Category: Grace

  • Suffering for Doing Good

    Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart, Hebrews 12:3.

     

    Yesterday in our small group Bible study class we talked about pain, suffering, revenge, and unjust treatment. We all have stories of woundedness. Whether it be of neglect, financial woes, abuse … all of these characteristics make us who we are today. The good and the bad. I wouldn’t want to change any of my circumstances. Granted, they most certainly were not fun to live through. But I did. And the good news is that God walked with me through them or around them, regardless. Even though at the time I might not have felt loved or cared for, I was. He was there all the time. Watching over me.     image001 (Copy)

    For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.”   (1 Peter 2:19). God’s ways are not our ways. We can endure through His strength; not on our own can we bear the burden. Power is available in and through our Great God!

    But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.”            (1 Peter 2:20b). Ever go out of your way to please someone, to do good to someone undeserving? When they do not respond in a positive manner or even say thank you, I get really defensive. Makes me wonder if I ever want to do good for them again. That’s where my thinking goes astray. I should not act with the expectation of receiving something in return. On the contrary, my focus should be on doing what I need to do and when I need to do it. Regardless. BECAUSE God is then pleased with me. He is the only one I should be concerned with pleasing. This lends a whole different perspective on giving and doing the right thing.

    How about you? Have you reached out to someone numerous times without receiving praise or maybe not even a thank-you? Picture that person in your mind. Now substitute their face with an image of Christ. Think of what He means to you and what He’s accomplished for you. Can you go back to that person or situation and behave as if you are doing it for God and not a human being? When you operate this way, God is pleased with you, my friend!

    *****

  • The Potter’s wheel

    “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand”—Isaiah 64:8.

    The Prophet Isaiah writes about the Potter and the clay. This verse reminds me that the Potter is the one in charge of my destiny. God created us in the beginning; therefore it makes sense that He’s the driver in my life.

    Potter's Wheel
    Potter’s Wheel

    But do I always seek His wisdom during decision making times? When the outcome turns out favorable, do I give God the credit and glory? Or, do I pat myself on the back and think what a good job I did?

    Often, God works behind the scenes similar to stage hands who set up for a play or concert. Countless hours go into designing and building stage props, costumes, script writing, character building, and sound system. Without the proper implementation of their talents and skills, the play/movie wouldn’t happen. Those who sit in the audience only see the finished product—flawlessly performed.

    Just like participating in your favorite play or movie, let’s remember to give God the credit for His protection and guidance in our daily lives.

    • When was the last time you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to do/say something?
    • Did you say “Yes” to the Potter?
    • What was the outcome of your response?

    Dear God,

    Thank you for being in charge of my life. Oftentimes when I take the wheel, I tend to move too quickly or in the wrong direction. Help me to remember that You created my body and it is good regardless of certain aspects I’d like to change. I choose to be thankful for life and the ability to praise You forever.

    *****  

  • Joy in stress?

    Good Grade on Test

    How you ever considered that trials and temptations can be a way of making us mature? Or molding us to be complete and lacking nothing?

    That’s what the writer of James is telling us in the first chapter of his book. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ says to “consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides” (The Message). When’s the last time you jumped up and down with excitement in the middle of a trial? My normal response would be to recoil and think, Why me?

    But that’s not the way we are reminded to act or react. I don’t believe we necessarily have to be excited about the trial itself, but encouraged that as a believer, I can rejoice in the fact that God is on my side. He has me covered; therefore I need not doubt or be afraid.

    Maybe, just maybe, this testing of your faith you’re going through is meant to be shared with others. You probably aren’t feeling excited about an uncertain health issue, losing your job due to downsizing, or parenting a troubled teen. Still … there are lessons to be learned. And glory to be given. More than likely, there are individuals in your circle of influence who could benefit from hearing about what you are going through right now. As you and I handle a tough time, with the grace of God and His wisdom, others can be comforted.

    Dear God, I admit I’m not overjoyed about this time of my life. In fact, I feel depressed and sometimes alone. Yet, in my heart, I know that You have my best interests in mind. I can go to You anytime day or night with my burdens. Thank you for loving me when I’m least unlovable. Amen.

    Is there a message others need to hear about how you (with God) overcame a certain obstacle? Something that seems too big and wide to get through? Will you speak or pen those pearls of wisdom so another can benefit?

    “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”—James 1:2–4.

     

  • The Transformation Project

    This year, our local Word Weavers writers group embarked upon a mission of compiling an anthology book. The theme would be “Transformation.” For some odd reason, the idea didn’t excite me—at least not at first.    image001 (Copy) (2)

    Most of the submissions were already turned in, critiqued, and accepted before I decided it would be a good idea to get with the program and come up with something for the book. I searched my archives and found the perfect journal article. My son.

    My son was transformed later in his teens—(you’ll just have to read my story to find out about the before and after details). Little did I know that during that whole upsetting ordeal that God was transforming my heart. Transforming it from independence on self and dependence on the only wise God. I didn’t even realize this story had evolved into a double transformation. One in my dear son’s heart and one close to home: me.

    Maybe you’ve experienced deep grief in your soul in the past. Or, maybe you’re experiencing it right now. I invite you to take a look at the stories enclosed within the covers of our new release, The Transformation Project. The book is available in both paperback and Kindle format.

    P.S. the title of my story is: I Hope He’ll Come Home.

    Dare to tell about a time of #transformation in your life. #WordWeavers W MI authors did. https://amzn.to/1d195NW

  • Do you consider yourself an Encourager?

    “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today”—Hebrews 3:13.

    We must not give up! Some days and hours are just tougher than others. We all have days when we feel good about ourselves, our family, and the world in general. But there are also those times when we feel the entire world is against us.   purple-white crinkle flower (Copy)

    I get that. I’m with you and have the same types of ups and downs. My ups and downs may not be the same as yours, but nevertheless can be defeating. The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us to encourage each other. Daily. That’s a whole lot of encouraging. He knew that as humans we are likely to forget yesterday’s triumphs. For me, a good feeling is easily replaced by a not-so-good feeling. If one person make a comment about my work that I consider negative, my mind lingers on that thought a lot longer than a praise note.

    That’s why we need a lot of cheerleaders in our life to counteract the naysayers…those who think before they speak. I understand the need for people to critique. I’ve been amazed at the great counsel that comes from writer’s groups and friends who work with the English language on a daily basis. Great value comes from another set of eyes to look through my work.

    The problem comes from when one or two negative comments cause me to quit writing or creating all together. Through the years I’ve learned there is something to be learned from every commentary I receive. Asking God what portion of this information I need to take to heart and what part do I need to discard and forget. God is my ultimate source of critique. His wisdom trumps all others.

    Prayer of encouragement: Dear God, may I be the one to communicate hope and light to someone in need. I know that when I share with others the blessings go both ways. Amen.

    How about you? Do you have a resource to filter your writing or creativity mode through? Maybe it’s a writer’s group or group of friends whom you trust their intuition. If not, why not make that a priority this week to find at least one other unbiased person to share your talents?

  • Safe and Secure

    Thunder booms in the distance
    Safe & secure from all alarms

    storm is brewing (Copy)
    Storm is a’brewing

    Lightening surrounds
    Rain crashes down

    Fire truck sirens blare
    Secure within my sailboat shell
    No worry; no cares

    My Father says:
    Do not be afraid
    Nor let my heart be troubled

    He gives me Peace
    Freely

  • His grace is an ocean

    “And we are His portion and He is our prize
    Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
    If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking
    And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss
    And my heart turns violently inside of my chest

    I don’t have time to maintain these regrets
    When I think about the way
    Oh, how He loves us, oh
    Oh, how He loves us, how He loves all …” — How He Loves Us, by David Crowder band

    I recently listened to this song several times. I still have a hard time comprehending or beginning to understand the depth and immensity of God’s love. For me. For you. For humankind … knowing we often fail to show our love toward God. I say and do things I know displeases and makes him sad.

    Grace. Forgiveness. Love. All these characteristics are clearly evident in God. I claim this New Year — 2013 — to be a year of fresh starts. How about you?

    Dear God, I chose to be more aware of your love for me, my family and friends. I chose to recognize daily and even minute-by-minute blessings you freely give. I chose to learn more of you in your love letter, the Bible. I ask for your strength to accomplish these activities. Without you, I can do nothing. Amen.

    ***

  • New Year’s Resolutions

    Last year I did some rotten things.
    This year I will be better.
    Here are some resolutions
    I will follow to the letter:

    I won’t make dumb excuses
    when my homework isn’t done;
    when the truth is that I did no work
    ‘cause I was having fun.

    I won’t fly paper airplanes
    when the teacher isn’t looking.
    I won’t sneak in the kitchen
    just to taste what they are cooking.

    I will not twist the silverware
    to see how far it bends.
    I will not take the candy bars
    from lunch bags of my friends.

    I will not skateboard down the hall
    or skateboard down the stairs.
    I won’t run over teachers,
    and I won’t crash into chairs.

    I will not do these rotten things;
    my heart is full of sorrow.
    But I have got some brand-new tricks
    to try in school tomorrow.  [by Bruce Lansky]

  • Looking for a way out?

    No matter what you may be facing today, cling to this promise “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Cry out to God — He hears and he will listen and respond. He cares for you above all others & waits for you to come to him. He can & will help you. You need not be afraid.

    God will provide a way of escape. I just need to ask. I know because I’ve been there & done that. God always gave me an out. Sometimes I didn’t acknowledge it and ended up sorry I didn’t choose the right path. When I took God’s way out —relief flooded my body and soul.

    “God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid, what can man do to me?”  —   (Hebrews 13)

    ***

  • Green beans & Growing up

    Green Bean Seeds

    “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

    Sometimes I wonder if I ever will grow up. When I repeat the same mistakes over and over again, I begin to doubt my spiritual growth. I realize that maturity is a process, not a one-time event. It takes 52 days to see the harvest from green bean seeds. In the meantime, I need to water and fertilize with proper nutrients and pay attention to the environment. Just like growing green bean seedlings, my faith takes perseverance and patience.

    As I read my Bible and learn more of God’s will and way, he speaks contentment and peace to my aching heart.

    Dear God, thank you for extending mercy to me when I falter or doubt what’s happening in my life. As your child, I want to please you. I will pray and tell you my heartaches, lay them at the foot of the cross, and not take them up again.

    Do you feel defeated as if everyone is against you? I, too, have felt that way. Can you trust God with your whole being? When you do, joy and peace will return to your starved soul.