Women to Women: Sharing Jesus

See, I Am Doing a New Thing!

2010-03-22T13:51:00.000-05:00

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19

How thrilling to see signs of new life peeking out of our recent snow. Not even our eight inches of the weekend snowfall can deter spring from bursting forth. Our mighty God has set the seasons on due course and spring will prevail. After our long, harsh winter, I'm ready for new life!

One of my favorite things about where I live is how we can see the changing seasons. Each is so distinct, and each is always clothed in the most beautiful of colors--the deep, rich, earthy hues of fall; the glorious greens of summer; the dazzling displays of ice and snow; and the magnificent display of spring colors that shout praises to our God for the new life, the new ways He creates for us.

God is doing a new thing! Our creator is always up to something new and fresh. Our only problem is that sometimes we don't perceive it. If we are not looking carefully while being keenly sensitive to His Spirit, we might miss what He brings to us. When the busyness of life overwhelms, our eyes are usually focused on all that WE have to do and we may be missing what GOD is already doing.

Have you sensed God leading you into new territories, new beginnings, a fresh start in your life? Have you felt trapped in the gray, winter-weariness of your routines. Are you missing something new that God wants to do in your life? You can rest assured that God has been busy--even in the midst of some of our sunless days--to bring about opportunities for you to bask in His glorious, life-giving Light. He calls each of us to something new everyday and in every season of our lives. Oh, I do pray that you won't miss what He is doing in your life!

He has been busy in my life and in the lives of all our Women to Women writers. None of us could have guessed a little over a year ago when we started Women to Women all that God would bring into our lives. We've shared with one another personally more about those life-changing events in our lives than what we have posted here. Over the last year we have developed a strong and lasting bond as we encouraged one another and prayed for each other. We have been blessed so much by our 170 faithful followers and our over 13,000 guest visits. Many of your comments have blessed us and our readers equally--some even being challenging and encouraging devotions within themselves. What fantastic followers to grace our site!

Now, we are all seeing God doing something new in our lives. In very different ways, God is calling each of us to new opportunities, new ministries, new direction in our lives. And as any obedient disciple must do, we each must follow where God is leading. God is breaking through some snow in our lives to display the brilliance of a new plan. And we are all excited about His faithful hand that guides us because we rest assured that His plans are always for our good.

I know that God is calling me to new endeavors. I've taken on several new ministries at my church and I know there are a number of ways I could be of more help to my pastor husband. My immediately family is seeing changes, and I would love to spend more time with those I love, those who need me. I won't speak specifically for our other writers, but I know from their discussions with me, that God is up to new things in their own lives too.

So for this season, we are closing Women to Women. That decision comes not from inactivity here, but from God's amazing activity in other areas of our lives. We can't thank you enough for sharing this journey with us, for opening your hearts to all who would come here for refreshment. You have amazed us with your thoughts and we pray that as you have shared in this ministry, God will show you the fruit He has shown to us.

I'm ready to brush off this snow, and pick some fresh flowers in God's lush garden of possibilities. I invite you to look where He is moving, to acutely perceive the new thing He wants to bring into your life.

Thank you for blessing us...thank you for coming here to share YOU with all our guests, thank you for your continued prayers for all who have walked with us as we exalted Christ together. It is simply with a new voice and a new song that we will sing!

Blessings over your day...and the new thing God will bring your way!

Diane Noble

My Times Are In Your Hands

2010-03-03T21:35:00.002-06:00

Written by Diane Noble

My times are in Your hands...
Psalms 31:15

Such a simple, but profound verse! Do we believe that God has ordained our days, and that He holds each of them in His hand? And if we believe that He does, what impact should that have on the way we live them?

Psalm 139:16 says, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Before we even started breathing, God ordained the day we would begin. And He has already ordained the day we will breathe our last breath. Does this thought frighten or comfort you? Does it make any difference to you as you rise up and begin your day, or when you close your eyes at night?

God holds our days and our nights firmly in His grasp. If He cares deeply enough to hold them...to hold us...then He surely cares how we go about each and every day. In thinking about the implications of this verse for my own life, I have determined the following:

If God ordained each of my days, then each has specific purpose. My days are not a random chain of events, nor or they directed by whim. God has given them to me with intention. And I believe He desires to show me each day what He would have me do with everyone of my moments.

If God ordained each of my days, then each is a precious gift. They don't belong to me...not really. While given to me to enjoy, to live abundantly, my purpose is to live them for Him. In essence, I am to give each one back to Him. So I must start each day saying, "Thank you, Father, for the gift of today...how would you like me to use it?" Do you think if you ask God that question, He will answer you?

If God ordained each of my days, then each is to reflect Him. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, or if it will even come. I don't know what opportunity given today to reflect Christ will be removed forever from the rest of my days. I am compelled to shine for Him every moment I have.

If God ordained each of my days, then each is safely guarded. Why should I worry? At the end of my days, I will be transformed into an eternal being. Time for me will not cease...it will only really begin when I cross over the threshold of this temporal life. If He has every single day ordained, marked out, secured just for me, then doesn't it stand to reason that He will guard every one of them? Will they end before He is ready? Will someone foil His great plan for my life? Unthinkable! My Sovereign Lord holds every day in the palm of His hand. No one can snatch me, or my days from His mighty grip. How utterly freeing is that?

God gives us each of our days, and He takes us through every season of our lives. Through every storm, we are strengthened. Through every long night, He is our Light. Through every heartache, He is our comfort. Through every maze, He is our compass.

Through moments, through seasons...He is our God. He holds us now, and He will hold us when time is no more. Hallelujah!

A dear friend recently gave me this poem written by her daughter-in-law several years ago. What a heart this woman has to live every one of her ordained days in praise and service to her King. I trust it will bless you like it did me! The poem is based on Ecclesiastes 3.

In everything, there is a reason and a time to every purpose under Heaven.

Lord, You know my time, my reason, You know my purpose.

Share with me.

A time to be born - let me live.

And a time to die - to myself, my pride.

A time to plant - let it be seeds of love.

And a time to pluck up that which is planted,

To share with others your bounty.

A time to kill - my hate, my greed, my pride.

And a time to heal - quiet my aching heart.

A time to break down - my selfish barriers.

And a time to build up - those around me.

A time to weep - for the times I let You down.

And a time to laugh - for the happiness I find in You.

A time to cast away stones - to turn away from the things that bring me down.

And a time to gather stones together-to draw close to the things that strengthen me.

A time to embrace - to show my love for others.

And a time to refrain from embracing - to share, not to force.

A time to get - thank You for my blessings.

And a time to lose - that I may grow.

A time to keep - the lessons I have learned.

And a time to cast away - memories that have hurt me.

A time to rend - tear me away from the past.

And a time to sew - mend the damage that I may have done.

A time to keep silence - Help me Lord!

And a time to speak - fill me with Your words.

A time to love - let it be Your love.

And a time to hate - all that is not of You.

A time of war - let me be willing to fight for you.

And I time of peace - give me the peace that passes all understanding.

There is a season and a time to every purpose under Heaven.

Let the purpose be YOU and the time be NOW!

---written by Jackie Lou Russell

Unexpected Gifts

2010-02-21T11:24:00.000-06:00

Written by Edith Greene

Through the last few weeks, I was given so many gifts. None came wrapped in pretty packages adorned with ribbon & bows. In fact, some were given and were not really noticed; they were perhaps a little more obscure. Each gift was unexpected. Each gift was given. Yet, each gift could be treasured only if it was recognized and received.

Let me share with you just some of the gifts that I received:

A list of monthly promises for the year: I looked at them this week – January's promise was God’s presence – “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Heb 13:5)” Have you felt God’s presence this past month? His promise does not end just because we have flipped the page on the calendar. His presence will go with us through this month also.The promise for February is for God’s protection – “I am your shield” (Gen 15:1) Ps 121 says, “The Lord watches over you… the Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore”. No matter what comes our way during these next weeks, we can be sure that God is watching over us – He is our shield. What a wonderful assurance to know that we don’t have to fight all our battles on our own strength – He is our shield – He protects us from danger – He protects us from evil in ways that we won’t even realize

Friends: those who walked with me as I faced uncertainty, loss, or unspeakable joy Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” What a treasure we have in these kinds of friends!

Beauty in nature: Did you see the moon in the night lit sky at the end of January? What a picture of stunning beauty. Even though most of us would not see it, God still chose to pour out His splendour and glory across the star-studded sky.

Grace: given in the form of forgiveness… answered prayer… strength for the moment… James 4:6, “But he gives us more grace.”

Music: lyrics that lifted me when I was discouraged; words that expressed my love for God when I couldn’t seem to find the words to adequately say what I was feeling

Scripture: words that flooded over me as a healing balm when my world seems turned upside down. I was standing at the bedside of my mother-in-law in her last moments and our pastor began to read some verses of Scripture. I have never before sensed such an incredible peace flood over me as I soaked up the words he read. What an incredible gift in a moment of deep sorrow.

These are just some of the unexpected gifts that I received these last weeks. I am grateful that God showers us with blessing – He gives and gives and gives – even in the midst of loss, He continues to shower us with blessing. Usually, I’m too self-absorbed to even realize how much I am given. Nevertheless, when I push the “pause button” long enough to turn my attention to Him – to notice what He has given – I am humbled by His lavish love poured out on me.

Questions to Ponder:

If you were to take a few minutes to reflect over the last few weeks, what gifts have you been given?
Which one of those gifts was like a healing balm for you soul?
In what way will you share with others the impact this gift has had on you?

Little Bunny Foo Foo versus the Bushel Basket

2010-02-06T13:18:00.003-06:00

Written by Peggy Sue

Little Bunny Foo Foo

Hopping through the forest

Scooping up the field mice

And bopping them on the head.

Harassment versus hiding . . . are these our only choices? I know most of you are probably familiar with that little ditty from childhood. The headlines might read "Mythical Bunny Harasses Local Rodent Population". I'm sure some of us know Christians who use their Bible to thump people over the heads, coming in with a complete frontal assault that leaves the recipient bewildered and upset.

Then there is the bushel basket approach. "I am saved and I am going to treasure my light but keep it well hidden because . . ."—well, there could be any number of reasons. "People will think I'm not politically correct, not tolerant." "I'm not eloquent." "I'm not brave." "I'll lose friends."

These two images, the bunny and the bushel basket, came to mind as I was reading the commentary about a woman whose spouse fell from a powerful position, and how she handled the subsequent upheaval with dignity, grace and aplomb. But there was one statement in this article that struck me like a hammer blow. As they were describing this woman's strong abiding faith, the article emphasized her low-key public approach to her beliefs and used this quotation from an acquaintance, "You could be friends with her for 20 years and she would never bring up the religious stuff."

That's what Christian faith is to many people in this fallen world, just 'religious stuff.' 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJ) says, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Perishing . . . they are perishing. If I am truly friends with someone, if I care about the fallen world, would I care enough about eternity to speak of Jesus Christ? To talk about what He has done for me and what He can do for them? Is that what I would want said of me, that I lived a life of deep, abiding faith, but we were friends for years and I never mentioned it?

Jesus told us to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). You don't accomplish this mission by keeping all that 'religious stuff' to yourself. Every day we live on this earth, whether the end of the world is a millennium away or a decade, we move one step closer to the final judgment. Do I care enough about my friends to share my faith so they don't end up in the lake of burning fire, condemned to eternal darkness, eternal separation from God? If I believe that then yes, I will bring up that 'religious stuff' with my friends and those I care about.

All you have to do is share your story. You don't have to be a Bible scholar, pastor or missionary, and you don't have to use a baseball bat or bop folks on the head. Nothing is more powerful a story than what Jesus has done for you personally. "I was lost and Jesus found me. My life changed." Invite friends to church, invite them to a Bible study. The worst they can do is say no. The worst you can do is to never ask. So there is just one question for this particular devotional . . . what would your friends say about you?

Questions for Your Response:

What hinders you from openly and freely sharing your faith with those you know are lost?
What makes it easier for you to share your faith? Maybe your method can help someone who struggles in sharing her faith.
Is there a difference in living your life before others as a testimony and verbally sharing your testimony?

Never Give Up!

2010-01-24T17:03:00.000-06:00

Written by Carin Orth

Growing up I was in Sunday school every Sunday. I loved the Bible stories my Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Bauer, would teach. That was back in the days of the flannel graph board… do you all know what I am talking about? I know I am showing my age… times were different then. One of the stories I found so fascinating was the account of Elijah in the books of First and Second Kings.

Here is a condensed version of Elijah’s story from I Kings 18 and 19… he was a prophet of God. There was a three year drought in Israel. God provided for Elijah with water from the brook and food from the birds… not bird food either but meat and bread! After the water from the brook dried up God sent Elijah to a widow and her son to provide food and water for him. The lady’s pantry was empty… she only had enough food left to make one biscuit for her and her son before they would starve, but Elijah told her if she would share her food with him the Lord would not let her flour and oil go empty until the drought was over. She did as she was asked and God did as He promised.

God then sent Elijah to meet with King Ahab. This is the part I find so fascinating… Elijah challenged King Ahab and the people of Israel to a “cook-off” of sorts. They each had a bull to sacrifice… the prophets of Baal called Baal, a false god, to start the fire under their meat on the altar, but of course there was never a spark… no matter how loud Baal’s prophets cried… Baal failed them. Elijah set up his altar, poured water on the wood and around the altar… twelve barrels of water! Elijah called the Lord to start the fire and immediately God sent fire that burned up the sacrifice and the altar and even scorched the ground around the altar… God did it in a big way! God did as He promised.

Queen Jezebel wanted to kill Elijah after his demonstration of the power of God, proving the God was the true God, so Elijah went into the wilderness. By this time Elijah was feeling tired and weary and just wanted to sit down and die, but God was not done with him yet. An angel from God came and baked a cake (Is that known as angel food cake?) for Elijah to eat not just once but two different times. Elijah received strength from that food… enough strength for forty days. Once again God did as He promised.

Time after time Elijah saw the great miracles God did yet he still felt like just giving up. I will admit I have those moments too… times when I would just like to hide under the covers and not face the world. We may not see the same kind of miracles Elijah did but everyday God gives us our own miracles, both big and small. Like Elijah we become so wrapped up in our own fears and concerns that we forget what God is doing in us and through us and what He has promised to do.

“Remember the word and promise to Your servant,

in which You have caused me to hope.” - Psalm 119:49

Are you feeling overwhelmed or discouraged by circumstances in your life? Are you forgetting what God has already done for you? In these tough economic times it is hard sometimes to keep looking up. We need to shut the news off and let God speak to us His Good News… as Christians we are not allowed to give up. God has so much He wants to do through those times of weakness. Let your strength and hope be in the Lord.

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you,

for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’

Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my weaknesses,

that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” - II Corinthians 12:9

I hope this is a bit of encouragement to you, my sisters in Christ… remember we are in this together… resting in His Promises, Carin Orth

Think about it:

1)   Do you ever feel like giving up? What do you do to keep yourself from giving up?
2)   Share one of God’s promises you hold dearly?
3)   Read Matthew 6:25-34
4)   Meditate on Philippians 4:19

Lessons Learned (I Hope)

2010-01-18T12:39:00.001-06:00

Written by Christy Junge

This past year has been very eventful for my family. At the top of the event list was a move from Alabama to Tennessee. Moves are always very stressful events, add to that stress trying to sell a house in the worst economy we’ve seen in years, and you have a real recipe for an ulcer!

As is always the case, when those trying times in our lives come, God uses them to teach us a lesson. The lesson that I learned was to pray about EVERYTHING!! People kept telling us that we were crazy for moving during these economic times, and that we would never sell our house. We said God can do anything…and we prayed. I prayed like I had never prayed before, everyone we knew prayed, and long story short, we sold our house in four months. We sold it at just the perfect time to be able to buy our house here in Tennessee. The interest rates were at their lowest, and the people we bought our house from had just dropped the price by a huge amount, so we were able to get a much better house than we ever thought possible. God knew what He was doing, and had the plan all along. I still thank God every day for the blessings he bestowed on us.

Once we got moved, and things calmed down, I began to question myself. Why don’t I pray about everything like I prayed about selling that house? Why don’t I pray for my husband and children with the same fervor that I prayed for that house? Why don’t I pray about finding God’s will for my life like I prayed for a mere material possession that could be gone in a moment? So I determined that I was going to start praying with more fervor about the things that are truly important like my family and my spiritual life, but I also determined that I was going to start praying about everything, even the “little” things. Ephesians 6:18 tells us “And pray in the spirit on ALL occasions, with ALL kinds of prayers and requests…” It doesn’t say some occasions, and some requests, it says ALL. 1 Thes. 5:17 tells us to “Pray without ceasing” and Phil. 4:6 tells us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” How often do we put God in a box? We think that certain things are not important enough to bother God with, or worse, we think that we can handle things on our own. I don’t know about you, but that’s when I really get into trouble. I have come to the conclusion that I can handle NOTHING on my own, and if I try, I will completely mess it up!

So this brings me to the actual story that I wanted to share with you. I needed a new car, mine was old and worn out, but as is the case for most of us, finances were an issue. In the past, I would have put this in the “I can handle this myself category” and not bothered God with such a trivial thing. Then I would have proceeded to find a car I liked, that cost way too much money, taken out a big loan, and then complained for the next 5 years about paying that loan! In my new endeavor to bring everything to God, and really seek His will before doing anything, I began to pray. I looked for several months off and on at cars, each time praying before I went that God would show me His will, and work it out if was meant to be, and not let it happen if it wasn’t meant to be. Each time something didn’t work out, I took that as God’s will, and just kept waiting. After a few months, we got a call from my Grandfather that at the age of 95, he had decided to get rid of his car. This car was the proverbial “only been driven to church on Sundays” car, and even though it was older in years, it was almost new in miles. Still I kept praying that God would work it out only if it was His will. Wouldn’t you know, He did. I ended up with a much better car that I ever dreamed, at a price I could actually afford. Isn’t it amazing what God will do if we will seek His will, and then are willing to wait on His timing!

Matthew 7:7-8 says “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Does this mean that we will get everything we ask for? Certainly not, but God does promise that when we truly seek His will, He will reveal it to us. Sometimes the answer is not what we want to hear, it may be no, or it may be wait, but I have been shown over and over that beyond any doubt, God always knows best. If we are willing to let Him, He will provide for us in ways much better than we could ever imagine! Take some time truly seeking Him today, and see what blessings you will find!

Food for thought:

1) Do you pray about everything, or just the “big” things?

2) Do you pray as much about the truly important things in life as you do about the material things of this world?

3) And here’s the hard part…Are you willing to wait on God’s answer? His timeline rarely matches up with our own, how many blessings do we miss because we are too impatient to wait on Him?

4) And finally, and this is another hard one, Are you willing to accept God’s answer if it’s not what you want to hear? We must always remember, God knows best, if His answer is no, He has a reason for saying no, and we must trust Him.

The Best Laid Plans

2010-01-06T17:58:00.005-06:00

by Jane Haas

Once there was a couple from the east who planned an extensive, month-long camping vacation to sightsee through all the national parks west of the Mississippi River. They packed their Jeep with luggage filled with clothes and coolers filled with water and food. They connected and programmed their GPS unit. They secured their bicycles on the bike rack. They packed their binoculars and cameras in their backpacks. They had all the necessities—flashlights, tent, sleeping bags, water jugs, matches, insect repellant, and more. Their goal was to see Mt. Rushmore, then Yellowstone, and then continue their journey, seeing all the beautiful parks before returning to show and tell their students God’s awesome creations in the Fall.

The couple overcame a few challenges along the way including a flat tire, a hail storm in the mountains, and a visit to the ER because of a spider bite. They focused on the adventure of seeing new sites, bicycling in mountainous settings, and meeting people from all over the world. They enjoyed their trip despite the bumps in the road. Before leaving the Grand Canyon, fellow campers warned them to avoid one of the highways in the southwest because of a massive rock slide. Listening to that warning, the couple changed their route and eventually returned to the east without any bad consequences. They thanked the Lord for their adventure-packed journey, and for His better plan He revealed for their vacation.

Have you ever had your plans go awry? Or not according to your schedule?

Let’s look at a journey made long ago, recorded in Matthew 2:1-8. In the year or two after baby Jesus was born, the magi from Arabia (astronomers, magicians, scientists) had studied the skies and “saw His star” (Numbers 24:17), a miraculous event, a best laid plan straight from God Himself! The brightest star that ever appeared in the sky was a sign pointing the magi to a true “epiphany” or revelation. The magi packed what they needed, remembering to include their best gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the newborn King. They saddled their camels and left their homes to follow the path led by the bright star. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they visited King Herod to inquire about the new King’s location. Herod’s chief priests directed the magi to Bethlehem, since the prophet Micah had written that the “ruler who will shepherd My people Israel” would come from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).” Herod’s plan, when he sent the magi to Bethlehem to find the newborn king, wasn’t to worship Jesus—it was to kill Jesus. Herod feared that his rule would be challenged! He didn’t want any other king invading his territory. He hoped the magi would let him know where little Jesus and his family were. But God had a better plan!

The magi continued their journey, as recorded in Matthew 2:9-11. The brightest star guided the magi from Herod’s throne room to the house where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus lived after they left the stable in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. God led the magi to “rejoice exceedingly with great joy” and they “fell down and worshiped Him.” God revealed to the magi that Jesus was more than an earthly, human king. He was God made Man, the King sent by God as the Savior of all humankind. The magi gave King Jesus their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

On each January 6^th, some Christians commemorate the Festival of Epiphany, the revelation/appearance/manifestation of God made Man in Jesus—God’s showing King Jesus to the non-Jewish people through the visit of the magi.

God’s best laid plan included keeping Jesus safe, as recorded in Matthew 2:12-23. God warned the magi in a dream not to return to Herod to let him know where Jesus was. By keeping Herod in the dark about Jesus’ location, God’s plan allowed time for Jesus and His family to travel to Egypt. After Herod’s death, God’s plan included the family’s move to Nazareth, where Jesus grew up and later began His ministry.

What does this mean for you and me? Day by day, we don’t know where God is leading us. Maybe we’re challenged with the loss of a job. An illness. A broken relationship. Fear and self-doubt. Grieving the loss of a loved one. Financial hardship. Or a flat tire when we really needed to be somewhere! Amid all the negatives, we can always be thankful for God’s blessings in our lives, especially His living Word! One thing is for sure: God our Father loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to be born for us, to grow up to die on the cross for all our sins, to come alive on the first Easter Day, so that we don’t have to pay for our sins. He has done it all for us! We can be sure that God is always with us, and that His plans are always for our good.

God’s plans for you and for me: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). What better plans could there be for us?

God’s desires for you and for me: “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to You. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD … (vs. 12-14). As you listen to God, what plans and desires do you hear Him telling you? How can we become even better listeners and followers of His Word?

The birth of Christ fulfilled God’s promise of a ruler from Bethlehem, a shepherd for His people. What a wonderful plan our heavenly Father has for us, as sheep of His flock and as children of His family!

Read and reflect: Matthew 2; Micah 5:2; Ezekiel 34:23; John 21:15-17

A prayer starter: Dear loving heavenly Father, You love me so much that You gave Jesus as a Savior for me! You’re with me every day, leading me and showing me Your paths. Help me to pray with Jesus, “Your will be done,” and help me to follow where You lead. Your plans are best for me … Amen.

Jesus Wept

2009-12-28T18:39:00.003-06:00

Written by PeggySue

When I was young I enjoyed reading the Little House series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I am enjoying reading through them again with a new audience, my seven-year-old daughter.

In one of the books, Laura's Sunday school teacher gives her a verse to memorize, the 'shortest in the Bible.' Although the book doesn't identify it, it has to be John 11:35, which in NIV translation is "Jesus wept."

Laura was embarrassed because she had learned much longer verses at her mother's knee. However, in the Bible, it isn't the length of the verse but the meaning behind it that matters. As Laura grew into adulthood these memorized verses gave her great comfort in times of trouble or sorrow. As you grow in your walk, this, the shortest verse of the Bible, should grow in your heart because there is no shortage of tragedy or sorrow in our world.

We hear of random shootings on military bases, in office buildings or on college campuses. A woman I met told of her first pregnancy ending at 35 weeks with a stillborn baby. Another family lost their toddler-aged son, a healthy child who developed a sudden fever on a Friday and was gone the following Monday. Cancer, car accidents, heart attacks--I often don't know what to say, how to comfort. My heart is weeping inside for these terrible losses.

The subject of John chapter 11 is Jesus' friend Lazarus, his death and Jesus' miraculous healing of this friend. But before he performed His miracle, when Jesus encountered Mary and Martha's grief --He wept. Filled with all wisdom, able to say words of comfort that probably would never enter my mind, He didn't sit down and deliver a sermon. Jesus grieved alongside of his friends. Jesus wept.

Jesus knew what was going to happen next in that chapter. He knew that he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. John 11:41, "So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.'"

Yet even with that knowledge, in His deity, Jesus reaches out to us. He understands us. He grieves, He cares, He loves you. Jesus has a plan for your ultimate resurrection, just as He did for Lazarus. This is a hope we cling to in troubled times. But before we get to heaven and when we grieve, Jesus is there. That is the beauty of Jesus' life here on earth coupled with His deity, He knows all about our human condition, the frailty of our lives and our struggle to believe, and He weeps with us.

Jesus wept. Can you feel the weight and power of those two words alone? Can you feel the love that those two little words communicate? I hope you carry those two words with you when you face times of trouble and remember that He is standing there with you feeling your pain and sharing your sorrow.

I look forward to the day it speaks of in Revelation 21:3b-4 "They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." But until that time comes, when sorrow knocks at your door, remember that Jesus is right there alongside you.

Questions to ponder:

What verses have you memorized that give you comfort in times of sorrow?

Has there been a time of sorrow in your life when you felt Jesus come alongside you?

From our experiences with sorrow, how are we supposed to help others in a similar situation?

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T13:38:00.003-06:00

All the team members of Women to Women just want to wish our readers a special Merry Christmas! May the Light of the world brighten your Christmas celebrations and usher in a glorious New Year for you and your families.

We thank you, our loyal readers, for how you have blessed us this year and we look forward to how God will lead us all in 2010.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...
from all of us, to all of you!!!

No Room In the Inn

2009-12-16T10:30:00.013-06:00

Written by Diane Noble

We know the story well. Caesar Augustus issued a degree that a census was required--an accounting of all the people. So everyone had to travel to their home town to register. Joseph started out with Mary, his very young betrothed bride to his hometown, Bethlehem, to register. Mary was expecting. I've never been able to comprehend how that must have felt...making the three-day trek, probably on the bumpy back of a donkey and being days away from delivering her baby.

I remember a 20 minute ride once over hill and vale being very much with child. It was miserable. At the end of the trip, I was attended by a room-full of clean, knowledgeable medical experts who bustled around the room to meet my every need.

Mary and Joseph were probably slowed on their journey by her condition. I can almost hear her saying..."Please, Joseph! Not so fast!" When they finally arrived, Mary needed rest. I've often wondered how she could even walk after managing to lumber off the donkey. She desperately needed a warm, clean bed.

I cannot fathom arriving at the hospital and being turned away. The thought never entered my mind. Somehow I knew that if I could make it that far, everything would be ok. Mary didn't have that luxury. Her husband-to-be went to the inn-keeper probably in near desperation...and in effect, the door was closed as they stood there. There was no room in the inn.

Where they went next is a bit of a mystery. We simply know from the story that Mary delivered her baby boy in a manger, the feeding trough of cattle. I've seen feeding troughs, and they are a far cry from my hospital room. Alone, with only the man who would be her husband. She didn't know him intimately yet, so even he was somewhat a stranger. And here she was in a cold and dirty place, with a man she didn't know that well, about to give birth. Can you imagine? No room for a girl barely older than a baby herself and very pregnant. No room for someone so far from home and in such great need. No room for the Savior of the world. No room anywhere.

People were hurrying and scurrying to make their way into Bethlehem. No one took notice of the young pregnant girl. They were intent on finding their own room. I notice people hurrying and scurrying everywhere at Christmas time, intent on getting to the best sales, staying up half the night (or the whole night), buying gifts that are in popular demand. I've watched some shoving and pushing as people made their way into those lines. No time to waste, no room in the line. No room in their hearts.

We have been given a priceless gift. God incarnate, who came in flesh to shed His light that we might see His love, His truth, His grace. He came that we might take this gift into our hearts, and through that gift reach out to others and offer what we have received to them. During the very season we should be reaching out, opening our hearts, sharing what we have received, we often are closed. No room for Jesus today. I have shopping to do, presents to wrap. Hurry, we're late for the play. No time, no room for Jesus.

Later today, I'm going to a couple of the nursing homes here in town. I just want to make a little room in my heart this season to reach out in Jesus' name to someone else. The gift in my hand will be very small, but I have a feeling it will feel huge in their hand. When I sit down with these elderly--most of them ill or infirmed, often forgotten and locked out of their families' lives--I have a feeling they will welcome an open door to someone's heart. And maybe, just maybe as they peer inside, they will see my Savior. And I pray that they will make room enough in their hearts for Him too.

I Don't Want to Be a Sluggard!

2009-12-08T17:09:00.003-06:00

Written by Cheryl Moody

These past few weeks I have been busy running around in circles and getting very little accomplished. I have been trying to keep several balls flying in the air at once and not one ball has been successfully staying in the air. Yesterday I met with my sister and cousin for out weekly time of prayer for our children and husbands. I timidly asked if I might extend a personal prayer request. I expressed that I was becoming overwhelmed with my responsibilities and the more I tried the less I was getting done.

My cousin asked me, “Are you seeking God’s instruction first thing every morning?” Ashamedly, I was not. I was so busy that when my day would start at 6:00 a.m I just jumped into the pool of life head first before checking to make sure that the pool actually had water in it! It hurts your whole being when the pool you just jumped into is empty!

Later as I went about my day, feeling uplifted about the wonderful prayer that was extended to God on my behalf, I thought more and more about the plans I had chosen for each and every day and God reminded me in Proverbs 19:21 many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. God does not have a problem with me making plans for my day but He is in charge and sometimes He changes my plans to suit His will. And sometimes, He needs for me to understand, He will not make me get my housework done, take the dog on the trail for a nice brisk walk, do that 45 minute workout, get those orders of cards and tags done for the store, complete the time schedule, make lasagne, get the laundry done, visit my grandmother, call and encourage a friend, prepare a devotional, prepare a bible study lesson………spend time with HIM! That has to be a decision that I make to actually do these things.

I was talking to the Lord this morning and I said “Lord I understand that it is my choice to get things accomplished and to spend my time wisely and productively, but I am glad that I have you beside me offering me wisdom and instruction as I go about my plans. But again, I am the one that has to make the choice to seek your wisdom and instruction every day. As I continued to read Proverbs 19 God led me to a verse this morning that I seriously don’t recall ever reading before in my life. But this verse just assured me that every thing I felt He was trying to reveal to me was correct. Proverbs 19:24 the sluggard buries his head in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth! So, I am like…WHAT…so I grabbed the Matthew Henry Concordance and looked this piece of scripture up. - Indolence (laziness) when indulged, so grows upon people, that they have no heart to do the most needful things for themselves.- Wow, I was a sluggard when it came to seeking God’s direction for my day. When I neglect to seek God first thing every morning, I have seen how quickly my productive day goes down hill!

As I was spending that much needed time this morning with the Lord I took the extra time to jot down my thoughts about my time with Him. God just reminded me…….you have now just completed the devotional you have been too busy to prepare, you now have a good start on your bible study lesson, see what happens when you spend time with me!

As Christmas is fast approaching, time will seem to speed up, responsibilities will heighten, and stress levels will go up; how will you start your day? Who will you seek for instruction? Will you choose to be a sluggard?

May God bless your day, Sisters!

Cheryl (God and I on the Railroad Tracks )

Thy Fount

2009-11-29T15:26:00.004-06:00

I'm so excited to welcome a new guest writer to Women to Women! Michelle Bradford is the author of Weekly Gardener's Meeting devotional, a freelance writer, and an inspirational speaker on prayer, devotion and image development. Michelle began her career in broadcast communications as an announcer, on-air hostess, and media relations' ambassador. We are so blessed to have Michelle share her talents and her heart with us this week. Please let her know how she has touched your heart! Once you've been refreshed here, check out Michelle new website, Michelle Bradford Studio. Blessings, Diane

Thy Fount

Written by Michelle Bradford

Traveling along a familiar rural highway is a daily routine for our family. En-route the other day, I turned my head quickly to the left. Before I could turn back, my son noticed and asked with a perplexed look, "Mom, what ARE YOU looking at?

I explained, "That place over there holds a fragment of splendor from my childhood. That place carries a strong voice of belonging in my heart." Holding back tears of remembrance and joy, I retold the glory my heart rejoices in.

With anticipation welled up inside, I would wait in my living room in the home where I grew up. Looking through a front window, I would watch the road. Then to the side window, I would look upon the driveway. Again and again, the routine would continue. Somehow I always missed the car driving in, but I never missed the thunder of the car door closing.

His spectacular arrival was like that of a king. With joyful presence he would make his way to the sun room entry. The terracotta tiles made the room feel extra warm.

My grandfather was like a scented oak--tall, handsome, and strong. To compliment his jovial laugh, his smile transferred a twinkle. I was always too excited to greet him at the front door; someone else could do that. Instead, I waited until he was in just the right place in the living room. With a running start and a high leap, I would land safely in his arms. We would swirl in circles as he kissed my face and I, of course, lavished him with the same.

Cordially, our conversation would remain brief. I anticipated, with respect, the words I long to hear. "OK, Tiger, who wants to go for a ride?" Little did I know in those years, my nickname was humorously created to describe my apparently 'unruly hairstyle.'

In the car we would go, I with my comb for fixing Grandfather's windblown hair, and he with his little tin cup. We would laugh and sing and wave with the windows rolled down, especially at stoplights--after all, our neighborly car friends needed to smile as well. Within about eight minutes we would arrive at our special destination.

The quaint, romantic roadside park filled my imagination with fairy-tale expectations of simple love. The half circle drive was lined carefully with fieldstone boulders and old oak stumps. The perimeter was a forest filled with the wonder of nature's sounds. Moreover, the sun would graciously stream between the fullness of the branches and leaves. And there on a wood-planked platform, as if the sun was beholding it, was the fountain....OUR FOUNTAIN.

Grandfather would hold my hand as he walked (and I skipped) toward the fountain. With chivalrous manners he would hold out his hand to indicate, "You first, my lady!" Excitedly I would jump up...and with all my weight bring the handle down, over and over again, until the fountain would graciously release its gathered refreshing treasure. Grandfather and I splashed and sprinkled and mostly got soaked. We drank with our hands and shared the cup. We laughed and sang and sometimes did a little water dance. It was as if music began and time stood still when the wellspring covered us. When all laughing abated and all moments slightly exhausted, we made our way back to the car. Then with simple contentment, Grandfather drove me back home, kissed my cheek and our fountain date was over.

How beautiful is this kind of love! I don't know if my Grandfather was truly aware of the deep, deep imprint he left on my heart. Our together time gave me an exquisite first glimpse of understanding the meaning of Abba Father...the Fountain of true unconditional love.

My prayerful blessing for you, dear friends is this: May you know God's holy fountain of life and light...His melody of love...His joyful song of salvation for your soul. In a world where sin would leave you lost and condemned, may you thirst for the beauty of the Lord's cleansing forgiveness...and accept it. May hope never fail you in this place where God has graciously brought you...indeed, He loved you first!

Run to Jesus...leap into His loving, strong arms...hide in the grandeur of your together time...seek out His Word...and trust His Majesty, the King!

For with you is the fountain of life;
in Your light we see light.
Psalm 36:9

As they make music they will sing, "all fountains are in you."
Psalm 87:7

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 58:11

For Your Response:

What offers to you a picture of God's grace in your life?
What blessings has our High King lavished upon you?
How does the Living Water sustain you now?

responding to His voice

2009-11-23T11:00:00.005-06:00

written by Edith Green

We have been challenged through these devotionals. Have you felt God's nudging? Have you followed through with corrective action?

Along with these weekly devotions, I have been challenged these last few months as my pastor has been preaching from the first chapters of First Samuel. The people of Israel had become complacent. Their worship had disintegrated into a mess of pagan practices. They were losing their battles with the Philistines. The Ark of God had been captured. Yet God was working in small ways. Through the boy Samuel, He began to bring change.

Why Samuel? Perhaps because here was a boy who could still hear God's voice? or perhaps of more significance, here was a boy who would hear God's voice and obey?

Oh we pray. We seek God for direction. Sometimes it's more comfortable to pray for specific direction, so we pray for God's will for a decision we need to make, or career choices - but we don't want to hear general directions regarding our every day behavior. We don't want to hear that we're pretending. We don't want to hear that we need to forgive that sister who has wronged us. We don't want to be disciplined in having a daily devotional time. However. It just doesn't work this way. If we "stubbornly plug our ears to God's will in one area, we won't hear in any area."*

Don't just assume, "I can always choose to follow God later." There may not be a "later". Or if your heart becomes too callous, the choice to follow God may not ever happen.

For this people's heart has become calloused;

they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them. (Matthew 13:15)

If you know what God is telling you, but you keep shutting your ears, eventually you won't hear at all - eventually your heart will become hardened and your spiritual ears will close. You won't hear a thing anymore.**

God's directives are clear:
1. James 4:17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins
2. Heb 4:7 Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts

Have you tuned out God's quiet voice? Have you been ignoring His nudges? It's not too late. Hebrews 4:7 says, "Today, if you hear His voice..." Confess the wrong.

"If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 4:9)

Allow His forgiveness to wash over you - and then be willing to respond to that which He is asking of you.

God is always there. He waits patiently. He is full of mercy and grace. But you - but I - must be willing to surrender that "one thing" that is holding us captive. He is waiting for us - for you - for me. What is more is that there awaits a gift of immeasurable joy and freedom when we respond to His voice.

Questions to ponder:

1. What is God asking of you today?
2. What is holding you back from responding to Him?

* John Burke, Soul Revolution (Michigan: Zondervan, 2008), 72
** Burke 73

Shining Through

2009-11-16T08:50:00.006-06:00

Written by Carin Orth

When I was about 4-years old, my older sister and two older cousins were throwing rotten apples over cars as they drove past our house. Of course, I wanted to be like the big kids so I picked up an apple to pitch over the next car that passed by. The next car happened to be a shiny red sports car. As I threw the apple the other kids yelled out, “DON’T do it! You’ll never make it over!”… It was too late; the deed had already been done and the decaying apple hit with a“splat” right into the car window. The woman in that car slammed on the brakes and put the car in reverse. What did we do? We high-tailed it into our back yard to hide. Even 40 years later, my first natural response is to run and hide when I don’t want to deal with real life. I am learning when I run or hide from my problems all that does is make me “ugly” on the inside and causes my attitude to be ugly too.

Exodus 34 talks about Moses going up the mountain to worship and commune with God. It was in those forty days that Moses “saw” God and when he came back down to the children of Israel, “his face was shining brightly because the LORD had been speaking to him,” (Exodus 34:29). The children of Israel were afraid to look at him so he covered his face with a veil, so they couldn’t see the glory of God shining from his face. But we read in II Corinthians 3:13-16 that as the glory shining from Moses’ face was fading, he continued to keep in veiled so no one would know… he was putting up a facade.

I know I have been guilty of the same… posing and pretending that because I am a Christian… everything is just fine. Do you ever do that… do you ever have difficulty being transparent? All across the world people are going to church… putting on their religious faces, looking fine in their Sunday best while on the inside they are not fine at all. The really sad part is that if you you play that charade for too long you can start to believe it. Most people around you may never know what is really going on inside you, but your heart always knows. As sisters and brothers through Christ, we should be able to be completely transparent with one another. We need to drop our “veil” and just be real about our short-comings. Living an authentic life might sound like too much exposure, but sharing what is in your heart, whether good or bad is freedom.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is liberty” (emancipation from bondage, freedom). II Corinthians 3:17

You just never know who might be struggling with the same issue and by you opening up… that could be their lifeline to true freedom in Christ. Pretending is bondage… honesty is freedom.

You are a masterpiece, created by God… recognize that… start behaving like one. Pretending to be what you are not is like putting a “paint-by-number” clown over the Mona Lisa. God made you the way you are to live a real life to glorify Him. It is only when we become completely transparent that the glory of God can be seen shining from within us.

“And all of us, as with unveiled face, we continued to behold the Word of God as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord Who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:18

When we pose and pretend or run and hide… we aren’t giving God the chance to do a work in us and through us. It is only when we admit to our shortcomings and weaknesses that God can be our strength… total dependence and trust in Him is real life as a precious child of God.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Think about it:

Do you automatically use the word, “fine” when someone asks how you are… even when you’re not?
Are you trying to live a transparent life? And if so, how freeing do you find it to be to just be yourself?
Are you peeking from behind the “veil” or are you ready to let your walls come tumbling down?

Thankful for Friends of Faith Blog Hop!

2009-11-13T18:00:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's and A Faith Perspective blog hop! Today, we're out in force on the internet--showing our faith and giving the glory to God. United, we stand as Christian paper crafters and blog owners to make a presence on the internet for all to see. We're celebrating the theme of friends and we're happy to share our projects based on the verse:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

If you're joining in on the fun, you can find the start of the blog hop "train" HERE. But first, we'd like to thank our co-sponsors: Layers of Colors Stamps, Gina K. Designs Stamps and Sweet and Sassy Stamps. Together with Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, these companies have donated some wonderful prizes.

There will be three grand prize winners for today's event. To enter, simply hop to the blogs of all the participating staff members of SNR magazine, take note of the staff member's name and leave a comment on their posts. Then send us an email at games@scrapbooknewsandreview.com listing each of the staff members who participated in today's hop. All entries must be received by Monday, November 16, 2009 at 12 noon EST and three winners will randomly be chosen to win the grand prizes: (1) one $100 gift certificate from Layers of Colors Stamps AND a 6 month subscription to SNR magazine, (2) One basket of goodies--four stamp sets from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps and a 3-month subscription to SNR magazine, and (3) One set of digital stamps from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps and a 3-month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

------------Welcome to Women to Women: Sharing Jesus!--------------

We are glad you are here. WTW is administered by five team members...all sisters in faith. Our weekly devotions are designed to exalt the name of Christ and encourage others in their faith journey. Some of us decided to participate in the SNR blog hop, so you will see some designs here, then additional designs on other team member's blog too. In addition to the projects our team members have created , each has briefly elaborated on the theme verse, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

At the end of this post you will be directed to the next blog. Eventually you will run onto our personal blogs. Just follow all the links for the blog hop and each of us will see you again.

Let's see some cards!

Here's an adorable creation, from Grace Nywining. These precious little bear friends warm our hearts and remind us of the value and strength of friendship.

Grace offers much wisdom on our theme verse: "If you look at the rest of the section of scripture following our theme verse, Solomon stated that there are many advantages in being "united" in life's efforts, rather than going it alone. He lists several advantages that come with biblical companionship:

a better profit or return from labor (v. 9)
help in difficult times (v. 10)
comfort (v. 11)
protection in times of danger (v. 12)

Then the last verse says, 'And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.' If we have Christian friends who love us and love the Lord, and are committed to helping each other face life's trials together--helping each other when we are struggling, or under attack by the enemy, we have MUCH to be thankful for!"

These cards are presented by Edith Green. Aren't they too sweet?!

Edith offers these words about our theme verse: "What a great word picture of the true value of a friend. During those time when I need my friends, like Piglet, sometimes I just need to know the comfort of their presence--that they are there for me. At other times I appreciate thoughtful ways of walking alongside, bringing words of encouragement or sometimes filling a need of which I am not even aware."

Jane Haas captures a powerful picture of friendship here.

Jane shares: "A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17), through the peaks and valleys of life. Sometimes it's the hardest to show love in action during the most difficult of life's situations--when we fall and when we fail. But God keeps His promise to be with us, and helps us give thanks in ALL circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I thank the Lord for the friends/helpmates that my parents have been to one another for 64 years!

WTW team member, Carin Orth, has contributed these beautiful cards.

Carin shares about friendship: "Any task or activity is so much more fun with a friend by my side. God didn't create us to be alone. He created us to have people in our lives (friends) to bless...to serve...to encourage...to be accountable to...and in return to be blessed by. God has given me such great friends to share my life with...some by blood, some through Christ's blood...there is no difference...all blessings!

Diane Noble, WTW administrator, adds: "What an exciting opportunity to participate in this blog hop! Friends are indeed a treasure that elicits our gratitude. Through faith in Christ, we experience a spiritual transformation that spills over even into our friendships. When Christ dwells in our hearts, friends become sisters! Even if we haven't met (yet!), we share a bond that cannot be broken. We can encourage one another, lift one another up when we are weak and needy, and we can love one another deeply through the powerful bond we have in Christ. I'm so grateful for all the friends who visit us here daily. We hope you'll come back to join the sisterhood here! Thanks for stopping by...from all of us here at Women to Women: Sharing Jesus.

TO KEEP HOPPING...

Visit Sharon Morris at Sue's Sentiments! You're going to love what she has to share!

His Love in Us

2009-11-10T15:26:00.010-06:00

Written by Diane Noble

"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

John 17:25-26

As I've become more acclimated to blogging both here and on my personal card designing blog, I've been truly amazed at the deep connections forged and the friendships sealed through the bond of Christ's love. One of the most powerful passages in all of Scripture to me is Christ's prayer for His disciples that comprises the entirety of John 17. What makes this prayer so powerful is that Jesus utters the petition only moments before his arrest and ensuing death.

Just parenthetically, I'm wondering...if I knew arrest for my faith was imminent would my prayers be for myself--protection, safety, escape? Or would I be praying for others? In His prayer, Christ gives us a clear, and utterly amazing example...He prays for His followers; He prays for His friends. He prays for us. What love!

This snippet of the chapter, verses 25-26, is full of riveting lessons for us. We'll examine three.

First, love relationships or friendships in the world are not the same as those forged through the bond of Christ. Worldly relationships are fickle, at best. Without Christ at the center of a relationship, that relationship can only go so far, so deep. Those relationships wax and wane, often drifting on rolling tides of uncertain circumstances and shifting emotions. These friendships can end over the slightest of offenses--she didn't call me enough, she hurt my feelings, she doesn't meet my expectations. You let someone down, and they don't want to be your friend anymore. Has that happened to anyone but me? I find myself standing there thinking, "What in the world did I do to cause that response? Then as I consider the relationship, I realize a missing ingredient. She did not have a friendship with Christ first. So how can I expect our friendship to stand on solid ground?

When Christ is at the center of a friendship, when He is the glue that holds it together; stormy weather cannot rip at the foundation and sweep it away. Friendships forged through the bond of Christ endure. I have many friends in Christ. Some I haven't seen for years. But I know without a shadow of a doubt that if I picked up the phone and called them today to pray for me, to counsel me, the years would simply melt away. Why? Our friendship isn't temporal. We share a bond that goes beyond anything of this world. It is strong and lasting, because our relationship came about through the relationship each of us has with Christ.

The second amazing truth in this passage is that Christ, our friend, continually reveals the Father to us. Ponder that glorious fact. Christ wants us to know our Father more and more intimately. He longs for our friendship to God to deepen. He reaches out and pulls us into His loving embrace again and again, wipes the tears from our hearts, and encourages us to go on. What a friend we have in Jesus! There is not one shred of selfishness in the love Christ bestows on us. He prayed for us while on His own death march. As we know more of God's heart, our hearts will reflect that same selflessness. We will be more concerned for others than for ourselves. I cannot recount the numbers of times I have been blessed by the sacrifices and prayers offered on my behalf by my friends. There are those of you I have never met, including my precious sisters who serve here on the WTW team, who have gone before the God of the universe and lifted my name to Him. What precious sisters you are. Without Christ, that kind of love and concern would be impossible.

Thirdly, our relationship to Christ has purpose. We are not His merely to belong. We are His so that we can love others and in doing so we reflect Christ's love for mankind. The Bible says that unbelievers will recognize believers by the love we have for our fellow believers. We are not in relationship with Christ just so we can be loved. We are grafted into Him so we will be like Him and love others with the same love He has for us. All I can say is WOW!

This weekend Women to Women will be participating in a very special event. It will be fun, it will inspire creativity, but above all it will exalt the name of Christ. The five of us here at WTW will join in on the Friends of Faith blog hop. It begins on Saturday morning and will continue through the weekend. There are an incredible number of sisters in Christ who will be participating. Of course, there is a theme....FRIENDSHIP! I won't give away some of the great surprises waiting for you but I will encourage you to hop on board. Just go to the SNR/A Faith Perspective blog on Saturday morning. You will eventually make your way back here. Or you can start right here and complete the circuit.

Look for this badge and more information/directions on Saturday morning. Click on the badge to go there now and bookmark it for Saturday morning.

And, in the meanwhile thank God for your precious friends and sisters in Christ. There is only one bond stronger...the one we have in Christ alone!

Thank you, friends for coming by and sharing my heart today! Love you!

Diane

We Are Sinner-Saints in God's Family

2009-11-01T14:00:00.000-06:00

Written By Jane Haas

“She’s such a saint! I don’t know how she tolerates the way her supervisor treats her!” Maybe you’ve heard a similar comment.

What do you think about when you hear “saint”? Maybe Saints Augustine, Theresa, or other saints talked about most commonly in the Roman Catholic Church. What qualifies someone to be called a saint? Is this woman in the workplace a saint simply because she tolerates someone’s behavior? Is any Christian a saint just by being a “good person”? Not at all!

First, we need to acknowledge that we’re sinners from birth. Each of us has been born with original sin (a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God when they ate the fruit of the tree of life in the Garden of Eden--see Genesis 2:15-17). Since humans’ fall into sin, God knew we were separated from Him forever by disobedience and sin. How very sad God must have been then and still is now every time we don’t follow His commandments! So, out of His great love, He promised a Savior to the world. His Son was born on the first Christmas, the promised Messiah, and Jesus is the best gift God could ever give! So knowing and believing all this, what does it means to be a “sinner-saint” with reference to God’s holy Word? The Bible speaks of all Christians as sanctified people—as saints—people God has “made holy” through faith in Jesus. Saint Paul the Apostle wrote to the Corinthians: To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ … (1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV).

Here’s the good news! God has made us saints despite the fact that we are still sinners. We are saints not because we are sinless, but because by faith in Jesus Christ all our sins are forgiven and God declares us just (made right with Him) and holy in His sight. We are sanctified (made holy for a special purpose), born again (living new lives in Christ), and free to follow Christ. Think of an old, favorite, comfy shoe, whose cracked and scuffed leather is rejuvenated with leather conditioner and lots of buffing. Old and scruffy is transformed to new and spiffy--for a purpose! But God transforms us even better than an old-into-new shoe! Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he [she] is a new creation … (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I can ask Jesus to forgive all those sins I’ve done in the past and so far today and trust that He forgives me. I can also ask Jesus to forgive all the sins I do in the future. But this doesn’t mean that God’s grace is cheap! God doesn’t want me to think of an easy to get blanket of forgiveness and have the attitude that I can keep sinning (wasting money, lying, hurting others, etc.) because I know Jesus will forgive me. He wants me to tell Him that I’m sorry and be sincere about repenting and changing my ways. His GRACE means “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” He gave His blood, His life, His all for me out of love. In Christ, all my sins have died with Him on the cross, and He gives me a new, restored life as a person of faith. Jesus sets me free to be a forgiven “sinner-saint” and God the Father looks at me as the person He created “in His image”—holy and His child (Ephesians 4:24). God removes the old (He forgives our sins AND forgets them forever) and sees only the new in us as He looks at us in the light of Jesus. It’s as if God looks at our mirrored reflection and sees His Son, Jesus, who died and rose for you and me!

Here are comforting, joy-filled thoughts to remember: God has not only known you before you were even born, He knows you by name, and He has written your name in His hand (Isaiah 49:16). Your name is on His lips. If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. He loves you so much, He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for YOU (John 3:16). Say that Bible verse and insert your name (God so loved [Suzanne] that He gave His only Son…).

All Saints Day (November 1) is celebrated in some Christian churches. This day follows All Hallows Eve that we know as Halloween. Did you know that as a follower of Jesus, you too are a saint? Say your name with “Saint” preceding it. Surprise your Christian husband, children, other relatives and friends by calling them saints. Be sure to tell them why you’re calling them this special name!

Saint is from the Latin word sanctus, meaning holy, sanctified, consecrated. On All Saints Day, we remember and celebrate the lives of those people who have died in the Christian faith, believing Jesus is their Lord and Savior. Many services include the ringing of a bell after each person’s name is read. Maybe you have family devotion time in your home. If so, you might say a prayer thanking the Lord for the Christian life of a loved one who has died. Thank God for all His blessings to him or her, and for the blessing that he or she was to the family and friends. Thank God for the new life—eternal life in heaven—that He gives to all believers because of what Jesus did for us on His cross.

Saint Paul also urges those who are declared holy by faith to serve God with holy works in our everyday lives, not to be saved by them, but to express our thanks to God. Where God’s sanctified people serve and where the saints go marching in, there darkness turns to light. Because God the Holy Spirit has called us by the Gospel, enlightened us with His gifts, and given us faith, we too are saints!

How does God see you through Jesus Christ? See Isaiah 62:2; Romans 1:7; Ephesians 2:18-22; Ephesians 4:24.
How do we as sinner-saints respond to God’s love and grace in our lives? Read about living sacrifices in Romans 12. Saint Paul writes how Jesus is to be Lord of every area of our lives. In what ways does our faith express itself in obedience to our Lord Jesus?
Read Jesus’ words to His followers before His crucifixion (John 14:19) and His prayer for His followers (John 17:17). What promises has God kept for us in Christ Jesus?
What is your favorite way to respond to God’s unconditional love in your life? Maybe you pray, sing, dance, write, tithe your monetary income, create artistic works, help people around you, and more. As you read and live in His Word, remember that He has made you, holds you tightly in His loving arms, gives you the power to forgive, and gives you the courage to serve Him. God has written your name in His book of Life. Remember that you are a sinner-saint, in His constant and precious grip!

Stressed or Blessed?

2009-10-20T13:43:00.003-05:00

Written by Grace

This summer our youth Pastor delivered a sermon with this title, and while my points are totally different, I borrowed his title for this devotional, because it pricked my heart. The Scripture I want to look at today is Luke 10:38 – 42.

38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.

39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.

40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that mu sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.”

41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things;

42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

I don’t know if this passage hits you right between the eyes when you read it like it does me…. But I am so often a Martha! I think it’s interesting to note that it was Martha who actually invited Jesus to come to their home. Certainly she deeply loved Jesus. But once she invited Him, she set about to do household chores, and preparing a meal. She was at this point “stressed”! The Bible says she was “distracted”. She actually became distracted enough with her preparations that THEY became her FOCUS. She became so busy that she even became angry with her sister Mary for not helping her.

Ouch! How often am I distracted with so much busyness! We live in a culture of busyness! How often have you asked people how they are and been given the answer “busy”! We have come to think that being busy is a highest virtue! If we are busy, we must be doing well!

As women, we’re probably the busiest of all! We are the queens of multi-tasking! In any single day most of us find ourselves responsible for feeding our families, making sure they are clothed in clean clothes, have a (somewhat) clean safe home to live in, all the while functioning as bus drivers, coaches, cheerleaders, tutors, and the list goes on… On top of that, many of us work outside the home or home school our children, do volunteer work, participate in multiple Church activities, and often are responsible for the care of aging parents as well! When we finally get a minute to sit down in the evening… we’re exhausted and spent, stressed and drained. We have little left to give to our husbands, ourselves, and most importantly our Lord. We’re simply too busy and stressed to take the time to replenish our souls with the refreshment we need from above!

Sisters… I have been there! I grew up in the New England States, and there is a strong value and pride placed on hard work! Don’t get me wrong… hard work is a good thing!!! However, like everything else, it can be taken to extreme.

Being a PK (Pastor’s Kid) I also grew up in a family that was totally immersed in everything that went on at Church. There was a “family” feeling in Church in those days and we just knew we’d be involved in everything. Working at Church can be our service to God and I’m NOT minimizing its importance, but as I look back at those earlier days, I realize that Churches have changed too. They’ve added more and more programs for us to be involved in, more and more ministries that need to be led, and many more demands on our time. Schools too have changed. Many more extracurricular activities…. Sports have become a huge focus for youngsters, thus demanding practice time, game time, fund raising time… etc etc etc.

Please don’t misunderstand me here. Is hard work a good thing? YES! The Bible says whatever you do… do it heartily as unto the Lord. Is working in our community and church a good thing? Absolutely! Is doing all we can to make sure our families are well fed and cared for? A resounding YES!!! Almost nothing is more important! However, there is ONE thing that IS more important, and so often we leave it for the end of the list…. And so often it’s the ONE thing that gets crowded out by our stressed out lives. The time we spend getting to know our Savior, learning what He says and making Him our focus is the most important thing we have to do in this life!

How do we do this? We do this by making sure we are spending our precious time with Him: reading and meditating on His Word, spending time with Him in prayer, asking Him to show us what He wants us to do, how He wants us to live. Really, it’s caring enough about Him that what’s important to Him is what’s most important to us! It’s being a Mary… sitting at Jesus’ feet and learning from Him. Mary did not let anything, no matter how good it was, crowd out her time spent learning from the Savior. She chose to make Him her FOCUS, and was thereby blessed.

The point of this passage of Scripture is not that we should be unconcerned with our duties, but that we should have a proper attitude toward Jesus! He should be our focus each and every day, and nothing should crowd out the time we spend learning from Him and being obedient to Him.

So let’s look at our busy lives. Let’s look at our values and priorities for a minute. When we come to the end of our lives, will we wish we had spent more time cleaning our houses, cooking, running kids to more activities, working harder, earning more money, being busier? I doubt it. I think we’ll wish we had spent more time getting to know our Savior, basking in His love, sharing it with others, and practicing what we’ll be doing for eternity~ praising, worshiping and adoring Him!

As we look at our own lives, let’s start to prioritize how we spend our time. I imagine that none of the things we do are “bad”, but there are some things that are better; more important (like what Mary chose). It’s so easy to become distracted, stressed and to lose our focus!

Points to Ponder:

1. Are you stressed or blessed? Is busyness robbing you of precious blessings that come from sitting at Jesus’ feet and just taking Him in?

2. What are some of the things that distract you from spending more time with Jesus? If you feel comfortable, would you share with us what comes to mind?

3. Do you WANT to be blessed by a closer relationship to Him?

4. If so, what steps can you take to simplify your life and free up more time for the most important things? Any ideas you have and would share would be appreciated. Things you’ve found helpful might help someone else who is struggling in this area!

Be A Duck!

2009-10-12T12:49:00.010-05:00

Please welcome a new writer to WTW, Peggy Sue. A prolific contributor already through her insightful comments, Peggy Sue offers poignant thoughts for you to ponder in this devotional. It's one thing to know who you are in Christ. It's another altogether to BELIEVE it. Thanks PS for an insightful journey from knowing to believing! Diane

Be a Duck...

Written by Peggy Sue

Many women I know struggle with their sense of worth. Our culture, our past, the news media and even friends and family can distort our understanding of who we are in Christ. Who ARE we in Christ? How does He see us?

Many Bible passages talk about God's love for us, but there is one that was particularly challenging for me. As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Let's look at the first part of that verse, "All Scripture is God-breathed and useful…" – ALL of it. If I accept that as true, then why do I struggle deep in my heart with some passages?

I had a husband who abandoned our marriage and left me with our three small children. I not only believed everything he said about my faults and flaws as a wife, I generously added to it mentally every negative thing anyone had ever said to me in my life.

Years later, through Christian counseling, prayer and the passage of time, I thought I had shed that burden and healed. God was gracious to me and brought a wonderful new man into my life to be my second husband and a fabulous stepfather to my children.

But I discovered I had wounds that went deeper than I had ever dreamed, wounds that came to the surface only when tested through my marriage. My new husband would ask me to say aloud verse 14 from Psalm 139, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." There were times I resisted and literally walked out of the room.

How many of you can say that verse out loud, boldly and with confidence? Joyfully?

How many of you can say it but with some hesitation?

How many of you cannot stumble through those words without choking up, or crying, because your heart does not believe them?

Not only are we to accept that God, our Creator, made us just as he intended; we are to praise Him because in truth WE ARE—say it with me now—'fearfully and wonderfully made.'

Look at the next part of this passage, "Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” When the psalmist says in that passage, "your works are wonderful," it refers to all of God's works, including you. If we honestly "knew that full well," our self-esteem issues would disappear. If we took our identity from who we were created to be in Christ Jesus, we wouldn't constantly compare ourselves to others and feel inadequate, jealous or both.

Jealousy or envy yields disastrous results. Proverbs 14:30 says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Remember it was jealousy that drove Cain to kill Abel and incited Saul’s numerous attempts to kill David. In Mark 15:9, we see that Pilate knew "it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him."

So what do we do with the seeds of dissatisfaction or envy planted by low self-esteem?

It wasn't until I saw a duck from a fresh perspective that Psalm 139:14 finally clicked for me. I was driving in my car alone one day after an encounter with someone who wasn't satisfied with what I was doing with my life. This person, who had great influence, had expectations that didn't match my capabilities or time constraints.

As I drove, I noticed a duck swimming in a puddle along the roadside and suddenly I realized a simple truth. The duck was doing exactly what God created it to do—being a duck! She was swimming, looking for food, quacking occasionally, and raising a brood of little ducklings. The duck existed, in short, the way God had created her. She clearly wasn't worried about job titles, the size of the pond or whether another duck had better cattails. And it struck me that God created me to be who He intended, not someone else's version of me. I am like that duck. God created me to be . . . me. . .and not a swan, egret, penguin, or hummingbird. God didn't create the duck and then expect it to be a hummingbird. Everything God created is fearfully and wonderfully made, according to His design.

So why do we have such trouble believing we are fearfully and wonderfully in perfect concert with God’s plan? 1 Peter 5:8b tells us Satan "prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour." Carl Sandburg write in a poem, "The fog comes on little cat feet?" Cats and lions can move very softly when they sneak up on their prey.

Satan doesn't announce his presence with a loud snarl, but pads quietly about utilizing the tools our culture has provided . . . 'you don't look like that woman on the magazine cover, you're ugly' . . . 'your neighbor is so much better organized than you, you're hopeless' . ..'takeout two nights in a row… you're a bad mother.' Maybe we've had people actually speak words like that aloud to us, words that cut into our hearts and leave lasting scars. Owning the truth doesn't mean elevating ourselves with lofty pride, but neither does the truth rest in false self-abasement. Use the reality of God's view of you to blot out Satan's lies.

Why should we own Psalm 139:14? If we look at the second part of the verse from 2 Timothy 3:16 about Scripture it continues to say, "that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." If we're mired in the mud of a low sense of worth, we're stuck in a rut, not doing God's work. Own your true identity in Christ and see what vistas of opportunity for good works, growth and contentment God will open in your life.

Questions for Your Response

Can you say Psalm 139:14 out loud and truly mean it in your heart?
What lies does Satan whisper that are holding you back?
Is there a scripture verse you cling to that helps you own your true identity in Christ?
What excites you most about the good works God has prepared in advance for you to do?

Star Power

2009-10-05T07:36:00.006-05:00

Written by Jane Heitman Healy

For months news has been saturated with celebrity stories. Deaths, divorces, and dirty deeds—the public wanted details! The media did not disappoint, feeding the frenzy for more sensational stuff about the stars in our culture. The public hung onto every word and scene. Fame is fleeting, and the stars of today’s media stories may be forgotten in the future.

Only one star deserves our adoration, one star “who is, and who was, and who is to come” (Revelation 1:8)—the “bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16)—Jesus.

No transient screen star, Jesus proclaims himself the light of the world (John 8:12). His effect upon his followers is more awesome than that of any mortal celebrity: “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). John 1:4-5 tells us that “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” My Bible indicates that the word “understood” could also be “overcome.” 1 John 1:5 reinforces that idea. “…God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” Nothing can extinguish Jesus, the Morning Star. He will shine brightly forever.

He empowers us to shine like stars, too! Paul told the Philippians, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—“ (2:14-16). The prophet Daniel writes about the end times and says, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).

Do you know people who positively glow with the Spirit? They attract others and point to Jesus as the source of their joy.

Some days I don’t feel like shining. Going through a rough patch awhile ago, I started painting my toenails with glitter polish. On those days when I didn’t think I could shine, my toes would do it for me. When I look at my toes, I’m reminded that the Morning Star gave his life for me, so I can shine on earth for him and in heaven with him forever. That’s real, transforming star power!

For personal reflection:

How do you shine like a star?
What prevents you from shining, and how can you overcome it?
How does knowing the Morning Star light up your life?

Lately, I've been thinking about . . .

2009-09-26T09:37:00.016-05:00

conversations.We all have them.Some of us talk more than others.Some of us talk to ourselves but usually we converse with other people.

Ephesians 4:29 instructs us to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”

I pause for a moment to ask myself, “What about the conversations that I had today? Yesterday? This past week? Can I honestly say that they have been edifying? What about that conversation I had on Sunday? Was it helpful for strengthening others?”

I hang my head in shame –.

Oh, please do not get me wrong. None of these conversations were filled with gossip; nor was I bad-mouthing anyone. However, when I consider what was said, I have to admit that they were not particularly helpful for the building up of one another. Because of that, I stand convicted and I pray, asking God to, once again, forgive me.

I ask that He would remind me of these things the next time I am tempted to speak things that should be left unsaid, for it is my deepest desire to speak words of encouragement, words that will be unifying, words that will build up and not tear down.

More than anything, I want my speech to be pleasing to God.

Does this mean that it’s all just about controlling the tongue? Put a piece of duct tape over my mouth for a week and I will have learned to leave certain things unsaid. Unfortunately, it just does not quite work this way.

You see, there is another Scripture verse that might be quite helpful for us to consider. In Matthew 15:27, Jesus says, “The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart… For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”
Again, in Luke 6:45, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart…. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks”.

What we speak is a direct reflection of what is in our hearts. Ouch. Oh, we can spend an enormous amount of energy trying to control our tongues, but wouldn’t it be so much easier if we took that energy and spent it on purging our hearts of all that is ‘unclean’?

How do we do that? It’s not easy. It’s hard. It’s not something I can do. It means allowing the Holy Spirit free reign to delve into all the closets & hidden corners, purging me of all the ‘yucky’ that He finds there. Yes, it’s painful. Oh, but the joy & release we find when we confess and freely receive His forgiveness. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Then the next step is to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor 10:5) A favourite verse of mine is found in Phil 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

I know it’s easy to write about these things. It’s a completely different story to actually put them into practice.

I pray that you will join me in allowing God to do some cleansing work in our lives, and that as a result our conversations would “be always full of grace” (Col. 4:6)

Questions to ponder:

1. Will you take a minute to think about the conversations you have recently had? Have they been edifying? If they were broadcast for us to hear, would you be OK with that?

2. What is the condition of your heart?

3. Are you willing to allow the Holy Spirit to do His cleansing work?

4. Will you join me in prayerfully taking our thoughts captive and filling our minds with those thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent & praiseworthy?

Written by edith

When the God of the Universe Answers You!

2009-09-21T00:54:00.002-05:00

Written by Cheryl Moody

Have you ever asked God for something and then be shocked when He gave it to you? Have you ever asked Him for something and He gave it to you but threw a twist in with it, and you were like…….. “Wait, I didn’t ask for this, where did this come from and more importantly, how does this fit into the scheme of things?”

Well, this did happen to me last week and I was so dazed in wonderment and questions even though I knew, God would answer my prayers. You see, my daughter was going on vacation. So, I asked God to please end the relationship she was in with her boyfriend, find her an apartment, get her settled and heal her broken heart while she was on vacation.

I know, I can just hear some of you saying, WHAT????? But it’s true, this is exactly what I prayed and what’s more……..I said “God, I am not asking for the small stuff in this situation, you are capable of the BIG stuff and that’s what I am asking for and I am thanking you in advance!”

No, I do not take God for granted and I am not a demanding and controlling person. But, I do know when a relationship is not in God’s will. And when it comes to our children we will go to the ends of the earth for them. And, so will God! He tells us in John 16: 23-24 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. I had no fear that God was not going to hear and consider my prayers!

Her vacation started on Monday, on Tuesday evening my daughter called me crying, her boyfriend broke up with her. On Wednesday morning we found an apartment and started moving her in. Now comes the twist, a well meaning Samaritan decided to help her and I move her sofa from the truck to the apartment but he dropped the coach on her foot!? Five hours we spent at the hospital. She injured the muscles, tissues and ligaments on top and around her foot. So, here she was with a broken heart and now a very painful foot!

My first instinct was to question God, why, why, how could this possibly help her situation any? How could this help her heart heal? But then I stopped and praised Him. He answered my prayers. WOW….God answered my prayers!!! And He knew exactly what He was doing with the foot injury. It doesn’t matter that I don’t know the whys, He does!

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you a hope and a future.

I knew in my heart, God was beginning His work in my little girl’s life. I knew that He knew exactly what needed to be done in her life; not according to my plans or my agendas or strategy’s but HIS! I was so excited about what was going to take place. I did not fear, she was in the most capable hands ever.

God provides comfort and peace to His children through everything we go through. He does not promise a life free from pain and suffering, He does not promise that we will have the riches and wealth that most of us would love to have, He does not promise that we will be free from harmful situations. He has given His promise that He will go through every situation with us.

Once I got over my shock that God had actually answered my prayers I pondered His faithfulness and how much He actually loves me. When there are so many HUGE things going on in our world today, the God of the Universe took time to answer my prayers. He is never too busy for me.

Psalm 91: 14-16

“Because he (Cheryl) loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him (her); I will protect him (her), for he (she) acknowledges my name. he (she) will call upon me, and I will answer him (her); I will be with him (her) in trouble, I will deliver him (her) and honor him (her) With long life will I satisfy him (her) and show him (her) my salvation. (Parenthesis are my own)

I can’t imagine handling the pressures of life today without Jesus. I can’t imagine facing this life today on my own strength alone. God loved me so much, that He gave His only son to die on the cross for me? A God who loves me that much is not about to leave me floundering on my own through life!

What trials or hardships are you facing today?

Have you claimed God’s promises and asked Him to see you through this time?

Do you believe that God loved you so much that He gave His son, Jesus Christ, to die on that cross for you?

A week after writing this devotional, God is still answering so many prayers regarding this situation. He has left me in awe of Him!

A Target On Your Back

2009-09-13T23:26:00.006-05:00

Written by Carin Orth

I hope you don’t mind, but I am just going to be transparent and very honest with you… I have been having a rough couple days… it is my own fault… I let something small turn into something big. Why do I let the devil spread his lies in my life??? On top of it all, I had been struggling with getting my devotional completed for WTW. I am a “recovering” perfectionist, so at times I fall back into those bad patterns… I start having this inner conversation, which goes something like this, “Why do you think you can write something that anyone would want to read let alone find God’s message in it?” I will save you from the rest of the gory details, but I will tell you that conversation usually leads to me not feeling too good about myself and it does come out in my speech and actions, which leaves me spiritually weak… and a perfect target for the devil.

Then, this morning the first thing I read was a devotional I have sent to me via email. It was titled, “With Open Arms.” The verses I read were:

Psalm 51:10-12
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Thy presence....Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation.”

Those words broke me. How did I let this one little thing send me off balance? How sly is the enemy? I knew that the only thing I could do was to get down on my knees and repent of listening to the lies… of taking my life back into my own hands (that is crazy) … of letting my pride take offense to what I THINK is going on around me. I prayed for my Heavenly Father to give me the strength I needed to put down the father of lies… the name given to the devil in John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

Satan is not my father and I will not follow after his lies!!! In Jesus Name! As soon as I give him the opening to speak lies into my life he is more than happy to do it. Do you ever have those times when you have done the same thing wrong for the hundredth time, okay maybe even the thousandth time? I have those times in my life that I put off repenting because I think, “OK, God here I go again… repenting of that same thing… don’t You get tired of me doing that same thing over again?” But that is just what the devil wants me to think. I truly don’t believe God will reject me, but I think sometimes that He has to be tired of my ignorance. What I forget is He doesn’t ever see me as ignorant… I have been made worthy in God’s eyes through the sacrifice of Christ.

Ephesians 1:3-6: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

What I need to always remember is that I am in a war… a spiritual war. We have the promise in God’s Word that we will be the victors on His side, but until then it is a daily battle. Another passage in Scripture that addresses this is Ephesians 6:12… “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” What is the solution? Verse 13 says, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” I love that part where it says we are, “to stand.” Can it be any simpler? I’m not saying easy but simple. We are not just lie down and let the enemy walk over us… we must STAND! I know that this battle is not only for my own spiritual life but also to further the purpose of God. To Him be the glory.

There is a song by “Casting Crowns” that I just love called, “The Voice of Truth,” here are just a few words that really speak volumes to me:

“But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
‘Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win.’

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth.”

Can you hear the Voice of Truth today? You don’t need to use your ears to hear it… you just need to use your heart. That is my choice today.

Questions for Your Response:

Do you have those times in your life when one little thing can send you off balance?
Where do you go to find the truth of the situation?
How do you handle the battle?

Read Ephesians 4:17-32… and find renewing strength in that passage.

Walk in the Light of the Lord

2009-09-06T16:24:00.007-05:00

Written by Jane Haas

During vacation a few weeks ago, our daughter, granddaughter, and my husband walked hand in hand along the shore of Lake Huron as I took beach photos. His T-shirt with the words “Walk in the Light of the Lord” printed on the back attracted more attention than we expected. The colorful printed words evoked responses such as, “Cool shirt!” “I like your shirt!” and “Great message!” Sometimes a simple T-shirt message can be a starting point for a Spirit-filled conversation.

Psalm 27:1 -- David sang, “The LORD is my light and my salvation…”

Each night of vacation, we were literally in the dark, needing our flashlights to move around in an unfamiliar place after Ella fell asleep. I thought more about the sources of light that God gives us in our daily lives, the light that helps us to walk without stumbling, the true Light that is much more than a flashlight for our hands to hold and feet to follow. I thought about the many times I have been in the dark, and how God has used light to save me from danger.

One such situation happened when a friend and I walked home from the science lab together late at night on the college campus. Street lights were dim in the dark night, and soon we heard footsteps coming closer behind us. We focused on the bright lights shining outside our dorm, ran faster than we had ever run, arrived safely, and thanked God for His protection that night. I also remembered times when God’s Word prompted me to repent of my sins and to step out of the darkness where I had walked without Jesus for a while.

Think of a time when you’ve been literally or figuratively “in the dark”.

Who or what was your source of light?

In what way was the light your salvation?

Psalm 119:105. The psalmist sang, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

My parents took our family tent-camping in state parks and national forests. After the campfire time ended, before getting into our sleeping bags, we girls took one lantern and the boys took another toward the restrooms and back. The path was narrow, rocky, and eerie with darkness. The lantern’s light always helped us find our way and stay on the path.

When has God’s living Word, Jesus, been the Light for your walk?

How has Jesus’ light kept you going in the right direction, walking with the family of believers?

Isaiah 9:2. The prophet wrote, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light …” (Jesus and His salvation would be a “light for the Gentiles” [see also Isaiah 42:6]).

One of my childhood teachers never let a Bible lesson go by without emphasizing that millions of people live on the earth “in darkness” without ever hearing the Good News of salvation. She helped me realize that God wants ALL people to be saved! Each of us can be a missionary right where we live, and we don’t need to travel to a different continent to share the Gospel. We can share Jesus with others right in our own homes and neighborhoods! Maybe you’ve seen a sign in a church parking lot that reads “You are now entering the mission field” as you drive out. That sign can remind us that someone wherever we are is searching for hope, peace, and true joy—that which only the Light of Jesus can provide.

I’ve missed some opportunities to share Jesus’ love with others because I feared speaking, interrupting, or being ridiculed. Has that happened to you? We can pray for boldness to witness to Christ Jesus!

We had lunch with an elderly neighbor soon after he became widowed. After he commented, “Well, I know my wife is in heaven, but I’ll have to do a lot more good deeds before God will let me into heaven,” I jumped through that open door with both feet! The Holy Spirit led me to tell him simply that Jesus has done it all for us--that our heavenly Father gave His Son Jesus to pay the price on the cross with His life to save us for eternity--and that I wanted to see him in heaven someday. We have only to believe!

Who might be living close to you in darkness right now, needing to know Jesus and to hear how He died to wash away all his or her sins forever?

How could you help bring the Light of salvation to him or her?

1 John 1:5, 7. “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all … If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another …”

God gives us the freedom to choose. If we walk in darkness, we keep companionship with the devil in wickedness and evil, on a path to eternal damnation. When we walk in the light, we choose to have a life style following Jesus, a life based on what is holy and true. Jesus would have us walk in His Light, in a living, loving relationship with Him.

Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, to do the work of His Father, and to point others to His love and forgiveness. He calls you and me to follow Him, too, and to be in a spiritual union with Him. We walk in the Light when we hear and study God’s Word, worship with other believers, live in the hope and joy He gives us, and share the great news of salvation with others.

Reflections in the Light:

What have been dark times in your life? Where was Jesus in those times? Where were you in relationship to Him?

What is the brightest light in your home? Jesus is even brighter! How can Jesus be your Light every day? Make a commitment to read and study His Word each day.

How can you celebrate the Light of Jesus? Light a candle. Live in the joy and confidence of your baptismal vows as you receive the forgiveness that is yours as God’s child. Celebrate that Jesus broke through the darkness of sin for you!

Identify someone with whom you will share the Light of Jesus. He or she needs to see you walking in His Light, to hear the Gospel, and to experience a Light-filled relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus.

God’s blessings as you walk in His Light!

Jane

Knowing the Way We Should Go

2009-08-31T01:05:00.004-05:00

Written by Hope

Have you ever had one of those mornings?

When you wake up and your first awareness is a sea of emotions full of despair, anger, fear or hopelessness. Do you know where to go when you feel that lost? What do you do so you won’t go back to bed and hide under the covers? How do you know what to think about so you might have a chance to live out your day to the fullest and be the person God created you to be?

“My life goals do more than point me in a direction to go; they give me my identity! When you make goals, you discover how you’re different from other people; you find out who you are in this world.” – Anne Ortlund, “Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman”

Do you have life goals? Have you written them down? Do you remember your goals when you are at a low point in your day?

Proverbs 4: 25 – 27

Let your eyes look directly ahead
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
Watch the path of your feet
And all your ways will be established.
Do not turn to the right nor to the left;
Turn your foot from evil.

Let’s start on a journey to look at three different areas of our life: spiritual, family and ministry. Our process will begin by listening to God. What is He asking of us? Let us look to determine two things: (1) Our purpose - who God wants us to be and (2) our goals - what He wants us to do.

Here are a series of questions I have compiled from a variety of sources. Let’s use some or all of these to get us thinking about our purpose and goals. In prayer, take these questions to the Lord:

What are the recurring themes in life that you find yourself drawn to?
What ideas have followed you for years?
What is your greatest contribution to others?
How do you want to be remembered?
What would your ‘last days faith’ look like?
Are you using your gifts and talents?
Do you pour out into something that you are drawn to or something you are good at?
What would you need to do to find joy in and growth in the role God has placed you in right now?
What do you desire?
Does your desire help you to know Jesus Christ better?
Are you loving God by….(fill in the blank)?

Psalm 90:12

So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.

After taking these questions to the Lord in prayer and if you feel led, please share with us what the Lord has set before you in the following areas:

Your Life Purpose (what you hope to be)
Your Life Goals (what you hope to do)
Your One Year Goals (that would be in line with your life goals)

May the Lord bless our efforts as we seek the plans He has for us. May He lead us in wisdom and understanding. May we listen to His guidance and come to find that we know the way we should go. Amen.

Do You Believe This?

2009-08-21T20:21:00.010-05:00

The story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John (John 11:1-44) is beyond powerful. Few words can describe it. Mary, Martha and Lazarus were close friends to Jesus. He loved them deeply. Mary was the same one who had poured expensive perfume over Jesus' feet then wiped them with her hair. These sisters and brother not only loved Jesus, they were devoted to Him.

Then news of Lazarus' illness comes to Jesus by way of a messenger sent by the sisters, who were several miles away.

"Lord, the one you love is sick." (11:3) When He heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (11:4) Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (11:25)

Do you believe this? Leave it to Jesus to cut to the chase and ask the bottom-line question. He stated the truth simply and boldly then left the response totally to Martha. Do you believe this?

There are many things in our world today I find very hard to believe. I can't believe our world is in the shape it is in. I can't believe that people would abandon God's way for their lives or for our nation and choose instead their own corrupt ways over His holy ways. I can't believe there is so much evil and disobedience, hatred and violence, lust and perversion...I just can't believe it. It goes beyond my ability to grasp. I watch the news and I walk away dumbfounded...aghast that our nation--the hearts of our people--seems to be a run-away train on a collision course.

I can't believe how many of my friends suffer from monstrous diseases of cancer and more. They fight valiantly...some win...some lose their fleshly race with these human pursuers, life destroyers.

I can't believe the numbers of innocent ones who suffer--helpless little children experience what no child should even hear about; children whose lives are ripped away from them and whose tiny unborn bodies are laid upon burning altars of convenience.

I can't believe how many people strain against shackles of bondage. Addictions to drugs, alcohol, sex and violence, depression, oppression, obsession...all of it runs rampant through the fiber of our culture. Death and decay....

Yet...yet...One solitary figure walks through the cemetery and comes to rest before the grave of his dead friend, Lazarus. Dead for four days...beyond human hope. Decaying. Jesus steps into the picture. Oh, I tell you, sisters. I love this part. When Jesus arrives at the cemetery and stands before the place where they have laid His friend, He does something any friend would do. He weeps (11:35) Jesus, my precious Lord, cries.

Why do you think He's crying? He knows He is about to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knows the victory that is about to take place. But He stops to cry. Why?

I have a feeling my Lord's emotions and feelings are far too deep and far too complicated for me to understand. But this I do know. Something moved Him. Maybe it was the hopelessness and grieving He saw in all the mourners who had gathered. Maybe it was the pain and suffering He saw in the culture of His day...and beyond. Maybe He overheard the whispers from the crowd and saw their skeptic hearts. Maybe He saw into the future and knew that in spite of what He was about to do, most simply would not believe.

Whatever the reason, He was moved--deeply moved (11:38). Then He walked right up to the tomb. The burial chamber was a cave, an opening in the side of the rocky hill and it had a stone rolled over the opening...a big boulder. He gave the command to roll the stone away. It took several men to do it (11:41). Can you even imagine the silence of that moment? Everyone waiting with baited breath. No one stirring...all eyes watching the opening of that tomb. Listen as His voice stirs the wind and breaks the silence,

Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
(11:41-42)

Now, I want to tell you girlfriends, more than silence was broken in that moment! Jesus spoke out loud to His Father...His Father. That meant He claimed to be the Son of God--a Son who had a special, favored position with God Almighty. He broke through centuries of waiting, years of religious mores and tradition. He broke through all the self-righteous shackles the Pharisees had placed upon the people, and He was about to unchain the powers of death.

Without looking to the crowd, all His attention was riveted on that open tomb. His voice now thundered,

"Lazarus, come out!"

You know what? I don't even have to know the end of the story to be thrilled by it. Just the sound of that authoritative voice is enough to melt my heart. I get to this point, and I have to tell you...I want to dance! But it just gets better. Lazarus "came out." Some versions say he "came forth." There is no indication that he crawled, or staggered. The implication is this man who had been dead and decaying walked out standing upright...alive, healed and whole again.

Do you believe this? Do you really believe that no matter how bad things become, we have a Savior who has power and authority over it? Do you believe that no sickness you or your loved ones experience has to be the end of the story? Do you believe as you look at the death, decay, destruction and decadence on every side of you, that Jesus is standing in front of it? Sometimes I think our globe must surely resemble a tomb in a cosmic cemetery from God's perspective. But if you look closely enough, there is One with a scroll in His hand and He is about to unfurl it. If you're attentive enough, you can see He is taking a deliberate breath. And I have no doubt, that when He speaks again...it will be thunderous!

13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant
about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men,
who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again
and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus
those who have fallen asleep in him.
15 According to the Lord's own word,
we tell you that we who are still alive,
who are left till the coming of the Lord,
will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,
with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel
and with the trumpet call of God,
and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left
will be caught up together with them in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air.
And so we will be with the Lord forever.
18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Do you believe this? Then may you be encouraged by it today!

written by Diane Noble

For your Response:

When have you seen Jesus bring "resurrection power" over some seemingly hopeless situation in your life?

How has God grown in you the faith to believe in the power of Christ over your life?

What do you think (hope, imagine) Jesus will say when He steps out from heaven...and gives His loud command?

Planted in Joy!

2009-08-14T15:23:00.007-05:00

You are in for a treat! I know you will be blessed by our newest WTW writer, Diane Stader. If you happen to be having a gloomy day, or troubles abound...be prepared to have your spirit lifted. I hope regardless of your circumstances Diane's post encourages your heart. And when you've finished contemplating her words and spending a few minutes in prayer, head over to Diane's blog HERE. Thank you, Diane for accepting our invitation...from the other Diane!

Planted in Joy!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

A couple of years ago I was traveling to my SU! demonstrator’s home for a stampin’ play date and since I had a two hour drive ahead of me, I brought along several of my favorite sermons to listen to in the car. I was also building my blog in my mind and was stumped on what I was going to name it. The sermon entitled “Be Happy” was playing in the car and our pastor used the phrase “Planted in Joy” and my blog was born! I didn’t realize at the time how this simple phrase described my life. It was just a catchy title until I began an in depth study of Philippians. I then realized why God had put this phrase on my heart.

Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote his thank you letter to the Philippians. The church at Philippi was the first church on the European continent and one of the most supportive of Paul’s ministry. He loved these early believers and the entire letter is devoted to his thanks for their encouragement and the real joy of knowing Christ and that His strength is with you always.

In Philippians 4:4 Paul writes:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Rejoice – always. I don’t know about you, but there have been many times in my life when being joyful was very difficult.

My youngest sister died of colon cancer 9 years ago. She was only 43 years old and her first grandchild was on the way. She was a victim of this silent killer; it was too late for treatment when the symptoms appeared. She died within a month of diagnosis. My entire family was devastated. Why would God take this beautiful, loving and sweet Christian woman from us? Don’t we always grieve for ourselves in times like this? What will I do without her? Why did this happen to me?

Two months later her husband, my brother-in-law, also passed away from cancer and left alone was their young son- with a baby on the way. It just all seemed so wrong.

But God says we are to rejoice – always! God doesn’t tell us not to grieve or be sad outwardly. But we can experience joy inwardly no matter what happens in our life because Jesus Christ is with us. He is there to give us the strength to do what has to be done. He has given us the greatest self-help book of all, His Word, to help us get through the bad times. He goes on in verse 5 to say:

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

Before my sister slipped away, my other two sisters and I were at her bedside when she said – “Diane will know what to do- she’s the strong one.” And Jesus was near as I arranged the services and handled the details after she left us. It was a wonderful opportunity to let His love shine through me.

Verse 6 says we are not to worry about anything. How hard is that? For me, it is very hard.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.”

During the months that followed there were so many things to do, and to worry about. The subsequent passing of my brother-in-law; what arrangements to make for my nephew; the upcoming baby....it could have been overwhelming and sometimes I just got so tired of being the one to handle it all. But, I made it through with the power of prayer and thanks to God for being with me each step of the way.

In verse 7 we are reminded of how big God is:

“And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds

in Christ Jesus.”

Almost ten years have passed since she left us. Her son is turning into a fine young man and her grandson is the light of our lives.

We don’t understand why she left us so early, but the peace of God, and knowing that He is in control, ensures that our citizenship in the kingdom of God is certain. As a believer I don’t have to rely on what I have or what I experience to give me joy- but only in Christ alone.

With Christ residing in my heart and guiding my steps, I am truly Planted in Joy.

Thoughts for you to ponder:

Think of a time that God guided you through a difficult time and say a prayer of thanksgiving right now.

Consider all difficult circumstances as an opportunity to share your faith.

Rest easy knowing that God is with you- always.

Written by Diane Stader

Who Do You Follow?

2009-08-06T23:00:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone! Thanks for joining us on Women to Women! This week I'm doing something a little different. I hope you find it meaningful and fun!

Bloggers and those who Twitter have become familiar with a button that says "Follow Me". Most of us choose to “follow” certain people whose work we especially admire or whose words inspire us so that we want to keep up with all they are doing and saying. We click that button and as quickly as that, we are “following” them.

Likewise, to get word out about their blog , blog owners will often do a giveaway, and in today’s lingo that’s called “Blog Candy”. Often to qualify for the blog candy, you may have several steps you must complete, including becoming a follower of that blog, advertising that candy on your own blog to tell others about it, and telling the blog owner you have completed these steps by making a comment on their blog candy post and perhaps giving a link to your own blog so that owner can see that you have told others about their giveaway.

I can’t help but see some parallels when I think about this whole concept. What comes to your mind when you hear the words “Follow Me"?

I first think of Jesus. When He saw Simon (Peter) and Andrew fishing, He said to them “Follow Me”. Matt. 4:20 says “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him”! Next He saw James and his brother John in a boat with their father Zebedee, and when Jesus called to them we’re told they immediately left their boat and their father, and followed Jesus.

The Gospels tell us how Jesus began His ministry teaching, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom, and performing miracles. As news about Him spread, we’re told in Matt. 4:25 “…Large crowds followed Him”.

What was it about Jesus that caused large crowds to follow Him?

Well… that question could take more time and space than I can give in this post, but if you read about His ministry and life, death, burial and resurrection (beginning in Matthew right through John, and then Acts, and the Pauline Epistles,) … you’ll get your answer!

For now, let’s get back to our analogy of being a blog follower and blog candy. Jesus offered the candy of all candies! What did He give? His gift to mankind was the gift of Himself, the perfect, sinless sacrifice! ONLY HE could pay the price for our sin, because he was without sin. Only HIS shed blood could cover our sin and make us righteous in God’s eyes. You see… since the fall of Adam in the garden, mankind has had a sin problem, a sinful nature that we all are born with, and because God is holy and just, He cannot abide with sin. Sin therefore separates us from God. Rom. 3:23 says “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Rom 6:23 says “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Rom. 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. When we accept Christ as our Savior, His shed blood “covers” us and God sees us just as if we never sinned. This is called justification, for those of you who love big words! One of my favorite Scriptures is Ps. 32:1-2 “How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity…”

Now … is THAT CANDY something worthy of following Him?

There is a cost involved in following Him. It’s not like we post His message in our side bar and forget about it. Jesus said in Matt 16:24-25 “If any one wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it”.

Salvation is an act of God, reaching down to flawed, sinful man, offering a way to be reconciled to God, cleansed from sin and guaranteed to spend eternity in His presence. Following Him is an act of our wills. In order to follow Him, we must first accept Him to be our Savior, and then be willing to be led and guided, and to be obedient to His Word. We must be willing to give Him our sinful desires, and even sometimes some of our earthly desires that are not sinful, but simply are not His best plan for us! It involves giving up of ourselves in order to do what He wants us to do. His plan for our lives may not be what our plan is… but it’s the BEST plan. He wants only the best for us, and He knows what we need in order to have His best.

Another of my favorite passages is Jer. 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Salvation is a free gift of grace from a loving God to sinful helpless mankind. Following Christ is our gift of ourselves to Him. No… our works can’t save us - only Christ’s atoning work on the cross does that by grace through faith. But the result of coming to know Christ personally is a desire to please Him, to walk with Him and be guided by Him. John 10:27,28 – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of my hand”. 2 Cor. 5:15 “…and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf”. Paul says in Rom 12:1 “Therefore I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship”. If we are believers, saved by grace, we are a new creation. 2 Cor. 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things passed away; behold, new things have come!" The NEW creation WANTS to follow Christ, to please Him with our whole being – body, soul and spirit.

Yes… there is something very amazing about Jesus that makes large numbers of people want to follow Him even 2000+ years after His life here on earth!

Questions to ponder:

1.Who do you follow? Jn. 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.”

a. If you say you are "trying" to follow Him, are you absolutely sure you have accepted Him as your Saviour, and He "knows" you as one of His? You CAN be! If not, I or any one of us here would be happy to show you how you can be sure!

2. Looking at Matt 4:19 again, the rest of the verse reads "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men". Can you see another similarity with our analogy of blog followers, blog candy giveaways, and telling others about the give away? There is a definite call to evangelism in Matt 4:19. Tell others about this wonderful gift!

a. How might you go about telling others about Jesus? If you would, share some of your ideas on how we can do this in our day to day lives.

3. Think for a minute about who follows YOU. Do you have children, grand children, students, other family, neighbors, friends who know that you are a follower of Christ? If so, they are watching and looking for leadership, (mentoring, guidance), and a lfe that leads by example.

a. How might you help those who follow you to follow Him?

Now for a “special illustration” of today’s devotional thoughts, please visit my personal blog. There could be a free gift just waiting to be received!

Th-INK-ing of You

Written by Grace

The Roaring Lion

2009-07-31T09:27:00.005-05:00

God amazes me! He is Jehovah-Jireh, the One who provides. He has taken me to my knees in adoration and thanksgiving for the way He has provided here on Women to Women. I know He is bringing writers to us as His Spirit works within the hearts of women to share Christ through their lives here. I'm so excited to introduce you to one of our newest writers, Cheryl Moody. I've known Cheryl through blogging since I started over a year ago. She consistently honors the Lord and exalts Christ on God and I on the Railroad Tracks. You should visit her, but first, sit and read and be challenged...be blessed. Diane

Be self-controlled and alert.

Your enemy the devil prowls around

like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Satan preys on our weaknesses and one of my big weaknesses is my weight. I had lost weight 2 years ago and I had been thrilled with how my new body had looked and felt. I could fit into all the pretty clothes in sizes 10/12, my energy level was high and I had just felt good about me! But then I let my guard down, started eating whatever I wanted and stopped my daily walks and before I knew it my weight returned and brought 10 new friends with it. I was into a size 16…..HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? I screamed at myself. I was disgusted with how I looked.

Shopping made me feel better about my weight. If I was spending money, I wasn’t thinking about how I looked. Then because of my spending I found myself headed toward a financial crisis. Because I worried about my finances all the time I ate because that made me feel better about my finances; then I would feel bad about my weight again so I would shop. See the pattern? I was like a hamster on a wheel going round and round and unable to jump off.

So here I was, overweight, nearing broke and desperate; I finally cried out to the Lord. I admitted it was my sin that had brought me to this pathetic place in my life. I asked Him to show me where I have been wrong and to give me the tools I needed to overcome this stronghold of sin in my life. (Job 6:24: Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong.)

God started revealing the truth to me. In 1 Peter 5:8 I read, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

I started by breaking that piece of scripture down. Be self-controlled: I had not been using self-control at all. If it had a price tag on it, I bought it. If it was slathered in chocolate, I ate it! I didn’t deprive myself of anything.

Be alert: I was not being on guard by plugging into my sources of power everyday-God’s word and prayer time with Him. I can’t take these precious sources available to me and treat them like a menu….. “Let’s see, I’ll try the prayer today and see how that is…maybe next time I will give the Bible a try.” God has made available to me everything I need everyday to be alert to recognize the devil at work and to resist him.

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion. The lion is considered one of the top 5 most dangerous animals in the world. It will lie in wait for hours for its next victim. It will spot a herd of antelope and watch and wait until one innocently slips away from the herd and then the lion attacks and kills. I realized how important it was to stay within my church family, to surround myself with fellow believers, to get back into regular mid-week Bble study and prayer time. I needed to be within my herd.

Looking for someone to devour. The enemy had been literally devouring me everyday with my sins of over-eating and shopping. Out of those sins I had bred fear, worry, resentment, jealousy, self-loathing, pride, anger and bitterness. Sisters, do you know how much all that weighs? It weighs the weight of Christ’s cross. That’s a heavy weight to carry!

Seeing all of this in me broke my heart. Who had I become? This wasn’t who I really was!

God in His faithfulness always provides a way of escape for His children (1 Corinthians 10:13). He spoke gently to my spirit and cleansed my heart of all that unrighteousness. He took the weight of that cross upon himself, for me. Not just for once, but forever. He gave me a new day, a fresh start, a new beginning!

I can feel God’s transformation in my heart. I can also sense the devils' attempts at thwarting me. There are times I have been tested to give in. But God whispers in my ear “You can overcome this.”

What burdens are you carrying today? Why not give them to God and feel His transforming power in your life!

Written by Cheryl Moody

a still small voice

2009-07-24T08:54:00.007-05:00

“Be still.”

“Peace, be still.”

“He leads me beside quiet waters.”

What kinds of images do these phrases evoke? Do they not make you wish that, for just once, the world would pause long enough to allow you to breathe deeply and savour the moment?

Never in history have we been busier, living our lives at break-neck speed ~ a frenzied & frantic pace never before seen or experienced.

We try to cram 37 hours of living into 24 and when our heads finally hit the pillow, we drop into a sleep of exhaustion. Upon waking, we feel behind even before our feet hit the floor. Grabbing a cup of coffee as we head out the door, we offer a quick “bless me and let me be a blessing to someone today” prayer and hope we can make it through the day in one piece.

Can you relate? For many around me, this is their life. They wear their busyness almost like a badge of honour.

I catch myself in this same snare far too often and I wonder, is this abundant living?

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

In My Heart Christ’s Home, Robert Boyd Munger, describing the “living room of his heart”, writes:

This room was intimate and comfortable. I liked it. It had a fireplace, overstuffed chairs, a sofa, and a quiet atmosphere.

He said, "This is indeed a delightful room. Let us come here often. It is secluded and quiet, and we can fellowship together."

I couldn't think of anything I would rather do than have a few minutes with Christ in close companionship.

He promised, "I will be here early every morning. Meet me here, and we will start the day together."

So morning after morning, I would come downstairs to the living room. He would take a book of the Bible from the case. We would open it and read together. He would unfold to me the wonder of God's saving truths. My heart sang as He shared the love and the grace He had toward me. These were wonderful times.

However, little by little, under the pressure of many responsibilities, this time began to be shortened. Why, I'm not sure. I thought I was too busy to spend regular time with Christ. This was not intentional, you understand. It just happened that way. Finally, not only was the time shortened, but I began to miss days now and then. Urgent matters would crowd out the quiet times of conversation with Jesus.

I remember one morning rushing downstairs, eager to be on my way. I passed the living room and noticed that the door was open. Looking in, I saw a fire in the fireplace and Jesus was sitting there. Suddenly in dismay I thought to myself, "He is my guest. I invited Him into my heart! He has come as my Savior and Friend, and yet I am neglecting Him."

I stopped, turned and hesitantly went in. With downcast glance, I said, "Master, forgive me. Have You been here all these mornings?"

"Yes," He said, "I told you I would be here every morning to meet with you. Remember, I love you. I have redeemed you at great cost. I value your fellowship. Even if you cannot keep the quiet time for your own sake, do it for mine."*

Thinking of the mornings that I have rushed headlong into my day, I now stop. How can I be so arrogant to think I do not need to spend even a few minutes with my Lord at the beginning of my day?

Jesus has issued the invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

My excuses pale in comparison to the example Jesus set for us. He made time to spend alone with God. (Mark 1:35; Matthew 14:23; Matthew 26:36; Matthew 26:39; Luke 9:18; Luke 9:29) Martin Luther said once, “I have so much to do today, that I must pray!”

I often lament, then, that God does not speak to me ~ or at least, that I am not hearing anything ~ that He appears silent when I do take time to pray.

Could it be that in approaching my time of prayer in the same way as I approach the rest of my hectic schedule, I have it all wrong? I have 4 minutes to grab my Bible, read a verse and pray for a quick minute before I have to be heading out the door to my next appointment. But wait. How can I be so arrogant to think that I can schedule God for His allotted 2.64 minutes of my morning and demand that if He has something to say that He do so according to my timetable?

Whatever happened to stopping long enough to actually listen? I will hear His voice speaking distinctly to me if I will only stop long enough to become still ~ to cease from my striving long enough to quiet my heart. I believe only then will I hear Him speak. For you see, His is not the voice to rise over the din and clatter and noise of our world. His is the still small voice that whispers to our hearts ~ we need only to be still and we will know that He is God (Ps 46:10).

* InterVarsity Press; (February 1986)

Here are some questions for your response:

1. Do you have trouble being “still”? Why or why not?

2. Conversation is always 2-way. If we wish to converse with God, we must not do all the ‘talking’; we need to let Him speak. Generally, we tend to realize the importance of listening to God’s voice speaking truth into our lives. What kinds of things tend to crowd out that voice for you?

3. If you believe that taking time to become quiet is important, what steps will you take this next week towards making that happen?