Perfect and Pleasing

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imageI love Jesus. Trouble is, I don’t always ACT like I love Jesus. Just like many others, I pray each day for God to use me, to allow me to make a difference in this world, to be a light in my home, an effective minister of the word, and a woman who radiates His love to others. Some days I do great at this! Some days I do pretty good. Other days I slide through by the skin of my teeth, and then there are the days that I fall flat on my face. Does anyone relate to this? Is there anybody else out there who is not all you want to be every single day?

Well, the great news is that I don’t have to be everything every day. And neither do you. God knows there are going to be days we stumble, days we stagger, and days we just simply fall. Those are the days He reaches down His gentle hands of grace and picks us right back up and sets us on our feet. Isn’t that just what a Father does? He gives us a gentle nudge in the right direction and sends us back out into our lives with hope and encouragement.

Every day we need to work to be that woman we hope to be, and it doesn’t always come easy. We have to make time for our sweet Jesus, making that time a priority. We need to spend time in God’s word, renewing our minds and revitalizing our souls. It is only with a renewed mind, a revitalized soul, and a heart for Jesus and His direction that we will know what God’s perfect and pleasing will for our life is.

I want His will for my life! I know it will be perfect and pleasing! How about you?

Giving All

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As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. Luke 7:38

What an example of complete love this is! Here we find a woman of “sinful nature” who is so intent on being in the presence for the Lord that she dares to enter the home of a Pharisee, where she is surely to face judgement and contempt. She is so overcome by the presence of her Lord that she bows at the feet of Jesus and weeps. In her hands is a jar of perfume that cost her approximately a year’s worth of earnings. And she pours it in the feet of Jesus, unconcerned about the cost of the oils, or the loss of something valuable.

When we compare ourselves with this woman, we must ask ourselves a few simple questions:

Are we willing and ready to face ridicule, judgement, or contempt for Jesus? Are we willing to accept the pointing fingers and the rude comments? Are we willing to go as far as to face death for our Savior?

Are we so overcome by the Holy Spirit that we literally weep at the feet of Jesus? Does He mean that much to you that the tears can flow unashamedly?

Are we willing to give up the things we value most and offer them to the Lord? Or do we hold on to our valuables, giving them a place of priority over Jesus? If that expensive jar of perfume was all you had, would you pour it out over the feet of Jesus?

This woman was a sinner, yet she loved the Lord wholeheartedly, had a great reverence for him, and was willing to give all of her possessions in honor of him. We are sinful women. Do we love him wholeheartedly? Are we willing to give all for him? He certainly gave all for us.

Useful Purpose

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imageHe knew every part of us before he created us. He had a purpose for our lives even at that moment. He has given each of us a calling, a gift or talent, a way to glorify him.

What gift has he given you? Have you recognized it yet? If not, are you praying and seeking him daily to reveal it to you? Are you eagerly anticipating the discovery? Have you already realized your gift? Are you using it with an excitement for the opportunity it provides? Do you embrace your gift, your purpose, and savor every moment and opportunity you get to be a light for Jesus?

Now is the time! Today is the day! Ask God to reveal your calling to you. Ask him to show you what gifts he has so graciously given you. Then go out and USE them. Take advantage of each new day to bring honor and glory to your Heavenly Father and to spread his word, his love, his compassion, his grace to others. Together, we can make a difference!

Jesus Friend of Sinners

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imageJesus, Friend of Sinners
I am a sinner! There….I said it! You are a sinner! I hope I am not telling you something you didn’t already know. Despite my sin….Jesus loves me. He is my friend. Despite your sin, Jesus loves you too. He loves us so much, he died for our sins, so that we could have that beautiful thing called GRACE.

Time and time again, we read in God’s word where Jesus extended his generous grace to sinners. What about the woman caught in adultery? Not only did he show her grace and spare her a death from stoning, he also made her accusers aware of their own sinful natures. And let’s not forget the woman at the well. His grace poured over her and not only changed her life, but allowed her to share go out to her village and offer the same hope to others.

What has Jesus forgiven you for? What sins has he pardoned in your life? How has his grace allowed you to move forward and overcome? Has he been able to use th sin in your life for the good of others?

We must never forget that we are sinners. We will be sinners as long as we walk this earth. We must also never forget that we have a friend, a Savior who loves sinners and gave his life for them. We must never forget that his grace is MORE THAN ENOUGH to overcome our sins and cleanse us of our unrighteousness. Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus!

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “”Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:10-11

Our Savior is Our Life Saver

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matthew 14 30Our Savior is Our Life Saver

I remember almost drowning as a teenager.  Some friends convinced me that it would be a marvelous idea to water ski in the canal.  It was fun for a while, until I wiped out and went under.  I fought the current for as long as I could, struggling to pull my head above water.  My limbs grew heavy and my mind became foggy. I remember thinking to myself, “I am going to die right now.”  I was afraid.  I was sinking.  Then a friend reached me and pulled me out of the water.  I was cold, shaking, and sick.  I was also alive and very grateful for the person who saved my life.

Jesus is our Savior.  He is also our life saver.  When we are caught in a frightening situation, He is there to save us.  When we are lost in the darkness, He is our light. When we feel ourselves sinking under the weight of our burdens, he reaches out His hand just like He did to Peter, and He pulls us out of the waves.  Peter took his eyes off  Jesus and began to sink.  We must keep our eyes on Him, seeking Him for direction, and crying out to Him “Lord, save me!” when life gets out of control.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:30

Something To Ponder…

Has there been a time when Jesus has reached down and pulled you out of danger?

When you are facing danger or darkness, do you cry out to your Savior for help?

Additional Scriptures:  1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 24:13, Romans 5:5, John 7:37-39

 

Save

Shared Treasure

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I recently purchased a new study bible. This may seem like no big deal to most of you, but in my case let me assure you it IS a big deal. I have been using my current bible for many, many years. I have written special quotes and study notes. I have highlighted and dated special life verses. I have underlined and dated scripture that has been discussed in church. I have a list of the favorite verses of other special people in my life. And as I have pondered God’s word, I have jotted down my thoughts, which have often lead to one of my blog posts. Many conversations with my Lord have come through the reading of these pages. To sum it up, my bible is a precious, treasured part of my life.

I was scrolling through Amazon one day, and there it was! This beautiful bible cover that caught my eye. I read the description and saw that it was a new study bible that had recently been released. On a whim, I ordered it. Then the fretting began. What was I going to do with it? How could I possibly study God’s word out of any other bible except my good ole’ written up study bible?

God spoke to me during those thoughts. He helped me to see that my study bible was a wonderful treasure to pass on to my children someday. It is almost like a journal of my thoughts, and the way I relate to His word. What a treasure for my children to open it up someday and see what mama had on her heart. Perhaps my thoughts of today could inspire their tomorrows. He also helped me see that to start in a new one would give me the opportunity to pass yet another treasure down.

And so it arrived. I lifted the lid from the box and softly touched the beautiful cover. I opened it, felt the thin pages and smelled that wonderful “new book” smell. I put it in my “Mary space”, ready for the next morning’s study. When morning came, I eagerly opened that beautiful bible and began my study. I picked up my pen to jot down my thoughts, and just could not write in that new bible. It took me several days before I was able to put a pen to those sheets, but once I did, the thoughts came pouring out. So now I have two thought-filled, God inspired bibles to pass down. I will continue to highlight, underline, and ponder, and pour out my heart to God. What a treasure and a blessing that is! How awesome is the word of God and how fortunate are we to be able to glean from it!

But now I have another problem…. I have TWO bibles, and SEVEN kids. It looks like there might be some more bible shopping in my future!

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8

Something To Ponder…

Do you consider your bible a treasure to be handed down through the generations

If so, does it hold your thoughts and notes on the word of God?

Additional Scriptures: Hebrews 4:12, Deuteronomy 8:12, Romans 15:14, John 1:14

Small Couch, Answered Prayer

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I have spent quite a bit of time on this small couch over the last few weeks. It has been my “home away from home” as I sat by my father’s bedside during his hospital stay. A bad heart is no fun, and triple bypass surgery is not a joke, but I am amazed at how well he is doing. Or is it really that surprising? Why should I be surprised at his progress when I know of so many people who have been praying for him? Prayer is powerful, so his recovery should be no surprise at all. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. John 5:15. My God can do ANYTHING, so his current situation should not shock me one bit.

I am so grateful for God’s healing touch. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. Psalm 41:3. I am so grateful that my dad has a new opportunity to experience life, laugh, make us laugh, and make more memories with the ones he loves. How good our God is! How marvelous are His works!

This small couch has not been the most comfortable place to sleep. It has made my back ache a little and left my muscles sore. But I would do it again in a heartbeat. I wouldn’t have missed a bit of it…not the visits from the doctors and nurses, the smuggling of coffee and milkshakes, the hundred moments of laughter (my dad has a marvelous sense of humor), or the thousand moments of silence. Thank you, Lord, that you have allowed me to spend this precious time with one of my most prized treasures…my dad.

And thank you, God, that you are faithful to hear our prayers. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10.

Something To Ponder…

Do you have hope in the power of prayer?

Can you think of a time when God has marvelously and miraculously answered your prayers?

Additional Scriptures: John 14:14, 1 John 5:14, Psalm 66:18-20, 1 Peter 3:12

 

Speak Life

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Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4

We get comfortable sometimes…safe in our surroundings, confident in our works. Sometimes we forget that there are masses of people in this world who don’t know the love of Jesus; who haven’t experienced his word. So what can we do about it? It’s simple really. We listen to what God says in his beautiful book of instructions. We go out and share the gospel with others. We engage others with compassion for their situations. We speak hope to the hopeless and love to the unloved. We speak truth into those who are bound in lies. We speak LIFE‼! The gospel is life…life at its fullest. God wants us to share that life with those around us.

Don’t be a watcher of the wind. Let the wind carry you to the ones who need His word. Don’t just look at the clouds. Rise above them and soar to the new places God has for you as His witness. Don’t just sit there, with all that word stored up in your heart. Share it with others. Be a disciple. This world is full of hurting, hopeless, faithless souls. You have the God-given power to change that, at least for the chosen few God places in your path. What a glorious opportunity! What a marvelous gift!

Something To Ponder…

Do you recognize opportunities that God gives you to share His word?

Are you confident and eager to spread the gospel to those who need to hear it?

In what ways can you bring hope and love to the hurting world?

Additional Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15, Luke 1:37, 2 Corinthians 3:12, Proverbs 24:14

Stepping Out In Faith

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Do you ever wonder if God made a mistake by placing you in a specific area of ministry? Perhaps He has called you to lead a bible study, oversee Sunday School, work with the youth group, or visit shut-ins. Maybe you write cards of encouragement or take meals to the sick. You might be the one who feeds the homeless, or works in the nursery. Perhaps you preach, teach, speak, or write. It could be that your ministry is in your home, as a wife and a mother.

Wherever He has called you to minister, and in whatever capacity He has called you, rest assured that if He has called you, He will equip you. God does not call you because of how awesome you are. He calls you because of your willingness to serve. Be willing to serve! Don’t let fear or insecurity rob you of the awesome opportunities you get to be a sharer of the Word.

In Exodus, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. But oh, how insecure Moses was! Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Time after time in this chapter, Moses doubted his ability and questioned God’s calling for him. Time after time, God responded to Moses’ doubt, fear, and insecurity with assurance that through Him, and by His power and guidance, he could accomplish the task. So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” (Exodus 3:12).

Don’t let fear or insecurity keep you from taking that first step in faith. Let the Word of God be your guide. It is the simplest answer. It is the best answer. Remember, He does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. He has great plans for your life, and you have awesome, golden opportunities to serve your King. Be bold, be brave, step out in faith! His grace is sufficient for any mistake you might make, and His love is all encompassing. Don’t miss the blessing that comes from sharing the love of the Father with all those who need so desperately to be reminded how much they are loved and forgiven.

Be a “Water Walker,” not a “Boat Sitter.”

Something To Ponder…

Is God stirring your heart to step out in a particular area of ministry?

If so, how do you feel…bold & confident, or fearful & insecure?

Can you walk in faith, despite your doubts, to do what you feel God calling you to do for Him?

Additional Scriptures: James 2:114-24, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Joshua 22:5, Deuteronomy 13:4

Our Job Is To Believe

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image When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the labor that is done on earth—people getting no sleep day or night— then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it. (Ecclesiastes 8:16-17)

God is a God of mystery. His ways seem unclear at times, His methods confusing. We will never fully understand why God does what He does when He does it. It really is not our job to understand. Our job is to believe. Our job is to have faith and continue to walk out that faith in our lives each day. Our job is to live by his word….that beautiful book of instructions He has provided for us. Our job is to share His love with others.

Is this the way of the world? Of course not! The world makes every effort to steer us away from God’s precepts. The world does all it can to fill our minds with sin and regret. The world wants to lead us into darkness and pain.

The world preaches hate….while God’s word preaches love. It is up to each of us to decide which we will follow. Choose to follow God. Choose to live your life for Him. You don’t have to understand all of His plans. You just have to know that His plans are to prosper you and give you hope, not to bring harm upon you. Choose the path that leads to a glorious eternity where it won’t matter how hard you worked or how much you accomplished in this life, it will only matter how you lived it. And the reward will be oh so sweet….eternity with Jesus!

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