Devotionals – Page 13 – Oh Lord Help Us

advocate, trauma, hope, darkness, dirty, encouragement, hope, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Dirty: Bringing the Darkness of Trauma into the Light of Hope

DevotionalsMarch 25, 2019March 25, 2019

The feeling of being dirty can cause us to feel like we are in a sea of darkness. When we are in these times it is important to remember that light is never gone and hope can always be found. We must stand with women who have been through trauma and we must speak out when we have experienced it. This is when we find hope.

In November of 2017, I was raped. Since then I have felt a pull in my heart towards the traumatized woman. I have also felt a strong conviction to publicly share what I went through. I have let fear and shame and the feeling of being dirty rule my story. No longer.

Dirty

While I have struggled with self-worth and feelings of inadequacy most of my life, since that day I have truly felt dirty. Dirty, unlovable, broken, and surrounded by darkness. While in many ways I have healed, there are still days that I am not okay. I revert back to allowing anxiety to rule and to question all of my experiences. That is not truth. That is not God’s powerful redeeming love.

I know that I am not the only woman who has felt dirty. I know I am not the only woman who has felt ashamed or broken. Who has allowed her experiences and sins to cause her to question her purpose and God’s powerful love in her life. Oh Lord Help Us is for that woman. I am for that woman. Do not allow yourself to live in shame. You have a redeeming Savior who loves you. You are not defined by your past.

Redemption

We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace

Ephesians 1:7, CEB

While rape is never the victim’s fault, my actions played into what happened to me that evening. I made a choice to be alone with him. I do not know what would be different if I had not allowed that to happen but I have had to overcome my part in it.

We have been ransomed. We have been forgiven. Our failures, our mistakes, and our sins make us feel dirty. But there is redemption; Redemption through His overflowing grace. So much grace. He turns our dirt into beauty. He transforms and renews us. His sacrifice makes us clean. We do not need to dwell on our past but can look into our redemption.

We have been ransomed. We have been forgiven. Our failures, our mistakes, and our sins make us feel dirty. But there is redemption; Redemption through His overflowing grace. Click To Tweet

Hope

The light shines in the dark, and the dark has never extinguished it.

John 1:5, GW

In the midst of pain, there is always hope. In the darkness, the light always shines. The time after my rape was the darkest time of my life. Hope seemed far off. The light was too dim to see. But it was there.

Darkness can never extinguish the light. Even in times when the light seems impossible to see it is still there. It will never go away. That light is hope. Hope that is among the trauma. Hope that only comes from Jesus. We can not fight the darkness on our own. We need His light. The light that extinguishes the darkness.

In this dark time, the light and the hope came through my story impacting others. When I thought I was alone Jesus brought people into my past that have walked similar paths. He brought people that needed to hear they were not alone. If I had not walked in the darkness in this way then other peoples lives would have not been impacted. That is the hope we can see in our pain. That one day our story can touch lives, one day we can show a woman in darkness the light that never fades.

Stand

We need to wake up. Do you hear me, sisters? We need to wake up and stand with these people battling the darkness. Not condemning them, and not sweeping their pain under the rug, but acting in love. These women that feel dirty: we need stand and with them and fight. We must speak out, and we must have a voice. Stop telling people to keep it to themselves and stop denying the facts. Darkness can come when you least expect it and we must bring this darkness to light.

I know that I have a nasty habit of judging others. I would venture to say that we all have that sin struggle in us, but we need to stop. We need to allow women that have been through trauma and struggle to find a safe place. We need to give them a safe place. If we respond with love and understanding instead of judgment imagine the difference that would make. Allow the person in darkness to see what light looks like. Show her that she can feel clean again. Share your experience with her so she doesn’t feel so alone. Inspire hope.

If you are in a place of feeling dirty and stuck in the darkness do not allow yourself to walk through it alone. There are people who have walked through the darkness and come out on the other side. We are all a little dirty. Remember that the light is never gone. Hope can always be found. As Albus Dumbledore said, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Fight. Encourage. Love. Support. Speak. Heal.

camilo jimenez

dreams, future, vision, warning, prophetic, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Dreams: Receiving Instruction, Warning, and Prophecy from The Lord

DevotionalsMarch 24, 2019March 24, 2019

The Lord can speak to us in our dreams. Whether it’s an instruction, warning, or vision of things to come, we need to pay attention to what He’s showing us.

For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction. That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.

Job 33:14-18

Genres…

For as long as I can remember, I have had very vivid dreams. Like a list of movie genres, they’ve spanned the spectrum from horror to drama, sci-fi to action and adventure. Many nights, I wished the Lord would just let me see a lighthearted rom-com! For the most part, the subject matter of my dreams has been much deeper and dramatic than that. During some seasons, dark and scary nightmares plagued my sleep. Like the time when I was four years old and saw the front room of my house catch fire.

Other times, suspenseful action has been the order of the day, or should I say, night? For an entire year, I had countless dreams of being caught in terrible thunderstorms with people who were in danger of being struck by lightning. It was my responsibility to shepherd them out of the storms and into safe shelter! By far, the strangest dreams I’ve experienced would fall into the sci-fi category. I’ve been transported into centuries past and future and have seen people and places that I have no touchstone for in real life.

But my favorite dreams have always been when I’ve been swept away into some fun and exhilarating adventure–like when I get to fly! I’ll be dancing or swinging, and all of a sudden, I lift off the ground and realize that I can leap up and soar through the air. A few times, I’ve flown so high that I’ve gotten an aerial view of entire towns. Despite their different genres, my dreams have had a consistent theme: I’ve seen events that have actually come to pass. More on that later…

A Curse or A Gift?…

Before I knew Christ, I simply regarded my overactive dreamlife as a curse. My dreams left me chronically exhausted. Each night, my brain spent countless hours caught in REM sleep–that mysterious stage of sleep when we dream. Rarely did I get to stage four sleep–the place where we’re supposed to enjoy deep, restorative rest. Instead, a familiar routine of mental gymnastics played out all. night. long!–my brain trying to keep pace with a roulette wheel of random images rotating on the movie reel of my mind’s eye.

As I’ve been walking with the Lord, however, I’ve come to understand that what I see at night is not actually a curse. In fact, our dreams can be a prophetic gift from the Lord. I don’t claim to know exactly why He chooses to speak to us this way. But I do know that He is a good God, and His intent is not to disturb or scare us, but to help us. Although most nights, many of our dreams are nonsense “pizza dreams,” there are other times when our spirit recognizes that a dream carries more weight. And that’s when we need to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand what He is showing us.

Although most nights, many of our dreams are nonsense, there are other times when our spirit recognizes that a dream carries more weight. We need to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand what He is showing us. Click To Tweet

Instructions, Warnings, and Prophecy…

Sometimes He gives us an instruction. Other times, it’s a warning. And then there are those times that He shows us a picture of things to come. A brief survey of dreams throughout scripture shows the many ways that the Lord speaks to His people. He gives Joseph instructions to marry Mary (Matthew 1:20-21) and warns him about Herod’s murderous intentions (Matthew 2:13). He shows Jacob the ladder reaching into heaven (Genesis 28:11-22).

Gideon overhears a dream about a barley loaf that represents his enemy’s being delivered into his hands (Judges 7:13-14). Joseph has prophetic dreams about sheaves of grain and celestial bodies bowing down before him (Genesis 37). And Pharaoh’s dreams of cows and corn help save an entire nation from famine (Genesis 41). And the list goes on… In all of these instances, the dreamers recognize that the Lord is speaking to them, and they heed His instructions, warnings, and prophetic visions.

He’s Still Speaking…

Now, so far, I don’t think the dreams that the Lord has given me have enabled me to save an entire nation from famine! But I do believe that our Lord–who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8)–is still speaking significant things to us through our dreams. While I’ve slept, He has shown me some incredible sights. Remember the childhood dream I mentioned about the front room of our house going up in flames? Nearly two decades later, that room of the house burned to the ground!

One night I dreamed that my close friend was three months pregnant. The next night, she and her husband came over for dinner. When I jokingly told her I couldn’t offer her a glass of wine because I’d had a dream the night before that she was pregnant, her mouth fell open. She stammered, “We had planned to wait until after dinner to tell you the news, but I’m three months pregnant!” Then there have been really difficult dreams. Like the one I had the night of my father in law’s 65th birthday. In it, he died suddenly. I awoke and told my husband what I had dreamt. One week later, my husband’s dad died suddenly.

Wake Up and Listen…

Over time, I have had to wake up to the fact that the Lord is speaking to me in my sleep. And I’ve begun to listen and pay closer attention to what He is showing me. Beloved, if you’re a dreamer, don’t disregard your dreams. Don’t be afraid of them either. The Holy Spirit gives us discernment about which ones hold real significance and which ones we can let go of. He shows us the ones to share with others and the ones to hide in our hearts for the future. But in all of this, God indeed is still speaking. And we need to be listening.

Do you remember your dreams? Has the Lord ever spoken to you in them? Have you received an instruction, a warning, or a prophetic vision?

All scripture references are from the King James Version of The Bible.

Billy Huynh

thankful, gratitude, burdens, struggles, peace, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Burdens: Offering Gratitude and Thanksgiving to God

DevotionalsMarch 20, 2019March 20, 2019

When we choose to dwell on the struggles of this life, we can easily become burdened. We can release these burdens through gratitude and thanksgiving to God.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,

Hebrews 12:28, CSB

We have all had days that start off on the wrong side of the bed. We wake up to instant chaos and all things wrong, knowing it’s an extra cup of coffee kind of day… only to find we forgot to buy more coffee at the store.

The Burdens Are Real

I have had so many days like this! At this point, I feel like they have become my normal routine. Children wetting the bed at 5:30 A.M., an hour before the alarm clock goes off. Someone getting sick on a day I have tons of errands to run. Forgetting the keys as I walk out the door, only to find I locked the door before shutting it.

Getting in the car to take kids to school and suddenly realizing I never filled up the car with gas the day before. Yep, it’s a miracle I’m able to write and share this with you today. But hey, God has a sense of humor, and I like to think He includes my life in it. Whatever helps me cope, right?!

Point being, we are all faced with messes we have to clean up. We are constantly greeted with unexpected frustrations that try to get the best of us. At any moment we may choose to drop it all and have our own fallout, pity party, adult tantrum; wishing all these burdens would magically just go away. At least, that’s how I feel most days. I realized my soul was struggling inwardly to understand how to receive peace the way Jesus spoke of in John 14:27.

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.

John 14:27, CSB

The Inward Struggle Is Real

We all have asked this question at one point in our lives or another: What’s the point of all this? Every day has the same repetitive issues while juggling a whole new set that gets thrown our way. The cycle of life seems never-ending, and most of the time, just flat-out depressing and exhausting.

I want to be happy and at peace, but this world seems to completely rob me of that luxury. How on earth, literally, ON EARTH, am I suppose to have joy and peace, when I am surrounded by all this negativity and mess? This translation in Ecclesiastes, I think, perfectly describes how I feel most days…

That’s when I called it quits, gave up on anything that could be hoped for on this earth. What’s the point of working your fingers to the bone if you hand over what you worked for to someone who never lifted a finger for it? Smoke, that’s what it is. A bad business from start to finish. So what do you get from a life of hard labor? Pain and grief from dawn to dusk. Never a decent night’s rest. Nothing but smoke.

Ecclesiastes 2:20-23, MSG

I have a feeling I’m not alone in this way of thinking. I’m sure Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, knew people would think this way too; which is why he wrote it.

Listen Carefully

I found myself in another jumbled up chaotic day where nothing was going right. I was tired, frustrated and just completely fed up with life. I woke up irritated with an extra load of laundry from a child wetting the bed; the kids were late for school and my car wouldn’t start after dropping them off! Of course, I did all this without coffee because I forgot to buy more at the store. Like I mentioned earlier; it’s a miracle I am able to write this!

This was just another day full of annoyances and frustrations that were causing my attitude toward my husband and kids to be very unkind! I am never a pleasant person for them to be around when I start my day like this. Somewhere in the middle of the chaos of my day, I quietly heard God whisper to me: “I am here…I am with you…I know how you feel. Go and sin no more.”

I huffed and complained the whole way, but finally decided to sit down and spend time with God. I turned off all the distractions around me, and I turned on my ears to hear what He was trying to teach me through this messy day. God sweetly spoke to me; “Offer up prayers of thanksgiving child.” The Lord wanted me to go throughout my day so far and find the things that went right, rather than wrong, and say thank you for them.

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7, CSB

Follow His Guidance

And so the list began…

Thank you, Lord, for the laundry detergent that allowed me to wash my child’s sheets. Thank you for the water for him to shower and the soap to get him clean. Thank you for the person you provided today to help jump-start my car when it died. Thank you for giving my husband the knowledge to know what was wrong with the car and the ability to fix it. Thank you for allowing me to have this time spent with you so I can reflect on the things that went right instead of wrong.

With every thank you I sent up, a new feeling of peace and calm were sent down. I finally understood what the Lord meant when He said…

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28, CSB

The more I offered up those prayers of thanksgiving to God, the more I felt the burdens of that day drift away. Through this, my soul found rest.

Say Thank You

We were never meant to carry the weight of life’s daily frustration and stress. The whole purpose of the cross was to take those burdens away from us. Jesus took our place so we could enjoy life, not be burdened by it.

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.

Psalm 118:5, ESV

When we all sit down and really think about what Jesus did for us, how can we honestly say anything BUT, Thank You?

Today, I invite you, dear reader, to try this out for yourself. When you feel burdened by life and things seem to be falling apart around you, don’t get discouraged, Friend! Instead, reflect on your day or situation, and find something to say thank you to God for. It’s there. You just have to be intentional to find it.

We were never meant to carry the weight of life's daily frustration and stress. The whole purpose of the cross was to take those burdens away from us. Click To Tweet

Samara Doole

judgment, judging, kindness, mercy, love, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Judging: Taking A Posture of Mercy Toward Our Neighbors

DevotionalsMarch 19, 2019March 19, 2019

Judgmental attitudes can get in the way of the Lord’s work in our own hearts. Judging others is not our job, we must take on a posture of mercy.

I was walking in my neighborhood on a beautiful, sunny day. It was a great reprieve from the winter gloom and rain, so naturally, a lot of other people were out as well. As I was passing these walkers or joggers, I said hello and smiled at them. I was a bit taken aback when 8 out of the 10 people, ignored me. Not even a courteous nod to my smile…

Judging

I began to get offended and thought to myself, “This world is so selfish. People won’t even say hi to each other on the street anymore.” I continued on my walk and as I turned back toward home, I had to face the way the people passing me had been. The sun was low in the sky and was full force in my eyes. I couldn’t see anything, let alone anyone’s face that was passing me. I had a moment of realization, then of shame…

How quick was I to judge the people passing me? How understanding or merciful had I been? The Lord showed me that I had been judgmental and unmerciful without a moment’s hesitation.

Merciful

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

James 2:13, NLT

In Luke chapter 10, Jesus is having a conversation with one of the teacher’s of the law about inheriting eternal life. The man asked Jesus who his neighbor was and Jesus told him the parable of the Good Samaritan. When he asks the man who was the neighbor to the man who had been attacked, the teacher replies, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus replies, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

This may seem like such an easy concept to grasp to some of you reading, but for me, it’s been a tough one. I have a very high sense of justice, but mercy isn’t on my radar like it should be. This lacking shows itself most intensely in motherhood.

I homeschool my kids which means I am around them almost all the time. So they hear and see me do some pretty messed up things. I always apologize and they are always quick to forgive. However, when the roles are reversed, I often drag out the sentencing instead of pronouncing mercy over them. I tend to point out not just the current offense, but bring up old ones as well. I feel they need to truly feel the guilt and shame of their wrongs. And, once I’m satisfied in their judgment, I will forgive and be “merciful”. Bless my heart.

What if?

Honestly, I’m not even sure I’m qualified to write this today. What if I’m still struggling? Aren’t we supposed to write about what we’ve conquered so we can pass on our wisdom to others going through it?

What if instead of wondering how I can show kindness to the girl looking uncomfortable in my church row, I’m silently judging her too short skirt and too revealing top? What if instead of loving my foster kids’ biological families, I’m hoping they miss another visit so I don’t have to deal with it that day? Why am I so ugly and unmerciful when God has been ridiculously loving and merciful to me?

Why are we so ugly and unmerciful to our neighbors, when God has been so ridiculously loving and merciful to us? Judging others is not our job! Click To Tweet

Saving Mercy

It’s a heart issue, no doubt. I haven’t truly repented; looked at my sin and despised it. Somewhere inside of me, I still feel justified, qualified, and above reproach.

Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ -and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:14-16, NLT

This is what I cling to and what I hope for: that God will continue to convict, mold me and shape me. That others will see even my hot mess can be forgiven. And that He has extended mercy, not judgment, to those who call on His name. Praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Xuan Nguyen

Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Plateaus: Trusting that God is Always at Work in Us

DevotionalsMarch 18, 2019March 18, 2019

We often look at plateaus with a negative connotation, but all they are is room for growth. Why are they room for growth? Because they represent an opportunity to change.

We all hit plateaus. We all have days, weeks, even years of no movement. Are you standing still right now? I am. In several aspects. Spiritually. Relationally. Mentally.

Plateaus

I recently wrote a memoir about my struggle with anxiety for an English assignment. I used an analogy that these challenges we face are like injuries. The healing process builds thicker skin. In our case, stronger faith. It is another disguised challenge put in place to strengthen us.

How, then, do we make it easier to face? How do we look beyond the disguise and see what God is revealing and showing? That’s a tough one. I think in the simplest terms we must trust. Trust that God’s not done with us. Trust that when God says He doesn’t leave us where He finds us, He means it.

How do we remain hopeful that there will be another uphill? To be truthful, I have no idea. But, I would love to journey through it with you. Let’s find the answer together, as I march through my own personal plateau…

True Confessions

For about a month now I’ve been having a constant “off day” if you know what I mean. I’ve had a couple of rough panic attacks and long-lasting moments of anxiety. Smelly teenage boys have somehow wiggled into my priority list and I cannot focus for the life of me! For example, in the midst of that last sentence, I looked up for really no reason at all and got completely distracted by a cloud floating by through the window.

Where is the self-awareness and realization that something outside has crept inside?

I still experience anxiety to an extent, but this elongated unassuredness has certainly shown to be more than an episode of my chemical brain structure. I’ve also begun to show unhealthy eating habits, and I can’t seem to stay awake for a whole day despite the 8+ hours of sleep I get every night. What the heck?! It’s quite frustrating. Compared to who and where I was seven months ago, I was in tip-top shape. So why the change?

Always Moving

I took for granted the high ground I’d worked so hard to reach. I lost focus on God’s role and I lost sight of the bottom I’d once stood on. And I only allowed myself to see that I was going nowhere. Something I need to remind myself of, and that I’d implore everyone to remember is, when you hit these seasons of flat ground, you’re still moving forward. You’re still going.

What’s going on in your life that you’ve unintentionally neglected? Or deemed not as important? For me, I need to take care of myself more (in light of how God sees me). I need to allow myself room to feel things I think I should or shouldn’t feel. I’m trying to suppress feelings I don’t want to feel. Then they pile up waiting to be felt. If I were on the flip side and someone came to me with this challenge, how would I respond? Would I offer grace? Of course! Then why is it so hard for me to accept?

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5:14, NIV

All the Feels

I’m piling things up instead of dealing with them. Instead of appreciating the place I’m in, I’ve taken it for granted and now I seem to be in another valley. Ladies, feelings are a piece of work. But what does God have to say about all these feelings? Let’s look back at the Bible.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Jeremiah 17:9, NIV

Well, that’s a bit intense. The verse is intense, but what is the context? Where do I find myself in the midst of God’s promises and Christ’s hope for me? Not the whole world, but me. Is what I’m going through just a couple bad pieces of fruit or is the root system bad? How do I reach out to ask for help? God understands my heart. He understands my need for crying out and people to cry out to.

Reach Out

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:5-6, ESV

In harmony. I love that. Different notes working together to make one beautiful sound. Millions of image bearers working together for one glorious King. How then do we hold back our struggles? We serve a loving, caring God who has given us loving, caring people with which to share our struggles. When you hit these plateaus, because you will, and when you walk through these valleys, because you will, who are you reaching out to? Are you surrendering to your pride to receive help? Please, reach. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the community God’s placed me in. Reach out.

We serve a loving, caring God who has given us loving, caring people with which to share our struggles with. In harmony. When we hit plateaus, all we need to do is reach out! Click To Tweet

Ronald Baars

mountain, valley, grace, light, darkness, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Mountaintop: The Grace of the Mountains and Valleys

DevotionalsMarch 17, 2019March 17, 2019

We often pursue the mountaintop experiences, yet life’s gracious road takes us through both the mountains and the valleys. The valley is a place of mercy.

My family and I recently moved to the mountains for my husband’s new job. We have a beautiful house just outside town, with stunning views. I am in absolute awe of the peace and tranquility our little mountain retreat provides. Sunrises and sunsets light up the sky in spectacular colors. And oh the stars, I’ve never seen so many! Our mountain haven is truly a gift from God.

Yet, living in the mountains at the top of a ridge has also given me perspective. Because, while the mountaintop is uniquely beautiful, there are challenges with mountaintop living, too.

Mountaintop Weather

As I am writing, I hear the wind howling against my windows outside. I have never in my life heard wind as strong as the wind we have heard in our short three months of living in the mountains. (And I grow up in Texas tornado country).

The wind is so strong and powerful! Sometimes our house almost shakes in the hands of this mighty rush. It is a violent force that carries a sort of reverence in its wake. This wind does not make me afraid, but I certainly sit up and take notice.

The mountaintop is more exposed to, not only the wind but all the elements of the weather. Oftentimes, there will be rain, ice, or snow at the top of the mountain. Whereas in the valley, the weather is more gentle. The air can be cold and harsh at the top of the mountain, and the fog sometimes gets so thick, you cannot see a car length ahead.

Mercies of the Valley

We naturally pursue the mountaintop experiences, yet life’s gracious road takes us through both the mountains and the valleys. The valley is a place of mercy.

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, ESV

Our back porch looks over a small valley, and sometimes I love to just sit and stare at our little valley. I’ve noticed a few things about the valley that I didn’t realize before.

First of all, as the sun gets higher in the sky, light pours into the valley! Sometimes, it is overcast at the top of the ridge, while the valley is full of light. Rarely, is our little valley dark and sunless.

We tend to think that the valley is a dark, depressing place. David refers to the valley as a “shadow of death” in Psalm 23. Although, in the words of D.L. Moody, “If there is a shadow, there must be light there.”

David also says that he is not afraid, because he knows, God, our Holy Shepherd, is right there with him. We are never ever alone in the valley.

The valley is safe.

The valley is warm.

In the valley, we are never alone.

The Grace of Mountains and Valleys

As hikers, when we crest the mountain peak and look out over the valleys below; we breathe a sigh of contentment. “Ah, the hike was hard, but the view is worth it,” one of us will usually say. The view on the mountaintop is beautiful, but the atmosphere is docile, quiet, solemn and lonely.

The view may never get old, but eventually, there always comes the time to turn around and begin the descent. The mountaintop is wonderful, and the valley is merciful.

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.

Psalm 125:2, ESV

On the mountaintop, we see the beauty of the Lord, in the valley, we learn to hold His hand. We need both. Do not fear where He may lead you, every place is for knowing Him.

On the mountaintop, we see the beauty of the Lord. In the valley, we learn to hold His hand. We need both. Do not fear where He may lead, every place is for knowing Him. Click To Tweet

Kal Visuals

Obeying: Learning to Be Hearers and Doers of The Word

DevotionalsMarch 13, 2019March 13, 2019

To fully follow Christ, we must learn that obeying God means not only being hearers of the Word but doers also. Understanding God’s commands required following through as well.

It’s not a subject that’s all flashy and dressed up in lights. In fact, it’s a topic that some preachers try not to touch, even with a ten-foot pole! It’s obedience. No, I did not just curse. But by the time this nine-letter word hits some believers’ ears, it shrinks down to a four-letter word!

By contrast, messages about God’s grace, favor, blessing, and prosperity gently tickle our ears. But when it comes to obedience, lead balloons are released, promptly falling onto toes. All joking aside, I truly believe that this simple topic of obedience serves as a key to unlock all of those other–seemingly more flashy–things such as blessing and favor.

Truly Obeying?

So what does the word “obey” really mean? We tend to think of it as following orders, being compliant, submitting to authority, etc. Interestingly, the Hebrew word for obey is “shema,” which essentially means to hear. But shema encompasses much more than simply hearing a command. It also means to listen, internalize, understand, and respond to that order or command. This element of responding brings this scripture to mind:

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 1:22, KJV

In other words, obeying doesn’t just mean listening to an order. It implies actually doing that which we have been commanded to do. As parents, when we tell our kids to do something, is it enough for them to simply nod their heads to acknowledge they’ve heard what we’ve said? Of course not. We want to see our children, in fact, do what we have told them to do. As children of God, we not only must listen to and understand what the Lord says, but we must also follow through and do that which He calls us to do.

As children of God, we not only must listen to and understand what the Lord says, but we must also follow through and do that which He calls us to do. Click To Tweet

Disobedience…

Perhaps the quintessential story in scripture that demonstrates disobedience occurs in 1 Samuel. Before King Saul goes into battle with the Amalekites, Samuel the prophet gives him a very clear instruction from the Lord: completely and utterly destroy the enemy and all that they have. But Saul does not obey this instruction. Rather, he captures alive Agag, the king of the Amalekites. Furthermore, he instructs his men to save the choicest animals for a burnt offering to the Lord. When Samuel learns of Saul’s outright disobedience, he asks him why he has done this thing.

And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
1 Samuel 15:22

But Saul claims to have obeyed the command. And when Samuel presses him further, Saul tries to deflect the rebuke by blaming his men for keeping the enemy’s livestock and spoil. Isn’t this the perfect picture of our sinful nature when we’re caught doing something we shouldn’t do? We claim ignorance. We get defensive. Or we try to blame someone else for our own actions. But Samuel is not fooled, and the Lord is not mocked. When he finally realizes how badly he has botched the Lord’s command, Saul repents. But it is too late. And as a result of his disobedience, Saul loses his kingship. Samuel delivers the verdict:

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

1 Samuel 15:23

I Didn’t Want To…

A few weeks ago, the Lord taught me a lesson in obedience. Had I chosen to disregard and disobey the leading of the Holy Spirit, I might have missed an incredible experience. That morning, I woke up feeling run down and sick. Drained. For two weeks, I’d been battling one sickness after another: a severe head cold that turned into a sinus infection, then strep throat, followed by a couple of days of who-knows-what that knocked me flat! All I wanted to do was pull the covers back up over my head and stay in bed all day.

As I considered the prospect of getting some extra rest, it suddenly dawned on me that I had something I had to do that morning. Every Wednesday morning, my pastor’s wife has a wonderful show called Welcome Home that airs on television. During the show, I help field phone calls from viewers who call in for prayer. Some days I don’t get any calls, but other days, I’m flooded with people calling in with all kinds of prayer requests. As I laid there in bed, I secretly hoped that no one would call for prayer that morning.

A Divine Appointment…

And just about the time I had that thought, the Holy Spirit checked my spirit. Feeling guilty, I immediately repented and asked the Lord to forgive me. I prayed that He would strengthen me and give me the energy to take any calls that might come in. And as soon as I prayed that prayer, a rush of adrenaline washed over me. I didn’t know why, but I was actually getting excited about who might call in. Little did I know, the Holy Spirit was quickening my spirit in anticipation of a divine appointment.

Sure enough, that morning the Lord had arranged for me to talk with a young man named Joe. Joe called in and said he needed a prayer of forgiveness. He had done some terrible things to some people in the past, and he knew that he had hurt them. The burden of what he’d done was weighing really heavily on him. Now in the past, I had kind of made the assumption that folks who watch a Christian broadcast and call into a prayer line are already saved. But the Holy Spirit was showing me that this was a different kind of call.

Holy Ghost Boldness…

When I asked Joe if he attended a church, he said he had gone to church with his girlfriend. Then the Holy Spirit prompted me to ask Joe whether he was saved. When I asked the question, there was a kind of awkwardly long pause on the line. At first, I thought maybe I had offended Joe by asking him this question. But I just waited in silence on the line. And that’s when the Holy Ghost took over the conversation with a boldness I would not have had on my own.

I asked Joe if he had ever invited Jesus to come into his heart. I explained that in order to truly be forgiven for the things we’re ashamed of, we have to ask Jesus, Himself, to forgive us. Only then can we truly repent and fully receive God’s forgiveness. Only then can Jesus cast our sins as far as the east is from the west and give us a clean slate. So I asked again, “Joe, do you want to ask Jesus to come into your heart today? He can give you a new heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone.”

Obedience Brought The Blessing…

Finally, Joe answered. Kind of shaken up, he said, “You know, my girlfriend has been telling me that her God is a jealous God. That I can’t be halfway in and halfway out. So, yes. I do want to be saved.” So, I lead Joe through the prayer of salvation, and his name is now written in the Lamb’s book of life. When that call ended, I was jumping for joy. I praised God along with the chorus of angels who were celebrating and rejoicing in heaven. Hallelujah! Praise God!! Thank you Jesus!!!

When I didn’t feel like obeying, I could have texted my pastor to tell her I couldn’t take calls that morning. But had I pulled the covers up over my head, I would have missed out on an incredible blessing–the blessing of helping lead a lost soul to Jesus Christ. The blessing of witnessing someone being raised from death to life. Obedience brought this blessing. And I will continue to do whatever it takes; obeying Christ because He is the blessing!

How have you learned a lesson in obedience? What was the blessing that your obedience ushered in?

All scriptures are from the King James Version of Bible.

Annie Spratt

expectations, resentment, promise, pursued, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Expect: Counting on God’s Promises Not the World’s

DevotionalsMarch 12, 2019March 12, 2019

It can be easy to expect our due rewards if we follow all the rules. God does not promise an easy life or guarantee earthly rewards. He does promise to pursue and love us even though we don’t deserve it.

There’s a story in scripture most commonly known as the prodigal son. Tim Keller calls it the story of the two sons in his book The Prodigal God. I know I read the book when it first came out, but I read it again recently and it touched a tender spot in me…

Rule Follower

Jesus tells a story about a man who had two sons (Luke 15:11-32). One son asked for his inheritance then took it to live loosely and fast. When this son wakes up and all the money is gone, he decides to return to his father and ask for forgiveness. The father forgives the wayward son and throws a massive celebration. A celebration that causes the son who stayed behind to be irritated and upset. I am that older son.

Keller says that people tend to fall into two camps. They look for satisfaction in either moral conformity or personal discovery. It’s pretty easy to see which one I fall into. I have always been a rule follower. I liked coloring in the lines, knowing how things are going to turn out, and depending on clear expectations. Knowing I can expect a + b = c. But, most of us know life doesn’t work this way…

Does It Matter?

There are really very few things we can count on. The older I get the more I know this to be true. As a young person, I poured myself into education, my children, my home. These weren’t bad things. I put my efforts there because I knew the scriptures commanded it. But my heart was not in line with my obedience and this is a problem.

I don’t know why it is hard for me to believe that I am unconditionally loved and accepted, but it is. I see that in the things that make me angry and discouraged. When one of my children struggles, I can quickly think: I don’t deserve this. The older brother was mired in this type of thinking. He told his father, “I have not even asked for so much as a goat” (Luke 15:29). This really cuts to the quick. Inherent in this conversation is a realization that all of his hard work didn’t seem to matter; that the son who left and wasted resources still got a celebration.

What to Expect

There is another parable similar to it where a man hires workers (Matthew 20:1-16). Each worker is hired later and later in the day and when the day is over, they all receive the same pay. The ones hired in the morning are pretty upset that they do not get more than the ones hired later. But, the manager says, “Did I not clearly tell you what to expect?” (Matthew 20:13).

Hasn’t Christ clearly told me what to expect. There will be suffering in this world. He will see me through to the end. I am loved with an everlasting love. I can quickly think I am not getting what I deserve. But there’s something better. Something I cannot see with my eyes or touch with my hands.

Never forget your promises to me your servant, for they are my only hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me! Proud men hold me in contempt for obedience to God, but I stand unmoved.

Psalm 119:49-51, NLT

What can I do when I find myself angry that others get what I want or think I deserve? I confess it to Him, who wants to celebrate with me. He knows I will be tempted to rely on my own righteousness and this will cause me to fall into despair and even pride. But the Father was generous and patient with both sons. He wanted both sons to come to celebrate.

This world has a way of making us think we aren't getting what we deserve. But God promises something better. Something we cannot see with our eyes or touch with our hands. Click To Tweet

Pursued

God knows my heart and how tempted I am to rely on something besides His cross. He knows I am tempted to rely on my own ability to do the right thing until I just can’t push any harder or do anymore. The Lord pulls me to Himself and listens to my confession: all my running has been like chasing after the wind. He is good that way.

God did not pursue me because He knew I could figure this all out and turn my life around. He pursued me because He knew I could not. I am tempted to think I can with a little more effort. But thanks be to God, it was not my effort that drew Him to me. And it does not draw Him to you either. He forgives. He changes us. God looks for the lost coin and sheep. Even the ones who don’t think they are in need. I am grateful for that kind of God. I know you must be too.

Matthew Henry

Comparison: Finding Validation in Christ and Not Others

DevotionalsMarch 11, 2019March 13, 2019

Comparison is something that we all battle. It is crucial that we focus on what God has given us so we can break loose from the bondage comparison brings.

“Why did they get that and I didn’t?” “What do they have what I don’t?” “Must be nice.” “I wish I looked like that.” How many times a day do we allow ourselves to think and even speak these things?

Comparison has reared it’s ugly head many times in my life. It is a constant battle to not compare myself to those around me. I often find myself focusing on what others have that I don’t, instead of focusing on the blessings in my life.

Comparing Accomplishments

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

Galatians 6:4-5, NLT

I am one that tends to focus on what those around me are doing. I focus on the things they are accomplishing and wonder why I am not able to do what they are doing… then I wallow.

We are called to focus on our own work. We need to pay attention to what we are doing and make sure we are doing our work admirably and with good conduct. This results in a job well done. When we turn our attention to what we are doing it allows us to grow and will help us overcome the trend of comparison in our lives.

Comparing Possessions

Then Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.’

Luke 12:15, CEB

One of the biggest ways comparison takes root is when we look at what others have. I constantly have the thought that “it must be nice” when I look at what those around me have. We can be so quick to focus on what we are lacking that we forget about the many blessings we have. Our life is not determined by our possessions but by our actions.

For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

1 Timothy 6:7, ESV

No possession we have on this world will be taken out. It is futile to be jealous of what others have. At the end of the day, Jesus has to be enough for us. Therefore, it has nothing to do with how much money we have or how nice our car is. It is all about how we live out our faith.

Comparing Stages of Life

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV

It seems like no matter where we are in life, we are always ready for the next stage. Because of this, we compare ourselves to others in the stage of life we desire. When we are single we want to be in a relationship. When we are in a relationship we want to be married. And when we are married we want kids… so on and so on. We are in a constant state of discontent…

This goes against what the Lord wants for us. He tells us to give thanks in all circumstances because this is God’s will. Our stage of life in God’s will. This is the point He has taken us. Each person is where God wants them to be, so instead of comparing where we are in life with everyone else, we should celebrate with one another; Content and thankful for where we are.

Comparing Looks

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous — how well I know it.

Psalm 139:14, NLT

At least ten times a day I am bombarded with thoughts of how my looks don’t measure up with those around me. There are so many voices out there telling us how we are supposed to look. And advertisements trying to sell us on how to look better. We are constantly comparing our looks with those around us.

When we do this we are telling God he made a mistake and that he should have done a better job creating us. We are wonderfully made. God’s workmanship is marvelous! God beautifully, uniquely, and perfectly created us.

We all look different from one another but that doesn’t mean we should compare ourselves with one another. While it is true that we need to take care of God’s creation, that does not come through comparison it comes through paying attention to and being grateful for the body God has given us.

Ending the Comparison

Comparison is something we will constantly have to battle in our lives. Recognizing when it happens, allows God’s truth to replace the lies. The lies telling us we aren’t good enough. God has blessed us abundantly and individually. Comparison is a disservice to ourselves, our neighbors, and most importantly, our God.

God has blessed us abundantly and individually. Comparison is a disservice to ourselves, our neighbors, and most importantly, our God. Click To Tweet

Tom Morel

broken, beauty, pain, idols, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, mentor, ministry

Stripping: When God Begins Removing To Bring Brokenness

DevotionalsMarch 10, 2019March 10, 2019

God reveals idols in our hearts that keep us from being able to draw near to Him. This stripping process can be painful, but the outcome is a beautiful result.

Stripping – it isn’t a word we use often in the course of our daily lives. Unless we’re referring to furniture, the word has a rather negative connotation. Consequently, it isn’t something we generally discuss with our friends at the coffee shop. Talk about questioning looks from the nearest tables!

I’m kind of a word-nerd, so the meanings of strip interest me: to deprive of covering; to deprive or divest; clear out or empty; to take away or remove…

To Deprive of Covering

These definitions describe perfectly how it feels when the Spirit of God begins shining His light into my life to reveal what doesn’t belong, what doesn’t reflect His image. This is usually due to a heart problem within me. Truthfully – I asked for it! But I’m never prepared for the pain of the stripping process.

Remember Adam and Eve after they sinned against God? What is the first thing they realized? They were naked…and ashamed. Their instinct was to hide, and we’re still hiding today. I don’t know what you hide behind, but when I’m feeling exposed, I have a few favorite fig leaves to hide behind.

When my kids were home, I could hide behind being “the-best-mom” and “a-better-mom-than-my-mom.” Ladies, I had the cleanest house, baked the best bread, cooked dinner every night, and homeschooled before it was cool. Then those kids began growing up. Oops, my mom-covering was slipping off my shoulders!

To Deprive or Divest

While my husband Gary and I had taught Bible study classes or Sunday school since we were in our twenties, we began leading a community group when our children were older. Each summer, I taught in or directed a grade in Vacation Bible School. I led Baptist Young Women, a mission organization. In addition, my husband and I sang in the choir and later, on a worship team.

When our youngest was a senior in high school, I felt a calling on my life to return to school to complete a degree in counseling. Did I slow down at church? Of course not! I began a support group for families in crisis! However, after a few years, deep, spiritual problems were discovered at the leadership level in our home church. Ultimately brokenhearted, our family moved to another church…and later, another denomination.

All that meaningful busyness was over for a season. Another fig leaf was batted away from me.

To Empty

Being ever the resourceful woman, I soon filled the hours with graduate school and chaplaincy work. During this time our family experienced each of our children’s marriages and one of them going through a painful divorce. Also, my father and my husband had been struck by cancer; my father had ultimately died from the disease.

I didn’t have enough sense to stop and rest, so my body finally stopped me, almost literally in my tracks. One day, while walking the 2 blocks to my car from my job at the hospital, I seriously wondered if my legs were going to get me to the parking lot. It seems I finally reached empty…for a while, that is.

Shattered

What do you trust in more than the Lord? God will break your dependence upon anything other than Himself no matter how long it takes or how difficult the process may be. He is committed to bringing you to a place of wholeness and spiritual maturity—conforming you to the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:29)
-Charles Stanley

Those of you who have been reading my posts for a year or so know that this incident was the beginning of the Fibromyalgia and chronic migraine story I live daily. Please don’t read this post as a narrative blaming God for the bad things that happen. However, as a loving Father leads a child away from danger, and as Scripture repeatedly bears out, He will break our dependence on anything other than Himself, (which results in idolatry). That process will always be painful.

Thankfully, our Father doesn’t leave us like a shattered vessel dropped at His feet.

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit, [or a crushed spirit].
Psalm 34:18, NKJV; See also Psalm 147:3

To Take Away or Remove

“When I was in my early 30’s, I seriously thought I would have this spiritual stuff all figured out by now,” I told Gary last week. We both laughed heartily. There is NO FIGURING IT OUT, dear sister; there is no secret formula. No matter our age or maturity level, we are each traveling on a journey headed toward our Home with Jesus.

The context of my earlier statement was spurred by a Brennen Manning reading:

Trust is purified in the crucible of trial. From the depths of a purified heart, trust clings to the belief that whatever happens in our lives is designed to form Christ within us. Unwavering confidence in the love of God inspires trust to thank God for the spiritual darkness that envelops us, for the loss of income, for the arthritis that is so painful…

Many things have been removed from my life which I thought were essential-most of them good things, Godly endeavors, my health. But years ago, when I asked God to make me holy, to form me into His image, He took me seriously and began slowly stripping away areas where I placed my treasure rather than in Him.

God Alone

Jesus said the entire Law rested on loving God with our whole, undivided hearts, and loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).

Therefore, the stripping is necessary, because our hearts so easily run after other lovers, (see Hosea; Psalm 78:10-11; 2 Kings 5-17). In fact, we’re witnessing it occur throughout the Church at large, as one leader after another loses his fig leaves. We may hide our idols from other people for a season, but they are never hidden from our Father. His breaking is required to unclasp our grip from the idols which have taken supremacy in our hearts. The stripping takes place to bring about our brokenness, to reveal our deep need of Him alone, not God + _____.

Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom…
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart – these, O God, You will not despise.
Psalm 51:6 & 17, NKJV

I sincerely desire to know His wisdom, but it requires giving up my fig leaves…daily.

We may hide our idols from other people, but they are never hidden from our Father. His breaking is required to unclasp our grip from the idols which have taken supremacy in our hearts. Click To Tweet

Ankul Singh