March 2008
March 30, 2008
Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
I love the way God created women with such noble purpose; He has made us capable of great things. The Bible contains records of many great deeds done by women of faith, given to inspire us to live courageous lives bringing salvation to others. I like to remind myself that these stories often account for moments within the life of any given women; a small time frame made visible within the years of her life.
Our lives are very much the same; we may have heroic moments but overall we really live out ordinary days. Even ordinary days however become noteworthy when they are lived out with love and kindness for others. Everyday we can live with a noble purpose - to shine for Christ. In a negative world positive people really shine. Think about it... don't you just love to be around someone who encourages you and believes the best about you? It's refreshing - like a cool drink of water. The kindness of God is us is the most refreshing gift available today.
Let your life radiate the wisdom and kindness of God. Everyday heroes are in demand. Rise and shine - you're the woman for the job!
March 28, 2008
Ezekiel 16:14
And your renown went forth among the nations for your beauty, for it was perfect through My majesty and splendor which I had put upon you, says the Lord God.
Right in the middle of Ezekiel 16 is a verse that captivates the story of Israel. The entire chapter reveals the account of Israel's redemption and rebellion. It's a story that depicts the nature of mankind; "prone to wander, Lord I feel it." (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Robert Robinson, 1758). Despite how weak and alone you may feel, despite your own failures - God has touched and beautified your life. He has raised you up to be a light to those around you. With His power you are able! Let your fire for God burn in passionate gratitude for all that He has done. He has made you beautiful and alive in Christ. Shake off the feelings that are contrary to His Word - Rise up and shine! You belong to God.
Isaiah 60:1 Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you - rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
March 25, 2008
Proverbs 4:26 & 27
Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil.
When I woke up yesterday and began to set my heart for the day ahead I noticed my vivid imagination had kicked in full throttle. I saw two very distinct roads in my mind. The first road was a dark barren wasteland; like a black and white photo of bleak existence. There was absolutely nothing hopeful along that highway. It was the path of doubt, fear and unbelief.
The second road was in Technicolor - beautifully green and lush as it climbed narrowly upward. It was clearly less traveled and though it looked a little difficult to follow, it was magnetic. All along the path, as far as I could see there were promises, blessings and beauty. I don't mean anything to do with materialism - I'm talking real treasure. I could sense God leading me to take this path but it required trust.
Everyday you and I face the choice to trust and lean on God or our own experience. When we walk with God - we may not feel like we know the next step but if we will trust in Him we can still walk with confidence. He is ordering and establishing every step that we take in faith. I encourage you; consider the path that you are choosing. Don't let fear or doubt lead you astray. Though you may have to push past fear - trust God and lean on Him. He will not let you fall.
March 17, 2008
Hosea 10:12b
...seek the Lord ...till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rain His righteous gift of salvation upon you.
Spring is just around the corner here in Michigan and after a long, white winter the ground is finally visible again. With the warming weather and the recent sunshine I've noticed several signs of hope in my garden; perennials popping up through the bleak brown soil. It won't be long and that barren garden will be overflowing onto the walkway - full of flowers and foliage.
There are seasons in life that seems very cold, gray and barren. It can be tempting to question whether we will ever see the sunshine again. In those trying times it is so critical to prepare for hope - clear the way and look to God. When we press through the pain, the questions, the fears - when we open ourselves to the hope of God's Word the results are as beautiful as a spring time garden. His love and wisdom shine into our lives and everything springs to life. He rains down His grace over us and salvation takes over.
Seek God and expect beautiful things to happen - that's the way He works.
March 13, 2008
Hosea 10:12b
Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor...
Inside each of our hearts are places that have been hardened by the sorrows and sarcasm of life; maybe it's the regrets of the past or the injustice that surrounds us. Whatever the cause, these places are resistant to the hope that God extends to us - out of His wonderful love. He daily patiently awaits the moment when He can plant a new seed of hope within us - He waits for us - lovingly. He waits for the open door - the willing heart.
Though it may be painful to press into the hardened soil, the refreshing rain of God's goodness will soothe your soul - you CAN trust God. Listen to His call for your trust - your heart. Stretch out those war-torn scars and seek God for the healing and comfort that awaits you. He is present to save and heal your heart. His great love for you - His favor - will prove to you, over and over, that you can trust Him completely. Break up the uncultivated ground - entrust every broken, hidden, hardened place in your heart to God.
March 12, 2008
Hosea 10:12a
Sow for yourselves according to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); reap according to mercy and loving-kindness.
Life is very much like a mathematical equation, in order for there to be balance we have to recognize our part and God's part. Our part of the equation comprises of our willingness and obedience to live according to God's Word. Human logic would suggest that right behavior is the means to our blessing however, we don't reap according to our actions. All of our righteousness is no more than filthy rags when they are held up in the light of God's greatness. No, we reap all of the goodness of God's blessing based on His mercy and loving kindness.
Our part of the equation never changes - we live to please and honor God. His part of the equation is also changeless - He is good and our lives are full of His blessing because of mercy and lovingness.
March 8, 2008
Isaiah 32:20
Happy and fortunate are you who cast your seed upon all waters [when the river overflows its banks; for the seed will sink into the mud and when the waters subside, the plant will spring up; you will find it after many days and reap an abundant harvest]...
It's one thing to do right when the sun is shining - it's quite another to do right when a storm is raging. Are you in the middle of a storm? Are the flood waters rising? Everything look out of your control? It's the perfect time for planting! Okay - I'll admit nobody feels like planting in the dark but whether it's the words we speak, our attitude, or the generosity we display for the needs of the others - it's always planting season - snow, rain, or shine!
God promises us that if we will trust Him and remain hope-full, we will see the seeds we planted in the storm eventually spring up into a harvest. I encourage you - no matter what is causing the flood waters to rise - keep your hope set on God, look to the harvest and keep sowing! God is faithful - His Word will prove true in your life - if you just keep pressing on!
March 5, 2007
Exodus 33:18&19
And Moses said, I beseech You, show me Your glory. And God said, I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, THE LORD, before you; for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy and loving-kindness on whom I will show mercy and loving-kindness.
Matthew 7:7&8
Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.
I won't deny it - I am an incurable, curious adventurer and truth be told I often find myself frustrated because of what I don't know, what I have not yet attained - instead of content with what I do know and where I am presently. I find myself stuck in the reach position mentally, spiritually and emotionally; striving for the next mountain. If I'm not careful I can allow that "go-getter" attitude to completely distract me from perhaps the most beautiful experience of life - dependency on God.
The reality is the most significant elements of life are not attained by the sweat of the brow or the strategy of the mind; the sweetest element is the gift given from Almighty God to the one reaching up - in surrender. The gift includes so much: God's presence, His peace, His wisdom, and the contentment of knowing He is here, continually. Today, as I read these scriptures I stop myself and my work to say - "Show me Your Glory. God, You are everything to me - Show me Your Glory."
March 3, 2008
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage of worthy purpose].
As I write this today I can't help but think of my closest and dearest friends; women who are truly excellent in heart. I would not be where I am today had it not been for these women who exemplify an excellent spirit. They have inspired me to raise the bar high and to believe that I could reach it. Women who chose to be different in speech, in attitude and action; I have lived a privileged life knowing such women.
When we live fully surrendered to God allowing His character to be developed within us, it doesn't just change our lives, it changes the lives of those around us. It begins with a life lived in devotion to God and spills over as a fragrance that entices others to live abandoned to Christ.
I encourage you to live a life full of all the excellencies of God: grace, mercy, loving kindness and compassion. Fill up on His nature and inspire others to live a life of worthy purpose.
March 1, 2008
Proverbs 15:4
A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit.
Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
Our words are so significant - they were meant to be used with the same wisdom displayed by God; bringing life and salvation. This week, consider the influence God has given you in your home and community as you weigh the value and purpose of your words. Don't let anything useless, empty, negative or destructive come from your mouth, but rather speak words that exemplify everything God stands for - life & love.
Psalm 49:3 My mouth shall speak wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.
