January 2007
January 30, 2007
Ps 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.
But his (her) delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.
And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season, its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].
Every one of us longs for a good life; to be a "success". Too often we follow the world's map to get there. I want to remind you and myself that God's way is the way of peace, true success. Peace in the Hebrew is "shalom" meaning "nothing missing and nothing broken". Sounds pretty great to me! His way of living is the "win-win" ideal of all eternity.
With God's plan we win internally and externally. Inside we never loose the peace and confidence that comes from living according to His word. Never let doubt rip you off of this confidence. Externally we have the certainty of His intervention and blessing on our lives, because we live willing and obedient (Is 1:19) to His Word.
Stand firm in your faith today. And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external] and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. (Is 32:17&18)
This is what success is supposed to look like!
January 27, 2007
Proverbs 3:26
For the Lord shall be you confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger].
Isn't it awesome to know that God has got your back 24/7! As a wife and a mother, I have moments when I feel like the "mother bear"; always on duty. It has been a journey of trust to learn and know deep inside that God is able to keep my family and me in His care.
This world is full of trouble and danger and only the Word of God is a source of security and peace. Jesus said in John 16:33 "In this world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be c0nfident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you]".
Oh man! - did that verse embrace you? Read it again and again until you can see that HE is the Conqueror who is watching over and caring for you. Circumstances cannot touch the spirit within you if you will hold up the Word of faith. He is greater than anything you're facing. Be of good cheer! You will see the goodness of God in the land of the living (Ps 27:13) - if you stand still and look to Him.
January 24, 2007
Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?
Have you ever caught yourself making some unattainable check list for success? As a former prisoner of perfectism I have to really watch myself that I don't create a list of expectations above and beyond what I am called to be. Perfectionism is by no means related to godliness. One is an attitude and behavior of the flesh and the other is to have the attributes and actions of the Father. Big difference!
Lay aside human standards. God's Word gives us the insight and wisdom to live life to the fullest. He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness.(II Pet 1:3) His Word is full of insight for healthy living. Here are a few priniciples He gives to make life a wonderful place:
1. Do what is just. That doesn't mean we act as Judge. That part of the justice system is covered. It's about us controlling our decisions based on God's Word. Doing the right thing keeps your path and conscience clean.
2. Love mercy. Recognize that mercy is available to you - embrace it and love it. Thank God for it. Let it saturate your life. When your life is touched by mercy it's very easy to give it away to others. It's amazing how mercy lightens everyone's life!
3. Walk humbly with God. Very simply, be willing to walk through every circumstance giving honor to God and seeking His will for each relationship and opportunity. That takes humility and God has promised that it will bring great reward. Pr 22:4 The reward of humility and the reverent fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
January 21, 2007
Pr 18:12
Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor.
I promised you the second great piece of wisdom God has used to change my life; so here it is:
#2 If I will be myself, God will open doors of opportunity for me and show me what He's destined me to be.
For a very big part of my life I was an actress, playing whatever role necessary to be accepted. As I got older I realized the acting bit got tiresome - and the "pay" wasn't worth it. I never knew if people really liked me, because after all they didn't know the real me. (A fault that was no one's but my own). Have you done that? Acted the way you thought someone wanted you to act?
Years ago God stopped me and made me realize the truth: the only way I would ever find my "place" in this world was if I would be myself. He has created us for a specific purpose; giving each of us the personality and giftings to fulfill that purpose. Acting like someone else defeats the plan.
So how did I give up the "acting" career? Well, believe it or not, it's really about humility. God helped me recognize that His plan had plenty of room for me and my personality. I thought He would like me better if I was like "so&so". Turns out He liked me all along, just like He made me. When I humbled myself before God and accepted how He made me I was on my way to living, really living, my life.
You are uniquely, specifically designed to make a difference in this world. See and accept yourself like God does and you will find yourself free to give to others. You will enjoy God and human relationships so much more, just by humbly receiving God's plan as perfect; being yourself.
January 20, 2007
Pr 29: 25
The fear of man brings a snare but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord in safe and set on high.
I woke up this morning reminded by God of two pieces of wisdom that changed my life. I want to share them with you.
#1 It's not what other people think - it's what I think that shapes my life.
Now I know in print that looks pretty fundamental, but I have lived a great deal of my life hoping people thought well of me. It was a very heavy weight to carry around, and caused constant insecurity within me. After all, people's responses change depending on their mood or circumstances. It was a crazy cycle to live in. It was just like the scripture said "a snare" and it caused me to stumble many times.
This piece of wisdom is making the critical assumption that the right foundation is in place. Christianity is built on the truth which is all about what God thinks. Therefore obedience to God is our first priority.
In Proverbs 23:7 we read as a man "thinks is his heart, so is he". It doesn't say "as others think about him, so is he". Your life and my life are shaped by what we think. Do we think thoughts of life and peace about ourselves and others = God quality thoughts? Or do we live ensnared by thoughts of fear = the devil's inspiration?
Set your course! Look to God. Consider His thoughts, His precepts as right. Follow them and set your thought pattern to match it. Yes, it will take discipline and time, but God has given you His Spirit to enable you to do this. Ask God every day to fill you fresh with His Spirit. God calls the Holy Spirit "power from on high" (Luke 24:49). As you do, you will be amazed at the level of peace that floods your life. You will find forgiveness comes easier; releasing others and yourself. You will find you have more strength; what was previously wasted on worry is now ready for new use in a good area of life!
Make up your mind = Make up your life! Your life really isn't affected by what someone thinks, unless you subject/submit yourself to those thoughts. God's thoughts are already in place. Think on these things. (Phil 4:8) Think on things above and what you experience here below will resemble heaven on earth!
Wisdom #2 will have to wait for tomorrow.
January 15, 2007
Romans 8:28
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
When I was a little girl my Mom used to say "All Christians are missionaries." It was a principle that never left my heart. It was an "all hands on deck" call that created the passion for 'lifestyle ministry' I carry today.
Mentors of Ministry exists to inspire women to be ministers of God to this generation; not dependant on a traditional role or position but within all areas of life, living as candles, offering warmth and light to everyone. Whether at home, the store, church or the work place we must rise up to our "call".
The world is crying out for the love of God. Ministry is our response to their cry. The good life that we all long to live depends upon our willingness to partner with God. His message of reconciliation to the world requires "all hands on deck". Responding to the call and obeying God's plan for evangelism, brings confidence. He works with us and works on our behalf so that all things work together according to His plan for our good. What a great Father!
Want your life to turn out for the good? Work for and with God, wherever He may place you. You will see His goodness in the land of the living.
January 13, 2007
Zech 12:8
In that day will the Lord guard and defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and he who is [spiritually] feeble and stumbles among them in that day [of persecution] shall become [strong and noble] like David; and the house of David [shall maintain its supremacy] like God, like the Angel of the Lord Who is before them.
Do you want to pray with power? Do you want to pray, and know your prayers will be answered? I know I do! The most effective prayer on earth is the one that agrees with heaven. The most powerful prayer is the one that sees the heart of God (His will) and flows through the submitted heart of mankind.
The verse I've listed this morning is a great reminder to us, in our war-torn age, of God's heart for His people. God's heart is toward Israel. As Christians we need to keep our prayers focused on the apple of His eye - Jerusalem. As we pray for the peace of Jerusalem we have the confidence of knowing that we are doing what pleases the Father's heart.
I encourage you this year to make His heart your heart, His people your people, His will your #1 desire. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray the Word of God!
January 12, 2007
1 Cor 13:13
And so faith, hope, love abide [...love-- that true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three, but the greatest of these is love.
We live in a world of increasing isolation. As the culture shifts in this direction we need to be aware of some of the common results, such as becoming self centered rather that "body" centered (and I'm speaking to Christians of course). We know that the Word says that in the last days people will become "lovers of self". This shift is a response to media and lifestyle changes. It encourages physical and emotional disconnection. Common courtesies and social graces are cast off, considered to be too much effort. People begin to treat their pets better than their family and friends.
Now, I know this sounds like a Christian sociology class, and in a way it is. God created the best form of a society based on a Divine companionship, the family unit and the body of Christ. He created us for relationship and unless we follow His template for living the bottom line is: we will not be fulfilled.
The great news is it's never too late to press the "refresh" button of life. It's called love! God calls love the greatest thing on earth! Love is the secret to all happiness and success. It's the "mark" that signifies whether or not we are truly saved - the nature of God in us.
Therefore, let go of everything that divides; forgive and enjoy the freedom that it brings! Don't be suspicious and judgemental - those are heavy weights to bear. Instead trust God and love people! The result is a higher quality of life for all of us!
January 11, 2007
John 3:16&17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,.... (not to) condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
Have you ever felt condemned? Condemnation is to declare or sentence someone as being guilty. For all of time the devil has worked to bring a guilty charge against humanity. The whole purpose of Christ was to destroy the works of the devil. Christ made the way to freedom. For the believer, those in Christ, there is therefore no condemnation (Rm 8:1)
Mercy sees people free and treats them with that hope. Remember the mercy of Christ displayed to the woman caught in adultery? He addressed the reality that all have sinned. He silenced the condemning mouths and spoke these loving words "neither do I condemn you. Go and leave your life of sin." (John 8:11)
If Christ who is perfect can extend mercy, how much more should we, who can relate through our ability to sin, be willing to extend mercy to others? None of us is without the ability to sin. Therefore, don't condemn be Christian, like Christ, and hold up the light of salvation. May mercy be the trade mark of our lives!
January 10, 2007
Gen 3:1
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say....."
I strongly encourage you! Know, KNOW, KNOW what God said! Study the Word for yourself. Everything pertaining to life springs out of His Word. We MUST KNOW what God has said.
The best way for you and I to avoid a "fall" from deception is to instill a deep conviction of truth through a personal knowledge of the Word of God. Coupled with good teaching from the local church and encouraging messages available via the media, private study prepares us to live within the certainty of God's will and goodness.
Proverbs 31 tells us that a woman of God is capable, intelligent, and virtuous. God has made us capable to hear the Holy Spirit’s teaching, and given us the intelligence to hear and understand as we study scripture. Our virtue, or deep inner strength, is founded on the revelation we receive from Him. Success in life is absolutely dependant on our knowledge of the Word of God.
This year challenge yourself to study and know His Word. It will equip you for the challenges that lie ahead; it will protect you from the deception and every snare of the enemy.
Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
January 9, 2007
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean.....in all your ways acknowledge Him.
Today I've been thinking about this reality: I can't lean on God until I trust Him. I know that sounds simple but stay with me. In this busy world full of schedule's, appointments, deadlines, expectations, budgets etc. it can be very wearisome. At some point you've got to get the load off of yourself and rest. Physically we can't stay on our feet forever, we need rest! The more efficient we are at setting and following good rest patterns (including sleep) the better we function.
This verse in Proverbs tells us not to lean on our understanding, obviously meaning we are to lean on His. When you and I lean on God's understanding of life and the issues within it, our lives become meaningful, successful and most of all, peaceful! But we cannot lean on Him until we have chosen to trust Him. Trust is the pre-requisite of the privelege and pleasure of leaning.
How rested are you feeling? Are you weary? Would you like to "take the load off" and rest? Follow the wise words of David and take the pressure off yourself. Trust God with all the details of life. Choose daily to commit your way to Him and trust Him to lead you. He is called the "Good Shepherd". The Good Shepherd's goal is to lead the sheep to safe pastures. He communicates His will, leading us in a way that is understandable. You can trust Him for both the good plan and the direction to get there, so trust Him! Then, following His plan, you can rest and lean on Him!
January 6, 2007
2 Chron 19:11b
Act with courage, and may the Lord be with those who do well
As you begin to look toward this New Year there is a word of wisdom you must keep close at hand: "act with courage". In the Amplified version it reads "Deal courageously". God is always leading us in triumph, but we will only experience triumph as we follow Him. God doesn't always lead us into the familiar or the obvious. Many times following Him will require us to have the same kind of faith that Abraham had as he followed God into an unknown land.
Imagine how the Israelites must have felt following a pillar of fire and a cloud. They were used to traveling by the familiar, using land marks and stars to guide them and now... a pillar of fire? They didn't even have the bible verse "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Pr 3:5) They had to learn to follow God. As they surrendered to Him, He led them to the place of fullness and fulfillment.
God is still in the business of leading people into His promise. He is looking for those who are willing to leave the old behind and deal courageously. It takes courage to trust God. It's not for the faint of heart. God's plan is not to lead us in a trickle of provision. His plan is to lead us in triumphant procession (2 Cor 2:14). This is His promise.
Let us then live out this quality of life by living according to His Word. Let us "serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord." (vs. 9) and adding to our faithfulness, live courageously.
January 5, 2007
Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Psalm 37:23
If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm...
I love this time of year. I'm a big time goal setter. To have a time of the year dedicated to refresh resolution within me - got to love it!! Yet I have learned over the years that there is one perfect way - God's way! Any goal oriented person knows that success is the target. Therefore choosing the right path to victory is important! When I look to God for His plan for every area of my life today, tomorrow, next week, I set myself up for success. His way is perfect. (2 Sam 22:31)
There is a tremendous confidence and "groundedness" that comes from living life God's way. He always leads us in triumph and victory (2 Cor. 2:14). He has planned good things for us to enjoy and good works for us to do. He's the Master architect and engineer of life. Every desire we have for a great life is a natural desire to point us in the direction of His will. His path is always the best!
We have a promise from God that when we walk in His ways, the way that delights Him, He directs our steps and leads us on the path. He makes those steps firm, sure, certain. We can step out in the direction of His leading with confidence knowing that He is faithful to direct any wavering on our part and to steady any weakness as we walk with Him. He directs and makes the steps firm; therefore He deserves the glory for all the success.
As you look toward the New Year, dedicate your life, your time, your plans fresh to God and celebrate the fact that He is running along side you all the way!
January 3, 2007
Proverbs 31:25
Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future!
I love the Proverbs 31 women. The lady is a power house! She is noble and industrious; a happily married wife and mom, a successful business woman, a source of wisdom and encouragement to all who know her! She's amazing! I love it that God thought put aside a whole segment of the bible dedicated to honor great women and their influence! What a demonstration of His heart toward us!
I love verse 25 and its description of women. Strength and dignity belong to us because of the grace of God. In Psalm 8:5 we read that it was God that gave mankind the position of honor "You have made him a little lower that God and You have crowned him with glory and honor." God is all glorious and we, created in His image, have been created with a touch of His glory. Not for us to look inward and praise ourselves but rather for us to shine outward and bring life to the world around us.
Can you imagine how powerful an influence we would have if we lived out of this God-given position? So often people struggle with identity issues and reach for approval from others. You and I have already been fully validated and are loved and celebrated in the eyes of God. To seek the celebration of people is to set oneself up for disappointment. Proverbs 29:25 says "The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high." To revere (fear) man's opinion is a trap. Only God is qualified to be Judge and only God can give the approval that creates dignity.
Receiving our stamp of approval from God alone is the key to living in strength and dignity. People's opinions are always influenced by human preferences. Therefore opinions must be treated accordingly. Whether celebrated or tolerated by people we must look to God and obey Him. If we are to serve our generation with any kind of power, we must be willing to live off of God's approval alone. Only then will we be freed up to give out the grace of God to others.
Think of Jesus, if He had determined His call by whether or not He was celebrated, He would have stayed in heaven. The prophets of old would all have hid in caves and we would never have heard of them. Thank God these people were not moved by public or individual opinion.
The conclusion: Go where God tells you to go and be who God has made you to be. Shake off people's opinions. Don't be offended, forgive completely so that you are freed up to walk out the will of God, gracious, humble and unhindered. Drawing from God for all our acceptance and approval, we are empowered to serve our generation; we experience hope and joy today and have great expectations for tomorrow.
January 1, 2007
Happy New Year
2 Cor 5:17-6:2
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has commited to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For He says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
It was Paul who spoke these words, encouraging the believers in Corinth to receive the grace of God in order that they would be able messengers of the Gospel. It's critical to receive God's grace, forgetting what lies behind, receiving pardon, in order to press ahead in God's will for our lives.
God has great things ahead for each one of us, but in order to move forward we have to let go of sin. Romans 14:23 tells us that "everything that does not come from faith is sin." Wow! That covers a lot of territory. But no there is need to fear. God is so gracious. He knows our frame. He is constantly at work helping us to take hold of mercy. With His help, we are reconciled, embraced by grace, and set free to face the opportunities that await us. God mercifully helps us grow from the past into the future. He is continually our salvation.
I believe this year will be noted as a year of mercy and harvest. First mercy. As God's people embrace the mercy of God, repenting and fully receiving the gift of salvation, we will have lives marked by mercy. This mercy will transform the way we function in everyday life, specifically the way we see and treat people. This mercy will be demonstrated through acts of kindness and these acts will cause many to look to the goodness of God. The kindness produced by mercy will lead many to salvation. Many will glorify God for the first time this year.
Today is the day of the year when people embrace a new year, a new beginning. Praise God, in Christ every day is a new beginning, every day is a day of new mercies leading to salvation. In that light, throw off every hinderance; unforgiveness, disappointments, worry, rejection. Let go of the past and take hold of the future. God is drawing us, helping us. Take hold of His mercy, let it heal you so that you can live out, in full, the great life He has pre-planned for you.
"In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. (6:2)
