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Devotionals

Category: Devotionals

gratitude, humility, humble, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, ministry

Humble: Accept the Thank You and Move On

Devotionals, Stay Sane

Accepting gratitude for a job well done seems to be a hard thing to do. Our desire to be humble doesn’t mean that we can’t accept thank you without a qualifier.

“Thank you for staying late to help.” “No problem. It really wasn’t a big deal.” Even though I had to have my husband pick up my son from tae kwon do, change dinner plans, and cancel another meeting.

“That dessert is awesome.” “It’s just something I threw together.” Even though I had to make an extra trip to the grocery store, not go to the park to play with my little boy, and feed my family sandwiches for dinner since I had to baby sit the cake to make sure it didn’t fall.

“My kid loves being in your class. Thanks for all the extra help.” “It’s my job and I’m happy to do it.” Which I am, but it takes a lot of extra effort and time to text parents after school, put together meaningful assignments that help each child, and means I usually work from 7:30-5:30 everyday.

Maybe some of these situations sound like something you have encountered. Do you find yourself, like me, brushing off the compliment? I wonder why that is. Why can’t we just say “Thank you” and move on?

A Desire to be Humble

I have a theory that women have a predisposition to appear humble. Humbleness means we are gentle, cooperative and together therefore accepting a compliment that includes “thank you” is difficult.

But I submit to you lovely, humble readers that “thank you” is exactly what we should say and leave it there. Don’t diminish your work.

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 27:2, NIV

As long as you are not touting your own accomplishments, you should accept the gratitude of others. Let me ask you, do you want your daughter to brush off her accomplishments? Do you want God to brush off your accomplishments done in His service? Absolutely not. That sounds absurd doesn’t it?

As long as you are not touting your own accomplishments, you should accept the gratitude of others. Click To Tweet

Gratitude

God invites us to a life of gratitude and thanksgiving. He is so proud of us when we choose to follow Him and the path He sets out for each of us. Sometimes that involves baking a cake, making a meeting that was unplanned, or teaching His children. Saying “thank you” acknowledges the hard work you did.

Pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on you.

Mark Batterson, The Circle Maker

These are cherished words in my heart because they show the partnership I have with my Heavenly Father. We are together in this world and He is always near. In a very real way I need to accept the “thank you” for both of us. And so do you.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV

Accepting gratitude for a job well done seems to be a hard thing to do. Our desire to be humble doesn't mean that we can't accept thank you without a qualifier. #humility #gratitude

The Take Away

This is something I need to work on. Recently I was talking about why I have such a hard time accepting “thank you” without a qualifier that makes it seem like it is no big deal. I think the need to be humble is part of it, but not all. Maybe some of it is because all the women in my life have made similar statements in the face of gratitude and I am following their example.

But I don’t want my children to do the same. I want them to feel proud of their accomplishments because we pray over them. We give thanks to God for His direction, we ask for help when things don’t seem to be going exactly right, and we give glorious praise when the course ends up being more wonderful than the bumps along the way. How can we not accept gratitude when He is part of the equation of our lives?

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Colossians 4:2, NIV

So in light of my new discovery, I want to ask God to help me be more accepting of the gratitude of others.

Dear God,

Please open my ears and heart the the thankfulness of others. Help me discern the difference between boastfulness and gratitude. Let me remember that You are a part of all gratitude and that in accepting it fully I am drawing closer to You and the path You have set before me.

love,

me

Accepting gratitude for a job well done seems to be a hard thing to do. Our desire to be humble doesn't mean that we can't accept thank you without a qualifier. #humility #gratitude

This is where the story changes…

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Annie Spratt

reckless, love, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, ministry

Reckless: Understanding the Radical Love of God and Why We Need It

Devotionals, Stay Sane

At the core of every human being is the requirement to be known and to be loved. It’s not optional; our Creator placed it there. And His reckless love is the key to filling our need.

I’ve had the song How Deep the Father’s Love for Us in my head for weeks. When I wake up, it’s playing in my mind. I sing it driving down the road and to my son at night. Like an ear-worm, its melody penetrates my concentration throughout the day. Unavoidably, that is where my attention has focused and praise. be. to. God. This soul of mine is being restored amidst the pursuit to fully grasp His astonishing, endless love.

At the core of every human being is the requirement to be known and to be loved. It’s not optional; our Creator placed it there. And His reckless love is the key to filling our need. #recklesslove

Simple

My husband Sean and I were talking this morning of how we complicate the clear-cut love Jesus modeled. Selfishness and pride can get in the way when we feel our importance or level of respect is being threatened. Yet Jesus was secure in the Father’s love for Him even though all the popular kids wrote Him off. Nor was Jesus deterred by ridicule because He was confident that He was known and seen and loved by God. What keeps us from getting that? Why is the proverbial “God-shaped-hole” unable to fill up?

What is it, then, that this desire and this inability proclaim to us, but that there was once in man a true happiness of which there now remain to him only the mark and empty trace, which he in vain tries to fill from all his surroundings, seeking from things absent the help he does not obtain in things present? But these are all inadequate, because the infinite abyss can only be filled by an infinite and immutable object, that is to say, only by God Himself. He only is our true good, and since we have forsaken Him, it is a strange thing that there is nothing in nature which has not been serviceable in taking His place; the stars, the heavens, earth, the elements, plants, cabbages, leeks, animals, insects, calves, serpents, fever, pestilence, war, famine, vices, adultery, incest. And since man has lost the true good, everything can appear equally good to him, even his own destruction, though so opposed to God, to reason, and to the whole course of nature.

– Blaise Pascal, Pensées VII (425)

Longing

Adam and Eve experienced unadulterated happiness with God before sin entered the world. The imbalance between their once known genuine happiness and brokenness sent people into a frenzy. Often without even knowing why, humankind incessantly longs to be whole. Unfortunately, we seek fulfillment from created things. Instead, we must allow our Creator to woo us. He is no man. He is God. His persuasion isn’t selfish; it doesn’t carry ulterior motives. There are no games. Only His purpose to treasure us, give us life, and bring us to Himself for His glory.

I will allure her; I will lead her back into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. From there I will give back her vineyards to her, and turn the “Valley of Trouble” into an “Opportunity for Hope.” There she will sing as she did when she was young, when she came up from the land of Egypt.

Hosea 2:14-15, NET

At the core of every human being is the requirement to be known and to be loved. It’s not optional; our Creator placed it there. And His reckless love is the key to filling our need. #recklesslove

Questions

At times we feel like God has forgotten us. And we falsely believe He is too small to care. Then our minds start running parallels and before we know it the beast of disapproval is haunting our thoughts.

  • You don’t have it that bad.
  • Don’t you know there are plenty of people who have it worse than you?
  • How selfish of you to think your hurt matters in comparison to third world hunger.
  • If you believed enough you wouldn’t be feeling this way.
  • You should just get over this.

But ask yourself, how differently would you live if you understood the intensity of God’s unchanging love? For you. His love is not like what’s on television or in books. It isn’t even what you grew up with, because even the best love you’ve experienced on this earth is only a shadow of the reckless adoration the Father has for His children.

At times we feel like God has forgotten us. And we falsely believe He is too small to care. Then our minds start running parallels and before we know it the beast of disapproval is haunting our thoughts. Click To Tweet

Answers

The Lord answered, “Could a mother forget a child who nurses at her breast? Could she fail to love an infant who came from her own body? Even if a mother could forget, I will never forget you. A picture of your city is drawn on my hand. You are always in my thoughts!

Isaiah 49:15-16, CEV

I love this! Plus, Jesus painted us a picture of the prodigal son who didn’t have to beat himself up in order to receive forgiveness. He just had to show up. The father immediately welcomed him home with joy and celebration! That’s the fascinating theme of our God. He wants us more than we could possibly want Him. Before we can get over ourselves and polish up a pretty speech, He is already dancing with excitement to envelop us with His tenderness. The love He has for us is beyond our capability to show or understand. I cannot explain it, but with all my soul I am grateful for His scandalous, overwhelming, reckless love.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.

– Stuart Townend, How Deep the Father’s Love for Us, vs. 3

What is keeping you from experiencing the fullness of God’s reckless love?

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Sharon Co Images

empower, fathers, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, ministry

Empower: Five Ways to Encourage Fathers to Embrace Their Role

Devotionals, Stay Sane

The role of a father is a powerful thing. We can empower the fathers in our lives to embrace his role and in turn raise a generation of healthy and confident children.

Before I begin, let me make it known that I was raised by a good man, and then I married a good man. I completely understand that the fathers in your life may, in fact, not be good men. Or maybe the father of your children is a good man, but it was a bad marriage. These are situations that I cannot empathize with, nor will I try to pretend that I can. In these situations, I listen. I will always listen.

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? The fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children!

Psalm 127:3, ESV

The role of a father is a powerful thing. We can empower the fathers in our lives to embrace his role and in turn raise a generation of healthy and confident children. #fathersday #empower #intentionalparenting

Five ways to empower fathers…

Respect

By respecting my husband (and him respecting me in turn), we are modeling to our children a couple things. First, how to treat others. Second, that they must respect their father and mother. This is what we expect. Do they always achieve this? No, but when it’s not, there will be correcting, both within our relationship and our relationship with our children.

What this looks like for us…

  • If I disagree with my husband on a topic, I don’t talk to him with a condescending tone.
  • I am not demanding in my tone. I ask for things to be done, I say please a lot, and thank you a ton.
  • If I disagree on a parenting action, I talk with him about it in private, not in front of the children.

Communication

This is crucial in any relationship, but especially marriage. And with honest communication, there must be trust. Because we are not perfect parents, there are times that we have to point out faults to one another. This is done in a calm, sincere manner.

What this looks like for us…

  • Pointing out that his tone was too harsh.
  • Informing him that he did not follow through on what he said he was going to do.
  • Mentioning things that he needs to be more attentive to.

Listen

Being the financial provider for our family, he can feel stressed from pressure with work related events. By listening to him vent about his day, he is then able to relax and enjoy family time when he is home.

What this looks like for us…

  • I don’t fully grasp what my husband does for a living. I kind of hate it when people ask what his does. Because of this, I often get glassy-eyed when he starts talking too technical, and he knows this. The point is that I still sit there and listen. And sometimes I can even think of good questions to ask!
  • I do not typically give advice, unless it’s an issue with a female co-worker, in which case I may play devil’s advocate and try to help him understand what is going through her mind.

Support

My husband and I do not have the same strengths, and for this I am thankful. If we had the same strengths, we would probably have the same weaknesses, and then we would be in a real mess. We are able to acknowledge these areas of weakness, which allows the other to fill-in the gaps. We are not perfect, but together we are strong.

What this looks like for us…

  • At times I have trouble keeping boundaries with my boys. They just end up wearing me down. In these times, my husband is able to step in and be the enforcer. This allows me to be a better mom in the long run because I’m not so worn out. And I appreciate not having to be the “bad guy” all the time.
  • My husband is super detailed with his career. With the children, not so much. I, however, am quite structured with home-life, and this allows everyone to be fed and clothed everyday.
  • When one of us is having a bad attitude day, the other one goes into nice-guy mode. We have even been known to tell the other, “I’m in a crappy mood today, I need you to take over.” Rarely have we both been nasty at the same time. Thankfully.

Encouragement

All of us need a pat on the back from time to time. In the trenches of parenting, we need this often.

What this looks like for us…

  • Simply saying, “You are such a good dad” goes a long way. And when there are specific attributes that he shows, I point those out as well.
  • I can never say “thank you” enough to my husband. Knowing that I appreciate his sacrifices is an encouragement and motivator to continue all the work he does for our family.

 

In what ways do you support your husband to be a strong, loving father? I would love to hear your thoughts!

The role of a father is a powerful thing. We can empower the fathers in our lives to embrace his role and in turn raise a generation of healthy and confident children. #fathersday #empower #intentionalparenting

Steve Shreve

thoughts, mind, control, renewing, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, ministry

Thoughts: Controlling the Conversation in Our Minds

Devotionals, Stay Sane

Critical thoughts run rampant and leave us discouraged. Is it possible to control the conversation in the mind? Can we retrain our minds, and replace negative thoughts with things that are uplifting to ourselves and others?

The party, the girls night out, the mom date over coffee has come to an end. There was so much laughter, so much warmth in the conversation. Smiles, hugs, squeezes on the arm…yep, all of that took place. It was perfect. Until… the replay starts to happen.

“Oh my goodness, I can’t believe I actually shared that!”

“She probably thinks I am such a nasty person.”

“I sure hope she didn’t take that the wrong way.”

“Wait a minute! Was she actually insulting me?”

“I cannot believe she talks about her husband that way!”

And before the sun rises the next day, our thoughts have robbed us of a joy-filled evening. They have uprooted a blossoming friendship, and spread weeds of doubt and insecurity in its place.

Or perhaps there is a special event coming up, and our thoughts are convincing us that we will for sure come across awkward, or judgmental, or like an imposter. Then, on the day of the occasion, this is exactly what we portray.

(Please note: There are times as we replay conversation when a comment is brought to our attention that did hurt someone. In those instances, we should reach out and apologize. This post is not referring to those times. It is referring to when we create a scenario in our mind that is not reality. Ok, carry on…)

Critical thoughts run rampant and leave us discouraged. Is it possible to control the conversation in the mind? Can we retrain our minds, and replace negative thoughts with things that are uplifting to ourselves and others? #renewingthemind #thoughts #spiritualgrowth

The problem…

Critical thoughts

We are our own worst critics. We tear ourselves down, claiming to be stupid and unlovable. Of course, we also tend to have those thought about other people. We don’t agree with their parenting, or their diet, or the choices they made that put them in their current situation.

Discouraging thoughts

We are expecting the worst to happen. If we focus on the bad thing that could happen, we become immobilized, living in a constant state of fear.

Imaginary thoughts

There are conversations that never take place. We play a scenario in our head of what we think someone is going to say and how we would respond. Before we know it, we are in a knock-down, drag-out fight with someone who never joined the conversation. Then when we see that person, we are ticked at them for something they never said in the first place!

The solution..

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:2-3, ESV

Replace, Replay, and Retrain

Acknowledge what is happening, be honest about it. If feeling jealous, admit it. If feeling hurt, admit it. Then think about what is truth, and finally, replay the dialogue in our head. This is retraining the way we think. This is Biblical and scientific. Science confirms that our thoughts create patterns in our brains, and our brain will continue to use the same patterns because they are familiar with them. Science has confirmed what scripture has said for thousands of years!

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8, NLT

This takes practice, but the Lord does not desire for us to be held captive to these thoughts that destroy who we are and the relationships we are in. When we admit our sinful thoughts and repent, the Lord is then able to remove it, and heal it. We cannot accomplish this with our own will power. The Bible says in Romans 12:2 to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I like the way it reads in the New Living Translation, “…let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” God is the only way we will be transformed in our thoughts.

We cannot accomplish this with our own will power. God is the only way we will be transformed in our thoughts. Click To Tweet

Practical tips

Yes, God desires to change our thoughts, and will if we allow Him to. There are also, helpful and practical things we can do disrupt the negative talk…

Change the environment. Literally, change the space. If our thoughts get away from us in night while trying to fall asleep, get out bed, or read a book. If it is while we are driving, turn on music or a podcast to change the internal dialogue.

Distract the mind. Perhaps we need to put on some music, or change the song that is playing. Start a different activity. Do an activity that brings joy, or gives a feeling of accomplishment.

Talk it through with someone. This allows us to gain a different perspective, and to stop the cycle of thoughts in our mind. The big, dramatic thought becomes much less powerful when it leaves the confines of our minds.

 

What thoughts do you struggle to control?

Critical thoughts run rampant and leave us discouraged. Is it possible to control the conversation in the mind? Can we retrain our minds, and replace negative thoughts with things that are uplifting to ourselves and others? #renewingthemind #thoughts #spiritualgrowth

 

 

 

Josep Castells

faith, steps, stretching, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, ministry

Stretching: Walking by Faith Deepens Our Trust in The Lord

Devotionals, Stay Sane

When the Lord is stretching our faith, we begin to more fully trust Him. Looking back, we can see how He has ordered our steps.

A few weeks ago, I found myself in a scene that could easily describe the beginning of a bad horror movie: It’s evening as an unassuming housewife drives along the highway to run a mundane errand. She sees a young man on the side of the road carrying a gas can. Feeling sorry for him, she pulls over to give him a ride. Disclaimer: I really dislike horror films and never actually watch them! But I’ve seen enough scary movies to know that this is the perfect setup for things to go really dark, really fast. But don’t worry, this plot takes a positive turn and ends on the bright side!

Stretching

Now, before your natural mind starts listing all the reasons why we should never pick up hitchhikers, please know that I share your concerns. I’m not trying to convince anyone to pick people up on the side of the road. But consider this: have you ever felt the Holy Spirit prompting you to do something that’s a little, or perhaps way, outside of your comfort zone? Do you believe the Lord calls us to do things that don’t seem to make sense in the natural but make complete sense in the spirit? I believe the Lord is always stretching my faith to deepen my trust in Him.

He might not stretch your faith in the exact same way that He did mine because the stretching looks different for each one of us. For some, it might be a nudge to simply smile and say hello to a stranger. For someone else, it might be to adopt a child from another country. And for another, to forgive someone who has hurt her. But I believe that the Lord is in the business of building our faith by stretching us beyond our own natural strength. And if we’ll trust Him, we’ll see that He is ordering our steps perfectly.

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Proverbs 16:9, KJV

I believe that the Lord is in the business of building our faith by stretching us beyond our own natural strength. Click To Tweet

When the Lord is stretching our faith, we begin to more fully trust Him. Looking back, we can see how He has ordered our steps. #faith #spiritualgrowth #orderedsteps

A Testimony to Share…

So, as it happened, I picked up a hitchhiker and have a testimony to share. The young man looked to be in his early twenties. When he got in my vehicle, he thanked me and even said, “Wow, ma’am. I don’t know too many women who would pick up a guy on the side of the road. I really appreciate it.” To which I replied, “Well, I have the Holy Ghost, so to tell you the truth, I’m really not afraid of anyone!” He said that was good to hear because he was a believer too.

As we made our way to the gas station, his speech was coherent, but his eyes kept sort of rolling back in his head. When I asked him if he was feeling ok, he said he was really exhausted. He explained that he was working two jobs–one at night and another during the day–and that he had already put in 36 hours in the past three days.

Out of Gas in More Ways Than One…

When we got to the gas station, he started rummaging through a little bag he had with him and was getting upset. He said he had left his wallet in the console of his car and didn’t have his debit card. I said it was no problem and paid the few bucks it took to fill up his gas can. When we got back in the car, he continued to thank me and said, “You really have no idea how much this means to me.” I said I understood what it was like to be out of gas physically, emotionally, spiritually, and every which way, and that I was happy to be able to help. And that’s when the young man began to weep.

I tried to console him, reassuring him that we all need help now and then. Between sobs, he said he had really been struggling recently. His dad had been a preacher and left his mom for another woman. He had moved back in with his mom to help pick up the financial slack since his dad left, and he was also helping take care of his other siblings. As he was talking, his eyes kept doing the rolling motion I had noticed earlier. At the risk of being intrusive, I felt like I was supposed to ask about his eyes. I said I understood that he was tired, but was he really doing ok physically? At first he repeated that he was sleep deprived and exhausted from working outside in the heat all day. And he claimed that he was sober, but then he admitted that he had struggled with addiction.

The Lord Had Let Him Live…

As he shared, I learned that he had been addicted to heroin and had actually overdosed a number of times. He said he didn’t understand why, but for some reason, the Lord had let him live. No matter how many times he had given up on himself and gone back to drugs, he knew that God had never given up on him. I told him how the Lord had saved my life when I was on the brink of suicide. By this point, we were almost back to his car, but he was having trouble holding it all together. So, I asked him if I could pray for him, and he said yes. I pulled off the highway onto a side road and into a neighborhood. And that’s when the Holy Spirit began to move.

I’m not even sure what all I prayed as I laid my hands on that broken young man. The Holy Spirit took over my words, and I prayed in the power of the Holy Spirit for quite awhile. He was buckled over in his seat weeping, moaning, and crying out to God. He was repenting. Thanking the Lord for saving him. Praising Him for letting him live. When it was all said and done, I believe that he was delivered of a spirit of addiction, and I know that his faith was restored. As the prayer was winding down, he said, “I can’t deny that Jesus is real because things like this keep happening to me.”

Our Steps Are Ordered…

So often I go through my days wondering when the Lord will really use me. I have grandiose visions of what an impactful ministry might look like. And I feel discouraged when my daily life doesn’t seem to measure up to the image in my mind’s eye. I can worry whether I’m taking the right steps so that I’m in the right place at the right time to do what He’s calling me to do. But as He stretches my faith, I am learning to trust that He is leading and guiding me perfectly.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

Psalm 37:23, KJV

We mustn’t let ourselves get discouraged in this daily walk with Christ. The mundane things: loads of laundry, dirty dishes, unfinished to do lists…these are just part of life. They cannot separate us from the love of Christ or the plans that He has to prosper us. His idea of ministry does not always involve a pulpit, a stage, and an audience. He is showing me that the stage for His ministry is my everyday life. And each day is not just a warm up for the main event. It’s a daily stretching of my faith.

How has He stretched your faith? Can you look back and see how He has ordered your steps?

When the Lord is stretching our faith, we begin to more fully trust Him. Looking back, we can see how He has ordered our steps. #faith #spiritualgrowth #orderedsteps

Andreas Selter

constant, unchanging, hope, Oh Lord Help Us, women, Christian, ministry

Constant: Hopeful in the Waiting Because Jesus is Unchanging

Devotionals, Stay Sane

Hope is challenging when our lives are full of waiting. Jesus is our hope and deliverer even when nothing may ever change. He is our constant.

My friend had a broken heart. I’m done she wrote. Done praying, hoping, waiting. What kind of father allows his children to suffer and hurt when he has the power to change and heal hearts? He hides behind this idea that we are to learn lessons and become stronger. It’s cruel and I want no part of it.

As I read my friend’s words, I knew I too had felt these very thoughts and more as I suffered through long periods of waiting. What is a believer to do in the midst of extreme despair? As believers our only answer is hope.

Hope is challenging when our lives are full of waiting. Jesus is our hope and deliverer even when nothing may ever change. He is our constant. #hope, #constant, #givemeJesus

He is Our Hope

The weight of situations have left me feeling broken, alone, vulnerable, and angry. While listening to preachers talk about peace and comfort and better times, I have rarely connected better times with being in God’s presence. I know I have attributed better times with better circumstances; the problem would be resolved and the weight would fall off. Yet, Scripture is full of those who saw long times of waiting. Moses in the desert – not one time but twice, Joseph in prison, and David in hiding. And us his church waiting for his return. If I am honest, I do not want to be one of the waiting. I want to be one of the delivered.

How can I find hope and even believe there is anything to hope for in the face of so much pain? In the face of impossible situations and ones that may not change?

He is Our Deliverer

Hebrews 11, while it speaks of so many who were faithful and saw victory, also talks about suffering, mocking, flogging, sawn in two, stoned, killed by the sword. Destitute, afflicted, mistreated- of whom the world was unworthy.  While many today want to make Jesus into some wise teacher, He is and was so much more.

He is the great deliverer. For some, that will be here on earth. They will see healing and change. But, many may never see deliverance until heaven. Regardless of when the hope that we long for is fulfilled, we can all stand sure of one thing- His presence. He has promised us His presence. Jesus said he was sending us a comforter. What does that mean but that we would require comfort? This world has trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world.

Regardless of when the hope that we long for is fulfilled, we can all stand sure of one thing- His presence. Click To Tweet

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He is Our Constant

I can see the weight of worry and despair fall off because He is my peace, who has broken down every wall. My problem will not go away. Some of my worries may never get better or even change until I walk the gates of heaven. But, He is constant. I can trust him with my agony knowing that He too, understands what it is like to suffer. I can lay my despair at the feet of Jesus and know if not now, then one day all will be redeemed. All will be made new. All will be as He intended.

Jesus too, suffered knowing that the only relief would be the cross. I can take comfort that in whatever I face He, who knew no sin, suffered in my place so that I will not face eternity with no hope. This is a different kind of hope than the one who does not know Jesus, our great high priest who, though was tempted, was without sin. I will forget this truth often and I hope that I can reach out to those who will gently remind me of what is good and true. I can pray and take time to train my heart to remember and meditate on His constancy.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:3, NIV

Hope is challenging when our lives are full of waiting. Jesus is our hope and deliverer even when nothing may ever change. He is our constant. #hope, #constant, #givemeJesus

eberhard grossgasteiger

Almighty, big, Oh Lord Help Us, faith, blog, Christian, ministry

Big: Is God Human-Sized or Almighty?

Devotionals, Stay Sane

When the God we serve is a small, human-sized god, it isn’t difficult to focus on our problems or on other people, but when He is big and mighty He is a fire in our bones.

I hadn’t planned on this being my next post; I’ve been studying another idea for a few weeks. But, we all know and history reveals that God is notorious for changing our well thought-out plans.

For decades I have been teaching, writing and preaching to others about the greatness of our God. In small group studies, in hospital rooms, in a cancer treatment center, in hospital chapels, in a master’s program of wanna-be theologians from different denominations, in counseling rooms where faith was small, in support groups, I have hailed the mighty, powerful nature of our gracious, forgiving Father.

At times, I have felt like a travel agent speaking of places I have never been.

When the God we serve is a small, human-sized god, it isn't difficult to focus on our problems or on other people, but when He is big and mighty He is a fire in our bones. #faithblog #bigGod #spiritualgrowth

Enormous

Not that I haven’t believed in the omnipotent, infinite God of creation – I did with all my heart…for them. The picture I held of God for the world was huge:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16, NKJV

That’s enormous, right? I believed. I believed throughout Kay Arthur studies and learning through Beth Moore studies; I even taught some of those Bible studies. I believed while listening to countless exegetical and topical sermons. I believed while singing on several praise teams and in worship services with hands raised in praise to a glorious Savior. Girlfriend, I did it all!

Not Just for the Big Stuff

But for me? Well, my God was only BIG for the big stuff, like the salvation of my children, the cancer of family members, the heartfelt prayer requests of friends, etc. It isn’t that I didn’t pray; it’s that I didn’t think He wanted to be bothered with the small things of my life…and SURELY not my chronic failures like depression and anger…and suicidal thoughts.

You see, growing up in a home where addiction was lord, I learned at a young age that hopes and dreams were squashed. They weren’t to be trusted because disappointment was sure to follow. Better not to hope or dream…Lo and behold, in my first leg of graduate school for a counseling degree, I learned that this behavior/belief is normal for adult children of addiction. Who knew?

However, somehow it carried over to my picture of God, the Father Who has set me free from so much bondage to falsehoods. Even now, after much healing, my ‘small God’ mentality seeps back in when I am not on my guard against the enemy. Sometimes, when I feel alone or the battle is raging around me, I want to cry out with Jeremiah, “Enough already!”

‘Leave me alone in my melancholy.’ The Shepherd replies, ‘I will not leave you alone. You are mine. I know each of my sheep by name. You belong to me. If you think I am finished with you, if you think I am a small god that you can keep at a safe distance, I will pounce on you like a roaring lion…then I will mend you, cradle you in my arms, and kiss you tenderly…’

Brennan Manning, Reflections for Ragamuffins

Fire in Our Bones

In the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, there are definitely seasons where it appears he has a tug of war with the Lord. In chapter 20, Jeremiah tells God that he is weary of the constant derision he receives daily, (Jer. 20:8). He actually accuses the righteous Lord of deceiving him in verse 7! Therefore, the silly, little prophet – like us, thought he could decide not to talk about the Lord anymore, just close his mouth due to derision and persecution. He believed he had a level of control on this ‘small god’ whom he served.

But if I say, “I will not mention His name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”

Jeremiah 20:9, NIV (emphasis added)

The NKJV puts it this way:

But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. (emphasis added)

I know it isn’t much different, but I love the word picture Jeremiah gives us of a burning fire in his bones! He desperately attempted to hold back, to stop speaking the prophecies which God had given him to speak, but the power of God so overwhelmed him that he experienced physical symptoms of fire in his bones and weariness in his body.

Change of Heart

Look what Jeremiah once again comes to realize by verses 11-12:

But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.

Lord Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.

Jeremiah 20:11-12, NIV

Our Mighty God

Oh, dear sister! Why does our God seem small, even impotent sometimes? Isn’t it because our ears are open to our enemies’ derision and lies rather than our Father’s words of truth and encouragement? Could it be because our eyes rest upon our failures, present circumstances, or the lives of others instead of our righteous, mighty Warrior who longs to deliver us?

I know that is true of me. Too often I bring the Awesome God of creation down to a human level and expect puny human things from Him when He is offering me the power and might of a resurrected life. God, forgive me.

May we be as Jeremiah was and be unable to keep the prompting of our Lord within us. May we answer His call and see His mighty works, whatever they may be for each of us.

Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

Jeremiah 33:3, NKJV

Too often I bring the Awesome God of creation down to a human level and expect puny human things from Him when He is offering me the power and might of a resurrected life. Click To Tweet

When the God we serve is a small, human-sized god, it isn't difficult to focus on our problems or on other people, but when He is big and mighty He is a fire in our bones. #faithblog #bigGod #spiritualgrowth

 

guille pozzi

talents, abilities, comparison, ministry, Oh Lord Help Us

Small: Turning Our Two Fish Into A Confident Ministry

Devotionals, Stay Sane

Comparing ourselves to others in ministry is very dangerous. It can stifle our ability to see the big picture. To have the confidence, our two small fish are just as important as five thousand fish.

We all know that comparison is a killer and a liar. It kills our confidence and lies about who we need to be. It doesn’t just happen in personal comparing, but it also happens in ministry. We all want to please God, and because we are human, we need constant approval. When ministry is succeeding and hearts are being changed, we feel validation that we are on the right track.

However, what do we do if our validation isn’t immediate? What if it is the long game? We don’t always see the work of the Lord right off, and we become discouraged. We feed the lie that what we are doing isn’t important or our talents are small in comparison.

Comparing ourselves to others in ministry is very dangerous. It can stifle our ability to see the big picture. To have the confidence, our two small fish are just as important as five thousand fish. #womeninministry #womenoftheword #spiritualgrowth

Small Dreams

My husband is a dreamer. He dreams so big! I, on the other hand, tend to dream small. The two of us make an interesting pair. Here he is dreaming about these elaborate future plans, and I’m totally cool with the way life is now. Sometimes, this can discourage me. I think, because I don’t have these dreams of grandeur, maybe his dreams are more important.

I tend to surround myself with people who have drive, goals, and energy. They are my opposite and make me feel complete…but I tend to also compare myself. Believing that I need to be like them, I try and try to dream big. To make my life big. I see God using them. Their talents, their prayers, their dreams and I think, “How can God ever use such smallness?” I’m not the greatest artist to live, I don’t have the most beautiful singing voice, I’m not the most social person, or the most eloquent writer.

Small Ministry

Ministry work can be tough. Especially if we have the mindset like I have with my husband. It’s hard enough to combat the enemy when we are in the trenches of ministry. Let alone, combatting the lies of comparison. There are those who have many talents and resources to carry out massive Kingdom work. Then there are those of us out of the spotlight, supporting in ways that are much smaller. It’s easy to say, “I don’t do it for my glory but God’s glory.” And, that’s true. However, it can sometimes feel like our work isn’t really that beneficial. It’s not that important. We really aren’t bringing much for the advancement.

I feed lies like this. ALL. THE. TIME.

“You’re so small.”

“Your talents are worthless.”

“What do you think you are doing?”

“You’re benefiting from someone else’s dream.” 

I was having a season where these lies were so loud. It was so hard to tune them out and the louder they got, the more I believed them. I decided I was through fighting these lies on my own. So, I hit THE book, to figure out what God says. I was perusing the Bible, when I landed on John 6. There’s that precious little boy with the 5 loaves and 2 fishes. He didn’t have much, but he had the perfect tools for Jesus to preform a miracle!

Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?

John 6:9, NIV

Nothing’s too Small

Without a doubt, Jesus would have found a way to feed the five thousand had the boy not been there. But, he was there with his little meal and Jesus used him in a mighty way. None of the glory went to the boy. All went to Jesus.

So, here’s our lesson: we offer up what we have, lay it on the altar, and ask Jesus to be glorified. It’s so simple, why do we make it difficult? He makes miracles out of the smallest things. There’s nothing too small for Him. We can have confidence our work has value, because God crafted each of us for specific roles in ministry.

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

2 Corinthians 3:4-5, NIV

Offer up what we have, lay it on the altar, and ask Jesus to be glorified... He makes miracles out of the smallest things. Click To Tweet

Small Ideas

Read the Bible to elderly folks at a nursing home. Sing songs to our children. Prayer is a small act, with massive results. Create tiny scripture reminders to bless others. Write an encouraging letter and send it snail-mail. It doesn’t take much to show others how GOOD God is.

I’ve really been evaluating what small quirks God has woven inside of me. I believe these are the tools he has equipped me with, to help advance the Kingdom. I would love to encourage you to evaluate your uniqueness too. These are your tools; your ministries. Live them out, find ways on a daily basis to breathe life into them. Allow God to take your two fishes and multiply them for His abundant glory.

Have you been comparing your Kingdom work against someone else’s? What do your two little fish look like? What are your unique ministries?

Comparing ourselves to others in ministry is very dangerous. It can stifle our ability to see the big picture. To have the confidence, our two small fish are just as important as five thousand fish. #womeninministry #womenoftheword #spiritualgrowth

Sophia Marston

community, friends, growth, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, ministry

Community: God’s Invitation into Spiritual and Personal Growth

Devotionals, Stay Sane

Having friends, working side by side toward a common goal is the definition of community. God gives us an invitation into His community helping us grow.

We went to the park today to play. My son wanted to have someone to play with but he can be shy in new situation. He tends to mirror play until someone invites him to join in. As soon as that happens, an invitation, he opens up. Laughing, running, smiling. As a mom that simple joy makes me so happy.

Invitation…

I think that is how our Heavenly Father is with us. He want us to find friends. Those who will invite us in and make us feel part of a community. I imagine when he sees us together, laughing, talking, loving each other, He is so happy.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

John 15:12-15, NIV

My husband, Phillip and I have tried several small groups over the years. Some have been good, some boring, some felt exclusionary, and some have tried too hard. All of them I think had good intentions and truly wanted to spread God’s love. But none of them felt just right for us. Some came close but none were the kind of fit where you just felt comfortable and free to be yourself.

Having friends, working side by side toward a common goal is the definition of community. God gives us an invitation into His community helping us grow. #community #friendship #spiritualgrowth

Finding community…

In the last year we have joined a small group that feels like family. There are a lot of us and we can be overwhelming when you first meet us. There are more kids in our small group than I have in my classroom. The first night we met everyone, Phillip and I weren’t sure what we had gotten ourselves into and were wondering how to politely get out. But very quickly we saw how much these people loved each other. They would do anything within their power to help each other out. When I need help someone is always willing.

We all come from different parts of the country, have a variety of jobs and interests, and everyone has a different story about how they came to know God. But God is our connection. He is our foundation that all our connected links start with.

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

Proverbs 27:9, NIV

We have had various members who have been sick, hurt, or have surgery in the last year and our group texts are quickly replied to: What can I do to help? Can I bring you something? We are praying for you. When you see all the outpouring of love and genuine support you are so uplifted and encouraged.

Occasionally someone needs help with a task. Picking up a washer and dryer, yard work, help with child care. Within minutes our team has agreed to help out and you know you can depend on them.

Growth…

This small group restores my soul, fills my faith and refreshes my love. For that I am eternally grateful that God placed them in my path. Because of them and other believers in my life, I am able to be mighty and sure when an unbeliever crosses my path.

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

Thomas Aquinas

Not that I agree exactly with Thomas Aquinas here, but I think it shows the struggle of speaking with non believers. It can wear you out. Last year our group volunteered with the Raleigh Dream Center. We went out and delivered food, fun and fellowship to an underprivileged neighborhood. It was awesome and exhausting.

I had a little boy tell me that his mom liked when those church people brought food but wished they would keep their praying to themselves. I must admit I am easily discouraged by such things. One of our small group leaders is just the opposite. Though she didn’t know that the little boy had said this, I saw her pray with every person she came in contact with, including that little boys mom. I saw the mom give a big hug to my friend toward the end of our time, even after she had prayed with her. These seeds of God’s love being planted create a new view of faith that comes in rushing waves. I am thankful to Him for the experience.

Your invitation…

I encourage you to find people who share God’s love and purpose. Yes we should bring Him to the unchurched and those who don’t have a personal relationship, but that can drain your spirit and make you question. Faith and grace are found in the midst of a group of believers who you share your life.

For where two or more are gathered in My name, there I am also.

Matthew 18:20, NIV

Faith and grace are found in the midst of a group of believers who you share your life. Click To Tweet

Dear God,

Thank you for family. Not just the family we are born into, but Your family of believers.

love,
me

Having friends, working side by side toward a common goal is the definition of community. God gives us an invitation into His community helping us grow. #community #friendship #spiritualgrowth

Hannah Busing

lament, fear not, joy, Oh Lord Help Us, ministry, Christian, women

Lament: Fear Not, Limitless Joy is Available in the Midst of Struggle

Devotionals, Stay Sane

Feeling sorrowful does not necessarily indicate lack of trust. Having a right understanding of God’s limitless power and love frees us to lament with hope. Joy is unshakable in the midst of struggle.

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

A great deal of life seems to play out in the valley of the shadow of death. As a matter of fact, I am currently in a season of darkness. Why not throw in the towel? How can I continue to take joy in the God of my salvation when following Him places me on the front lines of battle? Hope, for one; but not as an afterthought. Because flippantly telling someone to have hope in the midst of a trial is like telling an exasperated man “patience is a virtue.” Yes, thank you; I am aware.

Feeling sorrowful does not necessarily indicate lack of trust. Having a right understanding of God's limitless power and love frees us to lament with hope. Joy is unshakable in the midst of struggle. #lament #fearnot #limitlessjoy

Fear not…

It would be easy to fixate on my current heartache, but that gives birth to anxiety. However, God’s word has a lot to say in response to fear. Over and over in Scripture we are told to fear not. But it isn’t dismissive in nature like, why can’t you keep it together? I’m God, remember? No; He commands: fear not, and then tells us why we don’t have to be afraid.

FEAR NOT:

  • I am with you
  • I am the One who helps you
  • I have redeemed you
  • I am your shield
  • I hear you
  • I am working righteousness in you
  • I fight for you
  • I go with you into battle to give you victory
  • I am with you wherever you go
  • I give victory
  • Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord

Feeling sorrowful does not necessarily indicate lack of trust. Having a right understanding of God's limitless power and love frees us to lament with hope. Joy is unshakable in the midst of struggle. #lament #fearnot #limitlessjoy

Lament…

Notwithstanding, neither can I ignore or control the incapacitating sorrow weighing down my soul. I must lament. Because the act of lamenting faces me toward God. While in His presence I am able to share honestly all that grieves and worries me. Within His capable arms I can say: This is too much! I feel overwhelmed! Remind me of your faithfulness. Open my eyes to see where You are working this for Your glory and our good. Fight for us! Protect us. Help me to stand firm on Your promises.

When we act like we can handle our suffering on our own, we commit idolatry — acting like we are God, capable in ourselves. Lamenting is relearning our humanity. Lamenting is admitting that we can’t handle it, knowing we need God’s power, mercy, and grace. If we could handle our sufferings, we wouldn’t need Jesus, his cross, his power, and his resurrection. Lamenting is how we grieve as those who have hope.

J.A. Medders, Redeemer Church Tomball, TX

Limitless…

Relearning my humanity = understanding my limits. Finally, it is there I remember I belong to a limitless God. Furthermore, I can only dream of what God has prepared for the future. But even now, in His mercy, I am seeing collateral blessings rise up out of this dark valley. So I find as I rely on our limitless God, hope is catching like wildfire.

Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort…For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

2 Corinthians 1:7-10, ESV

Relearning my humanity = understanding my limits. Finally, it is there I remember I belong to a limitless God. Click To Tweet

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