Devotionals – Page 10 – Oh Lord Help Us

fear, grace, trust, unafraid, surrender, control, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Unafraid: Trusting God to Take Control of Our Lives

DevotionalsMay 15, 2019May 15, 2019

Fear is crippling. We must surrender the reins of control to God. In order to live a trusting and unafraid life, we must accept His grace and mercy, daily.

Trust. Five letters. One simple concept. We utilize it on a daily basis…

We trust that our alarm clock will go off in the morning and wake us up. Trust that our coffee maker will brew the liquid gold that is such a necessity to many of us. We trust that our car will start. Hopefully!

With significantly more certainty, we trust that gravity will continue to keep us pinned to the earth. We trust that the Earth will continue its orbit around the Sun. On smaller scales, we trust for personal, daily needs. On a grand scale, we trust our needs to be continuously supported on this planet we call home.

So, if we so easily trust these small things for our continued existence, why do we find it so hard to trust the One? The One who allows for, and is in control of, all the aforementioned things and more, to happen?

Control

The reason is fear! Four letters. One powerful concept. It has the ability to make us fight, flee, or even freeze in our tracks. Fear is “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined.” The key words in this definition are real or imagined.

Fear stems from a lack of control. The more we feel out of control, the more we are afraid, and the more we are afraid, the more we try and take matters into our own hands. In short, the more out of control we feel the more we try and control our life situations and the less we trust.

Let me tell you a secret…

Come close.

Closer.

Right there…

Control is an illusion.

Trust is Peace

We have no control. We think we do because it keeps the fear at bay, but we really have precious little control over our circumstances. This is a lesson the Lord has been trying to teach me over the last five years. But here is another secret, the less I try to control my circumstances, and the more I trust God to take care of me, the more peace I feel.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7, NIV

Fear is easy. Being afraid comes naturally. We fight to keep something from happening or to keep someone or something safe. Or we freeze, unable to do anything. The wonderful thing is we don’t have to fight. The fight has already happened and God is the victor. Because we are His, we have nothing to run from, but Someone wonderful to run to.

‘Fear Not’

Staying unafraid is hard. It is an active choice we have to make almost every minute of every day. The phrase “fear not” is mentioned 365 times in the Bible.

He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV

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Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.
Isaiah 43:1, NIV

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When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3, NIV

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Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4, NIV

To name a few and store in our memory banks.

Human Nature

God knew fear would be our natural fallen state. He knew we would need a daily reminder of our victory through Him. Even from the moment Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden and were afraid to approach Him, God knew. They had an intimate relationship with Him. They knew who He was and how He felt about them, yet they were afraid and ashamed of their sin. But, they couldn’t bring themselves to look at God.

The fall of Adam and Eve in Eden is the first instance of humans trying to take control. They were the first to feel shame, guilt, and the weight of fearful baggage. It is the first time humans tried to fight for themselves…

We have someone to fight for us. We have nothing to fear. In the absence of fear, there is trust. Psalm 20:7 says: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” When we have nothing and no one to fear, trust comes easier.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1, NIV

I am reminded of the words in Chris Tomlin’s song Whom Shall I Fear, “I know who goes before me. I know who stands behind. The God of Angel Armies is always by my side.” Romans 8:31 says: “More Than Conquerors. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” The Bible and worship songs are filled with reminders of the victory we have through Jesus.

Unafraid

Like being unafraid, trust is hard. We, unfortunately, mix our sinful human emotions and experiences with who God is. We mix our hurt and lack of trust with who God is. He has never let us down. He is not the boyfriend, fiancé, or husband who cheats and abandons. God is not the best friend who betrays trust or backstabs. He is not the mother or father who abandoned a helpless child. He is not the source of anyone’s pain, He is the healer.

We all have these experiences and hurts…baggage if you will…that we carry around with us. He not only wants to carry our baggage but dispose of it so we don’t have to carry it anymore.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22, NIV

Trust and being unafraid are active, daily choices. To live a fearless life and to fully trust God, we must allow God to heal us and take the reins of our life.

I am so thankful that the Lord is patient and offers daily renewed grace and mercy.

Grace. Mercy. Two words. Five letters each. Concepts that are life-changing.

Like being unafraid, trust is hard. We mix our sinful human emotions and experiences with who God is. We mix our hurt and lack of trust with who God is. He has never let us down! Click To Tweet

At the age of 12, Rachel was called into ministry and dedicated her life to the Lord’s will. This led her to teach and work at a school in Korea for four years after college. Through the Lord’s help, Rachel has grown because of these experiences. She’s learned to solely rely on God and trust His provision for everything.

Empowerment, empower, inspire, strengthen, encourage, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Empowered: Modeling Jesus’ Example to Strengthen Others

DevotionalsMay 14, 2019May 14, 2019

Jesus not only empowered His disciples but He empowers us! He is who we are to model when it comes to strengthening one another.

Jesus’ ministry was to empower others. He empowered His disciples, was empowered by God, and finally, He empowers us. Jesus’ example of empowerment is one to live by and never be forgotten.

Empowered

We all have people in our lives whom God has chosen for us to empower. There are also people called to strengthen us. Whether it be our children, our employees, our volunteers, or even our friends we are all called to strengthen and encourage one another.

I am not the best empowerer. I am great at allowing people to run with their ideas, but I am not great at identifying strengths and encouraging people in them. Through interactions with His disciples, Jesus gives us the greatest example of what empowerment looks like…

John

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. ‘I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,’ he said, ‘so why are you coming to me?’

But Jesus said, ‘It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.’ So John agreed to baptize him.

Matthew 3:13-15, NLT

John the Baptist was one of Jesus’ closest friend. He was also one of the first people Jesus empowered. Jesus sought out and told John to baptize Him. John’s response was valid, “you should be baptizing me”…

But Jesus empowered John in the cause God had given and reminded John that God requires this action. He readied John to do something that Jesus very well could have done Himself. Jesus did not make it all about Himself but empowered another in to do the God-ordained task at hand.

Peter

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

Matthew 16:18-19, NLT

Jesus equipped Peter to build His church. Take a moment. Let that set in. Peter, who denied Jesus, would be the one to build the church. This is an amazing form of empowerment. Jesus chose Peter knowing that he would fail Him.

I think sometimes we are afraid of being let down or of people failing so we choose to do things on our own. This is the opposite of empowerment. People will let us down constantly. Even so, we need to continue to support and encourage. Jesus did and still does.

Jesus

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3:16-17, NLT

God gave us the greatest example of empowerment when He sent Jesus to Earth. God instilled Jesus with His power to not only perform miracles but to save all of creation. Because Jesus was empowered, He was able to empower those around Him in miraculous ways.

Us

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT

God set us on a path and Jesus perfected it. We are empowered to run our race. We are empowered to do so in the presence of many. Jesus was empowered to sit on the right hand of God. This happened through pain and suffering. What would happen if we looked at our pain and suffering as part of our empowerment in ministry? We are empowered by God and in turn, we must empower others. Because there is joy awaiting us, just like there was joy awaiting Jesus.

God set us on a path and Jesus perfected it. What would happen if we looked at our pain and suffering as part of our empowerment in ministry? We are empowered by God and in turn, we must empower others. Click To Tweet

Stanislav Kondratiev

Lessons, messy, stories, redemption, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Stories: There is Always A Mess and A Lesson

DevotionalsMay 13, 2019May 13, 2019

What is your story? I’m sure it is messy because everyone’s is. God teaches us through real-life stories. He is there with you through the mess. That is His promise.

Imagine being nine years old. Your mother has just passed away from AIDS, which was horribly debilitating and you saw her wither away. You and your twelve brothers and sisters are placed with various people (some in foster care, some with other family members, and some with grandma).

You are placed with your grandmother. Going to school is pretty crappy because they want you to read all the time and that is super hard. The teacher keeps fussing at you to watch your language…What the !#*@ does she know???

Looking Deeper

This was a student of mine years ago. He taught me a valuable lesson. Everyone comes with a story. I admit the first week he was in my class, I kept hoping someone had made a mistake or that he would move out quickly to a new school.

This boy was a handful in a class that already had some handfuls. I am embarrassed to say I didn’t know his story until he had been in my class for a while. Eventually, I called his grandmother to come in for a conference because he was cursing all the time and refused to do any work.

Once she came in and told me that he was missing his mom, but she (grandma) was certainly glad not to have that burden anymore, my heart bloomed open. I recognized him for the first time. A child who was lost and hurting. Of course he didn’t care about his work. He was grieving. Of course, he was angry. He had just lost his mother and no one really cared about him.

You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.
John 8:15, ESV

Seeing Through the Mess

Over the next year and a half, this boy faced so many challenges. He was abandoned, forced to cut drugs, shoplifted to get clean clothes and shoes, went hungry more than not, and was finally put in a foster group home. And through it all I loved him. I told him so, from the moment I understood his story.

He learned to read (enough to pass the EOG). I took him and his classmates to art museums, plays, and science museums. We went to eat at restaurants and learned how to make simple meals with cheap ingredients. And I saw a smile that still makes me feel like a million bucks when I remember it. He still lives in my heart even though I don’t know what happened next in his life.

God taught me so much about seeing children, about loving them when it was hard. He taught me about perseverance and seeing past the now but into the whole story. I will forever be grateful for this precious child of God and how much he brought to my life.

How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
Psalm 36:7, NIV

Lifting the Cover

God can use our messes to help others, to teach us, and to illuminate His plan. Let me be clear, He does not create the mess. We do just fine with that on our own. Humans are great at breaking, tearing, and destroying. Our Father is great at making lemonade.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV

As you read through stories in the Bible, nowhere is there a perfect, idyllic situation. All of it starts or ends in a mess. God uses these messes to give us hope. No one is outside of His reach. Sometimes the messier the better. For instance, David (1 and 2 Samuel), Paul (Acts 9), and Peter (Luke 22:54-62).

God can use our messes to help others, to teach us, and to illuminate His plan. Click To Tweet

Redemptive Stories

We need to listen more. Hear and see those around us. I promise, God is using their stories to teach us, to grow our faith. At the same time, we need to dig into His word. Read our Bibles, daily. Find the stories that God has left there for us. Use what we learn to build our own redemptive story so we can love others more fully.

Dear God,

Thank you for showing me that everyone has a story. Help me to not judge those whose stories I do not know. I am so grateful that you can make my messes work for Your glory if I will just listen to You and feed on Your word. Father, you have given me so many examples of this throughout the Bible. Thank you for Your guide book that lights my path.

love,

Annie Spratt

trust, path, God’s Word, salvation, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

GPS: Using The Best Navigation Helps Us Find Our Way Home

DevotionalsMay 12, 2019May 12, 2019

Just like we all rely on GPS to get us to and fro, we need Spiritual GPS to keep us from becoming lost. The Trinity has everything we need to make it to our Heavenly home.

I tell you, use the worldly things you have now to make ‘friends’ for later. Then, when those things are gone, you will be welcomed into a home that lasts forever.

Luke 16:9, ERV

GPS – Global Positioning System

GPS, Global Positioning System, is a nifty instrument used to help people everywhere determine their exact location on Earth. When this technology came to my attention, I was certainly the one shouting Hallelujah! Finally! I will NEVER be lost again!

You see, I was always the one that had difficulty reading maps or any written instructions for that matter. Even though I trusted the person writing the instructions, I still found myself not trusting the path. I always doubted each and every turn I’d make.

When GPS came into my life, I found myself heavily relying on it because, quite honestly, it works! I get where I’m going and I always find my way back. Robert L. Easton knew what he was doing when he engineered this brilliant design. He is clearly smarter than I am! I’m just thankful it works! I know I can always trust my GPS will get me home safe and sound. And for that, I’m forever grateful.

I mean, aren’t you, Dear Reader?

God is Global

According to Google, global by definition means relating to the whole world; worldwide; relating to or embracing the whole of something, or of a group of things. God is the Creator of ALL things, which includes our world. I love how the second definition of global uses the word embracing, to give it a just description. God certainly embraces the whole world in His hands.

He is the inventor and maker of it all. He controls all things by keeping everything working in perfect harmony with each other. The Sun has it’s perfect position, as do the planets, the stars, and even you and I, Dear Friend. God is holding it all out of a love we have only scratched the surface to comprehend. For me, knowing this gives me a safe feeling inside. Knowing He’s got everything under control. It gives me peace and rest.

Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:14, ERV

Prophet is Positioning

Again, using Google as my dictionary today, I found it interesting to see that the word positioning means, put or arrange (someone or something) in a particular place or way. Or to promote a service as the fulfillment of that sector’s specific requirements.

Beloved, I pray you receive this today. Jesus is the Prophet whom the Old Testament prophesied would come. The Disciples had been waiting for Him! They knew Jesus was the One.

The people saw this miraculous sign that Jesus did and said, ‘He must be the Prophet who is coming into the world.’

John 6:14, ERV

God sent Jesus to fulfill specific requirements. He came to fulfill the Old Testament Prophesy; to live the life we could not live; to die the death that we deserve; and to resurrect from the grave defeating death itself. He is positioned at the right side of God, in Heaven. Jesus holds everything together with His powerful command.

The Son shows the glory of God. He is a perfect copy of God’s nature, and he holds everything together by his powerful command. The Son made people clean from their sins. Then he sat down at the right side of God, the Great One in heaven.

Hebrews 1:3, ERV

Spirit is Systems

You got it! Google defines systems as being a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network. It even breaks it up into four parts: Physiology – (The human body and organs working together), Computing – (Technology, like computer parts, working together), Geology – (Land and nature working together), and Astronomy – (Celestial objects, like planets orbiting around the sun, working together). This was very interesting to me because that is the divine purpose of the Holy Spirit. To work all parts; mind, body, and soul, together according to the will of God.

In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:21-22, CSB

The Holy Spirit enters our bodies upon salvation and begins re-building our parts to work according to the will of God. Our bodies become the Spirit of God’s dwelling place. That is so neat! It is trustworthy to believe, Dear Sister, that the same God who holds ALL things together, lives in us, holding us together as well. This is such GOOD NEWS! Just like our GPS is an instrument we use to locate where we are and where we are headed, The Spirit within us is the instrument helping us to determine which route to take.

Just like our GPS is an instrument we use to locate where we are and where we are headed, God’s Spirit within us is the instrument helping us to determine which route to take! Click To Tweet

GPS is God – Prophet – Spirit

After reviewing all this, I was compelled by the Holy Spirit to re-write my first paragraph. It looks a bit different now…

GPS, God – Prophet – Spirit, is a nifty instrument used to help people everywhere determine their exact location in life. When this trilogy came to my attention, I was certainly the one shouting Hallelujah! Finally! I will NEVER be lost again!

You see, I was always the one that had difficulty reading the Bible or any written instructions for that matter. Even though I trusted the person writing the instructions, I still found myself not trusting the path. I always doubted each and every turn I’d make.

When GPS came into my life, I found myself heavily relying on it because, quite honestly, it works! I get where I’m going and I always find my way back. I felt like, God, the genius behind this neat creation, knew what He was doing when He engineered this brilliant design. He is clearly smarter than I am! I’m just thankful it works! I know I can always trust my GPS will get me to my eternal home safe and sound. And for that, I’m forever grateful.

I mean, aren’t you, Dear Reader?

courage, faith, confidence, surrender, encourage, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Courage: Strengthening Our Confidence in Christ for What Lies Ahead

DevotionalsMay 8, 2019May 8, 2019

Courage can feel unobtainable, but through Christ, our confidence is strengthened for what lies ahead; for the plans the Lord has designed.

May

A few days ago I was reading through one of my journals and I stumbled across this entry from last year:

I stuck my toes in the freezing cold water and decided I lacked the courage to jump in. The first of May had brought with it warm sunny weather and the kids were chomping at the bit to get into the pool. So, that is where I found myself the first weekend of May.

Sitting in the lounge chair I watched three girls standing on the edge of the pool. Two had the courage to jump feet first into the freezing water! Meanwhile, I sat and watched the third girl standing timidly on the edge of the pool. Did she have the courage to jump into the frigid water? She stuck her toes in, then ran away squealing. The little girl repeated this action over and over for about 10 minutes. Finally, her courage seemed to be built up, and she jumped in giggling with delight and terror!

While sitting there watching, the Lord whispered in my ear, “I know you are scared, my child. Where is your courage?”

Courage

I closed my journal and cried. Almost a year later and I still lacked the courage I so desperately needed. The Lord brought this scripture to my mind…

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6, NKJV

What is courage? How can I have courage in the midst of daily battles? How can we, as Christian women, apply the words of Christ to strengthen our courage? So, I began studying and praying the scriptures fervently. This is what God revealed to me…

I am Confident in Christ. I am Optimistic. I am Unwavering and Relentless in my faith. I am Aware of God’s Existence. COURAGE.

Confidence in Christ

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew words for confidence and assurance are different forms of the same word.

In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.

Isaiah 30:15, KJV

As a single mom of three, I am constantly busy and have been reprimanded by several friends and family members for my busyness. When you have multiple children involved in church, school, and sports, one does stay busy. However, there must be a balance of our time.

A plaque hangs behind my desk which reads, Be still and know. Every time I look at it I am reminded of a worship song from my youth. Although I cannot remember all the words, be still and know that I am God are repeated over and over again. When I feel overwhelmed with a hectic schedule, I remind myself to stop and sit with the Lord. This means starting and ending my day tucked away in the quietness of my prayer closet and simply praying with the Lord.

Be still and know that I am God.

Psalms 46:10, KJV

Optimistic

The dictionary defines optimistic as being “hopeful and confident about the future.” I have always been a glass full kind of girl, but my overly optimistic nature causes me to be hurt by others. Over the years, many troubles and trials later, I have learned to place my confidence in God and have a spirit of optimism. As Christians, we have hope and confidence in our future with the Lord.

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

True confidence is a quiet assurance of God’s capabilities and His promises which brings us lasting security.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

Psalm 118:8, NKJV

Relentless Faith

When I was a young girl, I was very afraid of the dark. One day my parents took me to my pastor. He talked with me about having faith bigger than my fears. He said fear is simply, “False Evidence Appearing to be Real.” When we place our faith in God, no matter what comes our way, we can trust Him. My pastor’s words have stayed with me throughout the years.

be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

I Cornithians 15:58, NKJV

We should be unmoveable, unwavering, steadfast and relentless in our faith and the work we are doing for the Lord. Ephesians 6 refers to an invisible shield which protects us against our enemies’ assaults. The past few years I have carried my shield constantly through the battlefield. I consider it to be one of my greatest weapons against the Devil.

be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Ephesians 6:10, NKJV

Be strong, Dear Sisters, and have an unwavering and relentless faith! When you do, God will work miracles in you…

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope, without wavering, for He who is promised in faithful.

Hebrews 10:23, NKJV

Aware of God’s Existence

The Lord has been dealing with me for the last nine months, but I have battled with courage for a few years now. At first, I thought if I could only have more courage in dealing with my current trial, then things would be easier…

I had confidence in God and was optimistic about my future (most of the time). My faith was unwavering and relentlessly strong against the Devil’s constant attacks. I was aware of God’s existence and knew there was a purpose and a plan for all the heartache and pain. However, I realized He was using the better part of this last year to help my courage and strength grow immensely. All of this preparation was simply part of His plan to help me reach the point in which I was finally ready…

I traveled very far through a land filled with dangers, treacherous terrain, and storms that never seemed to end. My body and my spirit were beyond tired! I literally felt like the walking dead! Then I stumbled upon a cliff and my heart was beating rapidly in my chest! I could feel the presence of danger and an approaching storm behind me. The choice was clear— I had to JUMP!

I took a deep breath and prayed with an intensity like never before. Then I closed my eyes and gathered all the courage in my soul. I JUMPED!

Encourage…

Of course, we all know I did not literally jump off an actual cliff, but rather a spiritual cliff. After a very difficult journey, I reached this spiritual cliff God had been preparing me for. The courage to jump is simply the courage to surrender. When we are totally surrendered to the Lord then we are willing to say yes for whatever He has planned for our lives.

He has shown me what it means to have real courage. Let me encourage all of you, Dear Friends, to ask yourselves how much courage you have.

Courage to face your fears? Courage to fight for your marriage? Courage to stand up for what you believe in? Courage to step out in faith to whatever God has called you to do? Courage to say yes? Courage to say no?

Whatever trial you are facing or storm you are going through, God will give you the courage to make it through.

The courage to jump is simply the courage to surrender. When we are totally surrendered to the Lord then we are willing to say yes for whatever He has planned for our lives. Click To Tweet

Ihor Malytskyi

comparison, identity, love, pride, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

First: Longing for God, the Lover and Keeper of Our Souls

DevotionalsMay 7, 2019May 7, 2019

Slipping into the rhythms and mindset of comparison is dangerous. We have illusive visions of ourselves, promoting self. We must remember the first longing of our souls, God’s love.

To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: ‘I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

Revelation 2:1-4, NKJV

I first read the term Brocken Specter in “The Problem of Pain”, by C. S. Lewis, (Chapter 10).

According to Weather Online, the “Brocken Spectre (or Brocken Bow) is an apparently greatly magnified shadow of an observer cast against mist or cloud below the level of a summit or ridge and surrounded by rainbow coloured fringes resulting from the diffraction of light. The effect is an illusion. Depth perception is altered by the mist, causing the shadow to appear more distant and to be interpreted as larger than normally expected.”

Ah, of course…Lewis’ usage made perfect sense. We’ll come back to that…

Illusive Identity

Identity and image have become the cancers which are decimating our era – more specifically, self-identity and self-image. That isn’t to say we humans haven’t always been consumed with ourselves, but two decades of social media feeding insecure kids (and adults) has resulted in an obsession with self-satisfaction, self-image, self-identity, self-efficacy, selfies. Need I go on?

For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
John 12:43, ESV

Sadly, much of it is fueled by comparison and envy, an illusion of lack…

I’m not pretty enough. My body isn’t thin enough. We aren’t involved in enough ministries. We don’t make/give enough money, go to the right church, have our kids in the right sports leagues.

It’s usually a subtle thing, hardly noticeable, but beneath the running thoughts of our daily minds is too often the ongoing shout: WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK OF ME?

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
2 Corinthians 10:12, NKJV

Heads up – Jesus was referring to religious people who believed in Him but were afraid to admit it for fear of being ostracized from the temple. Paul wrote, as you know, to the church at Corinth. These people were believers, Christians, struggling with the sin of self-focus and comparison, too.

Comparing Whispers

When we compare ourselves with others, as in the Brocken Spectre (or a glory), an illusion occurs. While we gaze into that mist-altered perception, which is surrounded by rainbow fringes, (read razzle-dazzle,) it appears beautiful. We lose objectivity. We lose focus. Ultimately, we lose wisdom. In time, the self grows into an enormous, insatiable monster. It’s all we think about. In so doing, we give it the praise it hungrily grasps from God…but self is a cheater and a liar.

How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
John 5:44, ESV

One would think that when you reached a certain decade of life that one would realize how futile, yes, even ridiculous it is to give a moment’s thought as to what others think of you. However, I enter seasons when the enemy constantly whispers in my head a barrage of negative comparisons, which, at the time, when I am vulnerable, seem very true.

First Love

Then, beneath the desire for approval, beneath the longing for friendship or love, isn’t there something deeper for which we’re all longing? Something written on our hearts at the moment of conception?

…that something which you were born desiring, and which beneath the flux of other desires, and in all the momentary silences between the louder passions, night and day, year by year, from childhood to old age, you are looking for, watching for, listening for?
C. S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

Ah, Sister, that longing, which we can never completely quench, that ongoing desire of our hearts, that passion which we can’t quite fulfill here on earth is Jesus, the Lover of our souls. When we meet Him face to face, every longing and aching desire will be completely fulfilled.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12, ESV

As Lewis wrote, when we see Him at last, God will look like our first love because He is the first love of every soul.

I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Jeremiah 31:3, ESV

Let us continually remember His pure love.

Sister, that longing, which we can never completely quench, that ongoing desire of our hearts, that passion which we can't quite fulfill here on earth is Jesus, the Lover of our souls. Click To Tweet

Jesse Bowser

brokenness, broken, beautiful, beauty, redemption, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Beauty: Allowing the Lord to Restore Our Brokenness

DevotionalsMay 6, 2019May 6, 2019

When we allow the Lord to restore the brokenness in our hearts, He makes us into something beautiful. Indeed, He makes all things beautiful in His time. Beauty for ashes.

A few weeks ago I attended a friend’s beautiful birthday celebration. But this was no ordinary birthday party! It was a Girl’s Day (and night) of epic proportion. I’m talking lunch, coffee, pedicures, shopping, cocktails, and a gourmet dinner. It was truly a fairy tale kind of afternoon.

But like any beautiful fairy tale, brokenness emerged as part of the story. At one point, we were all sitting around a table on a warm, breezy veranda. That’s when the birthday girl suggested we play a get-to-know-you trivia game.

Bits of Brokenness…

As my friend read off the unique facts about each woman, we were to match the descriptor with each woman’s name. As she read the descriptions, bits of brokenness revealed themselves. One woman survived breast cancer. Another woman served in the military in Afghanistan. Someone else had just given birth three weeks ago. And another’s husband almost died twice last year….the incredible list went on! Given that I was new to the group, I had no idea which description matched which woman.

And as I looked around the table at all their beautiful faces, pretty clothes, and newly painted nails, I was still at a loss. Honestly, I found it hard to believe that this group–of such outwardly put together women–could have experienced such deep depths of brokenness. When my friend revealed the answers to the questions, I looked at each woman at the table. Each one was a testament to the amazing beauty that emerges when we allow the Lord to restore our brokenness.

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

A Therapeutic Process…

A simple illustration of how the Lord has turned my brokenness into beauty is through the craft of jewelry making. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved making jewelry. As a little girl, I would sneak into my mom’s sewing kit, hunting for colorful embroidery floss. It took some doing to unwrap the threads from the pokey pincushions and other sewing supplies. But once I had my assortment of colors, I’d spend hours making elaborate macrame friendship bracelets.

Amid the emotional chaos of my parents’ unraveling relationship, the slow straightening, pulling, and knotting of the long strings became a therapeutic process. I remember feeling so satisfied when I’d finally finished a bracelet.

Slowly yet surely, I would transform the once tangled, stringy mess into a tightly fashioned pattern of beauty. And doesn’t this mirror how the Lord works in our hearts? Under His patient and steady hand, the once seemingly hopeless, jumbled mess of a broken heart is mended into a beautifully woven masterpiece.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted….

Isaiah 61:1

Castaways…

A few years ago, I found myself in need of some jewelry therapy once again! My husband and I were in the middle of a financial wilderness season–which posed a problem for someone whose love language is gift giving! I simply couldn’t bear the thought of allowing a friend or family member’s birthday to pass without giving her a gift. Because I couldn’t afford to buy anything, I decided to make jewelry to give as presents.

The only problem was, the pretty new beads from the local bead store were pricey. But the Holy Spirit gave me an ingenious idea for how to get my hands on free jewelry supplies. I began asking friends and family to give me any old, broken, or castaway jewelry that they were willing to part with. Then, I’d take apart the old pieces and make them new jewelry from the supplies I received. Upcycling at its finest!

Their Trash, My Treasure…

It was only a matter of time before the floodgates of jewelry supplies opened. Soon, women were bringing me bags of broken or unwanted jewelry, and their trash truly became my treasure! Amid my fear and uncertainty about our family’s financial future, once again, I was able to find comfort in the simple physical process of making jewelry.

After putting my baby and toddler to bed, I’d sit for hours sorting through all the broken pieces, dismantling and organizing the beads, playing around with different color combinations, and exploring new designs. As I delved into that creative process, the Creator was sorting through the broken pieces of my heart–untangling knots from old wounds and refashioning me into His original design.

Broken to Beautiful…

Fast forward a few years, and the Holy Spirit began to show me how this creative process–of taking something broken and making it beautiful–has tremendous potential as a tool for ministry. That’s when the Lord gave me the idea to host guided jewelry making parties as a form of ladies’ fellowship. I presented the idea to my pastor’s wife, and our ladies’ Bible study group decided to host our first Broken to Beautiful event.

The evening was such a blessing! My pastor’s wife shared a powerful message about Christ’s restoration; we enjoyed a time of food and fellowship, and I shared my testimony of how the Lord has taken me on a journey from a place of brokenness to one of beauty.

That night, I shared with those ladies something that I know to be true: We are not beautiful despite being broken; rather, we are beautiful precisely because we have experienced brokenness. And when we allow the Lord to restore our broken parts, He puts us back together perfectly, making us even more beautiful than before. When that evening ended, two new souls were added to the kingdom, as two women handed their broken hearts over to the Lord. He is now making them beautiful.

We are not beautiful despite being broken. We are beautiful because we have experienced brokenness and allowed the Lord to restore our broken parts. Click To Tweet

Precious Jewels…

Before long, our ladies group began to take Broken to Beautiful events to the young women living in a nearby orphanage. The girls sort through the broken, dismantled jewelry, choose their favorite beads, and create beautiful new pieces of jewelry. Through this hands-on activity, they experience a physical picture of the spiritual process that the Lord wants to do in each of our hearts.

He sees their broken hearts. Not as accidents or mistakes to be discarded and thrown away. But as precious jewels, full of splendor and worthy of honor in His kingdom. Each time we finish an event with these young ladies, their countenances change–from dark and sullen to light and hopeful. And their bracelets serve as a powerful outward reminder of the inner beauty and worth that they possess.

Oh Lord Help Us…

Recently, the Director of Oh Lord Help Us, Rachael, invited me to begin holding Broken to Beautiful events in our community. We hosted our first one last week and plan to host many more. We’re inviting women to bring their old, broken, and castaway jewelry to the events, and they will leave with a beautiful new piece that they have created.

Pieces from their broken jewelry will eventually show up in the new designs created by women at future gatherings. Their beads could also be incorporated into beautiful pieces created by the young ladies in our Hope + Vine artisans program.

So, Beloved, our brokenness becomes our beauty. Literally and spiritually. Because we are women who serve a God who gives us beauty for ashes. A God who truly makes all things beautiful in His time.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

How has the Lord turned your brokenness into beauty? Would you like to host or attend a Broken to Beautiful event? If so, contact us: events@ohlordhelp.us

Debby Hudson

All scripture references from The King James Version of The Bible

blessing, joy, praise, provision, steward, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Steward: Finding Joy when Blessings Seem Like Burdens

DevotionalsMay 5, 2019May 5, 2019

God gives us many blessings. Once we move past our initial thankfulness, the weight of what we must steward can distract us from the source of our joy.

Perception

For a month or more, the Lord has been confronting me… I hear messages about my perception of His blessings. Most of the time, He returns me to a small portion of the Israelite’s story; when they journey out of Egypt and into the land God promised…

Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.’

Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like that of bdellium. The people went about and gathered it and ground it in handmills or beat it in mortars and boiled it in pots and made cakes of it. And the taste of it was like the taste of cakes baked with oil. When the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell with it.

Numbers 11:4-9, ESV

Bored of Blessings

As an outsider looking in, I become outraged on God’s behalf. He blessed the Israelites with precious food straight from heaven so they would not have to hunt for food. When they woke in the morning, the manna lay in wait for them, alongside the dew. Then, they had the audacity to dream of returning to their lives as an enslaved people because they were bored with God’s provision.

As Christians, we like talking about the blessings of the Father. We praise God for the blessings as we receive them. Once we have them in our possession though, what do we do with them? Do we continue to praise God for them? Or do we become a little like the Israelites, wishing for more or different blessings in the midst of God’s goodness?

Steward His Blessings

God gives plentifully.

He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that he swore to your fathers to give you.

Deuteronomy 7:13, ESV

The Word promises that God will bless us on Earth. He allows us to multiply through childbirth. He blesses the land and animals that He created for us to provide us with food. Once we possess this bounty, then, we must steward over them.

The blessings, never less so blessings than when we received them, then become responsibilities. This is precisely when we start taking them for granted, viewing them as burdens. Jesus tells us quite clearly in the parable of the talents that we are to steward over what He gives us. When we do we will be blessed with even more responsibility.

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Matthew 25:21, ESV

The master praises the servant for managing the gold given to him well and promises him more to oversee. The promise of more influence brings happiness, much like when we receive a hard-earned promotion. The reality, though, includes more work and greater challenges. We are still called to find joy in those challenges, not in spite of them.

I must reflect on when I received those gifts to remember the joy I found in them, and seek greater joy in the greatest blessing ever bestowed on me: His love, expressed most earnestly through His death on the cross.

The Joy of the Lord

Entering into the Joy of the Lord can be difficult for a few reasons. First, we mistake the temporary and conditional emotion of happiness with joy–an attitude of the heart which is steadfast and constant. Joy persists in the midst of very strong, negative emotions because God is present with us in those moments, He is our source of joy.

Do not get me wrong, happiness is expressed in the Bible. It is not absent, but it does not have the sustaining power of this joy that God gives us freely. In Nehemiah 8, we are told that the joy of the Lord is our strength. It allows us to traverse challenges, to steward our blessings, whether we find happiness in them or not.

Additionally, if you are anything like I am, you look for joy in who you have become or are becoming. I read the bible to find me. I look for who I am and who I should be. At the end of the day, though, the protagonist of the Bible is God. All the stories in the Bible, all the statutes, and all of the commandments point us to who God is and what He has done. God is our joy. He is our strength. He sends His word out for our joy.

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace;

Isaiah 55:11-12, ESV

A Challenge

I challenge myself to find joy by reading about who God is. I challenge myself to look at what He has given me to steward over and remember their origins as blessings. If this is something you struggle with, I invite you to come alongside me in this challenge.

We must remember God’s gifts of provision and the joy we found in them. But never forget the greatest blessing ever bestowed on us…God’s love, expressed most earnestly through His death on the cross. Click To Tweet

Evie Shaffer

idols, heart, humility, prayer, affection, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Idols: Seating God on the Throne of our Hearts and Lives

DevotionalsMay 1, 2019May 1, 2019

Idols can surface in the most innocent of ways. Our lives can quickly revolve around things we love, but God must sit on the throne of our hearts and lives.

All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing? People who do that will be put to shame; such craftsmen are only human beings. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and shame.

Isaiah 44:9-11, NIV

Idols

God instructs us in one of the 10 Commandments to not make idols (Exodus 20:3-6). Likewise, Isaiah tells us to not make idols because they are worthless; those who worship them are ignorant and blind.

Tim Keller says, What is an idol? It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.

When my husband and I were on a mission trip in Thailand a year and a half ago, it was impossible to not see idols. Many homes have shrines in front of them where they worship ancestors or appease the evil spirits with offerings of food and money. We passed by Buddhist temple, after Buddhist temple. While these are blatant idols, you do not have to look too hard or too far in America (and other places in the world) to find idols of our own contrivance.

Misplaced Affection

When I was in high school, I developed and fed an idol. And you know what? The idol itself was not bad standing alone. It was what most would consider a good thing. But what made it an idol was that I put it above the Lord Jesus, my family, my friends, and my schoolwork. It replaced what should have been first in my life. And what was my idol? Running.

I was dedicating all of my energy and attention to my running. I ran every day, rain or shine, through each season. It seemed I was always running. I wanted to be the fastest and best runner on my very competitive, very driven cross country and track teams.

My mother very firmly and wisely spoke truth into my life one day. She saw how misplaced my affection was and that I was not putting Jesus first. She told me, “You had better change and honor the Lord first. He is a jealous God and will never bless you and your running if you put it before Him.”

Humbled

Talk about a wake-up call! I knew she was right and the Holy Spirit convicted me. You know, it was not too much later that I developed tendonitis in my right knee in the middle of track season my junior year of high school. I was able to finish the season and then I immediately started physical therapy. But running was taken away from me. I spent all summer at therapy and did only deep water running and biking. Basically, it was low-impact cross-training that allowed me to keep up my cardio endurance.

God used my injury to humble me. He knew how conceited I had become and that it was only Him Who enabled me to run. After the summer of no running, I came back my senior year of cross country, feeling fitter and better rested than ever before. I ran consistently faster and stronger that year in both cross and track and I dedicated each race to my Grandpa, who was in declining health. Five days after the state cross country meet that year, he passed away. I had finally learned that running was a gift from the Lord and that I needed to use my talent to honor Him.

On the Throne

I do not know what idols you may have. Perhaps it is your job; your house; alcohol or substance abuse; your car; movies; your hobby; your spouse; or your children. As humans, we are idol making factories.

Believer Friends, ask the Lord to search your heart. We all have our blind spots. Ask God to illuminate those to you and pray that you would have the courage and humility to repent of any idols you have made. When godly counsel is given to you, like it was to me by my Mom, listen and heed. Always submit to the Lord Jesus and set Him back on the throne of your heart.

We all have blind spots that we need to ask God to illuminate. Submitting our idols over to the Lord invites Him back on the throne of our hearts. Click To Tweet

Meg Perron’s life runneth over with busyness chasing her husband, children, and three animal children around! This makes sense since she is an avid runner! Meg loves prophecy, reading and studying the Bible. Traveling to Israel to see where the Lord preached and taught brought immense inspiration.

Keila Hötzel

fire, gifts, good news, salvation, spiritual gifts, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Fire: Igniting Our Gifts To Spread The Message of God

DevotionalsApril 30, 2019April 30, 2019

When God uses our gifts to fulfill His will, it becomes a consuming fire that feeds our souls the nourishment we so desperately need in this life.

And I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst.

Zechariah 2:5, ESV

God Prepared

I love to write prayers, poems, letters and more. I have countless journals that record all my prayers. Going back and reading them has been so enlightening over the years because it shows me how God has been working in my life. It truly helps me have a better understanding of God’s sovereignty and provision.

Writing has always been something I’ve done and enjoyed doing, but I never knew it would lead to becoming an actual writer. I see now how God was using this gift within, to prepare me for the journey ahead.

each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work.

1 Corinthians 3:13, CSB

What’s The Spirit Up Too?

When the Lord started to give me certain topics and perspectives to write about, I honestly had no idea what He wanted me to do with them at first. Were the tools to help grow my own faith? Was I writing a book? What am I supposed to do with all this God? It wasn’t until a chain of events occurred that really seemed to get my attention and show me where all this was going…

I was sharing one of my writings with my sister one afternoon, hoping she would provide me with some insight I needed to unravel this mystery. When I was done reading it to her she quickly responded by saying ‘I don’t think you’re writing a book, Kris. I think you are meant to blog.’

I chuckled and told her ‘NO WAY!!!!’ I’m not at all tech savvy and wouldn’t even know where to begin. The thought completely overwhelmed me. With that said, blogging on a computer was the furthest thing on my radar. God knew what He was doing and was about to show me in a very unforeseen way…

A Stranger Reveals “My Fire”

On this particular day, I was taking myself and my kids to get our routine cleanings done at the dentist. I was catching up with the receptionist when she begins telling me that I would be great at blogging. I looked at her in shock and told her my sister had recently said the same thing. As we were speaking, a young girl, who happened to be sitting in the waiting room, got up and poked her head around the corner to talk to me.

She excused herself for jumping into the conversation and continued to tell me that as she was listening to me, she noticed something special and attractive in my voice. She agreed with the receptionist that blogging would be a great path for me to pursue. I completely blushed and thought ‘What is going on here!?’ Then that sweet girl, whom I had never met until that day, shares with me that she believed blogging would become My Fire to spread God’s word in the world.

I had never heard it described that way. ‘My Fire’. Though, it made perfect sense to me. Whenever I open my mouth about God, a fire of passion ignites inside that can not be quenched. Naturally, this unforeseen witness, caught wind of the fire that day and was moved by the Spirit to share her opinion with me. Oh, Dear Reader, how glad I am she did!

God Opens A Door

I went home from the dentist office unsure how to get started on my new blogging journey. I had confidence knowing that if this was the path God wanted me to pursue, then He would make His way known. I trusted He would pull everything together. One day, the Holy Spirit reminded me of someone I knew that blogs and might be helpful in moving forward. I called my blogging friend, Katie, and told her EVERYTHING!

She was so encouraging and willing to help me as best as she could. She informed me that the site she blogs for was looking to recruit a new writer. She wondered if I would be interested. After I sought prayer and counsel, I came to the conclusion that this was the door God had opened for me to pursue writing. God wanted me to deliver these messages to the world, and now I had a way to do that. I phoned Katie and joyfully said ‘I’m IN!’.

God Supplies My Needs

God knew I was in need of a laptop, printer, and space to do His work. My husband, Mike, has stood by me throughout this entire process and has supported me the whole way. For Christmas, he gifted me with a laptop, carrying bag, printer and a computer desk that he designed and built himself! I was so thankful and eager to get started.

God had used my Sister, the Receptionist, the young girl in the waiting room, Katie and my Husband to fully supply all my needs to get this journey started. They ignited the spark God gave me. His messages would now be heard through the Oh Lord Help Us ministry. Please understand, when God is working something new in your life, Beloved, it always falls into place.

You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone.

2 Corinthians 9:11-13, CSB

Wildfire

I love being an instrument used by God to spread His good news. I am humbled and honored to be given this ability to write and share these important messages with you, My Friend.

I am just an ordinary woman living life with an extraordinary God. When God uses our gifts to fulfill His will, it becomes a consuming fire that feeds our souls the nourishment we so desperately need in this life. We, as God’s children, are called to help reach those who don’t notice the spark inside themselves. This simple act of obedience is what leads to a massive wildfire of salvation forming all over the world.

Lost souls are found. Those who have been trapped become rescued and saved. Blind eyes begin to see. Brokenness is restored and made whole. The messy life suddenly reveals a life message. This, My Friend, is what it looks like to follow Jesus. Someone’s spark out there in the world is relying on you to fan the flame.

So tell me, Dear Sister, what is “your fire” to help spread God’s good news to the world?

save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

Jude 1:23, CSB

We are called to help reach those who don't notice a spark inside themselves. This simple act of obedience is what leads to a massive wildfire of salvation, formed all over the world. Click To Tweet

Joshua Newton