Day 19 - James 1:12

My heart is heavy this morning as I pray for a precious friend who is possibly facing serious problems in her pregnancy. My words are few this morning, but I am challenged by this thought. What comes out of our mouths when we get horrible news?

Another friend and I prayed over her yesterday in a parking lot as our kids were screaming and yelling from their car seats. The two of us appealed to the God of the universe on their behalf. We begged God for things and claimed this promise and that promise but I was amazed when my friend prayed, the one facing the danger, what came out of her mouth was praise. She simply thanked God for who he was and what he meant in her life.

What an example!

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trail, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12

Day 18 - Ephesians 4:2

Completely?

At the start of the New Year, I pray and ask God for a verse for the year. Some years it is clearer than others. This year I believe the verse I am to focus on is Ephesians 4:1-2 (actually most of Chapter 4). I was studying some of the words in there and the definition of “gentle” stands out to me this morning. I guess what stands out is what it isn’t.

2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.


Gentleness is – not necessarily acting, it is a disposition: composed, tolerant
Gentleness is not – fierce, unstable, quick, hard

After reading a definition like this, the first thing we naturally do is ask ourselves, “Am I gentle?” and, “Would my family describe me as gentle?”

The other word I focused on is “humble.”

Humble - the correct estimate of ourselves

This definition screams at me. When we moved into our house we received estimates on painting. One was too high and we were immediately turned off. One was too low and we were immediately skeptical. I could wrestle with this concept forever, but incase someone is reading this I will refrain!

Let’s just say that the Bible is talking about our Christian brothers and sisters and instructs us to, “Be completely gentle and humble . . .” I’m not there, are you?

O Lord, through the power of your Spirit, convict us of areas in our lives where gentleness and humility need to grow. Left to ourselves we are fierce, unstable, quick and hard. Soften us and give us a correct estimate of ourselves.

Day 17 - Hebrews 12:1-3

For some reason I was up extra early this morning. Although it sounds crazy, when I realized it was 5:30am instead of 6:00am, I got excited thinking God must have something amazing for me this morning. Then I brought my coffee into the office to open my Bible, and I saw all the papers and pens and calculations and numbers from last night where my husband and I were going over our finances---all feelings of joy left me.

We are trying to make some semi-major decisions, some in the area of finances and some in other areas, so with my extra time this morning I reestablished, in my mind, how great God is through prayer.

After some intimate prayer time, I’m not any closer to a decision on these future matters, but I am closer to the One who holds my future. I like to pray in reverence with anticipation—on my knees (in reverence) and with the Bible open in front of me (in anticipation of what God has for me.)

It is amazing what happens to our perspective when we take the advice of the Hebrew writer and, fix our eyes on Jesus.
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let 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. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Day 16 Matthew 25:40

NEED TO

“Mom, you don’t play with me enough.”
“I don’t? What am I doing all day?”
“Doing the things you need to do?”

This tiny conversation keeps ringing in my ear from yesterday morning. She is right, I need to clean-up after breakfast, I need to do laundry, I need to change a diaper, I need to take out the trash, I need to make lunch, I need to pay these bills, I need to clean-up after lunch, I need to call the post office and forward our mail—again, I need to . . .

But my heart breaks when I realize I have moved my precious daughter out of the “need to” category. Playing pretty, pretty princess and make believe princes and reading books about princesses have some how moved into the, “when I get a free second” category. A sweet friend and mentor of mine, Liz, who is now with the Lord, sent me an article talking about this. The author quoted Matthew 25:40,

“The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'”

Why are children sometimes treated as the least of these? Maybe because they take more than they give. Maybe because they rarely say thank you without prompting. Maybe because they offer no financial bonus, no public recognition, and no hope for promotion.

However, I don’t personally know any mom who wouldn’t jump into the deadliest battle to defend their child and their worth! When no one else wants to hold her snotty-nosed, vomit covered baby, a mommy doesn’t think twice. There is nothing least about our precious children, so why are the games they play considered small? At least by me?

It is time to move Cinderella into the need to category. What about you?

O Lord, give me the perspective in my daily life to bring you honor by the way I interact with my children. Show me what truly belongs in the “need to” category.

Lamentations 3:22-24

MONDAYs
Mondays are interesting, and I have a love/hate relationship with them. Sometimes I love them. I love the possibilities of a new week, new challenges, new things to do, new chances to complete tasks and invest in people. Other times I dread them. They seem to overwhelm me. I have to do the same things I did last Monday again this Monday. It reminds me that the dirty clothes baskets are full again, and the refrigerator is empty again.

Today is an overwhelmed Monday. I just want to go back in bed and wake-up on Friday or Saturday. I think it is right about now that you, as a Christian sister tell me that my focus is all screwed-up. The fact that I can afford groceries and a machine that washes my clothes is reason enough to change my attitude. What a complainer am I.

The Bible reminds me of an even greater reason. If I can pull my head out of my own situation for one minute I can see the abundance blessing of a Monday. Lamentations 3:22 says it like this,
22 "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

What an attitude shift---I’m not overwhelmed because God loves me so much! And, his compassions never fail—they are new every morning (even Mondays).

Day 12 - Ecclesiastes 7:21-22

Don't hit pause!

Okay so go with me on this. We love DVR/TIVO in our house. We can record a show or game and watch it when it is convenient. Even my four year old will Fast Forward the beginning of a show that she doesn't like or pause the T.V. when she has to go to the bathroom. (Did I mention this is a fabulous invention for potty training?)

However, after reading Ecclesiastes 7:21-22, I realized that I've been over using the pause feature in my life. Read the verse and see if you do the same.

21 Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you-22 for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.

Uh-Oh. I think it is safe to say that most of the time I do try to pay attention to every word people say about me, be it good or bad, and then I hit pause. I think about it, analyze it, chew on it, think what I might say in response next time, --basically my little world just stays on that one picture.

The difference between TIVO and my life is that when you pause a T.V. show the whole thing stops, but when I pause my mind, nothing else stops but my mind. My children, my husband, my friendships, my ministry, all keep going. Then, I have to FF to catch-up. (That's a whole different blog.)

Anyway, I'm going to stick a post-it on the remote in my mind that reads, "DON'T HIT PAUSE!" And the next time I'm paying too much attention to what others think or say, I'll remind myself (with the power of the Holy Spirit), don't hit pause--just keep going.

Anyone want to join me?

Day 11 - Genesis 22

Day 11 - Genesis 22
WOW! I've known the story of Abraham's testing since I was a little girl. God tells him to sacrifice his only son, Abraham sets out with Isaac, wood and fire. He gets his son on the alter, raises his knife and then the angel of the Lord stops him and provides an animal for the sacrifice. Then he promises Abraham will be the father of the Israelites.

However, this morning was the first time I have read that story since I've had a son. The emotion and magnitude of the story changes. What Abraham did goes way beyond obedience--love and trust have to be behind that kind of action.

Here's my conclusion from the story:

The closer the intimacy the harder the obedience, but greater is the reward.
(and the joy of the reward far out ways the sacrifice of the obedience)

Day 10 - John 14:21-24

Day 10 - John 14:21-24
Our Bible study lesson is on obedience this week. I get obedience. It's a part of my personality. I am bothered when I disobey. I'm a "good student," and that's probably part of why I went into teaching. The problem I deal with is obedience for obedience sake, becuase it is not pleasing to God. Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 23 to the religious leaders that obeyed more laws than anyone.

27"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

The purpose of this type of obedience is to please man, not God. The key word in our passage is LOVE. Jesus says, "If you love me, you will obey my commands." If we obey because of love, than we don't care if others notice our obedience. We only care about the one we love--Jesus. So I guess the question we should always ask ourselves is--Whom do I love more, my self or Jesus? Isn't that life's basic question?

Day 9 - Romans 13:1

Day 9 - Romans 13:1
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."

Our school district is opening a new school that our children will attend, so I went to an informational meeting about it last night. The design is going to be different than the traditional schools in order to enhance the learning process and allow it to go from, "Good to Great." Very cool.

Many concerned parents were asking questions dealing with the hallway sizes, numbers of bathrooms, and design for easy carpool lines. While these things are important to us (I attended with a former teacher friend), we were more curious about the principle, the teachers and what incentives they were using to find the BEST people! We know that a principle who loves children and learning will positively affect teachers much more than a science lab at their fingertips will. We also know that a teacher who loves each child and wants them to succeed will do amazing things with very little.

So, we are starting to pray. Pray that God will bring a man or woman to this school that loves Him! Pray that he or she will then hire teachers that have the love of Christ in them. Because, an amazing teacher without Christ is only as good as her skills, but an amazing teacher who draws on the help of the Holy Spirit has unlimited power and strength and insight. Those are the men and women we want to influence our children every day!!

Please Lord, prepare those men and women now for service in your kingdom by teaching at this new school. Without you, good can never go to great!Philippians 4:6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Day 8 - Psalm 115

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness."
Psalm 115: 1

As we spent time praising the name of the Lord this weekend for a healthy baby, it hit me--I'm really doing nothing to make this baby grow. I can avoid things that will harm it, but I can't do anything to make it grow and live. I love this verse, because it says just that. Not to me, Lord but to you be the glory of a miracle! Anything good that comes from me is really from above.

"O Lord, prepare me now to be the mother this little one needs me to be."

P.S. Thank you to all who prayed and continue to pray for this baby.

Day 5 - Psalm 139

Today is the big day. We go for the “telling” sonogram. Will we have a boy or a girl? Will we have two boys and one girl or one boy and two girls? Who will forever break the tie? As I anticipate this afternoon and the big news, there is a small voice in the back of my head. The voice that says, “What if the big news is not the sex of the child, but the health of the child?”

The truth is we don’t know. There are plenty of things that could be wrong with this baby. Today our focus could switch from color selections in the nursery to coping strategies.

Obviously I’m a realist. I like to look at truth. So as a Christian I MUST also look at the true word of God. This morning I focus on Psalm 139. The truth is, something could be wrong with this baby, and the truth is, it is no secret to God. He knows my baby intimately. He knows how many days he or she will live. He has a plan for this little one’s life-be it long or short.

God has created all things and is sovereign over all things. So I trust Him. Today we can walk into the Doctor’s office with confidence. I trust God, not because He promises my children will be safe from danger, but because he promises to be with us no matter the danger.

Verse 12 of this same chapter says, “ . . .even the darkness will not be dark to you.”

Thank you, God for your truth, and your promises. Thank you God for this baby.






Psalm 139:13-16
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Day 4 - I Corinthians 13

If anyone is reading my blog you might notice that my post is a little later than usual. My husband felt that I needed the extra rest, so he turned our alarm off last night. First let me say that he was right, my pregnant body was giving out last night, so his actions were well intentioned. However, I have recently been recruited to "open" our Women's Bible study, so that means I have to get my daughter to school, my son to his class and myself to our church---early! Not to mention the fact that I have committed to get up an hour early every day to spend time with God. So let's just say I wasn't in a Valentine mood this morning when I finally woke-up.

As I sit down to read this afternoon, I decided to read one of the most famous love passages--and it is convicting. I Corinthians 13 "Love is patient, love is kind. . .it is not rude or easily angered. . ." You know, when someone focuses on my last mistake or my shortcomings or my non-gifted areas, I'm really bothered! Especially if that person is my husband. Why can't he just notice all the good and thoughtful things I do??? Ouch.

Today, on Valentine's Day, I'm thankful for my husband and all his amazing, God-given qualities. He has never met a stranger. Life with him is NEVER boring. He if very fun. He is a visionary. He is discerning. He talks to me. (That is very important for a Communication Major.) He is Hot! and Sexy! He loves the Lord. He loves our children. He loves his family. He loves my family. He desires to do the will of God and struggles to figure that out! He is not intimidated by anyone. He is God's choice for my life, and I'm so glad.

He is many more things, but with both of my precious kids wanting to sit on my lap, my thoughts are hard to collect. . .

Happy Valentine's Day

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. . .

Day 3 - Prayer

Today’s lesson in my Bible study was short, so I spent most of my time praying. I’m so thankful for the extra time to pray over some of the details in my life and my family’s life. Often I lift up the big things or problem areas, but it is nice to talk to the One who can make a difference in the small things about the small things.
Does our prayer life reveal how we think about God? Do we really trust him with every big and small area in our lives?

Day 2- Jeremiah 2:12-15

Freedom

My Bible study was short this morning, so I jumped around a bit. I guess I kept coming back to the idea of freedom in Christ. Sometimes I think of my life with Christ as a picture---it's me standing at the very edge of the Grand Canyon, toes are so close to the edge they can feel the breeze from down below. As I look down, it's scary and exciting and unknown, and yet I'm ready to jump. . . almost.

(In case you are worried about me right now, I should say that I see the Grand Canyon as a life abandoned for Christ. No cares or worries about where he calls me or what he calls me to. Just a life lived in complete "wheels off" craziness for Christ. --I've never used that expression before, Corey but it fits.-- Trusting every step of the way.)

The problem is when you look closer there are strings holding me back. And Jeremiah 2:12-15 makes it clear that I'm holding those strings. The strings of comfort, unknown, other's view of me, laziness, distrust. Verse 14 says, "Is Israel a servant, a slave by birth? Why then has he become plunder?"

So here is the question. To what have we, have I, become slaves? Something to which we were never intended to bow? Other's opinions? Worry? Convenience? Doubt? Critical nature? Negative attitude?
O Lord, give me the courage, in you, to open my hands, let go of the strings and jump! Live a free life with you!

Does the song “Brave” come to mind, by Nicole Norteman?

Day One - John 16:5-16

John 16:5-16
Monday
The first thing that hits me here is that Jesus’ disciples don’t ask him the obvious question. He’s leaving and they are so filled with grief that they don’t ask him where he’s going. How often am I so filled with an emotion (grief, hurt, anger, frustration, lack of control) that I never ask Jesus the obvious questions?

There are two problems here. 1) I’m too focused on myself to look past the emotion—too hurt to do anything but feel hurt, or too angry to do anything but feel angry. Here is the sin of selfishness.

2) Next, if I happen to ask the question, am I asking the right person? In another part of John, it says that the disciples were asking questions among themselves---how stupid! Jesus was in the same room with them and they asked the fisherman on their right? Wow, I do this too. I ask and talk with so many people other than the one who has the answers. Here the sin is lack of trust.

Today I want to claim the promise that the Helper Jesus left behind, the Holy Spirit, will, “guide me into truth” and, “give me peace” and, “counsel me." I say I believe Jesus is the answer, so today I want to act like I believe it!

John 16:5-16
The Work of the Holy Spirit
5"Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
12"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
16"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."

Getting started

So our church is all participating in a 28 day fast. The fast will be different for each individual, depending on what God has put on their hearts. It is not just a fast from food. It is a lifestyle fast. Basically we prayed that God would reveal what is getting in the way of our pursuing him on a deeper level, and that thing (attitude, behavior, activity) is the object of our fast.

He also encouraged us that if we were already having daily time with God to pray about how to "take it to the next level."

As Brad and I prayed, it became clear that we needed to fast from sleep. We are staying up to late and therefore too tired to get up early to spend time with God. So we are going to get up earlier and try to go to bed earlier, so that we can dedicate that time to the Lord.

As I prayed, the idea of blogging kept coming to my mind. I really love to spend time alone with God, but since this pregnancy, I can find many excuses to put it last on my list. So I believe God was leading me to blog my daily devotional findings so that I have accountablitly. This is why I emailed you.

Accountability is a high motivator for me, so I'm sending this to a few of my friends. I don't expect you to read this daily, you don't ever have to read it if you don't want to. (It's no secret that I'm not a fan of reading people's blogs!) BUT, the pure fact that one of you could log on at any time or day and check me, is accountability enough.

I'm excited to give up a little sleep to pursue God on a deeper level. Thanks for being there, or not---I'll never know and it doesn't matter--does that make since? I guess that is the draw of blogging, you just talk whether someone is listening or not.

P.S. I can't get the spell check to work, so please excuse my mistakes, English friends.