Do Not Depart

Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word

You are here: Home / Archives for ScriptureDig

Black Friday Coffee

by Leave a Comment

I have to admit I really had a hard time coming up with only one post to share with you from all of Kathy’s personal posts at KathyHoward.org. I met Kathy when I was preparing to organize our annual pastor’s conference in Costa Rica and found her website offered some great free resources. I contacted her to see if I could translate them into Spanish and we’ve been friends ever since.

I love her heart for God, for her family, for people, for ministry and for serving others with the goal of reaching them for Christ! That’s why I had to share this post with you! It gives you a glimpse of her heart to serve the world in Jesus’ name and challenges us to do the same. (Of course, the fact that it includes coffee makes my heart smile too!)

So grab yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy this post that was originally posted on her site on November 27, 2010…

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Yesterday morning, Black Friday, I was up at 3:00 am but it wasn’t for shopping. No, I crawled out of bed before Starbucks even opened, to participate in a little community service. Twenty-five people from our church arrived at Best Buy just after 4:00 am with 30 gallons of coffee and hot chocolate to serve the hundreds of people who were lined up waiting for the doors to open at five.

A little advance organization prepared us to give-away about 400 cups of hot liquid in 30 minutes. The crowd was a little skeptical at first, but after friendly greetings and assurance that the drinks were indeed free, they gratefully accepted the steaming cups. Many even interacted with us and asked why we were there.

So why were we there? Our goal was simply to serve the community. The Black Friday shopping tradition provides a perfect opportunity. Some of the shoppers had been lined up outside the store since 7 or 8 the night before. For West Texas, it was extremely cold on Thursday night. When I got in my car at 3:30 the thermometer read 19 degrees.

Serving others, without any selfish motives or personal intent, pleases God. Selfless service models the character of Christ. When an argument arose among Jesus’ disciples about who would get to sit next to Him when He came into His Kingdom, Jesus sharply corrected their thinking.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28

Jesus also commanded us to follow His example. During the Last Supper on the night Jesus was betrayed, He washed the disciples’ feet in a pure act of service. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:14-15).

One act of service – like serving coffee to shoppers on a bitter Black Friday morning – is good. But anyone (even me) can commit to a once-every-so-often, sacrifice-some-comfort, go-out-of-my-way act. But that doesn’t change my attitude that dictates my actions in the long-term. I must have a heart of service that is motivated by love for others. I know I am not where I need to be yet. Remember, Jesus is my example and He laid down His very life. Even for sinners. Even for the unlovely.

How can we develop a desire to serve others? What can we do to set aside our comfort, schedules, and self-absorption so we can follow Jesus’ example? I would love to know what you think.

Reflecting the Son

by 2 Comments

{Kathy is an incredible writer and teacher … but she is also a precious friend.  I’m so thankful for the wisdom and grace she has poured into my life since we first connected about a year ago. Time and again she has gifted me with her listening ear and gracious counsel.  Her blog is filled with insight gleaned from life experiences and grounded in God’s Word.  I love her passion for the Bible.  This post is one of my favorites – transparent, real, and rich with meaning.  ~ Teri Lynne}

God regularly overwhelms me with Himself. Today, it happened while I was driving and listening to the radio. “I’m giving my life to the only One who makes the moon reflect the sun.” These *lyrics, from “Starry Night” by Chris August, hit me square between the eyes.

Earth’s moon is situated just in the right spot to faithfully reflect the sun’s light to the dark side of the earth as it turns in space. Could that be by chance? No, it is one of many examples of the fine-tuning of our universe. The fact that we have light at night shouts the existence of a Creator. How can anyone miss that?!

As I continued to hum August’s song and hear the lyrics in my head, God hit me with another truth. (This was a double-whammy day.) Earth’s moon illustrates a beautiful spiritual truth. The moon emits no light of its own. It only reflects light from the sun. So, the light we earthlings see at night is really sunlight, not moonlight. As a Christ-follower, I should be like the moon. I should never shine a light of my own, but only and always reflect the light of the Son.

God saved me for this purpose. As the Holy Spirit continues to transform me into the likeness of Christ, my life will reflect His glory more and more to a watching world.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:18.

If you will forgive me for being corny – Christ should be waxing in my life and I should be waning. More of Christ and less of me. Until all the world sees from my life is the light of Christ.

*Read all the lyrics to “Starry Night”.


Fruitful Vine

by 2 Comments

In the early part of this year, Sandra did a great series called “Rock Your Marriage” with some excellent thoughts to ponder! This is a challenging post that has stuck with me and I often think about it… what does it mean to be a “fruitful vine” in our homes? This post was originally published at Sandra’s blog on Feburary 2, 2011.

Psalm 128:3, “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house…”
I love the imagery of this verse. But what does it mean, and what does it have to do with building our marriages on the rock of God’s Word? Scholars believe it means that the wife is fruitful by having children. That leads into the next verse, which talks about children being like olive shoots. But because
women can be wives and not be mothers, I believe we can apply this verse more broadly. 
How can a wife be fruitful, and how can she do it best within her house?
J.R. Miller wrote in his book Home-Making, “…it should be understood that for every wife the first duty is the making and keeping of her own home. Her first and best work should be done there….” (67-68). He wrote those words in 1882, but they are still true today. God gives us many responsibilities and ministries, but our primary calling is to our own homes, our families.We need to see that their needs are met before we meet the needs of others.

Being a fruitful vine within our homes means we give our best to our families. The best of our energy, creativity, and love. Some days this is easier to do than other days. It’s even easier in some seasons of life than in other seasons. We can all evaluate ourselves in light of this verse and find an area of potential improvement.

Rock your marriage today–pray about ways you can be fruitful in your house. Give your home and family more attention than you give anything else. Ask God to bless your obedience to this verse!

Another Day of Grace

by Leave a Comment

{I adore Sandra!  She is one of my very best friends and I’ve been fortunate to spend time in her home and get to know her family.   This post is one of her more recent ones but it captures her heart and her desire to live in and give out grace.  Written about the pending “end of the world” on May 21st, Sandra points us all back to the truth of grace.  Thank you, Sandra, for your friendship and your faithfulness to know God more.  Your life is an encouragement and inspiration to me!  ~ Teri Lynne}

Today is (probably) not the day Christ will return. But it is a day of grace. For that, we should be thankful, and convicted.

They are laughing at us. On Twitter and in interviews. At family functions and friendly get-togethers. What a joke to think the world would end today! Those Christians are so crazy.

Most don’t know the difference in what Harold Camping believes and what John Piper believes (or Francis Chan or Beth Moore). Just like they don’t know the difference in Westboro Baptist Church and Stewartstown Baptist Church (my church). Christian is Christian is Christian when you aren’t one.

Why should today be any different for those of us who don’t believe Christ is returning at 6:00pm? There are lawns to mow, basketball games to watch, dirty diapers to change. Evangelism isn’t always on our to-do lists.

But this day reminds us that there is a lost and dying world in need of grace and the Grace Giver. We should be thankful we have another day to tell our friends and family members about the grace we ourselves have been freely given. 

Be an evangelist today. And tomorrow too.

Side note: We should also be giving grace to Harold Camping and his followers. Have you read his interviews? He says he has no idea if he will go to heaven. He doesn’t know if he’s saved. Imagine waking up, believing with all your heart, soul, and bank account that this is the end for the entire world, and not knowing your eternal destiny. Pray for him and those who bought into the lies spoken through him. Remember our battle is not against flesh and blood….

Doing Our Husbands Good

by 2 Comments

Sandra first posted this on her blog in September of 2010.  I remember reading it and feeling like the Lord had held my face in His hands, gotten my attention, and reminded me to make “doing my husband good” more of a priority in my days. Sandra has such a refreshing way of highlighting a simple, highly valuable truth, and presenting it in an undistracted way.  It seems like Sandra can say in 200 words what usually takes me 400 to say! I so appreciate her heart for knowing the truth of God’s Word and for communicating it in an accurate, applicable manner. As a fellow pastor’s wife, she is an example to me of making each moment (and word) count.

Doing Our Husbands Good

Proverbs 18:22, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”

My husband, a pastor, has had a more stressful week than usual. Long counseling sessions, staff evaluations, a medical situation with his dad (who is over six hours away), big changes happening to our Sunday worship service schedule, volunteer recruiting… you know what kind of week I’m talking about. They happen in every profession.

So I tried extra hard to make home stress-less. Meals ready when he was ready to eat (even if that was 9:00 at night). Things picked up around the house. Laundry done and put away. Small things that I hoped would make our home peaceful and calm. It’s one of my favorite things about being a wife. Only I can minister to him in these important and practical ways. That’s why I believe Scripture says in Proverbs that a wife is a good thing in 18:22; and in Proverbs 31:12 it says about the excellent wife, “she does [her husband] good.”

How do you do your husband good? What practical ways do you show him love? How do you make your home less stressful? Let’s learn from each other today!

God Will Give You More Than You Can Handle

by 5 Comments

{As I read Sandra’s posts, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the one I’m sharing with you today. In today’s ‘SandraPeoples.blogspot.com‘ post, she reminds us that while clichés may seem like nice, wise things to say, it’s best to stay biblical when we give advice. I love the way Sandra is wise beyond her years and consistently calls us to be strong in the faith and grounded in the Word! As you read this post, I know you’ll see that too!}

God Will Give You More Than You Can Handle

Original post – MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2011

PhotobucketThere’s a cliche Christian phrase that I believe does more harm than it does good. It may make us feel all warm and reassured, but it’s actually a lie.

The truth is–
God will give you more than you can handle.

As a parent, part of my job is to encourage my boys to become independent. As they grow, they will rely on me less and less. Our Heavenly Father wants us to become dependent on Him. As we grow in godliness, we rely on Him more and more.

To help my boys learn, I give them opportunities to show their independence from me. God gives us opportunities to show our dependence on Him.

I give my boys tasks I know they can handle so they gain confidence. God gives us tasks we can’t handle so we gain humility.

When consoling and counseling friends, let’s stop saying God won’t give you more than you can handle. Let’s start telling the truth–God will never leave your or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). In this world, we will have tribulation, but Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). The Lord is a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9).

The truth of His Word brings more comfort than a cliche phrase!

When does Where You Live Become Where You’re From?

by 4 Comments

This week at Scripture Dig we will be highlighting the team’s favorite “Sandra posts!” When I spotted this one below I knew immediately this is the one I wanted to share with you. Sandra’s words express my feelings exactly. My husband has recently been transferred. We will be making our 6th move as a family this summer!

I lived 18 years in Duncan, OK. Then 3 months in Pearland, TX. 4 years of college in Abilene, TX. 1 year in Allen, TX. A few months in Bakersfield, CA. Then six years around the Raleigh, NC area. Now I live in south/central Penn. When someone asks, “Where are you from?” this easy question is actually difficult for me to answer. When does where you live become where you’re from?

When you’re in school, where you’re from is not a question about where you live. You are expected to be from somewhere other than where you live. My college and seminary directories both listed my name, phone number, address, and home town. This assumed my address did not tell my hometown.

But while in seminary I married a local boy (from Raleigh) and had two kids. I still struggled to say that I was from there, even though my little family was from there and we lived there.

Now that we live in Pennsylvania, it’s even harder for me to say where I’m from. Do you want to know where I grew up (this question is usually to figure out my accent), where I moved from, or where I live now? You can see how this question can lead to a five minute story.

When I went out to eat this week with my mom, sisters, niece, and sons the hostess asked, “Where are you from?” My first answer is usually, “Texas,” but since I was in Texas this wouldn’t work. So I said, “We live in Pennsylvania.” I immediately felt guilty. My husband and I love our new church. We love the area where we live. We hope to be there for years and years! So when will I be able to say that I’m from there?

Those of us who are taken to places other than our “homes” for ministry have a hard time feeling permanent there. But I am where God has placed me. Acts 17: 26 says, “…[God] has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings…” So it is not my husband, our church, or a job that has placed me where I live but God. To not put down roots where He has placed me is to doubt His love, wisdom, and plan for my life. So, I’ll get on Facebook right now and change my “hometown.”

21,900 Little Things

by 4 Comments

My husband is the best dishwasher unloader ever! Except he forgets which knives go in the drawer and which go in the knife holder on the counter. Every time I look for a knife I have to look two places! In this post, I love how Julie helps us see little irritations in our marriage as just that- little irritations.

Can you see them?  Look harder.

Twenty-one thousand, nine hundred inches. That’s what I added up to be the total number of inches Jeff has “scooted” the coffee maker in our 20 years of marriage. (Actually more than 20 yrs, but I’m throwing in the last 5 months as a freebie ;) You see, when Jeff makes coffee each morning, he has a habit of scooting the coffee maker out from the wall, because … well, he has a few reasons. But he doesn’t scoot it back.  :) He leaves it out … about 3 inches per morning. It’s a small thing, really, but after 20 yrs, that’s a lot of inches. “Little things” really DON’T mean a lot, but they can uncover big things that mean more. 

What “little things” are you talking about or stewing about so far, this holiday season? Packing the car? :) The piece missing from the picture perfect pie you made? Putting lights on the tree? Someone finding a hidden surprise? How long you stay at a relative’s house? How much you pay the sitter? Dinner getting cold while someone preaches a “sermon prayer?” How much you spend on a gift? Every couple’s “little things” look different, but let’s keep little things what they are = little.  And if they uncover something “big,” then let’s take care of those, without getting hung up on any of the 21,900 inches.

Are there little things between you and your spouse that you’re letting create tension between the two of you? Small preferences or habits getting in the way of affection and warmth towards each other?  I’ll admit it, I’ve thought of a variety of way to deal with the 21,900 in my life:

  • Nag persistently?  Nah, never works and wears us both out.
  • Screw the coffee maker to the counter while he’s at work? Bad idea. Would crack the countertop.
  • Send Jeff threatening anonymous emails? I can’t keep secrets from him; I would tell.
  • Stop drinking coffee?  Ha ha ha.  That’s funny.
  • Pray about it? Here’s where I said, “Oh come on, Julie. It’s just 3 in. a day, and you have more significant things to pray about. It’s a LITTLE thing. Now my attitude about the inches? That’s a big thing.”

So, I decided to ask the Lord to help me die to myself when it comes to my 3 daily inches, put away the screw driver, open up a new bag of coffee, and shove that coffee maker back (in a godly way, of course ;) and put the LITTLE thing back where it belongs:  out of the way.

When it comes to the little things, God’s Word reminds us that Christ-like love “is patient … kind … not easily angered … keeps no record of wrongs … always hopes, always perseveres” (from 1 Cor. 13:4-7).  Not easily angered by little things. No record of little things.  Persevering despite little things.  Patient about little things.

What’s your “little thing?”
Praying you can shove it out of the way daily to where it belongs:  out of the way.

Blessings on you, friend, in the little and the big things of this miraculous thing called married life.

Catch Me to Lead Me!

by 4 Comments

One of the many things I deeply appreciate about Julie is her heart for marriages. If you don’t read her Marriage Mondays, you’re missing out! Julie can paint beautiful pictures out of everyday observances, and sweetly and humbly challenge us to be the wives God has called us to be! This post is particularly memorable for me and it comes to mind often – it was originally posted at Come Have a Peace on October 25, 2010.

As part of our camping trip for fall break, we rode the Virginia Creeper with our friends. It’s a 35 mile bike trail on an old railroad bed. We rode the top section, coming down Whitetop Mt. through forests, fields, Christmas tree farms, and towns colored with hues of autumn. One bend in the road was so picturesque we just had to stop and linger. I snapped a picture of our friends and then looked around, realizing my family had disappeared. Thinking they had taken off at a faster pace than my “reflect and linger” rate, I knew I had to move along to catch up.

Not too far down the trail I conceded I had been left in the dust. I thought about the things I’d posted about complaining in October (hate it when I convict myself!) … and I decided to choose to enjoy the time alone, to use the time to soak in the scenery, to pray and praise as I biked. I was sure I would catch up to my kin. But … several miles later there was still no sign of my bikers. I was “doing the Creeper” alone.

My prayers changed to, “Lord, should I be mad about this? They left me behind! Isn’t this supposed to be family time? Bottom line: I’ve been ditched. Forgotten. How am I SUPPOSED to feel about this? I didn’t ride this trail to learn a lesson; I wanted to have a good time!” I passed an old couple and a group of kids and wanted to shout out, “I’m riding fast to CATCH MY HUSBAND WHO ABANDONED ME!!!” :) I should’ve known I would be humbled …….

I decided to pull over and take a break from my peddling and pouting. As I dismounted, imagine my surprise when from BEHIND me came my knight in biking gear. “I finally caught you!” he shouted happily. Instead of leaving me in the dust, my fam had been lured trailside to a stunning red barn, taking pictures, without realizing I bailed out and biked ahead. A communication lapse? Yes. An accident? Yes. But instead of thinking the best of my recreating hubby, WAITING on him, and following his lead, I assumed he had left me … when I was really the one who left him.

We are called to be followers of Jesus, and as wives that means following our husbands. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus said to follow Him, we have to deny going our own way?

“Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24).

To become a follower of Christ, we have to daily set aside going our own way to give preference to the leadership of another. To become a follower of a husband, we have to daily set aside going our own way to give preference to the leadership of another.

There are lots of distractions and temptations in marriage NOT to follow our husbands. It’s easy to bail out, convincing ourselves we are the victim, the one left behind, the one wronged. But sometimes being a good partner and letting our husbands lead us means waiting on them while they do things like pray, think through a decision, or take pictures of red barns. ;) Jeff WANTED to ride the trail with me, but I biked on ahead without him. We missed sharing some beautiful miles of trail together. I’m just glad the Lord made me stop peddling and pouting, so He could reunite me with my man for our journey together.

Do you find yourself running ahead of your hubby because he isn’t where you think he should be? Are you peddling and pouting up ahead of him, while he’s trying to catch up and lead you? I hope you’ll pull over and pray, asking the Lord to help you get in sync with your husband. The trail is beautiful, and doing it together is even sweeter.

Verbal Accessories

by 1 Comment

{Julie is without question the most grace-filled woman I have had the privilege to meet.  She is kind and wise and her words are saturated with truth spoken in love.   Each Monday she shares encouragement for marriage on her blog, Come Have a Peace.   This post from a few months ago, is one that I have read several times to remind me what my accessories ought to be.  ~ Teri Lynne}

Last week we hosted missionaries from Eastern Europe during our Global Missions Conference. On Saturday I had a cultural experience; I went to the MALL. I don’t go to the mall often, so there’s always a bit of a jolt. I realize how out of style I really am. :) As I walked past the window dressings, I noticed the accessories. Wide belts are definitely IN (I don’t have one) this year. Trends are always changing. An accessory adds so much to an outfit.

As I interact with women and wives of all ages and stages, I’m aware of how our words accessorize us. There’s a new trend the seems to be “dressing” the looks of many women today. It’s not a wide belt or a leopard print. It’s the words we use, and it’s definitely adding to the overall statement many women are making. My own culture is shifting to more casual, crass, and often crude language. How are our verbal accessories contributing to our marriage relationships?

Proverbs 8:13 tells us the Lord hates evil and perverse speech.So where are Christian women getting ugly dressings?

Where are these ugly accessories coming from? 

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”  Luke. 6:45.

It isn’t just a matter of training our tongue; lovely language begins in a lovely heart. If we hear ourselves sprinkling in more crass, careless, or crude language, it may be a reflection of a heart that’s becoming callous to what God considers ugly versus what He sees as beautiful. If we’re having a steady diet of media (reading, movies, tv, etc) that includes a seasoning of crass language, we will gradually lose our distaste for it. Hey, it’s not hard to see why we forget what true beauty is when we take inventory of the messages the world around us constantly feeds us. The world would have us believe language that’s a little edgy, a little dirty, a little bold is beautiful.  How easily we are deceived. God makes it clear what it beautiful to Him here.

Verbal accessories that add to our beauty as women and as wives are seasoned with grace.We won’t be prepared to speak with grace to the unbelieving world if we haven’t gotten in the habit of holy talk with our closest friends and family or when no one is listening. Husbands find it awkward to see their wives as worthy of honor and dignity, a person of beauty inviting his tenderness, when a wife has dressed herself in an image that’s not feminine and lacks in gentleness. It’s hard for a man to cherish his lady when she doesn’t act like much of a lady.

I’m not talking about being a diva or a pansy; language under control is an accessory of strength and beauty. Anyone can be common. It takes a wise woman to nurture her language.

By sifting out low language, we not only make ourselves more feminine, more soft, and more beautiful for our husbands, but we “dress” ourselves in accessories that speak of godly beauty to the watching world. 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our husband could describe our speech as tender, gentle, comforting, and clean? And wouldn’t it be worth of praise if the world could say we must be a follower of God, because our language is so like what they know of Jesus?

Wide belts may be “in” this year, but lovely, gentle, clean verbal accessories are always “in” for the woman of God. May our words make our marriages and all of our relationships more beautiful in every season.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

My New Fav Coffee Shop

by 1 Comment

This post of Julie’s caught my attention initially because the location is a coffee shop! But I choose this one to share with you because it challenges us all to holiness and obedience. Drink up!

I found the cutest new coffee shop in our town. The kids and I took a few friends and went to have coffee/tea and chat. Can I just say, it is SO MUCH FUN to have my kids at the age where they can go to a coffee shop with me and drink hot drinks and chat pleasantly????? So much fun. It doesn’t seem long ago that I would’ve spread out coloring books, dinosaurs, and goldfish, hoping to prolong my limited minutes. Every season of parenting has its joys. I’m in the coffee shop season.

From Julie’s kitchen

So this cute coffee shop … great architecture, great coffee, interesting art, comfy chairs, big windows, good music … and a dirty cup. Yeah, I hate to admit it, but I was given a dirty cup. Now, remember … I’ve lived in a developing country, so I honestly just turned is upside down and gave it a tap, then poured my coffee in real fast. But I remember that the cup was dirty. I recognize a dirty cup, because I have them in my own kitchen.  ….. No one likes a dirty cup. Jesus doesn’t.

The pharisees were constantly campaigning for Jesus to give them the “Righteous Club of the Year” award throughout the Book of Luke. He never did. In fact, He wanted them to know that He saw right through their outward image and inside their dirty cups. I mean, hearts. But He used a cup to make the point.

Luke 11:39-40
Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?

Jesus wants us to be repentant, unencumbered by love for this world, and obedient. It was so hard for the religious leaders to repent, because they wouldn’t take an honest look at themselves and see that they were dirty inside.  We have to recognize our dirty condition, so that we can cut loose the idols in our lives, and Be Obedient.

Jesus longs for our obedience. It is evidence of our love for Him. What does Jesus want for me and for you in this year of 2011?  He wants us to Be Obedient.

Well, it’s the weekend.  What are your plans?  Let’s all take some time to check out the inside of our cups and wash up. 

If you need a place to get alone for some time to think and pray and read and listen … I know a great little coffee shop.

Be a Woman of the World

by 2 Comments

{Julie and I share a passion for missions. Perhaps that’s because we’ve both lived lives in a foreign land as missionaries where life is very different than what we experience here in the states. It changes you. It changes your passions, your pursuits and your perspectives. So, when I read Julie’s post, “Be a Woman of the World”, I knew I had to chose this to share with you – because as Julie said, “In a world full of hurting people and injustice, women who lift their eyes from their own table, cubicle, car line, and planner are needed to bring Christ to those longing to know abundant life and peace.” – Thank you Julie for giving us such a beautiful example of grace and strength wrapped in the heart of a missionary girl!}

Be a Woman of the World

Original post – Tuesday, September 21, 2010

I keep expecting to find another page in my planner that says “September,” but it’s not there. I started the month by reflecting on relationships like a woman and her God, her kids, her church, her husband, her parents, her boss, and her friends. We’ve only scratched the surface! But if a woman only nurtures the relationships nearest to her, she runs the risk of becoming cold.

If a woman’s life has been changed by a relationship with Jesus Christ as her Savior, then her relationships with people look different.

Luke 6:32-33 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that.The heart of a woman can’t help but turn outward when God is the Lord of her heart and mind. She isn’t meant to only turn her focus inward, circle the wagons, and isolate herself. She is meant to impact her immediate “world” and her global “world” with the love of Christ demonstrated through her.

Romans 13:8-9 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments … are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
 
In a world full of hurting people and injustice, women who lift their eyes from their own table, cubicle, car line, and planner are needed to bring Christ to those longing to know abundant life and peace. It’s easy to get “uber-focused” on MY day and MY stuff and MY work and MY family and MY plans, ignoring the needs of the world. I’m inspired by stories of women who have lifted their eyes and reached out.

Camille is passionate about women facing unexpected pregnancies and families in need around her locally. A young woman in her 20’s, she dedicates herself to supporting her local crisis pregnancy center and helping families struggling in the difficult economy. She’s taken a business she is part of ( Baby Jar ) and used it to highlight the needs of unwed mothers and at risk families, putting $ where her heart is by donating part of their profits to relieving need. Camille looked around where she lives and saw needs right in her own area, thought about her resources, and decided to offer her energies to ministering the love of Christ to others. Very simply, she says their “mission and vision is to make a difference in and around our area here in ** Florida – bestowing upon those families and individuals tangible and spiritual blessings.”

                                    

Becky is uniquely prepared and gifted to be a partner, advocate, and voice for vulnerable women and children globally. She established WAR International for Women at Risk, “Creating safe places for women and children rescued from many abuses including human trafficking/sexual slavery … to give voice to their silenced cries.” She has creatively and passionately stepped in to educate people like me and you about those we may be tempted to try not to think about. Le t’s faced it; it’s ugly information, and it can be overwhelming. How can I help from where I live? You can read about this ministry started by a woman who let herself love the world for Jesus. This weekend there is even a chance to join her in a weekend of fasting and prayer. And as you shop for the holidays, WAR offers gifts made by and in support of vulnerable populations. This is a beautiful picture of how one woman is relating to her world and being used to change lives as the messenger of Jesus’ love. It is love in ACTION. 
I am crazy about my family, and it’s easy to devote my time and attention and energy to loving them. Some days are more “high maintenance” than others. ;) But there’s a world beyond our walls, and our relationships would be rather shallow, and not much like those of Jesus Christ, if we failed to look up from our group hug and reach out to our world, locally and globally.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
How does the world look from where you live? Locally? Globally?
Do you know a woman who is relating the love of Christ to the world beyond herself?

Small Things

by 1 Comment

It’s amazing how our pride and selfish ambition can get all tangled up into what God has called and equipped us to do. Bloggers long for bigger numbers, pastors long for bigger churches, even sweet servants who cheerfully hold up the ministries of the church with their humble labor can begin to long for a bit of the spotlight, some recognition of what they have done. It’s something we all battle – I know I do! Because of that, I love this post from Stephanie about serving God in the small things. It speaks to my heart and I think it will speak to yours, also! This was originally posted at StephanieShott.com on September 29, 2010.

“For who has despised the day of small things.” Zechariah 5:3

Do you sense God has called you to bigger and better things? Has He given you a vision for a ministry that is beyond you, yet you know it is for you? Are you stuck in neutral as you are waiting for it to unfold?

Sometimes we want the prominent before we walk through the petty; we seek the splendid instead of the small. But serving God is seldom a battle for position rather an aligning of our will to His. How, where and to what extent we serve is entirely up to Him.

While it’s part of our DNA to desire to accomplish more, the goal is not to do more. The goal is to know Him more each obedient step of the way and let Him define the extent of our accomplishments.

This has been a hard one for a girl whose favorite quote is, “Attempt great things for God, expect great things from God.” ~ William Carey. But the ultimate purpose in attempting great things for God must always be motivated by a heart that knows Him and desires to make Him known.

It’s an odd phenomena, but those who have been called into the ministry must be very careful that their work does not become the object of their worship. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the grandness of the call and neglect to focus on the greatness of God.

Small things may be where He choses to leave us because we’d crumble under the weight of something bigger. But small things are just as important to God as the big things.

He gives significance to extending a cup of water in His name, to serving dinner to a stranger, to comforting a hurting heart. These are small things, but in the grander scheme of things, God gives them significance.

Yes, small things may be stepping stones to bigger things to come. But He reminds us that our faithfulness to fulfill His call to small things is a determining factor to His willingness to call us to bigger things. He doesn’t call us to bigger if we haven’t been faithful to the small things first.

‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ Luke 19:17

Have you missed God’s call to the small things because you can only focus on the big things? Are you content to know that our faithfulness to fulfill His call to the small things is as important as accomplishing the big things? Do you know you’ve been called to something bigger than yourself, but you’ve struggled with each small step on the way? 

Joyfully Poured Out

by 1 Comment

I can guarantee two things when you visit Stephanie’s personal blog: you will be encouraged and you will be challenged. She certainly does that for me in this post from her Philippians study. After reading this again from Stephanie, I’m going to make my list–how about you?

Well, let’s get cracking with today’s study of Philippians. We’re only going to look at two verses today, but they’re power-packed, transformational verses.

“But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.” Philippians 2:17-18 NLT

In the New Testament, we only find the phrase “poured out” twice (Phil 2:17, 2 Tim 4:6) and both were used by Paul. It’s the Greek word, spendō, and it is used figuratively of one whose life-blood is poured out unto death for God.

Paul’s reference was to the Old Testament drink offering found in Numbers 25:29 which was a sweet aroma unto the Lord.

As we see throughout the New Testament, Paul’s life was all about being poured out unto the Lord and for fellow believers. It made his heart smile to know he was being sacrificially used by God to minister to others. Joy and sacrificial service were ties that bound his heart to his brothers and sisters in Christ and that brought him joy.

It’s funny how we let ourselves get so wrapped up in our own little worlds and neglect to pour ourselves out to minister to the needs of others. Many times it happens because our lives are so busy. But there’s great joy in serving God and serving others for the glory of God. Our heart rejoices when we are able to bring joy to others.

So today, we’re going to look at some very practical questions that will require some very practical application. Are you ready girls? Let’s see if we can make our hearts smile as we serve others and in the process, our lives will be a sweet aroma unto the Lord. It don’t get much better than that! :-)

1. List at least three people you know that are in the need of some encouragement.

2. List a few people who have a need that you could meet. (Like visiting a widow and helping clean their house or taking a meal to a neighbor or driving an elderly person to the store, babysit for an overwhelmed mom – you get the idea)

3. Make a list of those you could teach or share a biblical truth with or maybe do a Bible study with. Remember much of Paul’s ministry was teaching the Word of God.

4. Now that you’ve made your list, go back over it and begin to write what it is you can do to be poured out as the sacrifice of their faith.

You see, I think sometimes we just let life happen to us and the good intentions become our list of should-a, could-a, would-a’s. That leaves us frustrated.

But when we become intentional in the way we approach life, our ministry to others – the pouring out of our lives – will begin to become more than mere intentions – they will become actual acts of service that have the power to change peoples lives.

THAT, sweet sister, will not only put a smile on the face of those you are ministering to, it will make your heart smile, as well. And in the process of pouring out your life, you will become a sweet smelling aroma to our glorious God!

So, let’s be like Nike girls and “Just do it!” – today!

Philippians ~ Losing & Winning

by 4 Comments

I could’ve guessed what Stephanie’s life verses are, because it doesn’t take long in knowing her to see that the most precious thing in her life is Jesus. One thing I love about what she shares is that it’s always centered on God’s Word and a greater understanding of it, and it’s always authentically worked out in the arena of her life.

This post from her Philippians series is a favorite of mine, as she offers part of her own life’s story to lift up God’s story. I love Philippians 3:4-8 right along with Stephanie, and I know you’ll be challenged by her insights and the questions she asks us to ponder in this post from March of this year. Hear her heart as she shares that there is nothing more important than knowing our Jesus!

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Philippians ~ Losing & Winning (originally posted at stephanieshott.com Mar. 2, 2011)

If you’ve ever received an email or snail mail from me, you know my life verses are Philippians 3:7-14. Today’s text is Philippians 3:4-8. So, as you can see, we’re just getting our feet wet in the verses I live to define my life by.

As I was preparing for today’s lesson, I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes. It’s by Jim Elliot:

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Our text today will echo that same sentiment!

Take a few minutes and read Philippians 3:4-8. I’ve provided a link so you can read it in several versions.

Paul certainly came from quite the line, didn’t he! If he was a horse, we would have called him a thoroughbred.

He had a past to be proud of. It distinguished him as a religious leader. A Pharisee. With Jewish blood flowing through his veins, his lineage could be traced back to Benjamin. In fact, Paul takes us back to his own infancy to prove his strict adherence to the Jewish Law. He was circumcised on the eighth day in strict compliance with the Law. A Hebrew of Hebrews – a declaration that his father adhered to the Jewish Law, as well.

He was an educated man, who knew the Law of God. He sat at Gamaliel’s feet as he learned from a man whose teachings are still celebrated in the Talmud today.

His pedigree was certainly something to brag about. But that wasn’t Paul’s intention.

He stated his family tree as well as his credentials to make a point. No blood line, no educational background, no religious position and no amount of good deeds can merit the salvation that is found in Christ alone. We are saved because Jesus saved us.

Paul’s list of reasons to boast was proof that nothing entitles us to receive salvation. As Paul so aptly said, “We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort.”

1. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Based on these verses, how are we saved and why is there no room to boast?

2. In Philippians 3:7-8 (NKJV), Paul uses the word “counted” three times. Fill in the blanks for each use.

I have counted _____________________ for ______________________
I count _______________________ for ________________________
I count _______________________ for ________________________

3. According to Jeremiah 9:23-24 what are we to boast about?

I was married in January of 1987 and saved in October of the same year. My husband and I met in a bar and partying was a way of life for us. When I became a Christian I knew I might lose him. He married a girl who would go to the bars with him and drive him home when he was too drunk to drive; one who would have a great time hosting a keg party in the back yard.

And although I really didn’t know everything that would happen when I surrendered my life to Christ, I did know that my life would change. I don’t know how I knew, but I did.

I also knew the minute I said the eternal “I do” to Jesus, that my husband may not be too thrilled that the woman he married no longer existed. But I remember knowing that I would have to stand before the Lord one day on my own…that my husband wouldn’t have to answer for my life, I would.

And so, one sweet October day, I looked at my husband and told him that from that day forward, not he nor the children nor anyone else was going to be more important to me than Jesus. Jesus died for me and I was going to live for him.

It may not have been a pedigree ancestry, it wasn’t a long list of educational degrees or theological training – but in that moment of time, I counted it all loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord. Knowing Jesus became more important than anything else I held dear – and today, knowing Jesus still is.

We, who have been born again by the Living God, have all come to that place where nothing can compare to the matchless love of God and we surrender all we are to all He is. He becomes our everything.

But, from that day forward, it’s game on. Things begin to compete for our attention. The enemy tries to keep us distracted from the greatness of who He is. We allow life to become more important than the One who gave it to us in the first place.

It’s funny how in our Christian walk, we can let things edge their way into positions of importance that are reserved for Christ alone. We sometimes get so wrapped up in our circumstances that the thrill of knowing Him – the pursuit of an intimate relationship with Him – gets put on the back burner of our lives.

You see, when we are saved, we are made brand new – perfect in His eyes because we have received the Son of God and have been cleansed by His blood. But we still live in this flesh and in this world, and both vie for our attention and our affection. But Christ, alone is to be the object of our affection – the focus of our attention.

Today, let’s examine our lives.

4. What is it that is competing for your attention and your affection?

5. Do you count everything loss for the infinite value of the knowing Christ Jesus, the Lord?

6. What do you need to do in order to count everything loss for the infinite value of knowing Christ?

7. Take a few minutes and journal your heart. Write out what you have put before your relationship with Christ, your heart of repentance from doing so and what you plan on doing to make knowing Jesus the passion and pursuit of your life.

Knowing Him. There’s nothing more valuable than that. Absolutely nothing!

Today, we treaded some pretty deep waters for some girls who only got our feet wet. I pray the Lord will use this as a reminder of how sweet it is to know Him. Losing everything, but gaining so much more!

Oh, how great the Father’s love for us that we should be called the children of God! Treasure that truth today, sweet sister!

Speak Life

by 1 Comment

This post by Stephanie Shott deals with an issue we – at least me! – can never hear enough about. My tongue has done more damage than I like to admit. This is a great reminder for me today! (This is an abridged version. Read the original post here.)

The words we say are packed with power; they can speak death into a person’s life; they’re like a flame of fire; they can corrupt our entire body OR they can speak life into someone’s life. The sobering truth is, as Christians, the choice is ours.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” and in the NLT, James 3:6 says, ” And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.”

Today, we have the opportunity to choose life – not just for yourself, but for those in your sphere of influence – the ones you have the opportunity to speak to.

Recently, I was at the grocery store when I heard a mother cussing at her little boy, telling him to shut up and snatching him by the arm. He just asked her if he could sit in the cart. An innocent question, but I think I could see the flames of fire coming out of her mouth as she spoke death to her own son. Every time she chided that child you could almost see a little piece of his heart shriveling up.

Maybe you’ve been the recipient of death words and know how they can crush your spirit, derail your dreams, skew your self-image and hurt your heart. Maybe you don’t see yourself as you really are because you believed it when someone else told you you were someone or something you really aren’t.

Oh, sweet friends, I wish I could hug every one of you reading this right now, because I know what it’s like to find yourself somewhere in the middle of believing you are who and what others have said about you or trusting you are exactly who Christ has created you to be. The place where you try to believe with your heart what you know with your head to be true because Jesus said it was true. Nothing more. Nothing less.
The way to find healing for the heart that has been hurt by the callous, the critical and the cruel is to immerse yourself in the Word of the Living God. There you will find the truth about who you are as you allow Scripture to speak life to your life. I’m not sure why we would believe anyone else when the God who spoke life into this dark and empty world is the same God who tells us we were created in His image – fearfully and wonderfully made – that we are perfect in His sight – complete in Him. We are the objects of His affection, the apple of His eye and inscribed upon the palm of His hands. It doesn’t get any better than that! Don’t you dare believe you are anything less than our Savior died to make you!

Unfortunately, the flipside is also true. We’ve all been guilty of slicing and dicing people with our tongues. We’ve all said things we shouldn’t. Whether out of anger, arrogance or ignorance, we’ve all cut others with our sharp tongues. Intentionally or not, it doesn’t change the fact that we have wounded others with our words.

If you’ve ever been hurt by hurtful words, you know how it feels. You may not be able to control what others say, but you have the power, through the Spirit of the Living God, to overcome an unbridled tongue. But as we studied Monday, it begins with filling our coffers with good stuff.

Today, I pray you will evaluate your word choices to your husband, your children, your family member, your friends and your coworkers. Are you speaking life into theirs or are you wounding them with your words? Are you stirring the pot and causing division or are you speaking peaceful words of encouragement and forgiveness?

Find Us on Facebook


Recent Posts

Archives