Monday, February 27, 2012

Where Do You Find Comfort?

What's your comfort food? Personally, i have different comfort foods for different situations. But as we all, i'm sure, have found out, comfort food is only a temporary fix. Comfort is a spiritual need. God's word is our only true comfort when we face ordeals.


"Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Matthew 4:4


It is very important that we read & memorize God's word, especially during the good times. Because, if we have His words in our minds & in our hearts. God will bring to mind His truths that we need when we go through any & every trial of this world. That is why, to know the words that come from the mouth of God, we must spend time in His word - reading, studying, praying & memorizing scripture.


Balanced food choices give us the energy & strength to face physical demands. But a balanced relationship with our Savior, is what we need for spiritual strength. And with that, we grow in our spiritual strength, which will help us to grow past our temptations of temporary comforts.


Plus - God wants us to continually be nourished by His word so that we will be able to tell others about His kingdom & righteousness. Share God's love.
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Monday, February 20, 2012

Happy President's Day!

Hope you all are enjoying a 3 day weekend! I've decided to take the day off due to the holiday. See you all next week!
{{{hugs}}} & prayers
<><
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Monday, February 13, 2012

The Three Stage of Temptation

Did you know that there are three stages of temptation?
temptation
hesitation
participation

The first stage happens to every single one of us. We all are tempted every day in one way or another. Overeating, over spending, procrastination & what about "borrowing" office supplies - pens, paper clips, etc. (After all, no one will miss them.) I think you get the picture. You know in what way you are tempted. It's when we hesitate & begin to think about temptation that we can find ourselves in the participation stage before we really realize what we're actually doing. 
Overspending puts a strain on the budget.
Overeating is bad for your health. And if you're on a diet, will mess up progress you have made.
With procrastination, you don't get done what needs to be done.
As for the office supplies, more expenses for the office makes for lower profit, which makes for lower or no raises, AND if it's really bad, you could lose your job.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
 I Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

I've heard this verse called "the excuse-buster". When temptations come our way, it's an opportunity to refer to this verse. It's a reminder that whenever we yield to temptation, it's because we wanted it - whatever it might be - more than we wanted the joy of obedience. 

How often have you said, or thought, "I just couldn't help it! It was just too tempting!" ? God is in control of our lives, but He also gives us free choice. We need to ask Him to be in control of our lives AND allow Him to be just that. He is constantly showering us with countless blessings. How many of those do we miss because we are too preoccupied with temptation of one sort or another.

Thankfully, God's faithfulness is very evident when we take a temptation to Him. His desire is to help us overcome. No matter what your temptation might be, take it to God. Ask Him to give you His wisdom & strength to turn the participation stage of temptation to the joy of obedience. 
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Monday, February 6, 2012

Are You Guilty?

One of the most amazing things in life is when God shows Himself to you. I have "seen" God with the eyes of my soul. I have felt His presence. The other day, i had a profound experience like this.


My daily devotion that day was about a lady, who had negative feelings for a co-worker, & on the way to work, was hoping the co-worker would get fired. This lady had a personal relationship with God & heard Him say, "Do you know that i love her as much as I love you?"
www.saltboxsigns.etsy.com


As i finished reading this devotion & was about to move on with my day, God captured my attention with that question. "Do you know that I love her as much as I love you?" I had been guilty - so guilty - of NOT thinking like this. But there was one specific situation a few years ago that made me ask how anyone who professes to be a christian, could be so cruel. My husband & i had endured some cruelness that was very disheartening. And even though the hurt & anger that i had felt at that time had long subsided, i knew that i still hadn't forgiven the people involved. I asked God to give me the strength to truly forgive them & i started tearing up. I wondered, was the hurt still in my heart the reason that i was starting to cry. 




"With the tongue we praise our Lord & Father, & with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise & cursing. My brothers, this should not be."
James 3:9-10 (NIV)


I realized that i had been just as cruel in this situation. I had vented & talked about those involved in the situation, behind their backs. When God shows you that side of yourself, it hurts too. But during my prayer & cleansing tears, God also told me that the forgiveness & healing can now begin. 


I certainly didn't expect any of that on that morning. But i am very thankful that my eyes were opened & that God convicted me. I'm also thankful that He is the most lenient & compassionate judge - EVER! Most importantly, i am thankful that i know Him & are learning my lessons from Him.


On a side note: As i put my things away that morning, the dog needed to go outside. So i turned to go into the kitchen to get the leash & smacked my knuckles on the door frame. OUCH!!! As i reached for the leash, i had to laugh out loud. God not only convicted me & opened my eyes to what i had done, but did He have to smack my knuckles too?!  =)
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Monday, January 30, 2012

Seek God First!

"But seek first His Kingdom & His righteousness & all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
The more we earn about who He (God) is, the more we learn how to give Him first place in our lives. But what are "all these things"? Paul tells us in Galatians:


"But the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self control"
Galatians 5:22-23a (NIV)
But God gives so much more!


By giving God first place - putting Him first in your life - He can turn seemingly hopeless situations into abundant blessings & give you peace & joy. I've seen it happen in my own life. I've seen Him turn a pretty selfish individual, who had put God at almost the end of the "go to list", into the Christian woman that i am today. I'm not perfect, by any means. But i look back & i wonder how i survived my life before. The only answer i have is that God spared me. Only His grace is the reason that i'm still here.
One of the lessons that i learned from this journey is that by giving God first place in our lives, He takes care of "all these things". The things that we want, or that we need. If we remove ourselves from the process, we stop insisting that we do it our way. Instead, we learn to listen to God & what He wants; what He thinks; what He would do.
One thing that i've tried to achieve over the years is organization. Those reading this who know me are probably chuckling right now. I've always said that if i ever got it together, i wouldn't know what to do with it. And as most of us who sell handmade items, i always have a lot on my plate. My mind seems to be constantly running. "I need to do this, this, & this."  But last week, i learned to give all this to God too. To ask for His wisdom to prioritize & the energy to get done what needs to be done....not what i want to get done....what needs to get done. And you know what? I'm not overwhelmed & stressed any more. Thank You Lord!!!
As we learn to give God first place in all things, He will give us "all these things", including the blessing of a peaceful, ordered life that we crave. Today, ask God to help you put Him first in your life in all your say & do. Ask Him to help you quit worrying about all the things that need fixing or taken care of. Ask Him to help you trust Him in all these things. Praise Him & tell Him specifically how you will give Him first place.
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Monday, January 23, 2012

Who's on First?

It's hard to believe that there is only a week of January left. So....How are those New Year's "resolutions" going?  My New Year's "goals" are starting a bit late this year--mostly because i was sick for about 2 1/2 weeks. I became pretty frustrated during this time of nesting & resting on the couch. Mainly because i had things planned for this time period. However, i was reminded of how to make God laugh....tell Him your plans. Life is like that. Isn't it?
But i am so thankful that God is a God of new beginnings. Have you ever noticed that we can always start over? Each day is a new beginning for us. A chance to start over, every day. The key is to know where to start.
"But seek first His kingdom & His righteousness, & all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)


God wants to do amazing things in  our lives. He even tells us:


" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you & not to harm you, plans to give you hope & a future.' "
Jeremiah 29:11
So why wouldn't we want to give Him first place in everything. Especially the new beginning of each day that He gives us. Before we jump into all the activities of our day, seek Him first. Don't get caught up in the business of life, before you spend time with our Father.
When i put God in first place in my life, i know that i become more obedient. I know what's right for me to do, or say,.....or be. So, who's in first place in your life? 
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Monday, January 16, 2012

The Fragrance of Christ

It's been a strange winter, so far, in the Midwest. We've had above seasonal temps & not really much snow. Don't get me wrong, i'm not complaining. But i must admit, that i'm ready for spring temperatures already. In January, i always look forward to the time where i can open up the windows & let the fresh air in & the stale air out. In the meantime, i'll burn my candles for my aroma therapy. (Which by the way, i go some very nice ones from my hubby for Christmas.) It always helps me. I love to take a deep, relaxing sniff & go "ahhhh".
What are some of your favorite fragrances? Baked apple pie, freshly brewed coffee,  a pork roast in the crockpot? It's funny how different scents can bring a smile to your face or a special memory to mind, & in turn, can make us feel more positive.
Did you know that we are to be a fragrance of Christ?
"For we are to God, the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved & those who are perishing. To the one, we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God."
II Corinthians 2:15-17 (NIV)
So in our relationships, we need to strive to be a fragrant aroma that reflect Christ. Check your mirror & try on these positive attitudes --thankfulness, humbleness, generosity, graciousness, kindness, & cheerfulness. Is there something not quite fitting correctly? Ask God to do the alterations. He'll fix & shape our attitudes & actions to reflect His character.


"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:"
Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
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