Dwelling Among Men {Bible Study}

God's Word absolutely amazes me. There's nothing more I can say except that. Some days I just sit absorbing it, and for no reason at all am overwhelmed. Maybe it's the Spirit of the Word ministering to my spirit in a way I cannot comprehend or grasp. Maybe it's a whispering taking place between my God and my soul that penetrates on a level my mind cannot wrap itself around, yet my senses are completely aware of and stimulated by.

Have you ever experienced the Word penetrate and pierce your innermost being, but have no mental perception of what's occurring? You know there's a stirring, and you want to seize it, guard it, and then enlighten everyone else with it. But you can't. Because you have no concrete understanding of what's taking place.

I crave and savor these moments with this living and powerful Word that pierces even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The things the Word does within us, no one can understand. And it's the jewels of the Word that leave me awestruck, humbled, and not only craving more, but longing to share with you. Treasures! And who doesn't enjoy a good treasure hunt?

Here are a few of previously dug up gems that I hope to somehow impart to you! Grab your map, detective cloak and hat, and a magnifying glass and let's get diggin! You may also want writing utensils for taking notes. J

In the book of Exodus we observe God calling Moses to the top of Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:20). Here He gave him the Ten Commandments and numerous other laws concerning servants, animals, property, feasts, etc.  In chapter 25, God gets more personal in His instructions.

Read Exodus 25:8.

What did God command they make?__________________________________

According to this same verse, what was the purpose behind this construction? _______________________________________________________________________

Prior to God giving Moses these instructions, what do we find the Israelite children repeatedly doing?

Read Exodus 14:10-12 _______________________________________________

Read Exodus 15:22-24 _______________________________________________

Read Exodus 16:1-3 _________________________________________________

Read Exodus 17:1-4 _________________________________________________

Do all of your answers have a similar response? This multitude indeed was a stiff-necked people! Who could possibly please them? And why would God desire to meet personally with them? Not only did He want to meet with them, Exodus 25:8 tells us He wanted to dwell among them. This Hebrew word dwell is shakan and literally means to lodge, settle down, abide with, reside with.

Did He fully understand how truly wicked these people were. Maybe after calling Moses upon the Mount, He came to His senses and changed His mind. After all, they did fashion and worship a golden calf, proclaiming "This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!" (Exodus 32:4). Sisters, our God is a God of covenants and promises; the same God that ministered to Abraham's mistress in her distress (Genesis 21) and forgave an adulterous woman (John 8:11) caught in the act of sin. God knew exactly what He was getting Himself into desiring to dwell among sinful men.

Is there something keeping you from dwelling with God? Even following such acts of idolatry and wickedness God still desired to live among His people. No matter who you are or what act you have committed, nothing can separate you from God's love, and His desire to be with you. Jesus left throne and glory to meet with wretched men and women. What is keeping you from Him? Seek God's magnificent face. Ask Him to search you and know you, to see if there is any wicked way in you, and to lead you in confession and cleanse you with forgiveness. Write out your prayer and confession to Him now. __________________________________________________________________________

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Now Read Exodus 25:1-9.

When God met with Moses, He gave him precise instructions on constructing the tabernacle. Within these commands were clear, specific details regarding design, size, colors, materials, and placement. He even declared who would be responsible for what concerning carving, sewing, and building. The tabernacle would not be a simple tent.

According to verse 2, where did the materials come from that would be used to construct the tabernacle?

__________________________________________________________________________

Read Exodus 12:35-36

After four-hundred and thirty years of bondage, God loosed His people from slavery (Ex 12:40). According to these verses, what did the children do on their way out of captivity? 

__________________________________________________________________________

What kinds of gifts did God grant His beloved, yet stiff-necked children?

Exodus 28:3 __________________________________________________________

Exodus 35:30-35 ______________________________________________________

Psalm 105:37 _________________________________________________________

What has God given us who call on His Name today?

Ephesians 1:3 ________________________________________________________

Psalm 112:3 _________________________________________________________

Proverbs 3:16 ________________________________________________________

These gifts were not limited to physical items stored on shelves and fingers. God's gifts are also given as talents and skills. And the Gift Giver continues to shower these gifts upon us today. The Bestower of gifts is in the business of blessing His beloved bride.

Besides the ones listed above, what are some other gifts God commits to His children?                                                                                                             

Romans 12:6-8 _____________________________________________________

1 Corinthians 12:8-10 _______________________________________________

1 Corinthians 12:28 _________________________________________________

Ephesian 4:11 ______________________________________________________

To be loosed from the bondage of this world and become a slave to the Perfect Master is another study for another day, but know this- Just as the Israelites were released from the oppression of Pharaoh and Egypt, so God liberates His people from the bondage of sin and death. And with this liberation comes treasures and riches only a King can bestow.

What did the Israelites do with the riches God gave them?

Exodus 32:2-4 ______________________________________________________

Exodus 35:5,21 _____________________________________________________

God blessed the Israelites abundantly as they danced out of Egypt with Egyptian jewels and gems. Casting off their yoke of oppression, they replaced it with another burden: golden rings and glistening riches. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights. We have choices to make with these gifts, ladies: bless God by using them for His purpose and glory, or waste them through fulfilling our own selfish lusts and desires. 

What are four purposes God has for bestowing Gifts to His people?

Matthew 7:11 ______________________________________________________

1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:12 ____________________________________________

1 Peter 4:10-11 _____________________________________________________

Exodus 25:2-8 ______________________________________________________

God grants His children riches and precious gifts most importantly, because it pleases Him. It is His character to give good things to those He loves; it is His nature to bestow blessings on His precious children. He showers us with gifts so that we may Glorify Him, edify one another and the entire body of Christ, and offer them back to Him for the purpose of meeting Him face to face.

What specific gifts has the Father of lights given you? Don't be general here ladies, but give precise answers. Some of your gifts will replicate another's, but God gives each one as He sees fit- you being the eye, while your sister is the hand, and your daughter the ear (Romans 12). List your numerous and unique God given gifts here: 

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Now, dear sister, what are you using these gifts for? Spend some time seeking God and asking Him bluntly. Are you using them for any of the four reasons listed above, or are you selfishly wasting them on your own pleasure and gratification? 

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God gave Aaron a gift of leadership. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I believe He also bestowed on him an artistic gift. How else could you throw gold into a fire and miraculously get a golden calf out of the deal (Exodus 32:24)? This man had talent! However, Aaron used His unique gifts to lead thousands into idolatry and wicked rebellion. Oh that we use God's gifts for their intended purpose! Search them out, sisters, and use them to Christ's satisfaction! Because the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable! You never know, God may meet you face to face through your obedient usage of His bestowed gift!

Still hungry for God's bread? Thirsty for His Living water? Go here and be fed! Allow yourself to be washed in His Word.

(Ok, this is my first 'bible study format' post. Please give some useful critique and feedback. Also, please, even if you already know everything there is to know in the Word, take the time to go through these scriptures and answer the questions. You may be surprised at what God through His Holy Spirit shows you! And then please, please, please come back and share!)

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Brave ~Five Minute Friday~

For God has not given us spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a

sound mind. ~2 Timothy 1:7

I hear this verse often in Christian circles. I quote it myself for encouragement and reminders that our God is big and we shall not fear. What I hadn't realized is the context of this particular verse. Do you know what the one directly preceding it says:

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you

through the laying on of hands. ~2 Timothy 1:6

Paul  is speaking to Timothy about spiritual gifts! And this is something I'm still thinking on. Here's a confession- ever since posting my thoughts yesterday about gifts, I've been considering going back and deleting that last part- the one that says 'God has given me a gift to teach others with His Word.'

Why is it so hard to confess a gift to others? Why do we acknowledge the gift and then turn around and deny the gift? Do we think accepting and sharing and using the things God purposefully gives us is some sort of prideful act? Why do we think that way?

When I give my children and gift and they actually use and share it- do I conclude they are being prideful and selfish? Sometimes, yes. And that must be our problem.

We are sinful people who have issues with accepting that what God gives us is a gift of grace and not something we deserve or have earned. This includes our spiritual gifts. I'm pretty sure He even gives us gifts we're not capable of using. Gifts we must stir up. Gifts that require His hand in helping us build.

I have a suspicion that God gave Aaron, Moses' bother, a gift of leadership not because he earned or deserved it, but because God chose Aaron. Simple as that. I also wonder if He gave Aaron and artistic gift, which was in turn used against God and for the worshiping of an idol.

But since God's gifts are simply God's grace given to His unique created people, there can be no room for pride or self exaltation.  And the fears we may have are that of becoming boastful, discovering we were wrong about our gift and embarrassing ourselves,  or being rejected by others as we step out in faith believing God in His gift. Because ultimately it really is His gift meant to be used for His body and His glory.

It takes a brave woman to trust God and others with your precious gift.

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Lisa-Jo offers the challenge week after week:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Oh and Ahem, if you would take pity and turn off comment verification, it would make leaving some love on your post that much easier for folks!

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::

Brave…

(I always edit. I'm a terrible typer. Maybe a little prideful too.)

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Rejecting and Returning Gifts

Recently I was reflecting back years and years ago. You know those memories that haunt; the ones that leave your cheeks bright red and make you feel guilt over something long ago forgotten by everyone but you.

It was Christmas. I was maybe seven or eight, and I wanted one thing and one thing alone: Chrissy. She was a 'My Size Baby' and there were none quite like her. I tore into boxes and packages wrapped in Santa Clause and snowflakes. Disappointment followed disappointment and eventually it set in- there was no life size doll under the tree for me.

When I was a child I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. I returned every gift that year simply because I didn't get the one gift I thought would turn my world upside-down. What a childish child I was. I can't even recall what I did with the money I received from my returns, only that I didn't come out with enough to buy that life changing doll. I would be miserable for the rest of my life.

How and why did my parents put up with me? What in the world were they thinking? After all the searching through ads, standing in lines, deciphering this gift or that- and I simply turned up my nose and rejected the many gifts purchased and wrapped just for me.

How disappointing that morning must have been for them. They sat there anxious to see the expressions, hear the squeals, and catch the moments in pictures that would bring back memories for years and generations. Instead they saw dissatisfaction and ungratefulness; felt frustration and rejection.

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards

of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the

oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God

supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through

Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion

forever and ever. Amen.

~1 Peter 4:11

God has carefully and meticulously bestowed spiritual gifts to each and every one of us. These gifts are unique, and they are necessary for the entire body of Christ. He has intentionally given you gifts that are unlike my gifts. Do we turn our nose to the gifts God has skillfully woven into our being because we see another gift? Are we looking at something more useful or satisfying; something grander and greater?

If God is a God that can feel disappointment and rejection- and surely He is- does He not ache as we carelessly cast aside the unique gifts He offers us- the unique gifts He offers his children? I've been on both ends of the equation. I've been the rejecting receiver and the rejected giver. I've disregarded the precious gifts along with the heart of the beloved giver. I've also labored exhaustively in search of the perfect gift- needing to show through my giving how cherished, treasured, and special an individual is, only to have my intentions and thoughts tossed aside like soiled rags.

Have you seen the joy and surprise on the face of a loved one because of your gift? Have you experienced the satisfaction of watching that loved one use and share that gift? Nothing compares to those emotions. How fulfilling. How gratifying.

To even attempt rejecting God's gifts to us, as I did my parent's gift to me as a child, in search of something more fulfilling, is nothing less than telling God His gift to me is worthless and useless. To reject His perfect gift in search of a greater gift is to reject the perfect God in search of a greater god. What foolishness this is and fools we are. In refusing our gifts, we come to find we have nothing left, and the gift we are striving for will always be out of reach and unattainable. We will be left miserable for the rest of our lives.

How can God entrust great things to one who will not thankfully

receive from Him the little things?

~Dietrich Bonhoefer

What has God gifted you to do? Are you called to encourage, lead and guide, discern and teach, labor through servant hood by reaching out to widows, opening your home with hospitality, feeding the hungry, going as a missionary, sending missionaries, receiving missionaries, ministering through music, offering words of wisdom or discernment? Not only do we disappoint and reject Him by casting aside our gift, but also by neglecting to recognize that gift. Seek out and ask for your gift! Obey and glorify God through the usage of an irreplaceable gift He has placed in you and you alone.

Now's your time to share with me. Let's stir one another up and share one another's gifts. God has given me a gift to teach others with His Word. What has He gifted you to do? Walk in obedience!

For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. ~1 Corinthians 12:14-20

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How Many Loaves Do You Have?

Matthew 6:7-12, 30-44~~~

They were not just sent- they were sent two-by-two. He commanded they take only a staff; no bread, no money, not even a change of clothes. They were given power and released. Sent to proclaim truth. So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them (Mark 6:12-13).

What a mission trip it was! What a season of growth and faith building. They experienced the power of God through them in a way you and I could never imagine. The twelve would never be the same.

Upon their return they surrounded the Sender, rejoicing in what they had done and what they had taught.  Their Master celebrated in their excitement, but didn't neglect their weariness. "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."

In a world full of need and want, there is no escape for Jesus. The crowd pursued and when Jesus saw them, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.

The day turned to evening, the crowd turned to thousands, and the disciples began to worry. "This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat."

"You give them something to eat."

Their response seems a little sarcastic- maybe prideful? "Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?"

It was the same twelve. They taught. They healed. They cast out demons. And now they were done. Send them away Lord, and let them take care of themselves. It seems that from the moment they returned, praising themselves for the work they had done, they began taking their eyes off the One that empowered them, sent them, healed and spoke through them.

"How many loaves do you have? Go and see." It looked hopeless and impossible. Just five loaves and two fish, and over five-thousand hungry souls. 

And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them.

Jesus performed the miracle. He did the breaking. They did the serving. He does the miraculous, and simply allows us to participate. How is it we ever neglect to see this? How can we ever view our good works, our service to God, as some great feat we have accomplished by our own strength?

Do you praise the hammer that drives the nail, or the man that swings that hammer? Do we boast in ourselves for miracles and good works or in God for using a simple, insignificant tool; a tool that is here today and gone tomorrow?

They mustered up a measure of faith and walked into the crowd with a broken piece of bread. It was no longer a question of how to feed hungry people, but a lesson in trusting the Giver to multiply the gift. And multiply the gift He did! So much so that they fed five-thousand men plus women and children. 

They didn't feed only to satisfy their hunger. It wasn't just enough to get them by until they returned to their homes. No, they fed them so they all ate and were full.

And the Giver didn't stop there. Afterwards, the twelve took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish.

He didn't leave them hungry. He didn't simply satisfy. He didn't just meet the need. He provided exceedingly abundantly above all they could ask or even imagine. The people were hungry and God filled them to overflowing. The greatest miracle- He used puffed up servants to do it.

In crediting ourselves for God's work, we cease seeing God. And when we cease seeing God, we neglect to offer the Bread of Life to those hungering for Him. Instead we send them on their way, still boasting in our hearts about the works done by our own hands. 

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God's Little Blessings

For the last month, I’ve been extremely inconsistent in the area of fitness. It’s been a struggle to run just a few times a week, and I’m paying the consequences for it! Since I slacked off, I have gotten out of shape and made running even a short distance incredibly difficult. It’s so discouraging to go through this struggle, knowing I’m capable of going further because I have done it in the past, but also knowing I have to work back up to that place.

My main struggle is that I haven’t wanted to run alone lately. I used to run solo just fine! I even enjoyed the solitude I found in that time with just me, the outdoors, and the Lord. I’m not sure why my thinking has changed in this area, but hope I can get out of this ‘funk’ soon! My hubby has been so gracious to run with me when he can, even skipping the gym (which he much prefers) to come straight home after work and run with his needy wife. However, this results in us running the dark, which is not the best of circumstances. I can’t wait until the sun decides to stick around longer each day!

Yesterday I was having a difficult day, and knew I would feel better if I got out of the house and spent some time praying. So, I made myself do it; I made myself run alone! I put those shoes on and decided I would take a new route; enjoy a change of scenery. I hadn’t voiced to God my desire to run with someone. I hadn’t asked Him for a running buddy. But He knows our hearts and our desires, doesn’t He?  

You understand my thought afar off…. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. –Psalm 139:2,4

So I’m running, trying desperately to enjoy it, forcing myself to observe the blessings around me (thanks to a little perspective change from a friend) when all of a sudden this little guy scares

the bajeebers out of me! He came out of nowhere, and at first I thought he was chasing me. After a while, I realized he was running with me! God sent me a running buddy! I literally started laughing! Yes, my run was slightly interrupted since I had to take pics- I didn’t want to forget this! Have you ever tried running and using your cell phone’s camera at the same time? I don’t recommend it! But I’m glad I did J

Yes, it was only a silly bird, but I knew it was a little gift, just for me from my ever present God. On a trying day full of disappointment and tears, He met me and reminded me that He is always there, always comforting, always making Himself known, always offering ways to ease my burdens. I was filled with thanksgiving and joy. I don’t usually laugh on my runs! This day I did. Eventually my new friend ventured off into a nearby field (I think those short stubby legs got tired) and I was slightly disappointed to see him go. However, I was thankful he didn’t follow me home, since I would feel obligated to feed him, and then he might stay indefinitely.

Here is a short video of our run together. Such a cute little thing. (I apologize for how shaky it is -remember, I was trying to run- and in an attempt to save myself the embarrassment of allowing you to hear my labored breathing, I added music, but for some reason it's not working! Ugh. Again, I appologize, now you get to hear just how out of shape I am.) I wasn’t going to include the video, but decided I must, so you can fully enjoy my blessing with me!

God's Little Blessings

The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.

-Psalm 115:12

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What Are My Chances?

Omnipotent- Having all power

Omniscient- Having all knowledge

Omnipresent- Always present- Present in all places at all times

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Is God omnipotent? Yes. Is God omniscient? Yes. Is God omnipresent? Yes. Do you really believe this? Let me rephrase that- Do I really believe this? Um… I thought so. *Sigh* This blogging thing is becoming really hard on my ego.

The Holy Spirit used a conversation I had with my mom through Facebook messaging to reveal again my heart of unbelief. Let me start from the beginning.

A few days ago, the family sat around watching HGTV. (Have I mentioned I adore this channel? That I feel inspired by it, even though almost every wall in my house remains bare…. I may be afraid of commitment.)After multiple episodes of amazing transformations, HGTVs Dream Home 2012 came on. Eyes glued to the TV, we watched in awe as they revealed room after room of beauty and surprise. Let me tell you, this home has it all! If you ever dreamed of THE perfect home, this is it!

Not only is this house amazing, but they are GIVING IT AWAY! Wait, it gets even better. The blessed receiver will not only be handed this FULLY FURNISHED 1.5 MILLION DOLLAR MANSION, but also a brand spanking new 2012 GMC TERRAIN, and (as if that’s not enough) $500.000!!!! Can you say “Mine, mine, mine, mine (insert seagulls from Finding Nemo)?” I think you can envision the pools of drool on my hardwood floor as four pairs of eyes gazed covetously at the TV screen. We were ready to pack up and move to Utah! Before the episode was over, I was on the computer entering to win, OF COURSE!

My son (age 10½) was begging me, “please mom, can we get it, can we get it?” I gently reminded him that I had no control over who would win this unbelievable prize, that all I could do was enter the drawing, and that he should pray and ask God for this house. He was instantly disappointed, stating “since we don’t NEED the house, God won’t give it to us.” “But Joseph, the bible says ‘If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!’ (Matt 7:11) God does not only give us what we need, He enjoys blessing us just as we enjoy blessing each other. But you have to ask Him.” See what a wonderfully spirit filled mom I am. Yeah, I was pretty proud of myself too. BUT NOT FOR LONG.

The next day I sent my mom a Facebook message (private of course), telling her she needed to enter this drawing so one of us could win. I explained that she shouldn’t tell anyone else

about the drawing because if they entered, it would lessen our chance of winning (hence the private message). There’s that word- chance. Ugh. But I don’t believe in chance. I believe that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent! I believe He is in control and I leave nothing in the hands of chance. Really? Hmmmm, your thinking would say otherwise. Yes, I was once again being convicted.

I was equally convicted of attempting to steal a blessing and a gift that God may have for someone else by being deceitful and selfish. As if I could do anything to keep this unbelievable home from being handed over to the one God already decided would receive it! Do I really think I’m all that?! Apparently so.

Well, I’ve made a short story long. To wrap it up, I confessed my selfishness, unbelief, and pride, and thanked God for revealing my heart to me again. I am now giving you the links to enter (however, I don’t think I can pray for you to win… I’m not quite there yet L). You can enter twice a day, once here, and once here. (I enter four times a day- once at each site for my hubby, and once at each site for myself). See, I’m giving you all my secrets!

I really do hope one of us wins! Oh, and if you win, you must have us over for a nice loooooooonnnnnnngggg visit! J

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” –Mark 9:24

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Three Words

Beth Moore’s post from her Living Proof Ministries blog inspired me to reflect on the past year and ask God for three words that characterize 2011 for me. I offer you this same opportunity. Please share your three words with us and a short (or long) paragraph explaining each.

I'll go first J I call mine the three A’s.

ACCOMPLISHED- God sent and used (and continues using) my husband in Phoenix, Arizona among a group of Romanians, building relationships, teaching, discipling, and instilling the vision of discipleship. He has done and continues doing a wonderful work in it. What previously sounded ridiculous and impossible turned out to be incredibly fulfilling as I finished my first two years of college and received a degree at 32 years old. God relieved my back pain and allowed me to start doing something I have always desired to do- run. And (most days) I enjoy and look forward to it. God confirmed gifts in me and has begun stirring them up, teaching me to walk in obedience, and blessing the fruit of that labor and obedience. Yes, this has been a year of witnessing God accomplish much in and through us.

AWARENESS- My daughter, Korrie (my oldest child) turned thirteen, became a teenager, and officially made me old! It’s been wonderful and eye-opening in so many ways. Every single day she surprises me and I realize that she’s unlike any other child of God. He is miraculously forming her into a woman after Him, despite my failures and short comings as her

mother. My son, Joseph (my youngest child) hit the double digits turning ten, and made me old again! Through this process of watching my kiddos develop their own personalities and relationships, I am learning that God is in control of every aspect of their lives both large and small. And I am unspeakably grateful to be used by Him in such a way. I am also keenly aware of how quickly they are changing and growing and will be leaving the nest to begin their own adventures filled with happiness, joys, heartaches, and struggles.

AWED- My Lord has poured out His love upon me in ways I could not even imagine, allowing me to draw closer to Him and gain a deeper, richer understanding of His adoration and compassion for me. And with this understanding comes an awe and a realization that the more I know Him and His love, the less I understand it. He is so incomprehensible, yet personal in a way I cannot fully receive. I only pray that this New Year brings more awe, more understanding, and a deeper sense of who He is, how He loves, and who I am in Him.

I cannot wait to read about your three words!  Won’t it be fun to look back at these words next year and reflect on the changes God faithfully walks us through? Please, please, please share and don’t be shy!

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A Little Goes a Long Way

These last few days I’ve been pondering the work of God and others in my life. As I reflect on my past; where I come from and where I am today, I am overwhelmingly thankful. I recall being a new wife and mom just out of high school, not knowing the first thing about cleaning, cooking, or caring for a family. I place no blame on my parents, this was a result of my own rebellion. The first time I attempted to mop resulted in floors soaked with an inch of soapy water and no clue what to do next. “How do I get all this water up?” You think it sounds funny, and maybe it does, but I was stumped, frustrated, and too embarrassed to

ask for help.  I simply refused to mop my floors again (for a while anyway). We lived on Hamburger Helper, Macaroni & Cheese, Top Ramen, and anything else I could instantly heat up without much trouble.  Can you believe I obtained a cooking job at the local restaurant? I think the Lord thought it time I learned this particular skill, and I suspect my husband agreed.

A few years later, I had two friends from church step into my life and teach me to not only cook, but to can! I became a canning freak for a few years (totally over it now).  Whenever I discover something NEW I am capable of doing, I kind of go overboard. Looking back, I am reminded of countless women God placed into my life as encouragers and teachers. These women saw things in me I could not see in myself. They spurred me on and supported me, bringing out gifts and abilities that otherwise may have remained dormant indefinitely. Because of these women, I gained confidence to teach others, move to a foreign country, home school my kids, mentor parents seeking to regain custody of their children, pursue a college degree, start a blog, and so much more. Where would I be without these women?! A little goes a long way!

Unfortunately, there have also been individuals in my life who have discouraged me, dampening my drive, and dissuading me in numerous areas. It’s amazing what power one individual has. It is astounding that one conversation, one sentence, one word, or simply one look can dishearten the soul. Why is it that numerous people can compliment you, encourage you, stir you up, and lift your spirit, and then one person comes along with that condescending comment and all previous encouragement immediately dissipates? What is it about discouragement that has so much power? A little goes a long way!

In Numbers chapter 13, Moses sends twelve spies to search out the land of Canaan; the land promised by God. Moses persuades them to “be of good courage” (vs 20). However, upon returning, ten of the twelve give the Israelites a bad report (vs 32), discouraging with tales of strong, fortified cities, and inhabitants as large as giants. And then there’s good ole Caleb and Joshua. Oh how I adore these two. The lone spies who took God for His word and spoke truth and encouragement to His chosen children, proclaiming “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (vs 30) and “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us” (14:8). The verses immediately following reveal all too well the power of discouragement as the people spoke of stoning Joshua and Caleb, until the Lord Himself intervened.

Are you an encourager? Are you a discourager? Do you have brothers and sisters in your life that have supported you, cheered you on, or truly sought to advance and promote you in God’s kingdom? Or are you constantly burdened by disheartening individuals and discouraging words? A little goes a long way! A little encouragement will guide a friend straight into their destined promised land. A little discouragement will stop one in their tracks, causing even the strongest of soldiers to fall as a corpse in the wilderness. Be an encourager! A little goes a long way!

But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

-Hebrews 3:13

Hope Does Not Dissapoint

Have you ever experienced great anticipation? If you are living and breathing, I can only imagine your quick reply is yes. Do you know that feeling of excitement when expecting a package in the mail?

Or how about when you tossed and turned all night as a child so eager that Christmas morning was only a few hours away! Have you watched any football games lately, cheering anxiously, excited for your team to take home the win? What about the days or weeks spent waiting for a friend’s email response? I have a dear friend in Mexico who just delivered her third baby. Sadly, after the delivery things didn’t go so well and she became very sick. We have prayed for her and her family everyday and were so excited when her husband finally emailed us that she is home safe and sound. However, I am incredibly anxious to get word from her; to receive a personal message from my far away friend.

This feeling of expectation; I have had it ALL WEEKEND! Why? Because my husband is not here! That’s why! Oh, the anticipation is killing me! I can’t wait any longer! He’s only been gone since Thursday, it’s now Sunday, and he is due home any minute! I realize that’s only four days, but it’s felt like the longest four days of my life. Do you know this feeling? I cannot wait for him to share how the visit with his close friends went. I’m so excited to hear how blessed and encouraged the ladies were during the women’s weekend. Yes, I know good news and good things are in store and I am EXCITED!

Tonight I’m incredibly thankful to God for granting us emotions; for creating us with desire, anticipation, excitement, and longing! As I think about the numerous, sometimes ridiculous things I get so excited about (such as sharing something with you!), I begin to feel slightly childish, as if I need to grow up and get with the “more spiritual” program. I don’t think God sees it that way though. When we give our children a gift, are we not anxious to see them get excited over it and use that gift? There’s not much I hate more than buying my son or daughter something special only to watch them never even use it. How irritating and disappointing!

Well friends, God has given us many gifts and one of those gifts is called HOPE! All the feelings I have described boil down to that one word- HOPE.  The longing I have to hear from my friend, the anxiousness I feel for my husband to get home, those are just shadows of the HOPE our God imparts to us. He offers us a HOPE we cannot see (Rom 8:24-25), a future full of HOPE (Jer 29:11), a HOPE that does not disappoint (Rom 5:5), a HOPE of eternal life (Titus 3:7), a living HOPE (1 Pet 1:3), and our greatest HOPE, Jesus Christ (1 Tim 1:1)! When my husband walks through that door, my anticipation will be fulfilled with his presence. However, there remains within me an even stronger HOPE; a HOPE for a deeper, more intimate relationship with my Savior and a HOPE to spend eternity with Him. Nothing else in this life compares to the HOPE of Jesus Christ.

“Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise.”

- C.S. Lewis