Turn your eyes

This week I have read twice about Peter stepping out on the water.  First in the Because of Jesus Bible study and then this morning I had an email devotion from Harvest.  I am (slowly) learning to listen when God puts something in my path several times...he's trying to teach me!

Peter beleived Jesus, then looked at his circumstances and doubted...how easy is that to do?  I think I do it at some point most every day. Sometimes we are embarrassed to admit to God that we need help. We feel as though we ought to work things out ourselves. But what we ought to be doing is crying out to Jesus. There is no shame in that. The key is: how quickly will I get my eyes off everything else and turn my eyes back to Jesus?  The quicker I do that, the quicker He will take control again and calm my storm. 

I was drawn to the word immediately this morning as I read verse 31.  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31 He knows when I take my eyes off Him, but He's willing to IMMEDIATELY reach out His hand and help me again. 

I used to read the end of verse 31 in a different way...thinking Jesus was getting on to Peter.  As I am growing to know Jesus more, I see it now as a gentle reminder that there was no need for Peter to fear.  It is a reminder for us as well...there is no need to fear, for Jesus is right here!  But should we fear and look away-there is no condemnation when we turn to Jesus and cry out for help!  He will rescue us and strengthen us to get back up and walk...here's the promise in Isaiah 40:29-30
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Did you see that...there is no condemnation-verse 30 says even youths grow tired and weary!  So, when I get overwhelmed by my circumstances I will stop feeling condemned for being 'one of little faith'.  Instead I will reach out for Jesus and believe that he will immediately answer me as I turn  my eyes to focus on Him and get them off my circumstances. And should I forget, will you remind me???

Thank you Jesus that you love us so much that you will immediately come to our rescue when we call to you! Thank you for you grace and your glory and for revealing it to us!

off track

Since Sunday I have had two posts just ready to get out!!! One about God's gracious confirmation and another about the fear of the Lord...not to mention the notebook of revelation and inspiration God has given me.  I have been trying to find time to get them out (they will need a little work, I tried explaining one to my husband last night and it didn't make sense).  So I  sat down this morning thinking I could get it done....but it didn't happen!  I opened my email...overwhelmed with the amount of emails in my inbox that are just sitting there after the first glance...I started cleaning out the inbox.  Which always lead to visiting other sites, fb, blogs, youtube, etc since the links come to my inbox.  This was a needed cleanup, but probably didn't need to happen this morning, because it led to bad thinking!  I visited several blogs, all wonderful and encouraging...leaving me asking...why am I doing this?  If these other bloggers are out there doing basically the same thing I want to do, then why am I trying?  This obviously led to comparing...their blog looks nicer, they have more readers, etc, etc.  Comparing always leads me to discouragement. 
But I am turning to Jesus, who will lead me in the path of life.  If this blogging thing is really how he wants me to share HIS story in my life, then I will continue to pursue it as I trust Him.  I will not stay discouraged and let it ruin my day that I 'wasted' my time instead of spending it with Him.  He hears me now, He's with me now and He has a plan for this day.  I trust Him!

letter to momma

Dear Momma-
Happy Mother's Day.  Today I smiled and thought of you while my girls enjoyed orange push ups and mac and cheese! I wish you were here.  While my girls made mother's day cards, I made one for you too. I decorated it with butterflies as I remember you liked them, and I thought of the new creation I am becoming. I'm sad that you didn't realize that you were a virtuous woman while you were on Earth.  I know that you have now seen God's glory and know His good opinion of you because of Jesus.  Please forgive me for not always esteeming you highly.  You trusted in Jesus and His blood covers all your sin.  Today I'm choosing to see you as he does!  I forgive you for all I've held on to. 

Today I will rise up and call you blessed (Happy, fortunate, and to be envied) because a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord shall be praised. (Prov 31:28,30)  I know in heaven you will turn and give all the praise to the Father who has always had a plan for our family. 

Momma, I don't want to live for men's praise-but I think you would be proud of me.  Not because of what I've done, but because I am trusting in Jesus more each day.  I am believing that his blood has cleansed me and made em a righteous woman.  I'm believing that my childhood and past were his plan for my life and that he wants to use in to bring glory to his name. 

I want to remember good times with you momma and I want to create good memories with my girls.  I know you would love them!!! Thank you for caring for me and being my momma.  I know you sacrificed much to care for your children and I know that you have your reward in heaven.  Sometimes I still wish you were here, but I know you are way better in heaven where there's no more tears!  And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:10

letter from child in heaven

Momma,
I know you miss me, especially on this day.  If I were still on earth with you I would honor and celebrate the life you gave me today.  Don't be sad for me, I have no unmet needs here in heaven.  God has promised "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you;" (Isaiah 66:13a).  I am comforted by God's great love...and momma, I want you to be comforted too!!!
I know that God cares for you during this season of life without me. When Jesus was suffering on the cross, He made plans for his mom to be cared for after His death (John 19:26-27).  Mom, He has made a plan for you after my death as well.  He has plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Since His ways are higher that our ways we don't understand why I'm not with you now, but momma, I'm having fun here!!!  Jesus came to earth for you to have fun too-He says "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)" John 10:10.  So momma, make the most of your days on earth, they go so quickly.  We will one day be praising Jesus together forever!  Rest in God's plan for you-and trust that your baby is in a place where there is no more pain and no more tears! 

I love you momma!
~Your "baby" always

Seasons of Mother's Day

Sometimes I don't like 'commercialized' holidays...like Mother's day!  In a way it seems we are pressured into stopping to celebrate the special people in our lives, but maybe that's a good thing.  Since I'm reflective, holidays usually make me stop and think as well...so maybe they do serve a purpose.  This mother's day I am full of joy unspeakable, however that has not always been the case for me.  Yesterday as my girls were decorating cards for all their "grandmas" I had time to reflect over the seasons of mother's day in my life.  I felt led to comfort those in any trouble with the comfort I have received from God (2 Cor 1:3-4).  May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,  encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

As an adult, one of my first seasons of mother's day was that of 'celebrating' mother's day without my momma!  Last year for mother's day I was with our youth at church; they were encouraged to write a letter expressing their gratitude to their mom and then read it to her!  Wow! I wish I had that wisdom at their age.  Yesterday, I wrote my mom a letter.  I won't be able to read it to her, but it was very good for me to write it and realize that God chose my mom to be my mom!

Another season of mother's day for me was when I desired children, but was still waiting.  I know there are many women in this stage, whether young and just married, or older-having tried to conceive for several years.  While I was waiting, I prayed that God would remove the desire from my heart if children were not His will for my life.  The desire never left, and I was comforted by this promise.  He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD. Psalm 113:9 

After my having my first child, I experienced a miscarriage.  It was a painful time, but looking back now I know it drew me closer to the Lord.  When something inexplicably negative happens you only have two choices: run to Him or run away from Him.  I am thankful that in running to Him I received His comfort.    There are many mothers who have experienced the death of a grown child, a miscarriage-or anything in between who can relate to a season of mother's day when dealing with loss. he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; Isaiah 25:8a
They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away Isaiah 35:10 
May this letter comfort you today (click here)

I don't have teenagers yet, but already I see the rebellious nature of children!  Mothering is hard work and there are seasons of struggling-whether losing our joy or dealing with a rebellious child!  Here are some encouraging promises from God's word if you are in a struggling season this mother's day. All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children’s peace.  Isaiah 54:13
Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. Isaiah 43:5
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11
Remember you are not alone in the journey of motherhood!  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

This year, as I said, I am celebrating mother's day in a season of joy! It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 2 John 1:4  I am realizing that Jesus made me a virtuous woman!  He gave me all I need to be a good momma!!  But this is nothing I've done-it's all because of Jesus!  I am learning to trust what he says about me instead of trying to be what he says is already true about me(see Philippians 3:16) Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying], Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.  Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised! Proverbs 31:28-30 I'm realizing that Proverbs 31 is true of me because when Jesus shed his blood for me and I trusted in his sacrifice, I exchanged my sin for His righteousness!!!! Proverbs 31(and all God's promises) are true for you when you put your trust in Him! 

Happy Mother's Day!!! May you celebrate this 'commercialized' holiday in a season of joy unspeakable!  If you are in another season this mother's day I pray you will run to Jesus and believe that Joy will Come!!!

Radical

I had not intended to post this week...but I got so excited about this I couldn't help but share!   A friend just let me borrow the book Radical by David Platt.  I am over half way through the book and have just had it since Sunday (that's fast reading for this wife,  momma of two preschoolers, and business partner who works from home!). Yes, the book is making me think...and I'm sure I will blog about it soon, but what got me excited was the word search I just did.  What does radical mean?

Radical, from Late Latin radicalis "of roots" and from Latin radix "root" (wikipedia.com)
of or going to the root or origin; fundamental: a radical difference. (dictionary.com)

So, what's the big deal about that you ask?  Since this summer, God has been leading me on a journey to dig up yucky roots and instead be rooted in His love. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:16-20—Antonyms- superficial.


When I was on dictionary.com I glanced though the page on 'Radical' and this stuck out to me
WOW!! I don't want to be a superficial Christian!  I think that means I need to be radical:)  Maybe you will join me on this journey?  I am so excited to see how God is going to teach us more about His plan! Have a blessed day friend!

Confidence

I think this will be the last (at least for now) of the series on Boldness, even though there is so much more we could learn from the people throughout the Bible.  I just started reading The Confident Woman: Start Today Living Boldly and Without Fear, so there may be more on it in the future:) 
When I read the story of Esther, I wasn't sure what similarities I would find to the other courageous people I had been studying.  True, Esther was in the right place at the right time (Esther 4:14) but, before she boldly approached the king, Esther was prepared...she and her supporters fasted (Esther 4:15).  She put on her royal robe (Esther 5:1)-she knew who she was!!! Do you know who you are in Christ??? True boldness and courage doesn't come for us...it's from God in us!! Because of Esther's courage, the Jews celebrated (Esther 9:22).  Wow, a whole group celebrating because of the courage of one person....that one person could be you!  You could lead a whole group to celebrate as you are bold and courageous in your life by trusting God!! Joshua led a whole group of people into the promised land-can you imagine crossing the Jordan?  Here's what the Lord said to him-Wow!!!
I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses...No one will be able to stand up against you all the says of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.  Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.   Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:3,5-6,9 (You will be blessed if you make time to read the entire first chapter...for the sake of space I'm just putting highlights!)
Friend, is there a place you need to set your foot...a victory that has been won for you and you just need to boldly step out in an area?  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Maybe you have already stepped out and you are waiting now... Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3.  Friend, if you have boldly stepped out in faith, do not loose heart!  Joy will come!!! I will leave you thinking on these promises from the word :)

• For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.  1 Corinthians 4:20
• Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.  Deuteronomy 30:11
• Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25
• For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
• The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.  Isaiah 32:17
• I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:19

If you have a favorite verse about boldness, courage, etc...please share it in the comments area so that we can be blessed!  Spend some time in prayer today asking God to show you if there are any areas in your life where you need to yield to His power working in you.  He desires to use your life to bring Him glory!  Will you allow Him to make you bold and courageous...will you (like those we've read about today) lead a group in celebration through His power working in your life?  Maybe you have tried to be bold and confident on your own-to lead by your power...go to the throne, we can't do it alone!  Praise be to our Lord Jesus who enables us to boldly approach the throne!!!



Courageous

Courage-the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.  Synonyms 1. fearlessness, dauntlessness, intrepidity, spirit. (dictionary.com)

Let's continue learning about boldness from the people of the Bible.  Daniel and his three friends displayed courage.  Daniel survived a night in the lion's den.  They were not afraid to be different, they stood the test of fire (the 3 friends did literally!).  They trusted God and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God Daniel 3:28. Sometimes the most courageous and bold thing is to NOT do what others are doing!! How were they able to be so brave?  What can we glean from reading their story?  Here's what I found in the book of Daniel as the Holy Spirit revealed profiles of courage. 

• Daniel resolved not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8) Makes me think of 1 Corinthians 10:23 Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial...
• God gave them knowledge and understanding of all kinds (Daniel 1:17)
• Daniel used wisdom and tact when speaking to the commander of the guard (Daniel 2:14)
• Daniel displayed thankfulness and humility by praising God (Daniel 2:23, 28)
• The Spirit was evident to others in Daniel's life (Daniel 4:8)
• Daniel told the truth about the king's dream even though it was bad news (Daniel 4:19-27)
• Daniel served God continually (Daniel 6:20)
• Daniel trusted God ( Daniel 6:23)

One of the things I was most excited to read was Daniel 3:21 which tells us that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had on robes and turbans as they were thrown into the fiery furnace.  Why is that significant?  I think it's significant because we too need to wear our robes and head coverings!!!
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels Isaiah 61:10.   If we are to be bold and courageous...we need the right clothes! Zechariah talks about receiving clean garments and turban and Ephesians 6 gives us instruction about the armor of God.  Christ in His sacrifice has provided them for us....put on the robe of righteousness and renew your mind to the Truth!!! She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25

Thank you Father for giving us the Word...thank you that it is so available to us-we are blessed to be able to read it anywhere, anytime!! Give us a hunger for your word and truth and change us as we are in your word. Thank you for being our provider, of battle gear and daily living necessities.  Fill us with your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding so that we will be resolved not to defile ourselves as Daniel was.  Lord as you make us more bold and corageous through the filling of your Spirit, give us tact and keep us humble.  Lord let me always be bold enough to give you thanks and praise-for it is you working in me that brings any success.  Enable us to always speak the truth as you lead us-even if it's not what someone wants to hear.  Lord, like Daniel-let us always serve you and trust you!! Remind us who we are in Christ and prepare us for all you have in store for us!  In Jesus' name, AMEN

Still didn't get to Esther....

Facing Giants

We've been talking about boldness this week and have read about the believers in Acts, learning that boldness is available to all believers because we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus and the righteous are as bold as a lion (2 Cor 5:21 and Prov 28:1). Yesterday I wrote about David and the boldness and courage he showed in trusting God to bring him victory over Goliath. 

I don’t think we face physical giants today (unless maybe you are talking about my family –at 6’4’’ I’m the shortest of my siblings! lol).  But we do ‘face giants’ each day. When we listen to the voice of truth we will have victory over any giant we may face. 

Depending on the giants you may be facing, boldness may mean different things at different times.  It may take boldness to:

• Listen to God's truth and believe...boldly overcoming the lies of the enemy
• Give thanks....boldly trusting God in every situation
• Encourage someone when it's out of your comfort zone....boldly being a doer of the word
• Care for a special needs child or family member....boldly advocating for their needs
• Love the unlovely....boldly sharing the love of Christ
• Be nice! (new post coming on this soon:)...boldly doing the right thing
• Stand your ground (this one will have a post too!)...boldly resisting the enemy (1Peter5:9)
• Speak. To anyone.  About anything. ...boldly overcoming the fear of rejection-can you tell this is me:)
• Ask for help....boldly accepting that God put us here together and life is easier with friends! 
• OBEY...ENDURE...PRESS ON

Remember this boldness does not come from your power....but from the power of the Holy Spirit living in you. But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.  1John 4:4 NLT (If you have time, read different version of familiar verses...I love the way it comes alive when you read it in a translation you are not used to!! Youversion and Biblegateway are great places to do that for free.)

Oh Lord,  make us like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Make whatever we do prosper (Psalm 1:3)  In any area where we need to grow in courage, we trust you Lord to teach us, realizing that this is not something we can do on our own.  I give you total control in my life, I want your Spirit to fill me to the fullest...making me bold in the hope I have in you Jesus! Guide us today, fill us with your love and let it spill out on those around us!  We will give you glory as one trembling heart and soul becomes a servant bold and courageous.  In Jesus' name-AMEN

So, I didn't even get to Esther or Daniel yet...I have been learning so much:) Come back tomorrow and I'll share! Thanks for reading and subscribing...have an excellent day!

Unstoppable and Unshakeable

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31

Yesterday I left you thinking on boldness.  I have been thinking more on Acts 4:31 and read this portion of a commentary and had to share:
"In answer to their prayer and in fulfillment of his promise (Lk 11:13), the place is shaken, and all--not just the apostles--are filled with the Holy Spirit (2:4; 4:8). They speak (literally, were speaking--continuous action at intervals) the word of God (God's great good news of salvation; 11:19; 13:46; 14:25) with boldness. The messengers are unstoppable. The mission continues with divine momentum. As Chrysostom observed about the place being shaken: "and that made them the more unshaken" (Homily on the Acts of the Apostles 11).

So according to this verse and commentary, it wasn't just Paul or the apostles who spoke the word of God boldly!  That means there is no qualification to being bold other than believing what the word says (Prov 28:1...the righteous are as bold as a lion) and experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit.  I want to be unshakeable and unstopable in this life...whether it is in proclaiming God's word or being a godly wife, or raising my children, or encouraging a friend, etc...  I beleive this promise for boldness with the filling of the Spirit! There are corageous people described in the Bible.  Let's see what we can discover by reading their stories. 

What about David?  He said to Goliath "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty...All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (You can read the whole story in 1 Samuel 17.)  That's pretty bold!!! In 1 Samuel 16:13 we read that the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power.  So David wasn't bold and corageous on his own.  We can't be effectively bold on our own either- it is the Spirit of God working in us to make us bold!!

Dear Lord, renew our minds to the truth of your word.  Fill us with your Spirit so that we can live life to bring glory to you.  Make us bold where we need to be bold...make us sensitive where we need to be sensitive.  Guide us in your love this day.  In Jesus' name....amen!

Come back tomorrow and we'll check out some other courageous people :)