God, family, friends. These are my priorities - in order. Or are they in order? Anytime I think about or write down my priorities, I put them in this order. I always put God first because I know that that is the arrangement that my priorities SHOULD be in.
I would like to think that if it came down to it, I would choose God over everything else in my life. I long to please my Savior by living a life that reflects the fact that He is my very top priority no matter what the situation may be.
However, sometimes, I fail to live my life in a way that shows others that God is my top priority. In fact, I often get all of my priorities mixed up. I can't say that I haven't put my family at the very top of my priority list nor can I say that I haven't put my friends first in a situation where God was clearly calling me to boldly stand up for Him.
Think about these examples:
1) How often do you get up and leave a very juicy gossip session because you know that God is disappointed that you are taking part in such a situation?
2) How often do you remind your children as you disciplining them that not only have they made you unhappy but they have also grieved the heart of God?
3) How often have you and your spouse decided not to go out with a group of friends because they are seeing a movie that goes against everything that you believe in?
4) How often do you get up and have your quiet time with God before you make breakfast, lay out clothes, and get ready for work?
I must confess that I have found myself in all of these situations. So often, I worry what others will think instead of remembering that the only person that I truly long to please is my Father in Heaven. God loves us so very much and longs for us to live a life that is pleasing to Him and will ultimately result in our lives being a living sacrifice for Him.
Luke 12:34 says, "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be."
So, where is your treasure?
Is it in what others think of you?
Is it in how much money you have?
Is it in the job promotion that you have worked so hard for?
Is it in your spouse?
Is it in your children?
Or can you truly say that your treasure lies in knowing that your Heavenly Father is pleased with the way that you live your life each and every day?
We cannot help but put our focus on the things that we love the most. It is our nature as human beings. Therefore, if we love Jesus more than anyone or anything that is here on earth, we will not be able to turn our focus away from Him. On the other hand, if we love anyone or anything more than Jesus, we will turn our focus from Him and place it on these things.
Think about these things as you go about your daily routines today. Remember, that God is your treasure and ask Him to help you to turn your focus toward Him rather than toward worldly things that will not bring us any eternal reward. For if our focus is on Him, all of our other priorities will fall into place.
Some Things to Think About:
1) What are your priorities based on the way you live your life and not based on the order that they should be in?
2) What are some things that you can do to make sure that God is your top priority?
3) How you can you live your life in a way that makes it evident to others that God is your top priority?
Words of Worth:
"Those who fear the Lord are secure; He will be a place of refuge for their children." Proverbs 14:26
"Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:6
"Your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of Heaven your primary concern." Matthew 6:32
"Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." Luke 12:34
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
God's Promises
"Look,Mommy!" my oldest son said as we walked outside Tuesday evening. "A rainbow!"
As I looked up at the sky, there was a perfect arch of the most beautiful colors. It stretched all the way across the blue sky and it seemed as though God had placed it in the sky just for us.
After I put the children to bed that evening, I began to think again about the beautiful rainbow and all it meant to me.
As we all know, the events of this week were very difficult to take in. I was searching God's heart and asking Him many questions, most of which started with, "Why?"
As I stared at that beautiful arch in the sky, I couldn't help but remember what a rainbow means to us as believers. You see, God gave Noah the rainbow as part of a promise. It was to serve as a reminder to mankind that He would never again destroy the Earth with a flood.
However, in this moment, I believe God was reminding me of some of the other promises and truths that are part of His Word.
The first promise is that His grace is enough.
God's grace is sufficient for all of us. It will cover us and get us through even the most trying of situations if we will only allow Him to do so.
2nd Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness...". His power is made perfect in our weakness. I don't know about you, but I have felt pretty weak and powerless this week. But in that weakness, God's power is made perfect. He can take our weaknesses, hard times, troubles, and struggles and give us the grace to make it through. His grace is enough.
God's Word also promises that He is the God of mercy and comfort.
2nd Corinthians 1:3 says that "He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us." We serve a merciful God that will give us comfort even in the most uncomfortable situations. He can bring peace and life if we will just let Him in.
Finally,I believe that God wants us to all remember that He is faithful in keeping His promises.
God does not waiver. He does not change His mind. His ways are perfect and His promises secure. We do not have to wonder if God's promises will change from day to day or whether He will keep the promises that He has made. We can believe and stand firm in knowing that His promises will not be broken. Hebrews 10:23 says "Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep His promise."
Times like these are never easy. God knows that we are going to have questions, fears, and doubts. However, He also knows that the only way we can have any of those questions answered, fears relieved, or doubts erased is to come to Him. Don't be afraid to ask God the hard questions. He already knows you are thinking them and longs to compassionately and lovingly help you get through even the most difficult of situations.
Something to Think About:
1) Is there an area in your life where you could really use God's grace, mercy, and comfort?
2) Do you believe that His promises are true and that He is faithful in fulfilling them?
3) Do you believe that His grace is enough and that it will carry you through even the most difficult of circumstances?
Words of Worth:
"Though He brings grief, He also shows compassion according to the greatness of His unfailing love. For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow." Lamentations 3:32-33
"He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
"Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep His promise." Hebrews 10:23
As I looked up at the sky, there was a perfect arch of the most beautiful colors. It stretched all the way across the blue sky and it seemed as though God had placed it in the sky just for us.
After I put the children to bed that evening, I began to think again about the beautiful rainbow and all it meant to me.
As we all know, the events of this week were very difficult to take in. I was searching God's heart and asking Him many questions, most of which started with, "Why?"
As I stared at that beautiful arch in the sky, I couldn't help but remember what a rainbow means to us as believers. You see, God gave Noah the rainbow as part of a promise. It was to serve as a reminder to mankind that He would never again destroy the Earth with a flood.
However, in this moment, I believe God was reminding me of some of the other promises and truths that are part of His Word.
The first promise is that His grace is enough.
God's grace is sufficient for all of us. It will cover us and get us through even the most trying of situations if we will only allow Him to do so.
2nd Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness...". His power is made perfect in our weakness. I don't know about you, but I have felt pretty weak and powerless this week. But in that weakness, God's power is made perfect. He can take our weaknesses, hard times, troubles, and struggles and give us the grace to make it through. His grace is enough.
God's Word also promises that He is the God of mercy and comfort.
2nd Corinthians 1:3 says that "He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us." We serve a merciful God that will give us comfort even in the most uncomfortable situations. He can bring peace and life if we will just let Him in.
Finally,I believe that God wants us to all remember that He is faithful in keeping His promises.
God does not waiver. He does not change His mind. His ways are perfect and His promises secure. We do not have to wonder if God's promises will change from day to day or whether He will keep the promises that He has made. We can believe and stand firm in knowing that His promises will not be broken. Hebrews 10:23 says "Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep His promise."
Times like these are never easy. God knows that we are going to have questions, fears, and doubts. However, He also knows that the only way we can have any of those questions answered, fears relieved, or doubts erased is to come to Him. Don't be afraid to ask God the hard questions. He already knows you are thinking them and longs to compassionately and lovingly help you get through even the most difficult of situations.
Something to Think About:
1) Is there an area in your life where you could really use God's grace, mercy, and comfort?
2) Do you believe that His promises are true and that He is faithful in fulfilling them?
3) Do you believe that His grace is enough and that it will carry you through even the most difficult of circumstances?
Words of Worth:
"Though He brings grief, He also shows compassion according to the greatness of His unfailing love. For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow." Lamentations 3:32-33
"He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
"Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep His promise." Hebrews 10:23
Friday, April 13, 2007
Wait and Seek
Patience. Sometimes, I feel like I have absolutely none. So often, I get angry and frustrated because:
* The elderly woman at the grocery store has lost her credit card, so I have to wait three more minutes in line.
* My three year old doesn't do EXACTLY what I asked the FIRST time I asked it.
* My husband did not bring home milk even after an e-mail, phone call, and note left on his dashboard.
* God has not answered the prayer that I was sure was in line with His will.
All of these situations allow me the opportunity to choose my reaction. The first reaction is one of patience and understanding. The other is the reaction that is all too familiar, one of anger and frustration.
Webster's Dictionary defines being patient as "bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint."
How often can we say that we do that? How often do we endure pains or trials without complaining?
One of my favorite scriptures is Lamentations 3:25. "The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him."
Did you catch the wonderfully good part? It seems as though we would all long for the Lord to be wonderfully good to us. So why in the world is it so difficult for us to wait and seek Him?
Because we live in a right here and right now kind of society. We don't have to wait for much and when we do have to wait, we are not happy about it. Think about it...
1) What if you wait and seek Him before you complain about that elderly lady in line and instead reassure her that you are in no hurry?
2) What if you wait and seek Him before disciplining your children in anger and instead discipline them in love?
3) What if you wait and seek Him before getting frustrated with your husband and instead thank him for the groceries that he did remember?
4) What if you wait and seek Him before becoming angry at Him for not answering your prayers right away and instead give Him the opportunity to work out His good and perfect will for your life?
Wait and seek...Really, it's not that complicated. Patience is simply a matter of waiting and seeking God. Seeking God's heart in a situation can make a huge difference in our reaction. It can turn an otherwise frustrating moment into a moment of learning and obedience.
Think about some situations in which you seem to be the most impatient. Is it with strangers? Your spouse? Your children? Ask God to give you patience and a heart that is willing to wait and seek Him in all situations.
Something to Think About:
1. What are some situations in which you have a difficult time being patient?
2. What trials and pains have you complained about lately?
3. Is there something that has happened recently that could have had a different outcome if you would have chosen to wait and seek?
Words of Worth:
"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1
"When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience." Galatians 5:22
"The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him." Lamentations 3:25
* The elderly woman at the grocery store has lost her credit card, so I have to wait three more minutes in line.
* My three year old doesn't do EXACTLY what I asked the FIRST time I asked it.
* My husband did not bring home milk even after an e-mail, phone call, and note left on his dashboard.
* God has not answered the prayer that I was sure was in line with His will.
All of these situations allow me the opportunity to choose my reaction. The first reaction is one of patience and understanding. The other is the reaction that is all too familiar, one of anger and frustration.
Webster's Dictionary defines being patient as "bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint."
How often can we say that we do that? How often do we endure pains or trials without complaining?
One of my favorite scriptures is Lamentations 3:25. "The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him."
Did you catch the wonderfully good part? It seems as though we would all long for the Lord to be wonderfully good to us. So why in the world is it so difficult for us to wait and seek Him?
Because we live in a right here and right now kind of society. We don't have to wait for much and when we do have to wait, we are not happy about it. Think about it...
1) What if you wait and seek Him before you complain about that elderly lady in line and instead reassure her that you are in no hurry?
2) What if you wait and seek Him before disciplining your children in anger and instead discipline them in love?
3) What if you wait and seek Him before getting frustrated with your husband and instead thank him for the groceries that he did remember?
4) What if you wait and seek Him before becoming angry at Him for not answering your prayers right away and instead give Him the opportunity to work out His good and perfect will for your life?
Wait and seek...Really, it's not that complicated. Patience is simply a matter of waiting and seeking God. Seeking God's heart in a situation can make a huge difference in our reaction. It can turn an otherwise frustrating moment into a moment of learning and obedience.
Think about some situations in which you seem to be the most impatient. Is it with strangers? Your spouse? Your children? Ask God to give you patience and a heart that is willing to wait and seek Him in all situations.
Something to Think About:
1. What are some situations in which you have a difficult time being patient?
2. What trials and pains have you complained about lately?
3. Is there something that has happened recently that could have had a different outcome if you would have chosen to wait and seek?
Words of Worth:
"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1
"When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience." Galatians 5:22
"The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him." Lamentations 3:25
Friday, April 06, 2007
Worry = Unbelief
"I'm just a worrier." I don't know how many times I make that comment each week. Day after day, I confess the fact that I worry, I'm a worrier, worrying is what I do best.
I often talk to women that seem to have this same take on things. We worry about so many different things that sometimes we don't even remember what we are worried about. I always laugh at how ridiculous my worrying is when I find myself thinking, "I was just worried about something...what was it?"
When I really focus on the things that I worry about, I realize that worry is simply a form of unbelief. For example,
1) When you worry about your finances, you are not believing that God will meet all of your needs.
2) When you worry about your children, you are not believing that God has a good and perfect will for their lives.
3) If you worry about something that you have done, you are not believing that God is a God of forgiveness and mercy.
Worry stems from unbelief. It is a lack of faith in the God that has always been faithful.
Phillipians 4:6 says, "Do not worry about anything, instead, pray about everything."
Here are some advantages of praying instead of worrying:
1) Worrying will not change anything but prayer can change everything.
2) Worry brings destruction - prayer brings healing.
3) Worry will not add a single moment to your life but prayer can bring eternal life.
There are obviously many more advantages to praying, yet as Christians, we continue to worry, worry, worry. Why can we not just let it go and let God have it? Because we want to be in control. Somehow, in our crazy little worlds, we feel that if we are worried about it, we are somehow controlling it. The reality is that if we are worried about it, IT is controlling US.
I want to encourage you today to let go of whatever it is that worrying and controlling you. Lay it at the cross and leave it there. Take it to God in prayer and allow Him to take care of you just as He has promised.
Something to Think About:
How often do you worry during the day?
What worries are controlling you right now?
How often do you pray about what is worrying you?
Think about the things that worry you. How are they related to unbelief?
Words of Worth:
"Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything." Phillipians 4:6
"Can all of your worries add a single moment to your life?" Matthew 6:25
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you." 1 Peter 5:7
I often talk to women that seem to have this same take on things. We worry about so many different things that sometimes we don't even remember what we are worried about. I always laugh at how ridiculous my worrying is when I find myself thinking, "I was just worried about something...what was it?"
When I really focus on the things that I worry about, I realize that worry is simply a form of unbelief. For example,
1) When you worry about your finances, you are not believing that God will meet all of your needs.
2) When you worry about your children, you are not believing that God has a good and perfect will for their lives.
3) If you worry about something that you have done, you are not believing that God is a God of forgiveness and mercy.
Worry stems from unbelief. It is a lack of faith in the God that has always been faithful.
Phillipians 4:6 says, "Do not worry about anything, instead, pray about everything."
Here are some advantages of praying instead of worrying:
1) Worrying will not change anything but prayer can change everything.
2) Worry brings destruction - prayer brings healing.
3) Worry will not add a single moment to your life but prayer can bring eternal life.
There are obviously many more advantages to praying, yet as Christians, we continue to worry, worry, worry. Why can we not just let it go and let God have it? Because we want to be in control. Somehow, in our crazy little worlds, we feel that if we are worried about it, we are somehow controlling it. The reality is that if we are worried about it, IT is controlling US.
I want to encourage you today to let go of whatever it is that worrying and controlling you. Lay it at the cross and leave it there. Take it to God in prayer and allow Him to take care of you just as He has promised.
Something to Think About:
How often do you worry during the day?
What worries are controlling you right now?
How often do you pray about what is worrying you?
Think about the things that worry you. How are they related to unbelief?
Words of Worth:
"Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything." Phillipians 4:6
"Can all of your worries add a single moment to your life?" Matthew 6:25
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you." 1 Peter 5:7
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