Category: Devotionals

To fully appreciate a gift, we need to understand the sacrifice of the giver. Likewise, to fully appreciate provision, we need to understand our need. 

If you ever receive a gift from me, you may not know it is from me. There is nothing noble here. It’s because I don’t ever think to put a card with it. In fact, at Christmas time I just write on the package with a Sharpie. I also don’t always wrap the present. It may just come wrapped up in a paper bag. I will try to put some tissue paper around it, but I make no guarantees.

This is because I am not a good gift giver. I think about it too late, and as all of you out there who love gifts know, the most important part of the gift is the planning involved. When a lot of thought has been put into a gift, it really is the thought that counts.

I also have come to realize that I need to work on gift receiving. In fact, I recently gave my mother-in-law an apology for my behavior in the past. See, gift giving is high on her love language scale (whereas it is my lowest), and it finally dawned on me that all the things I just brushed aside was her saying that she loves me! Yep, I was jerk. She graciously accepted my apology and said that we only know what we know at the time.

In this season of gift giving, we need to know how to show our appreciation. Some gifts have required sacrifice, and some gifts provide provision. We can appreciate both the diamond earrings and the skillet, even though they are very different kinds of gifts. A gift does not always require sacrifice, just as a gift is not always something we need.

Appreciate: Provision

The first Valentines Day my not-yet-husband and I celebrated was not one of his better moments. Or, at least this is how we tell the story. That year (our first year) he gave me a skillet. Not so romantic, right? But truth be told, it was a very thoughtful gift. I had just recently moved into my own home, and I did not have big skillet. Or much of anything, really. The skillet was full of spices, and herbs, and things to stock my shelves. He saw that I had a need, and he wanted to provide for it. We used that skillet for nearly 13 years!

We all have a need. It’s not for more money, or a nicer car, or a new position. Our need is for a Savior. Before we can truly appreciate the gift of provision offered, we have to see how desperate our need is. Without a Savior, we are dead. That’s a pretty big need.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins… But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us… made us alive together with Christ.

Ephesians 2:1, 4-5, ESV

I am the most despicable person I know. I can say this, because I only know my own heart. And let me tell you, I can be pretty awful in my thoughts. When I was a new mom, and hormonal, and exhausted, I saw who I was without a facade. I was not able to put up the nice-southern-girl front. Thankfully, I was able to see myself that in that way. Never have I forgotten how great my need was. I often would sing the hymn, “I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; every hour I need Thee.” My life was definitely hour-by-hour during that season.

Because I am able to see my need, I can appreciate the gift of provision. For both my Savior, and the skillet.

Appreciate: Sacrifice

Now, the part of the skillet story that usually gets left out, is that my not-yet-husband also wrote me a poem. It was sweet, and beautiful, and it was sacrificial because he was sharing a part of his heart. Over the years, my husband has written several poems for me, and has handmade many gifts. These are my favorites. I know that he could have gone to the store and purchased an item that was similar. But knowing that he takes the time to research how to make something, and then spend the time creating it, truly makes me feel special. It is the sacrifice that I appreciate.

All of us want to feel like we are worth spending time one, worth fighting for, worth sacrificing for. The beauty of this, is that it is true. God not only sent His son to provide for us, He sent His son to sacrifice for us. Only by His suffering, and taking our punishment, are we able to have this gift of being alive with Christ.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:17, ESV

Because I have this tiny glimpse of the sacrifice, I can appreciate the gift of grace given to me.

Appreciate: The Ultimate Gift

God is the ultimate gift-giver. By giving us Jesus, He demonstrated sacrifice, as well as providing for our ultimate need. The law of the old testament reveals to us our need. Only by recognizing our depravity, can we appreciate the provision. Only by recognizing the cross, can we appreciate the sacrifice.

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Attraction to people who have strengths that balance our weaknesses leads to healthy relationships and deeper community. Together, with our differences, we are whole.

The other evening I was enjoying a soul-warming cup of tea with a friend, and having soul-warming conversation. In our conversation I was explaining a bit about myself. I find that it can be helpful in new friendships to just lay it out from the beginning. This way, it is less likely to have unmet expectations.

I was sharing with her how I am a dive-in-head-first kind of person. If I have an idea that I am excited about, I just go with it, even if I have no clue what I’m doing. I much prefer to learn as I go. Somewhere along the way I have given myself permission to make mistakes, to quit if it isn’t right, and to refine as I go. But I also know that this can be dizzying to those around me.

My friend sat there smiling sweetly at me, and told me that she needed people like me in her life. Unlike myself, she tends to overthink her ideas and has been known to talk herself out of things. A wave of relief washed over me, because I need people like her in my life. Actually, looking back over my life, most of the people I surround myself with are quite different from me.

Attraction: Appreciating the Differences

My husband is my steady constant. He is the engine that keeps me going. When my crazy dreams start to become overwhelming, he reels me back in and reminds me to slow down. When I am thinking discouraging thoughts, he encourages me to push through. And when the day to day of my dream feels boring, he reminds me of the goal.

Most of my friends are quiet, and introverted. I crave their calmness, it comforts my heart. They are the wine to my coffee. When my mind is racing, they remind me of the course I am on. When I am feeling shaky, they remind me of my foundation. And when I have a new idea, they cheer me on by thinking of details I am probably missing.

Perhaps you are like myself, and enjoy life being one big adventure after another. I absolutely understand the addiction to adrenaline and the power of endorphins! You and I would have it no other way. It does get exhausting though, doesn’t it? This is why we need calm and constant surrounding us.

Perhaps you are the steady constant one. Let me assure you, you are a strong support system for those around you. But your weakness may be that you find it difficult to move forward. Knowing this about yourself, you can be intentional about having those people in your life to push you out of your comfort zone. It is uncomfortable to take those steps, but this is where the most growth happens.

Attraction: Finding Strength for Our Weaknesses

When we know who God created us to be, we can be confident in our strengths. We don’t need to apologize for being who we are. But it’s not only our strength that we can be confident in. We can also be confident in our weakness. When we know our weaknesses, we can pull from the strengths of others. This is community. This is the body of Christ.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7, ESV

Think about the people in your life. Do you find that they balance you, or do you find yourself in competition? Attraction to people who are opposite typically occurs naturally. But it is also wise to be intentional in the relationships we pursue.

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Azka Rayhansyah

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, December can be a restless month for many. We long to return our souls to rest. How can we calm our hearts in the midst of all the busyness?

It’s December, y’all!

Are you relishing in the cooler weather, holiday traditions, and pretty lights? Maybe you’re more like me with a rush of adrenaline accompanying this month and the feeling that no matter how you try to prepare for the busyness you still always feel caught off guard by it.

Either way, it’s here along with the hustle and bustle, Christmas cookies and school plays, family visits and visiting family. This time of year is supposed to be one of peace and joy. Yet so often it’s easy to be short tempered and on edge with places to go and deadlines to meet that leave us always going to the next thing.

We want to slow down and enjoy this season and remember our Savior, but the to do list is daunting. It appears nothing can be cut from it. Let’s face it. December is just plain busy and exhausting!

You guys, I get it. December sneaks up on me every year. I know it’s coming, but somehow, I’m never ready. My husband works for a shipping company which means, of course, this is their busiest time of year. He’s always working, and we always miss him. Our daily schedule is at the mercy of his daily changing work schedule. The lack of consistency and family time wears on us all. Each year I think I’ll be better prepared, though each year I find myself blindsided, unable to breathe in the midst of the busy.

How do we balance keeping the obligations and traditions that are necessary and important while still finding rest in the middle of the business?

Return: Speaking to Our Soul

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple;
When I was brought low, He saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest;
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

Psalm 116:5-7, ESV

When I need to breathe again, I often go to this passage. Here, the psalmist speaks to himself. “Return, O my soul, to your rest.” As the psalmist did, I must also speak to my own soul. I must reach into my hurried heart and speak the reminder “return to your rest.”

Where does this rest come from? What provides rest to weary, busy souls?  The rest comes in remembering the Lords work.

Return: Rest For the Restless Days

Before speaking to his own soul, the psalmist spoke to God’s work in his life. God is gracious and righteous. He is merciful and preserves the simple. When the psalmist sunk into the depths, God saved him. He reminds his soul of this. Yes, soul, “the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” That is where his soul finds rest…in the bountiful work of his God, his Savior.

Following the example in this passage, I speak to my own soul. “Soul, rest in His work. God has dealt bountifully with you. He is faithful. The Lord keeps His promises always. He saved you and called you Daughter. Return, O my worn and weary soul, to your rest. He will refresh you.”

This time of year, we remember and celebrate the birth of Christ. When we see the images of our Savior in the manger, that God-man in infant form, let us speak to our souls. Let us remind our busy minds and distracted hearts of the ways this child King has dealt bountifully with us.

As we sing Christmas carols of infinitely precious truths, let them be reminders to our souls of His gracious care of us.

While we are out and about going from one place to another to attend to our family’s holiday schedules, let us keep with the example of the psalmist and breathe, speaking truth to our souls and finding rest in the restless days of December.

Dear one, return, you precious soul, to your rest, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

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The need to control our lives is consuming and results in feeling anxious. Once we recognize the source of the anxiety, we can eliminate it.

On my quest to run a marathon in all fifty states, I found myself in Delaware. Up until a few years ago I honestly had no idea where Delaware actually was, or how small it actually is. Even on my way to the country’s First State, I did not know I would be crossing the Chesapeake Bay. HOLY MOLY!!! That was the most stressful bridge crossing I have ever done.

Something you may not know about me. I have, just a few, irrational fears. These include cockroaches, anything that stings, escalators (although this one has improved), and long narrow bridges. Fly-over bridges on the interstate make my head spin and bridges over water make me light-headed. All I can think about is how little there is to protect me from flying off the bridge (remember I said “irrational”), and wonder what they do if there is an accident. I mean, seriously, there is no shoulder. How would help get to me if that person riding my rear pushes me into the side!

Ok, take a deep breath…

Taking a deep breath is what I do when I recognize I’m being consumed by anxiety. When I’m anxious, I barely breath (hence the light-headedness). I become a little ball of intense energy. Taking deep breaths while I’m running is preferable, that is the best way to process my nervous energy. But there are things bigger than crossing bridges in my life that bring anxiety.

I can feel anxious about my marriage, my children, my dreams.

This is because I have no control. And neither do you.

Control: The Source

Recently, I was listening to a sermon from NorthPoint Church in Atlanta. The speaker made the comment that the opposite of anxiety was humility. This left me furrow-ing my brow, but he quickly explained. We feel anxious when we are trying to control things in our lives that we actually have no control over. We are prideful to fret like we do. We pretend to have control. We pretend to be God.

Acting like I’m God is pretty arrogant.

As much as I hate to admit it, I cannot control my spouse, my children, or my dreams. I can, however, control my response to circumstances. It is fully in my control to hit my knees in prayer when life is crumbling around me. It is in my control to submit to the Lord’s goodness and trust Him.

The Lord says: Let not the wise man bask in his wisdom, nor the mighty man in his might, nor the rich man in his riches. Let them boast in this alone: That they truly know me, and understand that I am the Lord of justice and of righteousness whose love is steadfast; and that I love to be this way.

Jeremiah 9:23-24, TLB

Control: The Solution

This does not mean that we sit idly by. It means we pray. And pray. And then pray some more. It means we focus on the task in front of us. Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge was stressful. So, I turned off the podcast I was listening to, had both hands on the wheel, and kept my eyes on the car in front of me. It was tempting to look to the side; I wanted to take in the sights around me. I knew, however, that in doing so I would begin to feel the panic set in. Focus was necessary.

I am still reading through Draw the Circle, by Mark Batterson. Repeatedly, he makes the comment, “Work like it depends on you. Pray like it depends on God.” Therefore, I communicate and encourage my spouse, praying for the specific struggle we are in at the moment. I train and nurture my children, praying that they will have a deep faith and relationship with Jesus. I work diligently and well on my dream, praying for God to grow it as He sees best.

Then I breathe, knowing that I love a God who loves me fiercely. Because I know this, I know I can trust Him. I can trust Him with all those important things in my life, as well as the seemingly insignificant things!

…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6, ESV

Final Thought

Please know, I am aware that these are minor situational anxieties. I by no means want to minimize the struggle of people who deal with anxiety disorders. Please, do not hesitate to seek help from professionals. I think there are times that our anxieties are a result of faith issues, but it would be foolish to give someone with a disorder a prescription of “just pray about it” or “you need to trust God more.” Medication can be extremely beneficial, as is professional counseling (speaking from experience). Take care of yourself, dear lady! 

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Owen CL