Proverbs:Seeing Jesus(Part 3)

Tomorrow is the big day!  Finally, we will begin our study of Proverbs.  If you are not sure how the study will go, you can read the instructions here.  Are you ready?  I am so glad to be on this journey with all of you! 

For the last few days we have been setting the stage for the beginning of Proverbs.  We've learned the "Who? What? When? Where? and Why" in History.  I have learned so much.  This is our last day to build the foundation on which this study will be built, and to me, this is one of the most important lessons.

In order for us to fully understand Proverbs, we have to know how it applies to us as New Testament believers.  We have to see Jesus in all that we study!  Even though Jesus' name was never mentioned in Proverbs, it does paint a vivid picture of our need for a savior.  It also shows us what will be available to ALL who put their trust in Christ, once he comes to redeem His people.  Worship and wisdom go hand in hand.  Because of Jesus, we are able to do and have these things .

Luke 2

⁴¹ Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. ⁴² When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. ⁴³ After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.

⁴⁴ Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. ⁴⁵ When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. ⁴⁶ After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.

⁴⁸ When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
⁴⁹ “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” ⁵⁰ But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

⁵¹ Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. ⁵² And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Jesus increased in wisdom because he began to learn in the temple.  In John 2, Jesus identifies himself as the temple.

In the New Testament, Jesus is the true temple.  There is not one that can be built to hold the Presence of God because Jesus is the incarnation of the Glory of God.  He made it possible to worship God in truth.  Jesus is the perfect king.  All the kings in the past, including Solomon, had failed.  BUT NOT JESUS!

Matthew 12:42  The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.

We learned that wisdom is the fruit of a right relationship with God.  THIS EXPLAINS WHY JESUS WAS FULL OF WISDOM!  Speaking of Christ, Colossians 2:3 says, " in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."  Now catch this.....what Solomon strived for, JESUS ACHIEVED.

We can study Proverbs, and we can attain knowledge, but if we want TRUE WISDOM & UNDERSTANDING, there is only one path - faith in Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1

²⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹ Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

We learned that Solomon was in right standing with God.  He built the temple and experienced the Glory of God.  He had a reverent fear of the Lord.  His kingdom was built around the honor and worship of God.  Then, after being led away from these things, God showed him mercy.  He had wisdom until he was no longer walking rightly with God.  Solomon was the wisest man until Jesus. 

Through Jesus, we can live in continual worship of the Father.  We can live in reverent fear (awe, wonder, reverence.)  We receive mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)  Hearing Jesus' words, makes us wise.  

 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."  Matthew 7:24

Are you seeing the parallel here?  Ah, the ways and the Word of God are just too awesome!  These were all the things Solomon was striving for, but because of Jesus, we can live out!  Hallelujah!  Does anybody else feel like shouting right now!?!

Because of the reconciliation through Jesus Christ, we are now able to walk in a right relationship with God.  Even though I keep saying this, I feel it necessary to repeat.  Wisdom flows from a right relationship with God.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  James 1:5

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  Proverbs 2:6

God is the giver of wisdom.  He guides us in His wisdom through Christ IN US!

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  Colossians 2:2-3

If our trust is in Christ in us, we will not be led astray.  God desires that we have wisdom, and that we live His will out on earth.  He wants it so much that He lives in us and leads us to accomplish it.  We are never alone on this journey.  The very wisdom and presence of Jesus Christ is in us!  That's why studying Proverbs will be a breeze! ☺

See you here tomorrow for Proverbs 1!

Proverbs: The Fall(Part 2)

Proverbs is small bundle packed full with treasures of wisdom and power.  When I began to study this great book, I realized that not only is Proverbs a great book of practical guidelines for life, but it gives us such a great picture of who God really is. 

He is the creator and sustainer of life. Proverbs 3:19-20 says, By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.  According to Proverbs 11:21 that says, Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free; God is a righteous judge.  The Word of God is perfect, and God is our great defender.  Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.  Proverbs 30:5  We learn of many of His great attributes such as grace, justice, mercy, patience, and His desire to give to those He calls His own.

We know that, The fear (awe, reverence, worship) of the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10)  I love how the Amplified Bible translates this verse.  The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding

As we read and see the nature and character of God displayed through Proverbs, we can not help but stand more in awe of our Lord.  Our worship can not help but increase, causing our wisdom to increase as well!  Hallelujah!

Here is a list of the themes displayed throughout Proverbs.

-Love your spouse
-Instruct your children in the right way
-Avoid evil company
-Guard your mouth
-Work is good....Don't be lazy!
-Help the Needy
-Contentment
-Guard your heart against pride

Yesterday, we read 1 Kings 3 & 4, but if you have read on you know that Solomon eventually turns to the things that he gives warning about in his writings.  This gives us reason to pause and consider what this might look like in our own lives.  What do we stand against and how might the enemy use that against us?  2 Corinthians 11:3 says,  But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.  If the wisest man can be led astray from the ways of His God that he loved and worshipped, we better learn from this!
 
1 Kings 11 says that Solomon loved many foreign women.  He had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines.  Verse 3 of that same chapter says that Solomon's wives led him astray.  Through these women, pagan influence was brought back into Israel.  As a result of worshipping false gods, Solomon's wisdom waned.  Here is the rest of the story from 1 Kings 11.

 The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. ¹⁰ Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command. ¹¹ So the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. ¹² Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. ¹³ Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.” 

Now look back at the list of themes throughout Proverbs.  Solomon was led astray and did the same things he warned against.  Solomon represents everyone of us.  When we lose our reverence and fear of the Lord and wander from God's instruction, we will worship the things of the world.  That which we fear is what we will worship.  What a great picture that we all DESPERATELY need a Savior! 

Even through this passage, we see that Our kind, compassionate, and merciful God gave grace to Solomon in his failures.  While Solomon saw the nature of God through His act of mercy, he only anticipated redemption through the fulfillment of the coming Messiah.  But we, as Believers, under the new covenant, can encounter redemption through Jesus today.  Doesn't that make you want to shout!!!    

I told you the other day that my prayer is that we will see Jesus through our study.  Because we are blood-bought and redeemed by His blood, everything in our lives should point to Jesus.  Old testament and new testament alike were written for the purpose of revealing God's redemptive plan through Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.   

1 John 3:2 says that when we see Him, we'll be like Him.  Let's make this our prayer!  Please join me Monday!  We are going to look through the Word and see how New Testament believers have great wisdom through Jesus.  Because He lives in us, we are able to be in right standing with the Father.  We learned yesterday that wisdom is the fruit of a right relationship with God! 

4 sleeps until our study begins!   

Proverbs:The Beginning! (Part 1)

 

The time is here!  There are only 5 more sleeps until the first day of our study on Proverbs begins.  I want to clarify what this study will entail so there is no more confusion. 

This study is something everyone will do on their own in their own home.  We will not be meeting anywhere but right here on the blog and Facebook!  Starting July 1st, everyone will read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the date.  For example, on July 1st, we will all read Proverbs 1.  On July 12th, we will all read Proverbs 12.  By July 31st, we will have read the whole book of Proverbs!  If you prefer, I will put a link on the blog everyday to the chapter to read.  (I personally like reading it out of my Bible in case I want to underline scripture or take notes.) 

Each day after you read the chapter of Proverbs, come join us here on this blog for a devotional or lesson about that chapter.  Each daily devotion will be different because there are many different women from every walk of life that are from all over Texas plus four other states who will be writing them.  That is what makes this so exciting and will keep things from getting monotonous! 

I suggest getting a journal to write down what the Holy Spirit shows you about each chapter as you read and study.  Please, please, PLEASE leave your thoughts and comments on here for others to read.  It is encouraging to see what the Holy Spirit is showing others as we study together.

Also, weekly, I will put a passage or verse of Proverbs that I am working on memorizing.  If you're up for a challenge, memorize these with me!  Again, your journal would be a great place to keep up with that! 



 
Today, Friday, and next Monday, I will be spending some time setting the stage for the beginning of Proverbs.  I don't know about you, but I need to know all the details to fully understand the story.  I want to know what happened, but I also need to know the who, when, where, and why behind the action!  I have spent the last month studying.  Hopefully, you enjoy learning the history of Proverbs as much as I did!

The book of Proverbs is divided into 2 major sections.  Chapters 1-9 is the preface of the book.  It tells us why we need the whole book.  The why is simple - WISDOM IS A VALUABLE TREASURE!  Chapters 10-31 are different wise sayings that take the Word and apply it to practical things we can use in our lives.  (2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.) 

Most of these Proverbs were written by King Solomon, son of King David and Bathsheba.  Smaller portions of Proverbs were written by Agur and King Lemuel.

The key verse that really marks the beginning and end of the first major section is Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction, and ending with Proverbs 9:10, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

The term "fear of the Lord " is sometimes confusing to people. (It has been to me anyway!)  After studying the Greek and Hebrew translations of the word "fear" in this text, I believe that fear is the awe, wonder, reverence, and worship of our Lord.  It is correct to say then that wisdom goes hand in hand with God's people standing in awe, wonder, reverence, and worshipping the Lord.

WISDOM IS THE FRUIT OF A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. 

OUR WISDOM AND DAILY DECISIONS IS DEPENDENT ON OUR

RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. - David Platt

 

So how did Solomon get such wisdom?  How did he gain the title of The Wisest Man?  In order to find out, we have to find out where in the History this takes place.

 

 

We find the story in 1 Kings 3-4, with a parallel in 2 Chronicles 1.  Israel and Judah were a united kingdom, and Solomon was king.  He reigned from 970-930 B.C.  Let's just read it together.

 

1 Kings 3:5-15

 

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

 

Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

 

 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. ⁸ Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. ⁹ So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

 

 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. ¹¹ So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, ¹² I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. ¹³ Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. ¹⁴ And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” ¹⁵ Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream.

 

He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then he gave a feast for all his court.

 

 

In the same chapter we read about a wise judgement he makes concerning two harlots and a baby.  The beginning of Chapter 4 lists all of the chief officials and administrators that worked under King Solomon.  It also touches on the prosperity of the King from verse 20 through verse 28.  Then we arrive at the point in history where we can see where Proverbs originated.

 

 

1 Kings 4:29-34 

 

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. ³⁰ Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. ³¹ He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. ³² He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. ³³ He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. ³⁴ From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

 

 

In 1 Kings 5, Solomon makes preparations to build the Temple.  Chapter 6, he builds.  In Chapter 8, the Ark of the Covenant is brought into the Temple, and Solomon dedicates the Temple.

 

From this, we MUST learn that wisdom and worship (or fear of the Lord) go hand in hand.  The glory of God came to dwell among His people.  If there is no reverence, no awe of the One True God in our churches, there will be no wisdom to walk out the life God has called His people to.  Oh, that our hearts might be renewed and our worship increase! 

 

This place in History for Israel, this wise king, the Peace in the kingdom did not last long and was never matched again in the OT.  

 

I will meet you back here tomorrow to continue on this journey.  I can't wait!

 

A New Thing!

I was thinking last night about the different seasons I have walked through on my spiritual journey with the Lord.  There have been times of great rejoicing, and times of grieving intercession.  There have been seasons of rebuke, correction, and growth, and seasons of gentle stillness.  There have been times where worship overflowed into new songs, and times when I have been immersed in understanding of The Word.  All the while, the Holy Spirit has been moving - shaping and molding me for every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8)  Sometimes I feel like Queen Esther and have to ask myself, "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)

This moment.  This season of life.  This very breath.  This calling that no one else was made to fulfill.  SUCH. A. TIME. AS. THIS.  Are you standing on tiptoe with me?  Waiting just to see what it is the Holy Spirit is about to do.  Looking and watching, asking the Lord to make my heart ready.  Oh, the anticipation is almost too much!!! 

Isaiah 43:19 says, Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?

In my spirit, I feel like God is right on the brink of a new thing, a new season.  I feel a stirring and excitement in my heart that is new.    

These are the instructions I feel like the Holy Spirit has given me.

1.  Wait on the Lord!

Therefore, return to your God, Observe kindness and justice,

And wait for your God continually. 

Hosea 12:6

2.  Have GREAT ANTICIPATION for what the Lord wants to do!

But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD;

I will wait for the God of my salvation.

My God will hear me. 

Micah 7:7

3.  Get ready!  God is about to do something NEW!

Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves,

for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." 

Joshua 3:5

 

I am looking forward to our Proverbs Bible Study that is coming up in just 7 days.  Proverbs 1:7 says, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.  I am believing that through the power of Holy Spirit and The Written Word of God, we will be in such awe and fear of the Lord.

Get ready!  Start praying for all who will be doing this study, and for all the women who will be writing the daily posts.  Pray that through the study we will all have a fresh revelation of Jesus, because when we see Him, we'll be like Him. (1 John 3:2) 

Grab a journal or notebook to write down what God shows you.  Invite some friends to come on this journey with you and help you be accountable to stick with it all the way from Proverbs 1 to Proverbs 31.

Have a great week, My Friends! ☺     

 

FWF:Blueberry Crumb Cake

 

 

It is always better to share good food with great friends!  The early church gave us the example of this in Acts 2:42.  "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."  Today's recipe was posted by my friend, Naomi Chance, Pastry Chef Extraordinaire!  I had a piece of this wonderful Blueberry Crumb Cake for breakfast at our Ladies Conference in May, and I absolutely can not wait to make it for my family!  This is great for breakfast, coffee time snack, or dessert for any occasion.  Happy Thursday, friends!

 
 

 

Blueberry Crumb Cake:

Streusel Topping:

1/4 c. sugar

1/3 c. brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1 stick melted butter

1 1/3 c. flour

Cake:

3/4 stick butter, softened (6 Tbsp.)

3/4 c. sugar

2 eggs, room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. lemon zest

2/3 c. sour cream

1 1/4 c. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. fresh blueberries

 

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom of 9 inch square pan.

For Streusel:

1. Combine sugars, cinnamon and nutmeg.

2. Stir in melted butter and then flour.

3. Set aside while preparing cake.

 

For Cake:
 

1. Cream together butter and sugar with electric mixer or stand mixer on high for 4-5 minutes until light.

 

2. Reduce speed to low and add eggs one at a time.

3. Add vanilla, lemon zest and sour cream. (Note: I included a picture of my lemon zester. Its a neat little gadget that makes zesting a lemon, lime or orange so much easier. You can use a grater, too.)

 

4. In separate bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. With mixer on low speed add flour mixture to batter until just combined

6. Fold in blueberries with a spoon.

 

7. Spoon into prepared pan and spread out with a knife.
 

8. With fingers crumble streusel evenly over batter.

 

9. Bake 40-50 minutes. 

 



**This recipe is easily doubled and put into a 9x13 pan.

 

 Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalms 34:8

 

*****There are only 19 sleeps (as my kids would say) until the Proverbs Bible Study begins on July 1st.  If you are planning on following along each day, I recommend subscribing to Passionate with a Purpose!  There is a box in the right margin titled Follow by Email. Every day the post will automatically be sent straight to your email address and you won't have to search for it!

Loving Your Pastors' Wives

Until yesterday, I did not realize how many friends I have whose husbands are in the ministry.  Children's Pastors, Youth Pastors, Worship Pastors, College Pastors, Senior Pastors, and missionaries- I am friends with at least one of each.  Full time, part time, interim, in the field, and on furlough all over the world.  I did not just happen to take a friendship inventory, most of these friends were sharing this article (on Facebook)below called Nine Secrets Your Pastor's Wife Wishes You Knew by Christina Stolaas. 

Nine Secrets Your Pastor's Wife Wishes You Knew

Of course I had to read it as it was taking up my newsfeed.  I know that every wife of a minister does not necessarily face all of these issues, but I would imagine that this list is pretty accurate.  I really do believe that the congregation has no idea the sacrifices that our Pastors, ministers, missionaries and their families have made.  Yes, this is a willing sacrifice that is for their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but each of our lives have been touched by their sacrifices.  We should honor these faithful men and women of God! 

I pray specifically for my Pastor, Bro. Shannon Kilpatrick, everyday, but I have been feeling really inspired to spend focused prayer time for our Pastors' wives each day as well.  How can we as the body of Christ leave the ministry of the pastor’s wife unattended, and ignored?  You can bless your pastors by being a blessing to their wives.  Sometimes we may not know what to pray,  this is when we lean on Romans 8:26. "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words."

The attacks on Pastors Wives lives from the enemy are disguised in many faces, and she is in constant warfare for her husband, children, marriage, and church. 

If you feel inclined to join me in this, I would like you to make a list of the Pastors' wives in your church (staffed or lay men) and commit yourself to pray for them everyday.  Ask the Lord to show you how and when to pray. 

Here is my list of Pastors' wives that I am committed to pray for:
Julia, wife of Senior Pastor, Bro. Shannon Kilpatrick
Etta, wife of Executive Pastor, Bro. Ken Rose
Judy, wife of Associate Pastor, Bro. Phillip Hammers
Kayla, wife of High School/Young Adults Pastor, Bro. Buddy Buckner
Josie, wife of Jr. High Pastor, Bro. Michael Mathis  

I apologize if I have left anyone out!  I love these ladies with all my heart.  Each one of them is an encouragement and a blessing to me.

Would you pray this prayer from The Unveiled Wife over your Pastors' wives with me!

Dear Heavenly Father,

 

Thank you for the position you have given to Pastor’s all around the world.  Thank you for trusting them with your Word.  Thank you for their wives, who support them, love them, and serve them.  I pray that you would strengthen their marriages everyday.  I pray for each pastor's wife right now. May your Holy Spirit empower her to continue sowing, to continue doing good.  Bless her Lord. Equip her to do your will.  I pray against any temptation that would come to tear her down or hold her in bondage.  I pray against the schemes of the enemy and I pray against his attack on marriage. May you send people to encourage her today and every day.  Remind her daily of her value and the love you have for her.  Reveal to her the purpose for why she is where she is.  Refine her and fill her with your wisdom.  May your peace and joy abound in her heart in Jesus name, AMEN!



*****There are only 21 sleeps (as my kids would say) until the Proverbs Bible Study begins on July 1st.  If you are planning on following along each day, I recommend subscribing to Passionate with a Purpose!  There is a box in the right margin titled Follow by Email. Every day the post will automatically be sent straight to your email address and you won't have to search for it!

If you are a reader like me, here are some great articles about Pastors' Wives.

7 Ways to Love Your Pastor's Wife Well

What Not To Say To Your Pastor's Wife  (I thought this one was funny because I say dumb things all the time so I can relate to the women who might have said a few of these!) 

10 Things Every Young Pastors Wife Should Know  (This is by friend, Kristy, who blogs @ Little Natural Cottage.  Her husband is a full time pastor, and she is the homeschooling momma to 5.  I have shared this one before, but it is so good, I thought I would share it again!)


 

Beauty Comes in the Shaking!

I was standing at the kitchen sink washing dishes Saturday evening, and I looked out the window to check on the girls who were playing a game on their swing set.  My heart was so full seeing them enjoying each other's company.  As my eyes started back to the plate in my hand, I caught a glimpse of broken snow globe on the windowsill. 

It had belonged to one of my girls, but apparently had been dropped and the globe cracked.  There was no water or snow flurries to be found.  Something that had once been so beautiful was nothing but a broken knick-knack taking up space.

Right in that very moment, I began to feel the warmth of God's presence.  I knew He was about to speak into my Spirit a word that would change my heart.  Just so you understand, I did not hear the audible voice of God nor did I have a vision.  I simply felt inspired to sit down and write out what I felt was imparted into my heart, and I hope I can convey in words what is so hard to put in written form.

The snow globe represented my life, and the water and flurries represented the lasting effects of temptations, trials, and storms that I had endured and those I will yet face in the future.  God has, at times, allowed my life to be shaken up.  Being flesh, we will all face storms of some kind.  Thankfully in my life, as He has promised, it is never more than I can bare. (1 Corinthians 10:13) 

Like a loving Father, He has always shown himself faithful.  Those storms didn't last forever, but they did leave marks on my life that will be there to remind me of God's grace, mercy, and patience. 

When the snow globe is shaken so many can enjoy the beauty of its floating snow flurries.   This is the truth He speaks to me in this very moment....BEAUTY COMES IS THE SHAKING!

 

When we have been shaken, and temptations and trials leave a mark on our life, those very things make us beautiful and cause us to bring GLORY to our God.  We are the handiwork (Ephesians 2:10), the craftsmanship, of God.  I believe He is constantly refining and polishing us to be even more beautiful before Him. 

No one wants to just admire a snow globe, they want to shake it and see what it looks like in action.  The same goes for us.  If we are never shaken, how will others see the beauty and love of God through our lives.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."  We do not have a full picture of God's plan for our life because we have narrow vision, but we have assurance from His Word, that it is good (Jeremiah 29:11) and will be beautiful in His perfect timing.

 

His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. John 9:2-3

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Today, my prayer is that we will embrace the trials we will face with boldness and hope.  From now on, may we look forward to the beauty God is working in us, and embrace the past trials as a necessary refining.  Oh Lord, help us to let the beauty of the mercy and grace of Jesus in our life be what might win and encourage other believers!  We know that when we see Jesus, and when others see Him through us, we will be like Him!(1 Jn. 3:2)

*****There are only 22 sleeps (as my kids would say) until the Proverbs Bible Study begins on July 1st.  Please be praying for the women who will be writing the posts throughout the study and for all who be studying along with us. 


 

Goodbye Fear!

Fear is a crippling emotion. The Lord never intended for His followers to dread the future. Although we may feel afraid at times, we should never let fear control us. - Dr. Charles Stanley

 

 

Have you ever felt led by the Holy Spirit to a task and fear held you back?  Maybe you were supposed to speak truth to someone in a difficult situation or lead out or organize an event or ministry at your church.  Or maybe you felt like God was directing you to quit your job and stay home, or get a job and help your family make it through a difficult financial struggle.  The list is endless of what we may have been directed to do but wouldn't because we were controlled by fear.  Oh the blessings fear has caused us to miss out on.  We are not alone in this.  We are not the only ones who have had to deal with and overcome fear.  There are many examples of this very thing in the Bible.

 

   

 

Here are just a few examples.

 

Moses was reluctant to leave behind the safety of his shepherd life in the back country of Midian, and fearful to answer God’s call to go back to Egypt and confront the mighty Pharaoh with God’s command to free the Israelites (Exodus 3 & 4)

 

The ten scouts were afraid to trust God to lead them into the promised land of Canaan, thus causing the Israelites to waste 40 years in the wilderness before finally being allowed to enter Canaan .(Numbers 13 & 14)

 

Joshua had seen God's people rebel against Moses and was afraid he could not lead them to take possession of the Promised Land. (Joshua 1)

 

In fear, Jonah ran away from God and the mission to preach to the people of Nineveh. (Jonah 1 & 2)

 



The rich young ruler who was afraid and unwilling to give up the comfort of his wealthy lifestyle to follow Jesus. (Luke 18:18-23)

John Mark allowed fear to cause him to abandon Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. (Acts 13:13; 15:36-38)

Whatever the nature of God’s invitation to each of us to serve him, it can create some anxiety or fear in us, because it often means leaving our comfort zone, and venturing into the unknown.

The truth is, God will not force us to do it- whatever IT is in each of our lives- but like an earthly father teaching his young child to ride a bike, he encourages us to trust him for our needs, safety, and our future.  He is always assuring us of His unconditional and unfailing love.

These are the truths that the Holy Spirit gave me this morning to help me overcome fear when He directs and calls me to a task.

1.  The plans that God has for me are always full of hope!

“I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster,

to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)

2.  God is love, and His perfect love resides right inside of me.  It is that perfect love that casts out ALL FEAR!

 

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in him.

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.

And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect….

Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear.

If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment,

and shows that his love has not been perfected in us.”

(1 John 4: 16, 17a, 18, NLT)

3.  When I am obedient, I am consumed in the Father's love and my joy will overflow!  

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.

When you obey me, you remain in my love,

just as I obey my Father and remain in his love.

I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy.

Yes, your joy will overflow!” (Jn. 15: 9-11, NLT)

4.  If He directs me, I CAN DO IT!

 

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

(Philippians 4:13, NLT)



This is an excerpt from a devotional about fear by Dr. Charles Stanley that a precious friend of mine sent recently.

What can we do to develop courage?

A. Meditate on God’s Word: Instead of just quickly reading a large section of the Bible each day, choose a shorter passage and really think about its message. Ask God for help interpreting and applying it to your life.

Meditating on God’s Word will:

1) Quiet your spirit.

2) Sharpen your perception (Ps. 119:105).

3) Purify your heart (Heb. 4:12).

4) Clarify your direction (Prov. 3:5-6).

B. Recall past experiences of God’s faithfulness: Remember the way you relied on the Lord in previous crises and how His goodness carried you through difficulties.

C. Observe the courage of others: As fellow believers share their testimonies of the Lord’s faithfulness, let their stories reinforce your faith in Him.

D. Ask the critical question: If I don’t obey God, what will happen?: Every action, whether good or bad, has a consequence. Rebelling against the Lord may seem like an easier path, but it will be ultimately be painful. Trusting and obeying Him always brings spiritual blessing.

E. Recall His promise to be with us at all times: The Lord told Joshua that He would never forsake him. Through Scripture, you and I have been given the same assurance today. Our omnipotent God has all power to guide us and bring success in our lives.

 

My prayer is that the Lord will make us courageous and help us be the difference makers He has called us to be!  I hope you have a great weekend.

*****The countdown is on to our July Bible study on the book of Proverbs!  Who's excited!?!  Just because I am anticipating great things, I am going to add the countdown to all my posts in June.  Let's count it down like my girls do.....there are 25 sleeps left until we start.☺ Please be praying for the women who will be writing for the study and for that the Holy Spirit will speak to all who are participating!