Philippians 4:12-13 NIV

Today, I am blessed beyond measure. Tomorrow, if all these earthly things were to pass away, I would still be blessed beyond measure. God is my provider. He has provided for every need I have. And yet, I so often forget to say thank you, to show my devotion or express my gratitude.

Seems like it’s mostly in times of need that we cry out to Jesus. And on all the other days of joy, happiness and laughter, we barely give Him a passing glance.

Today, I am reminded of what I have to be grateful for… a job – even if I don’t always like it… a roof over my head… even if it isn’t a mansion…. food on my table… even if it’s leftovers… friends and family… who love me despite my faults. There is much to be thankful for, even when things don’t look so hot.

Dear Jesus… thank you for loving me. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for your grace that is sufficient. Thank you for providing for me. Thank you… you are more than enough.

And then – BAM – out of the blue, someone slams you with something unexpected. Something you weren’t planning for. Something you didn’t really like or care for… but yet, here it is… and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Today was one of those days. I battled a crummy attitude for most of the morning. I didn’t want to talk to anyone… really because I didn’t want to spew my bad attitude on them. So… what did I do… I turned up my iTunes really really loud and sang along with the songs we’re rehearsing for our Christmas Musical at Trevecca Community Church.

It’s amazing how songs can change my mood. I think it’s more about what I’m singing than the singing itself.

In just a few weeks, we’ll be celebrating the birth of our Savior – Lord Jesus Christ. How can I not be happy about that? I know for some people, Christmas is about putting up trees and buying presents and having dinner with family and friends. I like those things too, but Christmas isn’t about that for me.

For me, Christmas is about that night in Bethlehem when a young girl – yes, girl… not a woman… was riding along with her husband and went into labor. And yet they couldn’t find anywhere but a stable to give birth.

What a day that must have been… BAM – I’m sure they had good intentions of getting where they needed to and her going into labor was something unexpected – at least at that moment. Of course, she had nine months to prepare, but even the birth itself was unexpected. It was a MIRACLE.

Sometimes MIRACLES show up in ways we can never explain. That’s what makes them so special… it can be explained.

I didn’t like the unexpectedness of today, but I am grateful for it, because it reminds me of “THIS DAY” – this day God has given me. I didn’t ask for it. I don’t deserve it. But God loves me so much He’s chosen to bless me with it.

Please let me glorify Him, somehow, some way – in this day!

Dear God,

I’m knocking on your door today. I’m in great need. More than anything, I need Your peace that surpasses all understanding. My world has been rocked. I’m unsteady. I’m shaking. I’ve cried so many tears, and at times, I’ve wondered if they would ever stop.

You know what I’ve been through Lord. You know the trials, the challenges, the temptations and the sin. You know my heart. You know me inside and out. You are not surprised by any of these things. You are steady. You do not shake. You see each tear I cry.

Today, I am knocking, I am asking and I am seeking. I am seeking You with my whole heart, my entire being… my soul. I need You. I need You more than the air I breath. I am hungry. I am thirsty. I am longing.

I know You are here. I can feel Your presence. I am in awe of Your holiness. Your grace is beyond comprehension.

I hear You telling me to trust You. I am comforted by Your words. I am calmed by Your presence.

There are so many things I want to ask You for and yet more than anything, I know all I really need is You. You are the answer to all the things I need.

You are magnificent. You are amazing. You are infinite. You are more than words.

I love you.

Me

I’m grateful for my health, even though some things ache.

I’m grateful to live in America, even though I don’t agree with all the policies we have.

I’m grateful for my husband, even though he drives me crazy at times.

I’m grateful for my family, even though we don’t see eye to eye on lots of things.

I’m grateful for my job, even though I don’t always like it.

I’m grateful for my house, even though sometimes I hate cleaning it.

I’m grateful for my friends, even though I don’t get to see them as often as I would like.

I’m grateful for my car, even though I still have to make payments on it.

I’m grateful for my church, even though it’s far away from my house.

I’m grateful for my dog Rudy, even though he still has accidents in the house.

Most of all, I’m grateful. Just grateful.

I’m grateful for Jesus, even though I don’t deserve His grace or mercy.

Most of all, I’m just grateful.

I can be such a people pleaser that people like this can drive me over the edge. All it takes is for someone to point at my flaws or mistakes and I get my feelings hurt. Worse still is when they go to great lengths to make you look bad. And even if they’re not telling the truth, the fact that they would go on the attack brings so much pain.

I keep going back to the verse in the Bible that says “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1, verse 10.

I have to remind myself over and over that I’m here to serve Christ… and yes, that does mean I will serve man in the process, but I should not be working so hard to seek man’s approval. Regardless of what man may say of me, my eternal salvation is secure and is the hands of someone greater than any of us… the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

And while I’m trying to remember this, I’m also going to throw on my rain slicker so I don’t get wet when that person decides to throw a bucket of cold water on me.

Tags: self-esteem, faith, galatians 1:10, trust God

I don’t know about you, but I do not like waiting. I suppose it’s a byproduct of our culture. But I always seem to be impatient and in a hurry. I don’t like waiting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office. I especially don’t like waiting in lines at the store and oh my goodness, my greatest dislike of all is getting behind someone who is driving slow in the interstate. Especially when I have some place to go.

It’s definitely something I don’t like about myself.

Honestly, it reveals a serious character flaw.

Who am I to consider myself more important than someone else? Because my actions are saying I think my time is more important than the person in front of me. What does that say about me?

I’m selfish and self-centered.

And I’m not alone.

As I stop to ponder this thought, what I’m realizing is that these delays in life – albeit short or long, are often God’s way of setting the stage.

Look how long Moses wandered before leading the Hebrews out of slavery. Or how long Abraham and Sarah had to wait for a child. And look how long it took for Jesus to come to save us.

A few minutes and I’m impatient.

Good grief.

Dear Lord, help me to be more patient and understanding when it comes to Your setting the stage for what is to come next. Let me remember it is all to honor and glorify you and how ever long that takes, I can wait. Thank you Lord for your patience with me even when I’m not with others. Forgive me Lord for my selfish and self-centered ways. Show me the light on the stage that is drawing near and give me the courage to wait patiently for You to draw back the curtain and reveal the big picture. I love you and praise You!

Tags: God, Jesus, Life

And for the most part, it’s a wonderful way to communicate.

We say the words, “I love you,” and it makes another person smile. We say “you’re beautiful” and it lights up another person’s world. We can use words to build up and encourage each other.

But words can also hurt and wound. And sometimes you don’t even realize it.

A simple question at the wrong time, said in the wrong way, can strike a chord in another person, triggering emotions that are raw and painful.

The couple who are trying desperately to conceive and struggling with fertility are asked, “when are you guys going to have kids?”

The woman who’s husband has just left her is asked, “where’s your husband?”

The parents who’s child has just committed suicide are asked, “how’s your daughter, Susan, these days?”

The person asking has no idea what emotions are lying underneath the surface, on the verge of erupting and yet their words strike a match and the fire is lit.

It is my prayer that my words will never cause harm or hurt. Although I know they will, no matter how well-meaning I am.

I just pray God will help me in saying the right thing at the right time to encourage someone and love someone with my words – not to hurt or cause harm. And if I do hurt someone with my words, may I have the humility to say I’m sorry and ask for forgiveness and find a way to repair the damage.

Tags: Faith, Live, Words, God

“He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” Isaiah 53:3

We can take comfort in knowing we are not alone in our sufferings. We do have a mediator and counselor who understands what we are faced with.

We can also recognize the fact  it’s not “if” we receive rejection or criticism… it’s only a matter of when. We should know it is inevitable and not be surprised by it.

I also think it’s important to have a few close friends you can talk to, pray for, vent to, encourage… etc. I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t trust everyone and you have to think before you speak.

Jesus was constantly exposed to criticism and rejection. How did He respond?

First with steadfastness.  He didn’t tone down his message, nor did He stop what He was doing, because He knew it was right.

He also responded with Strength. He knew what lay ahead for Him–the Cross. He didn’t shrink back or lose courage from what He knew was God’s will.

And finally, with Submission. When Herrod prodded Jesus to defend Himself, “He answered him nothing.” Luke 23:9

Only one thing mattered to Jesus… fulfilling God’s purpose for His life.

So when I’m faced with criticism or rejection from “men” – I want to remember how Jesus responded… and do the same – but knowing it is only possible through and by the Holy Spirit.

Amen!!

Tags: Handlingcriticism, rejection, faith, Holy Spirit

I was drawn to the following passage of Scripture:

Romans 12: 9-21

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I believe God was showing me that while I cannot control how people treat me – I can control (through and by the Power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in me) how I respond to others. Here He is telling us how we should respond and treat others.

It doesn’t mean we like it or that it’s easy – but as the word also says – it’s easy to love those who love us. It really is only through the Power of the Holy Spirit that we can treat people who persecute or curse us – with this kind of love.

It is by our fruit/actions that others will know we belong to Christ.

I pray this may encourage you also today in whatever you may face.

Tags: prayfor your enemies, faith, love others, bless, don’t curse

So you can only imagine the pain that comes upon me when I’m criticized. It’s like my very essence is under condemnation. It breaks me. I come undone.

I’ve dealt with this issue on so many occasions and have often thought I’d dealt with it and had overcome it. Then BAM someone new comes into the picture and pushes that button and I fall apart.

Today has been one of those days.

Someone pushed my button and a litany of “wrongs” I’d committed. In some counseling I’d received, I remember him telling me I can’t always take things “personally.”

Sounds good, right?

Hard to do? You bet. Especially when someone is critical of you.

I praise God for the lesson I learned from my father, to think before I speak. I don’t always follow this practice, but thankfully, I managed to do it somewhat in this situation. Not as well as I would like to, but at least it’s progress.

I also hate the fact that when I’m upset my neck and face get red. It happens when I’m embarrassed too.

Oh the joys of being fair-skinned. Ugh!

Getting back to the not taking it personally–when someone is talking about you and something you did or didn’t do, something you said or didn’t say, or heck, even their own assumptions–how can you not take that personally?

HEY! GUESS WHAT? IT IS PERSONAL! So I’m going to take it personally.

Of course, I do think you have to factor in the person who is doing the talking. What are they afraid of? What will they gain by cutting you down, criticizing you or hurting you? Does it make them feel better about themselves? Does it make them feel more powerful?

I suppose there are a number of answers to these questions. But they are worth asking.

Another nugget of advice I received from a friend once was  when someone is critical of you, listen to what they have to say, examine it, see if there is any truth to it, and if there is, then great, learn from it. And then let the rest just fall away. Much like the grain and chaff philosophy in the Bible.

He is ready to separate the chaff from the grain with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, storing the grain in his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.
Matthew 3:12 NLT

Lord, if there is something I can learn from this, then show me. Allow me to let the chaff burn away so I’m left with a compassionate heart.

Tags: criticism, bible, Matthew 3:12, faith, hope