Friday, November 1, 2013

Are You Being Called?

As a mature Christian, the term "called" is a very familiar term to us. What has God put on your heart to do? One of the things that God has placed on my heart to do, is to get back to writing my blog.

Yes, it has been a VERY long time since i've written anything. And i have tried to turn a deaf ear to God's nagging about this. You know...when you ignore God's calling, He only calls louder & more consistently  until you can't ignore it. Have you ever had something like that happen? Something that gnaws at you, that you can't shake, no matter how hard you try? Well, you better start listening when that happens, because that is God speaking.

 So, what's been nagging at you? Maybe you're feeling a bit guilty because you don't go to church regularly. Or maybe you do, but there's a volunteer position that you haven't stepped forward to do. Perhaps there's a shut in that you think of often, but just don't seem to find the time to stop by for a half hour visit...or more. Or maybe there's someone that you could invite to church, but you don't know how to ask.

 We are all guilty of this. I've already admitted that i am. So, why don't we heed God's call? For some, it's procrastination. That's my biggest struggle. For others, it's fear. Like Moses, we don't understand why God chooses. us. We feel that we're not worthy. Well...that is correct. Non of us are worthy. But remember, God doesn't call the anointed; He anoints the called. The God who calls us, equips us.
"Moses said to the Lord, 'O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech & tongue.'
     "The Lord said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go: I will help you speak & will teach you what to say.' "
Exodus 4:10-12 (NIV)

We never need to be fearful or anxious. Fear & anxiety are symptoms of doubt. That often means that our focus is on our self, instead of God. But when we trust God to do what we can't, it takes the burden off us & places it on Him. By giving it to God & allowing Him control, He will use you to achieve the potential that He sees in you.

And when that happens...look out! God wants you to be confident in, & certain of His plan & purpose for your life. Whether you're called to serve with in your church, your community, or as an active worshiper with your church family, there is no need to fear. You can be confident that God will provide all that you need.

"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

If you don't know your purpose, ask God to show you which path to take for His purpose for you. And if you sense that He is guiding you in a certain direction, especially an unfamiliar direction, then be thankful. You've got the best tour guide for a new adventure.

"The One who calls you is faithful & He will do it."
1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)
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Monday, July 8, 2013

Feedback

(First, a personal note: Hello my friends. I am sorry for not keeping up with my blog. As i started to type today, i realized that it's been 9 months to the day, since i've posted. & i truly regret that. I ask for your forgiveness & make a pledge to get back to weekly postings, beginning today. Thanks!)

 I have been working on my blog lately - a little at a time. Truthfully, a lot of the work has been going on in my head. Today, i have been sitting outside with my laptop, on a picture perfect 4th of July. I just finished adding the tab "Feedback" at the top of this page. I copied & pasted feedback from my ifrogcrafts' shop that have made my heart smile. I warms my heart & makes me happy that people really do like my creations. And then, as i was being still, i heard God ask me this question, "How many people give Me feedback?"
www.AlmondWorks.etsy.com
So i pondered that a bit. And as i was pondering, i saw a horsefly. (No, not a flying horse. Tee hee) And i thought how annoying flies are sometimes. But then, i remembered watching our 1 year old black cat trying to catch one, not too long ago. It was so funny & entertaining. 
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Then, i thought of the annoying teeny, tiny black ants, that seem to invade our kitchen every year. And i remembered that i did tell Him not too long ago, that i didn't know what He was thinking with these little pests, that they were a pain & i hated them. I did laugh when i said it, so i think that, those little oblong specks of black are an illustration of God's orneriness. After all, i do know a lot of ornery people & we are made in His image.
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 Just then, i look over & there is a weed growing that has been missed by the mower. But it has a beautiful little purple flowers blooming from it. I love purple. And i hear a bird & i'm reminded that the truck needs washing. But when i really listen to the song that the bird is singing, it's so beautiful that i don't care what birds have done to my truck.
www.ifrogcrafts.etsy.com
I sit back & look up & see a dead limb in the tree. Not very pretty, but i notice the awesome shade that this big Maple tree gives our back yard. In fact, there are trees galore, behind the fence, all around our back yard...including one big tall one in the center back with no leaves. At this point, i'm not really sure where i'm going with all this & i hear God say, "Don't just tell them, tell Me.Give Me feedback". So i tell Him:
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"I love the peacefulness of my backyard. Yes, my laptop is out here, but there is no TV to distract me from You. Weeds can be beautiful. The green leaves are stunning against the gorgeous blue sky. And i really love the shade of our big maple tree today. But best of all, the tall tree with no leaves reminds me that when we die, we won't be standing out in the elements. We'll be without pain & suffering, & standing tall with our Lord & Savior. Jesus Christ. Words can never express enough feedback for that.

 (But i still don't like the tiny black ants in my house.) 

 Father, thank You for this glorious day. I ask that you remind me to give You feedback & that You keep my heart open to hear yours. I pray that my feedback to You will make Your heart smile....and maybe even laugh a bit. In Jesus name, amen. <><



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Monday, October 8, 2012

Guard Your Hearts & Minds

Not too awfully long ago, i had a conversation with a dear, dear friend of mine that, over the last few years has had some major life changing health problems. I'm very thankful that my friend is still here on this earth. But during this specific conversation, i discovered that she'd had a couple of scares over the last few months that she hadn't told me about because she didn't want to worry me. It was then, that i truly realized that i don't worry much any more. And that's because i have peace-filled protection guarding my heart & my mind.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

We've heard it said that "God won't give us anything that we can't handle." And He doesn't, as long as the "we" includes HIM. When we allow our minds to be filled with fear & start to think of all the "what ifs", we only need to call on Jesus & He fills us with His peace that truly transcends all understanding. That's just one of God's countless promises that He will not break.

Now, i'm not saying that i don't become concerned with life situations. But i don't worry & i don't fear. I pray. Give it a try! Open your heart & your mind & let the peace that passes ALL understanding guard YOUR heart & YOUR mind.

(And on a side note....if you're in a position where you are keeping something to yourself, because you don't want to worry someone you love, you're also depriving yourself their prayers. The power of prayer is immeasurable.)
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Monday, September 24, 2012

Don't Get Robbed - Part 2

"Keep your lives free from the Love of Money & be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you: never will I forsake you.' "
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

This verse from Hebrews tell us to "be content with what you have". God blesses us with so much. Yet, too often, we seem to still want more. We can become jealous & resentful of the blessings of others. How many times have you thought to yourself "it must be nice" when someone is sharing about something like a new home, a new car, an awesome vacation, a windfall, etc. As i think about this, i'm embarrassed to admit how many times i've done that.


When you compare & covet the blessings of others, you are not only breaking a commandment, you are also robbing yourself of joy. When we focus on what others have, we are silently questioning God's goodness. But, an attitude of gratitude brings joy. And thankfulness is the key to that attitude. When we choose to be content, over coveting, our lives become more enriched & we recognize our own gifts from God. Think of the things that you are guilty of coveting & compare them to what has eternal value.

"So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper...' "
Hebrews 13:6a (NIV)

Another joy robber is busyness. Boy! Do i know about that one! Years ago, i had a poster in my room that read, "The hurrieder I go, the behinder I get". I know that it was meant as a reminder to not rush through things haphazardly, but to do things right the first time. But it can also apply to busyness. When we're "over booked", "have too much on our plates", or as i said this past summer, "my plate is full & so are many side dishes", it's very easy to get distracted from God's blessings. In turn, our joy can go quickly down the drain. When we over book, we can miss opportunities to "lie down in green pastures" so that God can restore our souls. (See Psalm 23)

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."
Psalm 127:1 (NIV)

It's easy to say "If I don't do it, it won't get done." But the first verse of Psalm 127 tells us differently. We need to learn that sometimes, saying "no" can be a holy thing. Ask the Lord to help you say "yes" to the things that are needed & "no" to the things that distract you from Him. Listen to the Spirit as He show you the difference & reveals how you can become less busy.


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Monday, September 17, 2012

Don't Get Robbed!

It's been said that joy is a state of mind, not a state of affairs. But there are some joy robbers out there that sneak in & can rob us blind!

 Anxiety is one....
"An anxious heart weighs a man down."
Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)

Do you find yourself taking on the care & struggles of others? It is the will of God that we care for people, but it is not His will that we allow these cares to become worrisome burdens.

"Cast your cares on the Lord & He will sustain you."
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

The word "cast" means to heave...just like you would throw a heavy bag of garbage in a trash can. Check out Psalm 68:19. God says He "daily bears our burdens" if we well just let Him.

Sometimes we spend more time worrying about something than praying about it. Worry causes us to lug around cares & anxieties like a bag of garbage.

"Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10

When we worry, it's like trying to dance while carrying heavy baggage. It IS possible to live in this world & not lose our joy, but we have to consistently give our worries to the One who wants to carry the load for us.
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Monday, August 20, 2012

Watch Your Mouth

"Watch your mouth" is a popular phrase from mom's. I know it was from mine anyway. As a kid growing up, i probably got tired of hearing that. The tongue is a highly developed organ that is used for taste & speech. But now, i realize that doesn't begin to describe the most powerful organ of our body. Words can be sweet, comforting, healing...or...bitter, piercing & yes, even deadly.
"But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, & these make a man 'unclean'."
Matthew 15:18

Matthew 15:18 tells us that the tongue actually reveals what is in our hearts. Words are an expression of our true nature. What we say reveals who we really are inside & can bring a blessing or a curse to those around us. Our tongue has the potential for both good & bad. It can either honor God or make Him grieve. It can praise God or cause a separation from Him.

"If anyone considers himself religious & yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself & his religion is worthless."
James 1:26 (NIV)

Somewhere in our lives, we are all probably guilty of gossiping & saying things that we regret later. If we don't give God control of our tongues, they can become harmful weapons that can slander, criticize & hurt others. If that happens, as the verse above tells us, our religion is worthless.

As i pondered this verse today, i know that i have been guilty of not giving control of my tongue to God many, many times over the years. But i realized recently that when God is in control of your life & you've asked Him to let His light shine through you, he is in control your tongue & gives you His strength to keep a tight rein on it. He also gives you His wisdom to know what to do & what to say. In a recent situation that came to mind as i pondered this verse, i was getting extremely frustrated with a person. I was about ready to give in to my frustration & let it all out verbally, angrily & defensively. Just in time, i heard, "Walk away. Walk away." And i listened & obeyed. I walked away. And i am so thankful that God lead me away from the situation, or i would have regretted what i was about ready to say.

When we hurt others with words spoken in anger or defense, we are letting our human nature be in control. But when we submit our lives to the Holy Spirit, letting Him be in control, our words & actions are kinder & more understanding.

The tongue can also refer to a unique language of a people or nation. If we are truly God's children, shouldn't we learn to speak His language fluently, so others will know we're related to Him? How awesome to have the resemblance of our Father be recognized!
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Monday, August 13, 2012

God's Work - Be It Done Ever So Humbly

We've all heard that pride comes before a fall. But it seems in today's society, we tend to set ourselves up to fall when we start to believe our own press, toot our own horns, & take full credit when it's not deserved.
"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
Romans 12:13 (NIV)

We can never take credit for the great things that happen in or through us, because we know that God is the One doing the work. Rather, we can be grateful that He is allowing us the privilege of coming along for the ride. People who accomplish the most for God's cause are those who have a clear sense that their success has nothing to do with their talents or abilities. Instead, they keep their eyes & ears open to see where God leads them to do His work.

Since Hubby accepted a Pastor position at our small church, i have been experiencing this everyday. I could have stayed in the comfortable background as a Pastor's wife, or i could accept God's invitation to fill in the empty spots that He put on my heart. So i am taking a joyous journey with our youth group. Had i turned down this invitation, the work would still be done. God would have chosen someone else to do His work. But I am so thankful that He gave me this opportunity.

So when God lays an opportunity on your heart, remember that you WON'T be doing it alone. He will make the time & provide the ways for Him & you to accomplish anything. And you will be amazed where the joyous journey will take you!
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