For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
-Jeremiah 29:11
I know that God has given you great dreams. No doubt, He has made you great promises. Promises that your marriage will be dynamic. Promises that your finances will be stable and even flourish. Promises that your gifts will indeed make room for you. Yet, sometimes in the midst of those promises we have questions. Many of us wonder when. When will it come to pass? When will our time come? When will the hard stuff be over. Some of us wonder why. Why must we go through some things before we attain the promise? Why must we endure the hard stuff? I think I have asked all of those questions, but you know the one question that sometimes keeps me stuck: How? Not when...not why...but how? How God? How is what you promised going to come about from what I see? How am I going to get from where I am to what you showed me? How are things going to line up? How: in what manner and by what means? Have you ever wondered how things are going to happen? This is what God showed me this morning, though. When I get stuck on how things are going to happen I am not trusting Him. When I get stuck on how I am putting the weight of executing His plan on me instead of on Him. I am relying on my own strength instead of His. I think that I have to make something happen instead of allowing Him to make it happen through me. When I continue to try to figure out how I am trusting in my abilities instead of His, and it is obvious that my abilities pale in comparison. Here is the good news for you today: How is none of your concern! Did you get that? It is not for you to worry about. God will take care of the manner and means by which things happen for you. Your role is simply to trust and obey Him. So, I encourage you to embrace this phrase: I don't know. I know it's not comfortable to admit, but there is freedom in it if you will accept it. I don't know. I don't know how God is going to bring forth the ministry He has given me. I don't know how God is going to do the impossible in my life. I don't know how He is going to take my marriage to the next level. I don't know how He is going to cause my finances to flourish. I don't know how, but I know Him! I know that He is the answer. I know that His promises are yes and amen. I know that He has a good plan to prosper me. I know that He is not a liar. I know that He promises to perfect everything that concerns me. I know Him. Rest in that. You may not know how, but you know Him! He does not disappoint. He is faithful and consistent. Stop trying to figure out how and simply follow the next set of instructions He gives you. That's your part -- seek Him and obey what He tells you. As this year draws to a close, focus on knowing and loving Him. Trust Him to reveal His plans as you obey each step.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2016
Monday's Marriage Moment -- Choose Now
Proverbs 6:4 (NLT)
Don't put it off; do it now! Don't rest until you do!
As the year draws to a close many are pondering 2017. Some have great expectations. Others are thinking of what they are going to accomplish next year that didn't quite happen in this. Many are considering what resolutions they will make. Often as Christians we act as if people shouldn't make resolutions. I have no problem with them. I just wonder why we only do it at the beginning of the year. Actually, I don't wonder. I totally understand. It's the same reason that I wait until Monday to change my eating habits. It's the reason that I wait until the summer to begin an exercise plan. Why do I wait? Why not decide right now to do something different, be different, or live differently? I wait because sometimes it seems easier to do it later. I wait because I have fed my flesh so long that it is hard to yield to the Spirit in some areas. I wait because sometimes acting on what I know is hard. There is a word for that -- procrastination. It means to delay, stall, or put off. This isn't waiting on the Lord. No, it's not doing what you know to do just because you don't want to. The problem with procrastination (and there are many) is that it renders you ineffective and motionless. You are stopped, stalled, and stagnant as you succumb to procrastination. The issue that needs to be addressed doesn't go away, and sometimes it becomes harder to do than it would have been. Procrastination is a strong enemy. But realize that it is just that -- an enemy. Therefore, it must be defeated. So, I am choosing now, with 19 more days in 2016 to overcome procrastination. I will not be enslaved to it or enticed by it. I will take the steps necessary to be effective in my marriage, ministry, and life. Maybe procrastination isn't your thing, but I still want you to choose now to do what God is telling you to do. The bible is full of promises on the importance of "now" and "today". Don't wait, dear friend. Act now. In the words of the author of Proverbs: Don't put it off; do it no! Don't rest until you do!
Don't put it off; do it now! Don't rest until you do!
As the year draws to a close many are pondering 2017. Some have great expectations. Others are thinking of what they are going to accomplish next year that didn't quite happen in this. Many are considering what resolutions they will make. Often as Christians we act as if people shouldn't make resolutions. I have no problem with them. I just wonder why we only do it at the beginning of the year. Actually, I don't wonder. I totally understand. It's the same reason that I wait until Monday to change my eating habits. It's the reason that I wait until the summer to begin an exercise plan. Why do I wait? Why not decide right now to do something different, be different, or live differently? I wait because sometimes it seems easier to do it later. I wait because I have fed my flesh so long that it is hard to yield to the Spirit in some areas. I wait because sometimes acting on what I know is hard. There is a word for that -- procrastination. It means to delay, stall, or put off. This isn't waiting on the Lord. No, it's not doing what you know to do just because you don't want to. The problem with procrastination (and there are many) is that it renders you ineffective and motionless. You are stopped, stalled, and stagnant as you succumb to procrastination. The issue that needs to be addressed doesn't go away, and sometimes it becomes harder to do than it would have been. Procrastination is a strong enemy. But realize that it is just that -- an enemy. Therefore, it must be defeated. So, I am choosing now, with 19 more days in 2016 to overcome procrastination. I will not be enslaved to it or enticed by it. I will take the steps necessary to be effective in my marriage, ministry, and life. Maybe procrastination isn't your thing, but I still want you to choose now to do what God is telling you to do. The bible is full of promises on the importance of "now" and "today". Don't wait, dear friend. Act now. In the words of the author of Proverbs: Don't put it off; do it no! Don't rest until you do!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Monday's Marriage Moment -- Still Good!
Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God[c] is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3: 17 - 19
One of my favorite songs currently is "Arise" by William Murphy. The song speaks of the goodness of the Lord in general, but one line in particular blesses me: You are good, so good, real good, still good". Look at the last two words again: STILL good. Do you know what still means in this context? It means "and yet; but yet; nevertheless; nonetheless;" and get this "even with everything considered". Even with everything considered God is good. Perhaps this has been a season of sunshine and lollipops for you, but there are a few of us that have had some clouds in the midst of sunshine and some broccoli thrown in with those lollipops. Can I remind those of you who have had some struggles and challenges that God is STILL good? Even when we consider everything: financial issues, job issues, marital issues, and so much more, God is still good. Maybe your spouse is not perfect right now, but God is still good. Maybe you are still trying to conquer some issues in your marriage, but God is still good. Maybe you are facing challenges at work, at school, and/or at home, but God is STILL good. Look at Habakkuk's situation. Things in his life that should have produced were barren. They were not working according to plan and purpose. He is describing a hard time. Yet, he purposed in his heart and even declared that regardless of the situation, EVEN WITH EVERYTHING CONSIDERED, he was going to rejoice in the Lord. I submit to you that we must do the same. This year has been challenging for me. There has been shift and transition all around. I have had months of struggle and many times I did not understand why I was going through. Yet, I can tell you that through it all God was STILL good. John and I are leaving this year much stronger in all areas than when we entered it because God is STILL good. I determined that my circumstances were not going to effect how I perceived God, but God was going to effect how I perceived my circumstances. I challenge you today, with only 26 days left in this year, to focus on God and His goodness. Call to mind all that He has been to you and all that He has done for you. Determine to set your thoughts above your reality. Declare that not only is your marriage good, but that your life is good! God's plan for you is good! Your finances are good! All of this is because He is good. No matter what, He is STILL good!
Monday, November 28, 2016
Monday's Marriage Moment -- Out of Order?
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My
ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My
ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55: 8
- 10
The dictionary
defines "out of order" as: not working properly or at all. When
something is not functioning as it should we determine that it is out of order.
We have all seen these signs on soda machines and other equipment. Many times
these signs bring us frustration. You want to get a cold drink, but the machine
is out of order. You want a milkshake from your favorite restaurant, but the
mixer is out of order. You want to make copies, but the copier is out of order.
There is nothing like expecting something to function and produce only to find
out that it doesn't produce in the way that you wanted it to. Many times in the
body of Christ we use the term out of order to describe someone who is not
functioning the way we think they should. Maybe they didn't follow the proper
protocols and procedures. Or maybe they did something without consulting the
"proper authorities". After all, we like things to fit in nice, neat
little packages. Could it be that sometimes when we are saying things (or
people) are out of order it's really just user error? I have seen it happen
numerous times. Someone says the copier in the office is broken, but it turns
out the person didn't use it correctly. Maybe they didn't recognize that it was
simply out of paper or the toner needed to be replaced. They didn't know how to
fix it, so it was easier to say that it was out of order than to consult the
manual and actually find out how to repair it. That would take time and effort.
Might I suggest that instead of slapping "out of order" signs on
things (and people) that we consult with the manufacturer. If you feel that
your relationship is out of order, perhaps you need to consult the ultimate
manual, your bible, to determine how to best repair it. There are tons of
scriptures on friendships, family relationships, and marriage. Before you
determine that the relationship is broken beyond repair, find out what God says
about it. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. He sees from a much wider
perspective than we do. Maybe what seems out of order to you is a work in
progress to Him. Friendships, relationships, for that matter people in general,
take a lot of time and investment in order to be fruitful. Be willing to invest
that time before you call it broken and walk away. There could be a simple fix.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Monday's Marriage Moment -- Adapt!
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:12 - 13
Charles Darwin is often incorrectly credited with this quote: It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one most adaptable to change. I don't ascribe to Darwin's theories of evolution by any means, but I certainly believe there is merit to this quote (whether he actually said it or not). As someone who loves consistency and predictably, I find it challenging to write these words. Nevertheless, if we want successful marriages, or relationships in general, we must be adaptable. Your spouse today is not the same person you married years ago. Prayerfully, they have grown and changed for the better. That means that we must do likewise if we want to maintain a great relationship. John and I have been married for 17 years. In that time, we have had more children, job changes, home changes, and church changes. We have moved cities and gained and lost acquaintances. The way our marriage looks today is drastically different than it looked 17 years ago. I don't know if we would have made it without either of us adapting. God has consistently been showing me areas that need me to adapt even more. Adapt doesn't mean that I give up who I am for someone else. It means to become adjusted to new conditions. When John had a career change I had to become adjusted to new conditions. When I had a career change, John had to become adjusted to new conditions. Neither of us can say we refuse to adjust if we want the marriage to work. We can't say I am going this far, but I will not change anything else ever. No, that is not marriage. Nor is it a good reflection of Christ's relationship with us. Yes, He is the God who changes not, but He is perfect and, therefore, has no need to change. You and I, dear sister and brother, have lots of room to change. We have to be flexible and adaptable. The apostle Paul wasn't married, but in the scripture above, he offers us great advice. He said he knew how to be abased and how to abound. He knew how to be full and hungry, to have what he needed and to lack some things. What is he really saying? He knows how to adapt to the situation. In our marriages there will be great times and challenging times. There will be times when the husbands are leading beautifully and times when they need support. There will be times when the wives are effective in their roles and times when they need support. We have to adapt to all of those times knowing that we can do it as God gives us strength. Charles Darwin's premise was that if an organism doesn't adapt to changing conditions they would end up extinct -- adapt or die. Our marriages are living organisms that must respond to changing conditions. Whatever area the Lord is asking you to adapt or be flexible in I implore you to listen. The health, the very life of your marriage, may depend on it. Blessings!
-Philippians 4:12 - 13
Charles Darwin is often incorrectly credited with this quote: It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one most adaptable to change. I don't ascribe to Darwin's theories of evolution by any means, but I certainly believe there is merit to this quote (whether he actually said it or not). As someone who loves consistency and predictably, I find it challenging to write these words. Nevertheless, if we want successful marriages, or relationships in general, we must be adaptable. Your spouse today is not the same person you married years ago. Prayerfully, they have grown and changed for the better. That means that we must do likewise if we want to maintain a great relationship. John and I have been married for 17 years. In that time, we have had more children, job changes, home changes, and church changes. We have moved cities and gained and lost acquaintances. The way our marriage looks today is drastically different than it looked 17 years ago. I don't know if we would have made it without either of us adapting. God has consistently been showing me areas that need me to adapt even more. Adapt doesn't mean that I give up who I am for someone else. It means to become adjusted to new conditions. When John had a career change I had to become adjusted to new conditions. When I had a career change, John had to become adjusted to new conditions. Neither of us can say we refuse to adjust if we want the marriage to work. We can't say I am going this far, but I will not change anything else ever. No, that is not marriage. Nor is it a good reflection of Christ's relationship with us. Yes, He is the God who changes not, but He is perfect and, therefore, has no need to change. You and I, dear sister and brother, have lots of room to change. We have to be flexible and adaptable. The apostle Paul wasn't married, but in the scripture above, he offers us great advice. He said he knew how to be abased and how to abound. He knew how to be full and hungry, to have what he needed and to lack some things. What is he really saying? He knows how to adapt to the situation. In our marriages there will be great times and challenging times. There will be times when the husbands are leading beautifully and times when they need support. There will be times when the wives are effective in their roles and times when they need support. We have to adapt to all of those times knowing that we can do it as God gives us strength. Charles Darwin's premise was that if an organism doesn't adapt to changing conditions they would end up extinct -- adapt or die. Our marriages are living organisms that must respond to changing conditions. Whatever area the Lord is asking you to adapt or be flexible in I implore you to listen. The health, the very life of your marriage, may depend on it. Blessings!
Monday, November 14, 2016
Monday's Marriage Moment -- Radical Surgery
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. -- Ezekiel 36:26
Surgery is a radical process. It doesn't matter if you are having a wisdom tooth or a gall bladder removed -- both are radical processes. It requires both "prep" time and recovery time. If we are going to be all that God has called us to be we will experience some radical surgery. He will remove some things from our lives. Some of them are bad things; things that would slowly kill us if left unchecked. Cancerous things like bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness. Some things are not deadly in and of themselves, but they don't need to stay -- warts, bunions, and unsightly hair. These are things that just aren't good for you: procrastination, slothfulness, and wanting things your own way. It is my belief that God is performing some radical surgeries in our individual lives so that we can be more productive and effective in our marriages, our careers, and in our lives in our general. Perhaps you are in pre-op: this is the time when you meet with your doctors to discuss your condition. Maybe God has been talking to you about what He is getting ready to remove. Maybe He has been discussing your "condition" with you, and telling you the dangers if surgery does not take place. Maybe He has been telling you to fast before surgery like most doctors do. You have to have an empty stomach before surgery so that you don't vomit during surgery which could be lethal. Maybe you are in the operating room and the anesthesia is being given. Anesthesia is used so that you won't feel the pain of the cutting and removal. Has he numbed you in some way to your environment or surroundings? Has what used to irritate and bother stopped frustrating you? Have you stopped fretting over stuff that used to send you into a tirade for days? It could be a local anesthetic that just affects a centralized area or a general anesthetic that affects your entire life. What area is He about to perform surgery on? Maybe the surgery has already taken place and you are in recovery. We often think that when the surgery is over we are 100%. Not so! Immediately after surgery you are wheeled into a recovery room. Sometimes patients feel groggy after surgery. They may be unaware of what happened. Others may still feel some tenderness in certain areas, but the issue still has been removed. Sometimes patients need days or weeks of rest to be able to return to normal duties. Whether you are in pre-op, surgery, or post-op, I encourage you to follow the directions of your Primary Doctor -- Jesus. He alone knows the specifics of your needs. Determine where you are in the process and follow His orders to the letter. He is giving you newness. He is replacing all that is old, hardened, and useless. Be careful not to reject what He has given you!
Surgery is a radical process. It doesn't matter if you are having a wisdom tooth or a gall bladder removed -- both are radical processes. It requires both "prep" time and recovery time. If we are going to be all that God has called us to be we will experience some radical surgery. He will remove some things from our lives. Some of them are bad things; things that would slowly kill us if left unchecked. Cancerous things like bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness. Some things are not deadly in and of themselves, but they don't need to stay -- warts, bunions, and unsightly hair. These are things that just aren't good for you: procrastination, slothfulness, and wanting things your own way. It is my belief that God is performing some radical surgeries in our individual lives so that we can be more productive and effective in our marriages, our careers, and in our lives in our general. Perhaps you are in pre-op: this is the time when you meet with your doctors to discuss your condition. Maybe God has been talking to you about what He is getting ready to remove. Maybe He has been discussing your "condition" with you, and telling you the dangers if surgery does not take place. Maybe He has been telling you to fast before surgery like most doctors do. You have to have an empty stomach before surgery so that you don't vomit during surgery which could be lethal. Maybe you are in the operating room and the anesthesia is being given. Anesthesia is used so that you won't feel the pain of the cutting and removal. Has he numbed you in some way to your environment or surroundings? Has what used to irritate and bother stopped frustrating you? Have you stopped fretting over stuff that used to send you into a tirade for days? It could be a local anesthetic that just affects a centralized area or a general anesthetic that affects your entire life. What area is He about to perform surgery on? Maybe the surgery has already taken place and you are in recovery. We often think that when the surgery is over we are 100%. Not so! Immediately after surgery you are wheeled into a recovery room. Sometimes patients feel groggy after surgery. They may be unaware of what happened. Others may still feel some tenderness in certain areas, but the issue still has been removed. Sometimes patients need days or weeks of rest to be able to return to normal duties. Whether you are in pre-op, surgery, or post-op, I encourage you to follow the directions of your Primary Doctor -- Jesus. He alone knows the specifics of your needs. Determine where you are in the process and follow His orders to the letter. He is giving you newness. He is replacing all that is old, hardened, and useless. Be careful not to reject what He has given you!
Monday, October 31, 2016
Monday's Marriage Moment -- Be Intentional
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
-Romans 8:28
I am preparing for a trip, and I am being super diligent about making sure that things are prepared for my family while I am gone. I am making sure clothes are laid out for Malia (left to her and her dad who knows what she will wear to school). I am making sure things are ready for John to prepare dinner. I am making sure he has a list of events and activities while I am gone. I am being intentional about making things simple and easy for John while I am gone. I couldn't help but realize, however, that I am not this intentional under normal circumstances. Why don't I have this same diligence for the times that we are together? Why am I not intentional about preparations for the week to make things are simple for him on a normal basis. Don't get me wrong, I never try to make things hard for my husband, but I know that I am not this focused and intentional on a regular basis. Intentional means done on purpose or deliberate. We sing about God being intentional -- we want to know that He is working all things out for our good. Yet, are we demonstrating that with our spouses? Are we making sure that we are deliberate with our actions and choices so that they work out for their good. Are we deliberate with our time? Do we maximize it so that time spent with them is of good quality? Are we intentional with our words? Do we ensure that they are loving and purposeful? Are we intentional in meeting their needs and desires? Yes, we certainly know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes, but since we are heirs of Christ and his ambassadors on earth shouldn't we demonstrate that same sense to our spouses? I am confident that you are doing well in this area, but can't we all come up a little higher? Challenge yourself this week to be intentional in demonstrating your love and appreciation for your spouse. I am sure the results will work for your good!
-Romans 8:28
I am preparing for a trip, and I am being super diligent about making sure that things are prepared for my family while I am gone. I am making sure clothes are laid out for Malia (left to her and her dad who knows what she will wear to school). I am making sure things are ready for John to prepare dinner. I am making sure he has a list of events and activities while I am gone. I am being intentional about making things simple and easy for John while I am gone. I couldn't help but realize, however, that I am not this intentional under normal circumstances. Why don't I have this same diligence for the times that we are together? Why am I not intentional about preparations for the week to make things are simple for him on a normal basis. Don't get me wrong, I never try to make things hard for my husband, but I know that I am not this focused and intentional on a regular basis. Intentional means done on purpose or deliberate. We sing about God being intentional -- we want to know that He is working all things out for our good. Yet, are we demonstrating that with our spouses? Are we making sure that we are deliberate with our actions and choices so that they work out for their good. Are we deliberate with our time? Do we maximize it so that time spent with them is of good quality? Are we intentional with our words? Do we ensure that they are loving and purposeful? Are we intentional in meeting their needs and desires? Yes, we certainly know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes, but since we are heirs of Christ and his ambassadors on earth shouldn't we demonstrate that same sense to our spouses? I am confident that you are doing well in this area, but can't we all come up a little higher? Challenge yourself this week to be intentional in demonstrating your love and appreciation for your spouse. I am sure the results will work for your good!
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