Be Still and Listen

1 Kings 19:1-13 KJV

1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. 3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. 6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. 7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. 8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. 9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? 10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

Elijah was a great prophet of the Lord. He had done mighty works in God's name. He had stood up to false prophets. He had proven the prophets of Baal as fakes. He had raised a boy from the dead (through his prayers and supplications). However, even this great man of God felt defeated when Jezebel threatened him.

He ran and asked the Lord to let him die. I would call this depression. He let the fears of this world overcome him and block out the truths he knew of God.

God was right there with him the whole time, though. God provided him sustenance to sustain and strengthen him. God continued to guide Elijah to where He wanted him. God still spoke to Him.

Most people, especially in a deep depressed state as this, would want to hear God loud and clear, but that isn't how God spoke. He needed Elijah to stop listening to the things of this world and focus on what He was saying. God didn't speak in the roar of the wind or the crashing of rocks or even in the blaze of a fire. He spoke in the stillness that followed the chaos.

When life seems overwhelming and you aren't sure you can go on, get quiet and listen. Be still and pay attention to what the Lord may be trying to tell you. He still cares (He asked Elijah what was wrong). Listen to God-not the world.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Proverbs 12:25

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

The power of encouraging words is amazing. I know I can be struggling with something and even though a friend may not have a solution, if she speaks encouraging words to me, then I instantly feel better.

Be an encourager!

Continue in the Work

Nehemiah 4:7-9 KJV

7 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, 8 And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. 9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

The Israelites knew that people were getting angry that they continued to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They knew that there was danger of those people planning of a way to stop them. Did they allow that to stop them? No!

Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

They prayed for protection, took safety measures, and continued to work. They were not going to be scared away from doing the Lord's work.

What do you do when you are scared to continue with something God has called you to do? Do you just quit or do you pray and keep going? I know there have been times where I have allowed others to influence me into quitting instead of taking my concerns to God and asking Him to strengthen and encourage me.

The Battle is Not Yours

A Good Leader and Encourager

Nehemiah 2:17-20 KJV

17 Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. 18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. 19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? 20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Here we see the attributes of a good leader and encourager.

First, Nehemiah puts himself right in the people's shoes. He says "we" and talks about the whole nation. He doesn't say that he is better than them.

Then, he goes on to tell them that not only do they have God's favor, but also the king's favor. He joins them in the task of rebuilding. He gets his hands dirty right alongside them.

Finally, he again stands on God's promises! He knows God is for this project as evidenced by what has already occurred so he is not afraid of what the naysayers are saying.

Do we ever get discouraged when people of the world tell us we are being foolish? We need to stand on God's promises. He is faithful to uphold us!

Accountable

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 KJV 

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. . . . 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

I have always heard these verses in reference to marriage, but it was made evident to me not long ago that this can also be in reference to accountability partners.

If you are struggling with something, it is easy for Satan to tempt you and get you to believe lies, but if you have an accountability partner, that person can strengthen you and help you along your path.

An important aspect of an accountability partner is for it to be another Christian because we know that "where two or three are gathered, there He is in the midst." Christ is the third strand of the cord!

I encourage you to find an accountability partner if you do not have one already. Ask God to send someone to you or to impress on your mind someone you could ask. If you are married, I also encourage you to talk to your husband about him finding an accountability partner as well. I was amazed at how much better my marriage became when my husband had someone besides me to keep him accountable.

The Smallest Step

Too Hard?

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

Jeremiah 32:27

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Is there something you are struggling with right now? Is there something that you feel is hopeless?

Maybe it is a financial situation. Maybe a bad work environment. Maybe a failing relationship. Maybe a lost family member. Maybe a dream/vision that isn't coming to fruition.

No matter what it may be, be encouraged!

Nothing is too hard for God!

Twice, in one chapter of Jeremiah, we read this truth. I've said it before and I'll say it again-when something is repeated in scripture, we need to pay attention because that means it is really important.

What is even more, we can look throughout scripture and see more references to the same thought.

Matthew 17:20b-If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Matthew 19:26-But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Mark 9:23-Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Mark 10:27-And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Mark 14:36a-And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee;

Luke 1:37-For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 18:27-And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Philippians 4:13-I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Take heart in knowing that what may seem hard to bear is bearable with God. What seems impossible, is possible with God.

I have created a printable that you can print and hang up somewhere where you will see it and be encouraged.

Click here for a PDF version

Do you enjoy scripture printables? I would love your feedback!

Fight Temptations

Luke 4:1-13 KJV 

1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. 3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. 4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. 5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. 8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: 10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: 11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season. (emphasis mine)

Although I've read this scripture many times, I never caught the phrase, "for a season". Christ was able to resist temptation and the devil left Him for a time, but obviously it wasn't the last time the devil  tried tempting Him. He, the devil, only "departed from him for a season."

This should be an encouragement! Christ was tempted many times and yet He withstood temptation every time. I guess I had always thought He had only been tempted three times, but here it tells us that Satan visited Him again.

Take courage! Just as Christ fought Satan's temptations multiple times, so can you!

I would love to hear your thoughts. Had you noticed this before?

He Will Help

Smile!

Not By Chance

You aren't where you are today by chance. Sometimes God's voice is clearest when we are in circumstances we don't prefer. There's something in your current situation that God is going to use to draw you closer to Him so He can tell you something about Himself and His plan for your life. No matter what tight spot you may find yourself in, ask God to open your ears to what He is saying in your circumstances.

Are you in a job you hate? A troubled marriage? Your umpteenth year of singlehood? Believe that God has a plan and that He is going to use this season of your life as the catalyst for revealing it to you. Ask Him to give you a "God-awareness" so you can see His handiwork in every difficulty you encounter.

                                         ~Priscilla Shirer, Discerning the Voice of God

My Word for 2017

Last year was the first year I felt compelled to find a word and scripture to focus on for the year. You can read about my word for 2016, transform, here.

This year, I sat down and prayed about a word. Immediately, God brought the word "serve" to mind.

Of course, I wanted a scripture to go along with my word. Finding a scripture that I felt God also laying on my hear in regards to serving, servanthood, etc. proved a little more challenging. It took me a few days of reading scripture and praying about it before coming to a final conclusion. After having my scripture, I wanted to do an adult coloring page with that scripture that I could hang on my bedroom wall as I did last year. I couldn't find a free printable or one in any of my adult coloring books, so I decided to create my own using a program I have on my computer.

To download a black and white copy of this page, click here.

My coloring page now hangs on my wall next to my bed as a daily reminder. God calls us to serve which means that we often need to deny ourselves even though we live in freedom under Christ's shed blood. Serving is also best done and received when it is done in love.

I pray that this year I grow in understanding of what it truly means to serve and to serve in love.

Do you have a word for 2017? I would love for you to share what God has placed on your heart!

Take Comfort

2 Corinthians 4:15-18 KJV

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We will have hard days and hard times in life, but we can take comfort knowing that even though it is hard, it is there for good. We may not see or understand how it is good, but everything shapes us and changes us into who God desires us to be. It might be tough here on earth, but the eternal rewards are worth it!

Goodness

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 KJV

4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Having a relationship with Christ only brings good! While it might not be good as the world sees it, there is goodness in all. God is faithful and continues to call us into fellowship with Him and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Encouraging Words

Acts 13:15-41 KJV

15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. 16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. 17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. 18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. 19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. 20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: 24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. 26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. 29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. 30 But God raised him from the dead: 31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. 32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. 34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. 35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. 38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; 41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

You can take encouragement from these verses! God sent Christ, who had no sin, to die for your sins so that we may be saved! What else matters in this life?

We need to stop focusing on our "problems" and instead focus on Christ's great sacrifice for us.

Lord, may we have the proper perspective in life. I pray we will focus on Your gift and not on our "problems". Amen.

Who Knows

Who really knows you? We must spend time with others to truly know each other and encourage one another to good works.

A Chosen Vessel

Acts 9:1-31 KJV

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. 23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. 26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. 31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

I was reading about Paul's conversion and it made me think about people who have drastic conversions now. Aren't we usually pretty skeptical when we hear of someone who either persecuted Christians or who lived in a way in total opposition to God's commands when they say they have given their lives to Christ? Even the disciples were skeptical of Paul's conversion. I know that sometimes a conversion is a lie, but sometimes it is a true conversion.

I pray God grants me the wisdom to know when it is His hand at work. For Christ said to Ananias when He sent him to Saul,

I am also encouraged to pray the more heartily for those who currently persecute Christians. They, too, may be a chosen vessel of God some day.

Will you join me in prayer for people to experience a true conversion to knowing Christ and His power?

A Word of Encouragement

I woke up the other night in the middle of the night and couldn't get back to sleep. So, I started talking to God. I came to the realization that I need to deal with something I have been struggling to actually do. Why have I been struggling? Because it won't be easy or pleasant.

In the morning I asked God to lead me to scripture that would encourage me. He lead to me Isaiah 40:28:31.

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I pray it may be an encouragement to any of you who may also be struggling with something.

Losing is Gaining

Matthew 16:24-26 KJV 

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

As I studied these familiar verses, I was thinking about the different ways Christ calls people to "lose their lives."

In some instances, He calls people to literally give their physical lives for being His follower. We call these people martyrs and admire their faithfulness, strength, and commitment.

In other instances, He calls people to give up the comforts of this world and go and be missionaries to remote villages or in violent countries. We admire these missionaries for their selflessness and care for others.

There are many other "smaller" ways He calls people to "lose" their lives, but one that sticks out to me right now is parenthood.

We recently announced to family and friends that we are expecting our 12th child (not counting the two who are already with Jesus). Of course, the comments aren't new to us, but they have started again.

We are crazy.

Better us than them.

Aren't we smart enough to know what causes that?

What about my health?

We can't possibly have enough to provide for all those children! (Of course, everyone's definition of provide is different. They are thinking of fancy vacations, college, cars for each child, etc.).

As parents, we are called to give up comforts of this world. We experience violence among our own people. Sometimes parents give up their physical lives for their children. However, unless it is done in some grand way (like saving a drowning child or saving a child from a fire), it is looked down upon. Why is it that losing this life, as the world sees it, for our own children is not seen as following God's commands? Why do we esteem sharing the gospel with other people groups worthy while sharing the gospel with our own children is wrong?

I am not bringing this up to try to gain pity. Nor am I seeking approval. I am bringing this up to encourage other mothers that although it may not seem you are doing great things for God, you are! you are denying yourself and "losing" your life for your children. When you are selfless, you are showing Christ's love to those around you. Be of good courage! Raising children is just as much a mission field as going to the remote villages of Africa or the land of Iraq.