. Sometimes God takes a "hands-off" approach because He knows that the end result of making us persevere through the trial without being "rescued" is that we are going to develop strength of character and hope.
Even when it feels like the opposite is true, God never leaves our side. The truth of the matter is that He is right there with us saying, "I've got confidence in you!!"
Friday, February 8, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
Good Morning!
Just wanted to give you a word of warning.... today's passage is a tad bit long. However, there is a reason for that (namely that I needed the whole story). So if you could please just bear with me this one time, I think you'll see the importance of reading the whole passage.
I pray this finds you well and that God blesses you today. If you have some extra time this weekend, check out the links I added to the sidebar. I know you'll like them. And please let me know of any others I should be adding!
Love,
Becky
Get Moving
Then the Lord gave these instructions to Moses: “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon. Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’ And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told. When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” they asked. So Pharaoh harnessed his chariot and called up his troops. He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with its commander. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance. The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh’s army—all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon. As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’” But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!" (Exodus 14:1-15, NLT)
I've been thinking about the Israelites a lot lately. I love Old Testament stories because they are so rich in what they teach us. They are all about people with struggles and faults and sins just like my own, and yet God used those people and loved those people and called them His chosen. And He uses their stories to help me to grow and to mold my character. If I choose to listen and learn, that is.
This story was very interesting to me because of how quickly the Israelites' boldness, trust and exuberance turned to immobilizing fear. They started out on such a high as they marched out of their old life of slavery with "fists raised in defiance". They were free! They were headed for the Promised Land!
God was most likely doing a dance right along with them. And He wanted the Egyptians to know once and for all that He was the Lord. He wanted the Israelites in on it too; He wanted to partner with them to let His glory be known to those who had held His people captive for so long. So He told Moses to let His people in on His plan. How fun, right?! Oh no, things were never that easy. In spite of knowing what was coming and why it was happening, the Israelites literally freaked out when they saw Pharaoh and his army. They cried out to God and they cried out to Moses.
I think maybe God got just a wee bit perturbed with their attitude because right in the midst of Moses trying to calm the people down and remind them that God would fight for them, He asks why they're crying out to Him and tells Moses to tell the people to get moving!
The Israelites could have had fun with this little plan of God's if they had only trusted enough to take Him at His word. They could have seen the Egyptians coming and felt a sense of heightened anticipation as they waited to see what God would do. And once He had Moses part the Red Sea, they could have run out to the middle, looked back at the Egyptians, stuck their tongues out with a "Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah," and just dared Pharaoh and his soldiers to come after them, knowing it would be the last move those Egyptians would ever make. Partnering with God could have been so much fun! But instead of experiencing the fun and excitement of the miracle in the moment, they experienced it with fear and did not allow themselves to feel the joy until it was all over. They angered God and cheated themselves all because of a lack of trust.
I wonder how many times in my life I could have experienced the joy of the miracles God brought my way if I had chosen to trust Him and believe Him instead of choosing to fear.
It's an interesting question...
Just wanted to give you a word of warning.... today's passage is a tad bit long. However, there is a reason for that (namely that I needed the whole story). So if you could please just bear with me this one time, I think you'll see the importance of reading the whole passage.
I pray this finds you well and that God blesses you today. If you have some extra time this weekend, check out the links I added to the sidebar. I know you'll like them. And please let me know of any others I should be adding!
Love,
Becky
Get Moving
Then the Lord gave these instructions to Moses: “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon. Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’ And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told. When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” they asked. So Pharaoh harnessed his chariot and called up his troops. He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with its commander. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance. The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh’s army—all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon. As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’” But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!" (Exodus 14:1-15, NLT)
I've been thinking about the Israelites a lot lately. I love Old Testament stories because they are so rich in what they teach us. They are all about people with struggles and faults and sins just like my own, and yet God used those people and loved those people and called them His chosen. And He uses their stories to help me to grow and to mold my character. If I choose to listen and learn, that is.
This story was very interesting to me because of how quickly the Israelites' boldness, trust and exuberance turned to immobilizing fear. They started out on such a high as they marched out of their old life of slavery with "fists raised in defiance". They were free! They were headed for the Promised Land!
God was most likely doing a dance right along with them. And He wanted the Egyptians to know once and for all that He was the Lord. He wanted the Israelites in on it too; He wanted to partner with them to let His glory be known to those who had held His people captive for so long. So He told Moses to let His people in on His plan. How fun, right?! Oh no, things were never that easy. In spite of knowing what was coming and why it was happening, the Israelites literally freaked out when they saw Pharaoh and his army. They cried out to God and they cried out to Moses.
I think maybe God got just a wee bit perturbed with their attitude because right in the midst of Moses trying to calm the people down and remind them that God would fight for them, He asks why they're crying out to Him and tells Moses to tell the people to get moving!
The Israelites could have had fun with this little plan of God's if they had only trusted enough to take Him at His word. They could have seen the Egyptians coming and felt a sense of heightened anticipation as they waited to see what God would do. And once He had Moses part the Red Sea, they could have run out to the middle, looked back at the Egyptians, stuck their tongues out with a "Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah," and just dared Pharaoh and his soldiers to come after them, knowing it would be the last move those Egyptians would ever make. Partnering with God could have been so much fun! But instead of experiencing the fun and excitement of the miracle in the moment, they experienced it with fear and did not allow themselves to feel the joy until it was all over. They angered God and cheated themselves all because of a lack of trust.
I wonder how many times in my life I could have experienced the joy of the miracles God brought my way if I had chosen to trust Him and believe Him instead of choosing to fear.
It's an interesting question...
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
God's Battle
"O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." ...He [Jahaziel] said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's ...You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' " (2 Chronicles 20:12, 15, 17, NIV)
Yesterday I was starting to feel some real anxiety and stress over a desperate situation that I have been facing. I have been praying about it diligently for several months, but no answer has yet come. I have done everything that I know to do on my end and know that nothing short of God's intervention is needed. I was beginning to wonder if maybe I wasn't praying hard enough or long enough. Or perhaps there was something more on my end I was supposed to be doing that I hadn't been doing. I was struggling in my mind trying to figure out how in the world I could temporarily solve this crisis until God steps in. My insides were all knotted just thinking about it because I had no answers, no solutions. My head was pounding. I felt like I was standing on the brink of disaster and I had no rescue plan. Have you ever felt like that?
Then I went to my parents house and saw a framed sign that a houseguest of theirs had put out. I don't remember the exact words, but it is a simple (even cheesy) saying that I am guessing many of you have seen as many times as I have. It said something to this effect:
"O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." ...He [Jahaziel] said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's ...You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' " (2 Chronicles 20:12, 15, 17, NIV)
Yesterday I was starting to feel some real anxiety and stress over a desperate situation that I have been facing. I have been praying about it diligently for several months, but no answer has yet come. I have done everything that I know to do on my end and know that nothing short of God's intervention is needed. I was beginning to wonder if maybe I wasn't praying hard enough or long enough. Or perhaps there was something more on my end I was supposed to be doing that I hadn't been doing. I was struggling in my mind trying to figure out how in the world I could temporarily solve this crisis until God steps in. My insides were all knotted just thinking about it because I had no answers, no solutions. My head was pounding. I felt like I was standing on the brink of disaster and I had no rescue plan. Have you ever felt like that?
Then I went to my parents house and saw a framed sign that a houseguest of theirs had put out. I don't remember the exact words, but it is a simple (even cheesy) saying that I am guessing many of you have seen as many times as I have. It said something to this effect:
Good Morning.
This is God.
I just want you to know that I have
everything under control today.
You don't need to worry about anything.
I don't need your help.
Just relax and enjoy the day.
I stopped short when I saw that because I felt like it was really God Who was talking to me. It was just what I needed to hear and be reminded of. It's cheesy, yes, but it's also based on Biblical principals. There are times when we are literally faced with an impossible situation, when we have done and are doing everything we know to do and we feel like we're about to face total and utter loss or defeat. That's when we need to simply continue to put our eyes on Him and face our problems without fear, knowing that the Lord is going to fight and win the battle on our behalf. All we have to do is stand firm and wait. That's it. He is not phased by our problems, nor is He caught off guard. He has all the resources of the world in His hand.
This battle is God's, not mine.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Good Morning, Ladies!
I wanted to let you know that I have started a "Favorite Links" list on the sidebar just below my introduction. This list will continue to grow, and I would love to have your input if you would like to see something included.
I hope that today brings you many blessings.
Love,
Becky
For Such A Time As This
When Hathach told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai sent her this message: "Don't think that just because you live in the king's house you're the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this." (Esther 4:12-14, The Message)
After I graduated from college, I found myself working at a Hallmark store in a local mall while I searched for a "real" job. It was embarrassing to even admit that I worked there. After all, I had a degree in Psychology and here I was working for just above minimum wage!
In spite of being somewhat depressed about the situation, I did my best at the job and tried to maintain a happy attitude. I developed some of those workplace friendships that make the time a little more pleasurable. One of those friendships was with a girl who was barely out of high school. We had almost nothing in common. She was very loud and brash and loved to party. I don't think she had ever stepped foot inside a church. But she was fun at work, and for some reason she was very drawn to me.
I will never forget the day that she came to work very depressed and asked if she could talk to me when our shifts were over. Later that day, as we sat on my basement bed together, she told me through tears that she had been having an affair with her father's married friend and was now pregnant. She was desperate to "take care of the problem" and wanted to know if I could loan her money for an abortion. I was stunned. There's no reason in the world why she should have chosen me to approach with this request. I mean, let's face it... she knew exactly what kind of salary I had (i.e., she knew I had to be as broke as she was!), and she knew I was a Christian. I told her as gently as possible that I didn't have that kind of money, and that even if I did I could never loan it to her for an abortion. As lovingly as I knew how, I told her all about the baby that was growing and forming inside of her and about how he needed her to give him life. I don't remember any of the words that I used, but I still remember that feeling of desperation... I was desperate to save this baby's life.
Somehow God used my feeble words because she chose to let the baby live and to raise him. I went with her to tell her parents because she was so afraid of their reaction. To her surprise, they responded with love. As a family they committed to helping her raise the baby. This year little Dillon will turn 17. I lost touch with my friend before he even turned two, but I pray for her and her son whenever God brings them to mind.
I often feel that God placed me at Hallmark for that very moment because it was very soon afterward that I got another job and moved on.
What about you? What times in your life can you look back on and know that God placed you there for a reason? What about now? What is He calling you to do in the situation He has placed you in now?
God has a plan and He doesn't waste any experiences...
I wanted to let you know that I have started a "Favorite Links" list on the sidebar just below my introduction. This list will continue to grow, and I would love to have your input if you would like to see something included.
I hope that today brings you many blessings.
Love,
Becky
For Such A Time As This
When Hathach told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai sent her this message: "Don't think that just because you live in the king's house you're the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this." (Esther 4:12-14, The Message)
After I graduated from college, I found myself working at a Hallmark store in a local mall while I searched for a "real" job. It was embarrassing to even admit that I worked there. After all, I had a degree in Psychology and here I was working for just above minimum wage!
In spite of being somewhat depressed about the situation, I did my best at the job and tried to maintain a happy attitude. I developed some of those workplace friendships that make the time a little more pleasurable. One of those friendships was with a girl who was barely out of high school. We had almost nothing in common. She was very loud and brash and loved to party. I don't think she had ever stepped foot inside a church. But she was fun at work, and for some reason she was very drawn to me.
I will never forget the day that she came to work very depressed and asked if she could talk to me when our shifts were over. Later that day, as we sat on my basement bed together, she told me through tears that she had been having an affair with her father's married friend and was now pregnant. She was desperate to "take care of the problem" and wanted to know if I could loan her money for an abortion. I was stunned. There's no reason in the world why she should have chosen me to approach with this request. I mean, let's face it... she knew exactly what kind of salary I had (i.e., she knew I had to be as broke as she was!), and she knew I was a Christian. I told her as gently as possible that I didn't have that kind of money, and that even if I did I could never loan it to her for an abortion. As lovingly as I knew how, I told her all about the baby that was growing and forming inside of her and about how he needed her to give him life. I don't remember any of the words that I used, but I still remember that feeling of desperation... I was desperate to save this baby's life.
Somehow God used my feeble words because she chose to let the baby live and to raise him. I went with her to tell her parents because she was so afraid of their reaction. To her surprise, they responded with love. As a family they committed to helping her raise the baby. This year little Dillon will turn 17. I lost touch with my friend before he even turned two, but I pray for her and her son whenever God brings them to mind.
I often feel that God placed me at Hallmark for that very moment because it was very soon afterward that I got another job and moved on.
What about you? What times in your life can you look back on and know that God placed you there for a reason? What about now? What is He calling you to do in the situation He has placed you in now?
God has a plan and He doesn't waste any experiences...
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Sometimes I think we need to just take a moment to sit back and reflect on the awesome power and majesty of the God we serve. We know Him in so many ways... as Savior, as Friend, as Protector, as Provider. Sometimes we are so focused on those aspects of Him that we forget He is GOD. Today I want to take a few minutes to just sit and think about the wonder and greatness of the God that I serve. The same God Who is so intimately acquainted with my heart, Who cares about every detail of my life, Who listens to my prayers, is the same God Who is Almighty and more powerful than our minds can even grasp. Here is how the Psalmist relates it:
Psalm 97
The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.
Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.
His lightnings lit up the world;
The earth saw and trembled.
The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD,
At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The heavens declare His righteousness,
And all the peoples have seen His glory.
Let all those be ashamed who serve graven images,
Who boast themselves of idols;
Worship Him, all you gods.
Zion heard this and was glad,
And the daughters of Judah have rejoiced
Because of Your judgments, O LORD.
For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.
Hate evil, you who love the LORD,
Who preserves the souls of His godly ones;
He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Light is sown like seed for the righteous
And gladness for the upright in heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7,8, NLT)
As I was reading through my Bible today, my eyes came across these verses that I had highlighted. It was one of those times that I knew God was speaking directly to me.
Right now I am in a time in my life where it would be easy to live in constant fear and anxiety, where it would be easy to question why God seems so silent in response to my prayers for either clients or a job... a way to support my family.
Most of the time I feel a peace, although at times my body betrays me and I wake up with really sore front teeth where my tongue has been pressing against them all night as stress manifests itself during my sleep. (Weird, I know. Unlike you "normal" people who grind your teeth at night, this is what I do instead.) Or I realize during the day that the muscles in my neck and shoulders are screaming from being tensed up for so many hours. (See, I am normal!)
God doesn't expect me to be anything less than human. He understands the more difficult feelings that I struggle with. After all, He created those feelings. However, He also expects me to trust Him. And that trust is ultimately manifested in the fruit that is displayed when I am in the midst of a drought. (I think this qualifies as a drought!)
My main focus has to be Him. My roots have to go down deep. That's where I find the water that I need.
As I was reading through my Bible today, my eyes came across these verses that I had highlighted. It was one of those times that I knew God was speaking directly to me.
Right now I am in a time in my life where it would be easy to live in constant fear and anxiety, where it would be easy to question why God seems so silent in response to my prayers for either clients or a job... a way to support my family.
Most of the time I feel a peace, although at times my body betrays me and I wake up with really sore front teeth where my tongue has been pressing against them all night as stress manifests itself during my sleep. (Weird, I know. Unlike you "normal" people who grind your teeth at night, this is what I do instead.) Or I realize during the day that the muscles in my neck and shoulders are screaming from being tensed up for so many hours. (See, I am normal!)
God doesn't expect me to be anything less than human. He understands the more difficult feelings that I struggle with. After all, He created those feelings. However, He also expects me to trust Him. And that trust is ultimately manifested in the fruit that is displayed when I am in the midst of a drought. (I think this qualifies as a drought!)
My main focus has to be Him. My roots have to go down deep. That's where I find the water that I need.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
God has placed us in each other's lives for mutual edification and encouragement. I experienced that this morning when my special friend and I each had weeks that culminated in difficulty. We each had very pivotal weeks at stake (for different reasons) and were praying hard for specific, "best-case scenario" outcomes. Those outcomes did not happen. While we don't see this as unanswered prayer, that does not mean that fear did not enter our hearts. Fear -- and possibly a little despair -- came and pitched a big old tent in each of our hearts this morning. What fear did not count on was that we have each other to act as support and encouragement. And in encouraging each other, we are encouraging ourselves in the process. Our encouragement is simple... we are reminding each other of the truth that God is in control, of the truth that He promises to provide for our needs, of the truth that He has a plan that, while different than ours, must be better.
Truth is simple. And sometimes we just need the simplicity of God's Words, not our own. So that is what I leave you with today: God's Words.
-Becky
The one thing I ask of the Lord—
Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
Teach me how to live, O Lord.
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Truth is simple. And sometimes we just need the simplicity of God's Words, not our own. So that is what I leave you with today: God's Words.
-Becky
Psalm 27
(NLT)
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.
The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.
Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
Be merciful and answer me!
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
Do not turn your back on me.
Do not reject your servant in anger.
You have always been my helper.
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,
O God of my salvation!
Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord will hold me close.
Teach me how to live, O Lord.
Lead me along the right path,
for my enemies are waiting for me.
Do not let me fall into their hands.
For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
with every breath they threaten me with violence.
Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
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